bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the antecedents of tourists’ intention to use travel tracking mobile applications to follow other travelers’ experiences
Authors: Medeiros Marcos , Ozturk Ahmet Bulent , Okumus Bendegul , Hancer Murat , Weinland Jeffrey
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and test a theoretical model investigating factors that influence travelers’ intention to use travel-related information shared by other travelers through a novel category of travel-focused mobile applications, referred to as travel-tracking mobile applications (TTMAs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from mobile app users who traveled for leisure purposes were used to test an extended version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2, adding trust and privacy concerns as new constructs to the existing framework.

Findings

The current study found empirical and significant evidence that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation and trust positively; and system privacy negatively influenced travelers’ intention to adopt TTMA to follow other travelers’ experiences.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations and directions for future research are widely explored in the final section of this study.

Practical implications

Practical implications for tourism, travel and hospitality technology companies, TTMA developers and entrepreneurs of travel-related and/or location-based mobile applications are discussed following the empirical findings of this study.

Originality/value

The current study findings add to the body of knowledge in the field of travel technology acceptance, and provide practical implications, especially for entrepreneurs and tourism technology vendors.
The influence and configuration effect of content characteristics on customer input in the context of short video platforms
Authors: Zhang Jieli , Li Chunqing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study focuses on the influence of content characteristics on customer input on short video platforms (CISVP) and the mediating role of groundedness, fun and customer inspiration as well as the asymmetric relationships among these variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the research model. Then, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to test the asymmetric relationships.

Findings

SEM shows that content originality and relevance have a direct positive effect on CISVP. Groundedness and customer inspiration partially mediate the relationship between content relevance and CISVP, and customer inspiration also partially mediate the relationship between content originality and CISVP. However, the mediating effect of fun is not significant. FsQCA reveals three configurations for high levels of CISVP. Some fsQCA results align with the SEM results but also offer additional interesting findings.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the literature on interactive marketing, short video marketing and content marketing. It also contributes to the theory of groundedness, customer inspiration and fun. Furthermore, this study has implications for individual influencers, organizational actors and platforms to encourage more CISVP.
Celebrity leaders and corporate greenwashing
Authors: Cao Tiantian , Li Weian , Zhang Yaowei , Chen Xingye
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to elucidate the causal relationship between corporate greenwashing and celebrity leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers winning the National Model Worker Award as an external shock for producing celebrity leaders and conducts a difference-in-difference (DID) estimation with listed companies from 2009 to 2022 in the Chinese context.

Findings

The findings indicate an increase in greenwashing of companies with celebrity leaders in the post-award period. Stakeholder pressure can moderate the effect of celebrity leaders on corporate greenwashing.

Originality/value

This study enriches the research on the antecedents of greenwashing and the impacts of celebrity leaders. The findings advance the understanding of the real effect of celebrity leaders on environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts and provide new insights into how celebrities respond to legitimacy pressures.
US sanctions and the reshaping of Chinese innovation strategies
Authors: Li Jianlan , Wang Yuzhi , Zeng Wang , Liang Kaibo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

As the China–US trade tensions escalate, the implementation of US sanctions has imposed severe restrictions on the innovation resources of Chinese firms. This study introduces the theory of peer effect to investigate whether US sanctions stimulate a homogenization of innovation strategies among Chinese companies in the same industry, thereby giving rise to an innovation peer effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a sample of 4,078 A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2021 and employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model for analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that US sanctions significantly stimulate innovation inputs among companies in the same industry, but concurrently, they suppress innovation outputs. Moreover, a higher degree of internationalization weakens the promotion of innovation inputs by US sanctions and amplifies the inhibitory effect on innovation outputs. A high proportion of long-term loans offsets the negative impact on innovation outputs, whereas a high proportion of short-term loans diminishes the positive impact on innovation inputs.

Research limitations/implications

This study elucidates how external shocks impact companies’ innovation capabilities within the same industry, offering a fresh perspective on understanding the influence of China–US trade tensions on innovation among Chinese firms.

Practical implications

Chinese firms should view US sanctions-induced technological challenges as opportunities, fostering breakthrough innovations through industry-academia collaboration. Balancing risk and reward is also key when navigating technological innovation and global strategies.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively reflects the impact of the US sanctions on Chinese firm innovation. It lays the foundation for analyzing the transmission mechanism of other trade policies under the framework of trade friction theory.
Professional directors (retired directors) and investment efficiency
Authors: Shiah-Hou Shin-Rong , Zhong Min-Hong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study examines the role of “Professional Directors” and their association with the quality of monitoring outcomes proxied by investment efficiency. “Professional Directors” are board members with no employment outside of serving as independent directors.

Design/methodology/approach

We collect data on directors on the board at the fiscal year-end from BoardEx from 2001 to 2019 with a sample of US publicly listed firms. We follow Richardson (2006) to measure the magnitude of abnormal investment, including overinvestment and underinvestment and use these to define investment efficiency.

Findings

We find professional directors improve investing efficiency, primarily by reducing overinvestment. Professional directors may generate higher monitoring quality through their financial expertise and CEO experience, making them effective in monitoring investment efficiency.

Practical implications

Our study suggests that a professional board enhances monitoring and advising effectiveness in the face of significant regulatory pressure to increase board diversity.

Originality/value

We use two perspectives: (1) the difference in the proxy variables of monitoring effectiveness and (2) the influence of the background of professional directors, to reasonably explain this challenge. We resolve the puzzle of the inconsistent evidence on the effectiveness of professional directors in the literature.
The double-edged sword: how cryptocurrency investments could undermine the anxiety-reducing benefits of rainy-day savings in times of economic turbulence
Authors: Bai Zefeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Rainy-day savings have been an effective measure for maintaining financial stability in times of emergency. Motivated by the rapid expansion of cryptocurrencies, the present study examines how crypto investments could moderate the beneficial outcomes of rainy-day savings for alleviating financial anxiety during the most recent economic turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study carries out multivariate logistic regression with interaction effects on the most recent 2021 cohort data from the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS).

Findings

While rainy-day savings relate to less financial anxiety, the effect varies depending on whether an individual has invested in cryptocurrencies. Specifically, this paper finds that crypto investors experience less relief in financial anxiety from rainy-day savings than non-crypto investors. Additionally, crypto investors are more susceptible to financial stressors like job loss and financial fragility, likely due to the financial loss from investing in cryptocurrencies.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the necessity of implementing policies and regulations, such as the newly approved Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, that could raise people’s awareness of the high-risk nature of cryptocurrencies as well as offering targeted financial education for crypto investors, especially during times of market downturn.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to study how crypto investments may weaken the benefits of rainy-day savings in reducing financial anxiety. The findings offer new insights into the beneficial outcomes of rainy-day savings for emergencies in light of individual crypto investment backgrounds. Additionally, findings from the present study also contain important implications given the rapid expansion of the cryptocurrency market as well as future economic turbulence.
Species‐specific root–shoot ratios in a diverse grassland community
Authors: Krak Karol , Balšánková Tereza , Šemberová Kristýna , Hadincová Věroslava , Pecháčková Sylvie , Skálová Hana , Herben Tomáš
Published: December 2024

Existing studies of root/shoot ratios (R/S) in the field show large differences among environments, from high values in unproductive environments to low values in productive environments. However, virtually, all such studies are community‐wide, that is compare biomasses of roots and shoots summed over all coexisting species. Therefore, we do not know to what extent this is due to innate interspecific differences in the R/S ratios or to plastic response to nutrient limitations. This is due to methodological difficulties in assigning roots into species, which preclude the contribution of species‐specific differences to the community‐wide R/S ratio.

These limitations can be overcome by DNA analyses. We used qPCR to determine species‐specific R/S ratios in a montane grassland and compared these values to R/S ratios from a two‐season long single‐species pot experiment. To translate the qPCR data to root biomass units, we extracted DNA from the experimental plants to perform calibration for each species and to take into account potential change during the ontogeny of root systems. We used these calibration relationships to recalculate gene copies estimated in a set of field samples to species‐specific root biomass values.

All species except one showed fairly high correlation between above‐ground biomass (determined by weighing) and below‐ground biomass (determined by qPCR) across all studied plots in the field. Root/shoot ratios determined from the field were for most species slightly lower than the aggregate values of the whole community determined by weighing both roots and above‐ground biomass. They showed significant correlation with the R/S ratios from the pot experiment, indicating innate differences among species that persist across two very different sets of conditions (multispecies community in the field, single species culture in pots).

The field R/S ratios based on qPCR root estimation are informative on the true field patterns. This is supported by their correlation with the pot‐derived values. While the values seem to be slightly underestimated, they are well in the reasonable range of values. This opens a new field of study, namely examination how R/S ratios in the field respond to changed nutrient availability and diversity and species composition of neighbouring species.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The missing discipline: Foucault, discipline and family therapy
Authors: Rhodes‐Phillips Sam
Published: December 2024

Family therapists have used the philosophy of the French critical theorist Foucault to help us think in more sophisticated ways about a range of topics, including power, society and culture. However, his work includes another key concept which has been largely neglected in family therapy: that of discipline. In this article I undertake an exploration of discipline and suggest that, by considering this element of Foucault's work, we might be able to develop more sophisticated frameworks to think about how institutions and our clients' expectations of those institutions shape what happens in the therapy room. I conclude by offering a few ideas that gesture towards what that framework might look like in therapeutic practice.
New materialism(s) and systemic psychotherapy: Does it matter? (PART 1)
Authors: Albertini Federico Maria , Christiansen Jacob Cilius Vinsten , Loh Christopher , Nijabat Nasif
Published: December 2024

This paper is one part of a two‐part series. Part one provides the theoretical groundwork for New Materialisms (NMs), while part two establishes the connections between these theoretical foundations and systemic practice. Therefore, the aim of this work is to delve into the core concepts of NMs in the field of systemic psychotherapy. Its genesis is inspired by our collaboration as doctoral students in systemic psychotherapy. New Materialisms represent a contemporary and heterogeneous movement that has emerged from the works of key proponents from diverse fields: philosophy (e.g. Deleuze and Guattari), anthropology (e.g. Viveiros de Castro and Ingold) and physics (e.g. Barad). They are characterised by a theoretical and practical ‘turn to matter.’ We will outline how NMs differentiate themselves from the ‘linguistic turn’ proposed by a moderate version of social constructionism, which we believe is endemic in much of systemic psychotherapy research and practice. We will discuss both the potential innovations that NMs could bring to the systemic psychotherapy field and the criticisms they could provoke. An invitation to consider the implications of NMs upon the systemic field is extended. Although we acknowledge that systemic psychotherapy and NMs are two disciplines driven by heterogeneous drivers, we posit that both are practices of freedom from stability and identity, which open up fields of differences where new possibilities for life can be invented.
Diversity and functional role of bacterial microbiota in spontaneous coffee fermentation in northern Peru using shotgun metagenomics
Authors: Calderon Martha S. , Bustamante Danilo E. , Perez Jhordy , Fernandez‐Güimac Samia L. J. , Mendoza Jani E. , Barboza José I. , Ayala Rosmery Y. , Carrion Jois V.
Published: December 2024

Peru is the ninth‐largest coffee producer and the largest organic coffee exporter worldwide. Specific modifications in the microbial consortia during fermentation control the flavor of coffee. It is still unclear how fermentation duration affects microbial communities. This study aimed to provide insights into the diversity and functional behavior of the bacterial microbiome during coffee fermentation in northern Peru using shotgun metagenomics. Accordingly, metagenomic DNA was extracted and sequenced from samples of the liquid fraction during the short fermentation process (SFP) in Amazonas (6 and 12 h) and long fermentation process (LFP) in Cajamarca (6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h). Our findings indicate that common (e.g., Acetobacter, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella) and unique (e.g., Acidiphilium and Methylobacterium) acid‐tolerant bacteria from the SFP and LFP play crucial roles and have a positive impact on the sensory qualities of coffee. Specifically, the LFP from San Ignacio might be associated with the high sensory quality of coffee based on the release of catalytic, hydrolase, oxidoreductase, transferase, and transporter enzymes in the InterPro and KEGG profiles. Additionally, these bacterial microorganisms metabolize several compounds (e.g., isoleucine, betaine, galactose, tryptophan, arginine, and cobalamin) into volatile compounds, mainly in the LFP, enhancing the flavor and aroma of coffees. This characteristic suggests that the LFP has a stronger effect on coffee quality than does the SFP on the basis of bacterial diversity and functional prediction. These findings provide new perspectives on the potential biotechnological uses of autochthonous microorganisms to produce superior‐quality coffee beans from northern Peru.
Assessing the association between multiple parental alcohol events and the risk of being maltreated children in a New Zealand population‐based birth cohort
Authors: Romeo Jose S. , Huckle Taisia , Lesley Vinita , Wichitaksorn Nuttanan
Published: December 2024

Background and aims

Child maltreatment is an important component of alcohol’s harm to others. No previous studies have assessed the association between multiple parental alcohol events and child maltreatment. This study aimed to measure the impact of parental alcohol‐attributable events on the incidence rate of child maltreatment events over the span of childhood and adolescence in New Zealand.

Design, setting and participants

Longitudinal analysis using the birth cohort data of all live births (n = 58 359) in New Zealand in 2000, with the cohort followed until age 17 years using linked data from the Statistics New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) from 1995 to 2017.

Measurements

Zero‐inflated negative binomial and count regression models were used to measure the association between the number of child maltreatment events [collected from publicly funded hospital discharges, Programme for the Integration of Mental Health Data (PRIMHD), Oranga Tamariki, Children’s Action Plan (CAP) and police data sets] and parental exposure to alcohol‐attributable hospitalization or service use for mental health/addiction. Potential confounders were included for parents and children.

Findings

Of 58 359 children in the cohort, 86% (50 319) had not experienced any documented maltreatment events. Among those at risk of being maltreated children, the maltreatment incidence rate ratio increased by 35.2% (95% confidence interval = 18.1–55.6%) if a child was exposed to parental alcohol‐attributable hospitalization or service use for mental health addiction events. For each additional parental alcohol‐attributable hospitalization or service use for mental health or addiction, the risk of being maltreated children increased by 12.8%.

Conclusions

In New Zealand, hazardous alcohol consumption by parents appears to be associated with child maltreatment alongside other contributing factors, in particular parental lower educational attainment.
Computers and chess masters: The role of AI in transforming elite human performance
Authors: Bilalić Merim , Graf Mario , Vaci Nemanja
Published: December 2024

Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made significant strides in recent years, often supplementing rather than replacing human performance. The extent of their assistance at the highest levels of human performance remains unclear. We analyse over 11.6 million decisions of elite chess players, a domain commonly used as a testbed for AI and psychology due to its complexity and objective assessment. We investigated the impact of two AI chess revolutions: the first in the late 1990s with the rise of powerful PCs and internet access and the second in the late 2010s with deep learning‐powered chess engines. The rate of human improvement mirrored AI advancements, but contrary to expectations, the quality of decisions mostly improved steadily over four decades, irrespective of age, with no distinct periods of rapid improvement. Only the youngest top players saw marked gains in the late 1990s, likely due to better access to knowledge and computers. Surprisingly, the recent wave of neural network‐powered engines has not significantly impacted the best players – at least, not yet. Our research highlights AI's potential to enhance human capability in complex tasks, given the right conditions, even among the most elite performers.
Social and Cultural Influences on Parental Mediation of Digital Media Use in Azerbaijan
Authors: Savadova Sabina , Plowman Lydia
Published: December 2024

We report on influences on Azerbaijani families' parental mediation strategies for managing young children's digital practices at home. Data were gathered with five families in 2019 and 2023 using the Living Journals approach. Both fathers and mothers revealed the influences of gender and cultural norms on parental mediation. Fathers held legislative power by making decisions about rules; mothers exercised executive power by implementing those rules but found the process of mediation to be in tension with their desire to be accepted as a ‘good mother’. The study revealed social and cultural influences on parents' mediation strategies that differ from those identified in countries in the Global North.
European Native Oyster Reef Ecosystems Are Universally Collapsed
Authors: zu Ermgassen Philine S. E. , McCormick Hannah , Debney Alison , Fariñas‐Franco José M. , Gamble Celine , Gillies Chris , Hancock Boze , Laugen Ane T. , Pouvreau Stéphane , Preston Joanne , Sanderson William G. , Strand Åsa , Thurstan Ruth H.
Published: December 2024

Oyster reefs are often referred to as the temperate functional equivalent of coral reefs. Yet evidence for this analogy was lacking for the European native species Ostrea edulis. Historical data provide a unique opportunity to develop a robust definition for this ecosystem type, confirm that O. edulis are large‐scale biogenic reef builders, and assess its current conservation status. Today, O. edulis occur as scattered individuals or, rarely, as dense clumps over a few m2. Yet historically, O. edulis reef ecosystems persisted at large scales (several km2), with individual reefs within the ecosystems present at the scale of several hectares. Using the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Framework, we conclude the European native oyster reef ecosystem type is collapsed under three of five criteria (A: reduction in geographic distribution, B: restricted geographic range, and D: disruption of biotic processes and interactions). Criterion C (environmental degradation) was data deficient, and Criterion E (quantitative risk analysis) was not completed as the ecosystem was already deemed collapsed. Our assessment has important implications for conservation policy and action, highlighting that the habitat definitions on which conservation policies are currently based reflect a highly shifted baseline, and that the scale of current restoration efforts falls far short of what is necessary for ecosystem recovery.
Threatened Mammals With Alien Populations: Distribution, Causes, and Conservation
Authors: Tedeschi Lisa , Lenzner Bernd , Schertler Anna , Biancolini Dino , Essl Franz , Rondinini Carlo
Published: December 2024

Many alien species are safe in their native ranges, but some are threatened. This creates a conundrum for conservation and invasion science. We analyzed the distributions, introduction pathways, threats, and conservation strategies of threatened mammals with alien populations globally. We reassessed their hypothetical IUCN Red List category including the alien part of the range. Among 230 alien mammals, 36 are threatened in their native range, either critically endangered (17%), endangered (25%), or vulnerable (58%). These species were mainly introduced for hunting and exchanged within Asia, with introduced ranges concentrated in south‐eastern Asia and eastern Australia. They face multiple threats, particularly from biological resource use. Conservation strategies are mainly related to species management. Including alien populations in the assessments reduces extinction risk of 22% of the species. Although some of these alien populations may have conservation value, conservation managers should carefully consider them on a case‐by‐case basis to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.
Depletion of Tregs from CD4+CAR‐T cells enhances the tumoricidal effect of CD8+CAR‐T cells in anti‐CD19 CAR‐T therapy
Authors: Sun Yunyan , Liu Jinyan , Zhan Dong , Wei Jia , XianShi Li , Zhang Rui , Duan Ci , Zhang Disi , Tang Xiaorong , Lin Tuo , Li Limei , Lai Xun
Published: December 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cell therapy, which targets CD19 for hematological malignancies, represents a breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. However, some patients may develop resistance to CAR‐T treatment, underscoring the importance of optimizing CAR‐T design to enhance responsiveness. Here, we investigated the impact of different subpopulations in anti‐CD19 CAR‐T cells on the tumoricidal effect. Different populations of anti‐CD19 CAR‐T cells were isolated by magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS). Their lytic activities on the acute lymphocytic leukemia cell line SUP‐B15 and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma EB‐3 cell line were examined in a co‐culture system. The anti‐tumorigenic outcome of different CAR‐T cell compositions was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model of EB‐3 cells. CD8+CAR‐T cells exhibited the most potent tumoricidal activity against SUP‐B15 and EB‐3 cells. Additionally, CD4+ T helper cells enhanced the lytic effects of CD8+ CAR‐T cells by increasing the availability of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). Depleting CD25+Treg (T regulatory) cells from CD4+CAR‐T population further augmented the tumoricidal activity of CD8+CAR‐T cells by preventing IL‐2 deprivation. Consistently, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the CD4+CD25+ Treg population dampened the antitumor activity of CD8+CAR‐T cells, while depletion of Tregs from CD4+CAR‐T cells enhanced the tumoricidal effect. These findings emphasize the potential role of CAR Treg cells in therapeutic resistance, suggesting that the depletion of Tregs in the anti‐CD19 CAR‐T population may serve as a strategy to augment the anticancer effect of CD8+CAR‐T cells.
Rapid HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation is safe and feasible: Experience from Wroclaw All Saints cohort in Poland 2017–2021
Authors: Szetela Bartosz , Bozejko Mateusz , Szymczak Aleksandra , Giniewicz Katarzyna , Gasiorowski Jacek
Published: December 2024

Introduction

HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) still faces many barriers around the world. Additional barriers such as retesting or rescheduling for result analysis and prescription might lead to abandoning PrEP initiation altogether. We wanted to explore whether there would be a significant number of alert issues among people starting PrEP that would warrant more in‐depth clinical analysis before commencing PrEP safely.

Methods

A retrospective medical data analysis of people who started PrEP at All Saints Clinic in Wroclaw, Poland between October 2017 and January 2021 was performed. Rapid (during the first visit) or delayed PrEP initiation was chosen at the discretion of the attending physician.

Results

A total of 308 people started PrEP in the analysed period and were included in the analysis. The median age was 33 years with 96.75% being men who have sex with men (MSM) and 68.5% opting for daily dosing at PrEP initiation. Most (n=233) started PrEP rapidly (i.e., during the first visit), whereas for 75 individuals the initiation was delayed by a median of 7 days. Logistic regression analysis showed that lack of test laboratory results, recent exposure or age over 50 years were reasons for delaying PrEP initiation. Median creatinine values increased from 0.93 mg/mL to 0.95 mg/mL 1 month after PrEP initiation. Despite being statistically significant (p = 0.0282, 95% CI 0.0015–0.027), the difference was not significant clinically.

Conclusions

Rapid PrEP initiation was feasible and safe while contraindications were rare. HIV infection exclusion before PrEP initiation can be streamlined by utilizing remote consultations and patient self‐interpretation of the results. Renal complications are either not clinically significant or occur rarely.
Elevated Serum Extracellular Vesicle‐Packaged SPARC in Hypertension: A Cross‐Sectional Study in a Middle‐Aged and Elderly Population
Authors: Chen Xueying , Guo Han , Li Xinwei , Liu Yang , Li Xinxin , Cui Zhengshuo , Ma Huijuan , He Jianxun , Zeng Zhechun , Zhang Huina
Published: December 2024

Elevated blood pressure has previously been associated with increased levels of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, studies on the relevance of EV cargos to hypertension are limited. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is involved in many metabolic diseases and endothelial dysfunction pathological processes. This study aimed to explore the association of serum EV‐derived SPARC with hypertension incidence. We conducted a cross‐sectional study on 125 Chinese, including 76 hypertension patients and 49 normotensive patients. Serum EVs were prepared via ultracentrifugation. The concentrations of serum EV‐derived SPARC and serum SPARC were measured by Luminex Assay. The correlations between serum EV‐derived SPARC and clinical variables were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined the association of serum EV‐derived SPARC levels with hypertension. Interaction subgroup analysis was used to evaluate the interaction of the relevant baselines on the association between serum EV‐derived SPARC levels and hypertension. Our findings revealed that the levels of SPARC derived from serum EVs were markedly elevated in individuals with hypertension, averaging 20.60 ng/mL (p < 0.01), when contrasted with the levels observed in normotensive subjects, which were 14.25 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in average. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum EV‐derived SPARC levels were positively associated with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.095; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.031–1.163; p value, 0.003), after adjusting for confounding factors. Interaction subgroup analysis demonstrated that no significant interaction with hypertension was observed for any particular covariate. The present study reveals that the elevated levels of serum EV‐derived SPARC were independently associated with hypertension.
Development of a Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Strip for Specific Detection of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Zhang Shuning , Zhang Jianbai , Gao Yan , Zhou Dandan , Zhang Binzhe , Li Xuepeng , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2024

Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Pdp) is characterised by high infectivity and mortality and wide distribution, resulting in substantial economic losses to the global aquaculture industry. Therefore, it is critical to develop a simple, rapid and accurate diagnostic method for Pdp detection. Herein, two Pdp‐specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs 1H7 and 6E6) were obtained, indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that the mAbs specifically recognised the outer membrane of Pdp but could not recognise the other Gram‐positive or Gram‐negative bacteria, indicating good specificity. A colloidal gold immunochromatographic strip (CGICS) was developed here for Pdp detection by optimising the colloidal gold labeling and antibody coating conditions using 1H7 as a colloidal gold‐labelled antibody and 6E6 as a coated antibody. The CGICS exhibited a detection limit of 1 × 105 CFU/mL for Pdp and a detection time of 10 min. Cross‐reaction analysis revealed that the CGICS could specifically detect different Pdp isolates without cross‐reaction with the other bacterial species or the subspecies P. damselae subsp. damselae. Stability analysis revealed that the CGICS were stored in closed plastic packaging at 25°C and 4°C for more than 8 months. The CGICS retained their detection limit after 6 months at 4°C, and 4 months at 25°C. Using tissues from the experimentally challenged Lateolabrax maculatus, the CGICS and polymerase chain reaction revealed a 100% coincidence rate. These findings indicated that the established CGICS exhibits high specificity and sensitivity. It is rapid and simple for Pdp detection, making it a potential on‐site tool for Pdp detection in fish aquaculture.
The photosensitive endoplasmic reticulum‐chloroplast contact site
Authors: Maynard Sara N. , Griffing Lawrence R.
Published: December 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms contact sites with the chloroplast. Exposing contact sites that contain both the chloroplast and the ER to localised high‐fluence, wavelength specific, 405 nm violet light, hereinafter referred to as photostimulation, induces multiple, potentially interacting intra‐ and intercellular responses. The responses vary depending on the tissue type of the cell and the chloroplast. Photostimulating the ER‐chloroplast contact sites in growing epidermal cells of the hypocotyl of Arabidopsis thaliana, produces a wave of cytoplasmic ionic calcium that traverses the cell, spreading radially to other cells around the circumference of the hypocotyl. A transient ER stress accompanies the calcium wave. These responses occur in older epidermal cells (5–8 days post‐germination) with nonmotile chloroplasts tethered to the ER and the cell cortex but do not occur with motile or dividing chloroplasts. Dividing chloroplasts show a markedly different association with the ER, which forms a ring around the fission plane, similar to that of dividing mitochondria. Inhibition of calcium channels with lanthanum has no effect. Photostimulation of only the ER results in no ER stress and a calcium wave with a different spatiotemporal signature: delayed release and lower magnitude, with no accompanying ER stress response. Likewise, photostimulation of the chloroplast only, without the ER, produces no calcium wave or ER stress. General chloroplast photobleaching or restructuring caused by photostimulation is not the cause of this response; photostimulation with 488 nm of the same intensity and power as 405 nm photostimulation produces no change in cytosolic calcium levels. The pH of the ER decreases, indicating the involvement of ER ion transporters in the response. A wave of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria and nuclei accompanies photostimulation. Together, these data support a model by which tethered ER‐chloroplast contact sites constitute a unique subcellular photosensitive region and are part of an ER‐mediated signalling network.

Lay Abstract: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms contact sites with the chloroplast. Shining violet (405 nm) light on the chloroplast with its associated ER produces a calcium wave through the cell that is communicated to other cells. This is correlated with a wave of transient denaturation of the luminal proteins of the ER (ER stress) and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria. The wavelength dependence and precise cellular location of the light stimulation implies a novel way for plants to sense light. The movement of the response through the cell is consistent with the mediation of the response by a subcellular network, such as that formed by the ER.
Deconstruction and Remodelling: A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Family Resilience of Disabled Elderly People in China
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Dan
Published: December 2024

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to understand the family experiences of disabled elderly people facing adversity from the perspective of family resilience and to develop a theoretical model to explain the constitution of family resilience.

Background

Family resilience is the ability of families to cope with, adapt to, and recover from significant stressors and challenges. Although some studies have focused on disabled elderly people, the components of their family resilience have received little attention.

Design

A grounded theory.

Methods

A total of 30 participants were selected by theoretical sampling, and all participants were from families with disabled elderly people in Chengdu, China. Data were obtained via semi‐structured interviews. The COREQ checklist for qualitative research was followed.

Results

A theoretical model of family resilience for disabled elderly people was established based on three categories: family organisation, family beliefs, and family relationships. Family organisations include the organisation model and resources; family beliefs include coping styles and adversity remodelling; and family relationships include communication and atmosphere.

Conclusions

These categories suggest that there are several similar components of family resilience for disabled elderly people, which can be used to understand how families cope with this challenging experience by adjusting their roles, resources, and perspectives. Our findings are believed to offer significant theoretical and practical implications for improving the resilience and well‐being of families with disabled elderly members, improving the effectiveness of caregiving services, and guiding strategies for disabled elderly individuals, their families, caregivers, and researchers.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals must recognise that disability impacts not only the individual but also the entire family system. The process of disability is slowed by early intervention, and psychological counselling services are provided to relieve stress and anxiety. Training in practical skills can be provided to build social support networks to help them cope with challenges.
Case reports of oral appliance therapy on three young adults with Down syndrome and OSA
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Kohzuka Yuuya , Bennett Kathleen M. , Almeida Fernanda R.
Published: December 2024

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) have a high incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to hypotonia, weight, underdeveloped midface, and relative macroglossia. This article presents three cases of young adults with DS, who were diagnosed with mild to severe OSA and unable to tolerate positive airway pressure therapy. These patients have been successfully treated with a custom‐made mandibular advancement device (MAD) or dual treatment with MAD and bi‐level positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. The baseline apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of the three patients were 15.5/h, 31.8/h, and 41.3/h. The follow‐up AHI after the application of MAD in three patients was 25/h (13 months after), 6/h (ODI 4%, 57 months after), and 21.8/h (21 months after), respectively. The application of MAD to treat OSA in patients with DS is a reasonable alternative when patients refuse PAP therapy. Although MAD might be less effective than PAP therapy, significant symptomatic improvement could be found in patients with DS after oral appliance therapy. The combination of MAD and PAP can decrease the PAP pressure and therefore improve adherence. This is the first case report to show that young adult patients with DS can successfully benefit from oral appliance therapy for OSA treatment.
Challenges in management of abnormal thyroid function tests in unwell infants: A tertiary centre real‐world experience
Authors: Hobbs Annabelle , Jack Michelle , Benitez‐Aguirre Paul , Srinivasan Shubha , Wotton Tiffany , Cho Yoon Hi
Published: December 2024

Aim

Abnormal thyroid function tests (TFTs) are found in a wide range of settings in hospitalised infants. This retrospective descriptive study reviewed management decisions and outcomes of these infants, identifying factors influencing clinicians' decision to treat with thyroxine.

Methods

Data were collected for all infants referred to the on‐call endocrinology service at a tertiary Australian centre for thyroid dysfunction between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2021. Electronic medical records were reviewed for birth and neonatal factors, TFTs, relevant investigations, treatment and disposition.

Results

Of 124 infants referred to the service over a 2‐year period, 43% (52 out of 120) were premature, with a high rate of comorbidities, including jaundice, hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress and cardiac anomalies. About 57% (69 out of 121) of referrals to the service were from neonatal intensive care units. Investigations to evaluate hypothyroidism included nuclear thyroid scans in 40% (46 out of 114) and ultrasound in 37% (41 out of 112). Levothyroxine treatment was initiated in 66% (77 out of 117) of infants, with 63% (73 out of 117) assigned a presumptive diagnosis of transient congenital hypothyroidism. At the end of the study period, 70% (54 out of 77) remained on thyroid replacement.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the challenge clinicians face when deciding whether to treat premature and medically unwell infants with abnormal TFTs. Further prospective studies are required to determine predictors of permanent CH in this complex population.
Co‐creating the future through design thinking: Deconstructing the consumer co‐creation process
Authors: Gemser Gerda , Calabretta Giulia , Karpen Ingo
Published: December 2024

Consumer co‐creation, an approach in which consumers and organizations jointly innovate, can yield valuable knowledge about consumers' needs and how to satisfy these needs. Yet, innovating with consumers is challenging due to their varying levels of commitment, skills, and motivations. In this research, we focus on challenges we cluster as cognition‐ and affect‐driven and examine how these challenges can be addressed using a design thinking approach. Building on the insights gained from interviews with key co‐creation stakeholders (n = 73) and three focus groups with experts in design thinking and co‐creation, we develop a grounded process model facilitating co‐creation with consumers. More specifically, we distill three co‐creation phases (labeled as co‐creating context, content, and confluence), consisting of eight constituent activities and resulting dynamics that are cognitive or affective in nature. The distilled affective dynamics manifest in ideation confidence, empathy for diverse perspectives, pleasurable engagement, and being creatively inspired; the distilled cognitive dynamics manifest in an expanded knowledge base and an enhanced ability to analyze and evaluate information. Our grounded model is integrative and responds to calls to further examine affective influences within innovation and organization. Furthermore, our research advances the theoretical substance of design thinking by explaining underlying mechanisms at play that make design thinking an effective approach. Finally, our results add to the literature on consumer co‐creation by developing a robust process model that leverages design thinking and adopts a multistakeholder approach to optimize consumer co‐creation outcomes. In terms of managerial implications, our research presents a structured framework with phases and (micro)activities that will help organizations to actively involve consumers in their innovation process.
Bias and Discrimination Against Women and Parents in Semi‐Automated Hiring Systems
Authors: Njoto Sheilla , Cheong Marc , Frermann Lea , Ruppanner Leah
Published: December 2024

Today, organizations are increasingly relying on automated hiring. The mechanization of the hiring process is assumed to render it more neutral, but a growing literature shows algorithmic decisions are as likely to be biased (Dickson, 2018). In this study, we test two types of biases: (1) gender bias; and (2) parenting bias, (i.e., whether mothers and fathers with an extended gap to care for children are penalized vis‐à‐vis those with uninterrupted employment net of equivalent high‐impact qualifications). We apply a classic counterfactual study sending gender and parenthood manipulated CVs to 211 job advertisements across three occupations (men‐dominated, women‐dominated, and gender‐balanced, to mitigate confounding variables associated with gender composition) in the United States and measure penalty‐premium bias in response rates. Our results identify semi‐automated hiring bias against parents who took leave to care for children relative to those with uninterrupted employment. Importantly, we find fathers who have an extended parental leave were the most severely penalized, followed by mothers with an extended parental leave and women and men without parental leave respectively. Ultimately, we identify gender and parenting bias in algorithmic and human hiring decisions.
Retrospective Cohort Study of Perioperative Complications in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Children Testing SARS‐CoV‐2‐Positive Within 21 Days Before Surgery
Authors: Karthic Anitra , Orgil Zandantsetseg , Kalsotra Sidhant , Cugino Michelle , Durban Adelei , Tram Nguyen K. , Rice‐Weimer Julie , Willer Brittany L. , D'Mello Ajay , Tobias Joseph D. , Olbrecht Vanessa A.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

COVID‐19 increases anesthetic risk in children, but understanding of complication differences by symptom presence and severity is limited. We hypothesized that symptomatic COVID‐19+ children, especially with lower respiratory symptoms, would have higher perioperative complications than asymptomatic patients and that complications would be higher in all patients diagnosed < 6 days before anesthesia.

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective cohort study reviewed records of children < 18 years old undergoing surgery with general anesthesia from March 1, 2020, to March 1, 2022, who tested COVID‐19+. A total of 225 patients who tested positive ≤ 10 days before anesthesia were analyzed for the primary outcome, and an additional 298 patients who tested positive ≤ 21 days before anesthesia were analyzed for secondary outcomes. Data on demographics, comorbidities, vaccination, preoperative and perioperative care, complications, and mortality were collected. Primary outcome analysis used univariate regression; secondary outcome analysis used analysis of variance.

Results

Primary Outcome: Symptomatic patients were more likely to experience postoperative respiratory complications (OR: 3.53, 1.18–10.6, p = 0.024), require postoperative medications (OR: 7.64, 2.29–25.51, p = 0.001), and require postoperative oxygen support (OR: 2.62, 1.19–5.79, p = 0.017) versus asymptomatic patients. Those with upper respiratory symptoms were less likely to require postoperative medications (OR: 0.1, 0.01–0.89, p = 0.039) and oxygen support (OR: 0.08, 0.01–0.45, p = 0.004) versus those with lower respiratory symptoms. Secondary Outcome: Patients testing COVID‐19+ < 6 days before anesthesia had longer PACU stays (p < 0.001) and more postoperative respiratory complications (p = 0.001), medication use (p = 0.038), and oxygen use (p = 0.002) versus other groups.

Discussion

Preoperative symptoms, especially of the lower respiratory tract, increased the risk for perioperative complications in children diagnosed with COVID‐19 within 10 days of surgery.

Conclusion

The presence of symptoms, particularly of the lower respiratory tract, should be strongly considered in the shared decision‐making process between providers and families when discussing the potential delay of procedures in the setting of COVID‐19.