bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global cost of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery: meta-analysis
Authors: Traeger Luke , Koullouros Michalis , Bedrikovetski Sergei , Kroon Hidde M , Moore James W , Sammour Tarik 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundFollowing abdominal surgery, postoperative ileus is a common complication significantly increasing patient morbidity and cost of hospital admission. This is the first systematic review aimed at determining the average global hospital cost per patient associated with postoperative ileus.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases was performed from January 2000 to March 2023. Studies included compared patients undergoing abdominal surgery who developed postoperative ileus to those who did not, focusing on costing data. The primary outcome was the total cost of inpatient stay. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa assessment tool. Summary meta-analysis was performed.ResultsOf the 2071 studies identified, 88 papers were assessed for full eligibility. The systematic review included nine studies (2005–2022), investigating 1 860 889 patients undergoing general, colorectal, gynaecological and urological surgery. These studies showed significant variations in the definition of postoperative ileus. Six studies were eligible for meta-analysis showing an increase of €8233 (95 per cent c.i. (5176 to 11 290), P &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 95.5 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 66.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (34.8 to 97.9), P &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 98.4 per cent). However, there was significant bias between studies. Five colorectal-surgery-specific studies showed an increase of €7242 (95 per cent c.i. (4502 to 9983), P &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 86.0 per cent) per patient with postoperative ileus resulting in a 57.3 per cent increase in total hospital costs (95 per cent c.i. (36.3 to 78.3), P &lt; 0.0001, I2 = 85.7 per cent).ConclusionThe global financial burden of postoperative ileus following abdominal surgery is significant. While further multicentre data using a uniform postoperative ileus definition would be useful, reducing the incidence and impact of postoperative ileus are a priority to mitigate healthcare-related costs, and improve patient outcomes.
Developing and Evaluating a Social Work Assessment Model based on Co-production Methods
Authors: Montgomery Lorna , MacDonald Mandi , Houston Emeritus Stanley 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Building Better Futures (BBF) is a structured and systematic model developed in Northern Ireland for assessing parenting capacity when there are childcare concerns. This article focuses on the iterative development of the model, through a social work, practitioner–academic, research collaboration. BBF was developed using a mixed method, flexible and multi-modal, iterative design embracing a collaborative approach between social work academics and practitioners. Five senior practitioners (SPs) were appointed for a three-year period to work on the project. The formative implementation and evaluation of the model consisted of a series of co-produced, in-depth mixed-method evaluation studies across the region. The project outcomes confirmed the utility of the model for social work practitioners and the benefits to families. An evaluation of the co-production methodologies identified the importance of building an inclusive, collaborative team with shared trust. The importance of managing power between the groups was identified, and the absence of parents as part of the collaboration was acknowledged. Engagement in research can enhance professional identity and job satisfaction for social workers and develop social work tools and processes which are ‘fit for purpose’ because they have been influenced by the views of the end users.
Does it matter what is trained? A randomized controlled trial evaluating the specificity of alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback in reducing tinnitus symptoms
Authors: Jensen Martin , Alanis Jose Carlos Garcia , Hüttenrauch Eva , Winther-Jensen Matilde , Chavanon Mira-Lynn , Andersson Gerhard , Weise Cornelia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Previous studies showed that alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback was effective in reducing unpleasant psychological, emotional and perceptual consequences of tinnitus. The main goal of the present study was to investigate, whether the specific combination of enhancing alpha frequency band activity and reducing delta frequency band activity was necessary, or merely sufficient, to obtain a positive treatment outcome regarding tinnitus distress and intensity. A second research aim was to assess the relative contribution of neurofeedback-related non-specific and general non-specific effects in neurofeedback treatment. In a three-arm, randomized controlled trial, 94 chronic tinnitus patients were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback (n = 31), beta/theta ratio neurofeedback (n = 28) and non-neurofeedback minimal treatment intervention (n = 35). Neurofeedback participants underwent 10 treatment sessions over a 4-week period. Outcome measures were collected pre-, mid- and post-interventions and at 3-months follow-up. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and the Tinnitus Magnitude Index were used as primary outcome measures for tinnitus distress and tinnitus intensity. EEG data recorded during training supplemented primary outcomes. Since data were repeated measures, the analyses used a two-level mixed effects model approach including by-subject random effects (random intercept). For the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, the results showed no interaction effect. For the Tinnitus Magnitude Index, the analysis showed a significant time × group interaction, indicating that both alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback and beta/theta ratio neurofeedback reported reduced tinnitus intensity. Analysis of EEG data showed a consistent pattern for the alpha/delta ratio over the course of training. Compared to beta/theta ratio neurofeedback, alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback showed an elevated response. Conversely, for the beta ratio to theta ratio, the pattern was more inconsistent, with no clear indication of superiority for beta/theta ratio neurofeedback over alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback. The main question of this piece of research was whether alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback demonstrated frequency band specificity in the alleviation of tinnitus distress and perceived intensity. Results showed that alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback was sufficient but importantly ‘not’ necessary to achieve a positive outcome on both the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Tinnitus Magnitude Index, when compared to beta/theta ratio neurofeedback. Still, the data suggest a trend towards specificity for alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback. Because of this, it may be too premature to discard alpha/delta ratio neurofeedback in the treatment of tinnitus. Recommendations for future studies are outlined.
Covid-19 affects taste independent of taste–smell confusions: results from a combined chemosensory home test and online survey from a large global cohort
Authors: Nguyen Ha , Albayay Javier , Höchenberger Richard , Bhutani Surabhi , Boesveldt Sanne , Busch Niko A , Croijmans Ilja , Cooper Keiland W , de Groot Jasper H B , Farruggia Michael C , Fjaeldstad Alexander W , Hayes John E , Hummel Thomas , Joseph Paule V , Laktionova Tatiana K , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Veldhuizen Maria G , Voznessenskaya Vera V , Parma Valentina , Pepino M Yanina , Ohla Kathrin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
People often confuse smell loss with taste loss, so it is unclear how much gustatory function is reduced in patients self-reporting taste loss. Our pre-registered cross-sectional study design included an online survey in 12 languages with instructions for self-administering chemosensory tests with 10 household items. Between June 2020 and March 2021, 10,953 individuals participated. Of these, 5,225 self-reported a respiratory illness and were grouped based on their reported COVID test results: COVID-positive (COVID+, N = 3,356), COVID-negative (COVID−, N = 602), and COVID unknown for those waiting for a test result (COVID?, N = 1,267). The participants who reported no respiratory illness were grouped by symptoms: sudden smell/taste changes (STC, N = 4,445), other symptoms excluding smell or taste changes (OthS, N = 832), and no symptoms (NoS, N = 416). Taste, smell, and oral irritation intensities and self-assessed abilities were rated on visual analog scales. Compared to the NoS group, COVID+ was associated with a 21% reduction in taste (95% confidence interval (CI): 15–28%), 47% in smell (95% CI: 37–56%), and 17% in oral irritation (95% CI: 10–25%) intensity. There were medium to strong correlations between perceived intensities and self-reported abilities (r = 0.84 for smell, r = 0.68 for taste, and r = 0.37 for oral irritation). Our study demonstrates that COVID-19-positive individuals report taste dysfunction when self-tested with stimuli that have little to none olfactory components. Assessing the smell and taste intensity of household items is a promising, cost-effective screening tool that complements self-reports and may help to disentangle taste loss from smell loss. However, it does not replace standardized validated psychophysical tests.
Editorial: Reconceptualizing public sphere(s) in the digital age? On the role and future of public sphere theory
Authors: Eisenegger Mark , Schäfer Mike S 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Theories of the public sphere—or more recently, of plural public spheres—are core elements of communication and media research. A lively and dynamic debate exists about the respective theories, and the approaches employed to do so have diversified in recent years. This special issue of Communication Theory aims to assess the role and future of public sphere(s) theory in digital societies: if, and where, are concepts of the public sphere(s) still useful and needed, which criticisms are (still) valid, which not, which new ones might be necessary, and which concepts need to be developed or elaborated to respond meaningfully to the digital transformation? This editorial introduces the topic of and contributions to the special issue as well as nine theses on the development of public sphere(s) theorizing.
Timing of citizenship acquisition and immigrants’ children educational outcomes: a family fixed-effects approach
Authors: Labussière Marie 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Various studies suggest a positive effect of host country citizenship on the educational outcomes of immigrants’ children. However, little is known about when and for whom citizenship matters and how much this is affected by potential endogeneity in the relationship between parental citizenship acquisition and their children’s educational outcomes. Focusing on the Netherlands, this article exploits siblings’ variation in their exposure to naturalization in order to net out the effect of time-constant parental characteristics. Results from a linear mixed model show that children who acquire Dutch citizenship have a substantial advantage in terms of academic performance over those who are still foreign citizens, especially if they naturalized in early childhood. A novel bounding estimator that gauges the sensitivity of the estimates to omitted variable bias confirms the robustness of these results. Moreover, the effects of citizenship are concentrated among students whose parents are at a disadvantage in the labour market and housing market, shedding light on hitherto under-explored effect heterogeneity.
Assessment of internet-based information on statin therapy
Authors: Kwan Jing Yi , Stocco Fabio , Scott David J A , Bailey Marc A , Coughlin Patrick A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
The use of statin therapy is deemed to be controversial by mainstream media. Patients increasingly source medical information from the internet, and the use of statins is no exception. This study aims to determine the quality and educational content of statin-focused information on the internet and YouTube.

Methods and results
‘Statin’ was searched on Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and YouTube. The first 50 results obtained from each search engine and the first 20 YouTube videos were screened by two assessors. Websites were assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score, University of Michigan Consumer Health Website Evaluation Checklist, and a customized scoring system evaluating statin-focused content for quality. Videos were scored using the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, Global Quality Score (GQS), and the customized scoring system. Websites scored a median FRE score of 57.5 [interquartile range (IQR) 52.1–62.3], median Michigan score of 36 (IQR 32–41.5), and median content score of 5 (IQR 3.75–7). Good interobserver agreement was demonstrated [Michigan score interobserver coefficient correlation (ICC) = 0.968; content score ICC = 0.944]. Videos scored a median JAMA score of 2, median GQS score of 2.5, and median content score of 2.5. Good interobserver agreement was demonstrated (JAMA ICC = 0.746; GQS ICC = 0.874; content score ICC = 0.946).

Conclusion
Quality and readability of statin-focused online information are poor. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the limitations of the current available sources and design online resources that are accurate and patient-friendly.
Training needs assessment of European frontline health care workers on vaccinology and vaccine acceptance: a systematic review
Authors: Lanza Teresa Eleonora , Paladini Andrea , Marziali Eleonora , Gianfredi Vincenza , Blandi Lorenzo , Signorelli Carlo , Odone Anna , Ricciardi Walter , Damiani Gianfranco , Cadeddu Chiara 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
The issue of reluctance towards vaccination is becoming more worrisome. Health care workers (HCWs) are the primary point of contact with individuals who make decisions about vaccination. Therefore, it is crucial that HCWs receive sufficient training and periodic updates. The main objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the HCWs’ training needs in vaccination and vaccine uptake.

Methods
In February 2022, a search was conducted on MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The search included papers written in English, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Romanian, with a publication date ranging from 1 January 2011 to 24 February 2022 and conducted in Europe. To assess the methodological quality of the papers, the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies was utilized.

Results
The search of scientific literature yielded 640 outcomes on PubMed, 556 on Scopus and 15 on Google Scholar, for a total of 1211 records. After eliminating duplicates, screening titles and abstracts and evaluating the full text of the articles, only 25 of them were found suitable for inclusion. The studies’ overall quality ranged from moderate to good. The majority of the research emphasized the need for improved knowledge of vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccine efficacy, immunization schedules and vaccine adverse effects.

Conclusions
It is vital to prioritize educational programmes on vaccinology and vaccine hesitancy for HCWs, with the objective of improving their knowledge, awareness and attitudes. Addressing the diversity of educational backgrounds, roles and training requirements of HCWs involved in vaccination across Europe is a critical issue that must be tackled for future initiatives.
An allelic series of spontaneous Rorb mutant mice exhibit a gait phenotype, changes in retina morphology and behavior, and gene expression signatures associated with the unfolded protein response
Authors: Murray George C , Bubier Jason A , Zinder Oraya J , Harris Belinda , Clark James , Christopher Mia-Cara , Hanley Courtany , Tjong Harianto , Li Meihong , Ngan Chew Yee , Reinholdt Laura , Burgess Robert W , Tadenev Abigail L D 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Retinoid-related orphan receptor beta (RORβ) gene encodes a developmental transcription factor and has 2 predominant isoforms created through alternative first exon usage; one specific to the retina and another present more broadly in the central nervous system, particularly regions involved in sensory processing. RORβ belongs to the nuclear receptor family and plays important roles in cell fate specification in the retina and cortical layer formation. In mice, loss of RORβ causes disorganized retina layers, postnatal degeneration, and production of immature cone photoreceptors. Hyperflexion or “high-stepping” of rear limbs caused by reduced presynaptic inhibition by Rorb-expressing inhibitory interneurons of the spinal cord is evident in RORβ-deficient mice. RORβ variants in patients are associated with susceptibility to various neurodevelopmental conditions, primarily generalized epilepsies, but including intellectual disability, bipolar, and autism spectrum disorders. The mechanisms by which RORβ variants confer susceptibility to these neurodevelopmental disorders are unknown but may involve aberrant neural circuit formation and hyperexcitability during development. Here we report an allelic series in 5 strains of spontaneous Rorb mutant mice with a high-stepping gait phenotype. We show retinal abnormalities in a subset of these mutants and demonstrate significant differences in various behavioral phenotypes related to cognition. Gene expression analyses in all 5 mutants reveal a shared over-representation of the unfolded protein response and pathways related to endoplasmic reticulum stress, suggesting a possible mechanism of susceptibility relevant to patients.
O-080 An umbrella review of meta-analyses regarding the incidence of female specific malignancies following fertility treatment
Authors: Kasaven L , Saso S , Barcroft J , Galazis N , Grewal K , Bracewell Milnes T , Jones B , Getreu N , Ben Nagi J , Smith R , Yazbek J , Timmerman D , Bourne T , Ghaem-Maghami S , Verbakel J 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Study question
To investigate the validity of the association between the development of female specific malignancies, including ovarian, endometrial, breast and cervical cancer following fertility treatment.

Summary answer
There is a statistically significant increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumours associated with fertility treatment.

What is known already
Approximately 1.3 million IVF cycles have been performed since 1991. The association between fertility treatment (FT) and female-specific cancers however, remains contentious, largely due to the conflicting outcomes published in various meta-analyses.

Study design, size, duration
A thorough literature search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Pubmed was carried out to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses, from inception up until April 2022.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
The inclusion criteria included original studies stating the incidence of cancer in FT and control groups (non-FT). The principal outcome of interest was the incidence of cancer (breast, endometrial, cervical, and ovarian) in FT and non-FT groups. The effect estimates, Hazard Ratios and Odds Ratios (OR) were extracted, or calculated de novo. The strength of evidence and extent of potential biases were summarised.

Main results and the role of chance
In total, 3129 publications were identified, and 11 meta-analytical reviews were included. This umbrella review synthesised 324 meta-analyses, including data from over 20 million patients. The incidence of ovarian cancer (OR 1·21;95% CI 1·00-1·45) and BOTs (OR 1.87;95%CI 1·18-2.97) was higher in the FT compared to non-FT group. The meta-analyses related to ovarian cancer was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05), using a random-effects model. There was no significant association demonstrated between FT and the incidence of cervical, breast or endometrial cancer.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Although it has been demonstrated that exposure to fertility treatment does significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer and BOTs, further studies are required in order to draw accurate conclusions.

Wider implications of the findings
Understanding the potential long-term sequelae of FT is fundamental to guide counselling and enable individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive future. Clinicians should engage in appropriate patient selection, with those deemed to be at a higher risk, selected for more personalised fertility treatment and careful preventative follow-up.

Trial registration number
NA
Establishing Bilateral Symmetry in Hydrozoan Planula Larvae, a Review of Siphonophore Early Development
Authors: Mańko Maciej K , Munro Catriona , Leclère Lucas 
Published: June 2023

SynopsisSiphonophores are colonial hydrozoans, characterized by complex colony organization and unparalleled zooid functional specialization. Recent genomic studies have offered an evolutionary perspective on how this morphological complexity arose, but a molecular characterization of symmetry breaking in siphonophore embryonic development is still largely missing. Here, bringing together historical data on early development with new immunohistochemical data, we review the diversity of developmental trajectories that lead to the formation of bilaterally symmetric planula larvae in siphonophores. Embryonic development, up to the planula stage, is remarkably similar across siphonophore phylogeny. Then, with the appearance of the lateral endodermal thickening (= ventral endoderm), larval development diverges between taxa, differing in the location and patterning of the primary buds, chronology of budding, establishment of growth zones, and retention of larval zooids. Our work also uncovers a number of open questions in siphonophore development, including homology of different zooids, mechanisms underlying formation and maintenance of spatially restricted growth zone(s), and molecular factors establishing a secondary dorsal-ventral axis in planulae. By discussing siphonophore development and body axes within the broader cnidarian context, we then set the framework for future work on siphonophores, which is finally achievable with the advent of culturing methods.