bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing competitiveness through intellectual capital research: a systematic literature review and agenda for future research
Authors: Abdallah Amr S. , Amin Hala M.G. , Abdelghany Mohammed , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to undertake a systematic literature review (SLR) on intellectual capital disclosure (ICD), focusing on its role in fostering competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the SLR process, the study identified 84 papers published in high-ranking journals over a 19-year span, providing insights into descriptive outcomes, research limitations and future research directions.

Findings

The results show that ICD research peaked in 2022, with the Journal of Intellectual Capital leading with the highest number of ICD publications. Resource-based theory was found to be the most applied theoretical framework, with developed country-specific research receiving the most attention. The use of small sample size, a lack of longitudinal studies, reliance on a single source of data, unsuitability of control variables and a lack of comparative studies with firms operating in developing countries are the main limitations that have been noted.

Research limitations/implications

This study faces constraints, primarily stemming from the selective keyword utilization and exclusive Scopus database reliance. It omits non-English papers, conference proceedings and books, potentially overlooking relevant insights.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable insight for researchers, emphasizing the need for research on intellectual capital (IC) across diverse industries. Furthermore, our findings urge regulators to mandate global IC reporting to mitigate information asymmetry, while also prompting managers to enhance IC-related practices and reporting for more stakeholders’ trust.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive overview of over two decades of ICD literature, synthesizing previous studies, identifying gaps and outlining potential directions for scholars and industry professionals in the context of competitiveness.
Who gets the best of you? Coaching to develop emotional intelligence in and out of work
Authors: Wittmer Jenell Lynn-Senter
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to determine the extent to which individuals who are being coached to develop emotional intelligence utilize these competencies in their work versus their personal lives.

Design/methodology/approach

Individuals, as part of a leadership development program or stand-alone executive coaching, were asked to self-report the extent to which they utilize emotional intelligence competencies in both their work and personal lives. These individuals were questioned at two time periods (Time 1N = 172; Time 2 N = 151), six months apart.

Findings

The findings overwhelmingly support that individuals report using emotional intelligence competencies more at work than in their personal lives at both times periods. There was, however, a substantial increase in those reporting utilizing emotional intelligence competencies in their personal life after participating in executive coaching.

Originality/value

Much research has examined the positive impacts that emotional intelligence has in the workplace. However, less research has examined its impact on individuals’ personal lives. Little to no research has examined how organizational interventions can help increase the positive impact of emotional intelligence outside of the workplace.
Hybrid working – Benefits and challenges for productivity and performance
Authors: Williams Simon , Shaw Nicky
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We explore the benefits and challenges for organisations using hybrid working practices post-pandemic. We focus upon the non-profit English social housing sector; however, this research is relevant to any organisation adopting hybrid working practices. The implications for productivity and performance management of hybrid practices are currently not well understood.

Design/methodology/approach

Within this Reflective Practice work, we apply a dual-theoretic lens to a new Ways of Working tool and adopt a mixed methods approach. First scoping interviews were conducted with senior managers possessing strategic knowledge of their organisations’ approaches to hybrid working. Secondly, a large-scale survey was administered to evaluate employees’ perceptions of hybrid working, including their concerns for future impacts.

Findings

Our data identify several benefits and challenges associated with hybrid working. Reclaimed commuting time was deemed a positive benefit, alongside greater personal time, work-life balance and (for the majority) less-interrupted workspace. Challenges were identified regarding the transparency of staff reward and recognition, the potential for masked burnout and purposeful team communication.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the unique context of the pandemic and widespread, but sudden adoption of home- and hybrid working, this study can be taken as a snapshot in time as organisations recalibrate the consequences of new ways of working.

Originality/value

Despite hybrid working having been possible for decades, many articles describe typical benefits (e.g. less commuting time) and challenges (e.g. organisational culture) without fully understanding productivity and performance implications. To explore this, we extend Palvalin et al.’s (2015) Tool by establishing a theoretical foundation through the conservation of resources theory and practice theory.
Citizen satisfaction with arm's length bodies in local government: expert insights on policy and practice
Authors: Angius Virginia , van Thiel Sandra
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of citizen satisfaction (CS) as a tool for measuring performance by arm's length bodies (ALBs) in local governments across eleven countries, addressing central questions about its functionality and influencing factors.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a hybrid inductive-deductive explorative study design, characterized by an iterative interpretative approach guided by sensitizing concepts. Expert interviews are analyzed through template analysis and cover eleven countries where ALBs are present due to decentralization and outsourcing.

Findings

Our study uncovers limited real-world applications of CS in evaluating public service delivery by ALBs. Expert interviews reveal insights into factors potentially influencing CS use, such as the level of autonomy of local governments, state traditions and austerity measures. A research agenda is formulated for further investigation.

Originality/value

Contributing to the CS debate, our study focuses on its application in evaluating public service delivery by ALBs. The explorative design, expert opinions and theoretical foundations enhance understanding, offering insights into factors potentially shaping CS use in this context. The study proposes a research agenda, propelling further investigations into this underexplored, yet emerging, area.
The role of key actors in relation to discourse in a microblogging hashtag stream
Authors: Sharma Priya , Sandoval-Llanos Jose , Foster Daniel , Miller Foster Melanie
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of key network actors in relation to the discourse structure of a microblogging hashtag stream within a global agricultural educators’ conference over two years. Prior work in online networks suggests that participation is dominated by highly active members, and in this study, the authors focus on examining what types of discourse are shared and reshared by key actors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a combination of social network analyses and qualitative discourse coding to examine approximately 1,390 posts associated with the conference hashtag over two consecutive years.

Findings

The study analyses uncovered a set of common key participants over both years and common types of discourse used by those key participants. Key participants took on roles of resharing messages and contributed to discourse by retweeting posts that highlighted participants’ thoughts and feelings related to the conference and the discipline.

Research limitations/implications

This research has implications for encouraging diverse participants and diverse discourses related to key community goals. Design suggestions include identifying and inviting key actors as collaborators to reshare discourse that clearly aligns with community goals and using smaller hashtag spaces to encourage broader participation.

Originality/value

Prior work on microblogging has highlighted either the types of discourse and information sharing or the structures of the network interactions within conference hashtag streams. This study builds on this prior work and combines discourse and structure to understand the ways in which key network figures reshare discourse within the community, a facet that has been underreported in the literature.
The relationship between feminist collective action and social media engagement
Authors: Buran İrem , Sabah Şenay , Koçak Akin
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of online collective feminist actions on social media participation and the perceived value of social media as part of the social identity model of collective action (SIMCA).

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed methodology is used. Within the SIMCA model in the context of feminist collective actions, social identity, group-efficacy and fear predicted the intention of online collective action participation in the first part (quantitative) of the study. Contrary to predictions, the influence of anger on the intention to participate in collective action was negative. In-depth interviews are conducted in the study’s second (qualitative) part to investigate why individuals do not participate in collective actions despite their anger at violence against women.

Findings

The concept of online feminist collective action, from the perspective of the SIMCA model, deals with violence against women in the context of social marketing, revealing the importance of online collective actions as an antecedent of social media participation and the perceived value of social media. The possible causes of the negative impact of anger, which is an important emotion within the framework of the SIMCA model, on online feminist collective action were determined, and a contribution was made to the social marketing literature in the context of women’s rights.

Originality/value

The study makes three major contributions to the literature. First, women’s rights are addressed in the context of online collective action, an issue that has received little attention in social marketing. Second, in the context of the social identity theory of collective action, online collective feminist action and its predecessors are addressed. Finally, the Turkish case is used to highlight the probable causes of anger’s negative impact on collective action.
Rethinking informal workplace learning in times of complexity
Authors: Lokhtina Irina A. , Faller Pierre
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Fast-changing global environment, hybrid and virtual work, today’s workplace is confronted to an unprecedented level of complexity. This conceptual paper aims to explore ways to re-think and adapt informal workplace learning to those recent changes and important dimensions to consider when designing successful learning strategies in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

To let emerge interesting tensions and explore new ways to approach informal workplace learning, the authors first look at recent trends in the workplace environment, then go back to some key concepts and ideas from the literature on informal learning. The authors then present two real-life cases they experimented with as scholar-practitioners that demonstrate the importance of a relational learning environment that encompasses virtuality, adaptive challenges and vertical development.

Findings

The new environment calls for new ways to think about informal workplace learning and how to support it. More than ever, organisations should support a culture that promotes collaboration and interactions across areas of expertise, a key condition for finding solutions to complex problems. In this complex environment, where there is no one right solution, organisations will need to rely on leaders who can become role models and show others how to overcome the silo mentality, engage into collaborative reflections, generate alternatives, experiment and learn quickly from what does or does not work.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature about workplace learning. It extends the understanding of some benefits that informal workplace learning provides to employees in an attempt to become agile practitioners as the work environment quickly changes and becomes more complex.
Digital marketing capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation and franchise systems' performance
Authors: Dermonde Matheus , Brandão Fischer Bruno , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes
Published: July 2024

Purpose

We adopt the conceptual lens of the Dynamic Capabilities Approach to evaluate the relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Digital Marketing Capabilities (DMC), and Performance in Brazilian franchises.

Design/methodology/approach

We applied a survey with franchisors at the Brazilian Franchising Association Expo 2022. Data were collected for 145 franchise systems. We used Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and tested two distinct models. Model 1 presents the direct effects of EO and DMC on Performance. In Model 2 we include the mediation effect of DMC on the relationship between EO and Performance.

Findings

Aligned with prior literature, in our first model we found a direct association between EO and Performance and between DMC and Performance. In our second model, when analyzing the combination of EO and DMC, we observed a full mediation effect of DMC in the relationship between EO and performance, and an indirect effect of EO on performance.

Originality/value

We advance in the debate of the relationship between EO and Performance in the franchise context, adding to our model the DMC perspective. Findings shed light on the importance of digital marketing capabilities for franchise systems. These elements open important avenues for dedicated research to further understand how digitalization process can be redefining the drivers of performance in entrepreneurial firms.
Cultural differences and migrants’ interpretations of their voices
Authors: Austin Rosalind
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this survivor-researcher-led study is to explore the agency of voice-hearers who are migrants and/or from black and minority ethnic backgrounds in actively negotiating the gaps between their understanding of hearing voices, and those of their family, their society or the medical establishment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws four case studies of voice-hearers, who are migrants and/or from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Data were thematically analysed.

Findings

This study shows how bilingual voice-hearers related emotionally to voices in one or two languages.

Originality/value

This study is original in that it shows that bilingual voice-hearers may hear their voice/s in either their native language or second language, but that in both cases voices may embody strong positive or negative emotions.
Addressing autistic unemployment through autistic owned and led social enterprise
Authors: Zivkovic Sharon
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To address the high level of autistic unemployment it has been recommended that autistic individuals be supported to own and lead social enterprises. This paper aims to discuss what is required to create an enabling environment for autistic social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

By referring to the autism, entrepreneurship and complexity theory literature, it is argued in this conceptual article that to create the required enabling environment for autistic social entrepreneurship, business advisors need to adopt a business development approach that aligns with autistic ways of thinking. It is also agrued that a place-based autistic social enterprise support ecosystem based on a landscape of practice approach is required to bring together diverse support individuals and organisations who have different approaches to practice. Examples including personal reflections are used to support these claims.

Findings

Challenges and barriers to creating the required enabling environment are identified. Two theories of change, one focused on creating integrated service delivery and one focused on enabling the landscape of practice to transition to a more effective state, are proposed for addressing the identified challenges and barriers.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, for the first time this article identifies what is required to address the challenges and barriers in creating an enabling environment for autistic social entrepreneurship. Without addressing these challenges and barriers there is a risk that nascent autistic social entrepreneurs will be set up for failure.
Placental multimodal MRI prior to spontaneous preterm birth <32 weeks' gestation: An observational study
Authors: Hall Megan , Suff Natalie , Slator Paddy , Rutherford Mary , Shennan Andrew , Hutter Jana , Story Lisa
Published: July 2024

Objective

To utilise combined diffusion‐relaxation MRI techniques to interrogate antenatal changes in the placenta prior to extreme preterm birth among both women with PPROM and membranes intact, and compare this to a control group who subsequently delivered at term.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary Obstetric Unit, London, UK.

Population

Cases: pregnant women who subsequently spontaneously delivered a singleton pregnancy prior to 32 weeks' gestation without any other obstetric complications. Controls: pregnant women who delivered an uncomplicated pregnancy at term.

Methods

All women consented to an MRI examination. A combined diffusion‐relaxation MRI of the placenta was undertaken and analysed using fractional anisotropy, a combined T2*‐apparent diffusion coefficient model and a combined T2*‐intravoxel incoherent motion model, in order to provide a detailed placental phenotype associated with preterm birth. Subgroup analyses based on whether women in the case group had PPROM or intact membranes at time of scan, and on latency to delivery were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

Fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficients and T2* placental values, from two models including a combined T2*‐IVIM model separating fast‐ and slow‐flowing (perfusing and diffusing) compartments.

Results

This study included 23 women who delivered preterm and 52 women who delivered at term. Placental T2* was lower in the T2*‐apparent diffusion coefficient model (p < 0.001) and in the fast‐ and slow‐flowing compartments (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001) of the T2*‐IVIM model. This reached a higher level of significance in the preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes group than in the membranes intact group. There was a reduced perfusion fraction among the cases with impending delivery.

Conclusions

Placental diffusion‐relaxation reveals significant changes in the placenta prior to preterm birth with greater effect noted in cases of preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes. Application of this technique may allow clinically valuable interrogation of histopathological changes before preterm birth. In turn, this could facilitate more accurate antenatal prediction of preterm chorioamnionitis and so aid decisions around the safest time of delivery. Furthermore, this technique provides a research tool to improve understanding of the pathological mechanisms associated with preterm birth in vivo.
Implementation, intervention, and downstream costs for implementation of a multidisciplinary complex pain clinic in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Daniels Sarah I. , Cave Shayna , Wagner Todd H. , Perez Taryn A. , Edmond Sara N. , Becker William C. , Midboe Amanda M.
Published: July 2024

Objective

To determine the budget impact of implementing multidisciplinary complex pain clinics (MCPCs) for Veterans Health Administration (VA) patients living with complex chronic pain and substance use disorder comorbidities who are on risky opioid regimens.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We measured implementation costs for three MCPCs over 2 years using micro‐costing methods. Intervention and downstream costs were obtained from the VA Managerial Cost Accounting System from 2 years prior to 2 years after opening of MCPCs.

Study Design

Staff at the three VA sites implementing MCPCs were supported by Implementation Facilitation. The intervention cohort was patients at MCPC sites who received treatment based on their history of chronic pain and risky opioid use. Intervention costs and downstream costs were estimated with a quasi‐experimental study design using a propensity score‐weighted difference‐in‐difference approach. The healthcare utilization costs of treated patients were compared with a control group having clinically similar characteristics and undergoing the standard route of care at neighboring VA medical centers. Cancer and hospice patients were excluded.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Activity‐based costing data acquired from MCPC sites were used to estimate implementation costs. Intervention and downstream costs were extracted from VA administrative data.

Principal Findings

Average Implementation Facilitation costs ranged from $380 to $640 per month for each site. Upon opening of three MCPCs, average intervention costs per patient were significantly higher than the control group at two intervention sites. Downstream costs were significantly higher at only one of three intervention sites. Site‐level differences were due to variation in inpatient costs, with some confounding likely due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This evidence suggests that necessary start‐up investments are required to initiate MCPCs, with allocations of funds needed for implementation, intervention, and downstream costs.

Conclusions

Incorporating implementation, intervention, and downstream costs in this evaluation provides a thorough budget impact analysis, which decision‐makers may use when considering whether to expand effective programming.
Lung squamous cell carcinoma responding to nivolumab retreatment six years after initial treatment: A case report
Authors: Kono Kento , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Tsubata Yukari , Amano Yoshihiro , Kawakado Keita , Yanagawa Takashi , Isobe Takeshi
Published: July 2024

A 61‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of chronic cough. He was diagnosed with lung squamous cell carcinoma at clinical stage cT2aN3M1a. He received chemotherapy up to the fourth line, but both the primary tumor and lymph node metastases increased in size. Nivolumab, administered as the fifth line, resulted in a complete response (CR) that continued for 2 years and 8 months. Treatment was stopped due to the appearance of common terminology criteria for adverse events grade 1 pneumonitis. He was followed up without treatment for 3 years and 8 months, but a left supraclavicular fossa lymph node metastasis appeared. Retreatment with nivolumab was initiated, and the patient achieved CR again. One year and 6 months after retreatment, CR was maintained with nivolumab. This case represents a rare instance in which nivolumab yielded a significant response after a prolonged immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐free interval. Our experience has shown that the long‐term response to ICIs may deteriorate in the future. Therefore, retreatment with ICIs may be effective when the initial therapy is successful.
Drug survival and risk factors for ADHD medication discontinuation in adults: A Danish Nationwide Registry‐based cohort study
Authors: Ishøy Pelle Lau , Johannessen Kim Berg Engersgaard , Houmann Tine , Levin Eline , Thomsen Per Hove
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication has proven effective for treating ADHD in adults, nonetheless previous studies have shown high rates of medication discontinuation.

Objective

To assess drug survival and identify risk factors associated with discontinuation of ADHD medication.

Methods

A nationwide registry‐based cohort study in Danish adults who redeemed a prescription for ADHD medication for the first time between 2010 and 2015. All patients were followed for 5 years from the first redeemed prescription. Discontinuation was defined as a gap of 12 months between redemptions. Logistic regression analysis with odds ratio (OR) and Kaplan Meier analysis were used to examine risk factors (sex, age, socioeconomic status, substance use disorders, and comorbidities) associated with discontinuation.

Results

Twenty three thousand nine‐hundred and sixteen patients with ADHD were identified. The 5‐year overall drug survival was 29% in women vs. 23.5% in men. The risk of medication discontinuation was significantly higher in men compared to women, OR 1.26 (95% CI 1.19–1.34, p < 0.001). Adults aged 31–50 years had a significantly decreased risk of medication discontinuation compared to adults aged 18–30 years, OR 0.57 (95% CI 0.53–0.61, p < 0.001). Switching ADHD medication two times or three times or more significantly decreased the risk of discontinuation; OR 0.53 (95% CI 0.49–0.56, p < 0.001) and OR 0.26 (95% CI 0.23–0.30, p < 0.001), respectively. Substance use disorders and certain comorbidities were associated with medication discontinuation. Eating disorders, OR 0.71 (95% CI 0.64–0.78, p < 0.001), intellectual disabilities, OR 0.65 (95% CI 0.59–0.73, p < 0.001) and sleep disorders, OR 0.42 (95% CI 0.37–0.49, p < 0.001) were associated with continuation of ADHD medication.

Conclusions

The 5‐year overall drug survival was longer in women compared to men. Women with ADHD; adults aged 31–50; and patients with comorbid eating disorder; intellectual disability; sleep disorder and medication switching were individually associated with continuation of ADHD medication. Various factors were associated with medication discontinuation. Discontinuation should be acknowledged as a common phenomenon in patients with ADHD and calls for increased attention from the treatment responsible prescriber or team. Moreover, our findings suggest that timely, frequent medication switching, or temporary regimens may indeed represent optimal management strategies for a significant proportion of the ADHD population.
Mechanism of Vaginal Epithelial Cell Pyroptosis Induced by the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: Peng Yongmei , Xu Yanan , Li Sainan , Shao Mingkun , Shen Zijia , Qi Wenjin
Published: July 2024

Problem

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common mucosal fungal infection, and Candida albicans is the main causative agent. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in VVC, but the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Method of Study

Vaginal epithelial cells were divided into three groups: control, C. albicans strain SC5314 (wild‐type, WT), and WT+ Matt Cooper Compound 950 (MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor). After human vaginal epithelial cells were pretreated with 1 µmol/L MCC950 for 2 h, C. albicans (MOI = 1) was cocultured with the human vaginal epithelial cells for 12 h. The cell supernatants were collected, LDH was detected, and the IL‐1β and IL‐18 levels were determined by ELISA. The expression of the pyroptosis‐related proteins NLRP3, Caspase‐1 p20 and GSDMD was measured by Western blotting analysis. The protein expression of the pyroptosis‐related N‐terminus of GSDMD (GSDMD‐N) was detected by immunofluorescence.

Results

In this study, we showed that the WT C. albicans strain induced pyroptosis in vaginal epithelial cells, as indicated by the LDH and proinflammatory cytokine levels and the upregulated levels of the pyroptosis‐related proteins NLRP3, Caspase‐1 p20, and GSDMD‐N. MCC950 reversed the changes in the expression of these proteins and proinflammatory cytokines in vaginal epithelial cells.

Conclusion

C. albicans activated the NLRP3 inflammasome to induce vaginal epithelial cell pyroptosis. MCC950 inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced vaginal epithelial cell pyroptosis, and decreased the release of inflammatory cytokines.
Mega‐events and the minor
Authors: Wolfe Sven Daniel
Published: July 2024

Mega‐events like the Olympics and the football World Cups remain popular around the globe, regardless of their record of damaging host cities and societies. In parallel, research on mega‐events continues to grow across a range of disciplines, including geography. Much of this literature remains fixed at global levels of analysis. In this light, mega‐events suffer from a double problem: their planning and articulation too often cause harm to cities and societies and, simultaneously, research on mega‐events focuses too much on the macro. This paper endeavours to address both problems by proposing to make sense of mega‐events by thinking through the minor. This concern valorises micro scales and marginalised people, those who most often lose during mega‐event hosting. The paper argues that geographers are uniquely positioned to conduct nuanced mega‐event research across a globally diverse range of political‐economic contexts, and calls for more geographers to contribute to this project in a move towards a critical geography of mega‐events.
Initiation of lipid‐lowering therapy as primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the elderly
Authors: Vinuesa‐Hernando José Manuel , Aguilar‐Palacio Isabel , Rabanaque María José , García‐Cárdenas Victoria , Lallana María Jesús , Gamba Adriana , Malo Sara
Published: July 2024

Aims

This study aimed to analyse the initiation adherence phase to lipid‐lowering therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in a Spanish population aged 70 years or older. The secondary objective was to identify the determinants of initiation and early discontinuation.

Methods

This was an observational study conducted in the CArdiovascular Risk factors for HEalth Service research (CARhES) cohort. People aged 70 and older with a first prescription of a lipid‐lowering drug and without a previous major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) were selected (2018–2021). Data on sociodemographics, clinical conditions, drugs and use of health services were collected from clinical and administrative electronic databases. The study population was classified into: non‐initiation, early discontinuation (i.e., discontinuation after the first dispensing) and initiation with more than one dispensing. Their characteristics were compared. Determinants of initiation and early discontinuation were explored.

Results

Among the 15 019 people studied, 80.2% initiated the medication, 11.2% showed an early discontinuation and 8.6% were non‐initiators. An older age or conditions such as dementia, diabetes or depression reduced the likelihood of initiation, while obesity and a high pharmacological burden increased it. People over 90 years of age or those prescribed a statin in combination were more likely to have an early discontinuation.

Conclusions

Non‐initiation and early discontinuation are common among older people prescribed lipid‐lowering drugs as primary prevention of cardiovascular disease for the first time. The presence of chronic pathologies other than cardiovascular ones should be considered when assessing whether or not to prescribe these drugs in the elderly.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling of cefoperazone in paediatrics
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Yan Yunan , Li Sanwang , Yi Hanxi , Xie Feifan
Published: July 2024

Aims

Cefoperazone is commonly used off‐label in the treatment of bacterial meningitis and sepsis in children, and the pharmacokinetic (PK) data are limited in this vulnerable population. The goal of this study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict pediatric cefoperazone exposure for rational dosing recommendations.

Methods

A cefoperazone PBPK model for adults was first constructed using Simcyp V22 simulator. Subsequently, the model was extended to children based on the built in age‐dependent physiological parameters, while the drug characteristics remained unchanged. The verified pediatric PBPK model was then utilized to assess the rationality of the common dosing regimens for children at different age groups.

Results

Cefoperazone PBPK model included elimination via biliary excretion, glomerular filtration, and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3)‐mediated tubular secretion. 95.2% of the observed mean concentrations and 100% of the area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) in adults were within a twofold range of model mean predictions. Good predictive accuracy was also observed in children, including neonates. 50 mg/kg q12h cefoperazone demonstrated effective target attainment in virtual term neonates (<1 month) when the MIC was ≤1 mg/L, adhering to the stringent PK/PD target of 75% fT > MIC. 37.5 mg/kg q12h cefoperazone achieved the common 50% fT > MIC target for an MIC ≤ 0. 25 mg/L in virtual pediatric patients ranging from 1 month to 18 years of age.

Conclusions

A pediatric PBPK model was developed for cefoperazone, and it could serve as the basis for deriving rational dosing regimens in children.
Factorial invariance of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition, across the UK, US and Australia & New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Christopher J. , Bowden Stephen C. , Batty Abigail M. , Byrne Linda K. , Weiss Lawrence G.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study examined the factorial invariance of the factor structure of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC‐V) across the UK, US and Australia & New Zealand (A&NZ). The factorial equivalence of cognitive assessments should be demonstrated before assuming cross‐culture generalizability and interpretations of score comparisons.

Methods

Data were obtained from the UK, US and A&NZ normative standardizations of the WISC‐V. The samples consisted of 415 UK, 2200 US and 528 A&NZ children, aged 6–16. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied separately in each sample to establish the baseline model. Next, tests of factorial invariance were undertaken using the recommended hierarchical approach, firstly across the UK and A&NZ samples and then across the UK and US samples.

Results

The five‐factor first‐order scoring model was found to be excellent fit across all three samples independently. Strict factorial invariance of the WISC‐V was demonstrated firstly across the UK and A&NZ and secondly the UK and US nationally representative standardization samples. Comparison of latent means found small but significant differences in female children across the UK and A&NZ samples.

Conclusions

Consistent with previous research, these results demonstrate the generality of the WISC‐V factor structure across the UK, US and A&NZ. Furthermore, as the WISC‐V factor structure aligns with the Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) model of cognitive abilities, the results add further support to the cross‐cultural generalizability of the CHC model. Small but significant differences in latent factor scores found across samples support the development and use of local normative data.
An open‐label, prospective trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixazomib in combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone in patients with newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome
Authors: He Haiyan , Hou Nan , Chen Xi , Song Yaqi , Qiang Wanting , Liu Jin , Lu Jing , Fu Weijun , Du Juan
Published: July 2024

This open‐label, prospective trial evaluated the combination of ixazomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (ICD) in 12 newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome patients. The study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000030072). The treatment protocol consisted of 12 cycles of the ICD regimen compromising ixazomib (4 mg on Days 1, 8 and 15), oral cyclophosphamide (300 mg on Days 1, 8 and 15) and dexamethasone (20 mg weekly). A total of 12 patients received a median of 10 (range: 3–23) cycles of the ICD regimen. The haematological response could be evaluated in 10 patients. The overall haematological response rate was 80% (8/10), with 30% (3/10) achieving complete haematological response, and the overall serum VEGF response rate and neurological response were 100% and 83.3% respectively. Two patients experienced grade 3/4 AEs, including diarrhoea (n = 1) and leukopenia (n = 1). The combination of ixazomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone demonstrated both efficacy and safety in newly diagnosed POEMS syndrome, making it a viable treatment option.
Centring children's lived experiences in understanding the importance of play in hospitals
Authors: Graber Kelsey , O'Farrelly Christine , Ramchandani Paul
Published: July 2024

Background

Children have a right to participate in matters affecting their lives. With increasing regularity, children's perspectives are being sought regarding their health and health care experiences. Though there is evidence that children find play to be one of the ‘best’ aspects of hospitalisation, studies rarely focus on children's perspectives on play in hospital.

Methods

This qualitative study explored children's lived experiences of play during hospitalisation. Over five months, ethnographic observations were conducted on a paediatric oncology ward as well as interviews with 16 children ages 3–13 years.

Results

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, children's expressions and experiences illuminated three key points: safety and comfort are integral to children feeling able to play in hospital; the value and efficacy of play is decided by children; and that play is a way for patients to be (and be treated as) children first.

Conclusion

Hospitals can only be child‐friendly if children find them friendly. Listening to and integrating children's perspectives in the discourse around the importance of play in hospital is essential for respecting children's rights and delivering person‐centred paediatric healthcare.
Exploring changing trends in depression and anxiety among adolescents from 2012 to 2019: Insights from My World repeated cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Fitzgerald Amanda , Mahon Ciara , Shevlin Mark , Dooley Barbara , Reilly Aileen O.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Research has indicated a rise in the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescents over the past three decades. However, the factors underpinning increases in mental health difficulties remain poorly understood. This study examines psychological, social and environmental risk and protective factors that may explain changes in depression and anxiety among adolescents.

Methods

Data were taken from two nationally representative My World Surveys of adolescents aged 12–19 years in 2012 (N = 5,490) and 2019 (N = 9,844). Survey data on depression and anxiety and a range of potential risk (e.g., alcohol use, psychotic symptoms) and protective factors (e.g., resilience, self‐esteem) were assessed at both time points. Multiple group analyses assessed whether the predictive ability of risk/protective factors changed from wave 1 to wave 2.

Results

Results showed that the prevalence of depression and anxiety increased significantly between 2012 and 2019, particularly among females. Predictors accounted for between 37% and 61% of the variance in outcomes across waves. While some risk/protective factors were consistent predictors of depression and anxiety at both waves (e.g., bullying, discrimination, optimism), reporting female gender and having higher formal help‐seeking tendencies more strongly predicted anxiety at wave 2, while lower self‐esteem and lower resilience (personal competence) strongly predicted both depression and anxiety at wave 2.

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need to prioritize adolescent mental health service provision, especially in females. Self‐esteem and resilience are potentially important targets for supporting adolescent mental health. Further research is required to understand the causal factors associated with increases in anxiety and depression.
Towards an interdisciplinary “science of the mind”: A call for enhanced collaboration between philosophy and neuroscience
Authors: Buccella Alessandra , Maoz Uri , Mudrik Liad
Published: July 2024

In recent decades, the neuroscientific community has moved from describing the neural underpinnings of mental phenomena—as characterized by experimental psychology and philosophy of mind—to attempting to redefine those mental phenomena based on neural findings. Nowadays, many are intrigued by the idea that neuroscience might provide the “missing piece” that would allow philosophers (and, to an extent, psychologists, too) to make important advances, generating new means that these disciplines lack to close knowledge gaps and answer questions like “What is Free Will?” and “Do humans have it?.” In this paper, we argue that instead of striving for neuroscience to replace philosophy in the ongoing quest to understanding human thought and behavior, more synergetic relations should be established, where neuroscience does not only inspire philosophy but also draws from it. We claim that such a collaborative coevolution, with the two disciplines nourishing and influencing each other, is key to resolving long‐lasting questions that have thus far proved impenetrable for either discipline on its own.
Acting as causing change
Authors: Alvarez Maria
Published: July 2024

The paper defends a version of the view that agency is a causal power, the “causing view.” After sketching the view, and explaining how it differs from its rivals, various challenges are assessed. A family of objections says that causing change is neither necessary nor sufficient for acting. The second challenge centers on an Aristotelian thesis about the relation between an action (A's opening a window) and the corresponding passion (the window's being opened by A). The final objection concerns the dynamic nature of acting: the claim is that a causal view of agency cannot accommodate actions “in progress” or mere activity. I conclude that none of the objections examined presents unsurmountable problems for the causal view of agency which, at least in the version here defended, remains a highly plausible and attractive view.
Situational prevention: Pharmacotherapy during periods of increased risk for migraine attacks
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Ailani Jessica , Mullin Kathleen , Pavlovic Jelena M. , Tepper Stewart J. , Dodick David W. , Blumenfeld Andrew M.
Published: July 2024

The small molecule calcitonin gene–related peptide receptor antagonists (gepants) are the only drug class with medicines indicated for both the acute and preventive treatment of migraine. Given this dual capacity to both treat and prevent, along with their favorable tolerability profiles and lack of an association with medication‐overuse headache, headache specialists have begun to use gepants in ways that transcend the traditional categories of acute and preventive treatment. One approach, called situational prevention, directs patients to treat during the interictal phase, before symptoms develop, in situations of increased risk for migraine attacks. Herein, we present three patients to illustrate scenarios of gepant use for situational prevention. In each case, a gepant was started in anticipation of a period of increased headache probability (vulnerability) and continued for a duration of 1 day to 5 consecutive days. Although this approach may expose patients to medication when headache may not have developed, the tolerability and safety profile and preventive effect of gepants may represent a feasible approach for some patients. Situational prevention is an emerging strategy for managing migraine before symptoms develop in individuals who can identify periods when the probability of headache is high. This paper is intended to increase awareness of this strategy and stimulate future randomized, placebo‐controlled trials to rigorously assess this strategy.
Radiotherapy in the treatment of primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Wu Susan Y. , Damron Ethan P. , Xu Jie , Fang Penny Q. , Dai Julia , Nair Ranjit , Malpica Castillo Luis E. , Fayad Luis E. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Vega Francisco , Miranda Roberto N. , Duvic Madeleine , Pinnix Chelsea C. , Dabaja Bouthaina S. , Iyer Swaminathan P. , Huen Auris O. , Gunther Jillian R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PCSM‐LPD) is an increasingly recognized entity with heterogeneous management strategies that may include radiotherapy.

Objective

Our aim was to characterize treatment options for PCSM‐LPD, with a focus on the role of radiotherapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 46 patients seen in the Cutaneous Lymphoma Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, with a clinicopathologic review consistent with PCSM‐LPD. All patients were biopsied and underwent observation, topical/intralesional steroids, and/or radiotherapy. Patients were confirmed to have residual disease prior to radiotherapy.

Results

All patients achieved a complete response (CR). Sixteen patients (35%) received focal radiotherapy, with a CR in 15 (94%). The CR rate following ultra‐low‐dose radiotherapy (4 Gy in 1–2 fractions) was 92%. There was no grade 3 toxicity after radiotherapy. Thirty patients were managed without radiotherapy, with excision and observation or steroids.

Conclusion

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder has excellent outcomes, and management strategies may include observation following biopsy, steroids, or radiation. Ultra‐low‐dose radiotherapy results in excellent outcomes with limited toxicity and is effective for persistent lesions after steroidal therapy.
Effect of sodium alginate‐locust bean gum ice glazing containing different antioxidants on quality of mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus) during frozen storage
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhou Pengcheng , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: July 2024

The quality of fish is easily damaged during the frozen process, and the ice glazing technology can better maintain the quality of frozen fish. However, the traditional ice glazing technology is not yet stable and some of the properties need to be improved. This research optimised ice glazing technology by adding different antioxidants to the traditional ice glazing, which improved the stability of the ice glazing and lessened the dry consumption of mackerel during frozen storage. The lipid oxidation and protein denaturation of mackerel were inhibited with the addition of antioxidants to the ice glazing, the freshness of mackerel was maintained better, and the production of histamine was also decreased during frozen storage. It was found that the ice glazing with the addition of antioxidant bamboo leaves (AOB) had better water retention, lower TVB‐N value, and histamine content compared to the addition of theaflavins (TF) and sodium isovitamin (VC). Moreover, the sample treated by the ice glazing with AOB showed less lipid oxidation and protein denaturation. Therefore, ice glazing with the addition of AOB could be an optional method for relieving the quality deterioration of mackerel during frozen storage. This research also provides insights into the coupling of antioxidants and ice‐coating techniques.