bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for irregular menstruation
Authors: Wang Junting , Zhang Heran 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction:
Irregular menstruation, a common gynecological disease, mainly refers to the syndrome of abnormal menstrual cycle or menstrual period, which is more common in adolescent or menopausal women. In modern medicine, the mostly used therapy is hormone. Although it has obvious therapeutic effect in the short term, repeated use of sex hormone therapy often has more side effects and higher recurrence rate. The implementation of acupuncture artificial cycle therapy according to the change of female menstrual cycle can achieve remarkable results. A network meta-analysis could be feasible to assess the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture for irregular menstruation.

Methods:
A comprehensive literature search will be conducted in both English and Chinese database, including Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP Database, and Chinese Biological and Medical database, from inception to October 2021. Two reviewers will independently accomplish the data extraction and bias assessment. RevMan 5.3, ADDIS 1.16.8, Open BUGS 3.2.3, and Stata 14.0 will be used for paired and network meta-analysis.

Conclusions:
The findings of the study will help to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various acupuncture in the treatment of irregular menstruation.
The impact of COVID-19 on urology office visits and adoption of telemedicine services
Authors: Butaney Mohit , Rambhatla Amarnath 
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review article is to discuss the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the evolution of telemedicine use for urology office visits.

Recent findings
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a dramatic change in the delivery of healthcare. Fraught with numerous barriers previously, the need for healthcare delivery during a time of social distancing and increased healthcare requirements drove the adoption of telemedicine forward. This ’trial period’ over the last year has allowed us to appreciate the potential utility of telehealth-associated services in practice and consider its role even after the pandemic. Multiple studies equating its utility to in-person visits whereas simultaneously providing added convenience and cost-related savings have been published in the urologic literature. Permanent regulatory changes will need to be implemented to allow us the flexibility to use telehealth in the future.

Summary
It is clear that telemedicine is an effective strategy for delivery of healthcare under the right circumstances. Although it initially started to fill a need out of necessity, it can help us effectively deliver healthcare as long as the regulations surrounding telemedicine allow us to continue to use it. This period has been challenging for healthcare delivery and led to policy changes that served as a catalyst to help us better understand this previously underutilized resource.
Percutaneous laser nephrolithotripsy: is it here to stay? Results of a systematic review
Authors: Rice Patrick , Somani Bhaskar K. 
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review
PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) and its miniaturized variants are being widely employed in stone surgery, owing to their high-stone-free rates (SFRs) and efficacy for large (>20 mm) stones. With advances in laser technology, it has been readily utilized in PCNL, with the potential for lower complication rates at similar SFR. We aimed to perform a systematic literature review with a focus on recent prospective clinical data that compares laser PCNL to either nonlaser PCNL, different PCNL sizes or other current standards of care such as shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) or flexible ureteroscopy (FURS).

Recent findings
Of the 294 studies initially identified through database searching, nine papers published between 2019 and 2021 were included which compared laser PCNL (Standard PCNL in three, mini-PCNL in four, ultra-mini PCNL in one, micro-PCNL in one study) to other nonlaser lithotripsy, ESWL, FURS, and different PCNL sizes. Complications for laser PCNL ranged from bleeding (4.4%), perirenal haematoma (1.1%), fever (4.6%), ureteric/renal pelvic injury (2.3%), haematuria (2.7%), and infection (2.6%). The mean SFR for laser PCNL was 91.5% at 3 months.

Summary
Percutaneous laser nephrolithotripsy is well tolerated and effective, with high-SFRs at 3 months and relatively low intraoperative and postoperative complication rates. Further research is required to assess the role of intraoperative techniques and suction to improve outcomes further.
Predictors of Blood Transfusion for Endoscopic Assisted Craniosynostosis Surgery
Authors: Suarez Alexander D. , Taicher Brad , Fuchs Herbert , Marcus Jeffery , Vestal Matthew , Homi Mayumi , Allori Alexander , Thompson Eric M. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract:
Blood loss is a main cause of morbidity after craniofacial procedures. The purpose of this study is to identify the incidence and predictors for transfusion of blood products in the endoscopic assisted strip craniectomy population. Data was prospectively collected from a single-center multi-surgeon cohort of 78 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic assisted strip craniectomy for craniosynostosis between July 2013 and December 2020. The authors reviewed patient and treatment characteristics and outcomes. Of the 78 patients, 26 patients were transfused yielding an overall rate of transfusion of 33%. The most common fused suture was sagittal (n = 42, 54%) followed by metopic (n = 15, 19%), multiple (n = 10, 13%), coronal (n = 7, 9%) and finally lambdoid (n = 4, 5%). On univariate analysis, patients’ weight in the transfusion cohort were significantly lower than those who did not receive a transfusion (5.6 ± 1.1 versus 6.5 ± 1.1 kg, P = 0.0008). The transfusion group also had significantly lower preoperative hemoglobin compared to the non-transfusion group (10.6 versus 11.1, P = .049). Eleven percent patients admitted to step-down received a transfusion, whereas 39% of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit received a transfusion (P = 0.042). On multivariate analysis, only higher patient weight (operating room [OR] 0.305 [0.134, 0.693], P = 0.005) was protective against a transfusion, whereas colloid volume (OR 1.018 [1.003, 1.033], P = 0.019) predicted the need for a transfusion.
Our results demonstrate that endoscopic craniosynostosis cases carry a moderate risk of transfusion. individuals with lower weight and those that receive colloid volume are also at elevated risk.
Context-specific emergence and growth of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
Authors: McCrone John T. , Hill Verity , Bajaj Sumali , Pena Rosario Evans , Lambert Ben C. , Inward Rhys , Bhatt Samir , Volz Erik , Ruis Christopher , Dellicour Simon , Baele Guy , Zarebski Alexander E. , Sadilek Adam , Wu Neo , Schneider Aaron , Ji Xiang , Raghwani Jayna , Jackson Ben , Colquhoun Rachel , O’Toole Áine , Peacock Thomas P. , Twohig Kate , Thelwall Simon , Dabrera Gavin , Myers Richard ,   The COVID-19 genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Faria Nuno R. , Huber Carmen , Bogoch Isaac I. , Khan Kamran , du Plessis Louis , Barrett Jeffrey C. , Aanensen David M. , Barclay Wendy S. , Chand Meera , Connor Thomas , Loman Nicholas J. , Suchard Marc A. , Pybus Oliver G. , Rambaut Andrew , Kraemer Moritz U.G. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryThe Delta variant of concern of SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally causing large outbreaks and resurgences of COVID-19 cases1–3. The emergence of Delta in the UK occurred on the background of a heterogeneous landscape of immunity and relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions4,5. Here we analyse 52,992 Delta genomes from England in combination with 93,649 global genomes to reconstruct the emergence of Delta, and quantify its introduction to and regional dissemination across England, in the context of changing travel and social restrictions. Through analysis of human movement, contact tracing, and virus genomic data, we find that the focus of geographic expansion of Delta shifted from India to a more global pattern in early May 2021. In England, Delta lineages were introduced >1,000 times and spread nationally as non-pharmaceutical interventions were relaxed. We find that hotel quarantine for travellers from India reduced onward transmission from importations; however the transmission chains that later dominated the Delta wave in England had been already seeded before restrictions were introduced. In England, increasing inter-regional travel drove Delta’s nationwide dissemination, with some cities receiving >2,000 observable lineage introductions from other regions. Subsequently, increased levels of local population mixing, not the number of importations, was associated with faster relative growth of Delta. Among US states, we find that regions that previously experienced large waves also had faster Delta growth rates, and a model including interactions between immunity and human behaviour could accurately predict the rise of Delta there. Delta’s invasion dynamics depended on fine scale spatial heterogeneity in immunity and contact patterns and our findings will inform optimal spatial interventions to reduce transmission of current and future VOCs such as Omicron.
Vandetanib Reduces Inflammatory Cytokines and Ameliorates COVID-19 in Infected Mice
Authors: Puhl Ana C. , Gomes Giovanni F. , Damasceno Samara , Fritch Ethan J. , Levi James A. , Johnson Nicole J. , Scholle Frank , Premkumar Lakshmanane , Hurst Brett L. , LeeMontiel Felipe , Veras Flavio P. , Batah Sabrina S. , Fabro Alexandre T. , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Yount Boyd L. , Dickmander Rebekah , Baric Ralph , Pearce Kenneth H. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Alves-Filho José C. , Cunha Thiago M. , Ekins Sean 
Published: December 2021

The portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 small molecule drugs is currently limited to a handful that are either approved (remdesivir), emergency approved (dexamethasone, baricitinib) or in advanced clinical trials. We have tested 45 FDA-approved kinase inhibitorsin vitroagainst murine hepatitis virus (MHV) as a model of SARS-CoV-2 replication and identified 12 showing inhibition in the delayed brain tumor (DBT) cell line. Vandetanib, which targets the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and the RET-tyrosine kinase showed the most promising results on inhibition versus toxic effect on SARS-CoV-2-infected Caco-2 and A549-hACE2 cells (IC500.79 μM) while also showing a reduction of > 3 log TCID50/mL for HCoV-229E. Thein vivoefficacy of vandetanib was assessed in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection and statistically significantly reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and mitigated inflammatory cell infiltrates in the lungs of infected animals but did not reduce viral load.Vandetanib rescued the decreased IFN-1β caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice to levels similar to that in uninfected animals. Our results indicate that the FDA-approved vandetanib is a potential therapeutic candidate for COVID-19 positioned for follow up in clinical trials either alone or in combination with other drugs to address the cytokine storm associated with this viral infection.
Keeping doors open: A cross-sectional survey of family physician practice patterns during COVID-19, needs, and intentions
Authors: Kiran Tara , Wang Rick , Handford Curtis , Laraya Nadine , Eissa Azza , Pariser Pauline , Brown Rebecca , Pedersen Cheryl 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the extent to which family physicians closed their doors altogether or for in-person visits during the pandemic, their future practice intentions, and related factors.MethodsBetween March and June 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey using email, fax, and phone of 1,186 family doctors practicing comprehensive family medicine in Toronto, Ontario. We asked about practice patterns in January 2021, use of virtual care, and practice intentions.ResultsOf the 1,016 (86%) that responded to the survey, 99.7% (1001/1004) indicated their practice was open in January 2021 with 94.8% (928/979) seeing patients in-person and 30.8% (264/856) providing in-person care to patients reporting COVID-19 symptoms. Respondents estimated spending 58.2% of clinical care time on phone visits and an additional 5.8% on video and 7.5% on email. 17.2% (77/447) were planning to close their current practice in the next five years. There was a higher proportion of physicians who worked alone in a clinic among those who did not see patients in-person (27.6% no vs 12.4% yes, p<0.05), did not see symptomatic patients (15.6% no vs 6.5 % yes, p<0.001), and those who planned to close their practice in the next 5 years (28.9% yes vs 13.9% no, p<0.01).InterpretationThe vast majority of family physicians in Toronto were open to in-person care in January 2021 but almost one-fifth are considering closing their practice in the next five years. Policy-makers need to prepare for a growing family physician shortage and better understand factors that support recruitment and retention.
Binding and Neutralizing Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Infants and Young Children Exceed Those in Adults
Authors: Karron Ruth A. , Quesada Maria Garcia , Schappell Elizabeth A. , Schmidt Stephen D. , Knoll Maria Deloria , Hetrich Marissa K. , Veguilla Vic , Doria-Rose Nicole , Dawood Fatimah S. ,   SEARCh Study Team
Published: December 2021

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infections are frequently milder in children than adults, suggesting that immune responses may vary with age. However, information is limited regarding SARS-CoV-2 immune responses in young children. We compared Receptor Binding Domain binding antibody (RBDAb) and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (neutAb) in children aged 0-4 years, 5-17 years, and in adults aged 18-62 years in a SARS-CoV-2 household study. Among 55 participants seropositive at enrollment, children aged 0-4 years had >10-fold higher RBDAb titers than adults (373 vs.35,P<0.0001), and the highest RBDAb titers in 11/12 households with seropositive children and adults. Children aged 0-4 years had 2-fold higher neutAb than adults, resulting in higher binding to neutralizing (B/N)Ab ratios compared to adults (1.9 vs. 0.4 for ID50, P=0.0002). Findings suggest that young children mount robust antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 following community infections. Additionally, these results support using neutAb to measure the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in children aged 0-4 years.
Molecular evidence for segmental duplication across chromosomes of soybean using transcription factor gene family
Authors: Srivastava Manoj Kumar , Satpute Gyanesh Kumar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDuplication of genome is an important genetic innovation. Large genome size (1.1 Gb) along with ancient and recent duplication events make the soybean genome more complex. Analyzing the distribution and duplication event in soybean transcription family genes, the segmental duplication within chromosomes was revealed. Our study provides a strong evidence that the large segmental duplication event in genome architecture and evolution of soybean genome using simple method of sequence and order analysis of TF genes. Finally, a scheme for interrelationship of different chromosomes has been proposed.
The catscape: spatial manifestation of a pet cat population with outdoor access
Authors: Bischof Richard , Hansen Nina Rosita , Nyheim Øyvind Skarsgard , Kisen Astrid , Prestmoen Lillian , Haugaasen Torbjørn 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe domestic cat (Felis catus) is the most popular companion animal and the most abundant carnivore globally. It is also a pet with an immense ecological footprint, because even non-feral and food-subsidized cats are prolific predators. Whereas knowledge about the spatial behavior of individual domestic cats is growing, we still know little about how a local population of free-ranging pet cats occupies the landscape. Using a citizen science approach, we GPS-tagged 92 pet cats with outdoor access living in a residential area in southern Norway. The resulting position data allowed us to construct both individual home range kernels and a population-level utilization distribution. Our results reveal a dense predatory blanket that outdoor cats drape over and beyond the urban landscape. It is this population-level intensity surface - the “catscape” - that potential prey have to navigate. There were almost no gaps in the catscape within our residential study area and therefore few terrestrial refuges from potential cat predation. However, cats spent on average 79% of their outdoor time within 50 meters to their owner’s home, which suggests that the primary impact is local and most acute for wildlife in the vicinity to homes with cats. We discuss the catscape as a conceptual and quantitative tool for better understanding and mitigating the environmental impact of domestic cats.
Claim management office maturity model (CMOMM) in project-oriented organizations in the construction industry
Authors: Parchamijalal Majid , Moradi Saeed , Zabihi Shirazi Mohsen 
Published: December 2021

PurposeClaim formation is a fact and a regular occurrence in construction industry projects and often leads to a waste of money and time for organizations. Organizations can, however, reduce and control claims by promoting an integrated claim management system and improving productivity in the results of the claims. Establishing a claim management office is one of the ways to help organizations achieve this.Design/methodology/approachBased on library research, expert opinion and analysis of organizations' contracts as case studies and identifying the root causes of the claim, this paper proposes a claim management office maturity model and determines its levels.FindingsThis paper proposes a claim management office maturity model and also determines its levels. The general structure of this model is based on three parameters: “characteristics of each level,” “requirements of each level” and “transition period of each level” in five levels, where the first level is the most basic level and level five is the highest level of the implementation of a claim management office in the organization.Originality/valueIt can be clearly emphasized that this research is one of the first research studies that has dealt with the issue of claim management office in the construction industry and has proposed the model of maturity and development of claim management office in the organization. The use of numerous and experienced experts in achieving the results and case organizations to develop this research has increased the value and credibility of this research. This study also helps to improve the level of claim management in construction industry organizations so that these organizations can implement each level of claim management maturity model in the organization according to their competence and need for claim management. And by implementing it correctly, solve or reduce the problems of claim management in the organization and their projects.
Adoption of students' loan schemes: the contingent role of financial knowledge
Authors: Ocran Gloria , Caesar Livingstone Divine 
Published: December 2021

PurposeDespite the introduction of structural reforms to the students' loan scheme (SLS) in Ghana's higher education sector, patronage is still low. This paper aims to examine the complexity of technological and behavioural factors underpinning the low rate of students' loan adoption in Ghana. It further contributes to the body of knowledge by exploring the moderating role of financial knowledge in the hypothesized relationships.Design/methodology/approachUsing a positivistic research approach, a sample of 700 tertiary students with experience in accessing SLSs were surveyed. An 88% response rate was realized and the data analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.FindingsFour dimensions of technological factors (relative advantage, trialability, observability and compatibility) and two of behavioural factors (attitude and control behaviour) were positively related to adoption of the SLS. Financial knowledge only moderated the relationship between compatibility, attitude, behavioural control and students' loan adoption.Practical implicationsFinancial knowledge plays a critical role in influencing the investment decisions of people. Management of SLSs needs to offer financial education to targeted parents/students to clear misconceptions. It is also imperative that all other technical challenges are addressed to enhance adoption rates for the SLS. Review of guarantor requirements is needed also.Originality/valueThis paper introduces financial knowledge as a moderating variable to investigate the hypothesized relationships. It offers a developing country insight into how technological/behavioural factors and financial knowledge might be impacting adoption of SLSs.
In search of virtuous learning circles: absorptive capacity and its antecedents in the education sector
Authors: Lenart-Gansiniec Regina , Czakon Wojciech , Pellegrini Massimiliano Matteo 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis study aims to identify context-specific antecedents to schools’ absorptive capacity (AC) and to show how those can enact “a virtuous learning circle.”Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed method: an exploration based on semi-structured interviews with educational experts; the development of a measurement scale and a partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the impact of the antecedents.FindingsThe results yielded four empirically-grounded antecedents and their measurement scales, namely, prior knowledge, employees’ skills, educational projects and interactions with the environment (Studies one and two). All antecedents are significantly and positively related to AC processes (study three). Using the organizational learning theory perspective, the results have been interpreted as an AC “virtuous learning circle.”Practical implicationsWith increasing pressures to adapt, a case of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, schools can greatly benefit from absorbing knowledge flows. This suggests the construction a favourable environment for AC. To this end, the individual (employees’ prior knowledge and skills), organizational (educational projects) and institutional level of managerial action (interactions with the environment) can be effective when create a recursive organizational learning circle. In addition, this study offers an expert-validated measurement scale for self-assessment of a school’s specific contingencies, and thus, for planning of punctual interventions to develop AC.Originality/valueThis study advances the existing body of knowledge management in the educational context by rigorously identifying and validating a scale for measuring the antecedents of AC and developing an interpretive approach to the AC “virtuous circle.”