bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Employees Go to Court: Employee Lawsuits and Talent Acquisition in Audit Offices
Authors: CHEN JADE HUAYU
Published: March 2024

I examine whether employee‐initiated lawsuits against an audit office adversely affect its ability to attract high‐quality talent and deliver quality audits. I posit that employee lawsuits erode prospective employees’ perceptions of an office, diminishing their willingness to join. Using a comprehensive data set of individual auditor profiles, I find a decline in the quality of newly hired auditors following an employee lawsuit. Cross‐sectionally, the adverse effect of employee lawsuits on talent acquisition is more pronounced when an office is undergoing higher growth and when a case receives greater media attention. Conversely, this adverse effect is less pronounced when an audit office is larger or offers more competitive wages within the local area. When an audit office is unable to recruit high‐quality talent, its audit quality is likely to suffer. Consistent with this, I find a deterioration in audit quality provided by an office following an employee lawsuit. Overall, this study underscores the importance of human capital management and employer reputation for audit offices that operate in competitive labor markets.
Socially constructed beliefs and the uptake of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
Authors: Moloney G , Amos K , Edser S , Barone C
Published: March 2024

Background

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides automatic access to subsidized dental care for eligible Australian children, but uptake is low. As cost is not a factor, socially constructed perceptions, which may be subscribed to without personal experience, were explored as potential barriers.

Methods

Two studies with parents (child <18 years) were conducted. In Study one (N=317) participants completed a free‐response task eliciting socially constructed perceptions about the dentist. These were factor‐analysed in Study two (N=231), and the salience of these perceptions in relation to uptake was measured for the 113 eligible to access the CDBS participants.

Results

In Study one, similar positive, negative, procedural and time words were elicited across conditions. Study two revealed Negative, Positive and Hassle perception factors associated with the dentist and that 61% of eligible participants had accessed the CDBS. Generalized Structural Equation Modelling with eligible participants revealed Positive and Negative perceptions were negatively correlated, Negative perceptions were positively correlated with Hassle, and, as Hassle increased, the probability of parents accessing the CDBS significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Confusion around eligibility to access CDBS is still an issue. Low CDBS uptake may be associated with perceived hassle associated with the dentist, which may reflect parental negative perceptions. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.
The developmental architecture of the crop of quail embryos (Coturnix coturnix): Morphometric, light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ali Samara Mohamed , Mohamed Salma A. , Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Madkour Fatma A.
Published: March 2024

The present study focused on the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos. The developmental sequence was recorded from day 10 of incubation to the hatching day (17th day) by gross anatomy, morphometric analysis and by using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Grossly, the crop was distinguished as an enlarged pouch of the cervical oesophagus on the 12th day of incubation. Histologically, the development of the crop began on the 10th day of incubation. The muscularis mucosae was observed as a small, thin layer of myoblast cells on the 10th day, then it appeared as longitudinally arranged smooth muscle fibres with progression of the developmental age till hatching day. The submucosal layer was also observed on the 10th day, while the lamina propria, muscular layer (inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle fibre) and glandular primordia were detected on the 12th day. The epithelial cells of crop revealed affinity for PAS stain and AB‐PAS on the 10th day of incubation till the 17th day, while the affinity for AB stain appeared on the 14th day of incubation. Additionally, the glandular cells showed the positive for AB, PAS and AB‐PAS on the 12th day of incubation. SEM sections showed variable sizes of the openings of the oesophageal glands. In conclusion, the present study provided a detailed overview of the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos.
Immunomodulatory drugs in sepsis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Robey R. C. , Logue C. , Caird C. A. , Hansel J. , Hellyer T. P. , Simpson J. , Dark P. , Mathioudakis A. G. , Felton T.
Published: March 2024

Dysregulation of the host immune response has a central role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. There has been much interest in immunomodulatory drugs as potential therapeutic adjuncts in sepsis. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluating the safety and clinical effectiveness of immunomodulatory drugs as adjuncts to standard care in the treatment of adults with sepsis. Our primary outcomes were serious adverse events and all‐cause mortality. Fifty‐six unique, eligible randomised controlled trials were identified, assessing a range of interventions including cytokine inhibitors; anti‐inflammatories; immune cell stimulators; platelet pathway inhibitors; and complement inhibitors. At 1‐month follow‐up, the use of cytokine inhibitors was associated with a decreased risk of serious adverse events, based on 11 studies involving 7138 patients (RR (95%CI) 0.95 (0.90–1.00), I2 = 0%). The only immunomodulatory drugs associated with an increased risk of serious adverse events were toll‐like receptor 4 antagonists (RR (95%CI) 1.18 (1.04–1.34), I2 = 0% (two trials, 567 patients)). Based on 18 randomised controlled trials, involving 11,075 patients, cytokine inhibitors reduced 1‐month mortality (RR (95%CI) 0.88 (0.78–0.98), I2 = 57%). Mortality reduction was also shown in the subgroup of 13 randomised controlled trials that evaluated anti‐tumour necrosis factor α interventions (RR (95%CI) 0.93 (0.87–0.99), I2 = 0%). Anti‐inflammatory drugs had the largest apparent effect on mortality at 2 months at any dose (two trials, 228 patients, RR (95%CI) 0.64 (0.51–0.80), I2 = 0%) and at 3 months at any dose (three trials involving 277 patients, RR (95%CI) 0.67 (0.55–0.81), I2 = 0%). These data indicate that, except for toll‐like receptor 4 antagonists, there is no evidence of safety concerns for the use of immunomodulatory drugs in sepsis, and they may show some short‐term mortality benefit for selected drugs.
Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy to improve wound healing rates following ileostomy closure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tiang Thomas , Behrenbruch Corina , Noori Jawed , Lam David , Bhamidipaty Madhu , Johnston Michael , Woods Rodney , D'Souza Basil
Published: March 2024

Background

Reversal of ileostomy is associated with morbidity including wound infection and prolonged wound healing. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been shown to reduce time to wound healing by secondary intention. The aim of this study was to determine whether NPWT improved wound healing rates, compared with simple wound dressings, in patients undergoing reversal of ileostomy where the skin wound is closed with a purse‐string suture.

Methods

This was a dual‐centre, open‐label, randomized controlled trial with two parallel intervention arms. Patients undergoing elective loop ileostomy reversal were randomized 1:1 to receive NPWT or simple wound dressings. The primary endpoint of the study was assessment of complete wound healing at day 42 post reversal of ileostomy and the secondary endpoints were patient‐reported wound cosmesis using a visual analogue scale and rates of surgical site infection (SSI).

Results

The study was conducted from June 2018 to December 2021. The trial was approved by the local ethics committee. We enrolled 40 patients, 20 in each arm. One patient in each arm was lost to follow up. Nine patients (9/19, 47.36%) in the simple dressing group had wound healing vs. 13 patients (13/19, 68.42%) in the NPWT group (P = 0.188). There was no significant difference in patient‐ reported wound cosmesis or SSI.

Conclusion

There was no difference in wound healing rates when comparing NPWT to simple wound dressings at early and late time points post reversal of ileostomy, where the skin wound was closed with a purse‐string suture.
Using artificial intelligence to predict choledocholithiasis: can machine learning models abate the use of MRCP in patients with biliary dysfunction?
Authors: Blum Joshua , Hunn Sam , Smith Jules , Chan Fa Yu , Turner Richard
Published: March 2024

Background

Prompt diagnosis of choledocholithiasis is crucial for reducing disease severity, preventing complications and minimizing length of stay. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is commonly used to evaluate patients with suspected choledocholithiasis but is expensive and may delay definitive intervention. To optimize patient care and resource utilization, we have developed five machine learning models that predict a patients' risk of choledocholithiasis based on clinical presentation and pre‐MRCP investigation results.

Methods

Inpatients admitted to the Royal Hobart Hospital from 2018 to 2023 with a suspicion of choledocholithiasis were included. Exclusion criteria included prior hepatobiliary surgery, known hepatobiliary disease, or incomplete records. Variables related to clinical presentation, laboratory testing, and sonographic or CT imaging were collected. Four machine learning techniques were employed: logistic regression, XGBoost, random forest, and K‐nearest neighbours. The three best performing models were combined to create an ensemble model. Model performance was compared against the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) choledocholithiasis risk stratification guidelines.

Results

Of the 222 patients included, 113 (50.9%) had choledocholithiasis. The most successful models were the random forest (accuracy: 0.79, AUROC: 0.83) and ensemble (accuracy and AUROC: 0.81). Every model outperformed the ASGE guidelines. Key variables influencing the models' predictions included common bile duct diameter, lipase, imaging evidence of cholelithiasis, and liver function tests.

Conclusion

Machine learning models can accurately assess a patient's risk of choledocholithiasis and could assist in identifying patients who could forgo an MRCP and proceed directly to intervention. Ongoing validation on prospective data is necessary to refine their accuracy and clinical utility.
Supply Nets: The Logistics of Seafarer Abandonment
Authors: Bolton Jacob
Published: March 2024

This paper studies the infrastructural and organisational forms that facilitate labour exploitation within maritime logistics. My entry point is the rising wave of seafarer abandonments, which I approach not as isolated incidents of mismanagement but as an intensification of the flexibilising tendencies underpinning contemporary capitalism. I trace the recent history of these dynamics, examining their effect on shipping labour. I then investigate some of the specific legal and economic mechanics of shipping, focusing on debt, insurance, and bordering. Using supply chain mapping software, I study supply systems in a way that centres labour rather than the commodities being moved. I close by claiming that abandonments are not an accident, but an inevitable endpoint of a system designed to precaritise labour while protecting shipowners’ profits. Against this, I sketch out a new way of conceiving of supply chains—as supply nets, matrices of interconnected lines, prone to becoming tangled.
Letter: Modifying the Mayo endoscopic subscore for improved prognostic insights. Authors' reply
Authors: Lenfant Matthias , Verstockt Bram , Sabino João , Vermeire Séverine , Ferrante Marc
Published: March 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Lenfant et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17753 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17912
Learning From ‘My Octopus Teacher’
Authors: Simmonds Clare
Published: March 2024

In this paper, I present the idea that the documentary film My Octopus Teacher (Ehrlich & Reed) is an evocative allegory for some key threads in the ongoing learning at the heart of psychotherapy. On the one hand, the film is a narrative about a relationship formed between the narrator and documentary‐maker Craig and an octopus that he encounters in daily dives in an underwater kelp forest. On the other hand, it is a story–dream of a man and an octopus who swim together in the proto‐mental seas of the unconscious, a space where fluidity and symmetry rule, and where the boundaries between I and thou dissolve. Alongside the theme of mutual dream work, the documentary presents an evocative allegory of what it takes to practice as a therapist: the maps of our own disintegration that inform our work, and the key dispositions of learning to watch and observe and to fine tune our faith.
Cancer‐specific risk prediction with a serum microRNA signature
Authors: Raut Janhavi R. , Bhardwaj Megha , Schöttker Ben , Holleczek Bernd , Schrotz‐King Petra , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2024

We recently derived and validated a serum‐based microRNA risk score (miR‐score) that predicted colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence with very high accuracy within 14 years of follow‐up in a population‐based cohort study from Germany (ESTHER cohort). Here, we aimed to evaluate associations of the CRC‐specific miR‐score with the risk of developing other common cancers, including female breast cancer (BC), lung cancer (LC), and prostate cancer (PC), in the ESTHER cohort. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were profiled by quantitative real‐time PCR in serum samples collected at baseline from randomly selected incident cases of BC (n = 90), LC (n = 88), and PC (n = 93) and participants without diagnosis of CRC, LC, BC, or PC (controls, n = 181) until the end of the 17‐year follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of the miR‐score with BC, LC, and PC incidence. The miR‐score showed strong inverse associations with BC and LC incidence [odds ratio per 1 standard deviation increase: 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43–0.82), p = 0.0017, and 0.64 (95% CI 0.48–0.84),p = 0.0015, respectively]. Associations with PC were not statistically significant but pointed in the positive direction. Our study highlights the potential of serum‐based miRNA biomarkers for cancer‐specific risk prediction. Further large cohort studies aiming to investigate, validate, and optimize the use of circulating miRNA signatures for cancer risk assessment are warranted.
How can we reach long‐lasting inclusive participation for all? A vision for the future
Authors: Ullenhag Anna , Imms Christine , Anaby Dana , Kramer Jessica M. , Girdler Sonya , Gorter Jan Willem , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Jahnsen Reidun Birgitta , Elliott Catherine , Granlund Mats
Published: March 2024

In 2022, an international conference was held focusing on ‘participation’. We shared current evidence, identified knowledge gaps and worked together to understand what new knowledge and community and practice changes were needed. This brief communication is a summary of the conference delegates' discussions. We present the key assumptions we make about participation and propose what is needed to create change for societies, communities, families and individuals. While we have some robust evidence to support participation approaches, more is needed, and it is everyone's responsibility to build an inclusive society where participation for all is the reality.
Manoeuvring Among Institutions and Pandemic Restrictions: When the Fantasy of Parenting After Divorce or Breakup and the Respective Emotions Matter
Authors: Hejzlarová Eva M.
Published: March 2024

Understanding social factors that affected how people interpreted the meanings of COVID‐19 measures is important in postpandemic times. This study applies perspectives from research on emotions as one of the possible explanations and focuses on how institutions and their measures are perceived in the context of individual emotional situations. The aim of the study is to understand how parents with joint or shared custody arrangements in Czechia understood COVID‐19–related state interventions and how they dealt with those interventions in their lives. Analysing 16 interviews with these parents, who are considered a potentially vulnerable group, and their interplay with pandemic public policy, the paper suggests the importance of parenting fantasy. The term ‘fantasy’ builds on Illouz's scholarship and reflects individual sense‐making (ideas or practices) based on close and intense personal relationships related to parenting. This paper claims that the existence of this fantasy (in the form of a fulfilled parenting fantasy) or its non‐existence (in the form of a disruption of parenting, called a negative relationship by Illouz) codetermined how these parents dealt with the pandemic measures—whether (and how strongly) they conformed to them or whether they perceived (or used) them as a threat.
Dental implant failures in Utah and US veteran cohorts
Authors: Miller Aaron John , Brown Layne Clair , Wei Guo , Durham Mark Richards , Hulet Forest Norton , Jeyapalina Sujee , Stoddard Greg , Griffin Alec Scott
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Approximately, 5.5 million dental implants are estimated to be surgically placed in the United States yearly, with an anticipated long‐term failure rate ranging from 3% to 10%. At the Salt Lake City Dental Clinic within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VHA), specific protocols have been established to mandate that clinicians present every dental implant case for review by a committee. To understand the effectiveness of this approach, a comparative data analysis was undertaken to compare local dental implant failure data against national VHA data.

Methods

Leveraging electronic health records of veterans spanning from 2000 to 2021, we gathered procedural records related to dental implant placement or failure, demographic information, and medical history for individuals who received dental care at various dental clinics within the nationwide VHA network. Subsequently, statistical analyses were conducted using mixed‐effects Poisson regression models with cluster‐robust standard errors. Incident rate ratios (IRRs) for Utah‐specific and nationwide cohorts were ascertained.

Results

The Utah VHA dental clinical data showed that there was a slightly lower prevalence of implant failure at 6.7% compared to the national cohort, which had a rate of 6.9%. The implant level failure rates were also low, with 4.20 (confidence interval [CI]: 3.68, 4.81) per 1000 implant placements per year for Utah cohorts. The adjusted IRR indicated a relative 16% reduction in risk among Utah Veterans (IRR 0.84, 95% CI [0.76–0.92]; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The stringent protocols in place at Salt Lake City, which integrate evidence‐based practices and expert opinion for evaluating patient suitability for dental implant placement and subsequent care, contributed to the reduced risk among Utah Dental Clinic veterans pool compared to veterans of other states.
Using intermediate points in parcel delivery operations with truck‐based autonomous drones
Authors: Lan Bo , Suzuki Yoshinori
Published: March 2024

Autonomous drones are no longer science fiction but are becoming reality. Prior studies have investigated how an autonomous drone can be used in conjunction with a parcel delivery truck, but they all restricted the drones’ launch/recovery sites to customer nodes visited by a truck. In practice, parcel carriers are considering the use of intermediate points (IPs), the sites found along the arcs connecting customer nodes, as drones' launch/recovery points. This means that the academic literature currently lags the industry practice. This article extends the previous works on truck‐and‐drone last‐mile delivery by investigating the conditions under which the use of IPs is beneficial by using both theoretical and empirical approaches. Our results show that, although using IPs is an effective concept that can save the cost (time) of package deliveries by 2.189% on average, the cost saving realized by using IPs can vary notably across carriers depending on their network characteristics. Specifically, our results suggest that the benefit of using IPs becomes high when a network has the following characteristics: (1) low customer density (a small number of customers served per square mile), and (2) large number of time‐sensitive packages (subject to time window constraints). Based on these findings, we provide normative implications on if, when, where, and to what extent IPs can be beneficial for the truck‐and‐drone joint operations in last‐mile logistics.
Geopolitical risk and global green bond market growth
Authors: Mertzanis Charilaos , Tebourbi Imen
Published: March 2024

Using individual transaction data, we investigate how geopolitical risk influences green bond issuance across 73 countries during 2008–2021. We consider deal characteristics, as well as economic and institutional factors. We find a positive association between geopolitical risk and green bond issuance. The effect shows nonlinearity and time delays. Our findings remain robust after conducting sensitivity and endogeneity analysis. After decomposing the geopolitical risk index, we discover that all its components have positive correlations with green bond issuance. Lastly, our study highlights the crucial role of the underwriters' network and specific geopolitical jurisdictions as drivers for global green bond market expansion.
Meta heuristic approaches for sentiment analysis
Authors: Rani Meesala Shobha , Subramanian Sumathy
Published: March 2024

On the Internet, online microblogging and social networks have experienced tremendous growth. Millions of individuals share opinions on social networking platforms including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Microblogging sites. Millions of individuals express their thoughts on social platforms namely Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and microblogging sites. As user‐generated content is growing to a huge extent on the internet, the analysis, extraction identification and classification of opinion and sentiment polarity of different aspects has now become a challenging issue in sentiment analysis. In sentiment analysis, aspect level opinion mining, opinion spam review detection, extraction and representation of most relevant accessed data from the user‐generated data is a difficult process. The word vector representation using existing deep learning techniques affects the performance in aspect level opinion mining. Spammers propagate false opinion for payment exchange, which leads to degradation of the financial growth, business, and fame of the organization. To overcome the limitations aspect level opinion mining is used to recognize sentiment and polarity of aspects in the specified text. This work presents various input feature vectors of deep learning approaches aiming to improve performance in aspect level opinion mining. Next, three meta‐heuristic algorithms with k‐means clustering approach for classification of opinion spam reviews on social media transit tweets is presented. The proposed approaches are evaluated and compared with other existing approaches as well as other benchmark datasets namely Restaurant and Amazon reviews.
Doing gender in death care: How women are finding their place in Italian funeral directing services
Authors: Grandi Annalisa , Guidetti Gloria , Converso Daniela , Bosco Nicoletta , Colombo Lara
Published: March 2024

Gendered norms in society can strongly influence the presence of men or women in professional contexts. This study examined the perceptions of 13 women working in the funeral directing services in order to better understand how they perform gender roles to play in a field that has long been considered male‐dominated. The findings suggest that women face many challenges to play a professional role in funeral directing and that they rely on their ability to perform care work to be recognized as better professionals. The issue of physical strength—a characteristic element of funeral work—seems to be an issue that still arouses contrasting positions among women. Another finding was that women also perform gender roles through their professional appearance, which they recognize as an important aspect of their professionalism. This work brings new insight into this specific and under‐researched area and provides new understanding on how women use gender performativity to achieve professionalism in the death care; in particular, it shows that women do gender in different ways to achieve the same entitlement to be good funeral professionals as men.
Relationship Between Tectonic Lineaments and Springs North of Avanos (Central Anatolia, Turkey)
Authors: Demircioğlu Ramazan
Published: March 2024

The study area covers Avanos‐Ozkonak and its surroundings north of Nevsehir province. An attempt was made to determine the relationship between tectonic lineaments and springs in the area. It was found that there is a close relationship between the location of springs and tectonic lineaments. In recent years, lineaments have been used in mineral exploration studies and geothermal areas. Remote sensing methods have also been used in this study. The relationship between tectonic lineaments (faults and fractures) and spring formations obtained from field studies and satellite‐based studies was evaluated. Metamorphic rocks belonging to the Kirsehir massif and Paleocene–Middle Eocene aged units were subjected to polyphase deformation. As a result of these deformations, faults and cracks were formed. This situation has given aquifer properties to the rocks. At the same time, many springs were formed by faults and cracks. This study determined the relationship between 342 springs identified during field works and tectonic lineaments. Approximately 89% of the springs identified in the field were found to be located on the tectonic lineaments obtained from the satellite imagery. Some springs discharged from discontinuities on the formation boundaries.
Haemophilia care in Asia: Learning from clinical practice in some Asian countries
Authors: Angchaisuksiri Pantep , Amurao‐Abiera Marilou , Chou Sheng‐Chien , Chewcharat Pol , Chozie Novie Amelia , Gomez Roy , Leng Tien Sim , Lin Pei‐Chin , Mai Nguyen Thi , Muda Zulaiha , Seth Tulika , Sosothikul Darintr , Siu‐Ming Wong Raymond
Published: March 2024

Background

The healthcare systems in Asia vary greatly due to the socio‐economic and cultural diversities which impact haemophilia management.

Methods

An advisory board meeting was conducted with experts in haemophilia care from Asia to understand the heterogeneity in clinical practices and care provision in the region.

Findings

The overall prevalence of haemophilia in Asia ranges between 3 and 8.58/100,000 patients. Haemophilia A was more prevalent as compared to haemophilia B with a ratio of around 5:1. There is under‐diagnosis in the region due to lack of diagnosis, registries and/or lack of appropriate facilities in suburban areas. Most patients are referred to the haematologists by their families or primary care physicians, while some are identified during bleeding episodes. Genetic testing faces obstacles like resource constraints, services available at limited centres and unwillingness of patients to participate. Prophylaxis is offered for people with haemophilia (PWH) with a severe bleeding phenotype. Recombinant factors are approved in most countries across the region and are the preferred therapy. The challenges highlighted for not receiving a high standard of care include patients’ reluctance to use an intravenous treatment, poor patient compliance due to frequency of infusions, budget constraints and lack of funding, insurance, availability and accessibility of factor concentrates. Prevalence of neutralizing antibodies ranged from 5% to 20% in the region. Use of immune tolerance induction and bypassing agents to treat inhibitors depends on their cost and availability.

Conclusion

Haemophilia care in Asia has evolved to a great extent. However, some challenges remain for which a strategic approach along with multi‐stakeholder involvement are needed.
The effect of preoperative oral hygiene on postoperative infections after cystectomy and urethroplasty—A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Bavnhøj Linnea Samsø , Pedersen Beritt Bach , Jensen Henriette , Jørgensen Lone , Bruun Niels Henrik , Sander Lotte
Published: March 2024

Research has demonstrated that systematic preoperative oral hygiene reduces nosocomial infections after elective thoracic surgery. However, the impact of preoperative oral hygiene on patients undergoing urologic procedures is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systematic preoperative oral hygiene on prescriptions with antibiotics following cystectomy or urethroplasty. A quasi‐experimental study design included all patients undergoing elective radical cystectomy or urethroplasty from 1 January 2018 to 31 May 2021. Patients undergoing cystectomy or urethroplasty were grouped into a prospective intervention group and a retrospective control group. Patients in the intervention group were admitted from 1 January 2020 to 31 May 2021, and were recommended to brush their teeth and rinse their mouths with chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% four times a day starting 2 days before surgery and continuing until the morning of the operation. Patients admitted from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019 received no oral hygiene recommendations and were used as a retrospective control group. Data on oral hygiene performance were self‐reported and collected at admission and data on prescription of antibiotics were collected through the patients' records. The relative risk was calculated to report the effect of the intervention. In total, 39 patients with cystectomy were in the intervention group, whereas 31 were in the control group. For patients having urethroplasty, 27 were in the intervention group and 98 were in the control group. The effect of oral hygiene on the prescription of antibiotics for patients who completely adhered to the oral hygiene recommendations showed a relative risk of 0.554 (95% CI 0.333–0.921) p = 0.02 for cystectomy and 0.825 (95% 0.308–2.209) p = 0.70 for urethroplasty. This study showed a statistically significant reduction in the prescription of antibiotics following oral hygiene recommendations for patients undergoing cystectomy. However, no statistically significant effect was demonstrated for patients undergoing urethroplasty. Despite this result, it seems important to be aware of oral hygiene in patients undergoing surgery to potentially reduce the number of infections and the use of antibiotics because of the antimicrobial resistance that the healthcare system faces.
Effect of prophylactic use of cefazolin in caesarean section on postoperative infection: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lv Xiangyang , Ren Xiaoshuang , Xu Jiqun , Wu Haicui
Published: March 2024

Caesarean section rate is increasing and postoperative wound infection is a major health‐threatening complication after caesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Cefazolin at different time for post‐caesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to compare the use of Cefazolin at different times on infections after CS. The time of antibiotic use in CS can be divided into two groups: before skin incision (SI) and after cord clamping (CC). In this study, 268 relevant articles were found in the database, and finally, 10 articles were analysed. This study included a total of 5256 cases of caesarean section. The data on wound infections, endometritis, urinary tract infections and fever were analysed. Perform an analysis of the data using RevMan 5.3. The results showed that cefazolin before SI reduced wound infection compared to after CC (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% CI: 0.37–0.69; p < 0.0001). Cefazolin prophylactically used before SI reduce endometritis after CS compared to after CC (OR, 0.52; 95% CI: 0.35–0.77; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in urinary tract infections after CS between cefazolin prophylactically used before SI and after CC (OR, 0.80; 95% CI: 0.50–11.28; p = 0.35). There was no significant difference in fever after CS between the prophylactic use of cefazolin before SI and after CC (OR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.26–11.43; p = 0.225). Cefazolin before SI reduces wound infection and endometritis after CS.
Topical oxygen therapy and singlet oxygen in wound healing: A scoping review
Authors: Sýkorová Martina , Moffatt Christine Joy , Stentiford Neil , Burian Ewa Anna , Katsuhiro Sasagaki , Wei Yang
Published: March 2024

The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of current research into topical oxygen therapies including the under‐researched singlet oxygen for wound healing. A scoping review was undertaken using five databases. After duplicates and ineligible studies were excluded, 49 studies were included for a narrative review. Out of the included 49 studies, 45 (91.8%) were published in the past 10 years (2013–2023) with 32 (65.3%) published in the past 5 years (2018–2023). Eight of the studies were systematic reviews and/or meta‐analysis and 18 were RCTs. The search identified zero human RCTs on singlet oxygen, but one human cohort study and five studies in animals. There is evidence that topical oxygen therapy may be useful for the treatment of chronic wounds, mainly diabetic foot ulcers. Singlet oxygen has shown potential, but would need further confirmation in controlled human trials, including more research to understand the bio‐properties.
Self‐determination in older patients: Experiences from nurse‐dominated ambulance services
Authors: Holmberg Bodil , Svensson Anders , Helge Adam , Bremer Anders
Published: March 2024

Aim

To describe ambulance clinicians' experiences of self‐determination in older patients.

Design

The study had an inductive and explorative design, guided from a life‐world perspective.

Methods

Thirty‐two Swedish ambulance clinicians were interviewed in six focus groups in November 2019. The data were analysed with content analysis, developing manifest categories and latent themes.

Findings

The ambulance clinicians assessed the older patients' exercise of self‐determination by engaging in conversation and by being visually alert, to eventually gain an overall picture of their decision‐making capacity. This assessment was used as a platform when informing older patients of their rights, thus promoting their participation in care. Having limited time and narrow guidelines counteracted ambulance clinicians' ambitions to support older patients' general desire to avoid hospitalization, which resulted in an urge to displace their responsibility to external decision‐makers.

Conclusion

Expectations that older patients with impaired decision‐making ability will give homogeneous responses mean an increased risk of ageist attitudes with a simplified view of patient autonomy. Such attitudes risk the withholding of information about options that healthcare professionals do not wish older patients to choose. When decision‐making is difficult, requests for expanded guidelines may paradoxically risk alienation from the professional nursing role.

Implications and Impact

The findings show ambulance clinicians' unwillingness to shoulder their professional responsibility when encountering older patients with impaired decision‐making ability. In assuming that all older patients reason in the same way, ambulance clinicians tend to adopt a simplistic and somewhat ageist approach when it comes to patient autonomy. This points to deficiencies in ethical competence, which is why increased ethics support is deemed suitable to promote and develop ethical competence. Such support can increase the ability to act as autonomous professionals in accordance with professional ethical codes.

Reporting Method

This study adhered to COREQ guidelines.

Patient and Public Contribution

None.
Causal effect of gut microbiota on pancreatic cancer: A Mendelian randomization and colocalization study
Authors: Li Xin , Liang Zhihai
Published: March 2024

The causal relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential genes underlying this mechanism. GM Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data were from the MiBioGen consortium. PC GWAS data were from the National Human Genome Research Institute‐European Bioinformatics Institute (NHGRI‐EBI) GWAS Catalogue. To detect the causal relationship between GM and PC, we implemented three complementary Mendelian randomization (MR) methods: Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), MR‐Egger and Weighted Median, followed by sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, we integrated GM GWAS data with blood cis‐expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) and blood cis‐DNA methylation QTL (mQTLs) using Summary data‐based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) methods. This integration aimed to prioritize potential GM‐affecting genes through SMR analysis of two molecular traits. PC cis‐eQTLs and cis‐mQTLs were summarized from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Through colocalization analysis of GM cis‐QTLs and PC cis‐QTLs data, we identified common genes that influence both GM and PC. Our study found a causal association between GM and PC, including four protective and five risk‐associated GM [Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW), p < 0.05]. No significant heterogeneity of instrumental variables (IVs) or horizontal pleiotropy was found. The gene SVBP was identified as a GM‐affecting gene using SMR analysis of two molecular traits (FDR<0.05, P_HEIDI>0.05). Additionally, two genes, MCM6 and RPS26, were implicated in the interaction between GM and PC based on colocalization analysis (PPH4>0.5). In summary, this study provides evidence for future research aimed at developing suitable therapeutic interventions and disease prevention.
Identification of important genes related to anoikis in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Song Puwei , Yakufujiang Yasen , Zhou Jianghui , Gu Shaorui , Wang Wenli , Huo Zhengyuan
Published: March 2024

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increasingly precipitates severe heart failure, with diagnoses now extending to progressively younger demographics. The focus of this study was to pinpoint critical genes linked to both AMI and anoikis, thereby unveiling potential novel biomarkers for AMI detection and intervention. Differential analysis was performed to identify significant differences in expression, and gene functionality was explored. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct gene coexpression networks. Immunoinfiltration analysis quantified immune cell abundance. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified the proteins that interact with theanoikis. MCODE identified key functional modules. Drug enrichment analysis identified relevant compounds explored in the DsigDB. Through WGCNA, 13 key genes associated with anoikis and differentially expressed genes were identified. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment revealed the regulation of apoptotic signalling pathways and negative regulation of anoikis. PPI network analysis was also conducted, and 10 hub genes, such as IL1B, ZAP70, LCK, FASLG, CD4, LRP1, CDH2, MERTK, APOE and VTN were identified. IL1B were correlated with macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils and Tcells in MI, and the most common predicted medications were roxithromycin, NSC267099 and alsterpaullone. This study identified key genes associated with AMI and anoikis, highlighting their role in immune infiltration, diagnosis and medication prediction. These findings provide valuable insights into potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AMI.
Childhood and adolescence outcomes in offspring to parents with bipolar disorder: the impact of lifetime parental comorbidity, parental sex, and bipolar subtype
Authors: Takami Lageborn Christine , Zhou Mengping , Boman Marcus , Sjölander Arvid , Larsson Henrik , D'Onofrio Brian M. , Pettersson Erik , Lichtenstein Paul , Landén Mikael
Published: March 2024

Background

Offspring of parents with bipolar disorder have increased risks of their own psychopathology. However, a large‐scale survey of psychiatric, somatic, and adverse social outcomes up to adulthood, which could aid in prioritizing and tailoring prevention, is lacking. It also remains to clarify how risks are modified by other parental factors.

Methods

Swedish population registers were linked to compare offspring having (N = 24,788) and not having (N = 247,880) a parent with bipolar disorder with respect to psychiatric diagnoses and psychotropic medication, birth‐related and somatic conditions, social outcomes, accidents, suicide attempts, and mortality. Individuals were followed until age 18. We estimated the influence of lifetime parental psychiatric comorbidity, bipolar disorder subtype, and sex on outcomes.

Results

Children of parents with bipolar disorder had 2–3 times higher risks of all psychiatric diagnoses, except for bipolar disorder, for which the risk was 11‐fold. Significantly increased risks were also found for several somatic conditions, low school grades, criminal behavior, victimization, accidents, and suicidal behavior. Adjusting for lifetime parental psychiatric comorbidity attenuated most associations. Offspring of a parent with bipolar disorder type 2 had statistically significantly higher risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, respiratory tract conditions, and accidents compared with offspring of a parent with bipolar disorder type 1. Offspring of mothers with bipolar disorder had higher risks of several psychiatric diagnoses, respiratory tract conditions, low school grades, and accidents compared with offspring of fathers with bipolar disorder. Having two parents with bipolar disorder entailed the highest risks of psychiatric outcomes in offspring.

Conclusions

Early intervention and family support are particularly warranted for the offspring of a parent with bipolar disorder in the presence of lifetime parental psychiatric comorbidity, when the parent has bipolar disorder type 2, or when the mother or both parents have bipolar disorder.
Personal, financial and time burden in inherited ichthyoses: A survey of 144 patients in a university‐based setting
Authors: Klein C. , Oji V. , Sommer R. , Augustin M. , Ständer S. , Salzmann S. , Kiekbusch K. , Bodes J. , Danzer M. F. , Traupe H. , Fischer J. , Steinke S. , Süßmuth K.
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with inherited ichthyosis suffer from scaling due to mutations affecting the epidermal barrier. Symptomatic treatment with ointments, bathing and mechanical scale removal can alleviate the disease, but therapy is time and cost intensive.

Objectives

We investigated costs, time and disease burden of ichthyoses. The study addresses difficulties of the healthcare situation for patients with ichthyoses and reveals potential improvements.

Materials and Methods

We developed a questionnaire addressing time and financial effort for the treatment. Additionally, we collected data of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Pruritus Life Quality (5PLQ) questionnaires to determine the impact of ichthyosis and associated pruritus on quality of life (QoL).

Results

We recruited 144 patients with ichthyosis (median age: 23; 53.5% female) from the Department of Dermatology in Muenster (Germany) and the German patient support group including common, rare and syndromic subtypes. Eighty‐seven percent reported applying topical therapeutics at least once per day, 66.4% several times with an overall median duration of 15 min. Highest single expenditure of time was due to balneotherapy (n = 115; median bathing time: 40 min). In 81.9%, the health insurance did not completely cover the costs for topical treatment causing additional financial burden to the patient with a median of 71 € per quarter, herein creams being the largest cost factor (50 €). Patients with Netherton syndrome showed the highest median expenditure (170 €). The QoL impairment under treatment was moderate (median DLQI: 8.5 points). Pruritus was prevalent in 79.9% and showed a distinct impact on QoL (median 5PLQ: 7.5 points) without any significant difference between the subtypes (p = 0.37).

Conclusion

Patients suffering from ichthyoses have a large and lifelong overall burden in mild and severe subtypes. Since continuous topical treatment is required, financial and psychosocial support needs to be considered beyond dermatological care.
Novel protein C6ORF120 promotes liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Hui , Wang Yuqi , Wang Peng , Yi Yunyun , Lin Yingying , Li Xin
Published: March 2024

Background and Aim

The role of C6ORF120 in promoting CCL4‐induced hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms were explored in C6orf120 knockout rats (C6orf120−/−) and LX‐2 cells (a type of human hepatic stellate cell line).

Methods

In vivo experiments, wild‐type and C6orf120−/− rats were used to investigate the function of C6ORF120. In the in vitro experiments, C6ORF120 recombinant protein (rC6ORF120) at a concentration of 200 ng/mL was used to stimulate LX‐2 cells. Sirius Red staining, Masson staining, western blotting, polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to explore fibrosis‐associated factors.

Results

C6orf120−/− rats showed mild fibrosis and liver injury in the CCL4‐induced liver fibrosis model. Furthermore, RNA‐seq revealed that C6orf120−/− rats had less extracellular matrix deposition and activated stellate cells. Consistent with the in vivo, the rC6ORF120 induced LX‐2 cell activation. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that the p‐PI3K/PI3K, p‐Akt/Akt, and p‐mTOR/mTOR levels were significantly elevated and LY294002 (a PI3K/Akt/mTOR typical pathway inhibitor) reversed the function of C6ORF120 in activating LX‐2 cells.

Conclusion

C6ORF120 could activate hepatic stellate cells and promote hepatic fibrosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Interviews with policymakers in Australian health policy: Understanding the process of policy development
Authors: Ingram Kelsey , Aley Melanie J. , Irving Michelle , Wallace Janet
Published: March 2024

Objective

To determine the barriers and enablers oral health and chronic disease policymakers identify during policy development.

Methods

Semi‐structured interview questions were developed utilizing an interview guide and applying a knowledge mobilization framework. Reflective thematic analysis of the data was completed based on the research of Braun and Clarke encompassing a critical realist approach.

Results

Twelve policymakers were interviewed. Policymakers reported barriers to accessing evidence including the sheer volume of information and a lack of: research summaries, comprehensive oral health data sets, open access articles, consistency of reporting, and time. They did find relationships with experts and intermediaries crucial at times to policy development. Co‐creation of research was also a key enabler for policymakers.

Conclusions

This study highlights that policymakers find evidence crucial during the development of policy and often use it to advocate for policies. However, the links between poor oral health; and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment are not well recognized among chronic disease policymakers. It is important that oral health researchers and policymakers work to close this gap. The treatment of poor oral health is a global population health issue. It is imperative that evidence of these links is implemented into health policy for the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases and improved quality of life for individuals living with chronic diseases.