bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of inventory for firms’ efficiency – a study on steel manufacturing industry
Authors: Panigrahi Rashmi Ranjan , Mishra Padma Charan , Samantaray Alaka , Jena Duryodhan
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purchase is becoming a more difficult cum tactical decision that affects the cost factor, quality factor, time factor and responsive factor of the buy and maintains them. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of inventory management (IM) practices on operational efficiencies (OEs) in Indian steel manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a quantitative research design that has collected information from 321 key officials of Indian steel manufacturing firms. The analyses are carried out with the use of statistical techniques such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The paper finds that inventory management (IE) has a considerable impact on the OE of steel manufacturing firms in India. The manufacturing industry must highlight the significance of inventory management practice (IMP) for enhancing firm efficiencies in a volatile environment with the help of management teams. Understanding the impact of IE practices on firms’ OE would be helpful for company shareholders and investors.

Practical implications

The paper suggests the manufacturing industry to emphasize the role of inventory management practices to have better productivity of the firm. This research focuses on the relationship between IMP and OE.

Social implications

Effective and efficient use of inventory will be helpful in reducing the overall cost of production and reduced costs to customers.

Originality/value

Companies require resources to attain a long-term competitive edge. Also, as a consequence, the research is compatible with resource-based view (RBV) theory.
The consequences of repeatedly losing on legitimacy beliefs
Authors: KERN ANNA , KÖLLN ANN‐KRISTIN
Published: January 2022

Modern democracies are dependent on regular elections and citizens’ legitimacy beliefs. Studies have shown that repeated electoral defeats are associated with lower levels of satisfaction with democracy and political trust. However, previous studies have only considered one type of legitimacy belief at a time, never in comparison. What is more, all previous work is based on observational studies and has not been able to identify any causal effects of losing repeatedly. Building on previous work and classic theories of political legitimacy beliefs, we argue that repeatedly losing in elections represents a form of long‐term exclusion from democratic power that has additional negative effects on people's legitimacy beliefs because they lose faith in the system and start questioning its evenhandedness. We support our predictions using six‐wave panel data and test our hypothesis a total of 16 times within the same context. The findings show that repeated losers are never less satisfied with democracy but that an additional electoral loss leads to lower levels of political trust. The findings have important implications for the meaning of different indicators of legitimacy beliefs but also for electoral research and the underpinnings of stable democracies.
Effects of roasting on bioavailability and bioactivities of Vigna angularis and potential of coffee‐like beverage
Authors: Bolek Sibel
Published: January 2022

Containing similar aroma and flavor profile of coffee after roasting, Vigna angularis have potential to be a caffeine‐free coffee‐like beverage. Microwave roasting process was conducted in a microwave oven at 600 W for 7, 14, and 21 min at 2‐min intervals, and fluidized bed roasting process was conducted in a fluidized bed roaster at 200°C for 9, 18, and 27 min. In order to compare the roasted beans, color, fat, ash, crude protein, crude fiber, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content measurements were performed. In addition, effects of roasting methods on protein bioavailability and antinutritional factors were investigated. Sensory test was conducted to compare the coffee and coffee‐like beverages. Fluidized‐bed roasted beans had higher scores than microwave roasted beans in terms of sensory acceptability (p ≤ 0.05). Roasting process increased the total phenolic contents up to 25.32 (mg GAE/g) and the protein bioavailability up to 89.82 ± 0.11%. The results of this study revealed that roasting can be used as a tool to increase nutritive value, bioavailability, antioxidant activity, and potential of coffee‐like beverage of V. angularis.

Practical Application

Since Vigna angularis beans contain similar aroma and flavor profile of the coffee after roasting, they have a potential to be a caffeine‐free coffee alternative. Although coffee is very popular in demand, most of the coffee drinkers think that caffeine is very harmful. Having similar sensory scores as coffee beverages in certain roasting degrees, V. angularis beverages could be a delicious caffeine‐free alternative.
Perioperative hypothermia in open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Cumin David , Fogarin Jessica , Mitchell Simon J. , Windsor John A.
Published: January 2022

Background

The consequences of even mild inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) are significant. There is a perception laparoscopic abdominal surgery is less prone to cause hypothermia than open surgery. However, during laparoscopic surgery, the peritoneal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide, which has a greater evaporative capacity than ambient air. This study compared the intra‐operative temperature profile of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery to define the incidence and severity of hypothermia.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery between May 2005 and August 2013 were identified from an electronic database. Cases were categorized into laparoscopic and open cases. Hypothermic episodes were defined as a temperature less than 36°C lasting for more than two consecutive minutes. The incidence of hypothermic episodes, the total time under 36°C and the area under the curve (degree–minutes) were calculated.

Results

A total of 1547 cases were analysed. The overall incidence of hypothermia was 67.0%. The incidence of cases with a hypothermic episode was greater in the laparoscopic group compared to the open group (71.23% versus 63.16%; chi‐squared P‐value 0.001). However, when other factors were considered, there was no significant difference in the relative risk of a hypothermic episode between types of surgery. There were significant differences in the severity of hypothermia.

Conclusion

Despite current measures to reduce the incidence, IPH remains a significant problem in colorectal surgery irrespective of the surgical approach. Further research is required to better characterize techniques that can reduce its incidence.
Laparoscopic posterior pelvic exenteration for clear cell adenocarcinoma arising in an episiotomy scar
Authors: Kasahara Keiko , Itatani Yoshiro , Kawada Kenji , Takahashi Yuwa , Yamamoto Takamasa , Hoshino Nobuaki , Okada Tomoaki , Oshima Nobu , Hida Koya , Nishigori Tatsuto , Hisamori Shigeo , Tsunoda Shigeru , Obama Kazutaka
Published: January 2022

Malignant degeneration of endometriosis is a very rare event, especially when it develops in an episiotomy scar. A 53‐year‐old woman with an enlarged perineal mass presented to the hospital. She had undergone vaginal delivery with episiotomy twice. Imaging analyses showed a mass involving the levator ani muscle apart from the rectum, with lymph node metastases to the right inguinal and internal iliac regions. A biopsy specimen of the right inguinal lymph node revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. She underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy according to the treatment strategy of anal fistula cancer. Laparoscopic posterior pelvic exenteration and pelvic lymph node dissection with anterior inguinal node dissection was performed, along with perineal reconstruction. Pathological examination revealed clear cell adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastases, derived from extrapelvic endometriosis in the episiotomy scar. She was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy according to the treatment strategy of vulvar cancer, and showed no evidence of recurrence after 15 months of surgery.
Late Mesozoic sandstone volumes recorded in Gulf of Mexico subsurface depocentres: Deciphering long‐term sediment supply trends and contributions by paleo river systems
Authors: Snedden John W. , Hull Harry L. , Whiteaker Timothy L. , Virdell Jon W. , Ross Catherine H.
Published: January 2022

Quantitative assessment of terrigenous sediment flux to the deep basin has mainly been limited to the Cenozoic Era, given challenges with reconstruction of more ancient source to sink systems. Subsurface mapping in the northern Gulf of Mexico basin, where there is a robust database of wells and seismic data, allows estimation of sand‐size grain volumes within 12 chronostratigraphically defined Late Mesozoic supersequences. Five subsurface depocentres with thicknesses of >400 m are identified, revealing a history of sediment routing via major fluvial axes (paleo rivers) southward from a mid‐continent drainage divide. The interpreted paleo‐rivers are further confirmed by compilation and synthesis of published and novel detrital zircon provenance data showing combinations of age peak subsets that vary considerably between depocentres. This study quantifies sediment volumes within each depocentre by inverting porosity over defined gross rock volumes derived from subsurface well logs and 2D seismic mapping. Two temporal trends of progressively increasing grain volume can be related to climatic effects on fluvial discharge and sediment delivery to the depocentres: (1) Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous (Oxfordian to early Aptian) and (2) Late Cretaceous (Late Aptian to Coniacian). The first temporal trend probably reflects the local climate becoming less arid with northward drift of the North American Plate into higher latitudes. The second trend mirrors increasing Cretaceous paleotemperatures and rising global sea levels. This second trend is also marked by increased shelf margin bypass of sand indicated by deep basin drilling. Partitioning of Late Mesozoic grain volume by fluvial axes shows that the Paleo‐Apalachicola and Paleo‐Mississippi rivers, sourced from Appalachian basement terranes, generated the largest and longest terrigenous sediment flux into the Gulf of Mexico basin in the Late Mesozoic. Overall, Late Mesozoic siliciclastic grain volumes are estimated to be an order of magnitude less than those previously documented for the Cenozoic Era.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethyl cyanoacrylate contained in cosmetic glues among hairdressers and beauticians who perform nail treatments and eyelash extension as well as hair extension applications: A systematic review
Authors: Symanzik Cara , Weinert Patricia , Babić Željka , Hallmann Sarah , Havmose Martin S. , Johansen Jeanne D. , Kezic Sanja , Macan Marija , Macan Jelena , Strahwald Julia , Turk Rajka , van der Molen Henk F. , John Swen M. , Uter Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Current cosmetic regulations primarily focus on protecting consumers, not the professional user who is subjected to a partly different, and certainly more intense exposure to hazardous substances. Against this background, this systematic review aims to compile and appraise evidence regarding skin toxicity of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA; CAS no. 212‐782‐2) and ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA; CAS no. 7085‐85‐0) contained in cosmetic glues used among hairdressers and beauticians who perform nail treatments and eyelash extension as well as hair extension applications. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations for reporting systematic reviews and meta‐analysis. In total, six publications from six countries were eligible for this systematic review. A meta‐analysis revealed that hairdressers and beauticians have a ninefold increased risk of developing contact allergy to HEMA compared with controls who are not hairdressers and beauticians. Results for ECA are lacking. The results of this systematic review clearly show that—regarding contact allergy to acrylates—it is not appropriate to apply risk assessment for consumers to hairdressers and beauticians who occupationally handle cosmetic glues. The regulations in existence do not adequately address occupational risks for hairdressers and beauticians connected with the use of acrylate‐containing cosmetic substances and need reconsideration.
Security alert: Generalized deep multi‐view representation learning for crime forecasting
Authors: Zheng Ziwan , Xia Yu , Chen Xiaocong , Yao Junwei
Published: January 2022

Crime is a focal problem in modern society, affecting social stability, public safety, economic development, and life quality of residents. Promptly predicting crime occurrence places in a relatively high accuracy is a very important and meaningful research direction. Via the rapid development of social media (e.g., Twitter), the online information can act as a strong supplement for the offline information (crime records). Additionally, the geographic information and taxi flow between communities can model the spatial relationship between communities, which has already been confirmed effective in previous work. In order to efficiently solve crime prediction problem, we propose a generalized deep multi‐view representation learning framework for crime forecasting. Our extensive experiments on a 4‐month city‐wide dataset that consists of 77 communities and 22 crime types show our model improve the prediction accuracy on most crime types.
Dysfunction of metabolic activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in aged mice
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Wang Xue , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Jinsong , Wang Songlin , Hu Lei
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Evidences have suggested that the metabolic function is the key regulator to the fate of MSCs, but its function in senescence of MSC and the underlying mechanism is unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolic activity of MSCs and its possible mechanism during aging.

Materials and Methods

We used the Seahorse XF24 Analyzer to understand OCR and ECAR in BMSCs and used RT‐PCR to analyze the gene expression of mitochondrial biogenesis and key enzymes in glycolysis. We analyzed BMSC mitochondrial activity by MitoTracker Deep Red and JC‐1 staining, and detected NAD+/NADH ratio and ATP levels in BMSCs. Microarray and proteomic analyses were performed to detect differentially expressed genes and proteins in BMSCs. The impact of aging on BMSCs through mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) was evaluated by Rotenone and Coenzyme Q10.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic activity of BMSCs in aged mice were significantly decreased when compared with young mice. BMSCs in aged mice had lower mitochondrial membrane potential, NAD+/NADH ratio, and ATP production than young mice. FABP4 may play a key role in BMSC senescence caused by fatty acid metabolism disorders.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results indicated the dysfunction of the metabolic activity of BMSCs in aged mice, which would play the important role in the impaired biological properties. Therefore, the regulation of metabolic activity may be a potential therapeutic target for enhancing the regenerative functions of BMSCs.
Reducing demand for overexploited wildlife products: Lessons from systematic reviews from outside conservation science
Authors: MacFarlane Douglas , Hurlstone Mark J. , Ecker Ullrich K. H. , Ferraro Paul J. , van der Linden Sander , Wan Anita K. Y. , Veríssimo Diogo , Burgess Gayle , Chen Frederick , Hall Wayne , Hollands Gareth J. , Sutherland William J.
Published: January 2022

Conservationists have long sought to reduce consumer demand for products from overexploited wildlife species. Health practitioners have also begun calling for reductions in the wildlife trade to reduce pandemic risk. Most wildlife‐focused demand reduction campaigns have lacked rigorous evaluations and thus their impacts remain unknown. There is thus an urgent need to review the evidence from beyond conservation science to inform future demand‐reduction efforts. We searched for systematic reviews of interventions that aimed to reduce consumer demand for products that are harmful (e.g., cigarettes and illicit drugs). In total, 41 systematic reviews were assessed, and their data extracted. Mass‐media campaigns and incentive programs were, on average, ineffective. While advertising bans, social marketing, and location bans were promising, there was insufficient robust evidence to draw firm conclusions. In contrast, the evidence for the effectiveness of norm appeals and risk warnings was stronger, with some caveats.
COX‐2 inhibitors show no preventive effect in the development of skin cancer
Authors: Yen Hsuan , Yen Hsi , Drucker Aaron M. , Han Jiali , Li Wen‐Qing , Li Tricia , Qureshi Abrar , Cho Eunyoung
Published: January 2022

Background

Some clinical trials found that cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor use lowered the risk of skin cancer in high‐risk groups.

Patients and Methods

To determine whether COX‐2 inhibitor use is associated with lower risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and melanoma, we analyzed COX‐2 inhibitor use and risk of skin cancer based on three prospective cohort studies, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS II, and the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study, including 153,882 participants. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of COX‐2 inhibitor use with risk of BCC, cSCC, and melanoma were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. We pooled the results using a fixed effects model.

Results

16,142 BCC, 1,973 cSCC, and 631 melanoma cases were documented. Ever vs. never use of COX‐2 inhibitor was associated with a modestly increased risk of BCC (multivariable HR 1.09, 95 % CI 1.05–1.14). The hazard ratio was similar for cSCC (multivariable HR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.00–1.27) and melanoma (multivariable HR 1.10, 95 % CI 0.89–1.38), but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Ever use of COX‐2 inhibitor was not associated with a decreased skin cancer risk but was instead associated with a modest, increased risk of BCC.
Empowering young Aboriginal women to care for Country: Case study of the Ngukurr Yangbala rangers, remote northern Australia
Authors: Daniels Cherry Wulumirr ,   Ngukurr Yangbala rangers, Russell Shaina , Ens Emilie J.
Published: January 2022

Globally, the role of women in conservation is gaining attention with increasing initiatives to support gender equity in environmental management and decision‐making. In Australia, the role of Aboriginal women in natural and cultural resource management employed as rangers is also gaining recognition; however, female employment in this field remains underrepresented. This paper reflects on a cross‐cultural partnership aimed at empowering young Aboriginal women in natural and cultural resource management, locally known as caring for Country, in Arnhem Land, a remote Aboriginal owned region of northern Australia. The project was led by local Ngukurr community Ngandi Elder and lead author, Mrs Daniels, and Macquarie University researchers who co‐designed and co‐delivered activities according to five project aims: (i) Community involvement; (ii) Biocultural research / learning on Country; (iii) Leadership and confidence building; (iv) Knowledge maintenance; and (v) Capacity building. Over three years of the project, over 60 youth participated in a range of on‐Country and cultural learning, leadership and capacity building activities including cross‐cultural biodiversity surveys, wetland monitoring, traditional language and knowledge recording and culture camps. Participant feedback and a biocultural learning assessment task noted growth in confidence, biocultural knowledge and desire for continuation of youth empowerment programs in conservation. To facilitate gender equity in Aboriginal natural and cultural resource management, structural and sustained support of women’s empowerment and leadership, driven by local women with support of local communities, is required.
Biomarkers for predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs discontinuation and hepatitis B virus recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Luo Mengqi , Zhou Bin , Hou Jinlin , Jiang Deke
Published: January 2022

Aim

To summarize HBV‐related biomarkers predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) discontinuation and hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, providing references for clinical medication, so as to manage CHB patients more scientifically.

Methods

Related pieces of literature were retrieved in PubMed and the results were sorted out. We then analyzed and summarized these articles.

Results

We found that HBV related biomarkers maybe could predict NAs withdrawal safely and the possibility of relapse after treatment cessation, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pregenomic‐RNA (pgRNA), hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc), and models containing several indicators for predicting the effectiveness of treatment.

Conclusions

HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pgRNA, HBcrAg, anti‐HBc, as well as the prediction models formed by several biomarkers could predict the safe discontinuation of NAs before HBsAg loss and recurrence.
Comparison of the postoperative anti‐inflammatory efficacy of chlorhexidine, saline rinses and herbal mouthwashes after mechanical debridement in patients with peri‐implant mucositis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alqutub Montaser N. , Alhumaidan Abdulkareem A , Alali Yasser , Al‐Aali Khulud A , Javed Fawad , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: January 2022

Aim

The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in the post‐operative anti‐inflammatory efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX), 2% saline rinses (SR) and a herbal mouthwash (MW) after non‐surgical mechanical debridement (MD) for treatment of peri‐implant mucositis (PiM). The aim was to compare the post‐operative anti‐inflammatory efficacy of CHX, 2% SR and a herbal oral rinse after non‐surgical MD of PiM.

Materials and Methods

The present randomized controlled trial had a single‐blinded parallel arm design. Patients diagnosed with PiM were enrolled. Demographic information was recorded. All patients underwent MD and were randomly divided into 4 groups: CHX‐group: 0.12% non‐alcoholic CHX; Sodium chloride (NaCl) group: 2% NaCl rinses; Herbal MW group: Herbal‐based MW and H2O group: distilled water with peppermint flavour. After MD, all the participants were advised to rinse twice daily (every 12 hrs) for 2 weeks with their respective MWs. In all groups, peri‐implant modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI) and probing depth (PD) were measured at baseline and at 12 weeks of follow‐up. Sample size was estimated using data from a pilot investigation; and group‐comparisons were performed. Statistical significance was confirmed when P‐values were below 0.01.

Results

Sixty individuals (15 patients/group) were included. At baseline, mPI, mGI and PD were comparable in all groups. At baseline, there was no significant difference in peri‐implant mPI, mGI and PD in all groups. At 12‐weeks’ follow‐up, there was a statistically significant reduction in peri‐implant mPI (p < 0.01), mGI (p < 0.01) and PD (p < 0.01) in CHX, NaCl and herbal MW groups compared with H2O group. There was no significant relation between implant location, duration for which, implants were functional, gender and peri‐implant clinical parameters in all groups.

Conclusion

After non‐surgical MD, post‐operative use of CHX and herbal and NaCl MWs is useful for the management of PiM in the short‐term.
Risk indicators of long‐term outcome of implant therapy in patients with a history of severe periodontitis or no history of periodontitis: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alhakeem Mohammed , Kanounisabet Negar , Nowzari Hessam , Aslroosta Hoori , Moslemi Neda
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess factors associated with peri‐implant disease in partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis or no history of periodontitis.

Methods

Partially edentulous patients with a history of severe periodontitis/without history of periodontitis who received implant surgery within the past 6 to 8 years were recalled. Clinical and radiographic examinations were recorded. Periodontal probing depth, marginal bone loss (MBL) and peri‐implantitis were considered as the primary outcome and peri‐implant bleeding on probing (BOP) was considered as the secondary outcome. The following criteria were considered as the predictors, as well: history of severe periodontitis, gender, age, smoking, brushing frequency, recall interval, full‐mouth plaque score, full‐mouth bleeding score, splinted prosthesis, open/tight interproximal contact, width of keratinized mucosa, mucosal thickness, implants placed in the grafted bone and implant type. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized.

Results

A total of 88 patients (186 implants) fulfilled the study. Forty‐seven patients (108 implants) had a history of severe periodontitis and 41 patients (78 implants) had no history of periodontitis. There was a higher chance of peri‐implantitis in patients with a history of severe periodontitis (OR = 11.13; p = 0.045), implants with lack of peri‐implant KM (<2 mm) and implants placed in the grafted bone (OR = 14.94, p < 0.001; OR = 4.93, p = 0.047). The risk of peri‐implant MBL ≥3 mm was higher in patients with greater FMBS (OR = 1.20; p < 0.001). The chance of peri‐implant BOP was independently higher in patients who brushed their teeth at most once per day (OR = 3.20; p = 0.04), higher FMBS (OR = 1.16; p < 0.001) and irregular recall visits (OR = 15.34; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Partially edentulous patients with the history of severe periodontitis, lack of peri‐implant KM and implants placed in bone‐grafted sites expressed higher probability of peri‐implantitis. In addition, inadequate frequency of brushing (at most once daily) and irregular recall visits were associated with greater chance of peri‐implant BOP.
Exploring responses to differing message content of pictorial alcohol warning labels
Authors: Hassan Louise M. , Parry Sara , Shiu Edward
Published: January 2022

One way of tackling hazardous alcohol consumption is introducing warning labels on alcohol products. This research explores three under‐researched message content areas in relation to alcohol warning labels: negative/positive framing of the message; use of signal words and qualifiers and type of information used in the message (qualitative or quantitative), across message themes that depict social or health consequences. A qualitative and exploratory approach was undertaken using five focus groups of UK undergraduate students followed by 15 semi‐structured interviews with UK adults. Discussions centred around responses to the alcohol warning labels that varied in message content characteristics. The students also created their own warning label designs based on what they believed would be useful for encouraging students to keep to low‐risk drinking guidelines. Findings across both samples revealed a preference for negatively (loss) framed health messages that elicit fear and use evidence‐based reasoning and statistics. The avoidance of signal words (e.g. ‘government warning’) and qualifiers (e.g. may cause) would likely make the messages more persuasive. Our findings contribute to understanding the influence of message content on consumer responses to alcohol warning labels. However, such message content characteristics are inherent in the design of many product warnings and our findings may apply to other contexts.
Women's fertility decision‐making with a diagnosis of breast cancer: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: Linnane Sharon , Quinn Aoife , Riordan Anne , Dowling Maura
Published: January 2022

Aim

To synthesize qualitative evidence of premenopausal women's experiences of fertility decision‐making with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Background

Breast cancer is increasingly more common in premenopausal women who may have not yet considered starting a family or have completed their families.

Design

Qualitative evidence synthesis guided by Thomas and Harden's three‐stage approach to thematic analysis.

Data Sources

Twelve electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, Embase, Pubmed, Proquest, PsychINFO, Lenus, Scopus, Web of Science, Rian.ie, Medline, EThOS e‐theses online and DART Europe. No year limit was set.

Review Methods

The ‘Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research guidelines’ (ENTREQ) statement was followed.

Results

Fifteen qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. Seven review findings under four major themes were identified: (1) first comes survival, (2) making decisions ‘under the gun’, (3) health‐care professionals should not make assumptions and (4) we want accurate, detailed information and we want it early. High confidence in six of the review findings was agreed.

Conclusion

Most women experienced rushed fertility preservation decision‐making at a time when they also faced cancer treatment decisions. Women want detailed, clear information on fertility preservation early after their diagnosis.
Evaluation of incontinence women aged 20 or older living in Diyarbakir
Authors: Yakit Ak Eda , Oskay Umran
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine whether women aged 20 or older living in the city of Diyarbakir had urinary incontinence or not. The study was carried out with a total of 410 women. The research data were collected between December 2017 and March 2018. As the data collection tool, a questionnaire form developed in line with the related literature, Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire and healthy lifestyle behaviours scale (HLBS II) were used. The women had an average age of 35.86 ± 10.98. Of all the women, 66.9% of them had complaints of urinary incontinence, and 48.9% suffered from Stress UI. The total BFLUTS scores increased at older ages. However, this result was not found statistically significant (p > 0.05). A significant relationship was found between the BFLUTS scores and being 40 or older, giving birth or more than one birth, chronic disease, BMI > 25, frequent urinary tract infection and gynaecological surgery (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between UI and the HLBS II results (p > 0.05). The results of multi regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between UI and giving birth (p < 0.05), yet no relationship was found between other risk factors (p > 0.05). UI is quite a common problem, which is not considered important, though. In the present study, being older than 40, giving birth and giving birth twice or more, having a chronic disease, BMI > 25, frequent urinary tract infection and gynaecological surgery were all influential on UI. Giving birth seemed to be the determiner of UI.
Long‐term predialysis blood pressure variability and outcomes in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yang Jingjuan , Huang Jian , Yu Biying , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shanshan , Wu Longlong , Luo Lin , Li Lizhu , Li Li , Han Fei , Lai En Yin , Yang Yi
Published: January 2022

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is significantly associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, the relationship between blood pressure and CVD in hemodialysis patients is complex and affected by many factors. The present study aimed to assess the association of long‐term predialysis BPV with all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). One thousand seven hundred twenty‐seven patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were recruited in nine hemodialysis centers. Predialysis BPV was assessed over 1‐year intervals. Outcomes included all‐cause mortality and MACE during follow‐up periods. The mean age of the final cohort was 59 years, of which 57% were males. Greater predialysis systolic BPV was associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.101; 95% confidence intervals 1.064–1.140) and MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.091; 95% confidence intervals 1.059–1.125). Results were similar when systolic BPV was stratified by baseline systolic blood pressure. In conclusion, greater predialysis BPV among hemodialysis patients was associated with all‐cause mortality and MACE. Strategies to reduce blood pressure variability might be beneficial for hemodialysis patients.
Wharton’s jelly‐derived stromal cells and their cell therapy applications in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Pochon Cécile , Notarantonio Anne‐Béatrice , Laroye Caroline , Reppel Loic , Bensoussan Danièle , Bertrand Allan , Rubio Marie‐Thérèse , D’Aveni Maud
Published: January 2022

For decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been of great interest in the fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering and immunomodulation. Their tremendous potential makes it desirable to cryopreserve and bank MSCs to increase their accessibility and availability. Postnatally derived MSCs seem to be of particular interest because they are harvested after delivery without ethical controversy, they have the capacity to expand at a higher rate than adult‐derived MSCs, in which expansion decreases with ageing, and they have demonstrated immunological and haematological supportive properties similar to those of adult‐derived MSCs. In this review, we focus on MSCs obtained from Wharton's jelly (the mucous connective tissue of the umbilical cord between the amniotic epithelium and the umbilical vessels). Wharton's jelly MSCs (WJ‐MSCs) are a good candidate for cellular therapy in haematology, with accumulating data supporting their potential to sustain haematopoietic stem cell engraftment and to modulate alloreactivity such as Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). We first present an overview of their in‐vitro properties and the results of preclinical murine models confirming the suitability of WJ‐MSCs for cellular therapy in haematology. Next, we focus on clinical trials and discuss tolerance, efficacy and infusion protocols reported in haematology for GVHD and engraftment.
Living and working environments are important determinants of glycemic control in patients with diabetes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Terakawa Aiko , Bouchi Ryotaro , Kodani Noriko , Hisatake Tomoko , Sugiyama Takehiro , Matsumoto Michihiro , Ihana‐Sugiyama Noriko , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Ueki Kohjiro , Kajio Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Aim

To investigate (1) the association of lifestyle changes and living and working conditions with glycemic control and (2) whether treatment was intensified appropriately in patients with diabetes under the first COVID‐19 state of emergency in Japan.

Materials and Methods

A total of 321 participants were included. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding lifestyle changes, including diet, physical activity, and living and working conditions during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels was estimated before (June 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019) and during (June 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020) the pandemic. Factors associated with changes in HbA1c levels were examined by multiple linear regression analysis. The proportion of patients who received treatment intensification for diabetes was compared between before and during the pandemic.

Results

There was no significant change in HbA1c levels before the pandemic and during the pandemic (7.13 ± 0.98% vs 7.18 ± 1.01%, P = 0.186). Teleworking (estimate 0.206, P = 0.004) and living with a dog (estimate −0.149, P = 0.038) were significantly associated with changes in HbA1c levels after adjusting for covariates. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who received treatment intensification for diabetes during the pandemic and before the pandemic in either the elderly or non‐elderly patients.

Conclusions

Overall glycemic control did not worsen during the pandemic. Nonetheless, environmental factors, including telework, were found to influence glycemic control in patients with diabetes. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the COVID‐19 pandemic could affect treatment intensification for diabetes.
Evidence‐basing for quality improvement; bringing clinical practice guidelines closer to their promise of improving care practices
Authors: Moleman Marjolein , Jerak‐Zuiderent Sonja , van de Bovenkamp Hester , Bal Roland , Zuiderent‐Jerak Teun
Published: January 2022

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have become central to efforts to change clinical practice and improve the quality of health care. Despite growing attention for rigorous development methodologies, it remains unclear what contribution CPGs make to quality improvement.

Aim

This mixed methods study examines guideline quality in relation to the availability of certain types of evidence and reflects on the implications of CPGs' promise to improve the quality of care practices.

Methods

The quality of 62 CPGs was assessed with the Appraisal of Guidelines, Research, and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument. Findings were discussed in 19 follow‐up interviews to examine how different quality aspects were considered during development.

Results

The AGREE assessment showed that while some quality criteria were met, CPGs have limited coverage of domains such as stakeholder involvement and applicability, which generally lack a ‘strong’ evidence base (e.g., randomized controlled trials [RCT]). Qualitative findings uncovered barriers that impede the consolidation of evidence‐based guideline development and quality improvement including guideline scoping based on the patient‐intervention‐comparison‐outcome (PICO) question format and a lack of clinical experts involved in evidence appraisal. Developers used workarounds to include quality considerations that lack a strong base of RCT evidence, which often ended up in separate documents or appendices.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that CPGs mostly fail to integrate different epistemologies needed to inform the quality improvement of clinical practice. To bring CPGs closer to their promise, guideline scoping should maintain a focus on the most pertinent quality issues that point developers toward the most fitting knowledge for the question at hand, stretching beyond the PICO format. To address questions that lack a strong evidence base, developers actually need to appeal to other sources of knowledge, such as quality improvement, expert opinion, and best practices. Further research is needed to develop methods for the robust inclusion of other types of knowledge.
Comparing the effectiveness of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil and two common household sanitizers to reduce lettuce microbiota and prevent Salmonella enterica recontamination
Authors: Rossi Chiara , Maggio Francesca , Casaccia Manila , Chaves‐López Clemencia , Valbonetti Luca , Serio Annalisa , Paparella Antonello
Published: January 2022

The washing step is necessary to remove biological and physical hazards from minimally processed vegetables. Nevertheless, the risk of foodborne diseases could persist even after washing due to postsanitizing contamination, and little is known about the antimicrobial effect of residual sanitizers. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (SH), sodium bicarbonate, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil (CEO) as sanitizers on lettuce (8°C, 48 h). First, the effect of sanitizers in reducing total aerobic mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria, yeast and molds, lactic acid bacteria, and Enterobacteriaceae on lettuce was evaluated with some insights on lettuce quality attributes (pH, color, and sensory analysis). Then, the capability of the treatments in preventing postwashing Salmonella adhesion on lettuce surface was investigated. Commercial SH disinfectant (solution at 2%) and CEO (0.5%) reduced microbial contamination in lettuce, without affecting the overall acceptability after 48 h at 8°C. SH reduced postsanitizing Salmonella adhesion of about 2.7 Log colony forming unit (CFU)/g. The microbial reduction was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy, which also evidenced Salmonella internalization within stomata. Interestingly, CEO as well reduced Salmonella adhesion but with lower efficacy (0.44–1.00 Log CFU/g reduction), while sodium bicarbonate (15 mg/ml) was not effective. In conclusion, SH and CEO seem to be effective sanitizing agents, capable of improving the microbiological profile of fresh produce. In addition, the residual sanitizers, that remain on lettuce after washing, play a role in reducing Salmonella adhesion.
Clinical practice guidelines for esophageal ambulatory reflux monitoring in Chinese adults
Authors: Xiao Yinglian , Wu Justin C Y , Lu Ching‐Liang , Tseng Ping‐Huei , Lin Lin , Hou Xiaohua , Li Yanqing , Zou Duowu , Lv Bin , Xiang Xuelian , Dai Ning , Fang Xiucai , Chen Minhu
Published: January 2022

Esophageal ambulatory reflux monitoring is the current gold standard for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In order to facilitate standardized procedure and improve diagnostic accuracy, clinical guidelines for ambulatory esophageal reflux monitoring were developed based on thorough literature search and working group conference by experts in gastrointestinal motility. Indications, contraindications, methodology, and reporting of ambulatory esophageal reflux monitoring were discussed in these clinical guidelines.
Effects of isomalto‐oligosaccharides and herbal extracts on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles and intestinal bacterial populations in early‐weaned piglets
Authors: Pi Guolin , Wang Junmin , Song Wenxin , Li Yali , Yang Huansheng
Published: January 2022

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of isomalto‐oligosaccharide (IMO), Chinese herbal medicine extract (CHE) or their combination on the growth performance, diarrhoea incidence, serum biochemical profiles, inflammatory cytokine expression, intestinal morphology and microflora of weaned piglets. Thirty‐two ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) piglets, weaned at 25 days of age, were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I was fed the basal diet. Group II were fed a basal diet supplemented with 2 g/kg IMO for 14 consecutive days and then 4 g/kg IMO for another 14 days. Group III were fed diet with 0.5 g/kg CHE for 14 days and 1 g/kg CHE for another 14 days. Group IV were fed diet with (2 g/kg IMO + 0.5 g/kg CHE) for 14 days and (4 g/kg IMO +1 g/kg CHE) for another 14 days. Results showed that diets supplemented with IMO, CHE or their combination did not influence the diarrhoea rate and intestinal morphology, while co‐administration of IMO with CHE tended to have higher average daily gain. Serum biochemical analysis showed that dietary CHE decreased aspartate aminotransferase levels, while inclusion of IMO led to a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein. Moreover, co‐administration of IMO with CHE significantly upregulated the expression of TGF‐β, a potent anti‐inflammatory cytokine, in jejunal mucosa of piglets. Further, CHE significantly increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium in ileal digesta. Meanwhile, the combination of IMO and CHE significantly increased Bifidobacterium in the caecum of piglets. Additionally, dietary IMO, CHE or their combination significantly reduced the number of potential entero‐pathogen Escherichia coli in ileal contents and Clostridium species in caecal digesta. These results indicated that application of IMO or CHE could favourably modulate the intestinal microbial composition of piglets, while their beneficial impact and molecular mechanism on intestinal health warrants further investigation.
Diagnostic value of reticulocyte indices for the assessment of the iron status of cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Betting Adeline , Schweighauser Ariane , Francey Thierry
Published: January 2022

Background

Reticulocyte indices have been suggested as alternatives to transferrin saturation (TSAT) for iron status assessment in humans and dogs but they have not been evaluated thoroughly in cats.

Objectives

To assess the value of the reticulocyte indices for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic hematuria associated with subcutaneous ureteral bypasses (SUBs).

Animals

Sixty‐four cats: 16 healthy, 14 CKD without SUB, and 34 CKD with SUB.

Methods

Prospective observational cross‐sectional study of cats presented for routine nephrology visits. Primary outcomes included assessment of the diagnostic values of erythrocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume, hemoglobin, and hemoglobin concentration: MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and reticulocyte indices (mean corpuscular volume, MCVr; corpuscular hemoglobin, CHr), using TSAT as reference.

Results

Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 9/64 cats (14%). A receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis yielded a moderate discriminatory value for CHr in this diagnosis: area under the curve [AUC] = .75 (95% confidence interval, 0.48‐0.89);P = .006; sensitivity 67%, specificity 82% for a cutoff of 15.9 pg. This compared favorably to MCVr (AUC = .63;P = .29), MCV (AUC = .58;P = .45), MCH (AUC = .64;P = .19), and MCHC (AUC = .7;P = .03).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

CHr added moderate value to the diagnosis of iron deficiency in cats with CKD.
Compensating wage differentials in formal and informal jobs
Authors: Verhaest Dieter , Adriaenssens Stef
Published: January 2022

We link the dearth of empirical support for the theory of compensating wage differentials (CWD) to minimum wages and other labour market regulations. As these labour market regulations matter less for informal jobs, we hypothesise that CWD for adverse working conditions are more likely to be observed in these jobs relative to formal jobs. This is tested based on teenage employment data. The results are in line with our hypothesis. While informal jobs pay, on average, lower wages than formal jobs, a substantially higher premium for physically demanding and hazardous working conditions is found in informal jobs. This finding is robust against several sensitivity checks with respect to the identification method and measurement of the independent variables. Our results are also consistent with minimum wages being the key underlying mechanism for this difference in wage setting between formal and informal teenage jobs.