bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use it or lose it: A four-year follow-up to assess whether engagement with physical activity close to one’s physical capacity may protect against decline in physical functioning among older adults
Authors: Löppönen Antti , Lindeman Katja , Palmberg Lotta , Van Roie Evelien , Delecluse Christophe , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina , Rantalainen Timo , Karavirta Laura
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) is distinct from physical capacity (PC), even though they are correlated in old age. PC defines the limits for PA, while activities in daily life typically remain submaximal. Individuals whose intensity of daily activities is close to physical capacity may be better protected from future decline in physical function compared to those who do not, although prospective research to support this hypothesis is lacking. Therefore, this study compared changes in physical function over a four-year follow-up between community-dwelling older adults categorized based on their combined baseline PC and PA.

METHODS

This was a four-year longitudinal follow-up study of older adults aged 75-85 years at baseline (N = 312, 60% women). Baseline PC was determined based on 5-second Mean Amplitude Deviation (MAD) epoch value during the maximal 10-meter walking test, and PA was determined based on the peak 75-minutes MAD intensity threshold from thigh-worn accelerometer monitoring over 3-7 days. Baseline values of PA and PC were categorized into lowPC-lowPA, lowPC-highPA, highPC-lowPA, and highPC-highPA profiles. Physical function was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline and at the follow-up, with total score and 5 x Sit-To-Stand (5xSTS) test time as the primary outcomes. Nonparametric tests and generalized estimating equations were used for analyses.

RESULTS

From baseline to follow-up, statistically significant changes in the SPPB total score and 5xSTS test time were observed in all profiles (p<0.05) except the low PC-high PA profile. Over the follow-up period, the decrease was greater for low versus high PA profiles within both PC profiles for SPPB total score (high PC: B -0.61, SE 0.24, 95% CI -1.08, -0.15; low PC: B -0.96, SE 0.35, 95% CI -1.62, -0.32), but not for 5xSTS time. No statistically significant difference was observed in the change in 5xSTS test time between the low and high PA profiles for either PC profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that engaging in demanding PA regardless of baseline PC may help to protect against a decline in physical functioning in old age. Consequently, older adults should be encouraged to engage in physically demanding activities that could potentially enhance their functional capacity.
Lipid Trajectories Improve Risk Models for Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chase Bruce A. , Frigerio Roberta , Yucus Chad J. , Patel Smita , Maraganore Demetrius , Sanders Alan R. , Duan Jubao , Markopoulou Katerina
Published: September 2024

To assess the relationship between lipids and cognitive dysfunction, we retrospectively analyzed blood-lipid levels in clinically well-characterized individuals with stable mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over the decade prior to first cognitive symptoms. In this case/control cohort study, AD and MCI cases were diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria; MCI cases had not progressed to dementia for ≥5 years; and controls were propensity matched to cases at age of symptom onset (MCI: 116 cases, 435 controls; AD: 215 cases, 483 controls). Participants were grouped based on longitudinal trajectories and quintile of variability independent of the mean (VIM) for total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C and ln(triglycerides). Models for the risk of cognitive dysfunction evaluated trajectory and VIM groups,APOEgenotype, polygenic risk scores (PRS) for AD and lipid levels, age, comorbidities, and longitudinal correlates of blood-lipid concentrations. Lower HDL-C trajectories (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.3–11.3) and the lowest VIM quintile of non-HDL-C (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.0) were associated with higher MCI risk. Lower HDL-C trajectories (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.6–5.7) and the lowest VIM quintile of total cholesterol (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.5–3.9) were associated with higher AD risk. The inclusion of lipid-trajectory and VIM groups improved risk-model predictive performance independent ofAPOEgenotype or PRS for AD and lipid levels. These results provide an important real-world perspective on the influence of lipid metabolism and blood-lipid levels on the development of stable MCI and AD.
Empowering Self-Management for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Human-Centered Design Study of Spanish- and Cantonese-Preferring Patients in the United States
Authors: Zheng Patricia , De Marchis Emilia , Yeager Jan , Del Rosario Karina , Nagao Masato , Belaye Tigist , Gallegos-Castillo Angela , Fung Lei-Chun , Vallejo Adrian , Kuang Amy , Gendelberg David , Lotz Jeffrey , O’Neill Conor ,   the REACH investigators
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a leading cause of disability with disproportionately high impacts on marginalized populations, including non-English-preferring patients. These patients face significant barriers to accessing care and adhering to self-management strategies due to language barriers, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural differences. Despite the emphasis on self-management for cLBP, limited research has focused on understanding the specific needs and preferences of Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the self-management priorities of Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBP. Using a human-centered design approach, we sought to identify patient preferences for self-management support materials and strategies that could be tailored to their unique needs.

Design

Qualitative research using thematic analysis of focus groups conducted in participants’ preferred language.

Setting

Urban, academic-affiliated county hospital between March and May 2024.

Patients

Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBP

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main outcome

Key themes in participants’ experiences with cLBP care, barriers to self-management, and preferences for educational materials.

Results

Fifteen patients participated across six focus groups (three focus group in each language). Four primary themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) the need for empathic, tailored educational supports that fit into patients’ lives, (2) a desire for self-management plans that account for social and economic constraints, (3) recognition of mental health and social isolation as factors that influence cLBP experience, and (4) a need for clearer guidance on self-management strategies and trustworthy resources. Both Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring participants expressed a preference for video-based resources, plain-language materials, and support for understanding the causes and management of their pain.

Conclusion

Spanish- and Cantonese-preferring patients with cLBP face significant barriers to self-management and would benefit from culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. This study highlights the need for healthcare systems to develop and deliver tailored, accessible self-management support materials that address the unique challenges faced by minoritized populations. Human-centered design offers a promising approach to reducing disparities in cLBP outcomes by creating patient-driven solutions that prioritize empathy, practicality, and cultural relevance.
Mitigating Hallucinations in Large Language Models: A Comparative Study of RAG-enhanced vs. Human-Generated Medical Templates
Authors: Li Anson , Shrestha Renee , Jegatheeswaran Thinoj , Chan Hannah O. , Hong Colin , Joshi Rakesh
Published: September 2024

The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) is increasingly recognized for its potential to enhance various aspects of healthcare, including patient care, medical research, and education. The well-known LLM from Open AI: ChatGPT, a user-friendly GPT-4 based chatbot, has become increasingly popular. However, current limitations to LLMs, such as hallucinations, outdated information, and ethical and legal complications may pose significant risks to patients and contribute to the spread of medical disinformation. This study focuses on the application of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to mitigate common limitations of LLMs like ChatGPT and assess its effectiveness in summarizing and organizing medical information. Up-to-date clinical guidelines were utilized as the source of information to create detailed medical templates. These were evaluated against human-generated templates by a panel of physicians, using Likert scales for accuracy and usefulness, and programmatically using BERTScores for textual similarity. The LLM templates scored higher on average for both accuracy and usefulness when compared to human-generated templates. BERTScore analysis further showed high textual similarity between ChatGPT- and Human-generated templates. These results indicate that RAG-enhanced LLM prompting can effectively summarize and organize medical information, demonstrating high potential for use in clinical settings.
Epidemiological Analysis of Confirmed Mpox Cases in Burundi, July to September 2024
Authors: Nizigiyimana Alexis , Ndikumwenayo Francois , Houben Sarah , Manirakiza Martin , van Lettow Monique , Liesenborghs Laurens , Mbala-Kingebeni Placide , Rimoin Anne W. , Bogoch Isaac I. , Kindachuk Jason
Published: September 2024

This study analyzes mpox cases in Burundi from July to September 2024, following the introduction of Clade Ib. We analyzed 607 samples from the whole population of suspected cases in the study period where 25.4% of the samples tested positive via PCR. Children under 15 comprised 55.2% of cases, with a higher proportion of female children testing positive. Geographic analysis demonstrates case concentration in Bujumbura Mairie (59.1%). These findings highlight the importance of age- and sex-specific interventions for outbreak containment and the need for targeted public health strategies in Burundi.
Genetic disease risks of under-represented founder populations in New York City
Authors: Isshiki Mariko , Griffen Anthony , Meissner Paul , Spencer Paulette , Cabana Michael D. , Klugman Susan D. , Colón Mirtha , Maksumova Zoya , Suglia Shakira , Isasi Carmen , Greally John M. , Raj Srilakshmi M.
Published: September 2024

The detection of founder pathogenic variants, those observed in high frequency only in a group of individuals with increased inter-relatedness, can help improve delivery of health care for that community. We identified 16 groups with shared ancestry, based on genomic segments that are shared through identity by descent (IBD), in New York City using the genomic data of 25,366 residents from the All Of Us Research Program and the Mount Sinai BioMebiobank. From these groups we defined 8 as founder populations, mostly communities currently under-represented in medical genomics research, such as Puerto Rican, Garifuna and Filipino/Pacific Islanders. The enrichment analysis of ClinVar pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in each group identified 202 of these damaging variants across the 8 founder populations. We confirmed disease-causing variants previously reported to occur at increased frequencies in Ashkenazi Jewish and Puerto Rican genetic ancestry groups, but most of the damaging variants identified have not been previously associated with any such founder populations, and most of these founder populations have not been described to have increased prevalence of the associated rare disease. Twenty-five of 51 variants meeting Tier 2 clinical screening criteria (1/100 carrier frequency within these founder groups) have never previously been reported. We show how population structure studies can provide insights into rare diseases disproportionately affecting under-represented founder populations, delivering a health care benefit but also a potential source of stigmatization of these communities, who should be part of the decision-making about implementation into health care delivery.

Author Summary

It is well recognized that genomic studies have been biased towards individuals of European ancestry, and that obtaining medical insights for populations under-represented in medical genomics is crucial to achieve health equity. Here, we use genomic information to identify networks of individuals in New York City who are distinctively related to each other, allowing us to define populations with common genetic ancestry based on genetic similarities rather than by self-reported race or ethnicity. In our study of >25,000 New Yorkers, we identified eight highly-interrelated founder populations, with 202 likely disease-causing variants with increased frequencies in specific founder populations. Many of these population-specific variants are new discoveries, despite their high frequency in founder populations. Studying recent genetic ancestry can help reveal population-specific disease insights that can help with early diagnosis, carrier screening, and opportunities for targeted therapies that all help to reduce health disparities in genomic medicine.
Prevalence and Mortality Trends of Hypertension Subtypes Among US Adults: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018
Authors: Tang Kevin S , Jones Jeffrey E , Fan Wenjun , Wong Nathan D
Published: September 2024

Hypertension (HTN) has been demonstrated as one of the leading risk factors for development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD mortality. This study examines the prevalence and distribution of HTN subtypes (isolated diastolic hypertension [IDH], isolated systolic hypertension [ISH], and systolic-diastolic hypertension [SDH]) across age, sex, and race/ethnicity per the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 based on the updated 2017 ACC/AHA HTN definition and their association with CVD and all-cause mortality. Among US adults, the overall prevalence of HTN is 41.1%. Across increasing age, the prevalence of IDH decreased, ISH increased, and SDH increased and peaked in the 6thdecade of life after which SDH prevalence decreased. By age 80, over 80% of persons with HTN demonstrated ISH. A sub-cohort from NHANES 1999-2008 with follow-up until 2018 showed that ISH and SDH were most strongly associated with increased risk for CVD (HR 1.20 and 1.37, p<0.01, respectively) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.17 and 1.21, p<0.01, respectively). Our data demonstrate the continuing importance of HTN subtype transitions across age and their differences in predicting future CVD and total mortality.
ConoDL: A Deep Learning Framework for Rapid Generation and Prediction of Conotoxins
Authors: Guo Menghan , Li Zengpeng , Deng Xuejin , Luo Ding , Yang Jingyi , Chen Yingjun , Xue Weiwei
Published: September 2024

Conotoxins, being small disulfide-rich and bioactive peptides, manifest notable pharmacological potential and find extensive applications. However, the exploration of conotoxins' vast molecular space using traditional methods is severely limited, necessitating the urgent need of developing novel approaches. Recently, deep learning (DL)-based methods have advanced to the molecular generation of proteins and peptides. Nevertheless, the limited data and the intricate structure of conotoxins constrain the application of deep learning models in the generation of conotoxins. We propose ConoDL, a framework for the generation and prediction of conotoxins, comprising the end-to-end conotoxin generation model (ConoGen) and the conotoxin prediction model (ConoPred). ConoGen employs transfer learning and a large language model (LLM) to tackle the challenges in conotoxin generation. Meanwhile, ConoPred filters artificial conotoxins generated by ConoGen, narrowing down the scope for subsequent research. A comprehensive evaluation of the peptide properties at both sequence and structure levels indicates that the artificial conotoxins generated by ConoDL exhibit a certain degree of similarity to natural conotoxins. Furthermore, ConoDL has generated artificial conotoxins with novel cysteine scaffolds. Therefore, ConoDL may uncover new cysteine scaffolds and conotoxin molecules, facilitating further exploration of the molecular space of conotoxins and the discovery of pharmacologically active variants. The code is available at https://github.com/xueww/ConoDL.The data and model are available at https://zenodo.org/records/10679280.
MKK4 and MKK7 control degeneration of retinal ganglion cell somas and axons after glaucoma-relevant injury
Authors: Marola Olivia J. , Syc-Mazurek Stephanie B. , Yablonski Sarah E. R. , Shrager Peter G. , John Simon W. , Libby Richard T.
Published: September 2024

Glaucoma is characterized by programmed cell death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after axonal injury. Several studies have shown the cell-intrinsic drivers of RGC degeneration act in a compartment-specific manor. Recently, the transcription factors JUN and DDIT3 were identified as critical hubs regulating RGC somal loss after mechanical axonal injury. It is possible somal DDIT3/JUN activity initiates axonal degeneration mechanisms in glaucoma. Alternatively, DDIT3/JUN may act downstream of inciting degenerative mechanisms and only drive RGC somal loss. The MAP2Ks MKK4 and MKK7 control all JNK/JUN activity and can indirectly activate DDIT3. Furthermore, MKK4/7 have been shown to drive RGC axonal degeneration after mechanical axonal injury. The present work investigated whether JUN and DDIT3, or their upstream activators MKK4 and MKK7, control degeneration of RGC axons and somas after glaucoma-relevant injury.Ddit3/Jundeletion did not prevent axonal degeneration in ocular hypertensive DBA/2J mice but prevented nearly all RGC somal loss. Despite robust somal survival,Ddit3/Jundeletion did not preserve RGC somal viability (as assessed by PERG decline and soma shrinkage) in DBA/2J mice or after glaucoma-relevant mechanical axonal injury. In contrast,Mkk4/7deletion significantly lessened degeneration of RGC somas and axons, and preserved somal function and size after axonal injury. In summary, activation of MKK4 and MKK7 appears to be the inciting mechanism governing death of the entire RGC after glaucoma-relevant injury; driving death of the RGC soma (likely through activation of DDIT3 and JUN), decline in somal viability, and axonal degeneration via DDIT3/JUN-independent mechanisms.
From friend to foe and back - Coevolutionary transitions in the mutualism-antagonism continuum
Authors: Jäger Felix , Schurr Frank M. , Allhoff Korinna Theresa
Published: September 2024

Interspecific interactions evolve along a continuum ranging from mutualism to antagonism. Evolutionary theory so far focused mostly on parts of this continuum, notably on mechanisms that enable and stabilise mutualism. These mechanisms often involve partner discrimination ensuring that interaction intensity is higher with more cooperative partners. However, the gradual trajectory of coevolutionary transitions between mutualism and antagonism remains unclear. Here, we model how discrimination ability in one partner coevolves with cooperativeness in the other and analyse the resulting evolutionary trajectories in the mutualism-antagonism continuum. We show that strong ecological change, such as a radical host shift or colonisation of a new environment, can trigger transitions in both directions including back-and-forth transitions between antagonism and mutualism. Moreover, we find an evolutionary tipping point: a stable mutualism may break down to antagonism if the cost of either mutualistic service or discrimination ability gradually increases above a threshold beyond which this transition cannot be reversed by reducing costs again. Our study provides a new perspective on the evolution of biotic interactions and hence on the dynamic structure of ecological networks.
Drivers of ecological success forEscherichia colivary among human gut microbiome samples from different individuals
Authors: Boumasmoud Mathilde , León-Sampedro Ricardo , Beusch Vera , Benz Fabienne , Hall Alex R.
Published: September 2024

Gut microbial community composition varies from one person to another. Potentially, this means the ecological interactions experienced by individual strains or species also vary among microbiomes of different people. However, testing this directly in human microbiomes and identifying associated ecological drivers is challenging. Here, we use replicated anaerobic microcosms to quantify variability of population growth for a key commensal species among microbiome samples from different individuals, and to identify underlying intra- and interspecific interactions. In a reciprocal transplant experiment, both absolute and relative growth perfomance of differentEscherichia colistrains varied among gut microbiome samples from different healthy individuals. This was partly explained by intraspecific competition: ecological success of individualE. colistrains was associated with displacement of resident conspecifics. However, the determinants ofE. coligrowth varied among samples from different individuals. In one microbiome sample with a distinctive taxonomic composition, culture acidification by resident microbes impaired growth of allE. colistrains. These results suggest inter-individual microbiome variation is a key driver of susceptibility to colonisation by incoming bacteria, impacting the relative success of different strains and thereby helping to explain the structure and diversity of human microbiomes.
First report of pathogenicLeptospirain Sri Lankan bats: A potential reservoir risk
Authors: Perera Thejanee , Schwarz Franziska , Muzeniek Therese , Siriwardana Sahan , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Perera Inoka , Handunnetti Shiroma , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Premawansa Gayani , Premawansa Sunil , Yapa Wipula , Kohl Claudia , Nitsche Andreas
Published: September 2024

Background

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spirochetes of the genusLeptospira. It affects both humans and animals, posing a significant public health threat worldwide. In Sri Lanka, leptospirosis causes annual outbreaks, particularly during the monsoon seasons. The disease is often difficult to diagnose and can have a high mortality rate. Bats are potential reservoirs forLeptospirain other countries. This study investigated the presence and diversity ofLeptospirain bats inhabiting the Wavulgalge, a natural cave in Sri Lanka.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using PCR and Sanger sequencing techniques,Leptospira borgpeterseniiandLeptospira kirschneriwere identified inMiniopterus fuliginosusandRousettus leschenaultiibats. Out of 148 bat urine samples, 16 tested positive via RT-qPCR, withM. fuliginosussamples harboringL. borgpeterseniiand oneR. leschenaultiisample harboringL. kirschnerirevealed by Sanger sequencing method.

Conclusions/Significance

These findings enhance the understanding of the zoonotic role of Sri Lankan bats inLeptospiratransmission.

Author Summary

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals, particularly in tropical regions. It spreads through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. In Sri Lanka, leptospirosis poses a significant public health challenge, with frequent outbreaks during the rainy season. However, while much research has focused on domestic animals as potential carriers, the role of bats in the transmission of this disease has not been fully explored.

In this study, we investigated whether bats in Sri Lanka can act as carriers ofLeptospirabacteria, which could contribute to the spread of leptospirosis to humans. We focused on a population of bats from the Wavulgalge cave and tested them for the presence ofLeptospirausing molecular methods. Our results provide the first evidence thatLeptospirais present in Sri Lankan bats, highlighting their potential role as a reservoir for the bacteria.

These findings are important because they suggest that bats, like rodents and livestock, could contribute to the spread of leptospirosis in Sri Lanka. Understanding which animals carry the bacteria helps inform public health strategies, allowing for more targeted surveillance and control measures. By including bats in these efforts, we can better prevent future outbreaks of leptospirosis and protect at-risk communities.

This study also contributes to the broader understanding of how wildlife can influence human health, especially in tropical environments where human-animal interactions are common. Our work emphasizes the need for a One Health approach, which considers the connections between human, animal, and environmental health, to tackle neglected diseases like leptospirosis.
Impaired excitability of fast-spiking neurons in a novel mouse model ofKCNC1epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Wengert Eric R. , Cheng Melody A. , Liebergall Sophie R. , Markwalter Kelly H. , Hong Yerahm , Arias Leroy , Marsh Eric D. , Zhang Xiaohong , Somarowthu Ala , Goldberg Ethan M.
Published: September 2024

The recurrent pathogenic variantKCNC1-p.Ala421Val (A421V) is a cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by moderate-to-severe developmental delay/intellectual disability, and infantile-onset treatment-resistant epilepsy with multiple seizure types including myoclonic seizures. Yet, the mechanistic basis of disease is unclear.KCNC1encodes Kv3.1, a voltage-gated potassium channel subunit that is highly and selectively expressed in neurons capable of generating action potentials at high frequency, including parvalbumin-positive fast-spiking GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in cerebral cortex (PV-INs) known to be important for cognitive function and plasticity as well as control of network excitation to prevent seizures. In this study, we generate a novel transgenic mouse model with conditional expression of the Ala421Val pathogenic missense variant (Kcnc1-A421V/+ mice) to explore the physiological mechanisms ofKCNC1developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Our results indicate that global heterozygous expression of the A421V variant leads to epilepsy and premature lethality. We observe decreased PV-IN cell surface expression of Kv3.1 via immunohistochemistry, decreased voltage-gated potassium current density in PV-INs using outside-out nucleated macropatch recordings in brain slice, and profound impairments in the intrinsic excitability of cerebral cortex PV-INs but not excitatory neurons in current-clamp electrophysiology.In vivotwo-photon calcium imaging revealed hypersynchronous discharges correlated with brief paroxysmal movements, subsequently shown to be myoclonic seizures on electroencephalography. We found alterations in PV-IN-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission in young adult but not juvenileKcnc1-A421V/+ mice relative to wild-type controls. Together, these results establish the impact of the recurrent Kv3.1-A421V variant on neuronal excitability and synaptic physiology across development to drive network dysfunction underlyingKCNC1epileptic encephalopathy.
Regulatory effects on virulence and phage susceptibility revealed bysdiAmutation inKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Silva-Bea Sergio , Maseda Pablo , Otero Ana , Romero Manuel
Published: September 2024

The World Health Organization has identified multi-drug resistant (MDR)Klebsiella pneumoniaestrains as the highest priority in 2024. SdiA, a LuxR-like quorum sensing (QS) receptor that responds toN-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), exerts a substantial regulatory influence on the virulence of numerous Gram-negative bacteria. The function of this receptor in the virulence ofK. pneumoniaeremains uncertain. Nevertheless, further investigation into the significance of this receptor is needed, as it represents an intriguing avenue with the potential to contribute to the development of novel antimicrobial strategies. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the function of SdiA inK. pneumoniaebiofilm formation and virulence. To this end, a genetic knockout ofsdiAwas conducted, and virulence-related phenotypic studies were performed following AHL provision. The results demonstrate that SdiA deficiency increases susceptibility to phage infection and human serum resistance, and promotes biofilm maturation and cell filamentation. No effect on virulence was observed in vivo in theGalleria mellonellainfection model. The addition ofN-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) promoted SdiA-dependent biofilm maturation but also enhanced serum resistance and reduced virulence againstG. mellonellain the absence of SdiA. The results of this study demonstrate that C6-HSL and SdiA exert a dual influence on virulence phenotypes, operating both independently and hierarchically. These findings provide new insights into the virulence ofK. pneumoniaeand its regulation by SdiA.

Importance

This study represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that govern the virulence of multi-drug resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaethrough quorum sensing (QS). The study offers insights into the function of SdiA, a QS receptor, in the regulation of biofilm formation, susceptibility to phage infection, serum resistance, and cell filamentation in this bacterium. Furthermore, the findings of this study demonstrate that exogenousN-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signalling influences the aforementioned virulence phenotypes in both a SdiA-dependent and independent manner, as well as in a hierarchical manner.
Understanding user satisfaction with physical and m-government services: evidence from LUKU in Tanzania
Authors: Ishengoma Fredrick
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the user’s perception and satisfaction level toward LUKU m-government service in Tanzania. Moreover, it specifically compares the perception and satisfaction levels between the users of m-payments and the users of physical payments.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a quantitative research method, where it collected data from 200 respondents in Tanzania. Demographic characteristics, perceptions and levels of satisfaction with one of the mobile-government services (LUKU) were analysed. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses were used to test the demographic factors, payment method, perceptions and levels of satisfaction.

Findings

Mobile payment users of LUKU m-government service in Tanzania had significantly higher scores of trust, security and overall perception and were significantly more satisfied than users of physical payments. Ease of use, convenience, reliability and overall satisfaction emerged as key predictors of both user perceptions and satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

This study's exclusive focus on the LUKU m-government service limits the generalisability of findings to other m-government contexts.

Originality/value

The study presents evidence that mobile payments are important for foster utilisation of m-government services, and that user satisfaction is crucial in strengthening both trust and security perceptions.
Interprofessional subjective experiences of EDI in a virtual healthcare working group: a collaborative ethnography
Authors: Anazodo Kemi S. , Chappell Elias , Charaf Celine , el Helou Salhab , el Helou Zoe , Evans Russell A. , Fusch Gerhard , El Gouhary Enas , White Madeline
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the experiences of diverse interprofessional participants in an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) working group with a common interest in EDI in one of the largest pediatric teaching hospitals in Canada and how the impacts of this experience extend outside of the group.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research utilized an inductive approach in line with the Gioia methodology (Gioia et al., 2013) to explore individual experiences as participants in an EDI working group. Seven group members were interviewed in-depth and engaged in storytelling and journaling to capture their experiences and perspectives. The perspectives of six members are reflected here, representing diversity across ethnicity, professions and subjective experiences, with a common interest in working together to improve EDI knowledge dissemination, training and practice in a healthcare setting in Canada.

Findings

Retrospective research activities facilitated a co-constructed account. The analysis reveals that EDI group participation is a positive learning experience for individuals described as thriving in their careers. Analysis of collaborative perspectives emphasizes how collective identity cultivates vitality in the EDI group environment. EDI group members exhibit agency as proponents of social change, navigating and negotiating institutional norms in varying professional spaces.

Research limitations/implications

The participants included members of an EDI working group in healthcare. Six perspectives are reflected here. Implications for personal experience and career development in organizations are discussed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding how participating in specific interest groups, such as a group focused on EDI, informs personal and career development. It also contributes to our understanding of intrinsic motivation, as evidenced among volunteers in this healthcare setting. Our study also depicts an environment of vitality and learning and that collective thriving can be produced and may have extra-role implications.
Between a rock and a hard place: managers’ work–family issues in the construction industry and how they compare to workers
Authors: Trottier Mélanie , Lefrançois Mélanie
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Set in the construction industry, this study aims to better understand managers’ work–family conflict (WFC) and their challenges regarding work–family (WF) issues, and to compare site workers’ and managers’ perceptions of work–family balance (WFB) practices in this male-dominated industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-method participatory design (qual-QUAN), this study was conducted in Quebec’s (Canada’s) construction industry. Semi-structured interviews with managers (n = 17) and workers (n = 20) were conducted, along with a survey of managers (n = 692) and workers (n = 789).

Findings

Triangulation of results shows that managers have significantly higher levels of WFC than workers and that the factors contributing to their WFC are similar (e.g. heavy workload, unsupportive organizational culture). The results suggest a discrepancy between workers’ and managers’ perceptions. While managers report offering a wide variety of WF measures, many of which stem from collective agreements, workers report little use of those measures.

Practical implications

Results highlight the contrast between availability and accessibility of WF measures in the construction industry and question both managers’ and workers’ possible lack of awareness of WFB measures and practices.

Originality/value

These results contribute to the literature by characterizing issues managers themselves face in the construction industry. The study also discusses managers’ support of workers in the context of their own organizational, interpersonal and individual constraints. Finally, this study contributes by paralleling data from managers and workers in the industry regarding WFB measures and policies.
Unlocking impulsive buying behavior in the metaverse commerce: a combined analysis using PLS-SEM and ANN
Authors: Duc Dang Thi Viet , Mai Lam Thao Vy , Dang Tri-Quan , Le Tung-Thanh , Nguyen Luan-Thanh
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the domain of metaverse commerce and conduct a thorough examination of the complex dynamics that contribute to impulsive purchasing behavior. This study aims to examine the impact of vividness, interactivity and effectiveness on social presence and telepresence within the metaverse, a digital landscape. Specifically, it seeks to understand how these factors influence consumers' impulsive buying behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this study consisted of distributing self-administered questionnaires via a survey. Data collection was conducted among a targeted sample of 348 participants in Vietnam who had direct experience with metaverse commerce services. Then, the collected data was subjected to analysis using two distinct methodologies: partial least squares structural equation modeling and artificial neural networks.

Findings

The findings of this study provide significant insights into the correlation between social presence, telepresence and impulsive buying behavior within the field of metaverse commerce. The research findings also indicate that the impact of social presence and telepresence on impulsive purchasing behavior is contingent upon the enhanced vividness, effectiveness and interactivity of the virtual environment.

Originality/value

The present investigation unveiled a range of linear and non-linear mechanisms that elucidate the functions of effectiveness, vividness and interactivity in facilitating the complex interplay between social presence, telepresence and impulsive buying behavior in the context of metaverse commerce. The study provides both theoretical and practical contributions to the existing body of literature on Metaverse commerce.
Factors affecting social media adoption in non-governmental organisations in disaster preparedness phase: insights from the technology-organization-environment framework
Authors: Kabra Gaurav , Dhaundiyal Mayank
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Numerous prior studies highlight the importance of social media adoption (SMA) in nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the disaster preparedness phase (DPP). However, in India, social media is underused by NGOs in their attempts to mitigate the adverse impact of the disaster. Therefore, this study aims to seek to empirically investigate the relationship between factors influencing the SMA in NGOs in the DPP in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The “Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE)” framework, integrated with organizational creativity (OC), forms the theoretical foundation of this study. Data were collected from 266 respondents representing 120 Indian NGOs using a seven-point Likert scale. To test the hypotheses, this study used a variance-based structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

The empirical findings show that relative advantage, organizational readiness (OR), top management support and government support positively influenced the SMA in NGOs during the DPP. However, compatibility and complexity do not affect the SMA. In addition, OC moderates the relationship between OR and SMA in NGOs. These results underscore the need for NGOs to develop an organizational culture that is more forward-thinking and technology oriented.

Originality/value

This study fills an important research gap in the literature by developing a research model designed to improve the SMA in NGOs during the DPP in India. Furthermore, the authors integrated OC into the TOE framework to develop and examine the relationship between factors that impact SMA.
Greening manufacturing: the role of institutional pressure and collaboration in operational performance
Authors: Rashid Aamir , Rasheed Rizwana , Altay Nezih
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Environmental concerns, government action and activism have increased the bar for how businesses operate. The United Nations also suggested sustainable performance in their SDG-12 and SDG-13 to achieve sustainability by 2030. Therefore, this research aimed to examine environmental and operational performance in the manufacturing context and how institutional pressure and manufacturing supply chain collaboration affect performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 207 manufacturing firms using purposive sampling. The hypotheses were tested through a Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling approach with the help of IBM SPSS AMOS version 22.0. The study conducted an explanatory factor analysis and found two sub-constructs (higher-order) for “institutional pressure.”

Findings

The findings illustrated that environmental performance significantly mediates the relationship between manufacturing supply chain collaboration and operational performance. The manufacturing supply chain collaboration significantly directly and indirectly affected operational performance. Likewise, institutional pressure was a crucial construct for manufacturing supply chain collaboration.

Originality/value

In earlier studies, the relationships of study variables were examined individually. However, this study validated all the relationships in an integrated model with one variable (institutional pressure) in higher order. The study is grounded in institutional and stakeholder theory and contributes to the literature on green measures. At the operational level, the research can assist managers in comprehending the function of various manufacturing supply chain players to assist the eco-friendly practices that help to achieve SDG-12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG-13 (Climate Action) by 2030.
Effect of platform gamification rewards on user stickiness
Authors: Mou Yupeng , Ma Yali , Guo Duanyang , Ding Zhihua
Published: September 2024

Purpose

With the development of e-commerce network platforms, platform enterprises have mostly completed the first stage of user accumulation during the start-up period. How to enhance users’ stickiness and stimulate their continual participation in platform business activities through innovation and platform design has become a decisive factor for platform enterprises. To increase the motivation of e-commerce platform users, this paper explores the positive impact of gamified rewards on platform user stickiness by dividing the gamified rewards design into social and functional rewards, and studies the mediating role of self-identification and the moderating role of perceived goal progress and information disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the “S-O-R” (stimulus–organism–response) model as the theoretical basis for constructing a model of user stickiness for e-commerce platforms and subdivides gamified reward design into social rewards and functional rewards to explore how they affect platform user stickiness and the boundaries of the influencing mechanism.

Findings

It turns out both types of gamified rewards promote users’ perception of self-identification, which in turn affects the intention to continue using the platform. In addition, platforms with designs about users’ quantified self-behavior – perceived goal progress in the gaming experience can effectively enhance the effectiveness of users’ gamification rewards. Information disclosure moderates the relationship between the two types of gamification design and self-identification. For functional reward designs and social reward designs, information disclosure can improve users’ self-identification and therefore enhance users’ stickiness.

Originality/value

This study verifies the impact of gamification design on platform user stickiness, confirming the mediating role of self-identification and the moderating role of perceived goal progress and information disclosure, which has theoretical and practical implications for how platform enterprise can maintain user activity in the digital context.
The impact of a collaboratively designed digital intervention on views of police legitimacy and reported young driver offending
Authors: Anderson Levi , Bates Lyndel , Schaefer Lacey
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a collaboratively designed digital road safety intervention on a sample of young drivers and their self-reported traffic offending behaviours before and after the digital intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involved surveying young drivers who shared their driving behaviours and views of police legitimacy through both in-person and online surveys. Analytical methods, including descriptives and hierarchical regressions, were used to examine the differences between participants who received the intervention versus those in a control group. Participants were also separated based on their involvement in a police-led road safety program before the intervention.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated that young drivers who received the intervention showed no improvements in their reported offending behaviour immediately following or three months following the delivery of the intervention. However, views of police legitimacy were a significant predictor and correlated with the reported offending behaviour among young drivers.

Practical implications

This study provides critical insights for policymakers and road safety educators by demonstrating the potential and limitations of digital interventions in altering young drivers’ behaviours. The findings suggest that while digital platforms can effectively communicate road safety messages, traditional face-to-face methods like the Life Awareness Workshop program may be more impactful in changing behaviours. Policymakers should consider integrating digital interventions with conventional programs to enhance their effectiveness. Additionally, fostering positive views of police legitimacy can be a crucial strategy in encouraging compliance with road rules among young drivers, thereby improving overall road safety.

Originality/value

This research indicates that while the co-design intervention proved promising to ensure that an evidence-based road safety message would be delivered to young drivers in an appropriate manner, in this case, that did not lead to any significant changes in driver behaviour. These results highlight the difficulty in reaching young drivers to affect a behaviour change digitally and indicate that further research is required.
Climate mediates the trade‐offs associated with phenotypic plasticity in an amphibian polyphenism
Authors: Kirk Mark A. , Lackey Alycia C. R. , Reider Kelsey E. , Thomas Scott A. , Whiteman Howard H.
Published: September 2024

Polyphenisms occur when phenotypic plasticity produces morphologically distinct phenotypes from the same genotype. Plasticity is maintained through fitness trade‐offs which are conferred to different phenotypes under specific environmental contexts. Predicting the impacts of contemporary climate change on phenotypic plasticity is critical for climate‐sensitive animals like amphibians, but elucidating the selective pressures maintaining polyphenisms requires a framework to control for all mechanistic drivers of plasticity.

Using a 32‐year dataset documenting the larval and adult histories of 717 Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum), we determined how annual variation in climate and density dependence explained the maintenance of two distinct morphs (terrestrial metamorph vs. aquatic paedomorph) in a high‐elevation polyphenism. The effects of climate and conspecific density on morph development were evaluated with piecewise structural equation models (SEM) to tease apart the direct and indirect pathways by which these two mechanisms affect phenotypic plasticity.

Climate had a direct effect on morph outcome whereby longer growing seasons favoured metamorphic outcomes. Also, climate had indirect effects on morph outcome as mediated through density‐dependent effects, such as long overwintering coldspells corresponding to high cannibal densities and light snowpacks corresponding to high larval densities, both of which promoted paedomorphic outcomes.

Both climate and density dependence serve as important proxies for growth and resource limitation, which are important underlying drivers of the phenotypic plasticity in animal polyphenisms. Our findings motivate new studies to determine how contemporary climate change will alter the selective pressures maintaining phenotypic plasticity and polyphenisms.