bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between osteoarthritis and urinary tract infection in older adults: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Wei-Hung , Tan Tian-Hoe , Ho Chung-Han , Chen Yi-Chen , Hsu Chien-Chin , Lin Hung-Jung , Wang Jhi-Joung , Chiu Yen-Wei , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: August 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) may increase urinary tract infection (UTI) in older adults. However, this issue remains unclear. We identified 8599 older patients (≥65 years) with OA, and an equal number of older patients without OA, matched by age, sex, and index date from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2001 and 2005. Past histories, including UTI and underlying comorbidities, were included in the analyses. Comparisons for any UTI, ≥1 hospitalization for UTI, and ≥3 hospitalizations for UTI between the 2 cohorts by following up until 2015 were performed. In both cohorts, the percentages of age subgroups were 65–74 years (65.7%), 75–84 years (30.1%), and ≥85 years (4.2%). The male sex was 42.4%. Patients with OA had an increased risk of any UTI compared with those without OA after adjusting for all past histories (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64–1.80). Compared with patients without OA, patients with OA also had an increased risk of ≥1 hospitalization for UTI and ≥3 hospitalizations for UTI (AHR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.06–1.19 and AHR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.13−1.38, respectively). In addition to OA, age 75–84 years, female sex, history of UTI, benign prostatic hyperplasia, indwelling urinary catheter, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, and urolithiasis were independent predictors for any UTI. This study showed that OA was associated with UTI in older adults. We suggest appropriately managing OA and controlling underlying comorbidities to prevent subsequent UTI.
MiRNA expression profiling in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell lung carcinoma reveals both common and specific deregulated microRNAs
Authors: Petkova Veronika , Marinova Dora , Kyurkchiyan Silva , Stancheva Gergana , Mekov Evgeni , Kachakova-Yordanova Darina , Slavova Yanina , Kostadinov Dimitar , Mitev Vanyo , Kaneva Radka
Published: August 2022

The current study investigated the expression signatures of miRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and squamous cell lung carcinoma (LUSC). miRNA profiling was performed using microarray in 12 LUAD and 12 LUSC samples and adjacent normal tissues. In LUAD, 107 miRNAs were significantly deregulated, whereas 235 miRNAs were deregulated in LUSC. Twenty-six miRNAs were common between the 2 cancer subtypes and 8 were prioritized for validation, in addition to 6 subtype-specific miRNAs. The RT-qPCR validation samples included 50 LUAD, 50 LUSC, and adjacent normal tissues. Eight miRNAs were validated in LUAD: 3 upregulated - miR-7-5p, miR-375-5p, miR-6785-3p, and 5 downregulated - miR-101-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-195-5p. Ten miRNAs were validated in the LUSC group: 3 upregulated - miR-7-5p, miR-21-3p, miR-650, and 7 downregulated - miR-95-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-375, miR-744-3p, and miR-4689-3p. Reactome pathway analysis revealed that the target genes of the deregulated miRNAs in LUAD were significantly enriched in cell cycle, membrane trafficking, gene expression processes, and EGFR signaling, while in LUSC, they were enriched in the immune system, transcriptional regulation by TP53, and FGFR signaling. This study identified distinct miRNA profiles in LUSC and LUAD, which are common and specific miRNAs that could be further investigated as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
Effective treatment with icotinib in advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring rare EGFR mutation G719A/L833V: A case report
Authors: Zhou Bin , Wang Yanan , Liao Haijiang , Li Ben
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and they are highly associated with sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Targeted therapies are approved for patients with “classical” mutations and a small number of other mutations. However, patients with rare, even double EGFR mutations have different responses to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which brings uncertainty to clinical practice.

Patient concerns:

A 74-year-old woman, never-smoker, was presented with chest pain. Chest computed tomography scan showed a big lesion in the right upper lobe with mediastinal lymph nodes metastases. Fine-needle biopsy and pathology suggested lung adenocarcinoma. A rare G719A/L833V double mutation of EGFR was detected in both tissue and plasma samples by next-generation sequencing.

Interventions and outcomes:

Icotinib was used as first-line therapy and showed good efficacy. Partial response was achieved, and the progression-free survival was 8 months.

Lessons:

This is the first report of the icotinib treatment achieving long-lasting and stable disease control in an NSCLC patient with EGFR G719A/L833V mutation. Icotinib could be a first-line treatment option in NSCLC patients harboring EGFR G719A/L833V mutation.
Nerve invasion as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in gastric cancer after curative resection
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Wang Mingchuan , Cheng Xianbin , Jiang Yang , Xiao Huijie
Published: August 2022

The study aims to reveal the clinical significance of perineural invasion (PNI) for gastric cancer prognosis and determine the risk factors of PNI in gastric cancer. This study retrospectively analyzed 350 patients who were diagnosed with GC and underwent curative surgical resection. Variables used to analyze survival included gender, age, degree of differentiation, T classification, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, nerve invasion, mucinous adenocarcinoma component, and signet ring cell carcinoma component. The tumors of all patients were surgically resected. All resected specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical. The data for the patient’s lymphovascular invasion and PNI came from the collected pathological reports. The results of the survival analysis showed that T staging (P < .001), lymph node metastasis (P < .001), lymphovascular invasion (P = .013), PNI (P = .001), and signet ring cell carcinoma components (P = .046) affect the survival time and have a statistically significant difference. Multivariate analysis indicated that the positivity of PNI was an independent prognostic factor (P = .014). T staging (P = .006) and lymph node metastasis (P = .013) were independent prognostic parameters too. Using the Spearman correlation analysis, the following clinicopathological indicators were associated with PNI positivity, such as tumor differentiation, T staging, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, and signet ring cell carcinoma components (P < .05). PNI is an independent marker of poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.
Impact of endometrial scratching on reproductive outcome in patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kang YiFan , Wang ZhiHong , Yang Yuan , Liang HuiZhi , Duan Xia , Gao QingZhuo , Yin ZhaoFang
Published: August 2022

Background:

Endometrial scratching (ES) has demonstrated initial success in women with recurrent implantation failure, but the effect in women with 1 previous assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure is unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ES as a treatment in clinical outcomes for women with at least 1 failed in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

Methods:

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMCC databases were searched for randomized controlled trial studies utilizing endometrial scratching for infertility women with at least 1 failed assisted reproductive technology (ART) to collect pregnancy outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), embryo implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), live birth rate (LBR), and multiple pregnancy rate (MPR).

Results:

Sixteen randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included in this meta-analysis, including 1770 women in the intervention group and 1934 women in the control group. Overall, the CPR, IR and LBR were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (for CPR, n = 1430, 16 studies, P = .0002, risk ratio (RR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.24, 2.03]; for IR, n = 859, 10 studies, P = .0003, RR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.26, 2.21]; for LBR, n = 156, 6 studies, P = .0005, RR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.22, 2.06]). Nonetheless, there was no significant difference in MR (n = 344, 11 studies, P = .62, risk ratio (RR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.66, 1.29]) and MPR (n = 98, 3 studies, P = .39, risk ratio (RR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.51, 1.30]) between the intervention group and the control group.

Conclusion:

Endometrial scratching is considered to enhance the reproductive outcomes of embryo implantation. Additional randomized controlled studies are recommended to identify the appropriate time of invasion and the applicable population to confirm whether it can become a routine operation.
Effect of the combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles on slowing the progression of high myopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Congling , Cai Chunyan , Dai Hongbin , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis about the effect of the combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles on slowing the progression of high myopia.

Methods:

The literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Wang Fang Data, CNKI and sinoMed. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the quality of the included randomized clinical trials, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the included case–control or cohort studies. The results were analyzed by Revman 5.3.

Results:

Five studies (2 randomized clinical trials, 2 case–controls, and 1 cohort study) with a total of 360 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The follow-up time was at least 1 year. Combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles were used in the experimental group. The control group used single-vision spectacles only. The pooled estimates indicated that the standardized mean difference between the 2 groups was –1.46 mm (95% confidence interval: –1.88 to –1.05; P < .05) for axial length elongation and –1.85D (95% confidence interval: –2.40 to –1.31; P < .05) for change in spherical equivalent refraction. No serious adverse events were reported in all studies.

Conclusion:

The combined application of orthokeratology and single-vision spectacles is more effective than single-vision spectacles only on slowing the progression of high myopia.
Cancer Fear, Emotion Regulation, and Emotional Distress in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer
Authors: Su Chia-Huei , Liu Yi , Hsu Hsin-Tien , Kao Chia-Chan
Published: August 2022

Background

Research related to newly diagnosed lung cancer patients’ emotional regulation strategies and how these strategies influence their emotional distress is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cancer fear, emotion regulation, and emotional distress in patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer.

Method

A cross-sectional, correlation research design was conducted, using self-report questionnaires: the Cancer Fear Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A total of 117 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients were sampled.

Results

Nearly 70% of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients had a high level of cancer fear; 56.4%, depression; and 45.3%, anxiety. Depression was positively associated with cancer fear (r = 0.239, P < .01) and expressive suppression (r = 0.185, P < .05), but negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal (r = −0.323, P < .01). Anxiety was positively associated with cancer fear (r = 0.488, P < .01) but negatively associated with cognitive reappraisal (r = −0.214, P < .05). Cancer fear and cognitive reappraisal were significant explanatory factors and explained 25.2% of variance in anxiety. Cancer fear, expressive suppression, and cognitive reappraisal were significant explanatory factors and explained 16.7% of variance in depression.

Conclusions

Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients with cancer fear and who used fewer cognitive reappraisal strategies or more expressive suppression had more emotional distress.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians should be attentive to patients’ cancer fears and emotion regulation strategies as early as possible to prevent their emotional distress.
Health Care Hotspotting
Authors: Alderman Jennifer T. , Conklin Jamie
Published: August 2022

Background:

Super-utilizers of the health care system compose a small percentage of the population, yet use the most health care resources. Hotspotting addresses this issue by providing high-quality, personalized care to this population.

Purpose:

This review examined how hotspotting has been defined, implemented, and measured.

Methods:

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guided this review. Twelve databases were searched for hotspotting interventions in practice settings.

Results:

Sixteen studies were included. Hotspotting was primarily defined by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers and relied on multiple professions, including nursing. Hotspotting interventions addressed access to care, social determinants of health, patient engagement, and health literacy. Some studies indicated that hotspotting reduced readmissions and emergency department visits and increased use in social services.

Conclusions:

Patients benefit from an interprofessional, personalized approach to their care planning. Hotspotting can lead to high-quality care through building trusted relationships.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice
Authors: Seyller Nicole , Makic Mary Beth Flynn
Published: August 2022

Purpose/Objectives

Prolonged mechanical ventilation results from deeper levels of sedation. This may lead to impaired respiratory muscle functioning that develops into pneumonia, increases antibiotic use, increases delirium risk, and increases length of hospitalization. A trauma and surgical intensive care unit interdisciplinary team conducted a quality improvement project to lighten sedation levels and shorten mechanical ventilation time.

Description of the Project

The project included multimodal elements to improve sedation practice. Standardizing the spontaneous awakening trial algorithm, creation of electronic health record tools, integration of sedation practices into daily rounds, and focused education for nursing were implemented in April 2021 through October 2021.

Outcome

A reduction of median hours spent on mechanical ventilation was achieved. Mechanical ventilation hours decreased from 77 to 70. Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale levels improved from a median of −2 to −1, and daily spontaneous awakening trials increased from 10% to 27% completed.

Conclusion

The quality improvement project demonstrated that, with increased daily spontaneous awakening trials and lighter sedation levels, the time patients spent on mechanical ventilation was shortened. There was no increase to self-extubation with lighter sedations levels. Shorter time on mechanical ventilation can reduce patient harm risks.
The 100 Most-Cited Manuscripts on Blepharoptosis: A Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Huang Jiuzuo , Sun Yixin , Li Zhujun , Li Yunzhu , Zhao Ru , Yu Nanze , Long Xiao
Published: August 2022

Background:

We conducted a bibliometric analysis of blepharoptosis, obtained the top 100 most-cited articles, and then researched the characteristics of every article.

Materials and Methods:

The Web of Science Citation Index was utilized to identify articles related to blepharoptosis written in English published from 1900 to 2021 using predefined search terms. Then, the returned results were screened, and the top 100 most-cited articles were individually classified based on publication year, country of publication, source journal, total citations, authors’ specialty, level of evidence, main subject, and type of study.

Results:

The 100 most-cited articles were published between 1948 and 2014. The number of citations/articles ranged from 49 to 743. Ophthalmology journals made the greatest contributions to landmark literature (n=61). The primary focus of these 100 studies was the surgical technique (n=41). The majority of them (n=52) only achieved level 4 evidence, as a high proportion of these articles were case series (n=52). The most common country of publication was the United States (n=59).

Conclusions:

Our bibliometric analysis provides insight into the citation frequency of the most-cited articles on blepharoptosis. The landmark, highly cited articles that have shaped the landscape of blepharoptosis were identified. The results from these top 100 cited articles are helpful for present current surgical decision-making.
Adult Cleft Patients: An Exploration of Functional Needs and Treatment Barriers
Authors: Braun Sterling E. , O’Connor Michaela K. , Garg Ravi K.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Management of cleft lip and palate has been well characterized in pediatric patients, but limited data exist regarding the long-term functional outcomes of cleft patients once they reach adulthood.

Materials and Methods:

An institutional, cross-sectional survey of adult patients with a history of cleft lip and/or palate was performed. The survey recorded patient characteristics, concerns, and barriers to care. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, and the CLEFT-Q Speech Modules.

Results:

A total of 63 patients (18.2%) participated in the survey. The mean patient age was 43.7 years (median: 41 y, range: 19–93 y), and the most common diagnosis was cleft lip and palate (51%) followed by isolated cleft palate (35%) and isolated cleft lip (14%). A subset of patients scored with moderate to severe dysfunction on each outcome measure including the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Instrument (59%), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (7%), and Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (13%). Respondent scores on the CLEFT-Q Speech modules demonstrated a bimodal distribution with lower scores in a significant subset of patients with cleft palate and cleft lip and palate. Many respondents (41%) were interested in clinical evaluation but cited barriers to seeking treatment including financial barriers (35%) or lack awareness of clinical options (27%).

Conclusions:

Many cleft patients have persistent needs or concerns in adulthood, especially regarding speech and nasal breathing. Systemic barriers pose challenges to these patients undergoing clinical evaluation.
Buccal Myomucosal Flap for Reconstruction of Red Lip Defects Close to Mouth Angle
Authors: Gao Qianqian , Yang Zhe , Ma Ning , Wang Weixin , Li Yangqun
Published: August 2022

Background:

Owing to the special esthetic and functional role in the face, red lip reconstruction presents a challenge to plastic surgeons. Various reconstructive techniques can be employed to fix the red lip defects close to the mouth angle. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the buccal myomucosal flap could be an available option to repair red lip defects with preservation of its esthetics and function.

Methods:

A single-center, retrospective study of 7 patients with red lip defects who were treated with buccal myomucosal flap was conducted between June 2017 and March 2022. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months including questionnaires and photography.

Results:

Of these 7 patients, 2 were women, and 5 were men. The average age was 14.3 years (range, 1–32 y). All the buccal myomucosal flaps survived well. All the donor sites were closed directly without complications. The average follow-up time was 33.4 months (range, 6–57 mo). All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results.

Conclusion:

The buccal myomucosal flap is versatile and reliable, with the advantages of rich vascularity, flexible design, and easy access. This study was presented to highlight that the flap could be a good candidate to treat red lip defects close to the mouth angle.
Prognostic Factors for Lymph Node Metastases in pT1 Colorectal Cancer Differ According to Tumor Morphology: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ebbehøj Anders L. , Smith Henry G. , Jørgensen Lars N. , Krarup Peter-Martin
Published: August 2022

Objective:

To investigate whether there is a differential impact of histopathological risk factors for lymph node metastases (LNM) in pedunculated and nonpedunculated pT1 colorectal cancers (CRC).

Background:

Tumor budding, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and venous invasion (VI) are recognized risk factors for LNM in pT1 CRC. Whether the importance of these factors varies according to tumor morphology is unknown.

Methods:

Patients undergoing resection with lymphadenectomy for pT1 CRC in Denmark from January 2016 to January 2019 were identified in the Danish Colorectal Cancer Database and clinicopathological data was reviewed. Prognostic factors for LNM were investigated using multivariable analyses on the cohort as a whole as well as when stratifying according to tumor morphology (pedunculated vs. nonpedunculated).

Results:

A total of 1167 eligible patients were identified, of whom 170 had LNM (14.6%). Independent prognostic factors for LNM included LVI [odds ratio (OR)=4.26, P<0.001], VI (OR=3.42, P<0.001), tumor budding (OR=2.12, P=0.002), high tumor grade (OR=2.76, P=0.020), and age per additional year (OR=0.96, P<0.001). On subgroup analyses, LVI and VI remained independently prognostic for LNM regardless of tumor morphology. However, tumor budding was only prognostic for LNM in pedunculated tumors (OR=4.19, P<0.001), whereas age was only prognostic in nonpedunculated tumors (OR=0.61, P=0.003).

Conclusions:

While LVI and LI were found to be prognostic of LNM in all pT1 CRC, the prognostic value of tumor budding differs between pedunculated and nonpedunculated tumors. Thus, tumor morphology should be taken into account when considering completion surgery in patients undergoing local excision.
A guide to pedagogical research for scientists from a biological sciences background
Authors: Lacey Melissa M. , Efthimiou Georgios
Published: August 2022

How we teach science and engage with the public, particularly in fast moving subjects such as microbiology, are constantly being reflected upon, improved and innovated. This has led to a significant increase of pedagogy publications by microbiology educators in higher education that have had a positive impact on teaching quality, student retention, progression and course satisfaction as well as how science is communicated with the public. In this paper we describe the different types of pedagogical manuscripts that biological scientists could write and the benefits that derive from doing so. We provide a glossary of terms often seen in educational literature. Project design and qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are discussed, highlighting ethical and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) considerations. Suggestions are made regarding how to network with colleagues who are also keen on writing pedagogical papers as well as examples of good practice. Lastly, a handy how-to-start guide aims to help with first steps. We hope that this paper will be a useful survival manual for colleagues who wish to engage in exciting pedagogical research in the field of microbiology and the broader biological sciences.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli clonal complex 32, including serotype O145:H28, in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Rodwell Ella V. , Chan Yung-Wai , Sawyer Clare , Carroll Anne , McNamara Eleanor , Allison Lesley , Browning Lynda , Holmes Anne , Godbole Gauri , McCarthy Noel , Jenkins Claire
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Shiga toxin-producing

Escherichia coli

(STEC) O157:H7 has been the most clinically significant STEC serotype in the UK for over four decades. Over the last 10 years we have observed a decrease in STEC O157:H7 and an increase in non-O157 STEC serotypes, such as O145:H28.

Gap Statement. Little is known about the microbiology and epidemiology of STEC belonging to CC32 (including O145:H28) in the UK. The aim of this study was to integrate genomic data with patient information to gain a better understanding of the virulence, disease severity, epidemic risk assessment and population structure of this clinically significant clonal complex.

Methodology. Isolates of

E. coli

belonging to CC32 (n=309) in the archives of public health agencies in the UK and Ireland were whole-genome-sequenced, virulence-profiled and integrated with enhanced surveillance questionnaire (ESQ) data, including exposures and disease severity.

Results. Overall, diagnoses of STEC belonging to CC32 (290/309, 94 %) in the UK have increased every year since 2014. Most cases were female (61 %), and the highest proportion of cases belonged to the 0–4 age group (53/211,25 %). The frequency of symptoms of diarrhoea (92 %), abdominal pain (84 %), blood in stool (71 %) and nausea (51 %) was similar to that reported in cases of STEC O157:H7, although cases of STEC CC32 were more frequently admitted to hospital (STEC CC32 48 % vs O157:H7  34 %) and/or developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) (STEC CC32 9 % vs O157:H7 4 %).

The majority of STEC isolates (268/290, 92 %) had the stx2a/eae virulence gene combination, most commonly associated with progression to STEC HUS. There was evidence of person-to-person transmission and small, temporally related, geographically dispersed outbreaks, characteristic of foodborne outbreaks linked to nationally distributed products.

Conclusion. We recommend more widespread use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of all STEC serogroups, the development of consistent strategies for the follow-up testing of PCR-positive faecal specimens, the implementation of more comprehensive and standardized collection of epidemiological data, and routine sharing of sequencing data between public health agencies worldwide.
Pre-Service Education and Continuous Professional Development on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting for maternal health professionals working in OECD countries: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Apini-Welcland Lisa , Daniele Marina A.S. , Rocca-Ihenacho Lucia , McCourt Christine
Published: August 2022

The aim of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on pre-service education and continuous professional development (CPD) for maternal health professionals providing services to pregnant women with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in OECD countries.

FGM/C is a form of gender-based violence and has become a global phenomenon due to changing patterns in migration flows. Pre-service education curricula and CPD for maternal health professionals need to ensure FGM/C inclusion in order to provide quality services in high-prevalence countries or those serving as home for diaspora communities.

Inclusion criteria are studies, training curricula for the education of midwives, doctors or other health professionals providing maternity services, protocols and guidelines on FGM/C training, other online FGM/C training resources from OECD countries. Documents from 2010 onwards will be included. Studies in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and German are eligible for inclusion.

The search will be carried out using keywords derived from the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework and entered into three databases. A grey literature search will be conducted to identify additional material, policy documents, training resources and PhD theses. The search strategy will be supplemented by focused searching for guidelines and other online resources on FGM/C and CPD activities as well as study curricula. Key personnel from education institutions, professional associations, regulatory bodies and FGM/C experts will be contacted to contribute to the review based on their knowledge and experience. All eligible material will be objectively summarized and transferred into a standardized data extraction form.

Findings will be collated by type, search studies or educational curricula to draw overall conclusions about the status of professional training opportunities in OECD countries.
Within-host genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 in the context of large-scale hospital-associated genomic surveillance
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra , Long Scott Wesley , Olsen Randall James , Christensen Paul James , Subedi Sishir , Chung Matthew , Davis James , Musser James , Ghedin Elodie
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in extensive surveillance of the genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2. Sequencing data generated as part of these efforts can also capture the diversity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus populations replicating within infected individuals. To assess this within-host diversity of SARS-CoV-2 we quantified low frequency (minor) variants from deep sequence data of thousands of clinical samples collected by a large urban hospital system over the course of a year. Using a robust analytical pipeline to control for technical artefacts, we observe that at comparable viral loads, specimens from patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 had a greater number of minor variants than samples from outpatients. Since individuals with highly diverse viral populations could be disproportionate drivers of new viral lineages in the patient population, these results suggest that transmission control should pay special attention to patients with severe or protracted disease to prevent the spread of novel variants.
Coping strategies employed by transgender youth with higher and lower quality of life
Authors: Chinazzo Ítala Raymundo , Vaitses Fontanari Anna Martha , de Brito Silva Bruno , Rodrigues Lucca P. , Costa Angelo Brandelli , Rodrigues Lobato Maria Inês
Published: August 2022

Transgender youth are especially susceptible and vulnerable to mental health concerns. Minority Stress Theory may explain these mental health concerns and avoidance to seek healthcare provision in this population. Understanding transgender youth adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms may help create strategies that promote quality of life and reduce the negative influence of stress on their mental health. Our study aims to measure the quality of life of Brazilian binary and non-binary transgender youth and analyze the association with their coping strategies used for dealing with general social and gender-related stress. Participants were recruited through Facebook advertisement directed to young Brazilians, aged from 16 to 24 years, who “liked” pages or joined groups related to LGBTQ+ movement. Gender identity was evaluated by the Two Steps Method. Coping was evaluated by the Coping with Stress Checklist; and quality of life, by the Quality of My Life questionnaire. The final sample consisted of 185 participants. Out of the total, 95 (46.34%) identified as transgender boys, 45 (21.95%) as transgender girls, and 65 (31.71%) as non-binary youth. The mean age was 18.61 years (SD 2.43). The study found that 53.9% of the sample had low self-perceived quality of life, 48.0% depression, and 68.3% anxiety. Better quality of life was related to socialization (p=0.02), whereas a worse quality of life was related to avoidance attitudes (p=0.05), concerning coping with general stress. The study found no association between coping strategies for gender-related stress and quality of life. The Brazilian transgender youth may need support to develop adaptive coping skills to deal with both general and gender-related stress. Also, social interventions against prejudice are needed to achieve better results in the quality of life for transgender youth. Mental health professionals should explore the unique needs and stressors of transgender identity and explore adaptive coping strategies.
First detection of Monkeypox virus genome in sewersheds in France
Authors: Wurtzer Sebastien , Levert Morgane , Dhenain Eloise , Boni Mickael , Tournier Jean Nicolas , Londinsky Nicolas , Lefranc Agnès ,   Obepine SIG, Ferraris Olivier , Moulin Laurent
Published: August 2022

A monkeypox virus outbreak is currently spreading in multiple non-endemic countries since May 2022. The atypical clinical profile of patients has led to a very likely underestimation of the number of cases at the beginning of epidemic. The detection and quantification of the Monkeypox virus genome in sewersheds in Paris (France) correlated temporally with the identification of the first case of infection and the spread of the disease within the population connected to the sewage system.
A biologically plausible dynamic deep network for recognizing structure from motion and biological motion
Authors: Gundavarapu Anila , Chakravarthy V Srinivasa
Published: August 2022

A breakthrough in the understanding of dynamic 3D shape recognition was the discovery that our visual system can extract 3D shape from inputs having only sparse motion cues such as (i) point light displays and (ii) random dot displays representing rotating 3D shapes - phenomena named as biological motion (BM) processing and structure from motion (SFM) respectively. Previous psychological and computational modeling studies viewed these two as separate phenomena and could not fully identify the shared visual processing mechanisms underlying the two phenomena. Using a series of simulation studies, we describe the operations of a dynamic deep network model to explain the mechanisms underlying both SFM and BM processing. In simulation-1, the proposed Structure from Motion Network (SFMNW) is trained using displays of 5 rotating surfaces (cylinder, cone, ellipsoid, sphere and helix) and tested on its shape recognition performance under a variety of conditions: (i) varying dot density, (ii) eliminating local feature stability by introducing a finite dot lifetime, (iii) orienting shapes, (iv) occluding boundaries and intrinsic surfaces (v) embedding shape in static and dynamic noise backgrounds. Our results indicate that smaller dot density of rotating shape, oriented shapes, occluding boundaries, and dynamic noise backgrounds reduced the model’s performance whereas eliminating local feature stability, occluding intrinsic boundaries, and static noise backgrounds had little effect on shape recognition, suggesting that the motion of high curvature regions like shape boundaries provide strong cues in shape recognition. In simulation-2, the proposed Biological Motion Network (BMNW) is trained using 6 point-light actions (crawl, cycle, walk, jump, wave, and salute) and tested its action recognition performance on various conditions: (i) inverted (ii) scrambled (iii) tilted (iv) masked (v) actions, embedded in static and dynamic noise backgrounds. Model performance dropped significantly for the presentation of inverted and tilted actions. On the other hand, better accuracy was attained in distinguishing scrambled, masked actions, performed under static and dynamic noise backgrounds, suggesting that critical joint movements and their movement pattern generated in the course of action (actor configuration) play a key role in action recognition performance. We also presented the above two models with mixed stimuli (a point light actions embedded in rotating shapes), and achieved significantly high accuracies. Based on the above results we hypothesize that visual motion circuitry supporting robust SFM processing is also involved in the BM processing. The proposed models provide new insights into the relationships between the two visual motion phenomena viz., SFM and BM processing.
Towards a machine-readable literature: finding relevant papers based on an uploaded powder diffraction pattern
Authors: Özer Berrak , Karlsen Martin A. , Thatcher Zachary , Lan Ling , McMahon Brian , Strickland Peter R. , Westrip Simon P. , Sang Koh S. , Billing David G. , Ravnsbæk Dorthe B. , Billinge Simon J. L.
Published: August 2022

A prototype application for machine-readable literature is investigated. The program is called pyDataRecognition and serves as an example of a data-driven literature search, where the literature search query is an experimental data set provided by the user. The user uploads a powder pattern together with the radiation wavelength. The program compares the user data to a database of existing powder patterns associated with published papers and produces a rank ordered according to their similarity score. The program returns the digital object identifier and full reference of top-ranked papers together with a stack plot of the user data alongside the top-five database entries. The paper describes the approach and explores successes and challenges.
Corporate governance and earnings quality: the behavioral theory of corporate governance (evidence from Iran)
Authors: Rezaee Zabihollah , Safarzadeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and various measures of earnings quality in listed companies on Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE). The theoretical intuition for prediction of any relationship between earnings quality and CG is based on the behavioral theory and the institutional settings in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the data of 117 listed companies on the TSE for the period from 2005 to 2019. The authors use panel data regression as the main methodology, along with principal component analysis, t-test and rank-sum test.

Findings

This study finds that the CG has a positive association with earnings quality. More precisely, better CG mechanisms cause lower earnings smoothness, more predictable and persistent earnings, and higher levels of timeliness, conservatism and value relevance. The relationship between CG and earnings quality is statistically and economically significant for all models.

Originality/value

The findings further the understanding of the role of CG in improving earnings quality in an Islamic and emerging country. First, this study provides evidence on the relation between CG and earnings quality by focusing on the behavioral theory, which suggests that corporate decision-making is not only influenced by formal CG mechanisms, but also by informal CG arrangements. In this case, this study departs from the restrictive theories (specifically, agency theory) that are widely used in past literature. Second, this study constructs an index that fits to corporate context of Iran rather than applying indexes introduced in Anglo-American environments.
Threshold effects of board gender diversity on firm performance: panel smooth transition regression model
Authors: Gharbi Sami , Othmani Hidaya
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether threshold effects exist in the relationship between board gender diversity and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the panel smooth threshold regression model (PSTR) to a sample of 284 non-financial French firms listed on Euronext Paris over the period 2009–2017. Firm performance proxies are Tobin’s Q and return on assets (ROA). The board gender diversity is measured by the percentage of women participation in board.

Findings

Threshold effects in the relationships between board gender diversity and firm performance measures are found. For Tobin’s Q, the model has one threshold at the 34.17% of women directors’ appointment on boards. Similarly, for ROA, the model has one threshold at the 38.28% of women presence in the board. The results show that above the estimated threshold, women directorship has a positive impact on firm performance. However, below the threshold, there is a neutral relationship. The findings support the critical mass view that a minimum of one third women representation in board is compulsory to achieve the desired effect of gender diversity.

Practical implications

This study’s finding provides useful insights to managers, investors and policymakers. Managers and investors can identify the adequate board gender diversity levels that enhance firm performance. Policymakers are divided on whether mandatory or voluntary board gender quota should be adopted. This study suggests that a quota of one third can be used in policy implementation.

Originality/value

Unlike prior studies that consider the relationship between firm performance and board gender diversity as linear, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the threshold effects in this relationship using a new econometric approach.
“Resurrecting the glorious tradition”: Spanish liberalism’s controversy regarding the university, academic freedom and secular knowledge in the late 19th-century
Authors: Muñoz Sanz-Agero María , Lemke Duque Carl Antonius
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study provides a new look at the late 19th-century university issue in Spain. Loss of self-government among universities and the state’s centralization brought a conflict between science and religion to the fore in the process of the secularization of knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

We first delve into the anti-Darwinian framework associated with the scientific professionalization process, focusing on the case of the jurist Antonio Hernández Fajarnés (1851–1909). Secondly, we study the idea of the university that emerged from the Ateneo de Madrid, analyzing key speeches from the jurist Francisco Fernández de Henestrosa (1855–s.d.) given in 1887/88 and from the pharmacist José Rodríguez Carracido (1856–1928).

Findings

The study concludes that the Restoration Era in Spain was characterized by a generalized desire – shared by neo-Scholastics, conservatives and liberal rationalists – to improve the public university system. In this context, French influence was no doubt decisive; however, the Humboldtian university idea had already begun to have notable influence.

Originality/value

This article analyzes sources yet unknown to international research, such as the Ateneo de Madrid debates and Spanish university rectors’ inaugural speeches. It opens up a critical examination of the so-called displacement of educational principles in Spain toward a state-centered system of doctrinal moderantismo as opposed to the nation-centered system of the Cádiz liberalism. At the same time, it identifies key pockets of resistance relative to Spanish university transformation toward increased methodological secularization.
Mortality rate, patient length of stay and medical cost prediction in different priority levels for patient admission to an intensive care unit
Authors: Hosseinpour Fariba , Seddighi Mahyar , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Rafiei Sima
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to compare mortality rate, length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs at different priority levels for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) at a public tertiary hospital in Qazvin, Iran. This study also aimed to predict influencing factors on patients’ mortality, ICU LOS and hospitalization costs in different admission groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients who mainly suffered from internal diseases admitted to an ICU of a public hospital. This study was conducted among 127 patients admitted to ICU from July to September 2019. The authors categorized patients into four groups based on two crucial hemodynamic and respiratory status criteria. The authors used a logistic regression model to predict the likelihood of mortality in ICU admitted patients during hospitalizations for the four prioritization groups. Furthermore, the authors conducted a multivariate analysis using the “enter” method to identify risk factors for LOS.

Findings

Results showed a statistically significant relationship between the priority of being admitted to ICU and hospitalization costs. The authors’ findings revealed that age, LOS and levels of consciousness had a predictability role in determining in-hospital mortality. Besides, age, gender, consciousness level of patients and type of the disease were mentioned as affecting factors of LOS.

Originality/value

This study’s findings emphasize the necessity of categorizing patients according to specific criteria to efficiently use available resources to help health-care authorities reduce the costs and allocate the budget to different health sectors.
Turning the lean world upside down
Authors: Hines Peter , Butterworth Chris , Greenlee Caroline , Jekiel Cheryl , Taylor Darrin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the People Value Stream concept further by developing a view of what the world would look like through the eyes of a positive psychology employee-centred lens. The authors hope to provide a frame for further discussion, research and practical application in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the authors draw on their collective 120 plus years of experience with Lean and Human Resource Management through leading, teaching, researching and consulting in the area.

Findings

The People Value Stream concept is extended here by ideating how the “Voice of the Employee” could be used to enhance the existing knowledge of Lean. Relying on a range of cognitive psychological theories, particularly Self-Determination Theory, the authors show how it might be possible to develop a highly engaged workforce primarily by unlocking their intrinsic motivation through a “Self-Development and Growth Cycle”. This cycle is the people-improvement version of the seminal Deming process-improvement PDCA cycle. It can be applied within a job crafting “Personal Cockpit”. The authors also highlight a range of outputs and wider implications that create a pull for team leaders and senior management wishing to move to a real Servant Leader model. It will also help those developing and supporting people-related policies and procedures both within organisations and in trade unions.

Originality/value

This paper turns the existing literature about people within Lean upside down. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time in an academic paper, it discusses what would be the implications for the Lean world if the authors truly started understanding and deploying the explicit “Voice of the Employee” rather than just the established Lean “Voice of the Owner”-led Hoshin Kanri approach. The authors show how a lack of knowledge in these areas by the Lean community is limiting Lean’s engagement of people and its sustainability.
Afforestation intentions for mitigating carbon emissions in the post-COVID-19 perspective: the case of green hotel visitors in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Abdulla Al-Towfiq
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore green hotel visitors’ afforestation intentions by extending the theory of planned behavior, including post-COVID-19 personal norms (PCPN) and post-COVID-19 environmental concerns (PCECs). Moreover, this study examines the mediating effect of PCECs from the post-COVID-19 perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on existing literatures and collection of 384 usable responses using the convenience sampling technique. The partial least square structural equation modeling is used to analyze data using Smart PLS3.3.3.

Findings

The findings reveal that post-COVID-19 afforestation attitudes, subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and PCPN significantly influence post-COVID-19 afforestation intentions (PCAI) and PCECs. Further, PCEC partially mediates the between post-COVID-19 afforestation attitudes, SN, PBC and PCPN and PCAI.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may be useful to green hotel operators in formulating business strategies enhancing visitors’ positive perceptions toward green hotels and afforestation intentions coping with new normal environment and hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This research presents a distinguished case highlighting how the green hotel guests’ perceptions toward afforestation for mitigating carbon emissions are changing because of COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides crucial insights for green hotel practitioners by integrating post-COVID-19 afforestation attitudes, SN, PBC, PCPN and PCEC of green hotel visitors in examining PCAI.