11237 research outputs found
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Comparing the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization in same-sex female couples using their partner's egg versus their own egg: a systematic review
No full textReciprocal IVF (or co-IVF) is increasingly a reproductive option for same-sex female couples. No systematic reviews have compared outcomes of co-IVF using a partner’s egg to IVF with own egg. This systematic review determined outcomes of mother and child comparing co-IVF, and IVF with own egg (single, heterosexual, lesbian, trans men), reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases including Embase, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, Cochrane were searched to November 2024. Inclusion, extraction, and quality assessment were conducted by two reviewers. Meta-analyses used Revman 5.4 software. Five retrospective cohort studies (3 USA, 2 Spain, 2021–2023) were included (from 625 papers identified, 30 full-text articles examined). Meta-analysis showed higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates for co-IVF compared to IUI, heterosexual IVF, single women, or own-egg lesbian IVF, but lower birthweights. One study reported higher rates of hypertensive disorders (23.8% vs. 12.9%) and gestational diabetes (9.5% vs. 1.6%) in co-IVF. None reported on ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, child development and other mother and child outcomes. Larger scale and more diverse studies are needed urgently to assess safety, establish guidelines, and inform couples considering co-IVF.</p
When the only thing familiar is the moon – initial transitions of Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian students into UK HE
No full textThe current research investigated the experiences of Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian students’ initial transitions into UK Higher Education (HE). To specifically counter existing erroneous deficit narratives, photovoice, a participatory methodology, was adopted, empowering students, newly arrived in the UK for January starting courses, and addressing power imbalances between students and researchers. Participants photographed what was important to them during their first 10 weeks in HE. These photographs were shared in focus groups where participants explained their meaning and compared their experiences. Group interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) and the following themes were identified: Recognising diversity in our international student population; Shared sense of loss/actual loss; What’s important in the first weeks of university; Developing independence; The challenges of being a January starter. Ten photographs, chosen by the participants as representative, have been shared with staff and students at the university. Six of those photographs are included in this article. Results highlighted how the participants’ initial focus was on basic needs such as food, and support. Participants demonstrated capacity as they experienced multiple transitions, including changing country and educational system, independent living and early adulthood. A period of uncertainty, lasting longer than reported in other literature, was identified suggesting that sojourning students may retain a foot in two cultures. Applying a temporal lens provided coherence to the complicated, intersecting experiences of the participants. Findings offer an insight into the students’ experiences of transitioning into UK HE and ideas on how HEIs can offer appropriate support during this time.</p
University academics’ experiences and perceptions of mental health problems
No full textMental health problems (MHPs) are increasingly prevalent in academia, yet most attention has focused on students. Academics, who often support students with MHPs, may themselves experience significant mental health challenges. This systematic review aimed to explore university academics’ experiences of MHPs, following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted using six electronic databases and eleven studies representing approximately 4,000 participants met the eligibility criteria. Eleven studies (qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods) involving roughly 4,000 participants were included. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: precipitators of MHPs, prevalence of MHPs, predisposing and protective factors of MHPs, prevention of help-seeking for MHPs and pursuing solutions for MHPs. Findings from this review highlight that a considerable proportion of university academics experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress at levels that are often severe. Risk factors include being female, single, childless and holding a doctorate. Despite the high prevalence of MHPs in academic staff, many do not seek help due to barriers such as stigma associated with MHPs, fear of professional repercussions and time constraints. These findings may contribute to the development of effective strategies to support the mental well-being of university academics. Despite growing interest, research on the mental health of academics remains limited and warrants further investigation.</p
Policy briefing: Advancing healthcare education through simulation-based education
No full textThe CoDH Simulation Reference Group has produced a briefing paper to showcase the transformative potential of simulation in healthcare education and highlight the challenges and our recommendations for advancing its implementation...</p
Burden of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 in patients with type 2 diabetes: a binational cohort study in South Korea and Japan
No full textBackgroundThe long-term sequelae of COVID-19 remain a growing concern; however, a limited study targeting individuals with preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Asian populations has been conducted. This large-scale, binational cohort study with extended follow-up aimed to evaluate the risk of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 across multiple organ systems in individuals with T2DM.MethodsThis study used binational, population-based cohorts in South Korea (K-COV-N; discovery cohort; n=3,002,271) and Japan (JMDC; validation cohort; n=1,125,045). All individuals aged >19 years were included from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. We estimated the long-term risk of post-acute sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We defined the primary outcome as the onset of 65 diseases across 9 organ systems beyond the first 30 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. After applying propensity score-based overlap weighting, we utilized Cox proportional hazards models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 within the weighted population. We further examined how the risk of sequelae changed over time following COVID-19 diagnosis. We also conducted multiple subgroup analyses on the severity of COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccination status, and T2DM-related complications.ResultsIn the overlap-weighted discovery cohort, 1,056,277 individuals with preexisting T2DM were analyzed (mean age: 58.06 years [SD, 10.02]; 39.41% females). Compared with non-infected individuals, those with SARS-CoV-2 infection showed an increased long-term risk of sequelae across eight organ systems, including cardiovascular diseases (aHR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.09–1.13]), dermatologic conditions (aHR, 1.20 [1.10–1.31]), endocrine disorders (aHR, 1.04 [1.01–1.08]), gastrointestinal diseases (aHR, 1.11 [1.07–1.14]), hepato-biliary-pancreatic disorders (aHR, 1.07 [1.03–1.11]), kidney disorders (aHR, 1.09 [1.03–1.16]), neurological disorders (aHR, 1.11 [1.03–1.20]), and pulmonary diseases (aHR, 1.11 [1.04–1.18]). Specifically, of 65 diseases, 45 showed a significantly elevated incident risk following a COVID-19 diagnosis. The risk of sequelae was higher in individuals with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and persisted up to 12 months post-infection, with attenuation thereafter. COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reduced sequelae risk of developing some sequelae; however, the risk was still generally higher than in non-infected individuals. Similar trends were observed in the validation cohort, where all 65 specific diseases showed significant associations with long-term sequelae.ConclusionAmong individuals with preexisting T2DM, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of long-term sequelae across multiple organ systems, particularly in moderate-to-severe cases. Risks peaked within 12 months and gradually subsided thereafter, highlighting the enduring impact of COVID-19 and the need for sustained monitoring and preventive care in this high-risk population.</p
Global, regional, and national burden of hypertensive heart disease in 1990-2021, with forecasts to 2050: a Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
No full textBackground: Despite its substantial burden, hypertensive heart disease (HHD) remains underrecognized. We aimed to investigate the global burden of HHD projected up to 2050. Methods: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 to estimate the global HHD burden. The burden was assessed using prevalence, death, and disability adjusted life years (DALYs), stratified by region, age, sex, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI), with all estimates accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). We ranked age standardized DALY rates attributable to six risk factors. Forecasting analysis was conducted using the GBD 2021 forecast framework, supplemented by Das Gupta decomposition analysis. Results: From 1990 to 2021, the global age-standardized prevalence rate increased from 125.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 98.97–157.96) to 148.32 (117.32–186.28). In contrast, age-standardized mortality and DALY rates declined to 16.31 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 13.76–18.01) and 301.58 (255.06–332.06), respectively. HHD burden increased with age and was more pronounced in women, particularly among older populations. High systolic blood pressure ranked first among six identified risk factors. Forecasting up to 2050 projected increases in age-standardized mortality (19.11 [95% UI, 13.24–27.45]) and DALY rates (367.80 [255.27–524.52]), despite declining trends over the past three decades. Population growth was the main driver of the projected increase, as shown by Das Gupta decomposition. Conclusions: The rising burden of HHD calls for a shift away from traditional, fragmented approaches focused solely on blood pressure control. Integrated clinical and policy responses are urgently needed to address the complex and multifactorial nature of the disease.</p
Fall risk and its associated factors among hypertensive older adults in Dhulikhel municipality, Nepal
No full textIntroduction: Falls are a leading cause of disability and mortality among older adults, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Nepal. Despite the growing number of hypertensive older adults, evidence on their fall risk remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with fall risk among hypertensive older adults residing in Nepal.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected hypertensive older adults (n = 186) in the Dhulikhel municipality, Nepal. Fall risk was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, with a cut-off of ≥ 14 s indicating high risk. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors.Result: Risk of fall was prevalent among 27% of older adults. After adjustment for potential confounders, with each year increase in age the risk of fall was 1.1 times higher (p Conclusion: Targeted fall prevention strategies should account for both physical risk factors like age and contextual elements such as living arrangements. Further research is needed to understand the protective mechanisms among older adults living alone in the LMICs.</p
Gender-neutral language in social media: effects on consumer attitudes and engagement
No full textPurpose: This paper examines the effects of gender-neutral language on consumer attitudes and engagement, focusing on its implications in a linguistically gendered context (French). The aim is to identify the conditions under which gender-neutral language can positively influence brand perception and consumer behaviour. Design/methodology/approach: Two studies were conducted with a total of 809 participants, using experimental designs to test several types of gendered and gender-neutral language. The research included a between-subjects design, with conditions varying by type of language and the presence or absence of explanations for its use. Data were analysed using ANOVA and regression analyses. Findings: The findings reveal that men are generally indifferent to gender-neutral language unless an explanation of this choice is provided, which can enhance their attitudes toward the brand. Women demonstrate higher engagement and purchase intention with gender-neutral language when no explanation is offered, except for those with high adherence to gender stereotypes, who are less favourable. The study underscores the significance of contextual explanations in mitigating resistance to gender-neutral language. Research limitations/implications: The study focuses on explicit perceptions of neutrality, sexism and inclusivity, leaving implicit cognitive responses unexplored. Future research could adopt cross-cultural comparisons and incorporate more diverse gender identities for broader insights. Practical implications: Brands should carefully consider their communication strategies when adopting gender-neutral language, emphasizing contextual explanations to enhance consumer acceptance and engagement. Social implications: Promoting gender-neutral language in marketing can contribute to broader societal acceptance of inclusivity, potentially reducing gender biases embedded in language use. Originality/value: This research is among the first to explore the intersection of gender-neutral language and consumer behaviour in a gendered language context. It highlights the nuanced role of adherence to gender stereotypes in shaping consumer responses and provides actionable insights for brands adopting inclusive language strategies.</p
Cultural and morphological divergence of Darwin’s cactus finches (<i>Geospiza scandens</i>) across Galápagos Islands
No full textUnderstanding the divergence of cultural traits, such as bird song, provides crucial insights into evolutionary processes. In geographically isolated populations, the divergence of traits associated with mate choice can lead to further genetic separation. In this study, we investigate divergence in song syllable types, acoustic structure (e.g. kilohertz frequency), singing behaviour (e.g. number of syllables per song), and morphology in two allopatric populations of Darwin’s cactus finch (Geospiza scandens) on Floreana and Santa Cruz Islands in the Galápagos Archipelago. Using song recordings of 50 males, we identified 25 syllable types, with no overlap between islands, indicating a complete divergence in syllable repertoires. Syllables of Floreana and Santa Cruz males diverged in the acoustic space largely owing to broader frequency bandwidths on Floreana. Moreover, Floreana males had smaller beaks than Santa Cruz males. Despite acoustic and morphological divergence, singing behaviours, such as syllable repetition rate and number of syllables per song, did not differ significantly. Cultural processes, including drift and transmission biases, and selection on morphology could have contributed to the observed acoustic divergence. This study adds to a growing literature on the role of geographical separation in the accumulation of both cultural and morphological divergence between populations. Future research could interrogate speciation scenarios in cactus finches if populations cease to interbreed after secondary contact.</p
A novel treatment score (QUAD score) to promote treatment optimization in heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction
No full textAims: To help avoid therapeutic inertia, we developed a pragmatic treatment score (QUAD Score) for use in daily practice by healthcare professionals managing patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) Methods: This was a multicentre cohort study in consecutive patients with incident heart failure and LVEF Results: Data were analysed from 1691 participants, collected from 10 UK centres, of whom 30% were women and 82% were White. Median age, N terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) and LVEF were 70 (59–78.5) years, 1624 (536–4138) ng/L and 34 (25–38) %, respectively. At the start of therapy titration, only 97 (5%) patients were naïve to any of the four pillars of therapy. After investigator‐declared final titration, QUAD scores were excellent in 806 (48%), good in 382 (22%) and poor in 503 (30%) patients. Patients who failed eventually to achieve a good or excellent QUAD score were more often women, older and had poorer renal function and higher plasma NTproBNP (P Conclusions: The QUAD score is a simple tool that can help audit and incentivize uptake of guideline‐recommended therapy for HFrEF and prevent treatment inertia. Excellent QUAD scores are associated with better outcomes.</p
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