bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time and doctoral degrees wait for no one: an autoethnography on the creation of a culture of support in an online EdD program amidst a global pandemic
Authors: Smith Jess , Werse Nicholas R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

March 2020 signaled school closures and moves online for many institutions, but an online EdD program at a midsize, Christian university featured fewer than-expected programmatic changes. Because of its modality, program operations continued with relatively few changes. Although COVID-19-related campus closures did not interrupt these students’ scheduled courses, they substantively impacted their personal and professional lives. As a result, the authors in the program-specific writing center serving these students found themselves helping them navigate not only stresses related to the already-strenuous task of writing a dissertation but also personal and professional anxieties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore and reflect on the strategies employed by a program‐specific writing center to support doctoral students during the COVID‐19 pandemic, focusing on relaxed scheduling policies, emotional support beyond writing, and fostering deeper interpersonal connections to address the unique challenges students faced during this period.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an autoethnographic exploration of their experiences to consider and examine effective strategies for supporting students in times of stress. The authors guided this inquiry by reviewing logs, notes and video recordings of sessions held or rescheduled in Spring 2020.

Findings

The authors identified three major themes in how they adjusted their approach to considering the pandemic: relaxed scheduling policies, emotional support beyond the writing process by permitting students to set the writing aside while they focused on the more immediate concerns emerging from the rapid onset of pandemic life and intentionally using the opportunity to form deeper interpersonal connections with students in their home environments.

Originality/value

As institutions reflect on lessons learned during pandemic stresses, closures and mandates, intentional exploration and reflection allow for a greater understanding of what improvements the authors can make to future practice. This uniquely positioned study offers a valuable perspective on supporting students through crisis.
The effect of surface profile and groove bottom profile on steady-state performance of dry gas seals
Authors: Xia Xinlong , Xiao Yangyi , Zhang Mengli , Jiang Jinbo , Li Canlong
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the film stiffness of a dry gas seal (DGS) through the proper design of 3D macroscopic surface structures based on numerical study.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel generalized three-dimensional (3D) geometric model is proposed to characterize macroscopic surface structures of a DGS, including grooves, waviness, radial taper and step. The mathematical model is established to simulate film pressure distribution. The effect of the surface profile and groove bottom profile on the steady-state performance of DGSs at different working conditions is investigated.

Findings

The unidirectional groove surface has the largest film stiffness at different speed conditions and the largest opening force at medium and high speed, whereas the annular groove has the largest opening force at static pressure. For obtaining the maximum film stiffness, unidirectional combined variable depth groove surface when ns = 0.4 and k = 0.5 outperforms the other unidirectional groove surfaces, whereas circumferential waviness when ns = 1 and k = 1 is the best choice among annular groove surfaces.

Originality/value

This study proposes a novel generalized 3D geometric model to characterize macroscopic surface structures of a DGS. The optimal groove bottom profile for different surface profiles of DGS is presented.
Managing quality risk in supply chain to drive firm’s quality performance: the mediating role of supply chain quality integration
Authors: Liu Xueyuan , Tse Ying Kei , Yu Yan , Huang Haoliang , Zhao Xiande
Published: December 2024

Purpose

As quality becomes increasingly prioritized in supply chain management, understanding how supply chain quality risk management (SCQRM) practices impact quality performance (QP) is essential. This study investigates the effects of two SCQRM practices – risk prevention (RP) and proactive product recall (PPR) – on QP, with a particular focus on the mediating role of supply chain quality integration (SCQI).

Design/methodology/approach

A structured survey was administered to gather data from 400 Chinese manufacturing firms. Structural equation modeling was employed to evaluate the proposed relationships among SCQRM practices (RP and PPR), SCQI and QP.

Findings

The findings reveal that both RP and PPR significantly and positively influence QP. Specifically, in the structural model, RP exerts a positive effect on SCQI, while PPR also positively impacts SCQI. Additionally, SCQI serves as a mediator between RP and QP, as well as between PPR and QP.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the supply chain management literature by elucidating the beneficial effects of RP and PPR on QP and identifying SCQI as a key mediating factor in these relationships. Leveraging information processing theory (IPT), the study provides new theoretical insights into the mechanisms through which SCQRM enhances QP via SCQI.
Does CSR contribute to firms’ open innovation? Evidence from China
Authors: Zou Hailiang , Qi Guoyou , Xie Xuemei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Open innovation enables firms to incorporate external expertise and resources into their innovations. However, it is far from easy to obtain sufficient support from external contributors due to potential concerns about the risks of opportunism and appropriation. This paper aims to investigate whether firms’ engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to their open innovation, considering the contingency factors of technological capability, environmental dynamism and state ownership based on capability and motivation perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of Chinese listed firms covering the period from 2009 to 2018, instrumental variable and propensity score matching approaches were used to address the endogenous problems.

Findings

This paper obtains empirical results showing that firms engaged in higher levels of CSR produce more joint outputs (co-owned patents) and that this effect is strengthened by technological capability and environmental dynamism. Among state-owned enterprises, CSR engagement is less impactful with regard to open innovation. It is further shown that open innovation is a primary channel through which CSR engagement enhances innovative efficiency.

Originality/value

This study enriches the knowledge of the antecedents of open innovation and contributes to the debate regarding the relationship between CSR and innovation by establishing a relationship between CSR and open innovation, whereas most prior studies focus on how the input and output of innovation are affected by CSR initiatives.
Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults
Authors: Mensah Albert Kobina , Samuel Obeng Apori , Addai Prince , Owusu-Ansah Alexander , Owusu-Ansah De-Graft Emmanuel Johnson
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks associated with the presence of PHEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti) in the soils of active, closed/abandoned/former and profile gold mine sites in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 102 soil samples from these mine sites, analysed them for their total element contents and calculated the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) (Igeo). We calculated the risks to human health by utilizing the hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adult males, adult females and children who may ingest contaminated soil particles.

Findings

The average total Cd concentration in the soils was above the global average of 0.2 mg/kg for abandoned (2.86 mg/kg), active (3.93 mg/kg) and profile (4.04 mg/kg) areas. Mercury was detected at elevated concentrations in the soil of active mines (0.92 mg/kg), profiles (0.89 mg/kg) and abandoned mines (0.87 mg/kg). In the active, abandoned and profile soils, titanium concentrations were 14.18, 6.74 and 4.82 mg/kg, respectively, in several folds above the global average of 0.57 mg/kg. The majority of the sites were contaminated with Cd, Hg and Ti based on the calculated PLI values (active = 2.04, abandoned = 1.77 and profile = 2.7). Cadmium, mercury, lead and titanium in mine spoils were found to be correlated with aluminium, iron, manganese, pH, total carbon, clay content and phosphorus in a multivariate analysis using correlation and principal component analysis.

Research limitations/implications

Both natural and anthropogenic processes contributed to the elevated metal contents in the mining sites, as indicated by the investigation’s results. The children’s hazard index values exceeded the threshold of 1.0, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic risks.

Practical implications

Green space technology (e.g. revegetation) may thus be critical for preserving public health and reviving the ecological integrity of the contaminated sites.

Originality/value

This study highlights health risks to local communities in southwest Ghana by investigating the presence of potentially harmful elements in soils from gold mining sites for the first time. It assesses non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks using a methodology recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency for soil-to-human health risk assessment, especially for children. The study highlights how contamination has been found, making green space technology essential for preserving ecological integrity and protecting public health. The inclusion of geospatial distribution mapping of PTEs offers a visual depiction of the spread of contamination at both active and closed mining sites.
Nonaka and Takeuchi knowledge management model based on institutional and infrastructure factors
Authors: Zahedi Mohamad Reza
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the knowledge management (KM) model of Nonaka and Takeuchi, focusing on institutional and infrastructure factors in a specific field of design offices in a product-oriented organization. In other words, this research does not intend to recreate the model of Nonaka and Takeuchi, but seeks to expand and modify this model according to the specific context and institutional and infrastructure factors that may specifically affect the effectiveness of the model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used two distinct questionnaires, administered to the same set of respondents, to comprehensively address different dimensions of KM. The first questionnaire, focused on KM components, assessed aspects such as knowledge creation, sharing and utilization. The second questionnaire evaluated institutional and infrastructural factors critical to KM, covering dimensions like organizational culture, values, leadership, context, hardware, software and network systems. This dual-questionnaire approach is justified, as it allows for a detailed and differentiated analysis: one tool captures the operational aspects of KM, while the other explores the supporting infrastructure. This methodology ensures that the study accurately measures both the effectiveness of KM practices and the adequacy of the supporting environment, thus providing a robust assessment of the KM system.

Findings

This study identifies seven key factors influencing KM processes: organizational culture, values, leadership, context, hardware, software and network systems. These factors shape how knowledge is created, shared and used, and support proposed modifications to the Nonaka and Takeuchi KM model. Using the TOPSIS method, this study found that organizational context, culture and values rank above average, while KM policies are moderate, and information technology is below average in the design offices of a product-oriented organization in Tehran. Further research in different sectors could help validate these findings.

Originality/value

This study introduces a novel enhancement to the Nonaka and Takeuchi KM model by incorporating a comprehensive analysis of institutional and infrastructural factors. Unlike existing models, which primarily focus on generalized KM principles, this research uniquely integrates specific factors such as organizational culture, leadership and technological infrastructure. The originality of this work lies in its tailored approach for product-oriented organizations, offering a more precise and actionable framework for improving KM practices. This advancement not only deepens theoretical insights but also provides practical value by addressing the specific needs and dynamics of the target organizations.
Dense afforestation reduces plant–pollinator network diversity and persistence
Authors: Pérez‐Gómez Álvaro , Godoy Oscar , Ojeda Fernando , Repeto‐Deudero Irene , Kaiser‐Bunbury Christopher , Simmons Benno I.
Published: December 2024

Tree plantations are considered as a solution to reduce the impacts of climate change and can enhance biodiversity. Consequently, many tree planting schemes around the world have been started to achieve these dual objectives.

However, many of these tree plantations are being implemented without proper design or post‐plantation management, often overlooking potential long‐term effects on biodiversity. Therefore, it is essential to identify which aspects of tree plantations can negatively impact biodiversity. Such knowledge is vital to design new plantations and manage existing ones, such that they do not pose threats or additional costs to the conservation of natural ecosystems.

To this end, we conducted an observational study in the Mediterranean heathland habitat of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. This treeless habitat, locally known as herriza, has been planted with pine trees until the onset of the 21st century. This historical tree plantation presents a unique natural experiment to assess the long‐term effect of tree cover, measured as canopy openness, on several community properties of plant, pollinators and their network of interactions.

Our results reveal a strong positive relationship between canopy openness and floristic diversity and abundance. This means that, as we increase tree cover, plant diversity is reduced. We found this has consequences for pollinator diversity and plant–pollinator networks, the latter exhibiting declines in stability. Furthermore, we reveal the importance of woody blooming plants in comparison to non‐woody ones which, despite their greater importance for pollinators, they are the most impacted. These findings underscore the importance of tree cover for severely affecting multiple properties of plant–pollinator networks at different levels of organization.

Overall, this knowledge indicates that high tree cover in plantations conducted 50 years ago is incompatible with maintaining and conserving plant–pollinator networks in natural treeless habitats, at least in the herriza. Actions that want to avoid negative long‐term effects of tree plantations on plant–pollinator communities should consider existing biodiversity before planting and refrain from achieving high tree cover values.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
CEO–CFO Compatibility and Audit Risk
Authors: Bowen Robert M. , Jollineau S. Jane , Lyon Sarah C. , Malhotra Shavin , Zhu Pengcheng
Published: December 2024

This study examines the influence of CEO–CFO compatibility (proxied by the similarity of their personalities) on audit risk (proxied by audit fees). Relying on similarity‐attraction theory, we posit that alignment between the CEO's and CFO's personalities − specifically their ‘Big Five’ traits − enhances internal communication, information sharing and decision‐making processes within the organization. This alignment, in turn, reduces audit risk associated with the firm's financial reporting. We test our theory using firm fixed effects and find that greater CEO–CFO personality similarity is associated with reduced audit fees. Further, we find that the tenure of the CEO–CFO relationship partially explains the relation between their personality similarity and audit fees. Finally, we find that the effect of CEO–CFO personality similarity on audit fees is stronger when corporate governance allows greater managerial autonomy, that is, CEO–CFO compatibility is more important for reducing audit risk when corporate governance is weak. Our results are robust after controlling for many other characteristics of the CEO and CFO and potential endogeneity related to CEO turnover.
Future‐Making Power: A Study of Competing Imagined Futures in Healthcare
Authors: Hungnes Tonje , Hoholm Thomas , Clegg Stewart
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a conceptual model of strategies of power in future‐making, informed by a case study in the healthcare sector. In zooming out from investigating the future‐making activities of an organizational innovation project team and tracing competing imagined futures enacted by medical professionals and strategic management, this study explains how and why the project struggled to realize its mandate. In this case, we identify three strategies of power, namely mobilization, discipline and discretion, and discuss their potential controversies and combinations. Moreover, we contribute to theories on discretionary power, demonstrating how it is produced by combining interdiscursivity with management control and nondecision. Strategies of discretion are productive in the realm of future‐making, particularly in exploiting forces of discipline and mobilization to enable parallel imagined futures to be created and maintained over time. On the downside, this may keep competing imagined futures hostage, potentially serving non‐transparent agendas.
The temporality of memory politics: An analysis of Russian state media narratives on the war in Ukraine
Authors: Khlevniuk Daria , GN  , Noordenbos Boris
Published: December 2024

This paper seeks to enhance memory studies' conceptual toolkit by reconsidering established perspectives on “memory politics.” The paper theorizes various modes of temporal connectivity cultivated through politicized references to a shared past. Our empirical case is focused on a collection of roughly 5.000 recent articles about the war in Ukraine from major Russian state‐aligned news outlets. We analyze and typologize the narrative and rhetorical gestures by which these articles make the Soviet “Great Patriotic War” and the post‐Soviet “special military operation” speak to one another, both prior to and following the full‐scale invasion of Ukraine. The analysis demonstrates that even in contemporary Russia's tightly controlled, propagandistic mass media ecology, politicized uses of memory foster diverse temporal structures within the propaganda narratives. We present a typology of these relations, mapping the distinct modes and intensities of connections between past and present. At one end of the spectrum, we identify a mode of temporal organization that presents past events and figures as fully detached from the present, available solely for historiographic reflection. At the other end, we find narratives that entirely collapse historical distance, addressing contemporary audiences as participants in a timeless war drama, with stakes that transcend any specific historical period. We propose that the presented typology may be applicable beyond our specific case. As a tool for analyzing the hitherto understudied organization of time in politicized articulations of memory, it could be employed in various cultural and political contexts. Furthermore, our approach can serve as a foundation for future research into the actual persuasive and affective impact that specific temporal modalities may have on their target audiences.
Pre‐Existing and Gestational Diabetes and Risk of Maternal Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Orrin Molly , Barber Emilia , Grainge Matthew J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Women who are pregnant are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which persists for up to 3 months following childbirth. Diabetes is known to increase the risk of serious cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective

To comprehensively review literature on the extent to which pre‐existing or gestational diabetes influences the risk of VTE in both pregnancy and postpartum.

Search Strategy

We used Medline, Embase and Google Scholar to identify observational studies published up to 2 November 2023.

Selection Criteria

Studies which quantified the relationship between diabetes on antepartum and/or postpartum VTE, and which provide separate data for pre‐existing and gestational diabetes.

Data Collection and Analysis

Results were pooled, where appropriate, using random‐effects meta‐analysis.

Main Results

Twenty one studies from Europe, the United States and Asia were included. There was an increased risk of antepartum VTE in women with gestational diabetes (RR = 2.48, 95% CI 1.47 – 4.16, I2= 45%, 4 studies) but not pre‐existing diabetes (RR = 1.71, 0.43 – 6.77, I2= 68%, 2 studies). For postpartum VTE, there was no clear association with either pre‐existing (RR = 1.28, 0.73 – 2.24, I2= 73%, 6 studies) or gestational (RR = 1.39, 0.77 – 2.51, I2= 70%, 10 studies) diabetes.

Conclusions

Our results will provide some reassurance for pregnant women with pre‐existing or gestational diabetes, owing to no clear evidence of an increased risk of maternal VTE. While some studies report a raised risk of VTE during antepartum specifically, results must be interpreted in light of high levels of heterogeneity.
Improving perinatal depression screening uptake: The impact of Medicaid reimbursement policy in Massachusetts
Authors: Jeung Chanup , Attanasio Laura B. , Geissler Kimberley H.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the Massachusetts Medicaid program's reimbursement policy change for perinatal depression screening on utilization rates.

Study Setting and Design

This study employed a difference‐in‐differences design to compare insurance‐paid prenatal and postpartum depression screening rates as well as postpartum antidepressant receipt rates between Medicaid and privately insured individuals before and after policy implementation in May 2016.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

Data are from the 2014–2020 Massachusetts All‐Payer Claims Database. The study included individuals with a live birth from October 10, 2014, to December 31, 2019, who were continuously insured either by Medicaid or private insurance.

Principal Findings

Among 141,085 births, 42.6% were covered by Medicaid. Among those with Medicaid, 1.9% had a paid postpartum depression screening prior to the policy and 16.9% after (1.5% vs. 12.3% for prenatal screening); among privately insured, 3.8% had a paid postpartum screening prior to the policy and 10.6% after (0.9% vs. 6.7% for prenatal screening). Antidepressant receipt rose from 6.9% to 8.3% among Medicaid enrollees and from 3.3% to 4.9% among privately insured individuals after the policy. After regression adjustment, implementation of the Massachusetts Medicaid reimbursement policy was positively associated with perinatal depression screening rates with a differential increase of 10.0 percentage points (p < 0.001) for postpartum screening and 3.5 percentage points (p < 0.001) for prenatal screening among Medicaid enrollees versus privately insured. Despite increased depression screening, the policy was not associated with a statistically significant change in antidepressant receipt among Medicaid enrollees compared to privately insured individuals.

Conclusions

Separate payment for perinatal depression screening significantly improved screening rates among Medicaid beneficiaries, highlighting Medicaid's critical role in identifying mental health needs for vulnerable populations. However, the persistence of sub‐optimal screening rates among perinatal individuals underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure universal screening and effective treatment for perinatal depression.
Development of a LAMP protocol to identify the parasitoid Carcelia iliaca from oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processioneae) larval tissue to understand and enhance biocontrol management plans
Authors: Miller Kyle Alexander , Boonham Neil , Evans Darren Mark , Hoppit Andrew , Morris Jake , Kitson James John Neil
Published: December 2024

Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) (OPM) Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) is a serious forestry pest and risk to public health in the UK. The economic and environmental cost of chemical pesticides in managing OPM has driven the need for sustainable, strategies which fit into integrated pest management frameworks, including the use of novel biocontrol methods such as conservation biocontrol.

Carcelia iliaca Ratzeburg, 1840 (Diptera: Tachinidae), a specific parasitoid of OPM, is currently the main biocontrol agent of the UK OPM population. However, basic information on C. iliaca life history and rates of parasitism are currently lacking, partly driven by the risks OPM pose to human health, making both study and incorporation of biocontrol into management plans difficult.

Here, we design and validate a molecular diagnostic assay based on loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect C. iliaca from OPM larval tissue samples collected in the field, overcoming the challenges of studying problematic invasive species such as these.

To assess assay performance, diagnostic sensitivity, which was 91%, and specificity, which was 75%, are used alongside limit of detection (600 pg). We discuss the wider applications for LAMP as a cost‐effective tool for studying the natural enemies of insect pests which can be used to inform conservation biocontrol management strategies.
Knowledge of dementia: A cross‐sectional survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and health‐care workers providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Authors: Bryant Jamie , Freund Megan , McGhie Alexandra , Walsh Justin , Rumbel Jennifer , Davis Robert , Leigh Lucy , Leask Sarah
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To examine (1) the knowledge of dementia among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and health‐care workers providing care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; (2) the factors associated with higher levels of knowledge about dementia.

Methods

An online cross‐sectional survey was conducted. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members were recruited through social media advertisements and an online market research platform. Health‐care workers (general practitioners, nurses, Aboriginal health workers and allied health professionals) were recruited via emailed invitations from a peak body and a community service organisation. Participants answered an online survey containing 34 true/false items examining knowledge of dementia. Separate linear regressions were used to examine the factors associated with higher levels of knowledge about dementia among community members and health‐care workers.

Results

Two hundred and twenty individuals (74 community members and 146 health‐care workers) participated. The overall mean knowledge of dementia score for all participants was 26.80 (SD = 4.43). Health‐care workers had higher knowledge (M = 27.23, SD = 4.66) than community members (M = 25.96, SD = 3.82, p = .04). Community members with higher levels of education answered 6% (95% CI 1%–11%) more items correctly than participants with lower levels of education. General practitioners and nurses had significantly higher knowledge of dementia; however, health‐care workers who provided care to a family member or friend living with dementia had significantly lower knowledge of dementia.

Conclusion

Novel approaches are needed to increase knowledge of dementia amongst both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and health‐care workers who provide care to ensure culturally sensitive and effective support.
The effect of self‐control on impulsive consumption with the moderators of family socioeconomic status and peer feedback
Authors: Zhao Guojun , Liu Xinrui , Tan Haixin , Yang Songbin
Published: December 2024

To better understand the relationship between self‐control and impulsive consumption in different conditions of family SES and peer feedback among Chinese college students, we conducted longitudinal and experimental studies. In Study 1, a total of 326 participants completed the Chinese Consumer Impulsive Purchase Tendency Scale, the Chinese Self‐Control Scale and two types of family SES indicators. The results indicated that trait self‐control negatively predicts impulsive consumption tendency, with this effect being stronger in high family SES conditions compared to low family SES conditions. In Study 2, we recruited 148 participants who completed the Stroop task, the simulation method of peer feedback, the Impulsive Consumption Tendency Scale and the Impulsive Consumption Behaviour Scale. The findings revealed that the interaction of state self‐control and peer feedback has an impact on impulsive consumption. Specifically, when receiving rational peer feedback, participants with high‐state self‐control (i.e., in non–ego‐depletion condition) exhibited a weaker impulsive consumption tendency than those with low‐state self‐control (i.e., in ego‐depletion condition). Therefore, our study demonstrates the relationship between self‐control and impulsive consumption, as well as the moderative effects of family SES and peer feedback.
Improving social anxiety in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual individuals through avatar customization and communication
Authors: Yokotani Kenji , Takano Masanori , Abe Nobuhito , Kato Takahiro A.
Published: December 2024

Discrimination and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) individuals exacerbate social anxiety. Communication via avatars in virtual communities may be an effective strategy to reduce related symptoms. This study measured social anxiety in LGBTQIA+ and non‐LGBTQIA+ individuals among Japanese users of Pigg Party, a massively multiplayer online game, in physical and virtual communities that use avatars for communication. They answered questions on social anxiety in physical and virtual communities and avatar identification (i.e., the degree of identification of the avatar with the self). The number of avatar customizations and amount of communication via avatars (indexed by the number of virtual peers) were collected based on game logs. The results revealed that the LGBTQIA+ group exhibited significantly higher rates of social anxiety in physical but not virtual communities than the non‐LGBTQIA+ group. Moreover, the LGBTQIA+ group displayed higher levels of identification with avatars than the non‐LGBTQIA+ group. Increased identification with avatars and avatar customization correlated with an increased number of communications via avatars, which was consequently linked to reduced social anxiety in physical and virtual communities. These findings suggest that communication using avatars can reduce social anxiety among LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Predictors of failure of conservative management of cholecystitis: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hui Yu Jason , Chen Andy Ze Lin , Pham Helen , Richardson Arthur , Hollands Michael , Johnston Emma , Pleass Henry , Yuen Lawrence , Lam Vincent , Pang Tony , Nahm Christopher B.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

While emergency cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment for acute cholecystitis, conservative management can be used as a bridge to definitive surgical management in situations where emergency surgical services are limited. The objective of this systematic review is to identify factors associated with conservative management failure as defined as either failed resolution of symptoms on initial presentation, or the recurrence of symptoms whilst awaiting an elective cholecystectomy. This study aims to allow clinicians to make evidence‐based recommendations for conservative versus operative management.

Methods

A systematic review of the Medline database was conducted in May 2022 to identify studies analysing the success of non‐operative management of acute cholecystitis. Two independent reviewers selected studies based on predefined criteria, and the risk of bias was evaluated. Out of the initial 1344 studies retrieved, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Factors significantly associated with persistence of symptoms in at least one study on multivariable analysis included diabetes mellitus, age >70, tachycardia, elevated temperature, elevated white cell count >15 000/uL and a distended gallbladder >5 cm. Factors significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms included Age <40 or >80, male sex, acute cholecystitis grade 2 or 3, elevated creatinine, serum albumin <4 g/dL, thickened gallbladder wall >5 mm.

Conclusion

Several factors have been identified which may facilitate future evidence‐based recommendations for tailored management strategies for patients with acute cholecystitis.
Fever duration enhanced biomarker sensitivity in diagnosing radiographically confirmed community‐acquired pneumonia in children
Authors: Goldberg Ori , Shmueli Einat , Levinsky Yoel , Vardi Yoav , Yaniv Noga , Bar‐On Ophir , Levine Hagit , Berant Ron , Mei Zahav Meir , Prais Dario , Stafler Patrick
Published: December 2024

Aim

Our aim was to examine how fever duration affected the ability of biomarkers to diagnose community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of children aged 2–18 years who attended the emergency department at Schneider Children's Medical Centre of Israel with CAP from June 2015 to May 2020. The children underwent biomarker measurements and chest radiographs and optimal biomarker thresholds were identified. Biomarker predictions of x‐ray positive CAP were analysed, using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve calculations.

Results

We screened 3346 children, 509 met the inclusion criteria and 363 of those had x‐ray positive CAP. White blood counts of >15 000/mm3 and absolute neutrophil counts of >11 200/mm3 showed significant discriminatory power on day 2 of a fever. A neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) of >4.5 displayed significant discriminatory power from days 2–5 and peaked on day 4. C‐reactive protein of 6.23 mg/dL was discriminatory on day 4.

Conclusion

Fever duration affected how effectively biomarkers diagnosed x‐ray positive CAP and all were unreliable on day 1. The NLR showed the most consistent reliability and may be suitable for clinical decision‐making. Fever duration should be considered to optimise diagnostic accuracy.
Risk‐Adapted Starting Ages of Colorectal Cancer Screening for People With Diabetes or Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Seum Teresa , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann
Published: December 2024

Background

Individuals with diabetes and metabolic syndrome have an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), suggesting earlier screening than the average‐risk population may be warranted.

Aims

To derive risk‐adapted starting ages of CRC screening for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Methods

We determined 5‐year cumulative risks of CRC at individual ages between 30 and 50 across Europe (overall and individually for Germany, France, the UK and Italy) and North America (the United States and Canada) based on the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Using risk estimates from meta‐analyses (2020–2023), we derived the ages at which individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome reach the same CRC risk as the average‐risk population at age 50 (aCR50) or 45 (aCR45).

Results

Individuals with diabetes were estimated to reach aCR50 at age 47 (95% confidence interval, 45–49) in Europe and 46 (42–49) in North America. For metabolic syndrome, the corresponding ages were 47 (47–48) in Europe and 46 (46–47) in North America. Disparities across countries were minimal, with deviations of up to no more than one year. For screening programmes starting at age 45, corresponding risk‐adapted starting ages for people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome were estimated to be 42 (41–44) and 43 (42–43) for Europe and 41 (38–44) and 41 (41–42) for North America, respectively.

Conclusions

People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome reach risk levels comparable to the average risk population three to four years earlier. Our results offer empirical guidance for defining risk‐adapted starting ages of CRC screening for these high‐risk groups.
CTCF Point Mutation at R567 Disrupts Mouse Heart Development via 3D Genome Rearrangement and Transcription Dysregulation
Authors: Ren Huawei , Zhong Hongxin , Zhang Jie , Lu Yuli , Hu Gongcheng , Duan Weixun , Ma Ning , Yao Hongjie
Published: December 2024

CTCF plays a vital role in shaping chromatin structure and regulating gene expression. Clinical studies have associated CTCF mutations with congenital developmental abnormalities, including congenital cardiomyopathy. In this study, we investigated the impact of the homozygous CTCF‐R567W (CtcfR567W/R567W) mutation on cardiac tissue morphogenesis during mouse embryonic development. Our results reveal significant impairments in heart development, characterised by ventricular muscle trabecular hyperplasia and reduced ventricular cavity sizes. We also observe a marked downregulation of genes involved in sarcomere assembly, calcium ion transport, and mitochondrial function in heart tissues from homozygous mice. Furthermore, the CtcfR567W/R567W mutation disrupts CTCF's interaction with chromatin, resulting in alterations to topologically associating domain (TAD) structure within specific genomic regions and diminishing crucial promoter‐enhancer interactions necessary for cardiac development. Additionally, we find that the heterozygous CTCF‐R567W (Ctcf+/R567W) mutation significantly compromises cardiac contractility in 8‐week‐old mice. This study elucidates the mechanism by which the CTCF‐R567W mutation hampers cardiac development, underscoring the essential role of CTCF‐R567 in embryonic heart development and maturation.
Association of liver fibrosis scores with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Guo Ziyu , Ye Zixiang , Xu Qinfeng , Li Yike , Zheng Jingang
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of liver fibrosis (determined via fibrosis scores) with all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in HF patients. The study examined demographic and clinical data were collected from NHANES database (1999 to 2018). A total of 1356 HF patients were enrolled in our analysis. During a median follow‐up time of 70 months, 455 patients died. Compared to the survivors, the death group showed significantly elevated LFSs levels. RCS analysis revealed a linear relationship between various LFSs and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. KM curves and Cox regression models indicated that higher FIB‐4 (≥ 1.637), NFS (≥ −0.064), and AST/ALT ratio (≥ 1.172) were linked to higher risk of all‐cause mortality [Cox model 2: FIB‐4 adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04–1.48; NFS aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38; AST/ALT ratio aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.07–1.47] and cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients (FIB‐4 aHR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.67; AST/ALT ratio aHR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.08–1.79). ROC curves indicated that FIB‐4, NFS, and the AST/ALT ratio were important predicators of all‐cause mortality (AUC: 0.715, 0.707, and 0.715, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (AUC: 0.658, 0.657, and 0.659, respectively) in heart failure patients. Random survival forests showed that FIB‐4, AST/ALT ratio, and NFS emerged as important factors potentially influencing mortality of HF. Consistent associations were observed in subgroup analysis. Liver fibrosis scores (FIB‐4, NFS, and AST/ALT ratio) were strongly linked to all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in heart failure patients.
Endogenous plasma riboflavin is not a viable BCRP biomarker in human
Authors: Savaryn John P. , Kikuchi Ryota , Qian Yuli , Ji Qin C. , Jenkins Gary J. , Bow Daniel A. J. , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F.
Published: December 2024

Recent reports suggest that plasma riboflavin may serve as a biomarker for BCRP inhibition in humans. However, the clinical data supporting this claim have been limited, with only two studies showing modest increases in riboflavin levels after administration of a BCRP inhibitor. We have recently demonstrated that co‐administration of 375 mg once daily (q.d.) cedirogant, an in vitro BCRP inhibitor, significantly increased rosuvastatin (an OATP1B1/1B3 and BCRP substrate) exposures but did not change the levels of the OATP1B endogenous biomarker coproporphyrin‐I, demonstrating that cedirogant is a clinical BCRP inhibitor. Samples from this same cedirogant clinical drug–drug interaction study were utilized to test the hypothesis that endogenous plasma riboflavin is a biomarker of BCRP inhibition. Plasma riboflavin levels in the absence of cedirogant ranged from 1 to 10 ng/mL across the 11 participants analyzed with minimal (<20%) intrasubject variability over a 24‐hour interval. Contrary to expectations, 375 mg q.d. oral administration of cedirogant did not increase riboflavin levels. These data strongly suggest that endogenous plasma riboflavin is not a viable biomarker for BCRP inhibition in humans.
Harms from others' drinking among college students: Prevalence and risk factors, 2022
Authors: Yeh Jih‐Cheng , Trangenstein Pamela J. , Tiongson Patrick J. D. , Arria Amelia M. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Jernigan David H.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Alcohol's harms to others (AHTO) refers to the negative effects experienced by individuals other than the drinker. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of AHTOs among US college students (sophomores/juniors), based on the first national probability‐based survey conducted in 20 years.

Methods

We assessed AHTOs in the fall of 2021 from 1918 participants across 46 US schools, weighting the data to reflect the US undergraduate sophomore/junior population. We combined survey weights and prevalence estimates to approximate the number of sophomores/juniors in the US college population who experienced each AHTO. Once weighted, the sampling method was designed to be representative of sophomores/juniors. We used multivariate logistic regression with clustered standard errors to estimate the likelihood of each AHTO domain and any AHTO for demographic and behavioural risk and protective factors.

Results

Half (53.5%) of our sample reported experiencing at least one AHTO, which corresponds to nearly 6 million US sophomores/juniors. Students who were White; attended 4‐year schools; identified as cisfemale or transgender, gender nonconforming, or 2+ identities; of higher socioeconomic status (as indicated by parent's highest level of education); lived with roommates; and/or participated in Greek organisations or intercollegiate athletics had a higher likelihood of AHTOs.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that AHTOs, including academic, physical and sexual harms, are prevalent on college campuses. These results suggest that colleges likely underestimate the impact of alcohol on their students. Therefore, broadening and strengthening campus and state‐level policies and strategies to prevent and reduce these harms effectively are needed.
Enhanced glucose processing in gestational diabetes diagnosis: Effects on health equity and clinical outcomes
Authors: Jones Danielle L. , Kusinski Laura C. , Barker Peter , Burling Keith , Halsall Ian , Turner Elizabeth , Glenn‐Sansum Coralie , Rand Abby , Finch Jenny , Peters Genessa , Upson Geraldine , Mullins Edward , Meek Claire L.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which has limited accuracy, reproducibility and practicality. We assessed the effect of enhanced pre‐analytical glucose processing upon glucose concentrations, gestational diabetes diagnosis, health equity and pregnancy outcomes, and if HbA1c was a suitable alternative.

Methods

We recruited pregnant women with ≥1 risk factor to a prospective observational cohort study of pregnancy hyperglycaemia, endocrine causes, lipids, insulin and autoimmunity (OPHELIA), from nine UK centres. During a 75 g antenatal OGTT (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence criteria), standard glucose processing was compared to enhanced glucose processing (storage on ice, rapid centrifugation, aliquoting and freezing <2.5 h).

Results

We recruited 1308 participants of mean (SD) age 31.5 years (5.0) and BMI 33.0 kg/m2 (6.8) of 82.5% white ethnicity, representative of the UK population. Enhanced glucose processing resulted in glucose levels ~0.6 mmol/L higher than standard glucose processing, increasing gestational diabetes diagnosis from 9% to 22%. Women with gestational diabetes on enhanced but not standard glucose processing (n = 165) were younger (31.9 vs. 33.2 years, p = 0.035), with a higher BMI (36.5 vs. 33.9 kg/m2; p = 0.003), different ethnic distribution (p = 0.025) and delivered more large‐for‐gestational age infants (37.0% vs. 22.3%; p = 0.006) compared to women with gestational diabetes on standard processing alone. HbA1c was not a suitable alternative predictor of gestational diabetes diagnosis (Area under receiver operator curve 0.74; 95% CI 0.68–0.79).

Conclusions

An OGTT with enhanced glucose processing would support more accurate, equitable diagnosis of gestational diabetes, but with increased diagnosis rates.