bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on total hip arthroplasty: results from California state inpatient database
Authors: Barclay Gabriel J. , Saxena Anshul , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Roy Mukesh , Appunni Sandeep , Doke Mayur , Ahmed Md Ashfaq , Zhang Zhenwei , Zhang Yanjia , Rubens Muni
Published: December 2023

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected orthopedic surgery, resulting in postponements and cancellations. The aim of this study is to determine the possible effects of COVID-19 on the number of total hip arthroplasty (THA) hospitalizations and hospital outcomes using a large database.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data gathered and stored in the California State Inpatient Database (SID) during 2019 and 2020. All THA hospitalizations ≥18 yr that occurred in 2019 and 2020 and COVID-19 hospitalizations that occurred in 2020 were used for the analysis. The primary outcomes of the study were trends in THA hospitalizations between 2019 and 2020. Secondary outcomes were mortality, surgical, medical, and other complications, and prolonged length of stay.

Results:

A total of 36,760 and 20,243 THA hospitalizations occurred during 2019 and 2020, respectively. Trends in THA hospitalizations during 2019 and 2020 showed that the rates of these hospitalizations were substantially lower throughout 2020. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.77; 95% CI, 1.38-5.53), surgical complications (OR,1.61; 95% CI, 1.36-1.89), medical complications (OR,1.27; 95% CI, 1.20-1.33), other complications (OR,1.42; 95% CI, 1.19-1.69), and prolonged length of stay (OR,1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16) were significantly higher during 2020.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that during COVID-19 pandemic THA hospitalizations were prioritized based on case severity. By the end of 2020 THA hospitalizations did not steeply decrease in numbers compared to the advent of the pandemic, indicating that orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals functioned optimally even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relationship Between Pain and Delirium in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: Wu Ting Ting , Vernooij Lisette M. , Duprey Matthew S. , Zaal Irene J. , Gélinas Céline , Devlin John W. , Slooter Arjen J.C.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Although opioids are frequently used to treat pain, and are an important risk for ICU delirium, the association between ICU pain itself and delirium remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the relationship between ICU pain and delirium.

DESIGN:

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

A 32-bed academic medical-surgical ICU.

PATIENTS:

Critically ill adults (n = 4,064) admitted greater than or equal to 24 hours without a condition hampering delirium assessment.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Daily mental status was classified as arousable without delirium, delirium, or unarousable. Pain was assessed six times daily in arousable patients using a 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) or the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT); daily peak pain score was categorized as no (NRS = 0/CPOT = 0), mild (NRS = 1–3/CPOT = 1–2), moderate (NRS = 4–6/CPOT = 3–4), or severe (NRS = 7–10/CPOT = 5–8) pain. To address missingness, a Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations approach that used available daily pain severity and 19 pain predictors was used to generate 25 complete datasets. Using a first-order Markov model with a multinomial logistic regression analysis, that controlled for 11 baseline/daily delirium risk factors and considered the competing risks of unarousability and ICU discharge/death, the association between peak daily pain and next-day delirium in each complete dataset was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Among 14,013 ICU days (contributed by 4,064 adults), delirium occurred on 2,749 (19.6%). After pain severity imputation on 1,818 ICU days, mild, moderate, and severe pain were detected on 2,712 (34.1%), 1,682 (21.1%), and 894 (11.2%) of the no-delirium days, respectively, and 992 (36.1%), 513 (18.6%), and 27 (10.1%) of delirium days (p = 0.01). The presence of any pain (mild, moderate, or severe) was not associated with a transition from awake without delirium to delirium (aOR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76–1.21). This association was similar when days with only mild, moderate, or severe pain were considered. All results were stable after controlling for daily opioid dose.

CONCLUSIONS:

After controlling for multiple delirium risk factors, including daily opioid use, pain may not be a risk factor for delirium in the ICU. Future prospective research is required.
Impact of Supine Versus Semirecumbent Body Posture on the Distribution of Ventilation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Pearce Alex K. , McGuire W. Cameron , Elliott Ann R. , Goligher Ewan C. , Prisk G. Kim , Butler James P. , Malhotra Atul
Published: December 2023

In some patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a paradoxical improvement in respiratory system compliance (CRS) has been observed when assuming a supine (head of bed [HOB] 0°) compared with semirecumbent (HOB 35–40°) posture. We sought to test the hypothesis that mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS would have improved CRS, due to changes in ventilation distribution, when moving from the semirecumbent to supine position. We conducted a prospective, observational ICU study including 14 mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS. For each patient, ventilation distribution (assessed by electrical impedance tomography) and pulmonary mechanics were compared in supine versus semirecumbent postures. Compared with semirecumbent, in the supine posture CRS increased (33 ± 21 vs. 26 ± 14 mL/cm H2O, p = 0.005), driving pressure was reduced (14 ± 6 vs. 17 ± 7 cm H2O, p < 0.001), and dorsal fraction of ventilation was decreased (48.5 ± 14.1% vs. 54.5 ± 12.0%, p = 0.003). Posture change from semirecumbent to supine resulted in a favorable physiologic response in terms of improved CRS and reduced driving pressure—with a corresponding increase in ventral ventilation, possibly related to reduced ventral overdistension.
Correlation Between Sleep Continuity and Patient-Reported Sleep Quality in Conscious Critically Ill Patients at High Risk of Reintubation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Van Camp Eloïse , Rault Christophe , Heraud Quentin , Frat Jean-Pierre , Balbous Anais , Thille Arnaud W. , Fernagut Pierre-Olivier , Drouot Xavier
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:

It is well-established that sleep quality of ICU patients is poor, with sleep being highly fragmented by multiple awakenings. These sleep disruptions are associated with poor outcomes such as prolonged weaning duration from mechanical ventilation. Polysomnography can measure sleep continuity, a parameter associated positively with outcomes in patients treated with noninvasive ventilation, but polysomnography is not routinely available in all ICUs, and simple means to assess sleep quality are needed. The Richards-Campbell sleep questionnaire (RCSQ) assesses sleep quality in ICU patients but is difficult to administrate in patients who are not fully awake, and a simpler sleep numeric rating scale (sleep-NRS) has been proposed as an alternative. We here investigated the relationships between sleep continuity and patients-reported sleep quality.

DESIGN:

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING:

Medical ICU of Poitiers University Hospital.

PATIENTS:

Seventy-two patients were extubated from mechanical ventilation and at high risk of reintubation.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We analyzed 52 previously recorded polysomnographies in nonsedated and conscious ICU patients. Sleep was recorded the night after extubation. Sleep continuity was measured using an automated scoring algorithm from one electroencephalogram (EEG) channel of the polysomnography. Patient-reported sleep quality was assessed using RCSQ and sleep-NRS. Sleep continuity could be calculated on 45 polysomnographies (age: 68 [58–77], median [25th–75th]) RCSQ (62 [48–72]) and sleep-NRS (6.0 [5.0–7.0]) were obtained in 21 patients and 34 patients, respectively. Our results show a significant correlation between sleep continuity and sleep-NRS (p = 0.0037; ρ = 0.4844; n = 34) but not with RCSQ score (p = 0.6732; ρ = 0.1005; n = 20).

CONCLUSION:

Sleep continuity correlates with patient-reported sleep quality assessed using sleep-NRS and may capture the refreshing part of sleep. Sleep-NRS can be easily administered in ICU patients. Sleep continuity and sleep-NRS are simple tools that may prove useful to evaluate sleep quality in ICU patients.
Nurses’ Role and Understanding of the Application of Antimicrobial Stewardship Principles in Hematology Settings
Authors: Sangojoyo Jennie , Hutchinson Ana , Cohen Emma , Bouchoucha Stéphane L.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Patients with hematological malignancies are highly susceptible to infection due to the disease process and/or administration of immunosuppressive therapies. Judicious use of antimicrobial therapies based on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) principles and early recognition and response to sepsis are essential.

Objective:

To explore hematology nurses’ understanding of the application of AMS principles in hematology settings and their experience of using a nurse-initiated neutropenic sepsis pathway.

Methods:

A qualitative exploratory descriptive study using focus groups with 18 participants.

Results:

Three themes emerged: (1) nurses taking the lead in sepsis management; (2) timely management of neutropenic sepsis; and (3) Nurses’ knowledge of AMS principles. Associated subthemes were (1) nurse empowerment and leadership through implementation of a nurse-initiated pathway; (2) nurses’ role in supporting system processes and assessing treatment response; and (3) nurses’ knowledge of commonly used antimicrobials and the need for resources to support clinical decision-making.

Conclusions:

Although many participants were not familiar with the term AMS, nurses recognized their role and demonstrated leadership in early recognition and timely antimicrobial therapy.

Implications for Practice:

This study shows that nurse-led pathways improve patient outcomes and enable nurses to administer timely care in neutropenic sepsis. Findings also show that these pathways enable nurses to demonstrate their infection prevention and control leadership.

What is Foundational:

Despite knowledge gaps in nurses’ AMS, clinical pathways embedding AMS principles empowered nurses to play an active leadership role. Barriers to early treatment of neutropenic sepsis can be overcome when using dedicated pathways.
Gestational Phthalate Exposure and Preschool Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Norway
Authors: Kamai Elizabeth M. , Villanger Gro D. , Nethery Rachel C. , Thomsen Cathrine , Sakhi Amrit K. , Drover Samantha S. M. , Hoppin Jane A. , Knudsen Gun Peggy , Reichborn-Kjennerud Ted , Zeiner Pål , Overgaard Kristin , Herring Amy H. , Aase Heidi , Engel Stephanie M.
Published: December 2023

Prenatal phthalate exposure has been linked to altered neurobehavioral development in both animal models and epidemiologic studies, but whether or not these associations translate to increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. We used a nested case-cohort study design to assess whether maternal urinary concentrations of 12 phthalate metabolites at 17 weeks gestation were associated with criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) classified among 3-year-old children in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Between 2007 and 2011, 260 children in this substudy were classified with ADHD using a standardized, on-site clinical assessment; they were compared with 549 population-based controls. We modeled phthalate levels both linearly and by quintiles in logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates and tested for interaction by child sex. Children of mothers in the highest quintile of di-iso-nonyl phthalate (∑DiNP) metabolite levels had 1.70 times the odds of being classified with ADHD compared with those in the lowest quintile (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03 to 2.82). In linear models, there was a trend with the sum of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites (∑DEHP); each natural log-unit increase in concentration was associated with 1.22 times the odds of ADHD (95% CI = 0.99 to 1.52). In boys, but not girls, mono-n-butyl phthalate exposure was associated with increased odds of ADHD (odds ratio [OR] 1.42; 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.88). Additional adjustment for correlated phthalate metabolites attenuated estimates. These results suggest gestational phthalate exposure may impact the behavior of children as young as 3 years.
Comprehensive phenotyping of fetuses with trisomy 18: a perinatal center experience
Authors: Shravya Mangalore S. , Girisha Katta M. , Nayak Shalini S.
Published: December 2023

Trisomy 18 is the second most common aneuploidy after trisomy 21. It presents with varying degrees of heterogeneous clinical phenotypes involving multiple organ systems, with a high mortality rate. Clinical assessment of fetal trisomy 18 is always challenging. In this study, we describe the phenotypes of the fetuses with trisomy 18 from a perinatal cohort. We reviewed fetuses with trisomy 18 in referrals for perinatal autopsy over the period of 15 years. A detailed phenotyping of the fetuses with trisomy 18 was executed by perinatal autopsy. Appropriate fetal tissues were obtained to perform genomic testing. We observed trisomy 18 in 16 fetuses (2%) in our cohort of 784 fetal/neonatal losses and a perinatal autopsy was performed on all of them. Abnormal facial profile was the most frequent anomaly (10/16, 62%) followed by anomalies of the extremities (9/16, 56%), and cardiac defects (6/16, 37%). We also observed esophageal atresia, diaphragmatic hernia, and neural tube defect. The study represents one of the largest cohorts of trisomy 18 from a perinatal center from a developing country and highlights the clinical heterogeneity attributed to trisomy 18. We also report a recurrence of trisomy 18 in a family.
Better Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Practice Environments Reduce Hospitalization Disparities Among Dually-Enrolled Patients
Authors: Nikpour Jacqueline , Brom Heather , Mason Aleigha , Chittams Jesse , Poghosyan Lusine , Brooks Carthon Margo
Published: December 2023

Background:

Over 12 million Americans are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid. These individuals experience over twice as many hospitalizations for chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease and diabetes compared with Medicare-only patients. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are well-positioned to address the care needs of dually-enrolled patients, yet NPs often work in unsupportive clinical practice environments. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between the NP primary care practice environment and hospitalization disparities between dually-enrolled and Medicare-only patients with chronic diseases.

Methods:

Using secondary cross-sectional data from the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire and Medicare claims files, we examined 135,648 patients with coronary artery disease and/or diabetes (20.0% dually-eligible, 80.0% Medicare-only), cared for in 450 practices employing NPs across 4 states (PA, NJ, CA, FL) in 2015. We compared dually-enrolled patients’ odds of being hospitalized when cared for in practice environments characterized as poor, mixed, and good based on practice-level Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire scores.

Results:

After adjusting for patient and practice characteristics, dually-enrolled patients in poor practice environments had the highest odds of being hospitalized compared with their Medicare-only counterparts [odds ratio (OR): 1.48, CI: 1.37, 1.60]. In mixed environments, dually-enrolled patients had 27% higher odds of a hospitalization (OR: 1.27, CI: 1.12, 1.45). However, in the best practice environments, hospitalization differences were nonsignificant (OR: 1.02, CI: 0.85, 1.23).

Conclusions:

As policymakers look to improve outcomes for dually-enrolled patients, addressing a modifiable aspect of care delivery in NPs’ clinical practice environment is a key opportunity to reduce hospitalization disparities.
Digital health innovations in urology: telemedicine, wearables, and mobile applications – a systematic review of literature
Authors: Naik Nithesh , Talyshinskii Ali , Rassweiler Jens , Hameed B.M. Zeeshan , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review

There are enough publications on the use of telemedicine, wearable devices, and mobile applications in urology; however, their collective impact on urological care has not been adequately studied. This review seeks to address this deficiency by providing a descriptive analysis of the recent use of telemedicine, wearable technology, and mobile applications in urology as well as elucidating their associated challenges.

Recent findings

There are studies that were dedicated to the use of telemedicine, wearables, and mobile apps in urology according to inclusion criteria, respectively. They were successfully implemented in different urological subfields, such as urogynecology, endourology, pediatric urology, and uro-oncology, and led to time safety, remote monitoring, and better patient awareness. However, several concerns also exist, such as issues with data safety, measurement deviations, technical limitations, and lack of

quality.

Telemedicine, wearables, and mobile apps have already shown their potential in urological practice. However, further studies are needed to expand both our understanding of their current state and their potential for further development and clinical use.
Sex Estimation From Measurements of the Mastoid Triangle and Volume of the Mastoid Air Cell System Using Classical and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Sasani Hadi , Etli Yasin , Tastekin Burak , Hekimoglu Yavuz , Keskin Siddik , Asirdizer Mahmut
Published: December 2023

Previous studies on the sexual dimorphism of the mastoid triangle have typically focused on linear and area measurements. No studies in the literature have used mastoid air cell system volume measurements for direct anthropological or forensic sex determination. The aims of this study were to investigate the applicability of mastoid air cell system volume measurements and mastoid triangle measurements separately and combined for sex estimation, and to determine the accuracy of sex estimation rates using machine learning algorithms and discriminant function analysis of these data. On 200 computed tomography images, the distances constituting the edges of the mastoid triangle were measured, and the area was calculated using these measurements. A region-growing algorithm was used to determine the volume of the mastoid air cell system. The univariate sex determination accuracy was calculated for all parameters. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was performed for sex estimation. Multiple machine learning methods have also been used. All measurements of the mastoid triangle and volumes of the mastoid air cell system were higher in males than in females. The accurate sex estimation rate was determined to be 79.5% using stepwise discriminant function analysis and 88.5% using machine learning methods.
Dentists’ Attitudes to the Preprocedural Safety Checklist “Time-Out” in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rocchettta Davide , Hassan Syed Sirajul , Gray Jenny
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Before performing medical procedures, there is a patient safety initiative process (also referred to as “time-out”), part of this process is the use of a preprocedural safety checklist. This initiative was envisioned by the World Health Organization, supported by various accreditation bodies who include the process in their standards. Dentistry lags behind its medical colleagues in using it presurgical or invasive procedure. Our aim was to understand dentists’ attitudes and knowledge about the process and their adherence to it.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed between September and December 2021 and 102 dentists responded.

Results

Seventy three of the respondents (71.5%) claimed to be familiar with the time-out process, and 87 (85.3%) felt that it was an important or somewhat important process; however, only 62 (60.7%) were always performing the process before surgical or invasive outpatient procedures.

Conclusions

Patient safety must be given priority, as such it has been shown that preprocedural checklists help reduce medical errors. Recognizing the value of performing such a process, accreditation bodies have included the process in their standards and indeed in the Joint Commission focused patient safety goals.
Kidney Transplantation and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Aslam Nabeel , Trautman Christopher L. , Sher Taimur
Published: December 2023

Plasma cell disorders are one of the most common hematologic malignancies. Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is defined by a serum monoclonal protein <3 g/dL, bone marrow plasma cell infiltration <10%, and most importantly absence of end-organ damage. The prevalence of MGUS in general population is estimated to be 1%–4% and its frequency increases with age with 3% among people above 50 y of age. The risk of progression to clinically significant plasma cell dyscrasia is estimated to be 1% per year. With aging population and increasing use of transplantation for the management of kidney disease in older adults, MGUS is being identified during the evaluation for kidney transplant candidacy or during the postkidney transplant follow-up. MGUS in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing evaluation for kidney transplant can pose a complex management dilemma. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about the prevalence of MGUS in ESRD population and the impact of kidney transplantation on the progression of MGUS to clinically significant plasma cell disorder. We make recommendations for the screening of ESRD patients undergoing kidney transplant evaluation and the management of MGUS after renal transplant.
Patient-centered health care planning in acute inpatient mental health settings: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Gagiu Corina , Mazilu Doina C. , Zazu Mariana , Nedelcu Viorica , Jitianu Dorinela A. , Manea Mirela , Vrbová Tereza , Klugar Miloslav , Klugarová Jitka
Published: December 2023

Objectives:

The current project aimed to improve the quality of health care by promoting evidence-based practice (EBP) regarding mental health care planning (MHCP) for adult inpatients.

Introduction:

The implementation of the best evidence in the process of developing and documenting nursing care plans is currently an important legal requirement that contributes to increasing the quality of care.

Methods:

This implementation project was based on the JBI evidence implementation approach and included a baseline audit of seven criteria, implementation of strategies, and a follow-up audit. The project was conducted in an acute psychiatric setting at a university hospital in Bucharest, Romania. The sample included 17 nurses and 30 ward patients.

Results:

The baseline audit revealed low compliance (33%–37%) for criterion 3 (a comprehensive care plan) and criterion 4 (patient involvement); moderate compliance (55%) for criterion 1 (care plan for all patients); and increased compliance (97%–100%) for criterion 2 (assessment of patient's needs), criterion 5 (education of patients/caregivers), criterion 6 (providing a copy at discharge), and criterion 7 (education of professionals). As a result of implementing the most appropriate strategies, the maximum improvement (100%) was observed across all five audit criteria that were found to be deficient in the baseline audit.

Conclusion:

The development and implementation of strategies adapted to specific care need to play a key role in the implementation of EBP. In this case, educating nurses, facilitating nurses’ access to EBP for care planning, and improving procedures proved effective in achieving maximum compliance with all the audit criteria.
Implementation of virtual music therapy in the practice of Czech music therapists: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Kantor Jiří , Neuwirthová Anna , Hořejší Barbora , Koucun Jan , Kantorová Lucia , Vrbová Tereza , Munn Zachary , Klugarová Jitka , Klugar Miloslav
Published: December 2023

Introduction and aims:

Czech music therapists lacked the skills and knowledge to adapt their practice to virtual music therapy (VMT) at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical contact was restricted. The aims of this project were to implement the best evidence-based recommendations concerning VMT in the practice of Czech music therapists and increase the number of therapists using VMT.

Methods:

The project used the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework to promote change in the practice of participants. A baseline audit of 26 practitioners was conducted using questionnaires and interviews. The audit criteria consisted of 8 best practice recommendations, followed by the implementation of targeted strategies and a follow-up audit.

Results:

Of the 26 music therapists, 18 began practicing VMT following the rollout of the implementation strategies. Strategies included educational workshops, instructional materials, technological support, individual counseling, and interactive training sessions. There was an increase in compliance with all audit criteria. The most critical barriers were lack of knowledge about VMT and lack of technical skills; lack of resources; technological challenges; low confidence of music therapists to provide VMT; and reduced need for VMT after the lockdown restrictions were relaxed.

Conclusions:

The implementation project helped to overcome temporary pandemic restrictions, increase the quality of VMT practice, develop strategies for VMT training, and identify reasons for using VMT during the pandemic and beyond.
Identification of conserved gene expression programs activated in multiple modes of torpor across vertebrate clades
Authors: Weir Kurt , Vega Natasha , Busa Veronica F. , Sajdak Ben , Kallestad Les , Merriman Dana , Palczewski Krzysztof , Carroll Joseph , Blackshaw Seth
Published: December 2023

Torpor encompasses adaptations to diverse extreme environmental stressors such as hibernation, aestivation, brumation, and daily torpor. Here we introduce StrokeofGenus, an analytic pipeline that identifies distinct transcriptomic states and conservation of gene expression patterns across studies, tissues, and species. We use StrokeofGenus to study multiple and diverse forms of torpor from publicly available RNA-seq datasets that span eight species and two classes. We identify three transcriptionally distinct states during the cycle of heterothermia: euthermia, torpor, and interbout arousal. We also identify torpor-specific gene expression patterns that are conserved both across tissues and between species with over three hundred million years of evolutionary divergence. We further demonstrate the general conservation of gene expression patterns in multiple forms of torpor, implying a common evolutionary origin for this process. Although here we apply StrokeofGenus to analysis of torpor, it can be used to interrogate any other complex physiological processes defined by transient transcriptomic states.

HIGHLIGHTS

StrokeofGenus integrates orthologue annotation, non-negative matrix factorization, and transfer learning for cross-species analysis.

StrokeofGenus identifies conserved topor-related gene expression patterns across divergent species and cell types.

Heterothermia has three distinct transcriptomic states.

Torpor-specific gene expression patterns are conserved between species and forms of torpor.
Pollutome complexity determines the removal of recalcitrant pharmaceuticals
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Lay Natalie Le , Demaria Francesca , Kolvenbach Boris A , Cretoiu Mariana S , Petchey Owen L , Jousset Alexandre , Corvini Philippe F-X
Published: December 2023

Organic pollutants are an increasing threat for wildlife and humans. Managing their removal is however complicated by the difficulties in predicting degradation rates. In this work we demonstrate that the complexity of the pollutome, the set of co-existing contaminants, is a major driver of biodegradation. We built representative assemblages out of one to five common pharmaceuticals (caffeine, atenolol, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and enalapril) selected along a gradient of biodegradability. We followed their individual removal by wastewater microbial communities. The presence of multichemical background pollution was essential for the removal of recalcitrant molecules such as ibuprofen. Crucially, high order interactions between pollutants were a determinant, with the addition of new molecules particularly impacting assemblages of multiple compounds. We explain these interactions by shifts in the microbiome, with degradable molecules such as paracetamol enriching species and pathways involved in the removal of several organic molecules. We conclude that pollutants should be treated as part of a complex system, with emerging pollutants potentially showing cascading effects and offering leverage to promote bioremediation.
Differences in clamp loader mechanism between bacteria and eukaryotes
Authors: Landeck Jacob T. , Pajak Joshua , Norman Emily K. , Sedivy Emma L. , Kelch Brian A.
Published: December 2023

Clamp loaders are pentameric ATPases that place circular sliding clamps onto DNA, where they function in DNA replication and genome integrity. The central activity of a clamp loader is the opening of the ring-shaped sliding clamp, and the subsequent binding to primer-template (p/t)-junctions. The general architecture of clamp loaders is conserved across all life, suggesting that their mechanism is retained. Recent structural studies of the eukaryotic clamp loader Replication Factor C (RFC) revealed that it functions using a crab-claw mechanism, where clamp opening is coupled to a massive conformational change in the loader. Here we investigate the clamp loading mechanism of theE. coliclamp loader at high resolution using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We find that theE. coliclamp loader opens the clamp using a crab-claw motion at a single pivot point, whereas the eukaryotic RFC loader uses motions distributed across the complex. Furthermore, we find clamp opening occurs in multiple steps, starting with a partly open state with a spiral conformation, and proceeding to a wide open clamp in a surprising planar geometry. Finally, our structures in the presence of p/t-junctions illustrate how clamp closes around p/t-junctions and how the clamp loader initiates release from the loaded clamp. Our results reveal mechanistic distinctions in a macromolecular machine that is conserved across all domains of life.
Multilevel atomic structural model for interstratified opal materials
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Wen , Page Katharine , Neder Reinhard B. , Stack Andrew G. , Bish David L.
Published: December 2023

The structure of opal has long fascinated scientists. It occurs in a number of structural states, ranging from amorphous to exhibiting features of stacking disorder. Opal-CT, where C and T signify cristobalite- and tridymite-like interstratification, represents an important link in the length scales between amorphous and crystalline states. However, details about local atomic (dis)order and arrangements extending to long-range stacking faults in opal polymorphs remain incompletely understood. Here, a multilevel modeling approach is reported that considers stacking states in correlation with the abundance of C and T segments as a high-level structural parameter (i.e. not each atom). Optimization accounting for inter-tetrahedral bond lengths and angles and the regularity of the silicate tetrahedra is included as lower levels of structural parameters. Together, a set of parameters with both coarse-grained and atomistic features for different levels of structural details is refined. Structural disorder at the ∼10–100 Å distance scale is evaluated using experimental pair distribution function and diffraction datasets, comparing peak intensities, widths and asymmetry. This work presents a complete multilevel structural description of natural opal-CT and explains many of the unusual features observed in X-ray powder diffraction patterns. This modeling approach can be adopted generally for analyzing layered materials and their assembly into 3D structures.
Correlations of structural shocks, dynamic responses of output and inflation to commodities price shocks and monetary union in WAMZ
Authors: Abdul Rahman Yahuza , Osei-Fosu Anthony Kofi , Sakyi Daniel
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper examines correlations of the underlying structural shocks and the degree of synchronization in the impulse responses of output, inflation and trade to a one standard deviation shock to non-oil commodities price index and exchange rates within the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries from 1990q1 to 2020q1.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the structural vector autoregressive model to isolate the underlying structural shocks and compares them with the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries.

Findings

Findings from the study suggest that correlations of underlying structural shocks are more profound in the WAEMU than in the WAMZ. Impulse responses of output to price and exchange rate shocks are more symmetric in the WAEMU than in the WAMZ. However, impulse responses of inflation to price and exchange rate shocks are symmetric in the WAMZ than in the WAEMU and responses of trade in both sub-groups are not uniform.

Practical implications

The paper concludes that the WAMZ does not constitute an Optimum Currency Area concerning the correlations of the structural shocks and output. However, it has achieved convergence in inflation and there are adequate adjustment mechanisms to shocks in the WAMZ than in the WAEMU. Therefore, the WAMZ may not suffer from joining the monetary union. Thus, economic Community of West African States may take steps to roll out the monetary union.

Originality/value

The paper examines correlations of the underlying structural shocks, impulse responses of output and inflation to shocks to commodities price and exchange rates in the WAMZ and compares them with the WAEMU.
How click-like and online trust matter across generations of bank customers
Authors: Tran Lobel Trong Thuy
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This article aims to explore the impact of interpersonal relationship stimuli and click-like on purchase intention across different generations of bank customers, with a focus on the moderating effect of online trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 435 online bank customers from the Facebook community and the data collection was conducted using an online survey method. The model estimation utilized the partial least squares technique, along with multigroup analysis and importance-performance map analysis.

Findings

The empirical evidence supports the hypothesized relationships between interpersonal relationship stimuli, click-like and purchase intention, but varies across different generations and is contingent upon online trust. The analysis reveals commonalities in how Generation Z, Millennials and Generation X respond to interpersonal relationship stimuli while exhibiting distinct responses to click-like.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical evidence confirms the hypothesized relationships between interpersonal relationship stimuli, click-like and purchase intention. However, these relationships exhibit variations across different generations and are contingent upon the level of online trust. The analysis highlights shared responses to interpersonal relationship stimuli among Generation Z, Millennials and Generation X, while also revealing distinct reactions to click-like within these generational groups.

Originality/value

This research investigates the collective impact of interpersonal relationship stimuli and click-like on purchase intention, taking into account the moderating role of online trust within various generational cohorts in the banking sector.
United we stand: a principle-based negotiation training for collective bargaining
Authors: Mann Michel , Warsitzka Marco , Hüffmeier Joachim , Trötschel Roman
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify effective behaviors in labor-management negotiation (LMN) and, on that basis, derive overarching psychological principles of successful negotiation in this important context. These empirical findings are used to develop and test a comprehensive negotiation training program.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-seven practitioners from one of the world’s largest labor unions were interviewed to identify the requirements of effective LMN, resulting in 796 descriptions of single behaviors from 41 negotiation cases.

Findings

The analyses revealed 13 categories of behaviors critical to negotiation success. The findings highlight the pivotal role of the union negotiator by illustrating how they lead the negotiations with the other party while also ensuring that their own team and the workforce stand united. To provide guidance for effective LMN, six psychological principles were derived from these behavioral categories. The paper describes a six-day training program developed for LMN based on the empirical findings of this study and the related six principles.

Originality/value

This paper has three unique features: first, it examines the requirements for effective LMN based on a systematic needs assessment. Second, by teaching not only knowledge and skills but also general psychological principles of successful negotiation, the training intervention is aimed at promoting long-term behavioral change. Third, the research presents a comprehensive and empirically-based training program for LMN.
Linked by age: a study on social media privacy concerns among younger and older adults
Authors: Goyeneche David , Singaraju Stephen , Arango Luis
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper explores the similarities and differences in privacy attitudes, trust and risk beliefs between younger and older adults on social networking sites. The objective of the article is to ascertain whether any notable differences exist between younger (18–25 years old) and older (55+ years old) adults in how trust and risk are influenced by privacy concerns upon personal information disclosure on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

A Likert scale instrument validated in previous research was employed to gather the responses of 148 younger and 152 older adults. The scale was distributed through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Data were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

No significant differences were found between younger and older adults in how social media privacy concerns related to trust and risk beliefs. Two privacy concern dimensions were found to have a significant influence on perceptions of risk for both populations: collection and control. Predictability and a sense of control are proposed as two conceptual approaches that can explain these findings.

Originality/value

This article is the first one to explore age differences in privacy concerns, trust and risk on social media employing conceptual developments and an instrument specifically tailored to the social media environment. Based on the findings, several strategies are suggested to keep privacy concerns on social media at a minimum, reduce risk perceptions and increase users' trust.
From unemployment to self-employment: what does it mean for an individual's satisfaction and economic self-sufficiency?
Authors: Dvouletý Ondřej
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research extends the knowledge on the less-frequently explored outcomes of entrepreneurial endeavour. The study provides unique insights into the overall satisfaction of entrepreneurs with their life, job and financial situation, as well as perceived economic self-sufficiency and income. The obtained findings represent a specific group of Czech self-employed individuals who started their businesses while unemployed, with the help of public financial assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented contribution is based on a primary survey among those individuals (N = 128), conducted in 2022 and triangulated by insights from informal interviews with the respondents and earlier empirical evidence.

Findings

The main findings document that most of the surveyed entrepreneurs are overall satisfied with their lives and jobs, their incomes are above the minimum wage and, despite the challenges faced, they mainly benefit from autonomy associated with this career choice. The multivariate ordered logistic regression results highlight the significance of several previously identified variables, such as gender, health status, formal education, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and family situation, that influence the studied outcomes and provide opportunities and challenges for ongoing research.

Originality/value

The conducted study acknowledges the need to consider the whole picture of entrepreneurship success. Therefore, it provided insights into the monetary and non-monetary outcomes of the specific type of entrepreneurship.
Designing the service delivery system for prevention-oriented goals: insights from two case studies
Authors: Ponsignon Frédéric , Phillips Laura , Smart Philip , Low Nicholas
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research explores how to design service delivery systems to facilitate a customer experience that enables the realisation of prevention-oriented goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Case-based research is undertaken to inform the design of service delivery systems for prevention-oriented consumption goals. Data from multiple informants, from both the provider and customer perspective, in two in-depth case studies, provide empirical insights.

Findings

Drawing on customer and provider perspectives, a model of service design for prevention-oriented goals is presented. The model is informed through the identification of service delivery system characteristics (facility layout, staff service orientation, facility appearance and staff presence/appearance) and perceived experience quality dimensions (control, duration, privacy and reliability impressions) that contribute to the fulfilment of prevention-oriented consumption goals.

Practical implications

The research affirms that it is critical for organisations to comprehend the goals they want their service delivery systems to enable in the customer experience. Specific attention should be given to the design of facility layout, staff-service orientation, facility appearance, staff presence/appearance to positively impact perceived quality dimensions and to facilitate the realisation of customer prevention goals.

Originality/value

The main research contribution lies in the articulation of the design characteristics of the service delivery system that enables a customer experience supporting the fulfilment of prevention goals. The empirical study draws on both customer and organisational perspectives to identify prevention-oriented goals, and corresponding experience quality dimensions, to inform service delivery system design.
Audit quality and debt restructuring: evidence from Italy
Authors: Magri Carlotta , Marchini Pier Luigi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the link between audit quality and in-court debt restructuring. The aim is to understand whether the confirmation of debt restructuring plans is affected by audit quality, which, in the light of agency theory, reduces information asymmetries between outsiders (creditors and the court) and insiders (shareholders and managers) of the debtor company.

Design/methodology/approach

A logistic regression is performed to test whether higher audit quality is associated with an increased probability of successfully completing a debt restructuring proceeding (RP). Consistent with the literature, audit quality is assessed ex ante based on auditor size, which is used as a proxy for independence. The analysis considers private Italian companies.

Findings

Audit quality positively affects debt restructuring. Among financially distressed companies, those audited by an audit company are more likely to succeed in RPs than those audited by a single practitioner. There is no evidence of a Big N effect.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in literature as, in contrast to other financial and governance characteristics, audit quality has never been studied before as a determinant of efficient restructuring. It contributes to the literature on auditing and governance by highlighting the importance of audit quality in complex situations such as RPs, and it expands on debt restructuring literature by considering the importance of the information exchanged during RPs.
External environment and internal dynamics of “born global”: strategic and operational firm performance
Authors: Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris , Chatterjee Sheshadri
Published: December 2023

Purpose

“Born global firms” are those organizations which, from their inception and by nature, adopt an essentially global-scale entrepreneurial functional and attitudinal strategy for growth. They seek to gain significant competitive advantage by utilizing their internal resources while leveraging external environment potentialities, to sell their outputs internationally. The aim of this research is to investigate the influence of the external business environment and the dynamic capabilities of born global firms, on their strategic and operational performance, as well as the role of leadership vision on their internationalization performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially and resting on extant literature with pertinent foci, including the absorptive capacity and the dynamic capability view theories, a conceptual model is proposed. Subsequently, the model is validated through the partial least square structural equation modeling technique, based on 417 respondents from Indian firms.

Findings

The study concludes that the external business environment and internal dynamic capabilities of born global firms have a significant and positive impact on their strategic, as well as operational performance; with leadership vision playing a significant moderating role to this relationship. The study finally presents the executive implications of the findings and identifies the avenues for further scientific research.

Originality/value

This is a unique study on the topic, both in relation to resources/capabilities versus performance and with regards to the leadership vision's role. It moreover focuses on a primary business force, India, which comprises prime examples of global entrepreneurship. The research constituting a significant contribution to knowledge, as research on how small firms can strategically grow so rapidly and effectively, is still far from conclusive, particularly under the present evolutions that incessantly redefine the contextual business forces upon which strategy is drawn.