scholarly journals When Can We Safely Stop Luteal Phase Support in Fresh IVF Cycles? A Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yossi Mizrachi ◽  
Arieh Raziel ◽  
Ariel Weissman
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Luteal Phase Support ◽  
Optimal Duration ◽  
Positive Pregnancy Test

There is no consensus on the optimal duration of luteal phase support (LPS) in fresh IVF cycles. Although some clinicians withdraw LPS on the day of a positive pregnancy test, most clinicians continue its administration at least up to the 8th week of gestation. In this literature review, we included several randomized clinical trials comparing early and late cessation of LPS. Most studies have found no benefit in extended administration. These studies, however, were limited by their small sample size and selection bias. Until now, only a few attempts have been made to indicate when LPS can be safely stopped based on individual patient characteristics. In conclusion, the quality and quantity of the evidence regarding LPS duration in fresh IVF cycles is currently insufficient to justify early cessation in all patients. Individualization of LPS should receive high priority in future research.

scholarly journals The Role of Dopamine Receptor D2 in Bridging the Intention-Behavior Gap in Sport Participation

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2379
Author(s):  
Seiyeong Park ◽  
Junhye Kwon ◽  
Chiyoung Ahn ◽  
Hae-Sung Cho ◽  
Hyo Youl Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Dopamine Receptor ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dopamine Receptor D2 ◽  
The Impact

Previous studies have identified that a behavior can occur through the strongest predictor intention, but there is a gap between intention and behavior. Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is known to account for a variance in sporting behaviors in human and animal subjects. However, the relationship between DRD2 and sport participation has been poorly studied, and the limited available reports are inconsistent. The present study was performed to examine the impact of DRD2 on sport participation among Korean university students based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Data were collected from enrolled university students in Seoul (N = 45). Participants answered survey questions first, and then they gave investigators their hair to provide DNA information (i.e., the A1 allele of DRD2). DRD2 had a significant effect on sport participation, but only in male students. Male students who carried the A1 allele of DRD2 significantly participated in 105.10 min more sporting activities than male students who did not. Moreover, the effect of intention on sport participation was significantly decreased when considering DRD2. Despite the small sample size, the results of this study could be a preliminary case for a larger study and indicate the direction of future research. Our results suggest that DRD2 may have played an important role as the “actual skill” shown in the IBM.

scholarly journals The incidence and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in gout: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Cox ◽  
Sonal Gupta ◽  
Sizheng Steven Zhao ◽  
David M. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractThe aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to describe prevalence of cardiovascular disease in gout, compare these results with non-gout controls and consider whether there were differences according to geography. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies reporting prevalence of any cardiovascular disease in a gout population. Studies with non-representative sampling, where a cohort had been used in another study, small sample size (< 100) and where gout could not be distinguished from other rheumatic conditions were excluded, as were reviews, editorials and comments. Where possible meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models. Twenty-six studies comprising 949,773 gout patients were included in the review. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated for five cardiovascular diseases: myocardial infarction (2.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI)s 1.6, 5.0), heart failure (8.7%; 95% CI 2.9, 23.8), venous thromboembolism (2.1%; 95% CI 1.2, 3.4), cerebrovascular accident (4.3%; 95% CI 1.8, 9.7) and hypertension (63.9%; 95% CI 24.5, 90.6). Sixteen studies reported comparisons with non-gout controls, illustrating an increased risk in the gout group across all cardiovascular diseases. There were no identifiable reliable patterns when analysing the results by country. Cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in patients with gout and should prompt vigilance from clinicians to the need to assess and stratify cardiovascular risk. Future research is needed to investigate the link between gout, hyperuricaemia and increased cardiovascular risk and also to establish a more thorough picture of prevalence for less common cardiovascular diseases.

scholarly journals Sexual Orientation Provisions in Canadian Collective Agreements

2004 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travor Brown
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Empirical Testing ◽  
Collective Agreements ◽  
The Past ◽  
Workplace Needs ◽  
Public Sector Bargaining

Abstract The past decade has been marked by increased awareness concerning employment discrimination against gays and lesbians. Yet, to the author’s knowledge, there has been limited research regarding the response of Canadian labour organizations to the workplace needs of gay and lesbian members. Limitations of these previous studies include small sample size, lack of theoretical framework, and the absence of empirical testing of hypotheses. The present study builds on these works through the use of Craig’s model, the inclusion of multi-disciplinary research, and the empirical testing of data collected from more than 240 Canadian collective agreements. Key findings include that larger, public sector bargaining units with equality clauses in their collective agreements were most likely also to contain clauses that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

What women want: the effect of health agency advertising on patient-doctor communication

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Morton ◽  
Sabrina Habib ◽  
Jon Morris
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Women’S Sexual Health ◽  
Doctor Communication

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between women’s sexual health agency and their intent to initiate communications with their doctors. The research questions examined the effect sexual health agency has on patient-doctor communication, women’s emotional responses to health advertisements encouraging patient communication with their doctors, attitude toward the message and behavioral intentions after exposure to the advertising message. Design/methodology/approach An experimental design was implemented via an online questionnaire instrument to test the differences between younger-aged women (25 to 45 years) and mature-aged women (46 to 70 years). It was observed that 188 women who reported their status as single and sexually active in the past 12 months were exposed to a health advertisement that encouraged patient-doctor communication. Analyses were conducted to compare between-group measures on sexual health agency, emotional response and attitude toward the ad and behavioral intention. Findings No statistical difference existed between younger and older women. In general, women expect their doctor to lead conversations about sexual health but are positively reinforced by health messages that encourage their assertiveness as patients. Research limitations/implications The small sample size also may have limited the study’s potential to evaluate differences between age segments. Future research should explore this further. Practical implications The study provides evidence that sexual health advertising can reinforce women’s intent to initiate conversations with doctors regardless of age. Social implications Health communications can bolster women’s sexual health agency and improve patient-initiated conversations with doctors. Originality/value The study is the first to explore advertising messaging’s potential for applying health agency as a communication strategy for encouraging sexual health communications between women and their doctors.

scholarly journals Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Linezolid and Daptomycin for Treatment of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcal Bloodstream Infections

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 5013-5018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald W. Whang ◽  
Loren G. Miller ◽  
Neil M. Partain ◽  
James A. McKinnell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Antibiotic Selection ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant

ABSTRACTBloodstream infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE-BSI) result in substantial patient mortality and cost. Daptomycin and linezolid are commonly prescribed for VRE-BSI, but there are no clinical trials to determine optimal antibiotic selection. We conducted a systematic review for investigations that compared daptomycin and linezolid for VRE-BSI. We searched Medline from 1966 through 2012 for comparisons of linezolid and daptomycin for VRE-BSI. We included searches of EMBASE, clinicaltrials.gov, and national meetings. Data were extracted using a standardized instrument. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. Our search yielded 4,243 publications, of which 482 contained data on VRE treatment. Most studies (452/482) did not present data on BSI or did not provide information on linezolid or daptomycin. Among the remaining 30 studies, 9 offered comparative data between the two agents. None were randomized clinical trials. There was no difference in microbiologic (n= 5 studies, 517 patients; OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.4 to 1.7;P= 0.95) and clinical (n= 3 studies, 357 patients; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.7 to 2.0;P= 0.7) cures between the two antibiotics. There was a trend toward increased survival with linezolid compared to daptomycin treatment (n= 9 studies, 1,074 patients; OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.8;I2= 0 [whereI2is a measure of inconsistency]), but this did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.054). There are limited data to inform clinicians on optimal antibiotic selection for VRE-BSI. Available studies are limited by small sample size, lack of patient-level data, and inconsistent outcome definitions. Additional research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed before conclusions can be drawn about treatment options for VRE therapy.

Abstract W P20: A Model to Calculate the Expected Treatment Effect in Acute Endovascular Stroke Trials

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten G Lansberg ◽  
Robin Lemmens ◽  
Soren Christensen ◽  
Nishant K Mishra ◽  
Gregory W Albers
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Absolute Difference ◽  
Sample Size Calculations ◽  
And Control ◽  
Larger Sample

Background: Recent trials have shown no benefit of endovascular therapy. This may, in part, be explained by inaccurate estimates of the treatment effect used in the sample size calculations of these trials. A predictive model which includes variables that modify the expected treatment effect might yield more accurate estimates, and could be valuable in the design of future acute stroke trials. Methods: We conducted a literature review to obtain estimates of parameters that are associated with good functional outcome (GFO) following recanalization. We developed a model to estimate the treatment effect in endovascular stroke trials and applied this model to two recently published endovascular stroke trials. Results: We estimated a 40% absolute difference in the proportion of GFO (mRS 0-2 at 90 days) associated with reperfusion in patients with ICA or M1 occlusions who have a substantial ischemic penumbra at baseline. To estimate the effect size in trials, this value was multiplied by: 1) the proportion of patients undergoing endovascular therapy in the active treatment arm; 2) the proportion of patients with occlusions of the ICA or MCA-M1; 3) the proportion of patients with a substantial penumbra and a DWI lesion <50mL; and 4) the absolute difference in the proportion of patients with reperfusion, defined as TICI 2B-3, between the endovascular treatment and control arms. Based on literature review we assumed a reperfusion rate of 20% in the control arms of IMS III and MR Rescue, a 50% prevalence of patients with substantial penumbra and DWI lesions<50 mL in IMS III, and a 75% prevalence in the penumbral arms of MR Rescue. Based on these model inputs, a 2.2% increase in GFO with endovascular therapy was expected in IMS III, which closely matches the observed 2.1% increase. For MR Rescue, the model predicted a 1.5% increase in GFO with endovascular therapy. Considering the small sample size, this equates to 0.5 additional patients with GFO which closely matches the observed result of 3 fewer patients with GFO. Conclusion: A simple model shows promise for estimating the treatment effect of endovascular stroke trials. It may be useful for the design of future trials and could lead to different inclusion criteria or larger sample sizes compared to the recently conducted studies.

Cultivating creative workplaces through mindfulness

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Keithline Byrne ◽  
Tojo Thatchenkery
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how mindfulness training impacts creativity with individuals in a workgroup and propose a methodology for future research. Design/methodology/approach The methodology developed drew on existing laboratory-based research and applied those designs in a real-world application. The sample participants were from a mid-sized real estate firm that included ten realtors and support staff, six in the treatment group and four in the comparison group. The study took place over 16 weeks where pre-test and post-test mindfulness and creativity assessments were administered. A five-week mindfulness training was conducted with the treatment group and following the post-tests with the comparison group. Findings Results indicated that the mindfulness training positively impacted creativity in the moment and over time. There was evidence that the mindfulness training positively impacted an individual’s level of attention and awareness in daily activities which is likely to influence creative outcomes in organizational settings. Research limitations/implications This study shows that it is possible to design experimental studies in work settings and contribute to the empirical research about mindfulness despite the widely held perception about scarcity of time and lack of access to do such research. The findings also build on existing literature and address some of the gaps in current research. The most notable limitation relates to the small sample size. Practical implications The finding affirms that even a short but consistent practice of mindfulness in organizations can lead to a measurable increase in creativity. Originality/value This empirical study adds value to existing literature by expanding laboratory-based methodology to a practical application. One of the unique aspects of this research relates to the sample population. This research was conducted with an intact workgroup and translates the insights gained from laboratory research to a potential benefit for an organization by applying a version of this methodology to enhance its workgroup creativity.

Risk factors in adolescents’ involvement in violent behaviours

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Baxendale ◽  
Leanne Lester ◽  
Robyn Johnston ◽  
Donna Cross
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Violent Media ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Associated

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine risk factors associated with Western Australian secondary school students’ involvement in violence-related behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – This cross-sectional study examined data collected using an anonymous self-completion questionnaire from 542 school students aged 13-17 years. The questionnaire measured risk factors associated with being a perpetrator and/or victim of violence-related behaviours. Findings – Gender was significantly associated with being a victim and perpetrator of violence-related behaviours. Males were significantly more likely than females to be a victim of threatening and physical violence at school, and to be a perpetrator of physical violence at school and in the community. Males were significantly more likely than females to watch violent media, with exposure to violent media associated with physically hurting someone at school. Students involved in greater acts of animal cruelty had increased odds of being involved in all forms of the violence measured. Research limitations/implications – Limitations such as the cross-sectional nature of the study and the small sample size are noted, along with suggestions for future research. Practical implications – Implications of the research for practitioners working with adolescents, with a particular focus on the school setting, are discussed. Originality/value – Most previously published research on adolescent involvement in violence has been conducted outside Australia, and as such, may not be directly applicable to the experiences of young people in Western Australia.

Perceptions of corporate social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fara Azmat ◽  
Ambika Zutshi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immigrant Entrepreneurs ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the understanding of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. It also seeks to investigate the importance the entrepreneurs place on CSR, their understanding of stakeholders, the types of CSR activities undertaken by them, and the issue of social capital.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs based in Victoria, Australia.FindingsThe interviewees were aware of the term CSR but, nevertheless, had different interpretations of its meaning. However, CSR was considered important and all the interviewees were, in some way, involved in CSR activities and also had a good understanding of the importance of their stakeholders. Findings also highlighted the significance attached to social capital by the entrepreneurs such as informal relationships and trustworthiness which build the intangible attributes of CSR. The present findings can be attributed to immigrant entrepreneurs behaving partly to adapt to the host country, by changing their beliefs, values, traditions and partly by being influenced by their home country culture as found in the extended part of this current study.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper addresses gaps in the fields of both CSR and immigrant entrepreneurship literature. However, the small sample size is a limitation and further research is required in order to generalize the findings.Originality/valueIt is important to have an understanding of the interpretation of social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs. Despite the steadily growing number of Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs and their potential impact on the Victorian and Australian socio‐economic context, this area remains under‐researched. This paper addresses this gap in the literature and makes an attempt to provide insight into this area that can be used as a catalyst for future research.

scholarly journals Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: the strange case of the two selves of clandestine drug users in Scotland

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iain McPhee ◽  
Chris Holligan ◽  
Robert McLean ◽  
Ross Deuchar
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Identity Management ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Controlled Drugs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the hidden social worlds of competent clandestine users of drugs controlled within the confines of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which now includes NPS substances. The authors explore how and in what way socially competent drug users differ from others who are visible to the authorities as criminals by criminal justice bureaucracies and known to treatment agencies as defined problem drug users. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative research utilises a bricoleur ethnographic methodology considered as a critical, multi-perspectival, multi-theoretical and multi-methodological approach to inquiry. Findings This paper challenges addiction discourses and, drawing upon empirical evidence, argues the user of controlled drugs should not be homogenised. Using several key strategies of identity management, drug takers employ a range of risk awareness and risk neutralisation techniques to protect self-esteem, avoid social affronts and in maintaining untainted identities. The authors present illicit drug use as one activity amongst other social activities that (some) people, conventionally, pursue. The findings from this study suggest that punitive drug policy, which links drug use with addiction, crime and antisocial behaviour, is inconsistent with the experience of the participants. Research limitations/implications Due to the small sample size (n=24) employed, the possibility that findings can be generalised is rendered difficult. However, generalisation was never an objective of the research; the experiences of this hidden population are deeply subjective and generalising findings and applying them to other populations would be an unproductive endeavour. While the research attempted to recruit an equal number of males and females to this research, gendered analysis was not a primary objective of this research. However, it is acknowledged that future research would greatly benefit from such a gendered focus. Practical implications The insights from the study may be useful in helping to inform future policy discourse on issues of drug use. In particular, the insights suggest that a more nuanced perspective should be adopted. This perspective should recognise the non-deviant identities of many drug users in the contemporary era, and challenge the use of a universally stigmatising discourse and dominance of prohibition narratives. Social implications It is envisaged that this paper will contribute to knowledge on how socially competent users of controlled drugs identify and manage the risks of moral, medical and legal censure. Originality/value The evidence in this paper indicates that drug use is an activity often associated with non-deviant, productive members of the population. However, the continuing dominance of stigmatising policy discourses often leads to drug users engaging in identity concealment within the context of a deeply capitalist Western landscape.

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