bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving landscape of economic evaluations of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation strategies: A systematic review
Authors: Xi Min , Tan Darrell H.S. , Baral Stefan , Kugathasan Howsikan , Masucci Lisa , Skidmore Becky , MacFadden Derek R. , Thavorn Kednapa , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Economic evaluations of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and associated implementation strategies guide evidence-based policies, programmes, and resource allocation. Since 2015, there has been an evolution in PrEP modalities, implementation strategies, and prioritization of key populations with unmet HIV prevention needs, alongside the scale-up of other HIV prevention interventions. Our systematic review describes the evolving landscape of economic evaluations of PrEP to help identify evidence gaps relevant to the current HIV epidemic and response (PROSPERO: CRD42016038440). Methods: We searched five databases, without language restrictions, for peer-reviewed economic evaluations from inception to December 23, 2021. We describe the evolution of study characteristics over time, including perspective of analysis, region, population, PrEP modality/implementation strategy, and comparators. Results: Of 3877 studies identified, 87 met inclusion criteria, of which 58 examined HIV epidemics in 2015 or later and 15 adopted a societal perspective. HIV epidemics studied primarily spanned countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (N=34) and in North America (N=25). Modeled populations for receipt of PrEP primarily comprised: gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (N=47), sex workers (N=15), serodifferent partnerships (N=14), and persons who inject drugs (N=10). Most evaluated oral, daily PrEP (N=50), followed by oral, on-demand PrEP (N=9), long-acting injectable PrEP (N=5), and others (e.g., vaginal ring, topical gel; N=7). Only two studies compared different PrEP modalities with each other. One study evaluated different implementation strategies to increase PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence. Of the 82 studies that compared PrEP to a combination of other HIV prevention interventions, only 19 scaled up at least part of the comparator over time. Discussion: To support decision-making, future economic evaluations should consider costs and benefits beyond the health system and consider comparators that better reflect the current HIV response across regions and populations. The increasing availability of novel PrEP modalities allows future studies to evaluate a mix of PrEP modalities and person-centered implementation strategies. Conclusions: The growing number of PrEP economic evaluations have not kept pace with emerging PrEP modalities or the current HIV epidemic/response, resulting in challenges in making evidence-based policies, programmes, and resource allocation.
Structure-optimized sgRNA selection with PlatinumCRISPr for efficient Cas9 generation of knockouts
Authors: Haussmann Irmgard U. , Dix Thomas C. , McQuarrie David W.J. , Dezi Veronica , Hans Abdullah I. , Arnold Roland , Soller Matthias
Published: December 2024

A single guide RNA (sgRNA) directs Cas9 nuclease for gene-specific scission of double-stranded DNA. High Cas9 activity is essential for efficient gene editing to generate gene deletions and gene replacements by homologous recombination. However, cleavage efficiency is below 50% for more than half of randomly selected sgRNA sequences in human cell culture screens or model organisms. We used in vitro assays to determine intrinsic molecular parameters for maximal sgRNA activity including correct folding of sgRNAs and Cas9 structural information. From the comparison of over 10 data sets, we find major constraints in sgRNA design originating from defective secondary structure of the sgRNA, sequence context of the seed region, GC context, and detrimental motifs, but we also find considerable variation among different prediction tools when applied to different data sets. To aid selection of efficient sgRNAs, we developed web-based PlatinumCRISPr, an sgRNA design tool to evaluate base-pairing and sequence composition parameters for optimal design of highly efficient sgRNAs for Cas9 genome editing. We applied this tool to select sgRNAs to efficiently generate gene deletions inDrosophila Ythdc1andYthdf, that bind toN6methylated adenosines (m6A) in mRNA. However, we discovered that generating small deletions with sgRNAs and Cas9 leads to ectopic reinsertion of the deleted DNA fragment elsewhere in the genome. These insertions can be removed by standard genetic recombination and chromosome exchange. These new insights into sgRNA design and the mechanisms of CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing advance the efficient use of this technique for safer applications in humans.
Time-Dependent Nuclear Energy-Density Functional Theory Toolkit for Neutron Star Crust: Dynamics of a Nucleus in a Neutron Superfluid
Authors: Pęcak Daniel , Zdanowicz Agata , Chamel Nicolas , Magierski Piotr , Wlazłowski Gabriel
Published: December 2024

We present a new numerical tool designed to probe the dense layers of neutron star crusts. It is based on the time-dependent Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov theory with generalized Skyrme nuclear energy-density functionals of the Brussels-Montreal family. We use it to study the time evolution of a nucleus accelerating through superfluid neutron medium in the inner crust of a neutron star. We extract an effective mass in the low velocity limit. We observe a threshold velocity and specify mechanisms of dissipation: phonon emission, Cooper pairs breaking, and vortex rings creation. These microscopic effects are of key importance for understanding various neutron star phenomena. Moreover, the mechanisms we describe are general and apply also to other fermionic superfluids interacting with obstacles like liquid helium or ultracold gases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Digital innovation in software SMEs: the synergy of digital entrepreneurship opportunities, knowledge generation and market-sensing capabilities via moderated–mediation approach
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Sherani  , Riaz Muhammad , Zia Umair , Ali Sher , Liu Jinyan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study drawing upon opportunity-ability-motivation (OAM) theory focuses on digital entrepreneurship opportunities (DEOs), knowledge generation capabilities (EKGCs) and enterprise market-sensing capabilities (EMSC) affecting digital innovation in terms of exploitative and exploratory DIs.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing quantitative methodology on a sample of 352 software SMEs' managers, the study employed a hierarchical regression analysis to investigate whether and how digital entrepreneurship opportunities and knowledge generation capabilities support and nurture both DIs. Additionally, the moderated–mediation effect of market-sensing capabilities on the relationships among digital entrepreneurship opportunities, enterprise knowledge generation capabilities and DIs are considered.

Findings

The study findings reveal that digital entrepreneurship opportunities influence exploitative and exploratory DIs. Knowledge generation capabilities partially mediate the relationship between digital entrepreneurship opportunities and exploitative and exploratory DIs, respectively. Moreover, market-sensing capabilities strengthen not only the effect of digital entrepreneurship opportunities on knowledge generation capabilities but also the effects of knowledge generation capabilities on exploratory DI. The moderated–mediation outcomes reveal that the mediating role of knowledge generation capabilities on the relationship between digital entrepreneurship opportunities and both DIs is stronger when EMSC are high.

Originality/value

This research integrates the opportunity-ability-motivation perspective to present a comprehensive framework that reveals the intricate interdependencies among digital entrepreneurship opportunity, knowledge generation and market-sensing capabilities in driving both exploratory and exploitative digital innovation in software SMEs. This approach significantly enhances our understanding of how software SMEs can strategically strengthen their internal skills and resources, ultimately leading to superior digital innovation outcomes.
Enhancing corporate resilience: the impact of female board representation on financial distress in Jordanian companies
Authors: Alhaddad Lara , Gerged Ali Meftah , Gharaibeh Mohammad , Saidat Zaid , Aziz Tariq
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of board gender diversity on the likelihood of financial distress in 90 Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the hypotheses, this study used the panel logistic regression. In addition, this study used the two-staged Heckman regression model as a robust check. To proxy for the financial distress, the 2005 version of Altman’s Z-score for emerging markets was used.

Findings

The results indicate that female directors can reduce the likelihood of financial distress in Jordanian listed companies. These findings align with previous literature that highlights the benefits of female directors on corporate boards.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of board gender diversity on financial distress in Jordan and the Middle East and highlights several practical implications. It emphasizes the need for policymakers to develop regulations that promote gender diversity on corporate boards as a strategy to enhance stability and prevent financial distress. For corporate managers, incorporating more women into board roles could strengthen decision-making and risk management. Regulators are advised to support these changes through improved governance codes. In addition, increasing female board participation could enhance corporate responsibility, reduce bankruptcy risks and boost overall economic stability, benefiting society at large.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on green innovation: a test based on meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Haihua , Li Shujie , Gong Yanyan , Wang Ying
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on green innovation by considering the three dimensions of green innovation cognition, behavior and outcomes and to explore the role of situational and measurement factors in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a meta-analysis method to integrate 208,997 observations from 48 independent empirical studies on CSR and green innovation.

Findings

CSR positively affects green innovation cognition, behavior and outcomes. Additionally, the relationship between CSR and green innovation is stronger in Western cultural background than in Eastern ones. The impact of CSR on green innovation is also more significant in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Moreover, this study shows that the correlation between CSR and green innovation is stronger when the source of data is primary data and when green innovation is measured by non-patent methodologies.

Originality/value

This study elucidates the impact of CSR on green innovation and further clarifies the potential reasons for the divergent findings in existing related studies. The article enriches the theoretical results related to CSR and green innovation and provides valuable insights and references for corporate decision-makers.
Unravelling the complexities of carnivals: potentials and challenges for social change in Mexico
Authors: Monterrubio Carlos , Dashper Katherine
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aimed to explore the complexity of the carnival as a space that both challenges and reinforces social hierarchies, as well as a potential catalyst for social transformation for marginalised groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Participant observations were carried out at various carnival sites, with a particular emphasis on the “Carnaval de Ixtapan” in Central Mexico in 2024. These observations were supported by photographs and videos.

Findings

The carnival’s transgressive nature has led to progress in inclusivity, notably by featuring women and LGBTQ + individuals in prominent roles, thereby shifting gender and heteronormative dynamics. However, it remains predominantly male-dominated, hindering change and reinforcing existing power dynamics. While cross-dressing challenges societal norms, it can also inadvertently reinforce male supremacy, and LGBTQ + individuals often encounter resistance to their participation. Despite these challenges, the carnival’s temporary, spatial, and purposeful nature provides a platform for social change, offering visibility to marginalised groups and facilitating dialogue on diversity and inclusion.

Originality/value

This study provides rich insight into the ways in which carnival can be a mechanism for both reinforcing and challenging social norms in Latin America.
What we do not see, does exist: exploring the realities of work engagement in virtual teams
Authors: Raj Geethika , Gogoi Anannya
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to shed light on the job resources and demands of employees working in virtual teams and the impact of these job factors on their work engagement levels. Specifically, the authors focus on identifying the differing significance of employee job resources and demands on their virtual work engagement levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach grounded on abductive analysis is used to arrive at the findings. The methods for data collection include participant observation and semistructured interviews of 27 software engineers in the Indian information technology sector, working with virtual teams.

Findings

The authors identified the virtual-work-induced job demands and resources. Primarily, the authors found 14 job factors related to high and low levels of individual virtual work engagement, and classified them under eight aggregate dimensions: psychosocial hurdles, collaboration challenges, leadership and operational issues, dehumanization under job demands, supportive leadership, personal resources, alternate sources of income and learning goal orientation under job resources. Consequently, the authors built an importance–frequency work engagement map based on how these job factors are related to low and high levels of work engagement.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s qualitative nature limits the generalizability of the findings. Hence, further studies are encouraged to corroborate the findings. There is also a possibility of the social desirability bias that could have affected the results as participants may have perceived an element of risk in sharing all their honest feelings and perceptions. This may have especially been the case for those with higher status or positions in the company.

Practical implications

The findings suggest practical measures either to engage employees in their free time or to improve loyalty. There is a clear potential for the organization and virtual leader to communicate effectively about the expected goals, arrange informal interactions and reduce scrutiny of monitoring, thereby increasing the remote workers’ resources.

Originality/value

The originality of this study comes from multiple factors. First, the authors highlight ta contextual adaptation of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model into a virtual team context. By extension, the authors examine “how much” does both the job resources and demands contribute to the wellbeing of the employees working in virtual teams. Second, the authors construct an importance–frequency work engagement map (specifically for the virtual work context) based on the findings, which categorizes the observed resources and demands into four quadrants. The authors propose that this map could be a possible extension to the JD-R model, highlighting the differing significance of each resource and demand to employee work engagement.
Research on the impact of employee AI identity on employee proactive behavior in AI workplace
Authors: Qin Min , Qiu Shanshan , Li Shuqin , Jiang Zhensong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our research is to explore the role of employee AI identity in influencing employee proactive behavior and its boundary conditions in AI workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the IT identity theory and motivation theory, our research discusses the effects of employee AI identity on employee proactive behavior and regarded the proactive work intention as a mediating variable. Meanwhile, we considered organization inducement as a boundary condition and discussed the moderating effects of it and its two sub-dimensions (development rewards and material rewards). Data were collected from 326 employees and partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyzed and draw the conclusions.

Findings

Findings showed that employee AI identity significantly affects employee proactive behavior, in which the proactive work intention play a mediating role. Moreover, three subdimensions (relatedness, emotional energy, dependence) of employee AI identity have different effects on formation of employee AI identity. And organization inducement acts as a positive moderating role, development rewards and material rewards play different roles in the formation of organization inducements.

Originality/value

Our research explores the different paths that influence employee proactive behavior and their boundary moderation, while analyzing the results of these influences in different subdimensions, deepening the research on employee AI identity and organization inducement. Our research is conducive to the development of the identity theory and organizational behavior research and provide suggestions for managers to improve their organizational management level.
Exploring employability skills in UAE higher education programs using a self-assessment matrix
Authors: Carter David , Minhas Wasif , Al Hafidh Gail
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research paper explores the degree to which employability skills are embedded across educational programs in higher education (HE) institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to establish how successfully the required graduate attributes are being promoted, particularly those relating to employability.

Design/methodology/approach

An employability self-assessment matrix, adapted from one originally developed by the UK Centre for Bioscience for a similar purpose, was utilised as the research framework in this study to generate data relevant to the UAE. The tool used was a self-administered questionnaire completed by curriculum managers on the target campuses.

Findings

The findings reveal that employability skills are increasingly being integrated into curricula and that the use of a self-assessment matrix proves to be an effective tool in gauging and further improving institutional effectiveness in this area. Supporting Higher Education institutions in promoting and developing employability skills through raising awareness and targeting resources more effectively.

Originality/value

In the context of a shifting labour market landscape, this study contributes to the ongoing discussions on the importance of employability skills and how they can be effectively integrated into HE programs to enhance career prospects and economic prosperity.
Digital dynamics: exploring ICT's role in revolutionising Nigeria's trade sectors
Authors: Azu Nnanna P. , Hussaini Dambo , Chima Kate O. , Abdullahi Hassan P.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examined the influence of information and communication technology (ICT) on Nigeria's trade in sectors. Specifically, the research evaluated the effects of internet penetration, mobile phone subscriptions and fixed telephone subscriptions on exports and imports.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considered data from 1995 to 2022, highlighting ten trade sectors per standard international trade classification (SITC) single digit. It utilised the panel auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) with a preference for a pooled mean group (PMG) estimator.

Findings

The study finds that, in the short run, increases in internet penetration, mobile phone subscriptions and fixed telephone subscriptions significantly decrease export levels in Nigeria. Nonetheless, ICT advancements, particularly in mobile and fixed telephone subscriptions, significantly boost import activities by 17.9 and 41.5% in the long run, highlighting their positive impact on trade dynamics. In the long run, mobile telephone subscriptions substantially negatively affect exports. In contrast, internet penetration and fixed telephone subscriptions show no significant impact, indicating differing influences of ICT components on trade over time.

Practical implications

The study underscored the need to prioritise enhancing ICT infrastructure to boost export growth, especially in sectors identified under the SITC framework. Strategies should be developed to mitigate the negative impacts associated with ICT advancements.

Originality/value

The study used the SITC framework, which presents different export and import sectors. It offers a distinctive examination of the short- and long-term effects of ICT on Nigeria's trade sectors. It also provided valuable insights into the impact of mobile and internet technologies on exports and imports, highlighting sector-specific effects and the need for strategic resource allocation.
Status or sustainability, can we have both, please? Decoding the factors shaping eco-friendly fashion buying
Authors: Aydin Gokhan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the determinants of eco-buying behavior by incorporating individual attributes such as personality traits and personal values and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). It also explores status consumption’s potential role in motivating eco-fashion purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

Conducted through an online survey with 436 respondents in the UK, the study utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data.

Findings

The study contributes to the eco-friendly consumer behavior literature in fashion, revealing that social influence, need for uniqueness, public self-consciousness, green consumption values and prosocial attitudes significantly influence both eco-behavior and status consumption. Interestingly, while no substantial impact of status consumption on eco-behavior was observed overall, a multi-group analysis unveils distinctive perceptions and intentions. A clustering analysis identifies two significant segments (status buyers and eco-savvy fashionistas) exhibiting markedly different relationships between variables necessitating tailored marketing approaches concerning eco-fashion buying.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the study highlights the limitations of the TPB in capturing evolving consumer dynamics, calling for refined models that incorporate personal values and specific motivations to better understand sustainable consumption.

Practical implications

For “Status Buyers,” marketers should focus on their desire for uniqueness and present eco-fashion as a status symbol using social proof and influencer marketing. For “Eco-Savvy Fashionistas,” strategies should highlight environmental benefits, provide educational resources and offer tools to track environmental impact.

Originality/value

This study deepens our understanding of eco-friendly fashion purchases by accounting for the diverse perceptions and values that drive consumer behavior. Recognizing the heterogeneity within the sample reveals previously overlooked nuances in this complex decision-making process.
The structure and content of the religious tourism destination image construct: an exploratory netnography of travelers’ reviews of Makkah and Medina
Authors: Zarkada Anna K. , Kashif Muhammad , Zainab Zainab
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the structure and content of religious tourism destination image through the reviews of visitors to Makkah and Medina, two of the world’s most popular Muslim pilgrimage sites.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory netnographic study of the 913 reviews posted on TripAdvisor from 2018 to 2022. The structure (dimensions and attributes) and content (variables) comprising the construct of religious tourism destination image emerge through manual thematic analysis and confirmed through content analysis.

Findings

Religious tourism destination image is a three-dimensional – cognitive, affective and conative – construct comprising both religion-specific, generally sacred and secular variables in a single, indivisible crystallization of experience.

Practical implications

Destination marketing organizations and marketers of tourism enterprises should regularly analyze visitor reviews posted on social media and carefully manage all variables of the religious tourism destination image, specifically stressing the religious aspect.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of the structure and content of religious tourism destination image based on detailed consumer evaluations and unprompted storytelling.
The impact of strategic management accounting (SMA) facets on organisational performance: the mediating role of the use of SMA practices
Authors: Nuhu Nuraddeen , Baird Kevin , Su Sophia Xia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of the use of SMA practices on the association between SMA facets and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data based on a survey of 408 accountants working in Australian organisations.

Findings

The results of the structural equation model indicated that SMA facets were positively associated with the use of SMA practices as a package. The use of SMA practices as a package was subsequently positively associated with organisational performance, with the use of SMA practices mediating the effect of SMA facets on organisational performance. In addition, a direct association was found between SMA facets and organisational performance.

Originality/value

The findings make a significant contribution to the management accounting literature, specifically to the emerging SMA and use of management accounting practices as a package line of studies. The findings also have significant implications for practice, highlighting the need to consider the interplay between the facets of SMA and the use of SMA practices as a means of enhancing the impact of SMA.
Analyzing professional golf performance and earnings: insights from strokes gained analysis
Authors: Ehrlich Justin Andrew , Kamimoto Nicholas
Published: December 2024

Purpose

In golf, strokes gained (SG) unify different shot types under a single system, including off the tee (SG: OTT), approach (SG: APP), around the green (SG: ARG) and putting (SG: PUTT). Despite SG having equal value across types, each shot type requires different skills and physical attributes. This paper analyzes how professional golfers leverage these diverse shot types to achieve wins and maximize their earnings.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores shot type consistency, demonstrating the superior consistency of the long game compared to the short game through regression and correlation analyses. These analyses are conducted season-to-season, tournament-to-tournament and round-to-round using seven seasons of professional golf data. Additionally, we examine the types of shots that contribute to improvements within the field.

Findings

Through analyzing average gains across evenly distributed groups and employing a regression model, we find that SG: APP is the most important type of shot, followed by SG: PUTT, SG: OTT and finally SG: ARG. Additionally, when considering both empirical earnings data and a regression model, we find that SG: PUTT becomes less important. Top players primarily win their earnings through SG: APP, followed by SG: OTT, SG: PUTT and finally SG: ARG shots. Next, we examine where strokes are gained at different levels of earnings and find that SG: APP makes up most of the SG increases across the field, followed by SG: PUTT, then SG: OTT and SG: ARG.

Originality/value

In this paper, we extend previous research by analyzing the entire professional golf association field rather than focusing solely on amateurs or small sections of the professional field; we also conduct our analysis using SG instead of traditional stats.
V‐domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T‐cell activation and programmed death receptor 1 dual checkpoint blockade enhances antitumour immunity and survival in glioblastoma
Authors: Jin Shasha , Li Tao , Liu Liu , Gao Ting , Zhang Tingting , Yuan Dingyi , Di Jianwen , Guo Zhanying , Luo Zhijie , Yuan Haoliang , Liu Jun
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

The current therapy cannot meet the needs of glioblastoma (GBM). V‐domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T‐cell activation (VISTA) is significantly up‐regulated in GBM patients; however, its therapeutic potential in GBM is still unclear.

Experimental Approach

Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of VISTA and the co‐expression pattern of VISTA and programmed death receptor 1 (PD‐1) on brain infiltrating lymphocytes of GBM mice. Monoclonal antibody therapy was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of α‐VISTA monotherapy and α‐VISTA combined with α‐PD‐1 on GBM mice. Transcriptome analysis, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect changes of immune microenvironment in mouse brain tumours. Immunofluorescence and TCGA data analysis were used to further validate the combined treatment strategy on patient data.

Key Results

Compared with normal mice, the frequency of VISTA expression and co‐expression of VISTA and PD‐1 on tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumour‐bearing mice was increased. Anti‐VISTA monotherapy significantly up‐regulated multiple immune stimulation‐related pathways and moderately prolonged mouse survival time. Blocking the immune checkpoint VISTA and PD‐1 significantly prolonged the survival time of mice and cured about 80% of the mice; CD8+ T cells played an important role in this process. In addition, we found that the expression of VISTA and PD‐1 was significantly up‐regulated in GBM patients by immunofluorescence, and patients with high expression of VISTA and PD‐1 were associated with poor overall survival. This combination of blocking the immune checkpoint VISTA and PD‐1 may achieve clinical transformation in GBM.
Glucocorticoids and HPA axis regulation in the stress–obesity connection: A comprehensive overview of biological, physiological and behavioural dimensions
Authors: Lengton Robin , Schoenmakers Myrte , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Boon Mariëtte R. , van Rossum Elisabeth F. C.
Published: December 2024

Chronic stress, characterized by increased long‐term exposure to the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol, is increasingly linked to obesity development. Still, various knowledge gaps persist, including on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of the current review is to provide the latest insights on the connection between stress and obesity. We discuss three biological stress systems—the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system—and their link with obesity, with a particular focus on the HPA axis. The role of cortisol and its regulatory variations (including glucocorticoid rhythmicity and altered sensitivity) in adipose tissue biology and obesity development is discussed. Moreover, we highlight the physiological, affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions of the stress response offering a deeper understanding of how stress contributes to obesity development and vice versa. Finally, stress as a treatment target for obesity is discussed. We conclude that the link between stress and obesity is complex and multifaceted, influenced by physiological, affective, cognitive and behavioural stress response mechanisms, which especially when chronically present, play a key role in the development of obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases. This necessitates integrated approaches tailored to individual needs, including lifestyle modifications, behavioural interventions, psychosocial support and possible additional pharmacological interventions.
A Method to Distinguish Chromium‐Tanned Leathers With Low and High Risks of Surface Hexavalent Chromium
Authors: Chen Ivan , Hedberg Jonas F. , Hedberg Yolanda S.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Traces of hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), are a major concern for skin contact with Cr‐tanned leather. Current extraction methods (ISO 17075‐1:2017) for Cr(VI) testing do not necessarily reflect the true potential of surface‐formed Cr(VI), as extracted concentrations are dependent on previous storage and atmospheric conditions.

Objectives

To test whether a spiking method protocol can distinguish leathers with high and low risks of releasing Cr(VI).

Methods

Two groups of leather types were selected based on previously detected Cr(VI) (group A) and optimal tanning practices with high antioxidants (group B), corresponding to a high and low risk of forming and keeping Cr(VI). Leathers were spiked with different concentrations up to 10 mg/kg of Cr(VI) and incubated at 80°C for 24 h prior to the ISO 17075‐1:2017 extraction protocol.

Results

All Cr(VI) was reduced by group B leathers, whereas all group A leather extracts contained detectable Cr(VI) that was dependent on the exact leather type and the amount initially spiked.

Conclusion

Pre‐treatment of samples with supplemental Cr(VI) is a potential method for determining the reduction capabilities of leather, which are closely related to the risk of Cr(VI) formation. 10 mg/kg spiking unambiguously distinguished leathers with high and low risks of forming Cr(VI).
Family Planning Counseling and Practices in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Rajagopal Swathi , Ritchie Julia , Seidman Dominika , Perito Emily R. , Adey Deborah , Sarkar Monika
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Half of all female kidney transplant (KT) recipients are reproductive‐aged, though data on reproductive practices and counseling are limited.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey evaluated patient experiences, practices, and preferences surrounding contraception and pregnancy in female KT patients (listed or post‐transplant) ages 14–45 years.

Results

A total of 152/682 eligible participants (22%; 50 pre‐ and 102 post‐KT) completed the survey with 26% unaware at the time of KT that future pregnancy was possible. The majority (72%) of sexually active patients used contraception during the first year post‐KT, though 24% exclusively used high failure‐rate methods. Less than half (48%) felt their pre‐KT reproductive counseling was adequate to guide decision‐making, although 63% reported satisfaction with post‐KT counseling. Discussions with transplant providers were the single most favored counseling modality at 74%. Misconceptions of intrauterine device safety and efficacy were identified.

Conclusion

Reproductive counseling commonly occurred, although information was inadequate for guiding pregnancy and contraceptive decisions in most pre‐KT patients. Misconceptions about pregnancy potential and contraceptive efficacy and safety were common, as well as patient reliance on high‐failure contraceptive methods. Improving patient knowledge and access to contraception and pregnancy planning is essential for honoring patients’ reproductive wishes while lowering obstetric, graft, and perinatal risks in post‐KT pregnancies.
Protocol for a feasibility and acceptability study for UK general population paediatric type 1 diabetes screening—the EarLy Surveillance for Autoimmune diabetes (ELSA) study
Authors: Quinn Lauren M. , Dias Renuka P. , Greenfield Sheila M. , Richter Alex G. , Garstang Joanna , Shukla David , Acharjee Animesh , Gkoutos Georgios , Oram Richard , Faustini Sian , Boiko Olga , Litchfield Ian , Boardman Felicity , Zakia Fatima , Burt Christine , Connop Clair , Lepley Amanda , Gardner Christine , Dayan Colin , Barrett Tim , Narendran Parth
Published: December 2024

Aim

The EarLy Surveillance for Autoimmune (ELSA) study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of UK paediatric general population screening for type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We aim to screen 20,000 children aged 3–13 years for islet‐specific autoantibodies through dried blood spot sample collection at home, hospital or community settings. Children with two or more autoantibodies are offered metabolic staging via oral glucose challenge testing. Feasibility assessments will compare recruitment modalities and uptake according to demographic factors (age, gender, ethnicity, level of deprivation and family history of diabetes) to determine optimal approaches for general population screening. The study is powered to identify 60 children (0.3%) with type 1 diabetes (stage 1–3). Parents are invited to qualitative interviews following ELSA completion (child screened negative or positive, single autoantibody or multiple, stage 1–3) to share their screening experience, strengths of the programme and any areas for improvement (acceptability assessments). Parents who decline screening or withdraw from participation are invited to interview to explore any concerns. Finally, we will interview professional stakeholders delivering the ELSA study to explore barriers and facilitators to implementation.

Conclusion

Early detection of type 1 diabetes allows insulin treatment to be started sooner, avoids diagnosis as an emergency, gives families time to prepare and the opportunity to benefit from future prevention trials and treatments. ELSA will provide essential feasibility and acceptability assessments for UK general population screening to inform a future national screening programme for paediatric type 1 diabetes.
Advances in Multimodal Echocardiographic Evaluation of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy due to Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Yan Xiaobo , Meng Shuang , Wang Xin , Wang Hui
Published: December 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by recurrent complete (apneas) and partial (hypopneas) upper airway events, causing intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation. It significantly impacts the cardiovascular system, increasing the morbidity and mortality associated with various complications. Therefore, employing appropriate echocardiographic methods to assess myocardial function in OSAS patients is crucial. It can facilitate early clinical intervention, enhance the quality of life, and potentially extend patients’ survival.
Early Intervention Programme for Young Adults in Northern Italy: A 10‐Year Analysis of Socio‐Demographic and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Pellegrino R. , Bonetto C. , Isaia P. , Barcella M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Early intervention represents an opportunity to contain psychological distress and intervene promptly on conditions that, otherwise, could assume a chronic course. Based on these observations, an early intervention programme for people 18–25 years old, the ‘Progetto Giovani’ (Youth Project), was implemented in two adult mental health services (AMHSs) in the northwest of Italy.

Methods

This study aims to describe the socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients included in the Youth Project from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2022. A retrospective observational design was used.

Results

In 10 years, 323 patients were taken into care. More than half (56.3%) were females; the mean age was 20.7 years (SD 2.3). The most frequent diagnosis was anxiety disorder (38%). Seventy per cent of subjects benefitted from psychological treatment, and 60.8% had a pharmacological prescription. In 87.8% of cases, the care pathway was ≤ 24 months, and more than two‐thirds of the subjects did not go to another AMHS after discharge. More than 90% of subjects did not require hospitalisation in the psychiatric diagnostic and treatment service.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that early intervention programmes may be a valuable tool for AMHSs to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Co‐Designing of Preventive Materials Between Dental Students and Primary School Teachers to Promote Oral Health: Impact on Professional Practices for French Dental Students
Authors: Jager Stephanie , Mortier Eric , Dinet Jerome
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This paper is aiming to present an experiment involving odontology students, teachers and pupils in elementary grades to investigate the potential benefits of co‐design activities to create preventive materials to promote oral health in schools.

Materials and Methods

A total of, 110 fourth‐year students, 47 volunteers teachers and 698 pupils in Grades 1 and 2 participated in the study. This work led to the creation and distribution to teachers of appropriate tools on the dental health. We wanted to assess how the odontology students felt during this co‐design project. Each of them was asked to complete the same questionnaire twice, at the beginning and at the end of the project.

Results

Our results show that they consider that the children and their parents' knowledge of oral health is largely inadequate. Moreover, a large majority of them (75%) felt that their participation would have a positive impact on the children's future behaviour and on their own future professional practice.

Discussion

The students' participation in this experiment in co‐designing with teachers shows that offering odontology students a different kind of learning, along the lines of what is being done in the United Kingdom with service‐learning, can be beneficial both for them and for the end‐users.

Conclusion

The participation of dental students in the specific educational training activity has a positive and significant impact of their mental representation and we can hope that the emergence of this paradigm of participatory design, also known as co‐creation, can lead to strong and lasting changes in health behaviours.
Influence of the vegetation restoration age on the soil detachment of root–soil composites on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Ma Jianye , Zhang Sijing , She Fangtao , Zhao Xiaofeng , Ma Bo , Li Haibo , Wang Chenguang , Shang Yongze , Li Zhanbin
Published: December 2024

Vegetation restoration processes significantly affect near‐surface characteristics, thus affecting soil detachment. Existing research has primarily focused on analysing soil detachment via root morphological parameters and soil physical and chemical properties. However, few studies have focused on analysing the variation in soil detachment with restoration age from a mechanical parameter perspective. Natural, undisturbed soil samples were collected from five grasslands restored for 1–22 years and from one bare plot (0 years of restoration, employed as the control). The collected samples were subjected to flow scouring in hydraulic flume experiments under six stream powers. The relationship between the soil detachment rate (SDR) and the mechanical parameters of the root–soil composites, namely root cohesion and soil shear strength (τ200), were quantified to reveal the mechanical mechanism underlying soil detachment during vegetation restoration. The results indicated that the SDR decreased, whereas root cohesion increased with increasing vegetation restoration age. The dominant factors influencing the SDR changed from hydrodynamics at the early restoration stage to the mechanical properties of the root–soil composites at the late stage. An SDR model with a high prediction accuracy (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency = 0.96 and R2 = 0.96) was developed based on mechanical parameters, and the fitting effect was greater than that of the SDR prediction model developed based on root morphological parameters and soil physical and chemical properties. This study aimed to analyse the SDR variation mechanism from the perspective of mechanics and could provide reference for the study of the erosion reduction effect of roots.
A Robust and Versatile Mating Function for Two‐Sex Population Projection Models Fitting all Types of Mating Systems
Authors: Cachelou Jessica , Coste Christophe , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Chassagneux Agathe , Richard Emmanuelle , Baubet Eric , Gamelon Marlène
Published: December 2024

Commonly used two‐sex discrete‐time population projection models rely on mating functions developed for continuous‐time frameworks that overestimate the number of unions between reproductive individuals. This has important consequences for our understanding of the evolution and demography of two‐sex populations and consequently for management and conservation. Here, we propose a novel mating function that is robust by obeying all properties necessary to be ecologically valid and flexible by accommodating all mating systems and efficiency in mating encounters. We illustrate the usefulness of this novel function with an application to the sexually size‐dimorphic and polygynous wild boar (Sus scrofa). We show that the population growth rate depends on the harem size, the operational sex ratio, and the mating efficiency. This novel function can be applied to all mating systems and tactics and is highly relevant in the context of global changes under which mating systems and mating efficiency are expected to change.
Shifts in Plant Phenology Significantly Affect the Carbon Allocation in Different Plant Organs
Authors: Ren Peixin , Li Peng , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Zelin , Tang Jiayi , Zhang Cicheng , Zou Ziying , Li Tong , Peng Changhui
Published: December 2024

Earlier start of the growing season (SGS) and delayed end of the growing season (EGS) affect plant carbon uptake. However, the effects of phenological changes on carbon allocation to different plant organs remain unclear. Here, we examined the effects and potential mechanisms of phenological changes on carbon allocation to different organs over the northern hemisphere (> 30° N). We found the earlier SGS facilitated allocating carbon to roots in warm areas, and delayed EGS benefited allocating carbon to roots in dry areas. Moreover, the effects of SGS and EGS on carbon accumulation in different organs significantly enhanced over time. Path analyses indicated that phenological changes contributed to root–stem ratio mainly by regulating the growing season length. Our findings further highlight that phenological changes alter plants' investment strategies in carbon allocation for above‐ and below‐ground parts, and considering this role is critical for accurately estimating the carbon budget in terrestrial ecosystems.