bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Retinal Angiography and MRI in the Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis With Early Ophthalmic Manifestations
Authors: Dentel Alexandre , Clavel Gaelle , Savatovsky Julien , Vignal Catherine , Senè Thomas , Charbonneau Frédérique , Zuber Kevin , Lecler Augustin , Hage Rabih 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a vasculitis often revealed by visual signs. Diagnosis is challenging and urgent. Retinal angiography (RA) and MRI allow effective diagnosis. We compared those and proposed an imaging-based approach to diagnose GCA in ophthalmological practice.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study based on the data collected from patients suspected to have GCA on ophthalmological findings. Fluorescein (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) RAs and MRI were performed and compared with final diagnosis.

Results:
Among the 41 patients included, 25 were diagnosed with GCA. Sensitivities and specificities of FA and ICG were not different. MRI showed a higher sensitivity and specificity. The approach consisting in performing RA followed by MRI provided a better accuracy.

Conclusion:
Our study shows that RA can be supplemented by MRI in a specialized center to provide the most accurate diagnosis in GCA revealed by visual signs.
Stakelama flava sp. nov., a novel endophytic bacterium isolated from a branch of Kandelia candel
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hui , Chen Ming-Sheng , Li Fei-Na , Tuo Li 
Published: January 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, short-rod-shaped strain that did not produce diffusible pigment, designated CBK3Z-3T, was isolated from a branch of Kandelia candel, collected from the Beilun Estuary National Nature Reserve in Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region, PR China, and investigated by a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. Strain CBK3Z-3T grew at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), 20–37 °C (optimum, 25–30 °C) and with 0–10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–3 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain CBK3Z-3T was closely related to species of genus

Stakelama

and had the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.7 % to

Stakelama pacifica

CGMCC 1.7294T. The DNA G+C content value of strain CBK3Z-3T was 62.6 mol%. The diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, sphingoglycolipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1
ω7c and C16 : 0. The average nucleotide identity, estimated digital DNA–DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain CBK3Z-3T and the type strain of

Stakelama pacifica

CGMCC 1.7294T were 80.4, 23.1 and 81.5 %, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain CBK3Z-3T should be designated as a novel species of the genus

Stakelama

, for which the name Stakelama flava sp.nov. is proposed. The type strain is CBK3Z-3T (=JCM 34534T=CGMCC 1.18972T).
Selective inhibition of goal-directed actions in the mesencephalic locomotor region
Authors: Gut Nadine K , Yilmaz Duygu , Kondabolu Krishnakanth , Huerta-Ocampo Icnelia , Mena-Segovia Juan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDopamine enables purposive behavior and adjusts vigor as a function of the relative value of actions. In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine neurons die and give rise to a series of motor and cognitive changes that interfere with the expression of volitional actions. Here we report a novel inhibitory input to dopamine neurons originated in the mesencephalic locomotor region that selectively blocks purposive behavior. GABAergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) synapse onto dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra and decrease dopamine release in the dorsal striatum. Activation of PPN neurons abolished exploratory locomotion and goal-directed actions while preserved other motor behaviors; furthermore, PPN caused a decrease in movement vigor and interrupted motor sequences presumably by modulating the immediate value of the learned action. Our results reveal an inhibitory mechanism in the midbrain that rapidly and reversibly adjusts the intrinsic value of ongoing actions.
Discovery of a SARS-CoV-2 Broadly-Acting Neutralizing Antibody with Activity against Omicron and Omicron + R346K Variants
Authors: Duty J. Andrew , Kraus Thomas , Zhou Heyue , Zhang Yanliang , Shaabani Namir , Yildiz Soner , Du Na , Singh Alok , Miorin Lisa , Li Donghui , Stegman Karen , Ophir Sabrina , Cao Xia , Atanasoff Kristina , Lim Reyna , Kowdle Shreyas , Carreño Juan Manuel , Rivero-Nava Laura , Raskin Ariel , Moreno Elena , Johnson Sachi , Rathnasinghe Raveen , Pai Chin I , Kehrer Thomas , Cabral Elizabeth Paz , Jangra Sonia , Healy Laura , Singh Gagandeep , Warang Prajakta , Simon Viviana , Sordillo Mia Emilia , van Bakel Harm , Liu Yonghong , Sun Weina , Kerwin Lisa , Palese Peter , Teijaro John , Schotsaert Michael , Krammer Florian , Bresson Damien , García-Sastre Adolfo , Fu Yanwen , Lee Benhur , Powers Colin , Moran Thomas , Ji Henry , Tortorella Domenico , Allen Robert 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTThe continual emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, in particular the newly emerged Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, has rendered ineffective a number of previously EUA approved SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody therapies. Furthermore, even those approved antibodies with neutralizing activity against Omicron are reportedly ineffective against the subset of Omicron variants that contain a R346K substitution, demonstrating the continued need for discovery and characterization of candidate therapeutic antibodies with the breadth and potency of neutralizing activity required to treat newly diagnosed COVID-19 linked to recently emerged variants of concern. Following a campaign of antibody discovery based on the vaccination of Harbour H2L2 mice with defined SARS-CoV-2 spike domains, we have characterized the activity of a large collection of Spike-binding antibodies and identified a lead neutralizing human IgG1 LALA antibody, STI-9167. STI-9167 has potent, broad-spectrum neutralizing activity against the current SARS-COV-2 variants of concern and retained activity against the Omicron and Omicron + R346K variants in both pseudotype and live virus neutralization assays. Furthermore, STI-9167 nAb administered intranasally or intravenously provided protection against weight loss and reduced virus lung titers to levels below the limit of quantitation in Omicron-infected K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. With this established activity profile, a cGMP cell line has been developed and used to produce cGMP drug product intended for use in human clinical trials.
ORIGIN OF THREE RELATED MOVEMENT GENE MODULES IN PLANT VIRUSES: EVOLUTIONARY RADIATIONS OF BENYVIRUS-LIKE RNA REPLICONS
Authors: Morozov Sergey Y. , Solovyev Andrey G. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have shown that the RNA genomes of some plant viruses encode two related genetic modules required for the virus movement over host body, containing 2 or 3 genes and named as triple gene block (TGB) and binary movement block (BMB). In this paper, we revealed a novel related movement gene module, called Tetra-Cistron Movement Block (TCMB). It was found to be encoded by virus-like transcriptome assemblies of moss Dicranum scoparium and Antarctic flowering plant Colobanthus quitensis. These TCMBs are encoded by second RNA components of the putative two-component viruses related to plant benyviruses. Like RNA-2 of benyviruses, TCMB RNA-2 contains the 5’-terminal coat protein gene. General organization of TCMB is very similar to TGB: it includes RNA helicase gene which is followed by two small overlapping cistrons encoding hydrophobic proteins with a distant sequence similarity to TGB2 and TGB3 genes. However, TCMB includes also forth 5’-terminal gene coding for protein with an obvious similarity to double-stranded RNA-binding proteins belonging to the DSRM AtDRB-like superfamily. Finally, we suggest the proposed involvement of replicative beny-like helicases in evolution of the BMB and TCMB movement genetic modules.
The association between high ambient temperature and mortality in the Mediterranean basin: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Perry Talila , Obolski Uri , Peretz Chava 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of hot ambient temperature on mortality differs between geographical locations. The Mediterranean basin has been identified as one of the most prominent “hot-spots” in the world in terms of vulnerability to climate change. No recent, large synthesis of the estimated effects in the Mediterranean basin has been conducted.MethodsA systematic review was conducted across three major databases to retrieve effect estimates from time-series or case-crossover studies on temperature and mortality performed in the Mediterranean basin countries, between 2000-2021. Of all reviewed studies, n=16 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed for death-cause, age-group, region, and climate type. Meta-regression was performed with respect to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, latitude and longitude, and local temperature thresholds.ResultsWe found an increased risk of all-cause mortality due to ambient heat exposure in the Mediterranean basin, with a pooled RR=1.035 (95%CI 1.028-1.041) per 1°C increase in temperature above local thresholds (I2=79%). Risk was highest for respiratory (RR=1.063, 95% CI 1.052-1.074) and cardiovascular (RR=1.046, 95% CI 1.036-1.057) mortality.ConclusionsHot ambient temperatures increase the mortality risk across the Mediterranean basin. This is increasingly important for public health processes in the Mediterranean basin countries in light of the climate changes already noticed in this area. Further high-quality studies, especially in North African, Asian Mediterranean, and eastern European countries, are needed to bolster regional preparedness against future heat-related health burdens.Key MessagesHigh ambient temperatures affect short-term mortality across the Mediterranean basin countries.Risk is highest for respiratory and cardiovascular mortality.In light of climate change, this is an increasingly important public health concern. Further high-quality studies, especially in North African, Asian Mediterranean and eastern European countries, are needed to help regions prepare for future heat-related health burdens.
Evidence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in wild mustelids from Brittany (France)
Authors: Davoust Bernard , Guérin Patrick , Orain Nicolas , Fligny Camille , Flirden Fabien , Fenollar Florence , Mediannikov Oleg , Edouard Sophie 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACTIn the French region of Brittany, mainly in the department of the Côtes d’Armor, during the first semester of 2021, seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 was detected in five wild mustelids out of 32 animals tested. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG against at least four out of five recombinant viral proteins (S1 receptor binding domain, nucleocapsid, S1 subunit, S2 subunit and spike) were detected using automated western blot technique in three martens (Martes martes) and two badgers (Meles meles). An ELISA test also objectified seropositivities. Although the 171 qPCRs carried out on samples from the 33 mustelids were all negative, these preliminary results (observational study) nevertheless bear witness to infections of unknown origin. The epidemiological surveillance of Covid-19 in wildlife must continue, in particular with the tools of efficient serology.
A conscious leadership competency framework for leadership training
Authors: Kubátová Jaroslava , Kročil Ondřej 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a conscious leadership competency framework to be used in business training as well as in managerial study programs.

Design/methodology/approach
First, using literature review, the current state of knowledge in conscious leadership competency frameworks was examined. Subsequently, a framework analysis on a specific topical book was conducted to find competencies that determine a conscious leader. The output of this analysis was compared with a comprehensive leadership competency framework to propose a conscious leadership competency framework. This conscious leadership competency framework was then verified in interviews with conscious leaders.

Findings
Until now, a conscious leadership competency framework has not been proposed. Yet, there are competencies specific to conscious leaders that are not included in existing leadership competency frameworks. A new conscious leadership competency framework including possible ways of how to train and develop the conscious leadership competencies is suggested for future discussion.

Research limitations/implications
Research limitations are discussed in this paper. More research in this area and further development of the conscious leadership competency framework are suggested.

Practical implications
The proposed conscious leadership competency framework can be further discussed and developed, therefore becoming an effective tool for companies as well as educational institutions.

Social implications
More consciousness in leadership will help tackle many current societal challenges.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed conscious leadership competency framework is the first of its kind.
The impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on patients' health and comfort in Nigeria
Authors: Nimlyat Pontip Stephen , Salihu Bala , Wang Grace Pam 
Published: January 2022

PurposeThe most challenging aspect of hospital design is the creation of an environment that heals rather than the one acting as a barrier to healing. Much has not been done in the aspect of ascertaining the level of impact “indoor environmental quality (IEQ)” has on building occupants in healthcare facilities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of IEQ on patients' health and well-being.Design/methodology/approachThe study investigates the hypothesis that four IEQ parameters (thermal quality, acoustic quality, lighting quality and indoor air quality [IAQ]) influence patients' overall satisfaction with the performance of hospital wards. Questionnaire responses were sought from the patients as the main occupants of hospital ward buildings. A proposed weighted structural model for IEQ establishing the relationship between IEQ parameters, patients' overall satisfaction and patients' health outcome was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe most influential IEQ parameters on patients' overall satisfaction with IEQ in hospital wards are thermal quality, IAQ and lighting quality. The findings from this study revealed that the parameters of influence on patients' overall satisfaction and health outcomes vary with hospital ward orientation and design configuration.Originality/valueThis study has explored the need for the integration of all factors of IEQ at the building design stage towards providing a hospital environmental setting that reflects occupants' requirements and expectations and also promotes patient healing processes. This should be the focus of architects and healthcare managers and providers.
Intellectual capital disclosure and financial performance nexus in Islamic and conventional banks in the GCC countries
Authors: Akkas Erhan , Asutay Mehmet 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to comparatively examine the impact of the intellectual capital performance on the financial performance of Islamic and conventional banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by classifying intellectual capital as human capital, knowledge creation and innovation processes.

Design/methodology/approach
Along with the theoretical discussion in essentialising the rationale for intellectual capital formation through Islamic norms, the empirical analysis is formulated through the data generated by disclosure analysis using a panel of five GCC countries examining 408 annual reports from 19 Islamic and 23 conventional banks covering 2010–2019 period. In the analysis of the generated data, both fixed and random effects regression models are used.

Findings
The findings of this paper suggest that Islamic banks perform better than conventional banks in creating intellectual capital through knowledge creation, human capital and intellectual contribution. While the intellectual capital disclosure index and its pillars are significant for Islamic banks, these variables are not significant for the conventional banks in the GCC countries.

Research limitations/implications
Considering that disclosed information may not reflect actual experience and performance, factual data could also be used to overcome potential shortcomings of disclosure generated data.

Practical implications
This paper demonstrates that Islamic banks in the GCC have been successful in their intellectual capital performance, whereby they seem to be performing in line with the Islamic ontology. In addition, the disclosure items used in this paper may guide the Islamic and conventional banks in the process of preparing their annual reports. Importantly, they may use these items as benchmarks in further developing their intellectual capital performance for better financial performance.

Originality/value
This paper essentialises knowledge development and innovation for Islamic banks through the Islamic cognitive system rather than as a requirement of the market mechanism. Secondly, a comparative analysis between Islamic and conventional banks is presented by acknowledging the peculiarities of Islamic banks in the methodology and disclosure index.
Assessing experiences with violence and peace in primary schools in Sierra Leone
Authors: Capistrano Daniel , Sloan Seaneen , Symonds Jennifer , Samonova Elena , Sugrue Ciaran , Devine Dympna 
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the construction of two composite indices to assess children’s experiences with violence and peace in primary schools in Sierra Leone.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors provide a conceptual framework based on the three dimensions of the violence index (direct, structural and cultural violence) and the three dimensions of the positive peace index (inclusion, citizenship and well-being). After that, this work proposes an operationalisation of these concepts based on a survey administered with 2,000 pupils and examine the correlates of the indices.

Findings
Results indicate not only a substantial level of violence among the sampled schools but also a considerable level of positive peace. These indices are negatively correlated, suggesting that lower levels of violence are related to higher levels of positive peace. Further analysis also shows that socioeconomic variables and school characteristics such as headteacher experience and teacher qualification are associated with levels of violence and peace. Finally, based on longitudinal evidence, this study also indicates that the prevalence of violence is a significant predictor of reading development among children.

Originality/value
The indicator presented is the first to combine children’s experiences with violence and experiences with positive peace in schools. It is a unique contribution to the measurement of school outcomes that are usually overlooked in the literature.
Ecotourism motivations and segmentation in a Fauna Production Reserve in Ecuador
Authors: Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Carvache-Franco Orly , Borja-Morán José 
Published: January 2022

PurposeIn recent years, tourists have been progressively increasing their interest in the natural environment and its enjoyment. The objective of this study was: (1) identify the underlying variables or motivational dimensions in ecotourism; and (2) analyze the demand segmentation in ecotourism.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical analysis was carried out in “Puntilla de Santa Elena” Fauna Production Reserve in Ecuador. The sample consisted of 369 surveys obtained in situ. For the data analysis, a factor analysis and a nonhierarchical K-media segmentation were performed.FindingsThe results show six motivational dimensions in ecotourism: “Self-development and Interpersonal relationships,” “Building personal relationships,” “Escape and ego-defensive function,” “Marine nature,” “Terrestrial nature” and “Rewards.” Also, according to their motivations, three segments of ecotourists emerged: “Reward and escape,” “Marine nature” and “Multiple motives.”Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation is the temporality with which the study was carried out. Another limitation was the number of the samples used. As future lines of research, it is proposed to investigate the offer related to ecotourism products and services adapted to the demand segments found.Practical implicationsAmong the practical implications, operators and companies linked to the tourism sector can plan more efficient strategies, adapted to the specific needs of each segment to improve the satisfaction of tourists and the intentions of returning to the destination, providing greater benefit to the tourists, to the sustainable development of the destination and the community.Social implicationsThe findings of this research can help public institutions and private companies to improve the tourism supply, create sustainable plans and potentially develop more efficient marketing planning. Protected areas will benefit from information about demand. The communities will be able to elaborate products according to the motivations and found segments. Administrators will be able to create sustainable management plans for ecotourism.Originality/valueAs ecotourism grows, it is vital to understand the ecotourists' motivations and segmentation to improve each segment service offering. This study presents original results of the motivations and segmentation of the demand for ecotourism based on a reserve area for the production of coastal marine fauna. To obtain valid results, a study was carried out in Ecuador, this being a country with a great variety of flora and fauna ideal for ecotourism.
Self-employment: a means to reduce poverty in developing countries?
Authors: Yerrabati Sridevi 
Published: January 2022

PurposeWith self-employment providing earning opportunities to many working poor in developing countries, the study examines its role in alleviating poverty.Design/methodology/approachA five-year average of 56 developing countries from 1995–2019 is used. The empirical analysis is based on the dynamic two-step system GMM approach. While poverty is measured in terms of incidence, depth and severity; self-employment is used in three forms – total, male and female.FindingsIn line with the theoretical prediction, evidence suggests that self-employment in developing countries reduces poverty, albeit smaller magnitude. However, the poverty-reducing effects of self-employment differed based on poverty measure and threshold. The poverty-reducing effects are more prominent in poverty severity than incidence and intensity, and the magnitude of the impact is largest when poverty is measured at $1.90 a day as against $3.20 and $5.50 a day. Finally, the poverty-reducing effects of female self-employment are lower than their counterparts.Practical implicationsFirst, poverty-mitigating strategies in developing countries are advised to recognise self-employment as an essential tool to alleviate poverty. Consequently, alongside supporting the existing self-employed, policy focus should be on creating more and better self-employment opportunities for the poor. Second, rather than using generic measures to mitigate poverty, interventions specific to poverty measures and thresholds might ensure the maximum impact of such interventions. Third, gender-specific rather than gender-neutral labour market policies in addressing poverty are advised.Originality/valueTo the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine the empirical relationship between self-employment and poverty. As such, it makes novel contributions to both labour and development economics.