bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct oral anticoagulant adsorption and laboratory detection of lupus anticoagulant
Authors: Novelli Chiara , Pradella Paola , Papandrea Maria , Montaruli Barbara
Published: April 2023

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) interfere with many coagulation assays, mostly in lupus anticoagulant (LA) detection, causing false positive and negative results. Despite guidelines recommendations, LA testing may be important during anticoagulation when the clinician has to decide whether to prolong or discontinue the drug.

Objectives

In this study, the effect of activated charcoal (DOAC-Stop, DS) as a DOAC-adsorbent was investigated on samples from DOACs treated and untreated patients.

Basic methods

165 plasma samples with a LA request were collected in three laboratories: 105 were from patients receiving DOACs and 60 were from nonanticoagulated patients with 30 LA negative and 30 LA positive. All coagulation screening assays and LA assays were evaluated before and after DS treatment.

Results

The adsorption technique reduced DOACs concentration below the Lower Limit of Quantification. For nonanticoagulated patients: no significant difference in ratio results of coagulation screening (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time) and LA tests were observed before and after addition of DS in LA positive and negative patients. Every LA was correctly classified. For anticoagulated patients: a statistically significant difference was found for coagulation screening assays and LA assays. Final LA conclusions changed after DS addition from positive to negative in 58.9% of patients (more frequently with Rivaroxaban) and from negative to positive in 8% of patients (more frequently with Apixaban).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that DOAC-Stop can be used in daily laboratory practice to remove DOACs interference for a more accurate assessment of LA that is essential for diagnosis and management of APS patients.
Brief Report: Prevalence and Predictors of Concern About Anal Cancer Among Sexual and Gender Minorites Living With HIV in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Chama John , Adebiyi Ruxton , Volpi Connor , Ononaku Uche , Maigida John , Aka Abayomi , Katu Christiana , Shutt Ashley , Charurat Man , Adebajo Sylvia , Nowak Rebecca G.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Anal cancer rates are rising among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) who live with HIV and engage in anal sex. Given that secondary cancer prevention programs for nonanal cancers are underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa, our objective was to assess concerns for anal cancer and hesitancy with cancer prevention among at-risk Nigerian SGM.

Methods:

Within 4 weeks, SGM living with HIV were surveyed on levels of worry and hesitancy in engaging with a future anal cancer screening and treatment study. Worry was measured on a 5-point Likert scale (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) and categorized as low ≤25%, moderate 50%, and high ≥75%. Ordinal logistic regression identified factors associated with worry by estimating unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results:

Of 800 enrolled SGM, median age was 32 (interquartile range: 25–38) years, 99.2% were on antiretroviral therapy, of which 78.5% reported ≥95% pill adherence. The prevalence of moderate and high worry was 46.9% and 39.5%, respectively. Increasing worry was associated with reporting as a bottom for sexual position (aOR: 3.12; 95% CI: 2.04 to 4.80), top or bottom for sexual position (aOR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.92 to 4.52), or knowing anyone with anal cancer (aOR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.36 to 6.57). Participants aged ≥35 years were less worried (aOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.95). Ninety-nine percent of participants provided contact information for a future cancer prevention study.

Discussion:

SGM who heard about and engaged in at-risk practices for anal cancer were willing to access secondary prevention. Addressing biopsychosocial factors such as age could foster future engagement.
Internal Thoracic Vein Tumor Thrombus From Sternal Melanoma Metastasis on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Ensle Falko , Schaab Jan A. , Dimitriou Florentia , Huellner Martin W. , Maurer Alexander
Published: April 2023

We present 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of an internal thoracic vein tumor thrombus from melanoma in a 76-year-old woman. Restaging 18F-FDG PET/CT shows a progressive disease with an internal thoracic vein tumor thrombus from a sternal bone metastasis. Although cutaneous malignant melanoma may metastasize to any body part, a direct tumor invasion of veins and the formation of a tumor thrombus represent an extremely rare complication.
Incidental Meningioma With Altered PSMA Expression After Systemic Hormone Therapy and Local Radiotherapy Detected by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Tamer Fatih , Omur Ozgur
Published: April 2023

A 59-year-old man underwent radical prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma in 2009. Because of the progression of PSA levels, a 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan was performed in January 2020. A suspicious uptake was detected in the left cerebellar hemisphere, and there was no evidence of distant metastatic disease other than recurrent malignancy in the prostatectomy bed. MRI revealed a meningioma located in the left cerebellopontine angle. Although PSMA uptake of the lesion increased in the first imaging after hormone therapy, partial regression was noted after radiotherapy applied to this region.
HEMOPERFUSION USING THE LPS-SELECTIVE MESOPOROUS POLYMERIC ADSORBENT IN SEPTIC SHOCK: A MULTICENTER RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Authors: Rey Sergei , Kulabukhov Vladimir M. , Popov Alexander , Nikitina Olga , Berdnikov Gennady , Magomedov Marat , Kim Timur , Masolitin Sergei , Ignatenko Olga , Krotenko Nikolai , Marysheva Anastasia , Chaus Nikolai , Ohinko Leonid , Mendibaev Makarii , Chumachenko Anastasia , Pisarev Vladimir
Published: April 2023

Extracorporeal hemoperfusion (EHP) may improve the course and outcomes of patients with septic shock by targeting cytokines or bacterial endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Here, we present the results of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04827407) to assess the efficiency and safety of Efferon LPS hemoperfusion cartridges engineered for multimodal targeting LPS, host-derived cytokine, and damage-associated molecule pattern molecules. Patients with intra-abdominal sepsis (IAS) and septic shock (Sepsis-3) were subjected to EHP procedures (n = 38). Control patients with IAS and septic shock (n = 20) were treated using conventional protocols without EHP. The primary end point was resolution of septic shock. Secondary end points included MAP, vasopressor drug dose, partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and satisfaction with device use by a 5-point Likert scale. Clinical laboratory tests for a blood cells count, lactate and creatinine concentration, nephelometry test for C-reactive protein, immunochemiluminescent test for procalcitonin, and immunoenzyme analysis for IL-6 concentration were used to monitor the EHP effect versus the control group. Data were analyzed followed the intention-to-treat approach. Wilcoxon STATA 16.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX) and Excel 2019 with XLStat 2019 add-in (Addinsoft, Paris, France) were used for statistical analysis of the results. The Fine and Gray method of competing risks was used to analyze the primary end point and other data representing the time to event. EHP resulted in a significant and rapid increase in MAP and partial pressure arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, progressive decline in norepinephrine doses, and multiorgan deficiency, as evaluated by Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. Importantly, EHP led to significantly rapid cumulative mechanical ventilation weaning compared with the control group (subdistribution hazard ratio, 2.5; P = 0.037). Early 3-day mortality was significantly reduced in the Efferon LPS versus control group; however, no significant improvements in survival in 14 and 28 days were revealed. Laboratory tests showed rapidly decreased levels of LPS, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, IL-6, creatinine, leukocytes, and neutrophils only in the Efferon LPS group. Results demonstrate that EHP with Efferon LPS is a safe procedure to abrogate septic shock and normalize clinical and pathogenically relevant biomarkers in patients with IAS.
Early VTE prophylaxis in severe traumatic brain injury: A propensity score weighted EAST multicenter study
Authors: Ratnasekera Asanthi M. , Kim Daniel , Seng Sirivan S. , Jacovides Christina , Kaufman Elinore J. , Sadek Hannah M. , Perea Lindsey L. , Monaco Christina , Shnaydman Ilya , Lee Alexandra Jeongyoon , Sharp Victoria , Miciura Angela , Trevizo Eric , Rosenthal Martin , Lottenberg Lawrence , Zhao William , Keininger Alicia , Hunt Michele , Cull John , Balentine Chassidy , Egodage Tanya , Mohamed Aleem , Kincaid Michelle , Doris Stephanie , Cotterman Robert , Seegert Sara , Jacobson Lewis E. , Williams Jamie , Whitmill Melissa , Palmer Brandi , Mentzer Caleb , Tackett Nichole , Hranjec Tjasa , Dougherty Thomas , Morrissey Shawna , Donatelli-Seyler Lauren , Rushing Amy , Tatebe Leah C. , Nevill Tiffany J. , Aboutanos Michel B. , Hamilton David , Redmond Diane , Cullinane Daniel C. , Falank Carolyne , McMellen Mark , Duran Christ , Daniels Jennifer , Ballow Shana , Schuster Kevin , Ferrada Paula
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of venous thromboembolism events (VTE). We hypothesized that early chemical VTE prophylaxis initiation (≤24 hours of a stable head CT) in severe TBI would reduce VTE without increasing risk of intracranial hemorrhage expansion (ICHE).

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult patients 18 years or older with isolated severe TBI (Abbreviated Injury Scale score, ≥ 3) who were admitted to 24 Level I and Level II trauma centers from January 1, 2014 to December 31 2020 was conducted. Patients were divided into those who did not receive any VTE prophylaxis (NO VTEP), who received VTE prophylaxis ≤24 hours after stable head CT (VTEP ≤24) and who received VTE prophylaxis >24 hours after stable head CT (VTEP>24). Primary outcomes were VTE and ICHE. Covariate balancing propensity score weighting was utilized to balance demographic and clinical characteristics across three groups. Weighted univariate logistic regression models were estimated for VTE and ICHE with patient group as predictor of interest.

RESULTS

Of 3,936 patients, 1,784 met inclusion criteria. Incidences of VTE was significantly higher in the VTEP>24 group, with higher incidences of DVT in the group. Higher incidences of ICHE were observed in the VTEP≤24 and VTEP>24 groups. After propensity score weighting, there was a higher risk of VTE in patients in VTEP >24 compared with those in VTEP≤24 (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.69–3.30; p = 0.307), however was not significant. Although, the No VTEP group had decreased odds of having ICHE compared with VTEP≤24 (odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–1.02, p = 0.070), the result was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

In this large multi-center analysis, there were no significant differences in VTE based on timing of initiation of VTE prophylaxis. Patients who never received VTE prophylaxis had decreased odds of ICHE. Further evaluation of VTE prophylaxis in larger randomized studies will be necessary for definitive conclusions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Care Management; Level III.
Majestic tigers: personality structure in the great Amur cat
Authors: Arden Rosalind , Abdellaoui Abdel , Li Qian , Zheng Yao , Wang Dengfeng , Su Yanjie
Published: April 2023

We explore individual differences in tiger personality. We first asked—is there evidence of personality dimensions (analogous to the Big Five in human personality research) in the Amur tiger? We then asked, are any discoverable personality dimensions associated with measured outcomes, including group status, health and mating frequency? 152 of our participating tigers live in the world's largest semi-wild tiger sanctuary in North Eastern China. Our second sample of 96 tigers also lives in a sanctuary. Having two samples allowed us to assess the replicability of the personality dimensions or factors reported in our first sample. We found that two factors (explaining 21% and 17% of the variance among items) which we call, for descriptive ease, Majesty and Steadiness, provide the best fit to the data. Tigers that score higher on Majesty are healthier, eat more live prey, have higher group status (among other tigers as assessed by human raters) and mate more often. We provide some ethological context to put flesh on the quantitative bones of our findings concerning these magnificent and charismatic animals.
An oseltamivir-resistant avian H1N1 influenza A virus can transmit from mallards to chickens similarly to a wild-type strain: implications for the risk of resistance transmission to humans
Authors: Skog Erik , Nykvist Marie , Naguib Mahmoud M. , Wille Michelle , Bröjer Caroline , Agarwal Viktoria , Ellström Patrik , Westman Gabriel , Lundkvist Åke , Järhult Josef D.
Published: April 2023

The neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) oseltamivir is stockpiled globally as part of influenza pandemic preparedness. However, oseltamivir carboxylate (OC) resistance develops in avian influenza virus (AIV) infecting mallards exposed to environmental-like OC concentrations, suggesting that environmental resistance is a real concern. Herein we used an in vivo model to investigate if avian influenza H1N1 with the OC-resistant mutation NA-H274Y (51833/H274Y) as compared to the wild-type (wt) strain (51833 /wt) could transmit from mallards, which would potentially be exposed to environmentally contaminated environments, to and between chickens, thus posing a potential zoonotic risk of antiviral-resistant AIV. Regardless of whether the virus had the OC-resistant mutation or not, chickens became infected both through experimental infection, and following exposure to infected mallards. We found similar infection patterns between 51833/wt and 51833/H274Y such that, one chicken inoculated with 51833/wt and three chickens inoculated with 51833/H274Y were AIV positive in oropharyngeal samples more than 2 days consecutively, indicating true infection, and one contact chicken exposed to infected mallards was AIV positive in faecal samples for 3 consecutive days (51833/wt) and another contact chicken for 4 consecutive days (51833/H274Y). Importantly, all positive samples from chickens infected with 51833/H274Y retained the NA-H274Y mutation. However, none of the virus strains established sustained transmission in chickens, likely due to insufficient adaptation to the chicken host. Our results demonstrate that an OC-resistant avian influenza virus can transmit from mallards and replicate in chickens. NA-H274Y does not constitute a barrier to interspecies transmission per se, as the resistant virus did not show reduced replicative capacity compared to the wild-type counterpart. Thus, responsible use of oseltamivir and surveillance for resistance development is warranted to limit the risk of an OC-resistant pandemic strain.
X-ray powder diffraction in education. Part II. Intensity of a powder pattern
Authors: Dinnebier Robert , Scardi Paolo
Published: April 2023

This article is the second part of a series dealing with the description and visualization of mathematical functions used to describe a powder diffraction pattern for teaching and education purposes. The first part dealt with the instrumental and sample contributions to the profile of a Bragg peak [Dinnebier & Scardi (2021). J. Appl. Cryst.
54, 1811–1831]. The second part, here, deals with the mathematics and physics of the intensity in X-ray powder diffraction. Scholarly scripts are again provided using the Wolfram language in Mathematica.
Crystal and molecular structure of 4-fluoro-1H-pyrazole at 150 K
Authors: Ahmed Basil M. , Zeller Matthias , Mezei Gellert
Published: April 2023

Only two 4-halo-1H-pyrazole crystal structures are known to date (chloro and bromo, the structure of 4-iodo-1H-pyrazole has not been reported yet). The triclinic structure of 4-fluoro-1H-pyrazole, C3H3FN2 (P\overline{1}), reported here is not isomorphous with those of the chloro and bromo analogues (which are isomorphous, orthorhombic Pnma). To avoid sublimation during the measurement, diffraction data were collected at 150 K. Two crystallographically unique 4-fluoro-1H-pyrazole moieties linked by an N—H...N hydrogen bond are found in the asymmetric unit. Unlike the trimeric supramolecular motifs found in the structures of the chloro and bromo analogues, 4-fluoro-1H-pyrazole forms one-dimensional chains by intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the crystal.
Exchange rates, bond yields and the stock market: nonlinear evidence of Indonesia during the COVID-19 period
Authors: Prananta Billy , Alexiou Constantinos
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The authors explore the relationship between the exchange rate, bond yield and the stock market as well as the effect of capital market dynamics on the exchange rate before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ a non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) methodology using daily data of the Indonesian economy over the period 2012–2021.

Findings

Whilst, over the full sample period, the authors find no cointegration between the exchange rate, the 10-year bond yield and stock market, for the COVID-19 period, evidence of cointegration is present. Furthermore, the results suggest that asymmetric effects are evident both in the short as well as the long run.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the relationship between the exchange rate, bond yield and the stock market as well as the effect of capital market dynamics on the exchange rate before and during the COVID-19 pandemic has been explored in the case of the Indonesian economy.
Assessing business process models: a literature review on techniques for BPMN testing and formal verification
Authors: Lopes Tomás , Guerreiro Sérgio
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Testing business processes is crucial to assess the compliance of business process models with requirements. Automating this task optimizes testing efforts and reduces human error while also providing improvement insights for the business process modeling activity. The primary purposes of this paper are to conduct a literature review of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) testing and formal verification and to propose the Business Process Evaluation and Research Framework for Enhancement and Continuous Testing (bPERFECT) framework, which aims to guide business process testing (BPT) research and implementation. Secondary objectives include (1) eliciting the existing types of testing, (2) evaluating their impact on efficiency and (3) assessing the formal verification techniques that complement testing.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is based on Kitchenham's (2004) original procedures for conducting systematic literature reviews.

Findings

Results of this study indicate that three distinct business process model testing types can be found in the literature: black/gray-box, regression and integration. Testing and verification approaches differ in aspects such as awareness of test data, coverage criteria and auxiliary representations used. However, most solutions pose notable hindrances, such as BPMN element limitations, that lead to limited practicality.

Research limitations/implications

The databases selected in the review protocol may have excluded relevant studies on this topic. More databases and gray literature could also be considered for inclusion in this review.

Originality/value

Three main originality aspects are identified in this study as follows: (1) the classification of process model testing types, (2) the future trends foreseen for BPMN model testing and verification and (3) the bPERFECT framework for testing business processes.
Key residential construction defects: a framework for their identification and correlated causes
Authors: Lambers Rebeca , Lamari Fiona , Skitmore Martin , Rajendra Darmicka
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Construction defects are one of the primary causes of deficient quality performance and constantly yield project cost and schedule overruns mostly because of rework. This study aims to propose a new method for identifying a bespoke checklist of the most recurrent defects in residential construction work and their correlated causes as a basis for developing a framework for practical improvements in managing defect risks.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was first used to ground the defects within the existing theory and develop a new framework for ranking the key defects involved. This was demonstrated and tested by an analysis of Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC) archival data for 42,000 reported defects in new Queensland residential buildings. A questionnaire survey of 427 construction practitioners from 37 trades was then conducted to determine their causes.

Findings

The developed framework consists of preconditions for defective acts, defective supervision and organizational influences and is found to be suitable for analyzing the QBCC archives to rank the 20 most frequent defects. In the demonstration study, a questionnaire survey identified the highest frequency latent causes of defective acts to be workers taking shortcuts to complete tasks, workers’ lack of skill or knowledge level, challenges and limitations of technical constructability, and incorrect material supply; the failure to correct a known problem and poor supervision for defective supervision; and inadequate employee training, low managerial priority for quality and high time pressure and constraints for organizational influences.

Originality/value

The method is a new approach to identifying the key defects in residential construction work and their correlated causes for developing bespoke checklists as an aid to in managing defect risks.
Development paths of people’s sustainable livelihood based on climate change: a case study of Yunnan minority areas
Authors: Wu Jiaxin , Liu Lei , Yang Hongjuan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of climate change in Yunnan minority areas and identify an effective path to promote sustainable livelihoods based on climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking Yunnan Province as an example, based on the expansion of the traditional sustainable livelihood framework, the authors constructed a system dynamics (SD) model of sustainable livelihood from the six subsystems of natural, physical, financial, social, human and cultural and tested the accuracy and effectiveness of the model with data from Cangyuan County. By adjusting these parameters, five development paths are designed to simulate the future situation of the livelihood system and determine the optimal path.

Findings

Climate change has exacerbated the vulnerability of people’s livelihoods. In future, each of the five development paths will be advantageous for promoting sustainable livelihoods. However, compared with Path I (maintaining the status quo), Path III (path of giving priority to culture) and Path IV (path of giving priority to economic development) have more obvious advantages. Path II (path of giving priority to people’s lives) gradually increases the development rate by promoting people’s endogenous motivation, and Path V (path of coordinated development) is better than the other paths because of its more balanced consideration.

Originality/value

The analytical framework of sustainable livelihoods based on the characteristics of minority areas is broadened. By constructing a SD model of the livelihood system, the limitations of traditional static analysis have been overcome and a development path for promoting sustainable livelihoods through simulation is proposed. This study offers a theoretical framework and reference method for livelihood research against the backdrop of climate change and a decision-making basis for enhancing climate adaptability and realizing sustainable livelihoods.
Advancing research on project management in hybrid organizations: insights from the social enterprise literature
Authors: Jewer Jennifer , Jugdev Kam , Amini Mohammad Farshad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the challenges of managing projects in hybrid organizations. The authors explore how organizations with persistent competing institutional logics strive to balance competing priorities, and the authors craft a research agenda to examine the capabilities to manage projects in hybrid organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the social enterprise hybrid organizational form to study how such organizations manage persistent competing social and economic logics. The authors review the project management and social enterprise literature to generate new insights and suggest future research directions for theory development for project management.

Findings

The understanding of the influences of the institutional context on the management of projects is still quite limited. The authors propose that project managers need adaptive capabilities to address how the dual logics, and their corresponding different expectations, can be flexibly combined. The objective is not to reduce the complexity due to the different logics, which is the focus of much of the literature on institutional complexity. Instead, the focus is on how to incorporate dual logics into a successfully blended hybrid organization.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature about how projects are successfully managed in hybrid organizations with persistent competing institutional logics, like social enterprises, and important questions remain to be answered. This paper offers new insights on the capabilities required to flexibly combine dual logics that would generally compete and create conflict on projects in hybrid organizations.
Agility adaptability and alignment in start-ups
Authors: Sreenivasan Aswathy , Suresh M.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

When coping with uncertainties, three characteristics distinguish firms: agility, adaptability and alignment (triple-A). Based on significant field research, the triple-A highlights the significance of coordinating agility, adaptability and alignment. Start-ups are facing a lot of challenges in this turbulent environment. However, this sector is undergoing a major transformation. Agility, adaptability and alignment concepts have had a major influence on the supply chain, but their implementation in start-ups has been less visible. This paper aims to identify, analyze and categorize the enablers for agility, adaptability and alignment in start-ups using the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to the scheduled interview, a closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data. To identify how the factors interact, the TISM technique is used, and the Matriced’Impacts Croises-Multipication Applique’ and Classment method is used to rank and categorize the agility, adaptability and alignment enablers.

Findings

This study identified ten agility, adaptability and alignment factors for start-ups. It has been found that the key importance should be given to management involvement, conflict management, collaboration and information integration.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily focused on the agility, adaptability and alignment factors in start-ups.

Practical implications

This study will help academics and key stakeholders understand the aspects that lead to agility, adaptability and alignment in start-ups.

Originality/value

Agility, adaptability and alignment concepts have had a major influence on the supply chain, but their implementation in start-ups has been less visible. Therefore, this is a novel attempt in this industry’s agility, adaptability and alignment.
Drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Amponsah-Tawiah Kwesi , Lartey Joshua King Safo , Suleman Abdul-Razak
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Anchored with turbulence emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, the work environment has become more stressful with debilitating effects on the well-being of employees. Employees rely on varying means of coping including drug abuse. However, the association between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees in Ghana is unknown. Therefore, this study sought to examine the relationship between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts among employees in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-sectional survey, this study purposively sampled 470 employees from three sectors of the Ghanaian economy (telecommunication, banking and manufacturing). The data was analysed using the multivariate analysis (MANOVA), Pearson’s r test and hierarchical regression.

Findings

Analysis of data revealed a positive relationship between drug abuse and suicidal thoughts, indicating that drug abuse is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts. Besides, it was also revealed that banking sector employees have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts than employees in the telecommunication and manufacturing sectors.

Practical implications

Managers of organisations need to redesign work to embrace the challenging circumstances brought about as a result of COVID-19 and post-COVID implications. The work environment needs to be more supportive to shield employees from the physical and emotional demands of work during and after this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today than ever, investment in the implementation of employee-assisted programmes (EAPs) and employee well-being programmes (EWPs) to equip employees with the needed skills to cope with stressful conditions has been more than justified.

Originality/value

From a broader perspective, this study identifies drug abuse as a key risk factor for suicidal thoughts among employees, thereby highlighting the fact that smoking cessation programs and drug management therapies are an integral part of well-being programmes aimed at establishing equilibrium and gradually creating a wide gap between employees and suicidal thoughts.
Exploring the domain of relationship between happiness management in organizations and the environment
Authors: Rando Cueto Dolores , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen , Jiménez-Marín Gloria , Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia P.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Organizational happiness has received exponential attention in recent years. To offer an over-view for future research gap, this article produces a comprehensive review by combining bibliometric analysis and interviews to key authors in the field. The main objective of this paper is to show the state of research regarding the environment in the management of happiness in organizations: the evolution of scientific activity, current trends in authorship, topics and future setting research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological process focuses on a mixed method. A systematic review of the relevant literature; bibliometric analysis and network mapping in the Web of Science and Scopus data-bases; bibliometric network analysis of authorship, citation and co-occurrence of key words in scientific publications.

Findings

The results reveal that happiness management is gaining importance and, moreover, more than half of the publications about happiness management are related to the environment in which the organizations are immersed. Therefore, the study provides some research directions and insists on role of environment to better understand the theoretical and practical perspectives. Likewise, bibliometric analysis and interviews allow to measure quality, impact, productivity and scientific evolution which are increasingly valued in order to identify the main concepts and topics that are considered key, drivers of research and those gaps that should be addressed in future research work for the conceptual framework of happiness management in organizations.

Originality/value

Conclusions are drawn that promoting corporate social responsibility strategies, aimed at fostering sustainability and care for the environment result in the well-being of organizations and the performance of their workers are highlighted.
Trafficking trauma: a review on the psychological effects of human trafficking
Authors: Pascale Raluca Ioana , Tzani Calli , Ioannou Maria , Williams Thomas James Vaughan , Hunt Daniel
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychological consequences of human trafficking and to reveal the importance of appropriate post-trafficking psychological interventions. Specifically, this study provides a detailed analysis of human trafficking categories, as well as the characteristics of victims and traffickers’ motives. More recent data in the literature show that trauma-coerced attachments and complex post-traumatic stress disorder are also observed among trafficking survivors.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the mentioned mental disorders is presented separately, and results are discussed throughout this study. Consequently, psychological interventions are proposed in accordance with the human trafficking category, survivors’ characteristics and needs and with the relevant personal risk factors determined among victims.

Findings

Sex trafficking can have a severe effect on a victim’s mental health, and mental health disorders are substantially higher in human trafficking victims compared to non-trafficked victims or general psychiatric population. Limitations, implications and future recommendations are discussed.

Originality/value

A limited number of past studies evaluated the mental health consequences and identified that survivors have a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, depression disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How does the hospitality industry integrate heritage?
Authors: Munjal Parul G.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to highlight the importance of nurturing heritage from the perspective of hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs in countries such as India that have a wealth of natural and cultural heritage resources. The intent is to bring out intersections of heritage and hospitality and place these in the context of global and local issues and concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

Heritage has been outlined in a broad and inclusive manner, to include not only tangible natural and cultural resources but also intangible oral histories, processes and practices embedded in traditional knowledge. Secondary sources are used to represent trends mapped in other studies though the main narrative is derived from gaps and opportunities observed by the author, both as a heritage expert and consumer of heritage hospitality.

Findings

There are three areas where the hospitality industry intersects with heritage in the current context, namely, awareness of heritage resources and integration of these in curating creative visitor experiences, incorporating traditional sustainable practices in the operating procedures of hospitality services, and in fostering heritage entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This viewpoint should be of interest to researchers, academics and practitioners with a hospitality background as they seek creative ways of bringing heritage and traditional knowledge into mainstream hospitality education and practice, based on more systematic inquiry and exploration.
Mechanisms and consequences of infection‐induced phenotypes
Authors: Nadler Lauren E. , Adamo Shelley A. , Hawley Dana M. , Binning Sandra A.
Published: April 2023

Researchers studying animal phenotypes often overlook the potential influence of parasites hiding inside their study organisms. Yet, most wild animals host parasites, which can alter individual phenotypes (e.g. morphology, physiology, behaviour).

Infection‐induced phenotypes stem from several nonmutually exclusive mechanisms (i.e. adaptive host defences, infection‐induced debilitation and host manipulation by parasites), driven by parasites and/or hosts.

Changes in host phenotype can impact all levels of biological organization, from cells to communities. The nature and magnitude of these effects can vary depending on the biotic and abiotic environmental factors experienced by hosts and parasites.

This special feature highlights recent insights into the ways parasites alter host phenotypes across a range of systems. Here, we contextualize how each contribution expands our knowledge of the role of parasites in driving individual variation in animal phenotypes.

Looking to the future, we need to better understand how infection‐induced phenotypes fluctuate with natural variation in infection (e.g. infection intensity, coinfection) and whether studies in laboratory‐based environments provide strong proxies for host–parasite interactions in the wild. The time is ripe to acknowledge, critique and discuss the implications of infection on host phenotypes across taxonomic boundaries and biological levels of organization.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Hiding in plain sight: IDP's protection strategies after closing Juba's protection of civilian sites
Authors: Janguan Tot , Kirk Tom
Published: April 2023

This article examines how former Protection of Civilian site (PoCs) residents are staying safe and protecting themselves after the United Nations Mission in South Sudan's (UNMISS) handing over of the PoCs to the Revitalised‐Transitional Government of National Unity (R‐TGoNU). Using key informant interviews, questionnaires, and observations, we establish that those still residing in the PoCs do so with less humanitarian assistance, increased insecurity, and few authorities they can rely upon or turn to for protection. In response, it is shown how camp residents have developed their own safety and protection strategies at the cost of their ability to pursue livelihoods, move freely outside of the camps, and publicly express their identities. Although broadly stable, this situation is unsustainable and risks the safety of camp residents and the wider ongoing peace process. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for humanitarians and R‐TGoNU policymakers interested in their welfare.
Osimertinib combined with bevacizumab as the first‐line treatment in non‐small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastasis harboring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations
Authors: Zhang Ling , You Yunhong , Liu Xueli , Liu Fengjuan , Nie Keke , Ji Youxin
Published: April 2023

Background

The efficacy and safety of osimertinib combined with bevacizumab in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have not been fully studied.

Methods

Treatment‐naïve NSCLC patients with brain metastasis harboring EGFR‐activating mutations were treated with osimertinib 80 mg oral daily and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenously on day 1, repeated every 21 days, until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or death. The primary endpoint was the median progression‐free survival (mPFS), and the secondary endpoints were the median overall survival (mOS), response rates, and toxicities. This study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05104281) and is ongoing.

Results

A total of 52 Chinese patients were enrolled, of whom 17 harbored EGFR 19 del and 35 harbored EGFR L858R mutation. The objective response rate (ORR) was 75.0% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 96.2%; the mPFS was 17.0 months (95% CI: 11.46–22.54), while the mOS was not reached. The mPFS was 20.0 months (95% CI: 14.56–25.44) and was 17.0 months (95% CI: 13.28–20.72) for patients harboring EGFR 19 del and EGFR L858R mutation (p = 0.844), respectively. The intracranial ORR was 82.7%, and the intracranial mPFS was 22.0 months (95% CI: 2.92–41.08).The main adverse events were mild‐to‐moderate hand‐foot syndrome, diarrhea, hypertension, and proteinuria. Three patients developed grade III proteinuria, while five patients developed grade III hypertension; they permanently discontinued bevacizumab treatment.

Conclusions

Osimertinib combined with bevacizumab shows promising results in EGFR‐mutated NSCLC patients with brain metastasis, and the side effects are tolerable.
Estimating the effect of time‐invariant characteristics in panel data: wheat adoption in Western Canada
Authors: Syme Jennifer , An Henry , Torshizi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

A growing global population and the challenges of climate change have made the need to develop new and improved wheat varieties increasingly important. Creating varieties that are more disease resistant and tolerant to changing environmental conditions such that they will be widely adopted requires breeders to understand the needs of producers. Existing literature suggests that time‐invariant traits such as disease resistance and brand matter in crop adoption decisions; however, studies using common panel data approaches are unable to identify the individual effects of time‐invariant variables, as they are captured by fixed effects dummies. This study uses a recently developed econometric approach—the fixed effects filter model—that can estimate the effects of time‐variant, slowly changing, and time‐invariant traits. Using wheat variety adoption in the Canadian Prairies as our empirical setting, we find that both time‐variant traits, such as varietal adaptability, and time‐invariant traits, such as resistance to stripe rust infection, are positively correlated with adoption. We also find that seed brand has a statistically significant effect on adoption. Prior panel data studies on crop adoption have not given much consideration to time‐invariant variety characteristics like disease tolerance and seed brand, but a better understanding of their impact on adoption can assist breeders in responding to emerging problems, particularly new diseases, more quickly and more efficiently. This will also enhance the work by crop research institutions, prevent considerable economic loss to farmers, and improve crop production.
Disturbances in sodium and chloride homeostasis predict outcome in stable and critically ill patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Semmler Georg , Scheiner Bernhard , Balcar Lorenz , Paternostro Rafael , Simbrunner Benedikt , Pinter Matthias , Trauner Michael , Bofill Roig Marta , Meyer Elias Laurin , Hofer Benedikt Silvester , Mandorfer Mattias , Pinato David James , Zauner Christian , Reiberger Thomas , Funk Georg‐Christian
Published: April 2023

Background

Hyponatremia has prognostic implications in patients with cirrhosis, and thus, has been incorporated in the 2016 MELD‐UNOS update. Changes in serum chloride are commonly perceived as ‘just’ parallel to changes in serum sodium. However, these are less well studied in the context of cirrhosis.

Aims

To investigate whether serum chloride independently predicts outcomes in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) and stable clinical course or with critical illness.

Methods

891 patients with ACLD (defined by hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mm Hg) were followed after HVPG measurement between 2003 and 2020 (ACLD cohort). 181 critically ill patients with cirrhosis admitted to the ICU between 2004 and 2007 were recruited for the ICU cohort. Hypo−/hypernatremia (normal: 136–145 mmol/L) and hypo−/hyperchloremia (normal: 98–107 mmol/L) at baseline were assessed.

Results

ACLD cohort: 68% of male patients with a median MELD (adjusted for Na) of 11 (9–17) were included (Child‐Pugh‐stages‐A/B/C: 46%/38%/16%) and followed for a median of 60 months. Lower serum chloride (adjusted average HR per mmol/L: 0.965 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.945–0.986], p = 0.001) showed a significant association with hepatic decompensation/liver‐related mortality on multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, HVPG, albumin and MELD. In line, hypochloremia was significantly associated with hepatic decompensation/liver‐related mortality (adjusted average HR: 1.656 [95% CI:1.267–2.163], p < 0.001).

ICU cohort: 70% of patients were male, median MELD was 31(22–39) at ICU admission (92% with Child‐Pugh‐stage‐C). After adjusting for hypo−/hypernatremia, MELD, and blood pH, hypochloremia remained independently associated with ICU‐mortality (aOR Cl: 3.200 [95%CI: 1.209–8.829], p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Hypochloremia is associated with increased mortality in clinically stable and critically ill patients with cirrhosis independently of MELD including serum sodium.
Interacting with global refugee complexity and wresting control: Shan refugees and migrants in Thailand
Authors: Nillsuwan Benjamas
Published: April 2023

The changes in Thailand's policy on labor migrant control appeared optimistic for refugee and human rights issues in recent years. This article argues that such positive adjustment is to take control of refugees and migrants outside the space of the global refugee regime. Using the case of Chiang Mai, Thailand, it discussed how the movement of Shan people in this area indicates mixed migration and how the Thai authorities and local Thais' views of them affect their status in Thailand. It examined the role of international norms that influence Thailand's policy and treatment of the Shan refugees and migrants in education and healthcare. Recent adjustments demonstrated that the Thai government began altering migration restrictions, although this is an attempt to seize control. In the refugee regime complexity, Thailand interacts with the regimes in two areas: education and healthcare, to maintain the control and manageability of refugees and migrants.
Vascular closure devices in living‐donor nephrectomy: a much‐needed systematic review and meta‐analysis focusing on safety
Authors: Burgos Revilla Francisco Javier , Artiles Medina Alberto , Domínguez Gutiérrez Ana , Muriel García Alfonso , Figueiredo Arnaldo , Gómez Dos Santos Victoria
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess the safety of vascular closure devices in living‐donor nephrectomy (LDN), as staplers and non‐transfixion techniques (polymer locking and metal clips) are the methods employed to secure the renal vessels during laparoscopic and robotic LDN, but the use of clips has come into question since the United States Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers issued a contraindication.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to assess the safety of vascular closure devices (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews [PROSPERO] registration: CRD42022364349). The PubMed, Scopus, the Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), and the Literatura Latino‐Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) databases were searched in September 2022. For comparative and non‐comparative studies, incidence estimates and odds ratios (ORs), respectively, for the main variables regarding safety of vascular closure devices were pooled by using random effects meta‐analyses. Quality assessment of the included comparative studies was conducted using the Risk Of Bias In Non‐randomised Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I) tool.

Results

Of the 863 articles obtained, data were retrieved from 44 studies, which included 42 902 patients. In non‐comparative studies, the pooled estimate rates for device failure, severe haemorrhage rate, conversion to open surgery, and mortality were similar for both clips and staplers. Regarding the meta‐analyses for comparative studies (three studies), there were no significant differences between the two groups for the severe haemorrhage rate (OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18–1.75; P = 0.33), conversion to open surgery (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.08–1.54; P = 0.16), or death rate (OR 3.64, 95% CI 0.47–28.45; P = 0.22). Based on weak evidence, device failure was lower in the polymer clip group (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23–0.75; P = 0.00).

Conclusions

This study has confirmed that there is no evidence for the superiority of any vascular closure device in terms of safety in LDN. Standardised recommendations for vascular control in this context should be carefully designed and prospectively evaluated.