bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reframing crisis and crisis management: examining three urban superintendents’ COVID-19 experiences
Authors: Scribner Jay Paredes , Sanzo Karen L. , Cossey Kimberley M.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper explored the intersection of leadership, crisis and context to understand the social and political dimensions of crisis as a phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This multiple case study of three urban superintendents used crisis and complexity theory literature to inform analysis of superintendent interviews, board observations and social/media content.

Findings

COVID-19 exhibited attributes—crisis origin, breadth and severity, clarity of action and time horizon—that shaped how leaders led and managed. And stakeholder composition, values and motivations shaped how superintendents engaged with actors in their efforts to balance the competing values of safety and choice.

Originality/value

Paracrisis and complexity theory literature offer important insights into crises and crisis leadership. These conceptual perspectives illuminate how stakeholders shape macro- and local-level crisis contexts. Further, they underscore the importance of accurate and timely feedback that informs the social and political dimensions of crisis management.
Does ethical leadership shape employee conduct in hotels and restaurants?
Authors: Syed Obed Rashdi , Siyal Saeed , Zafar Abdullah , Pahi Munwar Hussain , Rasool Shahid
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing on the equity theory, this study examines the influence of ethical leadership on counterproductive work behaviors. Furthermore, it tests the mediating influences of organizational citizenship behavior and psychological entitlement on the relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey questionnaire employing a random sampling technique to collect the data from hotels and restaurants. Data were collected from 329 supervisors and employees working in different hotels and restaurants in Karachi, Pakistan. For the purpose of analysis and to predict hypothesized relationships, the study used PLS-SEM techniques.

Findings

The study’s results indicated support for all hypothesized relationships. We found a negative relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior. The findings also suggest that organizational citizenship behavior positively mediates between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior, which was unexpected. Furthermore, the findings also reveal that psychological entitlement positively mediates between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behavior.

Originality/value

The study examines the direct relationship between ethical leadership and counterproductive work behaviors and through the lens of organizational citizenship behavior and psychological entitlement. The relationships were founded on the theoretical underpinning of equity theory.
How does negative workplace gossip influence receivers’ interaction avoidance and willingness to cooperate? The role of attributed self-serving motives
Authors: Zhu Qianlin , Cheng Ken , Zou Nanqi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although negative workplace gossip is ubiquitous, we know little about how it influences the sender–receiver relationship. Drawing on attribution theory and the warmth–competence framework, we develop a theoretical model to examine how receivers’ self-serving motives attribution affects their judgments (i.e. warmth and competence) of senders who share negative workplace gossip and their subsequent responses (i.e. interaction avoidance and willingness to cooperate) to these senders.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected multi-wave data from 273 employees in China and tested our hypotheses using path analysis.

Findings

Our results revealed that when receivers attributed negative workplace gossip to self-serving motives, they perceived the senders to be less warm and competent and subsequently showed more interaction avoidance and less willingness to cooperate with the senders.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that organizations should commit to implementing communication training programs to improve employees’ interpersonal communication skills and guide employees to interpret senders’ intentions with multiple cues.

Originality/value

The finding regarding the moderating role of self-serving motives attribution adds to the literature examining when receivers respond destructively to senders. Analysis of the mediating effects of warmth and competence further revealed the mechanisms of these effects.
Workplace spirituality concept specifications: inadequate clarity, adverse implications and a proposed resolution
Authors: Pawar Badrinarayan Shankar
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper evaluates the existing main workplace spirituality concept specifications and points out their inadequacies and the resulting adverse implications. It also outlines a set of workplace spirituality concept specifications as a resolution.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper does a detailed evaluation of chronologically evolved existing main workplace spirituality concept specifications to point out their inadequacies and outlines a resolution to address the inadequacies.

Findings

This paper reveals that there are differences, inconsistencies, and inadequate clarity in workplace spirituality concept specifications and that these have had adverse implications. This paper yields a proposed resolution with its associated merits.

Research implications

This paper can potentially improve the future workplace spirituality research as reflected in its six theoretical implications and three directions for future research.

Practical implications

This paper’s description of the inadequacies in the existing workplace spirituality concept specifications and the proposed resolution can improve the practice of workplace spirituality research.

Social implications

Improvement in the research on a socially relevant topic of workplace spirituality is likely to benefit the society.

Originality/value

This is, to the author’s best knowledge, the first paper to evaluate workplace spirituality concept specifications and to propose a resolution to address their inadequacies.
Organic farming: mapping the perceptual landscape of business competence
Authors: Lone Aashiq Hussain , Rashid Irfana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

With organic farming (OF) emerging as a pivotal and sustainable farm enterprise globally, its adoption – particularly through sustainable organic farming practices (SOFP) – underscores the crucial role played by the competencies of organic farmers. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive perceptual assessment of the competencies essential for SOFP in the unique agricultural landscape. The focus is on exploring the entrepreneurial, managerial, personal and technical competencies of farmers engaged in OF.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a sequential mixed-methods approach, this study began with a quantitative phase (structured questionnaire) and seamlessly transitioned into a qualitative phase (focus group interviews). A total of 513 usable responses were received in the quantitative phase, and data from seven focus group interviews (FGIs) were recorded in the qualitative phase. The respondents were registered organic farmers affiliated with various farmer producer organizations (FPOs) in the Kashmir Valley, India. Methodological triangulation was used to interpret the results.

Findings

Through perceptual analysis, the study systematically identified and assessed the competencies held by the organic farmers. The study uncovered that farmers in the Kashmir Valley demonstrate competencies across personal, entrepreneurial, managerial and technical domains. Despite an overall moderate competence level, technical and managerial competencies were perceived as low and are focal points for improvement.

Research limitations/implications

The study sheds light on OF competencies in the Kashmir Valley, caution is warranted due to its regional focus. The reliance on self-reported data introduces potential bias in competency assessments. The sample, drawn from FPOs, can be a lacuna. The study’s static snapshot captures competencies at a specific time, limiting insights into potential temporal changes.

Practical implications

The findings advocate for targeted competency development programs tailored to elevate varied competencies among farmers. Collaborative initiatives, market-oriented training and locally customized extension services are proposed to effectively address and bridge competence gaps. Policymakers are urged to consider incentivizing competency development and crafting integrated agricultural policies that comprehensively support competency enhancement.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to the existing theory and literature by advancing the understanding of competencies of organic farmers. It unveils perceptual assessment on four key competence dimensions that are very vital for SOFP and also explores the extent to which these competencies are evident. Furthermore, this study provides interventions for competence development for successful sustainable organic agri-ventures and entrepreneurial avenues.
Facilities management practices in gated communities in Ghana: a study of selected gated communities in Accra
Authors: Twum-Bobie Ansaa Nana Yaa , Issah Farida Daphne , Alhassan Tahiru , Kidido Joseph Kwaku
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Facilities management (FM) has increasingly become crucial in the built environment. However, it is often overlooked as a crucial aspect of overall management. This study examined FM practices in gated communities (GCs), and challenges impeding the effective implementation of these practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach involving the use of purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants. Data gathered from the participants were analyzed thematically using MAX Qualitative Data Analysis (MAXQDA) Analytics Pro 2024 software.

Findings

FM in GCs played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the GCs. These roles were vendor management, security management, maintenance and repairs, communication, tenancy agreements administration, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Non-adherence to the rules and regulations by occupants, lack of policies, unreliable vendors, lack of training and lack of funds are the major challenges FM faces in GCs.

Practical implications

The findings from this paper can be leveraged by stakeholders to help streamline FM activities in GCs to provide that conducive environment expected by tenants. It will also help owners of GCs obtain the maximum returns for their investments.

Originality/value

This paper provides information on FM practices and challenges in GCs from the Ghanaian perspective. The study adds to the literature on the emergence and growth of GCs in the African context.
Experimental transplants demonstrate shifts in predation favour evolution of aggressive behaviours in Trinidadian killifish
Authors: Korte Meghan , Walsh Matthew R.
Published: December 2024

Theory asserts larger brains facilitate behaviours that enhance fitness. Research has demonstrated that increased brain size improves cognition and survival. However, the majority of research has focused on cross‐species comparisons. Experiments that manipulate selection to investigate the connection between brain size, behaviour and fitness are needed.

Trinidadian killifish (Anablepsoides hartii) live in communities with (high predation: HP) and without (killifish only: KO) predators. Predator absence is associated with high population densities, increased intraspecific competition and evolved larger brain sizes.

We tested for evolutionary shifts in behaviour by subjecting second‐generation lab‐reared killifish to a mirror aggression assay. We also quantify selection on brain size and behaviour by transplanting wild HP killifish to KO sites and tracking individual fitness (growth rates) with a mark‐recapture design.

Lab‐reared killifish from KO sites—specifically males—exhibited higher levels of aggression than HP killifish. In the transplant experiment, HP killifish exhibited strong increases in aggression following the introduction to KO sites. Increased brain size was correlated with increased growth in transplanted HP killifish, yet there was no association between brain size, aggression and growth.

Our results indicate that declines in predation and increased competition favour increases in aggression but further research is needed to determine if and how brain size and behaviour are linked through natural selection.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Defined‐benefit pension plan funding: Does managerial ability matter?
Authors: Jory Surendranath Rakesh , Ngo Thanh , Wang Hongxia
Published: December 2024

We examine the impact of managerial ability on defined‐benefit pension plans in US firms and find that plan funding levels increase with their sponsors' managerial ability. The finding is robust to various model specifications and control for endogeneity. Further analyses show that high‐ability managers make higher employer contributions and adopt more conservative and prudent plan assumptions and investment strategies, and that their pension management is value‐enhancing. We conclude that more able managers are cognisant of obligations toward pension beneficiaries and fulfil such obligations with better‐funded plans, which ultimately benefits shareholders.
Food, nutrition and dining information on residential aged care facility websites: A website analysis
Authors: Tan Zavier Kok Shen , Pashley Alice , Ball Lauren , Wright Olivia Renee Louise , Bartrim Karly
Published: December 2024

Objective

High‐quality food, nutrition and dining are essential tenets of residential aged care facilities (RACF). Residential aged care facilities provide website information on their services for prospective residents, which may offer insight into food, nutrition and dining practices. This study aimed to describe the food, nutrition and dining information on RACF websites.

Methods

A cross‐sectional website analysis was conducted on Southeast Queensland (SEQ) RACF websites. Food, nutrition and dining data were extracted verbatim under domains of nutrition care processes, food and menu planning, eating assistance and mealtime experiences, with further subdomains under each. Quantitative content analysis was conducted to describe the information reported on websites, descriptive statistics were used to describe RACF characteristics, and Pearsons χ2 analyses were performed to detect associations between different food, nutrition and dining practices and RACF characteristics.

Results

A total of 268 websites were reviewed. Food, nutrition and dining information were limited, with no subdomains mentioned by all websites. The most frequently mentioned subdomains were the foodservice model (64%, n = 171), allied health services (72%, n = 173) and communal dining (73%, n = 193). Assistive/adaptive equipment to support independence (0%, n = 0), personalised nutrition care plan (0%, n = 1) and reference to food, nutrition or food safety standards (2%, n = 5) were the least mentioned subdomains. Facility characteristics had minimal associations with subdomains.

Conclusions

There are opportunities for RACF to improve the information on food, nutrition and dining information on websites to increase transparency to future residents. The subdomains developed in this study could provide guidance to RACF to enhance online information.
Expression of toll‐like receptors in recurrent pleomorphic adenoma and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Jauhiainen Maria K. , Markkanen Anttoni , Atula Timo , Aro Katri , Haglund Caj , Söderlund‐Venermo Maria , Mäkitie Antti A. , Sinkkonen Saku T. , Hagström Jaana
Published: December 2024

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is a benign salivary gland tumour that may recur or undergo malignant transformation (CXPA). Toll‐like receptors (TLR) mediate immune responses triggered by various agents such as viruses and are related to tumour formation either by stimulating or suppressing their growth, with variation across different tumour entities. We compared TLR immunohistochemical expression in PA, its recurrent counterparts and CXPA and evaluated the effect of virus presence in these tumours. We studied the expression of TLR‐2, ‐3, ‐5, ‐7 and ‐9 in 25 PA, 34 recurrent PA and 15 CXPA tumour samples. In addition, we examined the TLR expression levels in the presence and absence of herpes‐, polyoma‐ and parvovirus DNA in a subset of tumours (n = 20). CXPA expressed significantly more TLR‐5 and TLR‐9 in the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane compared with benign PA. The presence of virus DNA did not notably affect the TLR expression. TLR expression patterns seem to reflect tumour behaviour but are independent of the presence of viruses tested in this study.
Prediction of pork loin storage period using a compact impedance device
Authors: Terada Kei , Okabe Shuichi , Otsuka Makoto
Published: December 2024

Management of storage period is essential for meat. The purpose of this study was to develop a technique for predicting storage period in pork loins using a compact impedance‐measuring device. Eight measurement positions were placed on pork loin block meat from five fattening pigs, and impedance values at frequencies of 2 and 100 kHz, modified K values (mK values), which are derived from nucleotide‐related substances were collected during storage ranging from 0 to 14 days. We developed regression equations using the storage days or mK values as the objective variable and both the impedance ratio (2 kHz/100 kHz) and the 100 kHz impedance value as the explanatory variable for one‐position measurements, obtaining the coefficients of determination of 0.80 and 0.79, respectively. These results indicated that the compact impedance‐measuring device can be used to predict the storage days of pork loins. In this study, we developed a simple technique for predicting pork loin storage period using a compact impedance‐measuring device that can be applied nondestructively in the meat processing industry.
Reframing thalassaemia syndrome as a benign haematopoietic stem cell disorder
Authors: Maggio Aurelio , Napolitano Mariasanta , Taher Ali T. , Bou‐Fakhredin Rayan , Ostuni Mariano Anibal
Published: December 2024

Thalassaemia, caused by over 250 mutations in the beta globin gene, changes the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation, leading to ineffective erythropoiesis. This Wider Perspective article overlooks its underlying nature as a benign HSC disorder with a significant impact on the erythroid cell lineage. The simplicity of managing symptoms through transfusions and iron chelation therapy has shifted the focus away from the development of cell‐based treatments. The identification of the beta039 mutation by Chang and Kan in 1979 marked a turning point, suggesting as main approach the molecular level by correcting the beta globin chain imbalances through gene insertion and editing. However, challenges of technology have delayed the implementation of these strategies for over four decades. In contrast, the past two decades have witnessed significant advances in the treatment of HSC disorders of the myeloid clone which are driven by a ‘target cell strategy’. Many current and innovative treatments for thalassaemia are now adopting this approach, highlighting the importance of identifying suitable candidates through risk stratification. This manuscript explores the evolving understanding of thalassaemia syndromes as congenital HSC disorders of the erythroid clone and examines the implications of this perspective for the development of future treatments.
Pharmacodynamics of the orexin type 1 (OX1) receptor in colon cancer cell models: A two‐sided nature of antagonistic ligands resulting from partial dissociation of Gq
Authors: Gratio Valérie , Dragan Paulina , Garcia Laurine , Saveanu Loredana , Nicole Pascal , Voisin Thierry , Latek Dorota , Couvineau Alain
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose

Orexins have important biological effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Their primary ability is to regulate the sleep–wake cycle. Orexins and their antagonists, via OX1 receptor have been shown to have proapoptotic and antitumor effects on various digestive cancers cell models. We investigated, (1) the ability of orexin‐A and its antagonists to regulate OX1 receptor expression at the cell surface and (2), how OX1 antagonists induced proapoptotic effect in cancer cells models.

Experimental Approach

The OX1 receptor internalisation is determined by imaging flow cytometry in colon cancer cell models and the OX1 receptor coupling to G proteins via bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamic simulation.

Key Results

Orexin‐A induced rapid receptor internalisation within 15 min via β‐arrestin 2 recruitment, whereas antagonists had no effect. Furthermore, Gq is critical for receptor internalisation and signalling pathways, and no other G proteins appear to be recruited. Surprisingly, antagonists induced recruitment and conformational changes in Gq protein. Simulated molecular dynamics of agonists/orexin receptor/Gq complexes show that antagonists exhibits a similar binding mode, stable at the binding site and show conformational changes of ECL2, similar to that of the agonists.

Conclusion and Implications

OX1 receptor activation induced orexin/β‐arrestin‐dependent internalisation, which was independent of the apoptotic pathway induced by orexins and antagonists. In addition, antagonists activate the Gq protein, suggesting its putative partial dissociation. These results suggest that the development of OX1 receptor targeting molecules, including orexin antagonists with antitumor properties, may pave the way for innovative cancer therapies.
Reference Ranges and Determinants of Thyroid Function and TSH Receptor Antibodies During Early Pregnancy in Nepal
Authors: Bakken Kjersti S. , Niraula Apeksha , Chandyo Ram K. , Ulak Manjeswori , Shrestha Laxman , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Strand Tor A. , Korevaar Tim I. M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Different definitions of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy may lead to under or overtreatment. The aims of this study were to (1) define population‐based pregnancy‐specific reference ranges for thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy in Nepal and assess the impact of antibody positivity, (2) quantify the diagnostic impact of population‐based reference ranges compared with current practice and (3) assess the determinants of thyroid function and antibody positivity.

Methods

A total of 800 healthy pregnant women aged 20–40 years in the Bhaktapur municipality were included. Population‐based reference ranges for thyroid hormones levels were defined as 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles using competitive immunoluminometric assay design. Thyroid disease cases and those with recommended treatment indications were calculated using current non‐pregnancy new reference ranges. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify the determinants of thyroid hormones and antibody levels.

Results

Median gestational age was 11 weeks. The reference interval was 0.05–3.69 µLU/mL for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and 8.89–15.28 pg/mL for free tetraiodothyronine (fT4) after excluding thyroid peroxidase antibody‐positive women. Compared with the current non‐pregnancy reference ranges, the new calculations increased the number of women who required treatment from 5 to 12 (0.9% increase). We identified 19 women (2.4%) who were positive for TSH receptor antibody (TRAb). We could not identify the determinants of TRAb positivity, and TRAb positivity was not associated with TSH or fT4 levels.

Conclusions

We found meaningful changes using population‐based pregnancy‐specific TSH and fT4 reference intervals and encourage further studies in other low‐ and middle‐income settings. Our findings suggest that population screening for TRAb is not clinically meaningful.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registration: U1111‐1183‐4093.
Implication of GPRASP2 in the Proliferation and Hair Cell‐Forming of Cochlear Supporting Cells
Authors: Cai Jing , Huang Kun , Li Wenrui , Wang Tianming , Yue Shen , Chen Zhibin , Xing Guangqian , Wei Qinjun , Yao Jun , Cao Xin
Published: December 2024

G protein‐coupled receptor‐associated sorting protein 2 (GPRASP2) has been identified as the causative gene for X‐linked recessive syndromic hearing loss (SHL) in our previous study. However, the role of GPRASP2 in auditory function remains unclear. The present study demonstrated that Gprasp2 overexpression in mouse organoids promoted the proliferation of supporting cells (SCs), which was mainly mediated by the Hedgehog signalling pathway. Meanwhile, GPRASP2 promoted hair cell (HC) formation from SCs via β‐catenin signalling. In addition, GPRASP2 deficiency resulted in increased lysosomal degradation of SMO protein, leading to decreased expression of β‐catenin and the Hedgehog pathway transcription factor GLI1. In neomycin‐treated mouse cochlear explant, the smoothened agonist (SAG) recured the HC loss and further facilitated AAV‐ie‐Gprasp2 to promote the proliferation of SCs and formation of HCs. Our results suggested that GPRASP2 could be a potential candidate for gene therapy in the regeneration of HCs.
Disturbance drives concordant functional biodiversity shifts across regions: new evidence from river eDNA
Authors: Fan Anran , Ni Steven , McCulloch Graham A. , Waters Jonathan M.
Published: December 2024

Major disturbance events can profoundly influence biodiversity patterns, although the extent to which such shifts are predictable remains poorly understood. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) to compare forested versus recently deforested stream insect communities across disjunct regions of New Zealand, to test for parallel shifts in response to widescale disturbance. Although eDNA analyses revealed highly distinct species pools across regions, they detected concordant functional diversity shifts linked to recent deforestation, including parallel decreases in the diversity of grazing taxa. The finding that taxonomically distinct freshwater biotas have experienced broadly concordant functional shifts in the wake of deforestation indicates that disturbance can drive deterministic ecological change. By contrast, the finding that some closely related species within functional groups show discordant responses to deforestation suggests that ecological differentiation among cryptic taxa may contribute to idiosyncratic shifts. These findings highlight the potential of eDNA for resolving subtle species‐level differences among anthropogenically impacted ecological assemblages.
Demographic processes and fire regimes interact to influence plant population persistence under changing climates
Authors: McColl‐Gausden Sarah C. , Bennett Lauren T. , Visintin Casey , Penman Trent D.
Published: December 2024

Individual and interactive effects of changing climate and shifting fire regimes are influencing many plant species across the globe. Climate change will likely have significant impacts on plant population viability over time by altering environmental conditions and wildfire regimes as well as influencing species demographic traits. However, the outcomes of these complex interactions for different plant functional types under future climate conditions have been rarely examined. We used a proof‐of‐concept case‐study approach to model multiple plant species across two functional plant types, obligate seeder and facultative resprouter, to examine the interactive effects of demographic shifts and fire regime change on population persistence across two landscapes of over 7000 km2 in temperate southeastern Australia. Our approach involves a novel combination of a fire regime simulation tool with a spatially explicit population viability analysis model. We simulated fire regimes under six different future climates representing different temperature and precipitation shifts and combined them with 16 hypothetical plant demographic change scenarios, characterised by changes to individual or multiple plant demographic processes. Plant populations were more likely to decline or become extinct due to changes in demographic processes than in the fire regime alone. Although both functional types were vulnerable to climate‐induced changes in demography, obligate seeder persistence was also negatively influenced by future fire regimes characterised by shorter fire intervals. Integrating fire regime simulations with spatially explicit population viability analyses increased our capacity to identify those plant functional types most at risk of extinction, and why, as fire regimes change with climate change. This flexible framework is a first step in exploring the complex interactions that will determine plant viability under changing climates and will improve research and fire management prioritisation for species into the future.
A Qualitative Analysis of Students' Perceptions and Experiences of Stressors and Well‐Being in Dentistry
Authors: Chan Charlotte Cheuk Kwan , Fok Elise Hoi Wan , Botelho Michael George
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Well‐being is increasingly regarded as an integral component of a graduating dentist's professional responsibility, yet studies demonstrate significant levels of stress and poor mental health in the dental student population. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore final‐year dental students' perceptions of stressors in dentistry and their experiences of managing their individual well‐being and supporting the well‐being of their colleagues and patients.

Methods

A literature search was performed to guide the development of an interview framework which included questions centred around three higher domains based on self, peers and patients. Participants were randomly sampled and the interviews audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive‐deductive approach was adopted for thematic analysis of the results.

Results

Fourteen interviews were conducted, revealing four themes and 15 subthemes. Students were acutely aware of poor well‐being symptoms amongst themselves and their peers. Treating dental patients with mental illness was common but some students expressed uncertainties in managing these patients. The key stressors were assessments and clinical stress. Students frequently sought support from peers and half had received professional help. Barriers to approaching faculty staff were identified. The role of stigma in preventing students from openly sharing their well‐being experiences was discussed.

Conclusion

A range of curricular and clinical stressors, and potential sources of support to manage these stressors, have been explored from the perspectives of final‐year dental students. From these experiences, action points have been proposed to address knowledge gaps and enhance faculty‐level wellness support for dental students.
Mild cognitive impairment in spontaneous intracranial hypotension and its rapid reversal by repair of a spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak
Authors: Wolf Katharina , Volz Florian , El Rahal Amir , Overstijns M. , Lützen Niklas , Zander Charlotte , Shah Mukesch J. , Urbach Horst , Beck Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Background

Patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) report difficulties in concentration and memory. To objectify these deficits, we implemented standard cognitive tests into our routine SIH workup.

Method

Retrospective, single‐center report of cognitive standard tests among patients with SIH consecutively admitted from May to July 2023. Cognitive testing involved the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA©, alternate versions, 0–30 points, 30 points for best performance, ≤26 indicating mild cognitive impairment at age >64 years), and the Trail Making Test, part B (TMT B, z‐scores adjusted to age and education) to test for executive function. Both were administered at admission, and within 36–72 h after surgical repair of the spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

Results

A total of 18 patients with an active spinal CSF leak were tested at admission (seven with ventral, three with lateral leak, and eight with CSF‐venous fistula). There was no profound brain sagging as described in brain sagging dementia. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 53.6 (11) years. Bern scores ranged between 0 and 9, median 6.5. The mean (SD) MoCA score at admission was 26.5 (2) points, with five patients (28%) scoring <26 points indicative of mild cognitive impairment. Performance in the TMT B was impaired in nine patients (50%, z‐score ≥2). Upon targeted treatment of the CSF leak, the mean (SD) MoCA score immediately improved to 28.5 (1), p = 0.001 (n = 14), as did performance on the TMT B (mean [SD] 2.1 [2] vs. 1.1 [1], p = 0.015, n = 13).

Discussion

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension with an active spinal CSF leak is associated with cognitive impairment and surgical closure of the leak led to rapid improvement. We conclude that there may be a causal relationship between cognitive dysfunction and spinal CSF loss. We suggest considering spinal CSF leaks as a treatable cause in patients with mild cognitive impairment and with pre‐dementia. This may ultimately necessitate thorough screening of brain and spine magnetic resonance images in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
An NF‐κB‐regulated cytokine enhances the antiviral resistance of silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wei Dongmei , Liu Jinming , Hu Jie , Zhang Beilei , Pan Yumeng , Xia Qingyou , Wang Fei
Published: December 2024

Insect NF‐κB‐like factor, Relish, is activated by viral infection and induces the production of antiviral proteins. In this study, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of BmE cells expressing the active form of BmRelish (BmRelishact) and identified BmVago‐like as the most strongly‐induced secreted‐protein. Expression of BmVago‐like was specifically triggered by Bombyx mori Nucleo Polyhedro Virus (BmNPV) infection and regulated by BmSTING‐BmRelish pathway. Incubating the fresh culture of cells with supernatant medium of BmVago‐like expressing cells or recombinant BmVago‐like protein (rBmVago‐like) significantly increased antiviral resistance. On the contrary, reducing the expression of Bmvago‐like by RNA interference (RNAi) in BmE cells as well as in silkworm larvae impaired antiviral response. Furthermore, we constructed transgenic silkworm line over‐expressing BmVago‐like (BmVago‐likeOV) and found they had markedly lower viral load and higher survival rate after BmNPV infection compared with the wild‐type control. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay showed Bmintegrin β1 interacts with BmVago‐like and it was involved in BmVago‐like mediated antiviral response. Finally, we found the expression level of signalling molecules in the JAK–STAT pathway increased in rBmVago‐like‐treated cells and BmVago‐likeOV silkworm larvae but decreased in RNAi‐treated cells. In summary, our research uncovered an inducible antiviral response in silkworm mediated by cytokine BmVago‐like, which is the downstream effector of BmSTING‐BmRelish pathway and functions as an antiviral cytokine.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes delays wound healing in ob/ob mice
Authors: Aruga Kohsuke , Takehara Kimie , Kametaka Satoshi
Published: December 2024

A wide variety of microbial species, including Trichophyton spp., have been detected in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). In particular, Trichophyton spp. cause tinea pedis (i.e., athlete's foot) and onychomycosis. However, investigations regarding the correlation between Trichophyton spp. and delayed wound healing are limited to case reports. Moreover, histological changes in wounds caused by Trichophyton spp. remain unclear. In this study, we sought to confirm the delayed wound healing phenotype caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes infection in a full‐thickness excisional wound ob/ob mouse model through histopathological analysis. The inoculation of skin wounds in ob/ob mice with T. mentagrophytes sporules resulted in significant delay on wound healing. Further histopathological analyses demonstrated that the delayed wound healing in ob/ob mice was accompanied by reduced collagen fibre formation and inhibited granulation tissue formation, with spores and elongated mycelia retained in the wound bed and along the wound edges. This suggests that T. mentagrophytes colonization of wounds potentially contributes to delayed wound healing in patients with diabetes. These results suggest that neglected tinea pedis is a potential risk factor for delayed wound healing and progression to refractory wounds in patients with DFU.
Patient involvement in diabetes‐related foot ulcers: What do patients need and prefer when undergoing treatment at multidisciplinary outpatient foot centres? A phenomenological hermeneutic study
Authors: Hansen Carrinna Aviaja , Hjelmgaard Camilla Misha Holde , Kristensen Marlene Østermark , Berthelsen Connie
Published: December 2024

We adopted a qualitative descriptive design to gain a broad understanding of the experiences, needs and preferences. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients with diabetes‐related foot ulcers using an interview guide. Patients were recruited from the four multidisciplinary foot centres in the Eastern Danish Region of Zealand. The methodology utilised a phenomenological hermeneutical perspective, allowing participants to share their experiences. The data analysis was inspired by Paul Ricoeur's philosophy of text interpretation. Three themes were identified: (1) Becoming dependent on patient involvement to cope and comprehend, (2) Experiences and needs regarding the involvement of relatives and equals and (3) Being vulnerable and limited by diabetes‐related foot ulcers while striving for normality. This study emphasised the complexity of, and the highly burdensome, life that the participants experienced living with treatment‐required diabetes‐related foot ulcers while needing individualised and family‐centred approaches, which are highly dependent on the healthcare professionals' communication skills. One of the most crucial aspects of patient care is providing individualised and person‐centred information. The information necessitates the enhancement of healthcare professionals' communication skills. By emphasising the need for family‐centred strategies, we can improve health and well‐being by involving patients, relatives and patients' networks as active team players in the care process.
Frailty, social deprivation, and mortality among Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries
Authors: Zhong Lily , Sison Stephanie Denise M. , Cheslock Megan , Liu Yuchen , Newmeyer Natalie , Kim Dae Hyun
Published: December 2024

Background

The geographic distribution of frailty and social deprivation, and their association with mortality in the United States, have not been well studied.

Methods

We estimated claims‐based frailty index (CFI) (range: 0–1) and area‐level social deprivation index (SDI) (range: 0–100) in a 5% random sample of 1,207,323 Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries 65 years and older. We examined the prevalence of frailty (defined as CFI ≥ 0.25) and the mean SDI and estimated their correlation by state and county. The association of frailty and social deprivation with one‐year mortality was estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, and dual eligibility status.

Results

The study population had the following characteristics: mean age of 76 years, 56% female, 10.3% with frailty, and 24.0% with high social deprivation (SDI ≥ 67). The correlation between frailty and social deprivation was weak (ρ = 0.39 by state and 0.28 by county). The risk of death for the total study population was 4.5%. The age, sex, dual eligibility, and SDI‐adjusted risk of death for robust, pre‐frail, and frail individuals was 1.8%, 4.4%, and 13.3%, respectively. The age, sex, dual eligibility‐adjusted risk of death for low, medium, and high SDI regardless of frailty was 4.4%, 4.7%, and 4.6%, respectively. In robust beneficiaries, the adjusted risk of death for low, medium, and high social deprivation was 1.6%, 1.9% (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.15, 1.27]), and 2.0% (1.31 [1.24, 1.38]), respectively, whereas in beneficiaries with frailty, the corresponding risk by social deprivation was 13.4%, 13.7% (1.03 [0.99, 1.07]), and 12.9% (0.96 [0.92, 1.00]).

Conclusion

This study identifies regions of the United States that may be most vulnerable from frailty and social deprivation. These findings emphasize the significance of frailty and social deprivation on mortality and the need for community‐based preventative health programs such as frailty screening to improve health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries living with frailty.
Firm‐Specific Economic Policy Uncertainty and Stock Price Crash Risk
Authors: Song Danwen , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2024

Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) significantly impacts capital markets and financial activities. Prior studies present inconsistent results regarding the effect of EPU on stock price crash risk, possibly due to the usage of a macro‐level EPU index that assumes homogeneity in its effects across diverse firms. Using data from Chinese A‐share listed firms from 2008 to 2019, we adopt a text‐based method to measure firm‐specific economic policy uncertainty (FEPU) and examine its impact on future stock price crashes. We find that FEPU mitigates crash risk through two channels: monitoring enhancement and conservatism promotion, which deter the accumulation of negative information. The mitigating effect of FEPU is more pronounced for firms with greater managerial stock option incentives, overconfident CEOs, and higher reliance on government subsidies. Overall, our study highlights the crucial role of FEPU in reducing the expected costs of managerial information manipulation and managing stock return tail risks.
(Re)building the nervous system: A review of neuron–glia interactions from development to disease
Authors: Demmings Matthew D. , da Silva Chagas Luana , Traetta Marianela E. , Rodrigues Rui S. , Acutain Maria Florencia , Barykin Evgeny , Datusalia Ashok Kumar , German‐Castelan Liliana , Mattera Vanesa S. , Mazengenya Pedzisai , Skoug Cecilia , Umemori Hisashi
Published: December 2024

Neuron–glia interactions are fundamental to the development and function of the nervous system. During development, glia, including astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, influence neuronal differentiation and migration, synapse formation and refinement, and myelination. In the mature brain, glia are crucial for maintaining neural homeostasis, modulating synaptic activity, and supporting metabolic functions. Neurons, inherently vulnerable to various stressors, rely on glia for protection and repair. However, glia, in their reactive state, can also promote neuronal damage, which contributes to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. Understanding the dual role of glia—as both protectors and potential aggressors—sheds light on their complex contributions to disease etiology and pathology. By appropriately modulating glial activity, it may be possible to mitigate neurodegeneration and restore neuronal function. In this review, which originated from the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) Advanced School in 2019 held in Montreal, Canada, we first describe the critical importance of glia in the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system as well as their contributions to neuronal damage and neurological disorders. We then discuss potential strategies to modulate glial activity during disease to protect and promote a properly functioning nervous system. We propose that targeting glial cells presents a promising therapeutic avenue for rebuilding the nervous system.

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Electrophysiological recording during touchscreen‐based behavioral assays in rodents: A platform for improving early‐stage neuroscience drug discovery
Authors: Carr Gregory V.
Published: December 2024

Preclinical behavioral testing is essential for drug discovery in neuropsychiatric disorders, yet translational challenges persist because of interspecies differences. Touchscreen‐based behavioral tasks offer a promising solution for bridging this gap. These tasks provide flexibility across cognitive domains and species, facilitating rigorous comparisons. They complement traditional assays, offering improved face, predictive, and construct validity by mirroring human neuropsychological tests. Notably, nearly identical tasks have been validated in multiple species, enhancing translational potential. Recent studies demonstrate conserved neurocircuitry engagement in touchscreen tasks, supporting their relevance to human function and therapeutic development. The integration of electrophysiological measures, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and local field potential (LFP) recordings with touchscreen behavioral assays, enhances translational biomarker discovery and serves to elucidate neural circuit dynamics. Despite current limitations and the need for further validation, this approach offers a pathway to more efficient drug discovery. This review covers recent research describing the feasibility and benefits of EEG/LFP‐touchscreen combination studies in rodents. While the field is still in its early stages, the promise of this research strategy is evident. Future efforts will likely focus on refining methodologies, identifying robust translational biomarkers, and expanding studies across species. Touchscreen‐based platforms, integrated with electrophysiological measurements, hold significant potential to advance our understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders and accelerate the development of effective treatments.

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Health Perceptions and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes in Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Öztürk Şenay , Ata Elvan Emine , Sarıtaş Merve
Published: December 2024

Introduction

People with serious psychiatric disorders requiring long‐term care and treatment are known to have higher rates of various physical diseases and early mortality.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate health perceptions and risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Method

Data were collected from a group of 228 patients using the Health Perception Scale, the Metabolic Syndrome Assessment Form and the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk Test.

Results

The patients had moderately positive health perceptions, 51.3% had moderate risk, 10.1% had high risk of metabolic syndrome, 27.6% were at risk for diabetes. Low health self‐awareness was associated with higher diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk, and diabetes risk was also positively associated with metabolic syndrome risk.

Discussion

The interrelatedness of health perceptions, diabetes risk and metabolic syndrome risk suggests the need for educational interventions focused on increasing awareness of self‐care, nutrition, exercise and disease‐ and health‐related issues specific to these patients.

Implications for Practice

This study highlights the need for nurses to regularly screen patients with mental illness for diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk and to intervene accordingly.