bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy, 7 Clinical Sites, MATernaL and Infant clinical NetworK (MAT-LINK), 2014–2021
Authors: Tran Emmy L. , Dorsey Amanda N. , Miele Kathryn , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Gosdin Lucas , Terplan Mishka , Sanjuan Pilar M. , Seligman Neil S. , Wright Tanner , Wachman Elisha M. , Smid Marcela , Henninger Michelle , Leeman Lawrence , Schneider Patrick D. , Rood Kara , Louis Judette M. , Caveglia Sarah , Davidson Autumn , Shakib Julie , Shrestha Hira , Meaney-Delman Dana M. , Kim Shin Y.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To describe patterns of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during pregnancies in the opioid use disorder (OUD) cohort of MAT-LINK, a sentinel surveillance network of pregnancies at US clinical sites.

Methods

Seven clinical sites providing care for pregnant people with OUD collected electronic health record data. Pregnancies were included in this analysis if (1) the pregnancy outcome occurred between January 2014 and August 2021, (2) the person had OUD, and (3) there was any electronic health record–documented MOUD during pregnancy. Analyses describing MOUD type, demographic characteristics, and timing during pregnancy were performed.

Results

Among 3911 pregnancies with any documented MOUD, more than 90% of pregnancies with methadone were to publicly insured people, which was greater than percentages for pregnancies with other MOUD. Buprenorphine with naloxone and naltrexone were two MOUD types that were increasingly common among pregnant people in recent years. In most pregnancies, prenatal care and MOUD were first documented in the same trimester. During the first, second, and third trimesters, there were 37%, 61%, and 91% of pregnancies with MOUD, respectively. Approximately 87% (n = 3412) had only 1 documented MOUD type, versus 2 or 3 types. However, discontinuity in MOUD across trimesters was still observed.

Conclusions

In MAT-LINK’s OUD cohort, the overall frequency of MOUD improved over the course of pregnancy. Contextual factors, such as insurance status and year of pregnancy outcome, might influence MOUD type. Prenatal care and MOUD might be facilitators for one another; however, there are still opportunities to improve early linkage and continuous access to both prenatal care and MOUD during pregnancy.
Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Hypertension 10–14 Years After Delivery
Authors: Venkatesh Kartik K. , Grobman William A. , Wu Jiqiang , Costantine Maged M. , Landon Mark B. , Scholtens Denise , Lowe William , Shah Nilay S. , Cameron Natalie A. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: December 2024

We examined the association between blood pressure (BP) in the early third trimester and hypertension 10–14 years after delivery per American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommendations. We conducted a secondary analysis using the prospective HAPO FUS (Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-up Study) in patients without a chronic hypertension diagnosis. The exposure and outcome were systolic and diastolic BP measured in the early third trimester and 10–14 years after delivery, respectively. Among 4,697 participants in the HAPO FUS, at 10–14 years after delivery (median age 41.6 years), 8.3% had elevated BP, 14.1% had stage 1 hypertension, and 6.1% had stage 2 hypertension. Compared with normal BP, elevated BP in the early third trimester was associated with an increased risk of stage 1 hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.76; 95% CI, 1.91–4.00) and stage 2 hypertension (aOR 3.76; 95% CI, 2.28–6.19). Stage 1 hypertension was associated with an increased risk of stage 2 hypertension (aOR 6.16; 4.24, 8.94). Pregnant individuals with high BP in the third trimester were at increased risk of developing hypertension 10–14 years after delivery.
Validity of a Classification System for the Levels of Maternal Care
Authors: Vanderlaan Jennifer , Shen Jay , McDonough Ian K.
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the content validity of the classification of maternal level of care of the American Hospital Association Database for research use.

METHODS:

This was a secondary data analysis where we classified the maternal level of care in the 2018 American Hospital Association Database and linked this to birth hospitalizations from five states in the 2016 and 2017 State Inpatient Databases: Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, and Washington. We compared maternal level of care classification with birth volume quartiles, hospital size quartiles, and teaching status to predict the birth hospital for women with high OCI (Obstetric Comorbidity Index) scores and hospital-to-hospital transfers. We calculated the odds of birth at the highest-level hospital, controlling for maternal race, rural residence, primary payer, and state.

RESULTS:

People with high OCI scores and hospital-to-hospital transfer had increased odds of birth at hospitals classified as maternal level III or IV, large hospitals, and teaching hospitals. The probability of birth at the highest-level hospital for people with high OCI scores was increased 4.9% for a level III or IV hospital, 2.6% for a large hospital, and 1.2% for a teaching hospital. The probability of birth at the highest-level hospital for people with hospital transfer was increased 5.2% for a level III or IV hospital, 1.4% for a large hospital, and 14.4% for a teaching hospital.

CONCLUSION:

Researchers can classify the maternal level of care using the American Hospital Association Database to study maternal risk-appropriate care.
Health Care Utilization After Immediate Compared With Delayed Postpartum Intrauterine Device Placement
Authors: Swisher Talis M. , Alabaster Amy , Howe Margaret C.
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate differences in health care utilization between immediate (within 10 minutes of placental delivery) and delayed (after 24 hours) intrauterine device (IUD) placement.

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted with data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 2017 to 2019 and included patients with an IUD placed between 0 and 63 days postpartum. The primary outcome for health care utilization was the number of obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) or women's health office visits within 1 year. Secondary outcomes included formal imaging studies, surgical intervention, and hospitalizations related to IUD complications within 1 year. An additional secondary outcome was live births at 120 days and 1 year.

RESULTS:

Among 1,543 immediate and 10,332 delayed postpartum IUD placements, the number of visits to an ob-gyn or women's health office within 1 year was slightly increased with delayed placement (mean 2.30 vs 2.47, P<.001). Imaging was increased in the immediate compared with the delayed group (10.5% vs 4.1%, P<.001). Laparoscopy was decreased in the immediate compared with the delayed group (0.0% vs 0.4%, P=.005), with no significant difference in hysteroscopy (0.2% vs 0.1%, P=.413). Hospitalizations were rare and increased in the immediate group (0.4% vs 0.02%, P<.001). Lastly, there was no difference in repeat pregnancies between groups at 120 days (both 0.2%) or at 1 year (2.9% vs 2.5%, P=.342).

CONCLUSION:

Compared with delayed placement, immediate postpartum IUD placement is not associated with increased office visits. Immediate placement is associated with an increase in imaging but a decrease in laparoscopic surgery to manage IUD-related complications. There was no difference in live birth rates at 6 months or 1 year between groups.
Area Poverty and Adverse Birth Outcomes
Authors: Madden Nigel , Kanugula Samanvi , Yee Lynn M. , Rydland Kelsey , Feinglass Joe
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the association between area poverty and adverse birth outcomes in the diverse birthing population of a large health system.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record and hospital administrative data for pregnant people at nine hospitals within a large health system in the Chicago metropolitan area from 2018 to 2023. Patient addresses were geocoded and categorized by Census tract area percent poor households. Unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression models, controlling for individual-level risk factors, evaluated the independent association between area poverty and birth outcomes to determine the degree to which this association is attenuated by the inclusion of individual-level factors in the model.

RESULTS:

The study included 85,025 pregnant people. Area poverty was associated with sociodemographic factors, including young age, non-Hispanic Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicaid insurance coverage, higher parity, and several comorbid conditions. Area poverty was associated with adverse birth outcomes and demonstrated a gradient effect with increasing area poverty in bivariable analyses. In unadjusted regression analyses, residence in areas with 5.0% or more poverty was associated with severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, and low birth weight, and residence in areas with 8.0% or higher poverty was associated with neonatal intensive care unit admission. Although these associations persisted in multivariable analysis for severe maternal morbidity and neonatal intensive care unit admission, the associations with preterm birth and low birth weight persisted only for individuals residing in areas of 12.0% or higher poverty when controlling for individual-level risk factors.

CONCLUSION:

Area poverty was associated with adverse birth outcomes in this birthing population even when controlling for individual-level risk factors, highlighting the need for system- and community-level quality-improvement interventions.
Application of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Patients with Wound Complications after Flap Repair for Vulvar Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Qiu Liangzhi , Wu Xianrong , Wang Xiu
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics of postoperative wound complications (WCs) in patients following vulvectomy with flap repair and evaluate the efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in wound healing.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with WCs following vulvectomy with flap repair at a tertiary comprehensive hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. All patients were treated with NPWT, and the wound healing rate, healing time, and NPWT-related complications were observed.

RESULTS

The most common WCs were seroma and lymphorrhea (52.94%; nine cases), followed by wound infection (35.29%, six cases), fat liquefaction (23.53%, four cases), wound dehiscence (17.65%, three cases), and wound ischemia (5.88%, one case). The main locations for flap WCs were the vulva (64.71%), thigh (35.29%), and pubic symphysis (23.53%). One patient halted treatment; the remaining 16 patients all achieved complete healing with a mean healing time of 43.50 ± 17.92 days. One complication was associated with the use of NPWT: procedural pain (17.65%, three cases).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of NPWT may contribute to accelerated wound healing after flap repair in vulvar cancer and is safe for clinical application.
A Questionnaire-Based Analysis of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Health of Key Stakeholders Within an Elite Sports Organization
Authors: Collinge Richard , Springham Matt
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological health of key stakeholders within an elite UK sports organization.

Design:

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) was sent electronically to 500 employees, and 8 face-to-face interviews were conducted at an elite-level professional football club.

Setting:

English Premier League (EPL) Football Club.

Participants:

Office/stadium staff, coaching/backroom staff, players from the male U23, women's and men's senior teams.

Independent Variables:

Stakeholder groups that were invited to participate in the study: office/stadium staff, coaching/backroom staff, players from the U23, women's and men's senior teams, and variables of age and gender.

Main Outcome Measure:

WEMWBS scores across the office/stadium staff, coaching/backroom staff, and player cohort.

Results:

Of 122 responses (24% response rate) and 8 face–face interviews, the average WEMWBS score was 51.2 (SD ±8.4) and 14% of the cohort presented with scores suggestive of a higher risk of depression. The main findings were moderate effect size differences in WEMWBS scores with the players scoring higher than both the office/stadium staff (P = 0.01) and the coaching/backroom staff (P = 0.01).

Conclusions:

Office/stadium staff experienced greater compromising mental health effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared with the coaching/backroom staff and players, respectively, suggesting that elite sports organizations should also consider providing mental health education and signposting strategies for this area of the workforce.
Evaluating the Necessity of Ear Packing After Otologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tabaru Alper , Gencer Zeliha Kapusuz , Ogreden Sahin , Akyel Salih , Bayram Iskender
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the necessity of ear packing in otological operations where the annulus fibrosus is not elevated, focusing on graft success rates and postoperative hearing outcomes.

Methods

A randomized controlled prospective clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 200 patients aged 18 years and above undergoing myringoplasty for inactive chronic suppurative otitis media. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ear packing with absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam®) or no packing. The primary outcome is graft success assessed via microscopic examination at 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include hearing gains measured by pure-tone audiometry at 500-, 1000-, 2000-, and 4000-Hz frequencies.

Results

At 3 months, the graft take rate was 92% in the ear packing group and 90% in the no packing group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.63). At 6 months, the graft take rate was 90% in the packing group and 88% in the no packing group (p = 0.67). Hearing improvements, as measured by air conduction thresholds, were also similar between the two groups (p = 0.73).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that myringoplasty without ear packing yields comparable graft take rates and hearing improvements to traditional myringoplasty with ear packing. These findings suggest that omitting ear packing in appropriate cases may simplify the procedure without compromising patient outcomes.
Symptoms Profile and Psychopathological Correlates of (Hypo)Manic and Depressive Symptoms in Saudis With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Alshayea Ahmad Kassab
Published: December 2024

Although scientific knowledge about bipolar disorder (BD) is readily available and accumulating, there is still a particular need to inform this inquiry with evidence generated in understudied cultures. This study was set up to fulfill this need, focusing on two objectives: ascertaining the levels of hypo(manic) and depressive symptoms (i.e., symptom profile) in Saudis with BD and looking at the psychopathological correlates of bipolarity. These objectives were addressed using data from 87 individuals with BD (Mage = 30.95, ±9.58 years) and 86 nonclinical persons (Mage = 22.20, ±1.29 years). Racing thoughts was the most common hypo(manic) symptom, whereas depressed mood was the most depressive symptom reported. Somatization and hostility psychopathological dimensions appeared to constitute significant independent predictors of bipolarity, independent of depression and hypo(mania). Findings partially replicate previous ones, indicating a cross-cultural resemblance for BD.
Photon-resolved Floquet theory. II. Open quantum systems
Authors: Engelhardt Georg , Luo JunYan , Bastidas Victor M. , Platero Gloria
Published: December 2024

Photon-resolved Floquet theory keeps track of the photon exchange of a quantum system with a coherent driving field. It thus complements the standard full-counting statistics that counts the number of photons exchanged with incoherent photon modes giving rise to dissipation. In this paper, we introduce a unifying framework describing both situations. We develop methods suitable for an analytical evaluation of low-order cumulants of photonic probability distributions. Within this framework we analyze the two-mode Jaynes-Cummings model to demonstrate that the photon-resolved Floquet theory and the standard full-counting statistics make consistent statistical predictions. Interestingly, we find that the photon-flux fluctuations diverge for vanishing dissipation, which can be related to an entanglement effect between the driven matter system and the driving field. To substantiate our results, we use our framework to describe efficient photon up-conversion in an ac-driven lambda system, that is characterized by a high signal-to-noise ratio. Because the framework is nonperturbative and predicts fluctuations, it paves the way toward nonperturbative spectroscopy, which will assist to improve metrological methods.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Entanglement measures of Majorana bound states
Authors: Vimal Vimalesh Kumar , Cayao Jorge
Published: December 2024

Majorana bound states emerge in topological superconductors as zero-energy edge states exhibiting spatial nonlocality. Despite the enormous advances, the detection of Majorana bound states is still challenging, mainly because topologically trivial Andreev bound states produce similar signatures. In this work, we consider a topological superconductor with Majorana bound states coupled to quantum dots and investigate the dynamics of their quantum correlations with the aim to explore their entanglement properties. In particular, we characterize entanglement by using concurrence and discord, which are also complemented by entanglement dynamics and return probability. We find that Majorana bound states at truly zero energy can transform an initially entangled system into its classical state, while they can create maximally entangled states at a finite energy overlap. Interestingly, we show that the system can generate a maximally entangled state between MBSs and a quantum dot by simply controlling the Majorana nonlocality. We demonstrate that these results hold in scenarios when the initial state is either maximally entangled or separable, albeit in the latter, maximally entangled states are achieved in the long time dynamics. Furthermore, we contrast our findings with those produced by a regular fermion and obtain very distinct entanglement signatures. Our work offers an alternative approach to characterizing Majorana bound states, which can also be useful towards their utilization for quantum information tasks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modular symmetry of localized modes
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuo , Otsuka Hajime , Takada Shohei , Uchida Hikaru
Published: December 2024

We study the modular symmetry of localized modes on fixed points of T2/Z2 orbifold. First, we find that the localized modes with even (odd) modular weight generally have Δ(6n2) [Δ′(6n2)] modular flavor symmetry. Moreover, when we consider an additional Ansatz, the localized modes with even (odd) modular weight generally enjoy S3 (

S

4

′

) modular flavor symmetry, and we show the concrete wave functions of the localized modes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unemployment hysteresis by gender and youth in the EU: evidence from new factor PANIC unit root tests with breaks
Authors: Ataklı Yavuz Rüya , Kılıç Cüneyt , Akcan Ahmet Tayfur
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Unemployment hysteresis is when the unemployment rate increases at the time of an economic shock and does not return to its previous level after the shock. Unemployment hysteresis is one of the most common economic diseases in labour markets. In this study, unemployment hysteresis is investigated for female, male, youth and general unemployment rates of EU countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The new factorial PANIC test was employed to ascertain the existence of hysteresis in the labour market in the EU countries between 1991 and 2023.

Findings

Although there are some countries where the hysteresis effect is not a priori valid, it is generally accepted that the hysteresis effect is valid in most European countries.

Practical implications

In order to enhance the labour markets of EU countries, it is recommended that active and passive employment policies be implemented in a more comprehensive manner.

Originality/value

While there are numerous studies that examine the phenomenon of unemployment hysteresis in relation to general unemployment rates, there are only a limited number of studies that examine it in relation to female, male and youth unemployment rates. Another significant contribution of the study is the utilisation of the new factorial PANIC unit root test approach developed by Payne et al. (2022).
Exploring the complex interplay of intellectual capital and environmental uncertainty in ambidextrous innovation: evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Yongzhong , Guo Ying , He Xixi , Chen Xueli
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Intellectual capital is an essential intangible resource for enterprises, and different combinations of intellectual and environmental elements will produce different innovation effects. This study aims to analyze the effects of different matching combinations of intellectual capital elements and environmental uncertainty elements of firms on improving ambidextrous innovation (exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data from 161 listed companies in China, we employ a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify the paths that effectively promote ambidextrous innovation in enterprises.

Findings

Through group analysis, we derived five realization paths of exploratory innovation and five of exploitative innovation respectively. We further find that among these innovation realization paths, human capital plays a more prominent role in facilitating exploitative innovation, while relational capital plays a more important role in realizing exploratory innovation.

Originality/value

This research not only significantly contributes to the theory of ambidextrous innovation, but also helps firms identify the multiple paths of realization that trigger high-exploratory and exploitative innovation, avoiding unnecessary waste caused by resource mismatch, and providing valuable insights for firms seeking to adopt an ambidextrous innovation strategy effectively.
Transnational parenthood: a qualitative study on mental health among Haitians living in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Martínez-Pereira Alejandra , Mercado-Órdenes Mercedes , Olivari Carla , Antipichún Andy , Rocha-Jimenez Teresita
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively explore the impact of family separation and transnational parenthood on Haitian migrant women’s mental health living in Santiago, Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Haitian men and women living in Santiago de Chile, and based on an inductive perspective, a thematic analysis was performed.

Findings

The process of family reunification has been specifically hard in the past years, therefore, almost no one has been able to bring their children to Chile despite having a permanent visa. An important aspect of their testimonies is that they feel guilty about having someone else taking care of their children, even though sometimes they are the ones financially supporting the entire extended family.

Originality/value

This study’s findings show how family separation, ransnational parenthood, and migration experiences particularly affect Haitian igrant women’s mental health and provides relevant information on its onsequences for their quality-of-life. However, it is surprising that having plans to move out was a protective factor against symptoms of depression.
Tertiary education students’ perceptions of plagiarism in academic writing
Authors: Kalicharan Leanna Deorajee , Butler Cathal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study contributes to the current body of literature on students' understanding of academic misconduct, plagiarism, forms of plagiarism, the reasons they plagiarize, the sanctions imposed by academics for plagiarizing and the methods to address plagiarism in written assessments within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, which was investigated in 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was descriptive and grounded in the pragmatism paradigm. The methodology employed was quantitative, consisting of the collection of data through an online, self-administered questionnaire-based survey.

Findings

The results showed that despite students having a conceptual understanding of academic misconduct and plagiarism, they intentionally and unintentionally plagiarized their written assessments, mainly because of the assessment workload (64.9%), busy schedule (52.8%), not understanding the assessment (46.3%) and not knowing how to correctly cite sources (44.6%). Prevalent forms of plagiarism committed by students included finding synonyms for the author’s language while keeping to the same general structure and meaning of the original work (48%) and neglecting to cite sources, misquote sources or unintentionally paraphrase a source by using similar words, groups of words and/or sentence structure without attribution (42%). Academic sanctions commonly include giving an overall reduced grade, giving a warning and asking the student to redo the plagiarized work. The study showed that students preferred flexible and lenient penalties to address plagiarism and objected to sanctions that may jeopardize their academic progression.

Originality/value

An international literature review will demonstrate extensive research on academic misconduct, particularly plagiarism, emphasizing attitudes and perceptions. Despite Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and limited software subscriptions, academic misconduct in Guyana is still poorly understood. Therefore, this study adds to the literature by evaluating tertiary education students' perceptions of plagiarism, given the growing concerns and negative repercussions of plagiarism and student use of AI to produce assignments at this university.
Lean inventory strategy and fashion retailers’ profitability: exploring the moderating effects of information technology intensity
Authors: Kamada Naoya
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The lean inventory strategy can be a promising sustainable practice in the fashion retail industry. However, whether this strategy always has a positive impact on a firm’s financial performance has not been clarified in previous research. Thus, managers may hesitate to invest in implementing the lean inventory strategy. The present study investigates the boundary conditions of this strategy, i.e. the conditions under which it can improve firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary longitudinal data were collected from 2005 to 2019 based on a survey of Japanese Business Structures and Activities conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan. The sample comprised 807 observations from 57 fashion retailers operating in the country. The research hypotheses were tested using a fixed-effect method.

Findings

This study found that IT intensity is the boundary condition of the strategy. Specifically, the lean inventory strategy has a positive effect on fashion retail companies’ profitability only when IT intensity is not zero. Moreover, this positive performance effect is strengthened by IT intensity.

Originality/value

This study considered the potential sustainability benefits of the lean inventory strategy in the fashion retail industry. The findings revealed that the strategy can serve as a sustainable practice for improving firm financial and environmental performance when IT intensity is present. This study provides valuable insights for fashion retail managers who handle both financial and environmental performance.
Green intellectual capital and sustainable competitive advantage: unraveling role of environmental management accounting and green entrepreneurship orientation
Authors: Martínez-Falcó Javier , Sánchez-García Eduardo , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza-Sáez Patrocinio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This present study investigates how green intellectual capital (GIC) impacts sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) in Spanish wineries, further exploring the mediating roles of environmental management accounting (EMA) and green entrepreneurship orientation (GEO) in the primary GIC-SCA linkage. Moreover, the wineries’ age, size and membership in a protected designation of origin (PDO) are introduced as control variables to enhance the accuracy of the examined cause-effect associations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research, based on a theoretical framework developed by previous academic studies, utilizes partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze data collected from 207 Spanish wineries between September 2023 and February 2024.

Findings

The findings indicate that GIC positively impacts the SCA of Spanish wineries, with EMA and GEO partially mediating this relationship.

Originality/value

This study stands out for its pioneering incursion into the joint analysis of EMA and GEO as mediating factors in the GIC-SCA relationship, a perspective not previously examined in the academic literature as well as for its contextualization in the wine business setting, thus tracing a novel path in the understanding of environmental management and wineries’ intellectual capital.
Conforming tax avoidance and earnings persistence
Authors: Lou Yang , Wright Brian , Wang Yicheng , Zhao Chenhui
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to test the effect of conforming tax avoidance on earnings persistence.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use multiple linear regression incorporating firm and year-fixed effects to examine the association between conforming tax avoidance and earnings persistence. Additionally, the authors explore the moderating effect of conforming tax avoidance on the association between current earnings and future (one-year) operating cash flow (OCF). To guarantee the strength and reliability of the results, the authors perform several additional tests.

Findings

The empirical findings reveal a statistically significantly negative association between conforming tax avoidance and earnings persistence. Additionally, the authors observe that conforming tax avoidance significantly and negatively moderates the relationship between current earnings and future OCF. Furthermore, the principal regression outcomes exhibit resilience in a range of robustness checks.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the accounting literature by offering a novel perspective on understanding one of the potential reasons behind firms exhibiting low earnings quality or persistence. Specifically, the authors attribute this phenomenon to the downward impact of conforming tax management. Furthermore, the results propose that the tax authority should be vigilant toward companies exhibiting low earnings persistence, particularly quasi-private firms and those with low financial constraints, as they may have implemented or be motivated to engage in conforming tax strategies that preceded the observed reduction in earnings persistence.
Metastatic basal cell carcinomas in Gorlin syndrome—A case series and literature review
Authors: Afzal Usamah M. , Ali Faisal R. , Oudit Deemesh , Totorean Roxana , Evans Gareth , Lear John T.
Published: December 2024

Metastatic basal cell carcinomas (mBCCs) are exceedingly rare, with an estimated variable prevalence rate between 0.003 and 0.55% among all basal cell carcinomas. Although there are hundreds of reported cases of mBCCs, a dearth of evidence exists of mBCCs in patients with Gorlin syndrome—an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. The purpose of this article was to present the first and largest case series of patients with mBCC in Gorlin. A literature review (LR) compares our data with the existing evidence base to underscore the importance of early surveillance, diagnosis and surgical intervention of suspicious lesions as distant metastases significantly reduce survival rates.
Anti‐Centromere Protein A Antibody Disrupts the Competence of Mouse Oocytes Matured In Vitro
Authors: Shioya Masashi , Takahashi Keiichi , Nakano Shun , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Koga Kaori , Shozu Makio
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Anticentromere autoantibodies are associated with refractory IVF/ET failure, but causality is unclear. Experimental models are needed.

Methods

Immature oocytes collected from 23‐day‐old mice were matured in vitro for 18 h in a culture medium containing an anti‐human centromere protein A (CENP‐A) polyclonal antibody, and those oocytes’ maturity and chromosome/spindle structure were assessed.

Results

Antibody exposure did not affect the germinal vesicle breakdown ratio but reduced the first polar body formation ratio by 13% at the highest concentration (70.0 µg/mL). Metaphase II (MII) oocytes were stained for chromosomes/spindles and grouped into aligned/barrel‐like (AB), scattered/weakly‐stained (SW), and condensed/absent (CA). Antibody exposure decreased AB and increased SW and CA in a dose‐dependent manner. The AB/SW/CA percentages were 86/14/0, 86/14/0, 35/65/0, and 0/0/100 in the 0, 17.5, 35.0, and 70.0 µg/mL antibody groups, respectively (underlined values represent p < 0.05 compared with 0 µg/mL). Next, metaphase II oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the number of pronucleus/pronuclei (PN) was counted 6 h later. Antibody exposure decreased two pronuclei oocytes and increased non‐two pronuclei oocytes dose‐dependently. The percentages of 0/1/2/3 pronuclei oocytes were 43/0/57/0, 37/0/21/42, 16/28/48/8, and 91/4/4/0 in the 0, 17.5, 35.0, and 70.0 µg/mL groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Anti‐CENP‐A antibody impaired a linear alignment of chromosomes at metaphase II and enhanced one or three PN formation after ICSI, which are similar to findings reported for infertile women with anticentromere autoantibodies.
Reducing in‐hospital complications in older patients undergoing plastic surgery through a collaborative model of care
Authors: Jung Sonya , Bishop Madeleine , Norris Christina , Close Jacqui
Published: December 2024

Background

There is increasing evidence to support collaborative care and proactive comprehensive geriatric assessment and management in a number of surgical specialties. Data are lacking in older people under the care of plastic surgeons. This before/after study evaluates the impact of the introduction of a shared care model between geriatric medicine and plastic surgery in an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital.

Methods

A shared care model was implemented for all patients aged 75 years and older admitted electively and emergently under the plastic surgery team with patients admitted jointly under a plastic surgeon and geriatrician. Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management was undertaken on admission with tailored intervention along with regular inpatient review. The primary outcome of interest was rate of in‐hospital complications. Secondary outcome measures included individual complications, length of stay, readmission, and discharge disposition.

Results

A total of 123 consecutive patients were eligible for inclusion (63 pre‐intervention, 60 intervention). The rate of complications was significantly lower in the intervention group (47.6% vs. 28.3%, P = 0.03). There was a non‐significant reduction in rate of delirium and new discharge to residential aged care facility. Subgroup analysis of frailer patients (Clinical Frailty Scale ≥4) demonstrated a significant reduction in rates of delirium (44.4% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.02) and new institutionalization (18.5% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

A shared care model between geriatricians and plastic surgeons has the potential to improve patient outcomes with the greatest benefit likely to be seen in older patients with frailty.
‘People With Intellectual Disabilities Can Really Go to Uni, They Can Study, They Just Need That Extra Assistance’–Stories of People With Intellectual Disability Experiencing University in Australia
Authors: Turnbull Matthew , Ho Angela , Rillotta Fiona , O'Donovan Mary‐Ann , Willis Nadia , Westermann Greta , Wedgwood Nikki
Published: December 2024

Background

This paper was written by researchers with and without intellectual disability working in two Australian universities. Each university has an inclusive programme. The co‐researchers were former students of these programmes. The reason for this study was to find out what people in these two programmes did while they were at university, what they liked and disliked about their experience and what they have been doing since they finished university.

Methods

Researchers recorded conversations about university experiences with 10 current and former students of the two programmes and five participants' family members. From this, the students' ‘journey’ to, through and after university was co‐written by a pair of researchers with and without lived experience. These stories were reviewed by a team of people with lived experience. In this paper, five journeys are presented as well as a summary of what was reported across all 10 stories.

Findings

The study found that participants had a positive experience at university and developed self‐confidence. They enjoyed learning and having choices in their learning. Some students reported feeling included, meeting new people, having good relationships with mentors and having positive involvement with university clubs. Others reported difficulties making friends, feeling unaccepted or not fully included in all parts of university life. Some programme graduates went on to paid employment or other learning. Not all students felt supported with the move to other opportunities after university.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of including people with intellectual disability as researchers and advisors in studies about people with intellectual disability. The study also shows more needs to be done within these programmes to help students develop genuine relationships at university beyond the programmes. More needs to be done to ensure new friendships continue after leaving the programme. Students also need to be better supported on their post‐university journeys.
Early‐Branching Cyanobacteria Grow Faster and Upregulate Superoxide Dismutase Activity Under a Simulated Early Earth Anoxic Atmosphere
Authors: Tamanna Sadia S. , Boden Joanne S. , Kaiser Kimberly M. , Wannicke Nicola , Höring Jonas , Sánchez‐Baracaldo Patricia , Deponte Marcel , Frankenberg‐Dinkel Nicole , Gehringer Michelle M.
Published: December 2024

The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis during the Archean (4–2.5 Ga) required the presence of complementary reducing pathways to maintain the cellular redox balance. While the timing of the evolution of superoxide dismutases (SODs), enzymes that convert superoxide to hydrogen peroxide and O2, within bacteria and archaea is not resolved, the first SODs appearing in cyanobacteria contained copper and zinc in the reaction center (CuZnSOD). Here, we analyse growth characteristics, SOD gene expression (qRT‐PCR) and cellular enzyme activity in the deep branching strain, Pseudanabaena sp. PCC7367, previously demonstrated to release significantly more O2 under anoxic conditions. The observed significantly higher growth rates (p < 0.001) and protein and glycogen contents (p < 0.05) in anoxically cultured Pseudanabaena PCC7367 compared to control cultures grown under present‐day oxygen‐rich conditions prompted the following question: Is the growth of Pseudanabaena sp. PCC7367 correlated to atmospheric pO2 and cellular SOD activity? Expression of sodB (encoding FeSOD) and sodC (encoding CuZnSOD) strongly correlated with medium O2 levels (p < 0.001). Expression of sodA (encoding MnSOD) correlated significantly to SOD activity during the day (p = 0.019) when medium O2 concentrations were the highest. The cellular SOD enzyme activity of anoxically grown cultures was significantly higher (p < 0.001) 2 h before the onset of the dark phase compared to O2‐rich growth conditions. The expression of SOD encoding genes was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) under anoxic conditions in stirred cultures, as were medium O2 levels (p ≤ 0.001), compared to oxic‐grown cultures, whereas total cellular SOD activity remained comparable. Our data suggest that increasing pO2 negatively impacts the viability of early cyanobacteria, possibly by increasing photorespiration. Additionally, the increased expression of superoxide‐inactivating genes during the dark phase suggests the increased replacement rates of SODs under modern‐day conditions compared to those on early Earth.
Feasibility Testing of a Health Literacy Intervention With Adolescents and Young Adults in South Africa: The LifeLab Soweto Programme
Authors: Ware Lisa J. , Kubheka Delisile , Mdladlamba Thato , Mabetha Khuthala , Hanson Mark , Godfrey Keith M. , Woods‐Townsend Kathryn , Norris Shane
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Low health literacy levels during adolescence and young adulthood (AYA) may impact acute healthcare access and longer‐term health outcomes. Previous research in South African AYA suggests that health literacy levels are typically suboptimal but few interventions exist. This study aimed to test the acceptability and feasibility of a co‐created, interactive health literacy intervention (LifeLab‐Soweto) with AYA in Soweto, South Africa.

Methods

Participants (18–24 years, n = 107) were recruited (September–October 2022) from a youth development centre database by telephone and through snowball sampling. AYA involved in the co‐creation process were excluded. Pre‐intervention data on participant age, gender identity and ability to correctly identify a normal blood pressure (BP) reading were captured via survey. Post‐intervention, participants repeated the BP question and completed a satisfaction survey. Additionally, n = 31 AYA agreed to an in‐depth interview about their LifeLab‐Soweto experience. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Participants (mean age 21 ± 2.4 years; 59% female, 39% male, 2% nonbinary) generally viewed LifeLab‐Soweto as well‐designed, relevant, simple to follow, fun, useful, and interesting, with most reporting an increased understanding of health and that they would use this new knowledge. Comparing pre‐ and post‐intervention BP question accuracy, males showed the greatest improvement in scores. Interviews showed that, while LifeLab‐Soweto was not what AYA were expecting, gains in health knowledge led AYA to consider changes in health behaviours including accessing health services.

Conclusion

Life‐Soweto presents an acceptable, feasible and relevant health literacy intervention for South African youth with potential to improve health literacy and health behaviours.

Patient and Public Involvement

To ensure the health literacy intervention was contextually relevant, age appropriate, and gender inclusive, a group of 40 adolescents (aged 18–24 years, male, female and non‐binary) were recruited from Soweto to firstly identify the health topics that were most pressing in their daily lives. This youth advisory group identified stress as a major challenge impacting physical and mental health, health behaviour and daily functioning. Together with the youth group, researchers from South Africa and the UK worked to co‐develop the health literacy intervention that delivers self‐directed exploration and learning of how stress impacts health, behaviour and well‐being. This manuscript describes how this cocreated intervention was received by a broader range of South African youth who were not involved in the cocreation process.
Fc Effector Function of Immune Checkpoint Blocking Antibodies in Oncology
Authors: Martineau Romane , Susini Sandrine , Marabelle Aurelien
Published: December 2024

Antagonistic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting inhibitory immune checkpoints have revolutionized the field of oncology. CTLA‐4, PD‐1, and LAG3 are three co‐inhibitory receptors, which can be expressed by subsets of T cells and which play a role in the regulation of adaptive immune responses. Blocking these immune checkpoints receptors (or their ligands) with antagonistic antibodies can lead to tumor regressions and lasting remissions in some patients with cancer. Two anti‐CTLA4, six anti‐PD1, three anti‐PD‐L1, and one anti‐LAG3 antibodies are currently approved by the FDA and EMA. Their mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy are linked to their affinity with Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) (so called “effector functions”). The anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies ipilimumab (IgG1) and tremilimumab (IgG2a), and the anti‐PD‐L1 avelumab (IgG1) have isotypes with high affinity for activating FcγR and thereby can induce ADCC/ADCP. The effector function is required for the in vivo efficacy of anti‐CTLA4 antibodies. For anti‐PD(L)1 antibodies, where a pure antagonistic function (“checkpoint blockade”) is sufficient, some mAbs are IgG1 but have been mutated in their Fc sequence (e.g., durvalumab and atezolizumab) or are IgG4 (e.g., nivolumab and pembrolizumab) to have low affinity for FcγR. Here, we review the impact of FcγR effector function on immune checkpoint blockers safety and efficacy in oncology.
Efficacy and Safety of High‐Power Short‐Duration Ablation for Cavo‐Tricuspid Isthmus With a Flexible‐Tip Temperature‐Controlled Power Regulation Catheter Performed by Electrophysiology Trainees
Authors: Iwakawa Hidehiro , Takigawa Masateru , Nakada Kosuke , Yamamoto Tasuku , Ikenouchi Takashi , Masumura Mayumi , Negishi Miho , Kawamura Iwanari , Goto Kentaro , Shigeta Takatoshi , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Goya Masahiko , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The suitability of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD) cavo‐tricuspid isthmus ablation (CTI‐Abl) for electrophysiology (EP) trainees, as well as the underlying mechanisms of its efficacy, remain unknown. The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of HPSD CTI‐Abl performed by EP trainees and assess lesion characteristics between HPSD and moderate‐power long duration (MPLD) ablations.

Methods

Study 1: CTI‐Abl was performed by first‐ to fourth‐year EP trainees in consecutive 113 patients (67 ± 11 years, 27.2% female). Study cohort was historically divided into three groups: MPLD (30–35 W for up to 30 s) using TactiCath (TC‐MPLD, N = 38) and MPLD and HPSD (50 W for 12 s) using TactiFlex (TF‐MPLD, N = 23; TF‐HPSD, N = 52). Primary endpoint was first‐pass bidirectional isthmus block (BIB). Study 2: lesion geometries created by each ablation strategy were compared using an ex‐vivo model.

Results

Study 1: TF‐HPSD ablation strategy demonstrated a higher success rate of first‐pass BIB than MPLD protocol (TC‐MPLD, 58%; TF‐MPLD, 48%; TF‐HPSD, 94%, p < 0.001), without any complications. TF‐HPSD group was associated with shorter total procedure and RF application times, as well as fewer ablation points and gaps, compared to the MPLD groups. Study 2: TF‐HPSD created greater lesion surface length, width, and area than MPLD strategies.

Conclusion

HPSD CTI‐Abl performed by EP trainees using TactiFlex SE catheter demonstrated a higher first‐pass BIB rate, shorter total procedure and RF application times, and fewer ablation points and gaps compared to the conventional method, without increasing complication rates.