bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic managerial capabilities and organizational change capacity as precursors of organizational dynamic capabilities in SMEs
Authors: de Abreu Saraiva Monteiro Alves André , Manuel Pereira de Oliveira Carvalho Fernando
Published: January 2025

Purpose

While organizational dynamic capabilities (DCs) are understood as crucial to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)’ success, the configurations of individual-level capabilities and meta-capabilities, in the form of dynamic managerial capabilities (DMCs) and organizational change capacity (OCC), in which that outcome can be observed are not clear. We answer this research question while considering the firm’s internationalization as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

We conduct a two-stage fsQCA analysis, with data obtained through a questionnaire.

Findings

Our results indicate two equifinal main paths. Managerial cognition of DMCs and the change processes capacity of OCC are incredibly relevant conditions for determining the outcome of DCs in SMEs, with a peripheral role of the remaining OCC dimensions. Internationalization moderates this relationship. In internationalized firms, as the second path, organizational learning, the capability to change contexts and human capital gain prominence.

Research limitations/implications

We offer important insights into the contingencies of the development of DCs in SMEs, highlighting the importance of configurational thinking. More than one or other related dimension, the conjunction of DMCs’ and OCC’s dimensions determines the presence of DCs. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of considering the internationalization of the firm.

Originality/value

No study has approached DMCs and OCC as capability antecedents of DCs in SMEs, disentangling interrelated antecedents and thus determining the sufficient conditions for their formation. The consideration of the moderation of internationalization further expands the contextual relevancy of these antecedents. Methodologically, we are one of the first studies to utilize newly improved procedures to study moderation in a configurational analysis.
A consumer acceptance model in the artificial intelligence era
Authors: Pramanik Paritosh , Jana Rabin K.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper identifies consumer acceptance criteria of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled products and services in the business. We first investigate the existing three models. They are the technology acceptance model (TAM), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the consumer acceptance of technology (CAT). We then discuss the applicability of these three models for AI-enabled products and services. Finally, we outline the shortcomings of the models and propose an AI-enabled product and service acceptance model (AIEPSAM). We also validate the proposed AIEPSAM model with empirical results using primary survey data.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand the customer’s point of view on AI applications in products and services, we identify some critical factors and present a conceptual framework of consumers' acceptance criteria based on existing literature, prior research and prominent technology management theories. Then, the study broadens the horizon beyond established principles associated with technology acceptance to accommodate AI-specific factors/variables like data privacy, explainability and apparent opacity of algorithms. In this paper, we propose an AIEPSAM and validate that model with primary survey data.

Findings

We argue that although TAM, UTAUT and CAT models are generally applicable to explain consumers' attitudes towards technology, these models alone are insufficient to encompass the entire spectrum of AI-related issues that must not be ignored. The proposed model, namely AIEPSAM, accommodates the limitations of the existing models and modifies the CAT model to make it suitable for the acceptance of AI technology.

Originality/value

We attempt to articulate the consumer acceptance criteria of AI-enabled products and services and discover useful insights, leading to the critical examination of TAM, UTAUT and CAT models and formulating AIEPSAM with validation through primary survey data. This study is not to criticize the TAM and other technology acceptance models but to incorporate AI-specific factors into those models. Through this study, we propose the required modifications in the existing technology acceptance models considering the AI-specific additional factors. The AIEPSAM will assist companies in building AI-enabled products and services and better understanding the technology emergence (TE) and technology opportunities (TO).
New Strains of the Deep Branching Streptophyte Streptofilum: Phylogenetic Position, Cell Biological and Ecophysiological Traits, and Description of Streptofilum arcticumsp. nov
Authors: Glaser Karin , Mikhailyuk Tatiana , Permann Charlotte , Holzinger Andreas , Karsten Ulf
Published: January 2025

Streptofilum capillatum was recently described and immediately caught scientific attention, because it forms a phylogenetically deep branch in the streptophytes and is characterised by a unique cell coverage composed of piliform scales. Its phylogenetic position and taxonomic rank are still controversial discussed. In the present study, we isolated further strains of Streptofilum from biocrusts in sand dunes and Arctic tundra soil. Molecular and morphological characterisation including transmission electron microscopy confirmed that both new strains belong to Streptofilum. The Arctic strain is described as a new species, Streptofilum arcticum sp. nov., based on molecular differences, a specific sarcinoid morphology and unique ultrastructure with massive cell coverage composed of pili‐shaped scales. A comprehensive characterisation of the ecophysiological traits of both new Streptofilum isolates and the original one revealed a broad temperature tolerance, a rapid recovery of photosynthetic performance after desiccation, an efficient photosynthesis at low light and a tolerance to high‐light conditions. In addition, Streptofilum could cope with UV irradiation, but only S. capillatum grew under UV exposure. All Streptofilum strains are well‐adapted to water‐deprived terrestrial habitats such as biocrusts. From this study it can be concluded that already early‐branching streptophytes were able to tolerate terrestrial conditions.
‘MORTAL FEAST’: Cannibal capitalism meets Covid‐19 in the urban Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Wilson Japhy
Published: January 2025

This article presents a surrealist urban political ecology of cannibal capitalism in the zoonotic city. It does so through an account of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic in Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, which was the worst‐hit city in the world during this initial wave. Iquitos embodies multiple dimensions of zoonotic urbanization identified in the literature on this theme, including integration into planetary urban networks; expansion into extractive frontiers; and overcrowded housing in informal settlements in a context of crumbling infrastructures and deficient services. Drawing on extensive field research, I argue that the severity of the pandemic in the city nonetheless suggests the need for further conceptual and methodological contributions to this literature. In conceptual terms, the emergence of a clandestine market in oxygen, the shortage of which was responsible for the majority of the excess deaths in Iquitos, illustrates the constitutive role of cannibal capitalism in processes of zoonotic urbanization, as a necropolitical form of capital accumulation that devours the socioecological foundations of its own reproduction. In methodological terms, an ethnographic surrealism is required in order to adequately convey the bewildering chaos, grotesque absurdity and gothic horror of the collision between cannibal capitalism and Covid‐19 in the zoonotic city.
Class, gender and the work of working‐class women amid turbulent times
Authors: Warren Tracey , Torres Luis , Lyonette Clare , Tarlo Ruth
Published: January 2025

The article focuses on the work of working‐class women (WCW) amid turbulent times. Its timespan is just prior to and during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the UK. The women's work, and the key skills involved, are fundamental to everyday lives, but both have been under‐valued and under‐rewarded. The pandemic shone a fresh light on the societal importance of this work and highlighted how its under‐valuation and the women's systemic low pay and inferior working conditions have serious ramifications not only for individual workers and their families but for the provision of key services. The article centres WCW, at the intersection of classed and gendered disadvantage, to ask about inequalities in work experiences. Analysing nationally representative samples of thousands of workers in the UK prior to and as Covid‐19 rolled out, we compare WCW with other workers. We show that the women faced both persistent and new inequalities at work: enduring low earnings, pandemic‐led risks to jobs and paid hours, little opportunity to work from home or flexibly, and stressful key working roles. We reveal the heavily classed nature of some of these findings, show that others were more strongly gendered, while still others were classed and gendered outcomes that require intersectional analyses of the women's working lives.
Is There a Diminishing Benefit With Increasing Operative Time of Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy? A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Schlussel Maura A. , Rhodes Stephen P. , Wherley Susan D. , Bretschneider C. Emi , Gupta Ankita , Sheyn David
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine whether there is an operative time threshold beyond which minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MI‐SCP) is less beneficial than abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASCP).

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database.

Population

Patients undergoing MI‐SCP or ASCP from 2011 to 2018.

Methods

Preoperative characteristics, operative variables and 30‐day postoperative data were collected for each case. Groups were compared using the chi‐squared or Kruskal–Wallis tests. Multivariable regression to identify risks of complications and prolonged hospital stay was performed using logistic and negative binomial models. Generalised additive models were applied to account for non‐linear relationships between dependent and independent variables.

Main Outcome Measures

Occurrence of any major surgical complications and the length of stay.

Results

13 678 sacrocolpopexies were performed, with the majority (78.6%) being MI‐SCP. Although the groups were similar in age and BMI, those undergoing ASCP were more likely to have medical comorbidities. After adjusting for confounders, ASCP was not significantly associated with an increase in the probability of major complications compared to MI‐SCP (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 0.99–2.54) and there was no significant interaction between procedure and operative time (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.94–1.20). ASCP was still associated with a prolonged LOS (aIRR = 2.19, 95% CI: 2.00–2.38). The interaction between procedure and operative time was significant (aIRR = 0.958, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98), but the LOS for MI‐SCP never exceeded that of ASCP for operative times less than 6 h.

Conclusions

For surgeries lasting less than 6 h, MI‐SCP is associated with similar morbidity and a shorter LOS when compared with ASCP.
Too Far From Relatives? Impact of the Genetic Distance on the Success of Exon Capture in Phylogenomics
Authors: Lemarcis Thomas , Blin Amandine , Cariou Marie , Derzelle Alessandro , Farhat Sarah , Fedosov Alexander , Zaharias Paul , Zuccon Dario , Puillandre Nicolas
Published: January 2025

The exon capture approach allows for sequencing a large number of loci to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships at varying taxonomic levels. In order to efficiently recover the targeted loci, the probes designed to capture the exons need to be genetically sufficiently similar to bind to the DNA, with a proposed limit of 10% of divergence. However, this threshold has never been tested with a specific protocol. We have designed a set of probes to capture 1125 exons in the Neogastropoda (Mollusca, Gastropoda), processed with the same protocol from the field to the DNA sequencing to control for potential bias in DNA quantity and quality. We sequenced 30 different species, including 14 species of Neogastropoda and 16 species of Caenogastropoda non‐Neogastropoda. Each species includes five specimens, for a total of 150 specimens, and for four specimens among the 150, DNA extracts were aliquoted in four samples, sequenced separately, to estimate the intraspecific and intraspecimen variability in capture success. Our results confirm the impact of genetic distance on the success of exon capture with a negative linear correlation between the genetic distance and the number of exons captured for each sample. Consequently, designing new capture probes would allow for capturing exons in genetically more distant groups without the need to redesign a new set of exons.
Elective peri‐operative management of adults taking glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors: a multidisciplinary consensus statement
Authors: El‐Boghdadly Kariem , Dhesi Jugdeep , Fabb Philippa , Levy Nicholas , Lobo Dileep N. , McKechnie Andrew , Mustafa Omar , Newland‐Jones Philip , Patel Anil , Pournaras Dimitri J. , Clare Ken , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors are used increasingly in patients receiving peri‐operative care. These drugs may be associated with risks of peri‐operative pulmonary aspiration or euglycaemic ketoacidosis. We produced a consensus statement for the peri‐operative management of adults taking these drugs.

Methods

This multidisciplinary consensus statement included surgeons, anaesthetists, physicians, pharmacists and people with lived experience relevant to these guidelines. Following the directed literature review, a three‐round modified Delphi process was conducted to generate and ratify recommendations.

Results

Patients taking glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists should: continue these drugs before surgery; have full risk assessment and stratification; and receive peri‐operative techniques that may mitigate risk of pulmonary aspiration before, during and after sedation or general anaesthesia. Patients taking sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors should omit them the day before and the day of a procedure. All patients should have risks and mitigation strategies discussed with a shared decision‐making approach.

Discussion

Until more evidence becomes available, this pragmatic, multidisciplinary consensus statement aims to support shared decision‐making and improve safety for patients taking glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists, dual glucose‐dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor agonists and sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors during the peri‐operative period.
Patterns of Screen Time From Ages 2 to 6–7 Years in South Brazil: A Prospective Study
Authors: Amaral de Andrade Leão Otávio , Flores Thaynã Ramos , de Oliveira Nava Daniela , Soares Pedro San Martin , Murray Joseph , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Hallal Pedro Curi
Published: January 2025

Background

Screen use has become nearly universal, especially in children. Therefore, it is important not only to comprehend its effects on health but also to understand its patterns of use. We aim to describe screen use patterns among children assessed at 2, 4, and 6–7 years, based on device, period of the day, and child/family characteristics.

Methods

Longitudinal study, with participants of the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort, a population‐based study including all living newborns in the city of Pelotas between 1 January and 31 December 2015. Child/family characteristics used in the study were sex, skin color, family income, and maternal education. Screen time at 2 years was evaluated by TV time. At age 4, TV time and other screens (computer and videogames) was assesed. At 6–7 years, screen use was collected for each device (TV, smartphone, tablet/iPad, computer, and videogames).

Results

At 2, 4, and 6–7 years, 1420, 3963, and 3857 had valid screen time data, respectively. Mean total screen time ranged from ~ 2.5 h per day at age 2 to ~ 5.5 h per day at age 6–7. At 2 years, no difference in screen time was found according to child/family characteristics. In general, boys presented higher screen time values at 4 and 6–7 years. No differences for ethnicity were observed. For family income and maternal education, the extreme groups presented higher use. Higher values of screen time were also observed during the evening and for children who did not attend school nor had home activities during the Covid‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

The results suggest that children are exceeding current screen time guidelines, with different patterns of use according to child/family characteristics. The high use of screens and more concentrated use during the evenings raise concern considering its possible negative effects on health.
Genetic Underpinnings of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Authors: Feng Yanting , Liu Wensheng , Dong Junbo , Lu Fei , Wu Chunyan , Shao Qingting , Duan Aizhu , Yang Xinjie , Sun Ruipeng , Sha Yanwei , Wu Shihao , Wei Xiaoli
Published: January 2025

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a frequent but severe type of male infertility. As one of the most multifaceted male infertility resulting from sperm problems, its genetic etiology remains unknown in most cases. In this review, we systematically sort out the latest literature on clinical reports and animal models leading to OAT, summarise the expression profiles of causative genes for OAT, and highlight the important role of the protein transport system during spermiogenesis, spermatid cell‐specific genes, Golgi and acrosome‐related genes, manchette‐related genes, HTCA‐related genes, and axoneme‐related genes in OAT development. These causative genes would be instrumental in genetic etiological screening, genetic counseling, and pre‐implantation genetic testing of patients with clinical OAT.
The Effect of Exercise on Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of a Single Dose of Unfractionated Heparin—A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Stuhr Liva K. , Feinberg Joshua B. , Christoffersen Thea , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Christensen Mikkel B. , Sonne David P. , Riis Troels , Plomgaard Peter S. , Goetze Jens P. , Larsen Emil L. , Karstoft Kristian
Published: January 2025

Exercise increases blood and lymph flow in working muscles, potentially affecting the bioavailability and effect of subcutaneously administered drugs. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a single exercise session on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of subcutaneously administered unfractionated heparin. In a crossover design, 15 healthy males underwent four experimental days where 15,000 IU of unfractionated heparin was injected subcutaneously into the thigh of the non‐dominant leg. Following the injection, one of four interventions was performed in randomized order on four separate occasions, each lasting 1 h: (1) no exercise, (2) double‐legged exercise, (3) single‐legged exercise with the non‐dominant leg (where heparin was injected), and (4) single‐legged exercise with the dominant leg. Blood was sampled during and after the interventions and analyzed for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and plasma heparin via an anti‐factor Xa assay. The primary endpoint (maximum aPTT minus baseline aPTT) showed no statistically significant differences between interventions, nor did maximum minus baseline plasma heparin activities. However, after 1 h, change in aPTT was greater, following double‐legged exercise compared with no exercise (mean difference 3.5 s, 95% CI 0.8–6.2) and greater after single‐legged exercise with the non‐dominant leg compared with the dominant (9.7 s, 3.9–15.5). Similar results were observed for plasma heparin activities. In conclusion, exercise does not affect the overall pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of unfractionated heparin but tends to accelerate absorption and hence effect. The study thus underscores that physical exercise affects temporal uptake of subcutaneously administered therapy.
Blue Nevus‐Like Metastatic Melanoma in a Patient With Primary Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
Authors: Fernandez Kristen , Modi Mitul B. , Speiser Jodi J.
Published: January 2025

Metastatic melanoma with unusual histopathology can be diagnostically challenging. One exceptionally rare cutaneous manifestation of metastases is blue‐nevus‐like metastatic melanoma (BNLMM). A 74‐year‐old male presented with a blue‐gray lesion on his left helix in the same anatomical region of a previously resected lentigo maligna. Histopathological sections demonstrated an atypical biphasic proliferation of dendritic melanocytes with pigment incontinence and epidermal sparing, measuring > 0.05 mm in diameter. Although the majority of the cell population exhibited cytologic features consistent with a blue nevus, there was a subset of dendritic cells with irregular epithelioid contours and rare, typical dermal mitotic figures. Sections showed an increased Mart‐1/Ki67 rate. Perineural and angiotropic involvement by the atypical melanocytes was identified. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains for SOX‐10, HMB45, and PRAME highlighted melanocytic proliferation. BAP‐1 IHC was retained, and p16 IHC showed complete loss. No previous procedure site changes were present, indicating that the dendritic cell proliferation was separated from the primary invasive melanoma by normal dermis. The histopathological and immunohistochemical findings led to a diagnosis of microsatellite BNLMM. We report this case to highlight the importance of this rare entity and to avoid misdiagnosis of BNLMM, which would significantly impact patient prognosis, treatment, follow‐up, and outcomes.
Impact of TCF7L2 rs7903146 on clinical presentation and risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hansen Aleksander L. , Andersen Mette K. , Engelhard Leonie M. , Brøns Charlotte , Hansen Torben , Nielsen Jens S. , Vestergaard Peter , Højlund Kurt , Jessen Niels , Olsen Michael H. , Thomsen Reimar W. , Vaag Allan
Published: January 2025

Aims

TCF7L2 rs7903146 is the most impactful single genetic risk variant for type 2 diabetes. However, its role on disease progression, complications and mortality among people with type 2 diabetes at diagnosis remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

We assessed the per allele impact of the rs7903146 T‐allele on clinical characteristics and complication risk in 9231 individuals with type 2 diabetes at diagnosis and over a 10‐year follow‐up period. Log‐binomial and robust Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate prevalence ratios for clinical characteristics and macro‐ and microvascular complications at diabetes onset, while Cox regression was applied to estimate the risk of complications post‐diagnosis. Analyses were adjusted for sex, calendar year at birth, age at enrollment and diabetes duration.

Results

The per T‐allele impact was associated with 0.6 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.4, 0.8) lower BMI, 1.4 cm (95% CI: 1.0, 1.8) smaller waist circumference, 5.6% (95% CI: 4.2, 7.0) lower insulin secretion and 5.0% (95% CI: 3.3, 6.7) higher insulin sensitivity. Over 10 years, the per T‐allele impact was associated with lower risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (0.87 [95% CI 0.79, 0.95]), myocardial infarction (0.82 [95% CI: 0.72, 0.93]) and heart failure (0.85 [95% CI 0.73, 1.00]), with no significant impact on microvascular complications.

Conclusions

The TCF7L2 variant is associated with less obesity, lower insulin secretion and higher insulin action at diabetes onset, and decreased risk of cardiovascular events following type 2 diabetes onset.
An Experimental Study on Design and Fabrication of Sports Laminate Mouthguard for Protection Against Intraoral Injuries
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Watarai Yuko , Mizuhashi Ryo , Suzuki Tatsuhiro , Kawana Momoka , Nagata Kotono , Niitsuma Tomonori
Published: January 2025

Background/Aim

Sports mouthguard should be designed and fabricated adequately. The purpose was to propose a criterion for fabricating sports laminate mouthguard with adequate thickness for protect orofacial structures.

Materials and Methods

Ethylene vinyl acetate sheet (Sports Mouthguard) was fabricated using a pressure former. Sports laminate mouthguard was designed as the first layer covered the labial, buccal, and occlusal sides, and the second layer covered the first layer. Four conditions were investigated; the combination of the sheets forming the first and second layers was 2 mm and 3 mm sheets (2 mm + 3 mm), 3 mm and 2 mm sheets (3 mm + 2 mm), 2 mm and 4 mm sheets (2 mm + 4 mm), and 4 mm and 2 mm sheets (4 mm + 2 mm). Laminate mouthguard thickness was measured at the labial, buccal, and occlusal sides. Statistical analyses were performed by two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni method for the measurement areas and laminate conditions.

Results

Laminate mouthguard thickness was significantly differed among the measurement areas (p < 0.01). The average thickness at the labial side was 2.83 mm (2 mm + 3 mm), 2.89 mm (3 mm + 2 mm), 3.51 mm (2 mm + 4 mm), and 3.53 mm (4 mm + 2 mm). Mouthguard thickness on the conditions of 2 mm + 4 mm and 4 mm + 2 mm became significantly larger compared to 2 mm + 3 mm and 3 mm + 2 mm at the labial, buccal, and occlusal sides (p < 0.01). Adequate thickness could be obtained on the conditions of 2 mm + 4 mm and 4 mm + 2 mm.

Conclusions

Sports laminate mouthguard fabricated using 2 mm sheet with 4 mm sheet could offer adequate thickness at the labial, buccal, and occlusal sides. This finding would be one of the criteria for fabricating sports laminate mouthguard.
Impact of Trial Eligibility Criteria on Outcomes of 1183 Patients With Follicular Lymphoma Treated in the Real‐World Setting
Authors: Bennedsen Tine Litske , Simonsen Mikkel Runason , Jensen Paw , Brown Peter , Josefsson Pär , Khurana Arushi , Maurer Matthew , Clausen Michael Roost , Dessau‐Arp Andriette , Jørgensen Jennifer Bøgh , Jørgensen Judit , Larsen Thomas Stauffer , Pedersen Lars Møller , Jakobsen Lasse Hjort , El‐Galaly Tarec Christoffer
Published: January 2025

The development of new first‐line treatments for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) is becoming increasingly challenging due to already excellent survival outcomes. The present study investigated the outcomes of patients with FL who underwent contemporary first‐line therapies but would not have been eligible for inclusion in recent trials and explored how commonly used in/exclusion criteria impacted their survival outcomes. This study included adult patients diagnosed with FL in the period 2000–2018 registered in the Danish Lymphoma Registry. Through searches on ClinicalTrials.gov, four recent 1st line phase 3 randomized controlled trials with R‐Bendamustine, R‐CVP, and/or R‐CHOP as control or experimental arms were included. Inclusion and exclusion criteria for each trial were retrieved and categorized. Patients were then divided into trial‐eligible and ineligible groups according to blood test results correlated to organ function and ECOG performance score (PS). Survival outcomes were significantly worse among trial‐ineligible patients, with adjusted differences between trial‐eligible and ineligible patients of 12%–20% in five‐year overall survival (OS) overall. Inclusion criteria based on PS and renal function were the main drivers of OS differences. More inclusive trials will lead to faster recruitment and secure focus on developing medicines for the group of patients with the worst outcomes.
Periodic and Aperiodic Components of Subthalamic Nucleus Activity Reflect Different Aspects of Motor Impairment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sayfulina Ksenia , Filyushkina Veronika , Usova Svetlana , Gamaleya Anna , Tomskiy Alexey , Belova Elena , Sedov Alexey
Published: January 2025

Excessive beta oscillations in the subthalamic nucleus are established as a primary electrophysiological biomarker for motor impairment in Parkinson's disease and are currently used as feedback signals in adaptive deep brain stimulation systems.

However, there is still a need for optimization of stimulation parameters and the identification of optimal biomarkers that can accommodate varying patient conditions, such as ON and OFF levodopa medication. The precise boundaries of ‘pathological’ oscillatory ranges, associated with different aspects of motor impairment, are still not fully clarified. In this study, we hypothesized that analysing periodic and aperiodic components of subthalamic nucleus activity separately and identifying functionally distinct subranges within 8–35 Hz based on oscillatory properties may reveal robust biomarkers for specific aspects of motor impairment. We analysed subthalamic nucleus activity of 14 patients with Parkinson's disease. Local field potentials were recorded at rest from externalized electrodes postoperatively, both before and after levodopa administration. We showed that levodopa administration suppressed oscillations across a broad frequency range (11–32 Hz) and increased the slope of the aperiodic component. Changes in the aperiodic slope correlated with motor symptom alleviation. Periodic activity was linked to motor symptom severity: Peak amplitude within the 14‐ to 20‐Hz range correlated with overall motor impairment in the OFF state, whereas the 7‐ to 11‐Hz range was associated with bradykinesia in the ON state. Our findings suggest that, in addition to low beta, alpha oscillations and the aperiodic component may serve as promising biomarkers for motor impairment and potential feedback signals in adaptive DBS systems.
Thought, consciousness, and the given
Authors: Rosenthal David
Published: January 2025

How do we come to understand the nature of the thoughts that we and others have? And how do we come to have the conceptual resources needed to formulate such understanding? Many would say we understand the nature of thoughts simply by being subjectively aware of our own conscious thoughts. But it is unclear how consciousness could, on its own, provide the conceptual resources required for such understanding. An alternative account holds that we understand the nature of thoughts in a third‐person way, by appeal to the speech acts that can express those thoughts. Such an account readily explains how we come to have the required conceptual resources. Wilfrid Sellars, in “Empiricism and the Philosophy of Mind” and elsewhere, developed a view along those lines, appealing to considerations related to and in the spirit of the foregoing concerns. I'll describe and defend that view against two main objections. And I'll argue that any picture of consciousness on which it could reveal the nature of thoughts is independently untenable, and also that such a picture underlies what Sellars denounced as the Myth of the Given. In closing I explain how, given that we understand the nature of thoughts in such a third‐person way, some of our thoughts come to be conscious.
Climate Adaptation Risk and Capital Structure: Evidence From State Climate Adaptation Plans
Authors: Kovacs Tunde , Latif Saira , Yuan Xiaojing , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2025

Taking the staggered implementation of state climate adaptation plans (SCAPs) as a quasi‐natural experiment, we find that firms headquartered in states that finalize SCAPs increase their financial leverage significantly more in the postadoption period relative to firms located in states without SCAPs. This result is driven by firms facing greater physical climate risk and by firms with more sensitivity to climate policy uncertainty. Further, we show that the leverage increase is value‐enhancing and that SCAPs reduce corporate business risk. The results highlight the net benefits of state climate action and the role of local governments in the interplay between business risk and firm decision, with implications both for the business world and policymakers.
Vaccination uptake is influenced by many cues during health information seeking online
Authors: Khojah Mohammed , Sarhan Mohammad Y.
Published: January 2025

Background

Much government response to improving vaccination uptake during the COVID‐19 pandemic has focused on the problems of misinformation and disinformation. There may, however, be other signals within online health information that influence uptake of vaccination.

Objective

This study identified the influence of various health information signals within online information communities on the intention of receiving the vaccine.

Method

A deductive approach was used to derive constructs from signalling theory. Constructs were validated by a convenience sample using a questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to evaluate the measurement model, the structural model and the multigroup analysis.

Results

The analysis showed a significant impact of signals derived from past experience, information asymmetry and source credibility constructs on the perceived quality of the vaccine service. The perceived quality also had a significant impact on the intention to receive the vaccine.

Discussion

Signalling theory was able to explain the importance of health information signals perceived from online platforms on the intention of individuals to receive the vaccine.

Conclusion

Information asymmetry between information provider and receiver, perceived credibility of sources and perceived quality of the vaccination service may influence decisions about vaccination.
Effective Mucosal Adjuvantation of the Intranasal Enterovirus A71 Vaccine With Zymosan
Authors: Chin Chiao‐Li , Lin Yu‐Li , Cheng Pei‐Yun , Lee Ping , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: January 2025

Enterovirus A71 (EV‐A71) has caused hand, foot, and mouth disease with an increased prevalence of neurological complications and acute mortality, threatening young children around the globe. By provoking mucosal immunity, intranasal vaccination has been suggested to prevent EV‐A71 infection. However, antigens delivered via the nasal route usually fail to induce a protective memory response. Zymosan has been identified to activate multiple pattern recognition receptors to orchestrate innate and adaptive immunity. Herein, we aimed to investigate the capacity of zymosan to strengthen the vaccine response induced by an intranasal EV‐A71 vaccine. First, we confirmed its remarkable capacity to ignite innate signaling by upregulating cytokine production in primary DCs in vitro. Second, we verified its capacity to promote the vaccine immunogenicity in vivo after triple vaccination with EV‐A71, especially with the notable induction of virus‐specific IgA at multiple mucosae and the IL‐17‐producing splenic population after antigen reencounter. Lastly, we validated its capacity to improve vaccine efficacy in vivo after dual vaccination by furnishing neonatal protection against lethal infection. Our findings show that zymosan, at a preferable dosage, could augment the benefits of the intranasal vaccination to tackle EV‐A71 infection. This research provides a feasible strategy for preventing EV‐A71 infection with severe complications and contributes to the development of nasal spray vaccination.
Nurses' Journey Towards Recovery: Describing Suffering During the COVID‐19 Pandemic to Present Day
Authors: Powell Melissa A. , Walton AnnMarie , Scott Susan D. , Allen Deborah H. , Oyesanya Tolu O.
Published: January 2025

The nursing profession has been significantly affected by the COVID‐19 pandemic, and nurses continue to suffer emotionally and psychologically. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of chronic and ongoing occupational psychological trauma nurses have endured during the COVID‐19 pandemic to present day. Eight nurses were interviewed between November 2022 and April 2023. Data were analysed utilising Hsieh and Shannon's conventional content analysis. Study findings are reported via the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Four themes were identified: (1) organisational perils and pitfalls, (2) unstable professional and personal life, (3) an ongoing emotional and psychological battle and (4) restoration is possible. Nurses' descriptions of ongoing suffering encompassed organisational and individual factors. Organisational factors included increasing workloads and reduced staffing. Individual factors included nurses' concerns regarding mental health and well‐being. Nurses expressed a desire for organisational efforts to prevent burnout through solutions that improve organisational and individual factors. Findings can inform the development and testing of interventions to support nurses and promote nurse well‐being.
Enhanced densification of garnet‐type solid electrolytes under oxygen‐enriched sintering atmosphere
Authors: Kim Hwa‐Jung , Park Hyeokjun , Kim Jung Hyun , Park Sun Hwa , Shin Hosun , Lee Seokhee , Baek Seung‐Wook
Published: January 2025

High‐temperature sintering is essential for the densification of garnet‐type solid electrolytes to achieve high ion conductivity and suppression of Li‐dendrite growth. In this study, the densification and electrochemical performance of Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZT) electrolyte was optimized by controlling the oxygen content of the atmosphere during sintering. Electrochemical tests were performed on sintered and densified pellets at oxygen contents between 0.005 and 99.995 vol.% using a gassing approach. The relative density and critical current density were optimized to 97.6% and 1.0 mA/cm2, respectively, at a high oxygen content. As oxygen content increased, sintered pellets exhibited increased lithium‐oxide content by inhibiting Li‐loss, facilitating densification. These results are expected to promote the implementation of high‐quality LLZT electrolyte and solid‐state batteries by exploiting the role of oxygen content during sintering. This study shows that high‐quality manufacturing can be achieved with low‐cost, pressureless sintering.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Osteoporosis: Exploring the Power of m6A RNA Modification
Authors: Tian Shuo , Song Yagang , Guo Lin , Zhao Hui , Bai Ming , Miao Mingsan
Published: January 2025

Osteoporosis, recognised as a metabolic disorder, has emerged as a significant burden on global health. Although available treatments have made considerable advancements, they remain inadequately addressed. In recent years, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in skeletal disorders has garnered substantial attention, particularly concerning m6A RNA modification. m6A is the most prevalent dynamic and reversible modification in eukaryotes, mediating various metabolic processes of mRNAs, including splicing, structural conversion, translation, translocation and degradation and serves as a crucial component of epigenetic modification. Research has increasingly validated that m6A plays a vital role in the proliferation, differentiation, migration, invasion,and repair of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteoblasts and osteoclasts, all of which impact the whole process of osteoporosis pathogenesis. Continuous efforts have been made to target m6A regulators and natural products derived from traditional medicine, which exhibit multiple biological activities such as anti‐inflammatory and anticancer effects, have emerged as a valuable resources for m6A drug discovery. This paper elaborates on m6A methylation and its regulatory role in osteoporosis, emphasising its implications for diagnosis and treatment, thereby providing theoretical references.
Scaling and spreading age‐friendly care: Early lessons from the VA National Age‐Friendly Action Community
Authors: Schwartz Andrea Wershof , Munro Shannon , Echt Katharina V. , Mirk Anna , Solberg Laurence M. , Wozneak Kimberly
Published: January 2025

Background

The Age‐Friendly Health System (AFHS) initiative seeks to improve care for older adults through assessing and acting on the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) joined the initiative in 2020, and from 2022 to 2023, VA led its first Age‐Friendly Action Community, a 7‐month online educational series to teach clinicians about implementing the 4Ms across VA care settings.

Methods

The VA Action Community was designed to spread awareness about Age‐Friendly care for older Veterans, improve interprofessional team knowledge for providing care guided by the 4Ms, and support AFHS implementation across multiple care settings. The VA Action Community included online synchronous webinars, Community of Practice coaching calls, and office hours. A learner experience questionnaire was administered at the completion of the Action Community.

Results

Totally 186 care teams enrolled in the VA Action Community, representing 78/171 (45.6%) VA medical centers (VAMCs), across 36 US states and 20 types of care settings. Participants reported high rates of satisfaction and confidence in their ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned. Overall, 58 Action Community teams earned Level 1, Participant recognition, and 43 teams also earned Level 2, Committed to Care Excellence recognition from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Conclusions

The VA Action Community facilitated learning about the 4Ms, supported interprofessional teams in earning AFHS recognition, and offers a promising model for spreading AFHS in other large health systems. Further work is underway to evaluate the impact of this educational experience on clinical process and outcomes measures.
Fractional CO2 Laser to Treat Surgical Scars: A System Review and Meta‐Analysis on Optimal Timing
Authors: Ji Qiang , Luo Lili , Ni Jun , Pu Xiaolan , Qiu He , Wu Dongmei
Published: January 2025

Background

Surgical scars with textural changes can be disfiguring and uncomfortable for patients. Various laser therapies have shown promise in softening and flattening these scars. Therefore, the authors conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in treating surgical scars.

Objective

This study aims to present evidence from controlled trials investigating the efficacy of ablative carbon dioxide fractional laser in treating surgical scars.

Materials and Methods

A literature search of Medline (via PubMed), Ovid, Web of Science, and Embase for relevant trials was conducted before March 2024. After assessing for inclusion, data extraction was performed using Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Study criteria (PICOS). Quality, validity, and risk of bias were assessed using the RevMan5.3 risk of bias assessment tool.

Results

A total of 14 controlled trials involving 492 participants or postsurgical scars were included in the system review and meta‐analysis. Both in RCT and non‐RCT settings, fractional CO2 laser therapy exhibited the same efficacious outcomes, with MD values of −0.63 (95% CI: −1.15 to −0.12; I2 = 70%; p = 0.02) and − 1.86 (95% CI: −2.65 to −1.07; I2 = 85%; p < 0.001), respectively. Moreover, furthermore analysis illustrated that initiating FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER treatment sessions at or within 1 month after surgery significantly reduced postoperative scars compared to control groups and groups on treatments initiated more than 3 months after surgery (MD: ‐1.66; 95% CI: −2.31 to −1.01; I2 = 89%; p < 0.001 and MD: ‐1.93; 95% CI: −2.24 to −1.62; I2 = 48%; p < 0.001). However, fractional CO2 laser treatment administered over 3 months after surgery did not significantly improve postoperative scars (MD: –0.17; 95% CI: −0.56 to 0.21; I2 = 37%; p = 0.37).

Conclusion

The systematic review and meta‐analysis provide robust support for the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser in treating surgical scars, particularly when administered at or within 1 month after surgery. One treatment session within 1 month after surgery also can produce significant results, but most clinical trials support 2–3 treatment sessions or more.
Determinants of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) living in rural areas of the United States: A scoping review framed by the PrEP care continuum
Authors: O'Neil Andrew M. , Hubach Randolph D. , Owens Christopher , Walsh Jennifer L. , Quinn Katherine G. , John Steven A.
Published: January 2025

Background

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective intervention to prevent HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite its effectiveness, PrEP uptake and adherence among MSM in the United States remain suboptimal, particularly in rural areas.

Objective

The present study presents a scoping review of the self‐reported barriers and facilitators of PrEP use among MSM living in rural areas of the United States.

Design

Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews—Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines informed this review. Seven online databases were searched to identify papers published from 2012 to 2023 in English with keywords related the concepts of MSM, rural, and HIV PrEP.

Results

From an initial 340 articles, nine were selected. Awareness significantly impacts PrEP uptake in rural areas, with challenges including limited dissemination of information through mainstream channels and low perceived HIV risk among rural MSM. However, nonmainstream information sources can enhance PrEP awareness and use. Several barriers hinder rural residents from accessing PrEP, such as a lack of competent providers, geographic isolation, cost, and stigma. High PrEP care costs, lack of financial assistance for lab work, and limited telePrEP options are key challenges in retaining individuals in PrEP care.

Conclusions

Suboptimal PrEP uptake in rural areas with high HIV burden remains a concern, hindered by limited information dissemination, low perceived HIV risk, geographic isolation, nonaffirming medical providers, and expensive PrEP care. Leveraging telePrEP, co‐pay assistance, 340B drug pricing, and geospatial networking apps can enhance PrEP use. Multilevel interventions are crucial to combat the HIV epidemic in rural regions.
Sexualized drug use factors among rural sexual minority men
Authors: Owens Christopher , Montemayor Benjamin N.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Although rural sexual minority men (SMM) use substances immediately before/during sex (i.e., sexualized drug use), the factors contributing to this behavior are unknown. We examined the factors associated with past year sexualized drug use among rural SMM.

Methods

Rural SMM in the Southern region of the United States (N = 345) completed an online cross‐sectional survey from February to March 23, 2024. Participants answered questions about their sexualized drug use behaviors, sexual behaviors, minority stressors, and demographics. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with past year sexualized drug use.

Findings

Over three‐quarters of participants (79.7%) used substances immediately before/during sex in the past year. Sexualized drug use was associated with exposure to sexual minority stressors, polysubstance use, sexually transmitted infection testing, having oral sex, receiving drugs from a man in exchange for sex, and older age.

Conclusion

Sexualized drug use is prevalent among rural SMM, and sexual minority stressors and past year sexual risk and substance misuse behaviors were contributing factors. Rural primary care clinics, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) service organizations, and outpatient and inpatient substance use organizations should implement integrative sexual and substance use screening, counseling, and referral services for their rural clients.