bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appropriate surgical management in skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Frieders-Justin Viktor , Eckmann Christian , Glaser Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

To present standards and recent technical innovations in the surgical management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).

Recent findings

SSTI are a frequent cause of presentation in the acute care setting. They can range from simple and uncomplicated to severe and necrotizing infections. Surgical management plays an important role in the treatment of uncomplicated SSTI. Recent evidence indicates that a subgroup of patients (e.g. immunocompromised patients) profits from a postoperative course of antibiotic treatment of 5–7 days. In diabetic foot infections (DFI), repeated debridement to remove necrotic tissue and control infection can prevent minor and major amputation. In necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI), early and aggressive surgical debridement is paramount. Recent advancements have explored skin-sparing techniques in selective cases.

The management of SSTIs requires a combination of surgical and antimicrobial strategies tailored to the type and severity of the infection. Further clinical research is necessary in order to define more accurately those collectives in severe SSTI who profit from a less aggressive surgical approach.
Omadacycline for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Vena Antonio , Castaldo Nadia , Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Fantin Alberto , Bassetti Matteo
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review

To evaluate the current evidence on the use of omadacycline for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs).

Recent findings

This narrative review examines the available data on the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and comparative effectiveness of omadacycline in treating SSTIs, with a focus on its potential role in everyday clinical practice.

Omadacycline is a viable option for outpatient therapy and early discharge in patients with SSTIs, particularly in frail populations and those undergoing chronic polypharmacotherapy. Emerging real-world evidence highlights its potential utility beyond approved indications, particularly for infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms where treatment options are limited. However, further studies are needed to confirm its role in contexts beyond its current approvals.
Intranodular Thyroid Metastasis of a Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Endometrium
Authors: Richard Capucine , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Huchet Virginie , Cockenpot Vincent , Hescot Ségolène
Published: January 2025

A 64-year-old woman underwent initial 18F-FDG PET/CT staging for a suspicious endometrial mass, which showed high uptake in the endometrial mass and a focal uptake in a known left thyroid nodule. Histology revealed a high-grade large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the endometrium with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage Ib. Further explorations revealed a synchronous thyroid metastasis. Patient then received adjuvant immunochemotherapy. This case showed a potential pitfall in the initial assessment of this rare and aggressive malignancy on which the therapeutic approach greatly depends.
Proactive Surgical Management and Outcomes of Unilateral Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures in Major Trauma Patients: A National Level I Center Experience
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Lee Jun Suk , Lim Hyoseob
Published: January 2025

Objective:

Managing facial trauma in patients with severe polytrauma presents significant challenges due to competing priorities, poor systemic conditions, and delayed surgical timing. At a national level I trauma center, the authors evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of proactive surgical intervention for unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures in severe trauma patients.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 81 patients with unilateral ZMC fractures treated at a regional level I trauma center between October 2019 and August 2021. Patients were categorized into high and low trauma severity groups based on the injury severity score (ISS). Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography analyses were performed to evaluate surgical outcomes, including dimensional distances (Dx, Dy, and Dz) and the Asymmetry Index.

Results:

Of the 81 patients, 52 underwent surgical intervention. No significant differences were observed in 3D distances (Dx, Dy, and Dz) between the high and low ISS groups, both preoperatively and postoperatively. However, postoperative symmetry was superior in the high ISS group (P < 0.010). The average delay from injury to surgery was slightly longer in the high ISS group (8.69 versus 7.35 d, P = 0.248). Complications such as diplopia and paresthesia were more common in the high ISS group, but no significant differences in overall complication rates were observed between the groups.

Conclusion:

Proactive surgical management of unilateral ZMC fractures in major trauma patients is effective. Despite the systemic challenges in this population, timely intervention resulted in superior postoperative symmetry in the high ISS group and comparable 3D outcomes across trauma severities.
Machine Learning Algorithms in Controlled Donation After Circulatory Death Under Normothermic Regional Perfusion: A Graft Survival Prediction Model
Authors: Calleja Rafael , Rivera Marcos , Guijo-Rubio David , Hessheimer Amelia J. , de la Rosa Gloria , Gastaca Mikel , Otero Alejandra , Ramírez Pablo , Boscà-Robledo Andrea , Santoyo Julio , Marín Gómez Luis Miguel , Villar del Moral Jesús , Fundora Yiliam , Lladó Laura , Loinaz Carmelo , Jiménez-Garrido Manuel C. , Rodríguez-Laíz Gonzalo , López-Baena José Á. , Charco Ramón , Varo Evaristo , Rotellar Fernando , Alonso Ayaya , Rodríguez-Sanjuan Juan C. , Blanco Gerardo , Nuño Javier , Pacheco David , Coll Elisabeth , Domínguez-Gil Beatriz , Fondevila Constantino , Ayllón María Dolores , Durán Manuel , Ciria Ruben , Gutiérrez Pedro A. , Gómez-Orellana Antonio , Hervás-Martínez César , Briceño Javier
Published: January 2025

Background.

Several scores have been developed to stratify the risk of graft loss in controlled donation after circulatory death (cDCD). However, their performance is unsatisfactory in the Spanish population, where most cDCD livers are recovered using normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). Consequently, we explored the role of different machine learning-based classifiers as predictive models for graft survival. A risk stratification score integrated with the model of end-stage liver disease score in a donor-recipient (D-R) matching system was developed.

Methods.

This retrospective multicenter cohort study used 539 D-R pairs of cDCD livers recovered with NRP, including 20 donor, recipient, and NRP variables. The following machine learning-based classifiers were evaluated: logistic regression, ridge classifier, support vector classifier, multilayer perceptron, and random forest. The endpoints were the 3- and 12-mo graft survival rates. A 3- and 12-mo risk score was developed using the best model obtained.

Results.

Logistic regression yielded the best performance at 3 mo (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.82) and 12 mo (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.83). A D-R matching system was proposed on the basis of the current model of end-stage liver disease score and cDCD-NRP risk score.

Conclusions.

The satisfactory performance of the proposed score within the study population suggests a significant potential to support liver allocation in cDCD-NRP grafts. External validation is challenging, but this methodology may be explored in other regions.
Long-term Cognitive Trajectories in Older Adults After Surgery
Authors: Thirumala Parthasarathy D. , Snitz Beth E. , Jacobsen Erin , Chang Chung-Chou H. , Chang Yue-Fang , Ganguli Mary
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common, but often unrecognized condition after surgery. We evaluate postsurgical cognitive changes in a longitudinal population-based study.

Methods:

The study cohort comprises an age-stratified population-based random sample of individuals aged 65+ years from a small-town region of the United States. We identified as cases those participants who, during annual assessments, self-reported having undergone surgery under general anesthesia during the preceding year. We identified as controls those who reported no surgery for at least 6 consecutive years. The outcome variable changed over time (4 y) in annual cognitive test composite scores encompassing the domains of attention/processing speed, executive function, memory, language, and visuospatial functions, which were modeled using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Results:

A total of 436 participants had the required cognitive data; 179 participants (cases) had undergone surgery, while 257 participants (controls) had not undergone surgery. After adjusting for age, years of education, gender, race, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and stroke, participants who underwent surgery had a greater decline in executive function, memory, and attention over a 2-year period.

Discussion:

Participants who underwent surgery had a significant subsequent decline in cognitive function over the long term.
The interplay of heart rate variability and ventricular repolarization parameters in the obese state: a review
Authors: Tomar Akash , Ahluwalia Himani , Ramkumar S , Pattnaik Sanghamitra , Nandi Debarshi , Raturi Prashant
Published: January 2025

The impact of obesity on heart rate variability (HRV) and ventricular repolarization, both vital indicators of cardiovascular health, is the focus of this review. Obesity, measured by BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, significantly increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to structural and autonomic heart changes. Findings show that obese individuals exhibit prolonged QT and Tpeak-to-Tend (Tpe) intervals, suggesting delayed ventricular recovery and greater arrhythmia risk. Additionally, obesity-induced autonomic imbalance favors sympathetic activity over parasympathetic, reducing HRV and raising arrhythmogenic potential. Elevated QT and Tpe intervals reflect extended cardiac recovery phases, which contribute to poor cardiac outcomes. The Tpe interval could serve as an early marker of cardiac dysfunction in obese populations, highlighting the importance of early intervention to reduce CVD risk and enhance treatment strategies for obesity-related cardiovascular changes.
Age matters when improving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Singh Amitoj , Meghpara Sanket , Niraula Rijesh , Keenan Lynn , DelRosso Lourdes M.
Published: January 2025

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder linked to significant daytime sleepiness and mood disturbances. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for OSA, but its effects on mental health outcomes, are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CPAP on daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms while assessing how improvements vary with age. A total of 98 participants diagnosed with OSA were included in this study. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores for daytime sleepiness [Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)], depression [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)], and anxiety [Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)] were collected. Improvements were calculated as the difference between pretreatment and posttreatment scores. Age, sex, ethnicity, apnea-hypopnea index, and CPAP compliance, were analyzed. Significant improvements were observed across all age groups after CPAP treatment: ESS scores improved by a mean of 5.6 points (P < 0.001), PHQ scores improved by 6.3 points (P < 0.001), and GAD scores improved by 1.1 points (P = 0.002). CPAP therapy effectively reduced daytime sleepiness, depression, and anxiety in patients with OSA, with significant age-related differences in outcomes. Younger individuals benefited most from treatment.
Accounting for functionality in the identification of global conservation priorities: promises and pitfalls
Authors: Rodrigues Ana S. L.
Published: January 2025

Whereas preventing species extinctions remains a central objective of conservation efforts, it must be complemented by the long-term preservation of functional ecosystems and of the benefits humans derive from them. Here, I review recent approaches that explicitly account for functionality in setting large-scale conservation priorities, discussing their promise while highlighting challenges and pitfalls. Crossing data on species’ distributions and ecological traits has enabled the mapping of global patterns of functional diversity and functional rarity and the identification of species that stand out for their functional distinctiveness. However, the priorities identified through these general indices do not directly address ecosystem functionality, instead, they are methods for ensuring the representation of individual functional traits as intrinsically valuable biodiversity elements. Three other approaches integrate functionality into large-scale priorities by taking into account the specific context of each ecosystem, site or species: the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Ecosystems, Key Biodiversity Areas and the Green Status of Species. Currently at various stages of development, testing and implementation, these approaches are playing an increasingly important role in the definition, implementation and monitoring of global- and national-scale conservation strategies to ensure the long-term persistence of ecosystem functions and associated ecosystem services.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Bending the curve towards nature recovery: building on Georgina Mace's legacy for a biodiverse future’.
Migratory dermal γδ T cells determine the balance between lung immunity and tissue damage duringNippostrongylus brasiliensisinfection
Authors: Papotto Pedro H. , Parkinson James E. , Chan Brian H.K. , Lin I-Hsuan , Baldwin Georgia E. , Denny Faith , Zhang Lili , Dodd Rebecca J. , Pearson Stella T. , Fischhaber Natalie , Konkel Joanne E. , Withers David R. , Hepworth Matthew R. , Allen Judith E.
Published: January 2025

Many helminth parasites migrate through multiple host organs during infection but how immunity is regulated across these tissues is still poorly understood. To investigate the cellular and molecular aspects of inter-tissue communication during infection we established a percutaneous infection model with the tissue-migrating nematodeNippostrongylus brasiliensis. High-dimension profiling of the initial cutaneous immune response revealed that dermal γδ T cells become activated, engage cell motility-associated transcriptional pathways and leave the skin after parasite invasion. Chemical and genetic inhibition of leukocyte migration prevents the accumulation of IL-17-producing γδ T cells in the lungs. Notably, bypassing the skin phase of infection, and therefore preventing dermal γδ T cell migration, dampens the increase in early IL-17 production in the lungs, and, instead, leads to enhanced IFN-γ responses together with increased lung damage. Collectively, our data highlights a critical skin–lung axis regulating host-parasite interactions and safeguarding lung health.
Polyploid - diploid coexistence in the greater duckweedSpirodela polyrhiza
Authors: Mortier Frederik , Van de Peer Yves , Bonte Dries
Published: January 2025

Polyploidy, resulting from whole-genome duplication (WGD), is widespread among plants and originates in sympatry with their lower-ploidy progenitors. New polyploids can only succeed when they overcome the competitive disadvantage against their progenitors or through sufficient niche differentiation as resulting in a negative frequency dependent growth. Because polyploidy is frequently associated with cold, dry, and saline environments, stress is anticipated to be the key to polyploid success.

We examined the invasion of neotetraploid duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) strains in populations of their direct diploid progenitors, in control and salt stress conditions in replicated microcosms. We also tested the reverse scenario, that is, the invasion of diploids in neotetraploid populations, to determine if the initial proportion of tetraploids affects the outcome of competition.

Our results showed that the proportion of tetraploids declined in all tetraploid and all diploid invasions and it did so at a different rate than expected from only differences in intrinsic growth rate. Salt stress affected the decline in tetraploid proportion differently across strains. We also found evidence for negative frequency dependent growth that, nonetheless, was insufficient to overcome competitive disadvantages of neopolyploids towards their diploid progenitor.

We showcase a robust quantitative pipeline from flow cytometry of mixed-ploidy populations to population model fitting. In doing so, we demonstrate the important effect of competition and frequency dependency on neopolyploid establishment. Therefore, we caution for inferring neopolyploid success from intrinsic growth rates alone.
Physiologically-relevant light exposure and light behaviour in Switzerland and Malaysia
Authors: Biller Anna M , Zauner Johannes , Cajochen Christian , Gerle Marisa A , Kalavally Vineetha , Mohamed Anas , Rottländer Lukas , Seah Ming-Yi , Stefani Oliver , Spitschan Manuel
Published: January 2025

Light synchronises the internal clock with the external light-dark cycle. Keeping this alignment benefits health and prevents diseases. Quantifying light exposure is, therefore, vital for effective prevention. Since light exposure depends on photoperiod, culture, and behaviour, we investigated objective light exposure and individual light-related behaviour in Switzerland and Malaysia. In this observational field study, participants (N=39) wore a calibrated melanopic light logger at chest level for 30 consecutive days. At baseline and study end, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was assessed, and every 3 to 4 days, the Light Exposure Behaviour Assessment (LEBA) was filled. Our pre-registered analyses reveal that participants in Switzerland experienced brighter days (+3.16 times the average mEDI) and spent more time (x1.9 times the duration) in daylight levels per hour of daylight, had ∼1.5h later bright light exposure in the afternoon, and stayed over 1h longer in dim light conditions before bedtime. LEBA scores did not differ between Malaysia and Switzerland, and LEBA items were stable over time. LEBA items also correlated with objective light exposure variables in Switzerland but not Malaysia, with a medium effect size (range of absolute r=0.32-0.48). These results highlight cultural and geographical differences in light exposure. We showed that LEBA can be related to actual light exposure and is ecologically informative, but this varies by culture.
Multi-Omics Prognostic Marker Discovery and Survival Modeling: A Case Study on Pan-Cancer Survival Analyses in Women’s Cancers
Authors: Nguyen Ricky , Vafaee Fatemeh
Published: January 2025

Survival analysis plays a critical role in cancer research, offering insights into patient outcomes and informing personalized treatments. Advances in sequencing and profiling technologies have unlocked the potential of multi-omics data to improve prognostic models. However, the high dimensionality of multi-omics data often complicates analysis and limits clinical application. Additionally, most studies rely on the traditional Cox proportional hazards model, with limited exploration of alternative survival algorithms or feature selection methods. Few frameworks integrate optimal features across multiple omics modalities, leaving a gap in harnessing the full potential of multi-omics data. To address these challenges, we developedPRISM(PRognostic marker Identification and Survival Modelling through Multi-omics Integration), a comprehensive framework for improving survival predictions and identifying key prognostic markers. PRISM systematically evaluates feature selection methods and survival models, employing a voting-based pipeline to identify robust features from single-omics data. These features are integrated using feature-level fusion to determine the best modality combinations for survival prediction. Applied to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data for Breast Invasive Carcinoma (BRCA), Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma (CESC), and Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC), PRISM demonstrated that integrating DNA methylation, miRNA, and copy number variation data significantly outperforms single-omics approaches (BRCA: C-index 0.774; CESC: 0.835; UCEC: 0.766). Pan-cancer analysis further demonstrated the biological relevance of these multi-modal signatures, revealing shared oncogenic pathways and potential therapeutic targets. By reducing data dimensionality while preserving predictive power, PRISM offers a scalable and general-purpose solution for integrating multi-omics data, advancing cancer research and enabling precision medicine.

Highlights

Introducing PRISM, a robust framework that enhances survival predictions and identifies key prognostic markers through multi-omics integration.

Utilizing a voting-based pipeline, PRISM selects optimal single-omics features and integrates them via feature-level fusion to identify the best modality combinations.

Highlighting Survival Random Forest as an effective model for high-dimensional data, outperforming other survival algorithms.

Demonstrating superior survival predictions with integrated DNA methylation, miRNA, and copy number variation data in Breast Invasive Carcinoma (C-index 0.774), Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Endocervical Adenocarcinoma (CESC, 0.835), and Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC, 0.766).

Revealing common oncogenic pathways and therapeutic targets through pan-cancer analysis validated by Kaplan-Meier analysis of multi-modal signatures.
Memory Inception through Gaze-Contingent Message Exposure: Using Virtual Reality to Study Media Influence
Authors: Cho Hee Jung , Lim Sue , Saenz Miriya , Schmälzle Ralf
Published: January 2025

The messages we encounter in our environment can shape our knowledge about the world. However, much research on mediadriven influence via messages focuses on population-level effects and aggregate exposure statistics, obscuring how individual and self-determined behaviors affect message intake, processing, and effects. To address this gap, we use virtual reality (VR) to create a controlled messaging environment. Participants navigate a simulated urban street lined with billboard messages while their visual attention is tracked via eye-tracking. We introduce an inception-style manipulation: overlooked billboards are strategically reintroduced, creating additional exposure opportunities. Our results demonstrate that this subtle manipulation – unnoticed by participants – boosts message retention. This study bridges communication theory and psychology, elucidating the blurred line between voluntary and involuntary information intake in the digital age. It also highlights a potential vulnerability in the future metaverse media ecosystem, where undetected information manipulations can influence individual and collective attention and memories.
Characterization of ClinicalFusobacterium nucleatumIsolates from Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Lim Serene , Hsueh Wan-Hsin , Wu Ni-Hung , Hodges Claire , Vuong Christopher , Smith Kynzi , Hsiao Jenn-Ren , Chang Jeffrey S , Chang Jang-Yang , Chen Jenn-Wei , Huang I-Hsiu
Published: January 2025

Fusobacterium nucleatum(Fn), a Gram-negative anaerobe primarily residing in the oral cavity, has garnered increasing attention for its role in a broad spectrum of human diseases. While typically absent or rarely detected outside the oral cavity in healthy individuals,Fnis frequently found at extra-oral sites under disease conditions and has been implicated in cancer progression and prognosis1. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the abundance ofFnsignificantly increases as the disease progresses, promoting cell invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, substantial evidence linksFnto accelerated tumor growth and metastatic progression in colorectal cancer (CRC), where its presence is also associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis. Here, to further elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms ofFnin cancer progression, this study characterized the physiological traits, virulence factor expression, and impacts on cancer cells of 10Fnstrains, including two well-characterized ATCC strains and eight clinical isolates. The clinical isolates consisted of three strains from saliva samples of 117 OSCC patients and five strains from 160 non-cancer individuals. Results indicated that oral isolates, regardless of disease origin, all belong toFnsubspeciespolymorphum. The ATCC strains (23726 and 25586) exhibited shorter cell lengths and faster growth rates compared to the clinical isolates. Both ATCC strains formed stable biofilms and expressed key virulence genes, includingaim1,fadA,fomA, andradD. All isolates tested showed sensitivity to a panel of eight different antibiotics. Interestingly, only one clinical isolate displayed similar stimulation of CRC cell migration as the two ATCC strains, while the other seven displayed no such ability. Collectively, these findings suggest that the most virulent strains, in terms of biofilm formation and virulence gene expression, are not necessarily the most pathogenic in the context of cancer cell interactions. Future pan-genomic analyses, incorporating whole-genome sequencing of the clinical isolates, will aim to delineate the genetic determinants contributing to the carcinogenic potential ofFn.
Physiological and molecular impairment of PV circuit homeostasis in mouse models of autism
Authors: Monday H.R. , Nieto A.M. , Yohannes S.A. , Luxu S. , Wong K.W. , Bolio F.E. , Feldman D.E.
Published: January 2025

Circuit dysfunction in autism may involve a failure of homeostatic plasticity. To test this, we studied parvalbumin (PV) interneurons which exhibit rapid homeostatic plasticity of intrinsic excitability following whisker deprivation in mouse somatosensory cortex. Brief deprivation reduces PV excitability by increasing Kv1 current to increase PV spike threshold. We found that PV homeostatic plasticity is disrupted inTsc2+/-andFmr1-/-models of autism. In wildtype mice, deprivation elevates the transcription factor ER81 which drivesKcna1transcription, increasing Kv1.1 protein in the axon initial segment and soma. These molecular signatures of homeostasis were absent inTsc2+/-andFmr1-/-. Whisker enrichment increased PV excitability, but not inTsc2+/-, indicating that homeostasis is lost bidirectionally. Deprivation reduced feedforward L4-L2/3 inhibition in wildtype but notTsc2+/-mice. Thus, two autism models show a convergent loss of PV circuit homeostasis at physiological and molecular levels, potentially contributing to sensory processing impairments.
Prevalence and types of lower limb conditions in Nepal
Authors: Gates L , Channon A , Dickinson A , Pandey BD , Vaidya A , Vaidya B , Niraula Y , Baskota R , Nakarmi S , Metcalf C , Ward K , Silman A , Woolf A , Puri MC
Published: January 2025

Background

Understanding the burden of lower limb conditions (LLCs) is essential for effective health planning, yet data in low-resource settings like Nepal is scarce. LLCs, encompassing diverse issues such as pain, injuries and amputations, can profoundly impact mobility, well-being, and livelihoods. With limited healthcare access and growing non-communicable diseases, the scale and impact of LLCs in Nepal remain unknown. This study estimates the prevalence and distribution of person-reported LLCs, exploring their effects on daily living and regional disparities.

Methods

To estimate the prevalence of LLCs a household survey was conducted in three selected districts of Nepal representing different ecological zones; Dolakha (Mountain), Lamjung (Hill) and Dang (Terai/Plan). Follow-up questions to 500 individuals with LLCs explored the conditions further, including their distribution by cause and by important characteristics at the individual and ecological zone levels.

Results

A total of 2,525 households were surveyed and screened for LLCs. Six hundred and seventy one (26%) of households reported that there was at least one person with an LLC, and at the individual level 11.2% of adults reported an LLC. Sixty-five percent of LLC sufferers were women. Pain and discomfort was the most common problem (reported in 97% of those with an LLC), followed by injury/trauma (19%), deformity (7.2%), wounds (1.4%) and amputation (0.8%). We present the regions of the lower limb most affected, causes of conditions and the extent to which each condition affected participants’ ability to carry out activities of daily living.

Conclusion

Our study shows a high prevalence of LLCs across diverse regions of Nepal, with pain and discomfort most frequently reported, and injuries and trauma common in specific areas. LLCs impair daily activities and employment, highlighting the need for tailored interventions and assistive technologies. Findings pave the way for larger-scale studies and scalable, cost-effective solutions.
Fair compensation for women in leadership: impact on firm performance
Authors: Looi Elise K.Y. , Koh Sharon G.M. , Lee Grace H.Y.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of gender equality in boardrooms, managerial positions and executive roles on firm financial performance. It specifically examines the moderating effect of fair remuneration on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses ESG metrics from CSRHub and data from Bloomberg to analyze 279 Malaysian public listed companies from 2013 to 2022. It uses regression analysis to assess how gender diversity – represented by women on boards, in managerial and executive positions – affects firm performance. The analysis includes fair remuneration to evaluate its moderating effects on the gender diversity–firm performance relationship.

Findings

The results indicate that greater female representation on boards and in managerial and executive positions significantly boosts firm performance. Additionally, the findings confirm that fair remuneration moderates the relationship between gender diversity and firm performance, although it introduces unintended effects that slightly reduce the overall benefits of increased female representation. This highlights the need for a strategic approach to integrate gender diversity initiatives with compensation policies to ensure they work together effectively for optimal outcomes.

Originality/value

This study broadens the literature by examining female representation not only on corporate boards but also in managerial and executive positions. The authors propose a new model promoting gender balance and fair remuneration, designed to boost the recruitment of female employees and advance workplace gender equality, offering a vital framework for organizations seeking to merge financial performance with social objectives.
Triple bottom line sustainability and Innovation 5.0 management through the lens of Industry 5.0, Society 5.0 and Digitized Value Chain 5.0
Authors: Mouazen Ali Mohamad , Hernández-Lara Ana Beatriz , Chahine Jawad , Halawi Ali
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the potential impact of Industry 5.0 on businesses and management by integrating advanced technologies to develop smart cities (Society 5.0) and digital value chains, leading to Innovation 5.0 and triple bottom line sustainability. We propose an Organization Value Chain 5.0 model to describe the ecosystem interactions that leverage organizational innovative behavior through knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review methodology, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 968 Industry 5.0 articles, 297 Innovation 5.0 articles and 510 Society 5.0 articles from the WOS and Scopus databases. This analysis supports the development of our conceptual model.

Findings

This allowed us to propose the conceptual model for the new notion of Organization Value Chain 5.0 and its ecosystem components.

Originality/value

This study provides a detailed analysis of Industry 5.0, its technological elements and its relevance to creating Society 5.0, smart cities and digitalized value chains. It highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and integration for effective digital industrial transformation.
CSR as a buffer or backfire in brand transgressions: a motivated reasoning perspective
Authors: Ryoo Yuhosua
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to reconcile conflicting findings about the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in counteracting the negative impacts of brands’ ethical transgressions by testing the moderating role of self-brand connection (SBC).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on motivated reasoning theory, this paper posits that high- and low-SBC consumers’ information processing and moral judgment are driven by distinct goals: to reach desired versus accurate conclusions, respectively. Five experiments were conducted to test whether CSR efforts can mitigate the impact of blatant ethical transgressions.

Findings

CSR allows high-SBC consumers to evaluate brand transgressions more favorably, as CSR serves as counterfactual evidence that reinforces their beliefs in the brand’s morality. In contrast, low-SBC consumers view CSR as hypocritical, leading to more negative responses. Increased perceptions of brand morality (hypocrisy) mediate CSR’s buffering (backfiring) effects among high- (low-) SBC consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not control for the effect of the time gap between CSR and ethical transgressions even if buffering effects of CSR could be faded out as memories recede.

Practical implications

Brand transgressions may be inevitable events, but firms or managers can alleviate the negative impact of transgressions by engaging in CSR activities. In doing so, they need to make clear to whom they will appeal using CSR information considering its backfiring effects among low-SBC consumers.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined when and how CSR attenuates or exacerbates the negativity of brand transgressions with a strong theoretical framework. This paper, grounded in motivated reasoning theory, explains how the same CSR initiative can yield opposing outcomes based on the consumer’s self-brand connection. Rather than solely exploring how strong consumer-brand relationships buffer brand transgressions, this research shows how high-SBC consumers biasedly seize CSR information to justify brand transgressions, even when they are blatant.
Buffering or catalyzing? The impact of brand age on consumer responses to competence-related versus ethics-related brand crisis
Authors: Gao Yongqiang , Cai Yaohan , Banik Shanta
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Brand crises are widespread in the marketplace and how consumers perceive and respond to such crises is crucial for brand survival. This paper aims to elucidate the critical role of brand age in shaping consumers’ negative responses to competence-related versus ethics-related crises, with a particular focus on the Eastern cultural context. In addition, the roles of information diagnosticity and culture are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In a series of four studies conducted across China and the USA, the authors use a rigorous between-subject experimental design to delve into the dynamics of how the interplay between brand age and brand crisis impacts consumers’ negative responses, specifically negative word-of-mouth and boycott tendency, toward brands perceived as guilty.

Findings

Results show that brand age helps mitigate the negative responses of consumers in competence-related crises, yet exacerbates such reactions in ethics-related crises. In addition, information diagnosticity mediates the interactive effect of brand crisis and brand age on consumers’ negative responses. However, the results of the cross-cultural comparison study suggest that brand age exaggerates consumers’ negative responses to ethics-related brand crises only in Eastern cultures, but not in the Western contexts.

Research limitations/implications

The research reveals the dual-edged impact of brand age during crises, enriches the literature that draws on information diagnosticity within the hierarchical restrictive schema theory. It also clarifies the boundary mechanisms related to cultural differences.

Practical implications

The findings of this research provide meaningful implications for brand managers by communicating the oldness of a brand may serve to buffer negative consumer responses to competence-related crises but can exacerbate the consequences of ethics-related crises.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel perspective on the nuanced influence of brand age on consumers’ adverse reactions to brand crises. It clarifies why emphasizing the oldness of brands in Eastern-culture markets is effective in mitigating competence-related crises but often counterproductive for ethics-related crises.
The impact of board characteristics on financial performance in an emerging economy: the moderating role of nomination and remuneration committee
Authors: Sunny Sohag Ahmed , Hoque Mahfuzul
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the moderating role of nomination and remuneration committees on the relationships between board characteristics and the financial performance of listed textile businesses in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilises the theoretical frameworks of agency, resource dependence and stakeholder theories. The study investigates the moderating effect of nomination committees using regression analysis by evaluating a sample of 270 firm-year observations from 2016 to 2021.

Findings

The results reveal that nomination committee presence enhances the performance benefits of larger board size and frequent meetings but negatively reinforces the detrimental effects of excessive independent directors lacking firm-specific expertise. Female board representation demonstrates an unexpected negative association, implying suboptimal selection.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, nuanced moderating effects of nomination committees on board characteristic-performance relationships are evidenced. This timely study contributes empirical evidence on an underexplored area and provides a foundation to advance academic literature on the linkages between nomination committees, corporate boards and firm-level outcomes. Further research avenues are highlighted.

Practical implications

The findings have salient implications for enhancing board competency and engagement, reforming nomination committee policies towards competency-based nominations and discouraging token appointments to fulfil regulatory mandates on board diversity.

Originality/value

This is the first study to provide insights into the moderating effects of nomination committees on board characteristic-performance relationships in Bangladesh’s textile industry.
A customization design platform for school uniforms using the Kano model
Authors: Li Xue , Meng Mei , Ren Xiang Fang , Shen Lei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore a methodology based on the Kano model. And use this method to determine user requirement attributes in the field of school uniform customization. To construct a set of processes that can be used as a reference for constructing a clothing customization platform.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimized quantitative Kano model was applied. Initially, a survey was conducted to assess the current market for customized school uniforms in China. Subsequently, a Kano attribute questionnaire was developed, and experts from both supply and procurement sectors were invited to evaluate it. This was followed by categorizing user demands based on the Kano model’s evaluation criteria and conducting a validity analysis using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The priority ranking of user demands was determined through a sensitivity analysis of better-worse coefficients. Ultimately, a platform was established, and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was conducted.

Findings

Regarding user demands, procurement-side demand elements prioritize modular design, fabric libraries and online reviews. In contrast, supply-side demand elements focus on style product libraries, layout adaptation to user habits and the preview effects of 3D models. Elements such as qualification verification, personal information uploading, design draft archiving and main tag categorization have a lesser impact on user satisfaction.

Originality/value

The results of the study provide a complete methodological reference for the construction of a garment customization platform. By applying the Kano model, this study categorizes and filters the demands of users for school uniform customization design platforms in China and establishes a 3D virtual display platform aimed at improving user satisfaction.
Assessing firm-level climate risk disclosure and shareholder value in EU: insights from the Paris Agreement
Authors: Dumrongwong Konpanas , Papangkorn Suwongrat
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This research uses a firm’s disclosure of climate risk index derived from deep learning analysis of earnings conference calls to investigate how these disclosures affect market reactions among publicly traded European companies. To address potential endogeneity issues, the study employs an event study methodology, using the Paris Agreement as an exogenous shock that signalled a stronger global commitment to climate action.

Design/methodology/approach

Apart from the standard ordinary least squares regression analysis, several robustness tests are used to ensure the validity and reliability of the results. These tests include propensity score matching, entropy balancing, and instrumental-variable analysis. Our final sample comprises 439 observations from European countries.

Findings

Our research shows that a firm’s greater exposure to climate risk causes the market to react negatively to the event. This suggests that regulatory scrutiny may raise costs for the company, which could ultimately result in lower stock returns.

Originality/value

Using a unique climate risk disclosure metric based on textual analysis in a European context, our study is the first to investigate the impact of firm-level climate risk disclosure on shareholder wealth.
Resilience strategies of public organizations and social enterprises: evidence from Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Authors: Plaček Michal , Daniel Gabriela , Valentinov Vladislav , Ochrana František , Kovács Radek
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have posed profound challenges to social enterprises and public sector organizations engaged in social service delivery in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This study examines the resilience strategies employed by these organizations and seeks to discern any notable divergences between social enterprises and public sector entities.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with key personnel across 28 organizations within the Czech and Slovak Republics, comprising both social enterprises and public sector bodies.

Findings

Our findings reveal a consistent pattern: social enterprises primarily utilize offensive strategies, such as seeking new resources, exploring new markets and innovating products or services. In contrast, public sector organizations tend to rely on defensive strategies, focusing on streamlining operations, reducing expenses and supporting staff.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in scholarly understanding of how recent crises, including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, have impacted management practices in the public and nonprofit sectors across Central and Eastern Europe.
Assessment of moral injury and PTSD in active-duty personnel and veterans in Ukraine: a scoping review
Authors: Tabeshadze Nino , Larsson Gerry , Ohlsson Alicia , Nilsson Sofia
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study is a scoping literature review of research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI) in active-duty military personnel and veterans in Ukraine. This study aims to explore the existing research regarding the relationship between PTSD and MI in Ukrainian military personnel to identify the need for future research in a vulnerable social group that is exposed to a high level of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review includes the results of peer-reviewed articles from online databases (PubMed, Science Direct, PsycArticles, Military Database, Sociological Abstract, Psychology Database, PTSD Pubs, Web of Science), which were searched for publications in English, Ukrainian and Russian. The data obtained was organized using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for scoping reviews and Meta-Analyses, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data was analyzed and categorized using an inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

According to the thematic analysis, the following themes were identified in a Ukrainian military context: sources of PTSD, sources of moral injury, symptoms of PTSD, symptoms of moral injury and treating and prevention mechanisms. All studies included in the scoping review (32) report on PTSD and/or MI in military groups in Ukraine. They find the gap in research and in numerous comprehensive studies problematic and underline the need for more effective rehabilitation programs.

Practical implications

A scoping review was conducted to thematically map the research in the area, identify any knowledge gaps deficit about PTSD and MI in Military personnel in Ukraine and contribute to further development of effective rehabilitation programs.

Originality/value

The sparsity of the existing literature highlights the need for further research into enhancing the mental health services provided to military personnel. In addition, there is a growing need to further explore trauma exposure and potentially morally injurious events related to PTSD and MI, in particular. Such a review has not yet been carried out, which adds value to the current paper.
An exploration of the utilisation and impact of restraint practices in acute paediatric settings: a narrative review of global literature
Authors: Holden Victoria , Jackson Jessica
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper will be to ascertain the underpinning reason for restraint use in the acute paediatric setting. In the UK, presentations for mental health-related needs within paediatric settings have increased. These admissions can be associated with patients with significant mental health and trauma histories who present with behaviours that challenge, risking exposure to higher levels of restrictive practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted across five databases, PsychINFO, EMCARE, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL. Search terms related to “paediatrics” and “restraint” were used. In all, 116 studies were screened with 78 studies being retrieved for analysis. A total of eight studies were included for review. All studies were quality assessed using the appropriate tool that adhered to each respective design.

Findings

Five themes were extracted from the analysis and presented. These themes were identified as “restraint as part of the role of paediatric nursing”, “culture and attitudes”, “lack of guidance and agreed terminology”, “lack of other alternatives” and “training”. Restraint in paediatrics is unregulated not only in the UK but also globally. Positive behaviour support is highlighted as an approach for restraint reduction in paediatric settings.

Originality/value

This literature review identifies a significant lack of research regarding restraint for young people with mental health presentations in the paediatric setting. This paper sets forth the need for future research both in the UK and globally.