bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the path to university students' advocacy intention: exploring the intriguing gender moderation
Authors: Abdelmaaboud Abdelhamid K. , Polo Peña Ana Isabel , Mahrous Abeer A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study introduces three variables related to brands that have the potential to enhance university students' advocacy intentions. The research explores how university brand identification, the perceived prestige of the university brand and the social benefits associated with the university brand impact students' advocacy intentions. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of gender in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional surveys of 326 undergraduate students enrolled in a Spanish university, and structural equation modeling was used to test and validate the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings from the structural equation modeling indicate that university brand identification, perceived university brand prestige and university brand social benefits significantly influence students' advocacy intentions. Furthermore, the multigroup analysis reveals a gender difference in the factors influencing advocacy intentions. Female students demonstrate significance in all three antecedents, whereas male students only show significance in university brand identification and perceived university brand prestige.

Practical implications

The current study's findings provide several insights for higher education institutions in developing enduring and committed relationships with their students.

Originality/value

This study offers relevant insights into the body of research on university branding, explaining the students' advocacy intentions through the variables of university brand identification, perceived university brand prestige and university brand social benefits. Also, this study is a novelty in introducing empirical evidence for the importance of the moderating role of students' gender.
How to manage sustainability in healthcare organizations? A processing map to include the ESG strategy
Authors: Bosco Federica , Di Gerio Chiara , Fiorani Gloria , Stola Giulia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the key issues that healthcare knowledge-intensive organizations (KIPOs) should focus on to define themselves as socioenvironmentally and governance responsible for integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) logic into their business strategy. At the same time, this provides an understanding of how healthcare KIPOs contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a cue from the model developed by the World Economic Forum, an “ESG Processing Map” was constructed to identify qualitative disclosures that a healthcare company should consider when implementing sustainability logic. The aspects investigated were processed, considering national and international standards, frameworks and disclosures. The social network analysis technique was used to systemize and combine the outcomes of these processes and analyze their consistency with sustainable development.

Findings

Through the “ESG Processing Map,” 13 areas of action and 27 topics specific to the health sector were defined on which to intervene in sustainability in order to concretely help HCOs to place specific corrective and improvement actions over time concerning socioenvironmental and governance aspects.

Originality/value

The paper provides contribute, on the one hand, to enriching and updating the academic literature on ESG logic in a still underexplored field and, on the other hand, to provide these types of organizations with a “compass” to guide and orient their business strategies towards sustainability.
Stakeholder value creation system: understanding the process
Authors: De Tommaso Silvia Ferraz Nogueira , Borini Felipe Mendes
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Understanding how firms manage multiple stakeholders is an academic and business call. This paper aims to describe a firm’s processes to implement a stakeholder value creation system, defined as the firm’s processes to create appropriate value with multiple stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based their investigation on a conceptual framework extracted from a previous literature review. From there, the authors conducted qualitative empirical research designed as a multiple-case study. In-depth interviews with 47 people from 11 different firms are the key source of this study.

Findings

This paper proposes a framework demonstrating how a firm can implement a stakeholder value creation system. Results pointed to three processes: value creation, distribution and capture. Value distribution mechanisms are drivers for both value creation and capture processes. The system is a set of multiple flow relationships between the firm and its stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the Brazilian context.

Practical implications

The stakeholder value creation system is composed of seven elements: walk-the-talk organizational behavior, stakeholder business model, societal non-attended need, stakeholder preference matrix, stakeholder bargaining power, retention of rents and governance mechanism. Managers may design their firm’s unique processes using these elements as drivers.

Social implications

The present investigation demonstrates that societal issues matter for firms to formulate strategies that positively impact their economic, social and environmental results.

Originality/value

The authors investigated competitive strategy concepts of value creation and appropriation from a combination of resource-based and stakeholder theories and a system perspective. The framework of this study consolidated both theories’ ideas from a complementary perspective. The authors suggest managers and academics should adopt the power of the “AND” position instead of the “OR” trade-off position.
Exploring the influence of ChatGPT on tourism behavior using the technology acceptance model
Authors: Solomovich Lior , Abraham Villy
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The present study’s aims are twofold: 1) to contribute to theory development by accounting for both personality and trust in the conceptualization of technology acceptance using the technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical framework; and 2) to explore the influence of ChatGPT-integrated chatbots on tourism behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population for this study was travelers who previously used technology (website/ app) to plan their holiday abroad. An online survey questionnaire created with Google Forms was distributed via a panel company (iPanel). A screening question was included to filter out respondents who have not previously used technological means to plan their holiday abroad. A panel company (iPanel) was hired to collect data from a convenience sample of 305 Israeli tourists who met the above criterion between August 22 and 27, 2023, and were at least 18.

Findings

A significant and positive relationship was observed between trust in ChaptGPT and perceived usefulness. Furthermore, a significant and positive association was observed between perceived ease of use and intentions to use ChatGPT-integrated chatbots to plan future holidays. Post hoc analyses suggest that perceived ease of use mediates the relationship between extraversion and trust, trust mediates the relationship between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and age moderates the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intentions.

Research limitations/implications

Data was collected from a convenience sample of Israeli travelers. Hence, generalizations to other countries, nationalities and cultures should be treated carefully; the study is cross-sectional and thus represents respondents’ beliefs and behavioral intentions at a particular time; and the study is based on one of several theoretical frameworks that can be used to conceptualize behaviors associated with using AI by tourists.

Practical implications

The findings of the present study point to the importance of accounting for tourists’ personal factors, such as personality and age, in developing AI products in the tourism industry. chief executive officers and relevant shareholders would benefit from conducting market research to obtain insights into the factors that may enhance or hamper tourists’ adoption of AI-based technology for planning their holidays abroad.

Originality/value

Previous work falls short of accounting for personality traits and trust in a single model using the TAM framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study empirically investigating tourism behavior related to ChatGPT based chatbots as a tool to plan future holidays abroad. Furthermore, the possible role of age as a moderating variable was overlooked in past research.
Correlates of life course physical activity in participants of the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Moore Ann Zenobia , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Landman Bennett , Schrack Jennifer , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: January 2024

Physical activity is consistently associated with better health and longer life spans. However, the extent to which length and intensity of exercise across the life course impact health outcomes relative to current activity is undefined. Participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were asked to categorize their level of physical activity in each decade of life from adolescence to the current decade. In linear mixed effects models, self‐reported past levels of physical activity were significantly associated with activity assessed at study visits in the corresponding decade of life either by questionnaire or accelerometry. A pattern of life course physical activity (LCPA) derived by ranking participants on reported activity intensity across multiple decades was consistent with the trajectories of activity estimated from standard physical activity questionnaires assessed at prior study visits. In multivariable linear regression models LCPA was associated with clinical characteristics, measures of body composition and indicators of physical performance independent of current physical activity. After adjustment for minutes of high intensity exercise, LCPA remained significantly associated with peak VO2, fasting glucose, thigh muscle area and density, abdominal subcutaneous fat, usual gait speed, lower extremity performance, and multimorbidity (all p < 0.01) at the index visit. The observed associations suggest that an estimate of physical activity across decades provides complementary information to information on current activity and reemphasizes the importance of consistently engaging in physical activity over the life course.
Distinct clinical parameters were associated with shorter spontaneous resolution in children with non‐tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis
Authors: Jensen Frederikke Nonboe , Nielsen Allan Bybeck , Dungu Kia Hee Schultz , Poulsen Anja , Schmidt Grethe , Hjuler Thomas , Zhang He , Vissing Nadja Hawwa , Nygaard Ulrikka
Published: January 2024

Aim

Non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lymphadenitis typically resolves spontaneously, yet factors influencing the duration remain explored. We aimed to identify clinical parameters associated with shorter spontaneous resolution.

Methods

This cohort study included children with NTM lymphadenitis from 1 January 2015 to 1 March 2021 at Copenhagen University Hospital. Time‐to‐event analysis assessed clinical parameters associated with the duration of NTM lymphadenitis.

Results

Sixty children (57% boys) with a median age of 24 months (range 11–84) were included; 13 (22%) received primary surgery, 13 (22%) underwent surgery after a wait‐and‐see period and 34 (57%) received no intervention. In children without intervention, the median duration was 10 months (range 2–25). Faster resolution was associated with parental‐reported lymph node enlargement within 2 weeks (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.0; p = 0.044), abscess on ultrasound examination (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5–7.3; p = 0.003) and skin discoloration and/or perforation within 3 months of onset (HR 4.3, 95% CI 1.3–14.4; p = 0.017 and HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.5–9.1; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Knowledge of predictors for shorter spontaneous resolution of NTM lymphadenitis, such as rapid initial lymph node enlargement, abscess on ultrasound examination, and skin discoloration and/or perforation within 3 months of disease onset, may guide clinical management decisions concerning surgery versus a conservative approach.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based quantitative method using tert‐butyldimethylsilyl derivatization for plasma levels of free amino acids and related metabolites in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Do Hanwool , Yoshida Emi , Masaki Tatsunori , Oosaki Shigeru , Sakase Mitsuhiro , Iwamoto Eiji , Tomonaga Shozo
Published: January 2024

The quantification of amino acid and related metabolite levels is important for evaluating amino acid metabolism and function in animals. However, a useful quantitative method is not enough. In this study, we developed and validated tert‐butyldimethylsilyl derivatization method using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to quantify plasma levels of free amino acids and related metabolites in Japanese Black cattle. Of the 51 metabolites examined, 24, including 20 amino acids, one amine, and three keto acids, could be quantified. Compared with the trimethylsilyl derivatization method using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, which has been used for untargeted metabolomic analysis, the present method had higher analytical reliability. This method is advantageous for assessing branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism because it enables the quantification of not only BCAA levels (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) but also their bioactive metabolite keto acid levels (2‐ketoisovaleric acid, 2‐ketoisocaproic acid, and 2‐keto‐3‐methylvaleric acid) in the plasma. In addition, this method can quantify the plasma levels of not only tryptophan but also its bioactive metabolites kynurenine and serotonin. These results suggest that this quantitative method has the potential to further our understanding of amino acid metabolic processes and their functions in Japanese Black cattle.
Preserving the placebo effect after disclosure: A new perspective on non‐deceptive placebos
Authors: Emadi Andani Mehran , Barbiani Diletta , Bonetto Marco , Menegaldo Rudy , Villa‐Sánchez Bernardo , Fiorio Mirta
Published: January 2024

The present study explores whether a particular style of placebo disclosure could serve as a tool to foster a renewed trust in one's own inherent resources and elicit a meaningful placebo effect. In a motor performance task, two placebo groups received inert transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in each of four sessions along with information on its force‐enhancing properties. Before the final session, one of the placebo groups was informed about the placebo, which was portrayed as a means to unleash an inherent potential. Along with force, we systematically monitored task‐specific self‐efficacy to test whether this variable would be differentially modulated in the two placebo groups. Compared to two control groups, placebo groups showed higher force and self‐efficacy in the last session. No differences in self‐efficacy were observed in the placebo groups even after revealing the placebo procedure, suggesting that the disclosure was effective in ‘safeguarding’ individuals' self‐efficacy. These findings may have important implications, paving the way for the use of placebos that not only are ethically permissible but also support individuals' self‐efficacy.
Altered tumor signature and T‐cell profile after chemotherapy reveal new therapeutic opportunities in high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Kang Huiram , Hwang Sohyun , Kang Haeyoun , Jo Areum , Lee Ji Min , Choi Jung Kyoon , An Hee Jung , Lee Hae‐Ock
Published: January 2024

Chemotherapy combined with debulking surgery is the standard treatment protocol for high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Nonetheless, a significant number of patients encounter relapse due to the development of chemotherapy resistance. To better understand and address this resistance, we conducted a comprehensive study investigating the transcriptional alterations at the single‐cell resolution in tissue samples from patients with HGSOC, using single‐cell RNA sequencing and T‐cell receptor sequencing techniques. Our analyses unveiled notable changes in the tumor signatures after chemotherapy, including those associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cell cycle arrest. Within the immune compartment, we observed alterations in the T‐cell profiles, characterized by naïve or pre‐exhausted populations following chemotherapy. This phenotypic change was further supported by the examination of adjoining T‐cell receptor clonotypes in paired longitudinal samples. These findings underscore the profound impact of chemotherapy on reshaping the tumor landscape and the immune microenvironment. This knowledge may provide clues for the development of future therapeutic strategies to combat treatment resistance in HGSOC.
Three hundred years of past and future changes for native fish species in the upper Danube River Basin—Historical flow alterations versus future climate change
Authors: Friedrichs‐Manthey Martin , Langhans Simone D. , Borgwardt Florian , Hein Thomas , Kling Harald , Stanzel Philipp , Jähnig Sonja C. , Domisch Sami
Published: January 2024

Aim

Rivers belong to the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Historical anthropogenic alterations have, and future climate change will further affect rivers and the species therein. While many studies have projected climate change effects on species, little is known about the severity of these changes compared to historical alterations. Here, we used a unique 300‐year time series of hydrological and climate data to explore the vulnerability of 48 native fish species in the upper Danube River Basin to past and potential future environmental changes.

Location

Upper Danube River Basins (Germany and Austria).

Methods

We applied a climate niche factor analysis and calculated species‐specific vulnerability estimates based on modelled and observed hydrological and climate data from 1800 to 2100. We compared the estimated species vulnerabilities between two historical time intervals (1800–1830 and 1900–1930) and a future time interval (2070–2100, including the two representative concentration pathways 4.5 and 8.5) to an observed reference time interval (1970–2000). In addition, we identified the main environmental drivers of species vulnerability and their change over the past 200 years and for the predicted 100 years in the future.

Results

Our results showed that (i) in the past, species vulnerability was mainly driven by changes in discharge, while (ii) future potential vulnerabilities would be due to temperature. Moreover, we found that (iii) future environmental conditions for riverine fish species driven by temperature would change at a similar magnitude as past hydrological changes, driven by anthropogenic river alterations. Future changes, projected for the RCP 4.5, would result in moderate species vulnerability, whereas for the RCP 8.5, the vulnerability for all species would substantially increase compared to the historical conditions.

Main Conclusion

Accounting for an extended timeline uncovers the extent of historical pressures and provides unprecedented opportunities to proactively plan conservation strategies that are necessary to address future challenges.
The sodium–chloride difference: A marker of prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Terlecki Michał , Kocowska‐Trytko Maryla , Kurzyca Aleksandra , Pavlinec Christopher , Zając Maciej , Rusinek Jakub , Lis Paweł , Bednarski Adam , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Stolarz‐Skrzypek Katarzyna , Rajzer Marek
Published: January 2024

Background

The difference between serum sodium and chloride ion concentrations (SCD) may be considered as a surrogate of a strong ion difference and may help to identify patients with a worse prognosis. We aimed to assess SCD as an early prognostic marker among patients with myocardial infarction.

Methods

Data of 594 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with PCI (44.9% STEMI patients; 70.7% males) was analysed for SCD in relation to their 30‐day mortality. A restricted cubic spline regression model was used to study the relationship between mortality and SCD. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between SCD and the mortality risk.

Results

Patients with Killip class ≥3 had lower SCD values in comparison to patients with Killip class ≤2: (32.0 [30.0–34.0] vs. 33.0 [31.0–36.0], p = .006). The overall 30‐day mortality was 7.7% (n = 46). There was a significant difference in SCD values between survivors and non‐survivors groups of patients (median (IQR): (33.0 [31.0–36.0] vs. 31.5 [28.0–34.0] (mmol/L), p = .002). The restricted cubic splines model confirmed a non‐linear association between SCD and mortality. Patients with SCD <30 mmol/L (in comparison to SCD ≥30 mmol/L) had an increased mortality risk (unadjusted HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.59–5.36, p = .001; and an adjusted HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.02–5.19, p = .04).

Conclusions

Low SCD on admission is associated with an increased risk of 30‐day mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with PCI and may serve as a useful prognostic marker for these patients.
First report of Cryphonectria carpinicola in Hungary and Slovakia (Central Europe)
Authors: Papp Viktor , Palla Balázs , Papp Dávid , Németh Csaba
Published: January 2024

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is an economically significant tree species, serving as a valuable resource for timber and ornamental wood products. It plays a crucial ecological role within forest communities and exhibits wide distribution across Central Europe. During October 2022 and March 2023, we encountered instances of declining hornbeam trees in Hungary and Slovakia. In both cases, characteristic symptoms associated with Cryphonectria canker were observed. Subsequent morphological and molecular‐genetic analyses of fungal samples and isolates confirmed their identification as the recently described species Cryphonectria carpinicola. This study represents the first documented report of this pathogen in Hungary and Slovakia, contributing to our understanding of its presence and impact in Central Europe.
Growth and pulp production of eucalyptus trees affected by ceratocystis wilt
Authors: Benso Lucas Antonio , Rangel Amábili Alves , Tiburcio Rafael Augusto Soares , Neto Marlon Michel Antonio Moreira , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Furtado Edson Luiz
Published: January 2024

Ceratocystis wilt is one of the most harmful diseases affecting eucalyptus crops and is associated with species of the complex Ceratocystis fimbriata sensu lato. This pathology leads to the obstruction of the vascular system in infected trees, resulting in symptoms such as branch wilting and death. The wood affected by the pathogen exhibits discolouration and changes in its chemical composition, which can impact the pulping process. Therefore, the objective of this work is to investigate the impact of ceratocystis wilt on growth and the pulping process when sampling whole diseased trees. For this, healthy and diseased eucalyptus trees at the harvest age of 7 years were cut down, and their dendrometric variables (diameter at breast height, height and volume) and disease severity (basal discolouration area and volume of discoloured tissue) were measured. All tree trunks, classified into different severity classes, were sampled individually, peeled, chipped and subjected to Kraft cooking (Kappa number 18 ± 0.5). Diseased trees, under the evaluated condition, exhibited an average volume of 2.5% with discolouration and a reduction in the volumetric growth of 18.1%. The wood from diseased trees showed no significant differences in the Kraft cooking variables when compared to healthy trees. This result suggests that ceratocystis wilt reduces the volumetric growth of affected trees; however, due to the low proportion of symptomatic wood observed, the utilization of wood from diseased trees does not influence pulping and can be used in the pulp production process.
A practical approach to hyperinsulinaemia in horses with equine metabolic syndrome
Authors: Sundra Tania , Rossi Gabriele , Rendle David , Lester Guy
Published: January 2024

Laminitis associated with hyperinsulinaemia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in horses with equine metabolic syndrome. The diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinaemia are therefore critical to prevent the development of laminitis. This review article aims to help primary care clinicians manage patients with hyperinsulinaemia by providing an overview of diagnostics, management strategies and new therapies that are available.
Antibiotic use in first opinion equine practice in the United Kingdom: Serial point prevalence surveys in 17 practices
Authors: Sinclair Charlotte , Schofield Imogen , Mair Timothy
Published: January 2024

Background

Monitoring antibiotic use (AMU) is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship. Published data on AMU in first opinion equine practice are limited.

Objectives

To document AMU in first opinion equine practices.

Study design

Repeated point prevalence surveys.

Methods

AMU was recorded one day every month for 12 consecutive months in 17 equine practices.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐two horses were prescribed antibiotics across 2273 consultations (excluding routine appointments) (11.1%; 95% CI 9.8%–12.4%). Median number of consultations per practice was 121 (IQR 112–159; range 27–303). Across 17 practices, the proportion of horses receiving antibiotics varied by practice from 0% to 26.4%. Commonest indications for AMU included cellulitis (66; 26.8%), wounds (46; 18.7%), surgical prophylaxis (36; 14.6%), respiratory infection (27; 11.0%) and skin infection (20; 8.1%). Commonest antibiotics prescribed were potentiated sulphonamides (109; 43.6%), oxytetracycline (58; 23.2%), procaine penicillin (40; 16.0%) and doxycycline (36; 14.4%). 45.0% of oxytetracycline use was for surgical prophylaxis. 44.8% of procaine penicillin use was for cellulitis. 28.6% of ‘other antimicrobial’ use was for pyrexia of unknown origin. Use of antibiotics differed significantly depending on the underlying diagnosis (p < 0.001). Median antibiotic dose rates were: potentiated sulphonamides 30 mg/kg (IQR 27–75; range 10–75; n = 96); procaine penicillin 19 mg/kg (IQR 15–23; range 7–30; n = 35); oxytetracycline 6 mg/kg (IQR 5–6; range 4–30; n = 55); doxycycline 10 mg/kg (IQR 10–20; range 7–30; n = 34).

Main limitations

Weight of horses were often estimated. Duration of antibiotic courses was not recorded.

Conclusions

Antibiotics were prescribed in 11% of nonroutine consultations. Commonest indication for AMU was cellulitis. Potentiated sulphonamides, oxytetracycline and procaine penicillin were the commonest prescribed drugs. Critically important antibiotic use was infrequent. Dose rates varied, but median values were generally appropriate.
Lactate protects neurons and astrocytes against ischemic injury by modulating Ca2+ homeostasis and inflammatory response
Authors: Babenko Valentina A. , Varlamova Elena G. , Saidova Aleena A. , Turovsky Egor A. , Plotnikov Egor Y.
Published: January 2024

Lactate is now considered an additional fuel or signaling molecule in the brain. In this study, using an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) model, we found that treatment with lactate inhibited the global increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]) in neurons and astrocytes, decreased the percentage of dying cells, and caused a metabolic shift in astrocytes and neurons toward aerobic oxidation of substrates. OGD resulted in proinflammatory changes and increased expression of cytokines and chemokines, whereas incubation with lactate reduced these changes. Pure astrocyte cultures were less sensitive than neuroglia cultures during OGD. Astrocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) also showed pro‐inflammatory changes that were reduced by incubation with lactate. Our study suggests that lactate may have neuroprotective effects under ischemic and inflammatory conditions.
Persistent net release of carbon dioxide and methane from an Alaskan lowland boreal peatland complex
Authors: Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Edgar Colin W. , Kane Evan S. , Waldrop Mark P. , Neumann Rebecca B. , Manies Kristen L. , Douglas Thomas A. , Dieleman Catherine , Jones Miriam C. , Turetsky Merritt R.
Published: January 2024

Permafrost degradation in peatlands is altering vegetation and soil properties and impacting net carbon storage. We studied four adjacent sites in Alaska with varied permafrost regimes, including a black spruce forest on a peat plateau with permafrost, two collapse scar bogs of different ages formed following thermokarst, and a rich fen without permafrost. Measurements included year‐round eddy covariance estimates of net carbon dioxide (CO2), mid‐April to October methane (CH4) emissions, and environmental variables. From 2011 to 2022, annual rainfall was above the historical average, snow water equivalent increased, and snow‐season duration shortened due to later snow return. Seasonally thawed active layer depths also increased. During this period, all ecosystems acted as slight annual sources of CO2 (13–59 g C m−2 year−1) and stronger sources of CH4 (11–14 g CH4 m−2 from ~April to October). The interannual variability of net ecosystem exchange was high, approximately ±100 g C m−2 year−1, or twice what has been previously reported across other boreal sites. Net CO2 release was positively related to increased summer rainfall and winter snow water equivalent and later snow return. Controls over CH4 emissions were related to increased soil moisture and inundation status. The dominant emitter of carbon was the rich fen, which, in addition to being a source of CO2, was also the largest CH4 emitter. These results suggest that the future carbon‐source strength of boreal lowlands in Interior Alaska may be determined by the area occupied by minerotrophic fens, which are expected to become more abundant as permafrost thaw increases hydrologic connectivity. Since our measurements occur within close proximity of each other (≤1 km2), this study also has implications for the spatial scale and data used in benchmarking carbon cycle models and emphasizes the necessity of long‐term measurements to identify carbon cycle process changes in a warming climate.
Organising and managing digital platform renewal: The role of framing and overflowing
Authors: Clausen Rune Thorbjørn , Nielsen Jeppe Agger , Mathiassen Lars
Published: January 2024

Renewing digital platforms is increasingly vital to ensure organisational performance and competitiveness. Managing such renewal is challenging, however, because it requires organisations to remove their exiting digital platform while at the same time building on the practises that depend on it in order to implement a new platform. Unfortunately, the literature offers little guidance on how to launch and manage this inherently complex process. Against this backdrop, we conducted a three‐year case study of how a local government organisation organised and managed the renewal of its digital platform, which 4000 health professionals in eldercare use on a daily basis. We use two concepts—framing and overflowing—to reflect the complexity of the process and to describe how it unfolded. Initially, managers used persuasive language to carefully frame a vision of the change and prepare platform users for the renewal process. Despite these framing efforts, however, unexpected events led to overflow situations in which events rendered the framing untenable and threatened successful renewal. This, in turn, led to a decision to postpone the new platform's go‐live date. While the postponement did defuse the situation, new overflows emerged, and management was forced to initiate further framing activities to move the platform renewal forward. Based on our insights into these events and extant literature, we present a conceptual model of framing and overflowing in organising and managing digital platform renewal that unpacks how framing–overflowing dynamics play out over time in response to the complexity of the process.
Vitamin D and wound healing: Assessing skin barrier function and implications for chloasma treatment
Authors: Chen Qiong , Liu Lin , Zhang Yi
Published: January 2024

Chloasma, which is distinguished by irregularities in the pigmentation of skin, poses substantial challenge in the field of dermatology. The regulatory influence of vitamin D on the functions of skin cells implies that it may have the capacity to effectively treat chloasma and promote wound healing. To assess the efficacy of vitamin D in chloasma treatment and its impact on the function of skin barrier during the process of wound healing. The research spanned from April 2022 to September 2023, in Shanghai, China, examined 480 individuals who had been diagnosed with chloasma. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was utilized to evaluate effectiveness of topical vitamin D3 in treatment of chloasma. Concurrently, randomized control trial investigated the effects of ingested vitamin D3 supplements on the process of wound healing. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), chloasma severity score changes, wound size reduction and skin hydration levels were critical performance indicators. Statistically, the severity scores of chloasma decreased significantly in the vitamin D treatment group at 3 and 6 months compared with the placebo (p < 0.05). The Vitamin D group exhibited superior wound healing outcomes, including more substantial reduction in lesion size and enhanced skin barrier function, as evidenced by increased skin hydration and decreased TEWL (p < 0.05). Vitamin D substantially mitigated the severity of chloasma and has beneficial effect on wound healing and integrity of the skin barrier. Based on the results obtained, vitamin D exhibited promise as a therapeutic intervention in the field of dermatology, specifically in treatment of chloasma and promotion of wound recovery.
Wound infection prevention strategies in colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection: A meta‐analysis of prophylactic measures
Authors: Qi Haili , Wang Zhimin , Shen Feifei , Yu Wei , Duan Shasha , Li Xiaohuan , Huang Xiao
Published: January 2024

Colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is associated with the risk of postoperative wound infections, prompting investigations into effective prophylactic measures. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various prophylactic interventions in reducing the incidence of wound infections following EMR. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies from 2015 to 2022. We included studies that compared the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis and antiseptic measures, with clear data on post‐procedure infection rates. Eight studies met our inclusion criteria, and data were extracted for meta‐analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool and the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. The meta‐analysis included 3765 patients from eight RCTs. Prophylactic antibiotics (cefixime and cefuroxime) showed moderate to high efficacy, with infection rates as low as 0% and 0.76%. Prophylactic endoscopic closure and clipping showed the highest efficacy, with zero reported infections. The standardized surgical site infection prevention bundle had lower effectiveness, with an infection incidence of 3.83%. The risk of bias assessment indicated potential performance bias due to lack of blinding, but overall evidence quality was upheld by proper random sequence generation and diligent outcome data monitoring. The effectiveness of specific prophylactic measures, notably prophylactic antibiotics and mechanical closure techniques, has been shown in significantly reducing the risk of wound infections following colorectal EMR.
Prediction of amputation risk of patients with diabetic foot using classification algorithms: A clinical study from a tertiary center
Authors: Demirkol Denizhan , Erol Çiğdem Selçukcan , Tannier Xavier , Özcan Tuncay , Aktaş Şamil
Published: January 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers can have vital consequences, such as amputation for patients. The primary purpose of this study is to predict the amputation risk of diabetic foot patients using machine‐learning classification algorithms. In this research, 407 patients treated with the diagnosis of diabetic foot between January 2009–September 2019 in Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine in the Department of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine were retrospectively evaluated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify the key features associated with the amputation risk in diabetic foot patients within the dataset. Thus, various prediction/classification models were created to predict the “overall” risk of diabetic foot patients. Predictive machine‐learning models were created using various algorithms. Additionally to optimize the hyperparameters of the Random Forest Algorithm (RF), experimental use of Bayesian Optimization (BO) has been employed. The sub‐dimension data set comprising categorical and numerical values was subjected to a feature selection procedure. Among all the algorithms tested under the defined experimental conditions, the BO‐optimized “RF” based on the hybrid approach (PCA‐RF‐BO) and “Logistic Regression” algorithms demonstrated superior performance with 85% and 90% test accuracies, respectively. In conclusion, our findings would serve as an essential benchmark, offering valuable guidance in reducing such hazards.
Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols on surgical site wound infection rates in urological procedures
Authors: Cai Yongjian , Cai Xianguo , Zhang Xianjun , Zhu Jialiang , Chen Wanbo
Published: January 2024

This meta‐analysis assesses the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on surgical site wound infections (SSWIs) in urological procedures. Analysing data from 10 studies, our focus was on SSWI rates on the third and seventh postoperative days. The results reveal a significant reduction in SSWI rates for patients managed under ERAS protocols compared with traditional care. Notably, Figure 4 demonstrates a substantial decrease in SSWI on the third day (I2 = 93%; random: standardized mean difference [SMD]: −6.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −7.42 to −5.05, p < 0.01), and Figure 5 mirrors this trend on the seventh day (I2 = 95%; random: SMD: −4.72, 95% CI: −6.28 to −3.16, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the effectiveness of ERAS protocols in minimizing early postoperative wound infections, emphasizing their importance for broader implementation in urological surgeries.
Effectiveness of concentrated growth factor and laser therapy on wound healing, inferior alveolar nerve injury and periodontal bone defects post‐mandibular impacted wisdom tooth extraction: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lu Zhu , Bingquan Huang , Jun Tan , Fei Ge
Published: January 2024

The extraction of wisdom teeth with mandibular impact frequently results in complications including damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and malformations of the bone. The objective of this research endeavour was to assess the efficacy of low‐level laser therapy and concentrated growth factor (CGF) in facilitating nerve recovery and wound healing in such instances. A total of thirty‐one patients (mean age 27.52 ± 5.79 years) who presented with IAN injury after extraction were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (which received oral mecobalamin), CGF group (which received CGF gel applied to the extraction sockets) and laser group (which received low‐level lasers (808 nm, 30 mW, 10 J/cm2)) at the extraction site. Patients' recovery from IAN paresthesia was evaluated seven times over the course of 14 days utilizing visual analogue scale (VAS) and the pinprick test (PP). At multiple intervals following surgery, periodontal probing and bone level measurements were utilized to assess the recovery of both soft and hard tissues. The findings revealed that, compared with the control group, both the CGF and laser treatment groups exhibited a markedly greater improvement in VAS scores and wound healing of soft tissues, as well as in PP results (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced wound healing processes. Despite these improvements, there was no significant difference in wound healing outcomes between the CGF and laser groups. Notably, the CGF group showed a statistically significant improvement in healing bone defects at 30 and 90 days post‐treatment compared with the control group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), underscoring its effectiveness in bone healing as a critical aspect of the overall wound healing process. However, in terms of other wound healing comparisons, no significant differences were observed. CGF and laser therapy significantly enhanced the healing of wounds, including soft tissue and bone recovery, in addition to accelerating the recovery of IAN injuries following mandibular wisdom tooth extraction. Although both treatments were equally effective in nerve recovery, CGF notably excelled in promoting bone healing, suggesting its pivotal role in comprehensive wound healing. This highlights that both CGF and laser therapy are viable options for not only nerve recovery but also for overall wound healing in such dental procedures.
Investigating how tamsulosin combined with levofloxacin impacts wound healing in patients with chronic prostatitis who may also have perineal or urethral wounds
Authors: Yang Jingruo , Bao Congcong , Gu Jianglin
Published: January 2024

Chronic prostatitis, which frequently manifests with perineal or urethral ulcers, can have substantial impact on the quality of life experienced by affected individuals. Present treatment approaches primarily target the alleviation of symptoms and control of complications. In patients with chronic prostatitis, this investigation examined the potential synergistic effects of tamsulosin and levofloxacin on urinary function and urethral and perineal wounds healing. This cross‐sectional observational study was carried out at Chongqing Western Hospital, China, from February to November 2023. The participants comprised 88 males aged 40–75 years who had been clinically diagnosed with chronic prostatitis and complications that accompany the wound healing process. The participants were equally distributed into two groups: one assigned to the treatment group, which received a daily combination of levofloxacin (500 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg) and other to receive conventional care. The wound healing rate and improvement in urinary function were the primary outcomes evaluated monthly for 9 months. Patient satisfaction and symptom amelioration were secondary outcomes, in addition to the surveillance of adverse effects. In comparison to the control, treatment group exhibited significantly higher rate of wound closure (78.08% at 1 month and 79.38% at 9 months) and urinary function improvement (66.69% at 1 month and 67.95% at 9 months). In addition, the treatment group exhibited a greater degree of symptom amelioration; however, a rise in adverse effects was observed. In every domain, patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the treatment group. Thus the combination of tamsulosin and levofloxacin improved urinary function and wound repair in patients with chronic prostatitis, while also exhibiting tolerable profile of adverse effects.
Posttransplant atrial fibrillation: Evidence of early posttransplant recipient‐to‐donor atrioatrial connections
Authors: Izekor Bright , Perez Christopher , Banchs Javier , Olsovsky Gregory
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter originating from the donor s heart is a commonly reported complication post heart transplant. Atrial tachyarrhythmia originating from the recipient s heart, propagated through recipient‐to‐donor connections, is rare with only few cases reported in the literature; most reported cases from our review occur years post‐transplant.

Case

A 47‐year‐old male presented with atrial tachycardia 6 months post heart transplant. Electrophysiologic study demonstrated atrial fibrillation originating from native heart and propagated through atrio‐atrial connections to the donor heart. This arrhythmia was successfully terminated with radiofrequency ablation.

Conclusion

Atrio‐atrial connection between recipient and donor can form as early as a few months post heart transplant. Radiofrequency ablation appears to be an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation propagated through donor‐to‐recipient connections.
Synergistic interaction of nanoparticles and probiotic delivery: A review
Authors: Vijayaram Srirengaraj , Razafindralambo Hary , Sun Yun Zhang , Piccione Giuseppe , Multisanti Cristiana Roberta , Faggio Caterina
Published: January 2024

Nanotechnology is an expanding and new technology that prompts production with nanoparticle‐based (1–100 nm) organic and inorganic materials. Such a tool has an imperative function in different sectors like bioengineering, pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy, nuclear energy, and fuel, and its applications are helpful for human, animal, plant, and environmental health. In exacting, the nanoparticles are synthesized by top‐down and bottom‐up approaches through different techniques such as chemical, physical, and biological progress. The characterization is vital and the confirmation of nanoparticle traits is done by various instrumentation analyses like UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, annular dark‐field imaging, and intracranial pressure. In addition, probiotics are friendly microbes which while administered in sufficient quantity confer health advantages to the host. Characterization investigation is much more significant to the identification of good probiotics. Similarly, haemolytic activity, acid and bile salt tolerance, autoaggregation, antimicrobial compound production, inhibition of pathogens, enhance the immune system, and more health‐beneficial effects on the host. The synergistic effects of nanoparticles and probiotics combined delivery applications are still limited to food, feed, and biomedical applications. However, the mechanisms by which they interact with the immune system and gut microbiota in humans and animals are largely unclear. This review discusses current research advancements to fulfil research gaps and promote the successful improvement of human and animal health.