bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of patient experience and the quality of hospital care
Authors: Abdalla Rawia , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The association between patient experience and the quality of hospital care is controversial. We assess the association between clinical outcomes and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) in hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Knowledge on this issue informs value-based health-care reforms. A retrospective observational study was conducted in 17 hospitals in Saudi Arabia during the period of 2019–22. Hospital data were collected on PREMs, mortality, readmission, length of stay (LOS), central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), and surgical site infection. Descriptive analysis was used to describe hospital characteristics. Spearman’s rho correlation tests were used to assess the correlation between these measures, and multivariate generalized linear mixed model regression analysis was used to study associations while controlling for hospital characteristics and year. Our analysis showed that PREMs were negatively correlated with hospital readmission rate (r = −0.332, P ≤ .01), LOS (r = −0.299, P ≤ .01), CLABSI (r = −0.297, P ≤ .01), CAUTI (r = −0.393, P ≤ .01), and surgical site infection (r = −0.298, P ≤ .01). The results indicated that CAUTI and LOS converged negatively with PREMs (β = −0.548, P = .005; β = −0.873, P = .008, respectively) and that larger hospitals tended to have better patient experience scores (β =0.009, P = .003). Our findings suggest that better performance in clinical outcomes is associated with higher PREM scores. PREMs are not a substitute or surrogate for clinical quality. Yet, PREMs are complementary to other objective measures of patient-reported outcomes, the process of care, and clinical outcomes.
Development of economic thresholds for pea aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) management in lentil (Fabaceae) based on in-field insecticide efficacy trials
Authors: Zhou Ningxing , Wist Tyler , Prager Sean M 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pea aphid (Acyrthosiphom pisum Harris, Hemiptera: Aphididae) presents a significant economic challenge to lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production in the major growing region of Saskatchewan, Canada. During 2019–2020, field experiments were conducted to optimize the management tools for pea aphid control on lentils. A randomized split-plot design was used with main plots consisting of different pea aphid pressures and subplots consisting of different insecticide treatments. The main plot design was aimed to assess the impact of A. pisum feeding on lentil yields during the late vegetative to early reproductive stages. Subplots of the study evaluated the efficacy of 3 insecticides in suppressing pea aphid populations on lentils. Lentil is susceptible to A. pisum feeding and requires management at low pest densities. The economic threshold for pea aphids on lentil crops varied depending on environmental conditions, ranging from 20 to 66 aphids per sweep, calculated using a discrete daily growth rate of 1.116. The estimated economic thresholds provided a 7-day lead time before aphid populations achieved the economic injury level (EIL). The EIL was defined as 78 ± 14 aphids per sweep net sample or 743 ± 137 cumulative aphid days from the first aphid present in the field. In addition, the results of the study found that, on average, foliar applications of insecticides containing the pyrethroid active ingredient lambda-cyhalothrin (IRAC group: 3A) reduced pea aphid populations by 83% compared with untreated control.
Nonviral technologies can pave the way for CAR-NK cell therapy
Authors: Bexte Tobias , Reindl Lisa Marie , Ullrich Evelyn 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Natural killer cells are a promising platform for cancer immunotherapy. Natural killer cells have high intrinsic killing capability, and the insertion of a chimeric antigen receptor can further enhance their antitumor potential. In first-in-human trials, chimeric antigen receptor–natural killer cells demonstrated strong clinical activity without therapy-induced side effects. The applicability of natural killer cells as an “off-the-shelf” product makes them highly attractive for gene-engineered cell therapies. Traditionally, viral transduction has been used for gene editing; however, the use of viral vectors remains a safety concern and is associated with high costs and regulatory requirements. Here, we review the current landscape of nonviral approaches for chimeric antigen receptor–natural killer cell generation. This includes transfection of vector particles and electroporation of mRNA and DNA vectors, resulting in transient modification and chimeric antigen receptor expression. In addition, using nonviral transposon technologies, natural killer cells can be stably modified ensuring long-lasting chimeric antigen receptor expression. Finally, we discuss CRISPR/Cas9 tools to edit key genes for natural killer cell functionality.
The Girl in the Ape’s House: A folktale in a North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic variety of Urmiya, Russia
Authors: Lyavdansky Alexey , Kozhanov Kirill , Ovsjannikova Maria 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The article discusses dialectal and folkloristic features of an oral narrative in a North-Eastern Neo-Aramaic (NENA) variety recently recorded in the Southern Russian village of Urmiya. The dialect of the tale belongs to the NENA varieties originating in the easternmost regions of Turkey, which is corroborated by the tale’s speaker, who named its places of origin as Lewən, Albaq, and Gawar. These dialects remain largely undescribed and are highly endangered. The plot of the story is not known from hitherto published Neo-Aramaic field texts. Even though it resembles some of the folktales recorded in Iran and India, the story contains a unique combination of narrative motifs.
GCPBayes pipeline: a tool for exploring pleiotropy at the gene level
Authors: Asgari Yazdan , Sugier Pierre-Emmanuel , Baghfalaki Taban , Lucotte Elise , Karimi Mojgan , Sedki Mohammed , Ngo Amélie , Liquet Benoit , Truong Thérèse 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cross-phenotype association using gene-set analysis can help to detect pleiotropic genes and inform about common mechanisms between diseases. Although there are an increasing number of statistical methods for exploring pleiotropy, there is a lack of proper pipelines to apply gene-set analysis in this context and using genome-scale data in a reasonable running time. We designed a user-friendly pipeline to perform cross-phenotype gene-set analysis between two traits using GCPBayes, a method developed by our team. All analyses could be performed automatically by calling for different scripts in a simple way (using a Shiny app, Bash or R script). A Shiny application was also developed to create different plots to visualize outputs from GCPBayes. Finally, a comprehensive and step-by-step tutorial on how to use the pipeline is provided in our group’s GitHub page. We illustrated the application on publicly available GWAS (genome-wide association studies) summary statistics data to identify breast cancer and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. We have shown that the GCPBayes pipeline could extract pleiotropic genes previously mentioned in the literature, while it also provided new pleiotropic genes and regions that are worthwhile for further investigation. We have also provided some recommendations about parameter selection for decreasing computational time of GCPBayes on genome-scale data.
Surrounding landscape, habitat and hybridization dynamics drive population structure and genetic diversity in the Saltmarsh Sparrow
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Fenderson Lindsey E , Elphick Chris S , Cohen Jonathan B , Field Christopher R , Garey Laura K , Hodgman Thomas P , Kocek Alison R , Longenecker Rebecca , O’Brien Kathleen M , Olsen Brian J , Ruskin Katharine J , Shriver W Gregory , Kovach Adrienne I 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDetermining factors that shape a species’ population genetic structure is beneficial for identifying effective conservation practices. We assessed population structure and genetic diversity for Saltmarsh Sparrow (Ammospiza caudacuta), an imperiled tidal marsh specialist, using 13 microsatellite markers and 964 individuals sampled from 24 marshes across the breeding range. We show that Saltmarsh Sparrow populations are structured regionally by isolation-by-distance, with gene flow occurring among marshes within ~110 to 135 km of one another. Isolation-by-resistance and isolation-by-environment also shape genetic variation; several habitat and landscape features are associated with genetic diversity and genetic divergence among populations. Human development in the surrounding landscape isolates breeding marshes, reducing genetic diversity, and increasing population genetic divergence, while surrounding marshland and patch habitat quality (proportion high marsh and sea-level-rise trend) have the opposite effect. The distance of the breeding marsh to the Atlantic Ocean also influences genetic variation, with marshes farther inland being more divergent than coastal marshes. In northern marshes, hybridization with Nelson’s Sparrow (A. nelsoni) strongly influences Saltmarsh Sparrow genetic variation, by increasing genetic diversity in the population; this has a concomitant effect of increasing genetic differentiation of marshes with high levels of introgression. From a conservation perspective, we found that the majority of population clusters have low effective population sizes, suggesting a lack of resiliency. To conserve the representative breadth of genetic and ecological diversity and to ensure redundancy of populations, it will be important to protect a diversity of marsh types across the latitudinal gradient of the species range, including multiple inland, coastal, and urban populations, which we have shown to exhibit signals of genetic differentiation. It will also require maintaining connectivity at a regional level, by promoting high marsh habitat at the scale of gene flow (~130 km), while also ensuring “stepping stone” populations across the range.
The impact of transition of Spina Bifida Care: A retrospective population-based cohort study comparing outcomes and health care costs longitudinally from adolescence into adulthood
Authors: Playfair Matthew , McClure James Andrew , Le Britney , Cassidy Caitlin , Wang Peter , Welk Blayne , Dave Sumit 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Transition from multidisciplinary paediatric to adult care results in a significant change in the intensity of care provided to patients with spina bifida (SB).

Objective
To compare planned and unplanned health care utilization and costs of care of transitioning SB patients.

Study Design
Through a retrospective population-based cohort study, patients with SB born in Ontario between 1988 and 1999 were studied using routinely collected data analysed at ICES. Patients were followed longitudinally from age 16 to 22 years with comparisons made between the paediatric baseline year (age 16) to the first 3 years of adulthood (ages 19 to 21). A composite primary outcome of unplanned emergency room (ER) visits, hospitalizations and emergency surgical procedures, was compared before and after transition. Secondary outcomes included these variables individually and estimated health care costs.

Results
In the 299 patients, no significant differences were identified in the composite primary outcome between periods (P = 0.09). Unplanned ER visits (P = 0.004) and emergency surgical procedures (P = 0.02) increased after transition. Despite this, the estimated individual total cost of care declined after transition (P = 0.03). Further, multivariable analysis identified rural residence (RR 1.78, confidence interval [CI] 1.30 to 2.44) and previous urologic surgery (RR 1.91, CI 1.41 to 2.57) as significant predictors of increased need for emergent care and health care costs, respectively.

Conclusion
Patients with SB in Ontario have higher rates of ER usage and unplanned surgery after the transition to adult care. While this does not drive an increase in health care costs, improvements in the care of transitioned SB patients, particularly rural patients and those with prior urologic surgery, may decrease the requirement for acute care.
The royal food of termites shows king and queen specificity
Authors: Tasaki Eisuke , Mitaka Yuki , Takahashi Yutaka , Waliullah A S M , Tamannaa Zinat , Sakamoto Takumi , Islam Ariful , Kamiya Masaki , Sato Tomohito , Aramaki Shuhei , Kikushima Kenji , Horikawa Makoto , Nakamura Katsumasa , Kahyo Tomoaki , Takata Mamoru , Setou Mitsutoshi , Matsuura Kenji 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Society in eusocial insects is based on the reproductive division of labor, with a small number of reproductive individuals supported by a large number of nonreproductive individuals. Because inclusive fitness of all colony members depends on the survival and fertility of reproductive members, sterile members provide royals with special treatment. Here, we show that termite kings and queens each receive special food of a different composition from workers. Sequential analysis of feeding processes demonstrated that workers exhibit discriminative trophallaxis, indicating their decision-making capacity in allocating food to the kings and queens. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analyses of the stomodeal food and midgut contents revealed king- and queen-specific compounds, including diacylglycerols and short-chain peptides. Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging analyses of 13C-labeled termites identified phosphatidylinositol and acetyl-l-carnitine in the royal food. Comparison of the digestive tract structure showed remarkable differences in the volume ratio of the midgut-to-hindgut among castes, indicating that digestive division of labor underlies reproductive division of labor. Our demonstration of king- and queen-specific foods in termites provides insight into the nutritional system that underpins the extraordinary reproduction and longevity of royals in eusocial insects.
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Nursing Students’ Stress and Anxiety Levels
Authors: Heinrich Debra S. , O’Connell Kathleen A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

AIM
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a virtual mindfulness meditation intervention on stress and anxiety levels of 145 nursing students.

BACKGROUND
Because of the twin demands of classroom and clinical workloads, nursing students experience greater amounts of stress and anxiety than the average college student. Mindfulness meditation is a promising method to alleviate stress and anxiety.

METHOD
A pretest-posttest randomized controlled design was used. Participants received either weekly mindfulness meditation recordings or recordings on nursing information. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale.

RESULTS
A two-way mixed analysis of variance and follow-up simple main effects tests revealed that participants in the experimental group, who received meditation recordings, experienced significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety on posttest surveys than the control group.

CONCLUSION
Mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels in nursing students. This can improve students’ overall mental and physical well-being.
Advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Yang Haiou , Li Xuewei , Yang Wenhui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common aggressive malignant tumors in the digestive system with a severe epidemiological situation and poor prognosis. The early diagnostic rate of EC is low, and most EC patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Multiple multimodality treatments have gradually evolved into the main treatment for advanced EC, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. And the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has greatly improved the survival of EC patients. This review highlights the latest advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for EC, discusses the efficacy and safety of relevant drugs, summarizes related important clinical trials, and tries to provide references for therapeutic strategy of EC.
Publication Rates of Registered Corneal Trials on ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Cehelyk Eli K. , Crespo Marcos A. , Syed Zeba A. 
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
This study aimed to characterize cornea-centered clinical trials, completed before 2020, registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and identify discrepancies in publication.

Methods:
ClinicalTrials.gov, a database from the National Institutes of Health, was queried to identify registered cornea-related clinical trials. Trials were included if they were interventional and completed before January 1, 2020. ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed.gov, and Google Scholar were then searched to evaluate publications from the trial. Data collected for each trial included sponsor, intervention type, phase, dry eye focus, and location of the principal investigator.

Results:
A total of 520 trials were included in the final analysis. Of all studies, 270 (51.9%) were found to have published results. Industry-sponsored studies were associated with drug intervention trials, dry eye focus, and the principal investigator's location within the United States (P < 0.05 for all). Nonindustry sponsors were associated with device and procedure intervention trials (P < 0.05 for both). Overall, trials that were categorized as procedure interventions were published at a significantly higher rate than other interventional categories (64.2% vs. 50.1%; P = 0.03). Subgroup analysis revealed that among nonindustry studies, late-phase trials and procedural-based trials were published at a significantly higher rate compared with other studies (67.2% vs. 51.6%; P = 0.04 and 67.8% vs. 51.6%; P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
Only 51.9% of registered interventional cornea-based clinical trials result in publications in the peer-reviewed literature, highlighting potential publishing discrepancies.
Successful Medical and Surgical Management of Recalcitrant Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Scleritis, and Culture-Positive Scleral Abscess
Authors: Heath Michael , Riaz Kamran M. , Davis Alexander 
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe the management of a case of recurrent scleritis and Acanthamoeba-positive scleral abscess in a patient after the use of miltefosine for recalcitrant Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Methods:
This is a case study.

Results:
In this study, we report a case of advanced Acanthamoeba keratitis with resultant corneal perforation with therapeutic keratoplasty and associated scleritis who later developed a scleral abscess after treatment with oral miltefosine. The scleral abscess was positive for Acanthamoeba cysts and trophozoites, and after treatment for an additional several months, the patient had complete resolution of her disease.

Conclusions:

Acanthamoeba scleritis is a rare complication associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis. It has traditionally been treated as an immune reaction and associated inflammation, especially with the use of miltefosine. Management can require a multitude of different approaches, and in this situation, it has been demonstrated that scleritis can be infectious and that conservative management can be effective.
Teledentistry for improving access to, and quality of oral health care: A protocol for an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Talla Pascaline Kengne , Allison Paul , Bussières André , Giraudeau Nicolas , Komarova Svetlana , Basiren Quentin , Bergeron Frédéric , Emami Elham 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDigital technologies are becoming essential to address and optimize the suboptimal performance of healthcare systems. Teledentistry involves the use of information and communication technology to improve access to oral health care and the quality of oral health care delivery. Several systematic reviews (SRs) have been conducted to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of teledentistry but with conflicting results. The aim of this review is to comprehensively summarize available SRs and provide evidence on the impact of teledentistry on access to oral care, patients’ and oral healthcare providers’ outcomes, quality of oral health care and costs. This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42022373964). Six electronic databases including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Embase.com), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Epistemonikos will be searched for SRs of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed reviews evaluating teledentistry modalities involving both patients and/or oral health care providers (OHCPs). We will include only studies published in English or French. The primary outcomes will be considered from the patients’ perspective (e.g., access to oral health care, patient-reported outcomes, and experiences). The secondary outcomes will include outcomes from patients and OHCPs (e.g., clinical outcomes, safety, behaviors, and costs). Two independent reviewers will perform data screening, data extraction and will assess the quality of included studies using the AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tools. Data will be synthesized narratively and presented by tables and graphs. We will report any overlap of primary studies in the SRs. A statement on the strength of evidence for each outcome will be provided if possible. This review will inform decision-makers, patients, OHCPs, and researchers on the potential effectiveness, benefits, and challenges of teledentistry and support them in making recommendations for its use. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at conferences, and on social media.
The impact of regulatory requirements on German financial institutions’ outsourcing arrangements
Authors: Hasan Riffat , Kruse Oliver 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse and investigate how intensified regulatory requirements related to outsourcing have influenced and changed the outsourcing activities of German financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach
The study involved interviewing 11 outsourcing experts in the German financial sector, including four of the five largest banks in Germany. In coding and analysing the collected data, this study adopted the approach of a qualitative content analysis framework.

Findings
The study found that the revised legal requirements have had a significant and potentially negative impact on the efficiency of outsourcing, leading to a necessity for German financial institutions to internally realign their outsourcing managements. The study further revealed practical realigned methods German financial institutions executed to meet the legal requirements.

Originality/value
The impact, meaning and relevance of legal requirements in the outsourcing environment of German financial institutions has been relatively under-researched from a qualitative perspective and focused on other primary fields of investigation like outsourcing decisions and outcomes. This study has, by adopting a qualitative approach, addressed the identified gap by providing first-hand insights and new knowledge.
Essential 5: what can collaborative research look like in PDSs and school–university partnerships?
Authors: Polly Drew , Badiali Bernard , Burns Rebecca West , Coler Cynthia , Cosenza Michael , Goree Krystal , Stoicovy Donnan , Zenkov Kristien 
Published: July 2023

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the important aspects and provide examples of Essential 5 in the Second Edition of the National Association for Professional Development Schools (NAPDS) Nine Essentials.