bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy in East Asian patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Sun Yuchao , Liu Xiaohua , Xu Yizhou
Published: July 2020

Objective

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is still controversial among East Asians. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-term (≤6 months) vs. long-term (≥12 months) DAPT in East Asians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles published up to 30 March 2020. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Nine studies with a total of 20 177 East Asian patients were included in this meta-analysis. In East Asian patients, short-term DAPT was associated with a lower incidence of major bleeding [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.49, 0.99), P = 0.04]. In the newer-generation DES subgroup, short-term DAPT was no less effective than long-term DAPT and resulted in a lower incidence of major bleeding [OR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.49, 0.98), P = 0.04]. In the subgroup of patients with acute coronary syndrome, there was no significant difference in the incidence of cardiac death, net adverse clinical and cerebral events (NACCE) and major bleeding between short-term and long-term DAPT. It was worth noting that in the subgroup of patients with diabetes mellitus, short-term DAPT was associated with a higher incidence of myocardial infarction [OR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.19, 5.88), P = 0.02] and NACCE [OR = 1.92, 95% CI (1.07, 3.43), P = 0.03].

Conclusion

The short-term DAPT (≤6 months) might be a better choice for East Asian patients undergoing PCI with DES, especially the newer-generation DES. However, for high-risk patients such as diabetes, the analysis supported the longer DAPT.
Do Water-aided Techniques Improve Serrated Polyp Detection Rate During Colonoscopy?
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Mehta Tej I. , Weissman Simcha , Sharma Sachit , Fatima Rawish , Khan Zubair , Dasari Chandra S. , Lee-Smith Wade , Nawras Ali , Adler Douglas G.
Published: July 2020

Background and Study Aims:

The utility of water-aided techniques (WT): water exchange (WE) and water immersion (WI) have been studied extensively in the literature for improving colonoscopy outcome metrics such as adenoma detection rate. Serrated polyps owing to their location and appearance have a high miss rate. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing WT with the standard gas-assisted (GA) method to determine if there was any impact on serrated polyp detection rate (SPDR) and sessile serrated polyp detection rate.

Methods:

The following databases were queried for this systematic review: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Sciences. The authors only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was SPDR and secondary outcomes were sessile serrated polyp detection rate and cecal intubation rate. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for each outcome. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 4 RCTs (5 arms) with 5306 patients (2571 in the GA group and 2735 in the WT group) were included. The SPDR was significantly increased for the WT group compared with GA (6.1% vs. 3.8%; RR, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.13; P<0.001; I
2=22.7%). A subgroup analysis for WE technique also demonstrated improved SPDR compared with the GA method (4.9% vs. 3.2%; RR, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.14; P=0.004; I
2=6.1%).

Conclusions:

WT, particularly, the WE method results in improved SPDR. This technique should be encouraged in a clinical setting to detect these polyps to prevent interval colorectal cancer.
Quantitative Analysis of Intramucosal Mast Cells in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Fan Lifang , Wong Mary , Fan Xuemo (Sean) , Hong Yuntian , Sun Kongliang , Jiang Congqing , Xie Xiaoyu , Wang Hanlin L.
Published: July 2020

Goal:

We aimed to study the density of intramucosal mast cells in histologically normal colonic mucosa biopsied from patients with a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Background:

Mast cell activation has been thought to implicate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whether it serves a role in the pathogenesis of IBS remains controversial.

Study:

A total of 127 colonoscopic mucosal biopsies were immunohistochemically stained, including 51 IBS, 66 IBD, and 10 normal control samples. Intact mast cells were quantified in 3 high power fields (HPF) in areas showing the highest density.

Results:

CD117 was sensitive in detecting mast cells in colonic mucosa. The mast cell counts in all biopsies ranged from 2 to 60 per HPF (mean=17.5±7.2). The density of intramucosal mast cells were similar among IBS, IBD and normal control groups (P=0.6733). IBD in remission versus IBS (17.1±8.0 vs. 18.1±7.0; P=0.4804), Crohn disease versus ulcerative colitis (17.1±10.4 vs. 17.2±5.2; P=0.9463), IBS with diarrhea versus without diarrhea (19.5±6.3 vs. 16.8±6.9; P=0.1404). Forty biopsies (31.5%) showing ≥20 mast cells per HPF appeared to equally distribute among various disease groups (P=0.7283).

Conclusions:

There is no significant difference in the number of intramucosal mast cells between IBS and IBD that show normal colonic biopsies. In IBS patients, the number of intramucosal mast cell does not correlate with symptoms. The mast cell count (≥20/HPF) is not a reliable criterion for the diagnosis of IBS or for the distinction between patients with IBS and those with IBD in remission.
COVID-19 and liver injury: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Ungprasert Patompong , Panjawatanan Panadeekarn , Harnois Denise M. , Zaver Himesh B. , Ahmed Aijaz , Kim Donghee
Published: July 2020

Background/aims

The number of cases with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exceeded seven million worldwide. However, the data describing the global prevalence of liver injury associated with COVID-19 is lacking secondary to the novelty of this ongoing pandemic. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine the association between COVID-19 and liver injury.

Methods

A systematic literature search of indexed databases including, PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases from inception to 14 April 2020, was used to identify studies that reported data of liver chemistry in patients diagnosed with COVID 19. The overall prevalence of abnormal liver chemistry and relevant 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the pooled results studies.

Results

Sixty-four studies with 11 245 patients with COVID-19 were included. The pattern of abnormal liver enzymes was notable for higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) than alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The overall global prevalence of elevated AST, ALT, total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase was 23.2, 21.2, 9.7, 15.0, and 4.0%, respectively. The prevalence of elevated AST was substantially higher among those with severe cases (45.5%) compared to non-severe cases (15.0%). Co-existing chronic liver disease presented up to 37.6% of patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

A fourth of COVID-19 patients had elevated liver enzymes and associated with disease severity. Our study may be used as a guide for clinicians and epidemiologists to proactively identify other sources of injury and illness in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Intensive monitoring for liver injury may be needed in cases with severe COVID-19.
Fibrosis improvement in patients with HCV treated with direct-acting antivirals
Authors: McPhail James , Sims Omar T. , Guo Yuqi , Wooten David , Herndon John S. , Massoud Omar I.
Published: July 2020

Background and aim

More prospective studies are needed to characterize fibrosis improvement in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The aims of this study were to assess changes in elastography scores from baseline to 1-year follow-up in patients with HCV, to identify factors that were independently associated with improvement in fibrosis staging in patients who receive treatment, and to identify factors that were independently associated with no improvement in fibrosis staging among patients who achieved sustained virologic responses (SVR).

Methods

Ultrasound elastography and laboratory tests were performed and collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up for patients who received HCV treatment and for those who did not receive treatment (n = 240). Binomial logistic regression was used to examine factors that were independently associated with improvement in fibrosis staging.

Results

In patients who achieved SVR, the mean fibrosis score decreased significantly (−1.3) from 7.4 (2.3) before treatment to 6.1 (2.0) after treatment (P = 0.00). In multivariate analysis of patients who received treatment, higher pre-treatment fibrosis stages [odds ratio (OR) = 13.02, P < 0.00] were positively associated with improvement in fibrosis staging at 1-year follow-up. Higher BMI (OR = 0.93, P < 0.05) was negatively associated with improvement in fibrosis staging.

Discussion

This study supports the growing body of literature that suggests fibrosis regression is achievable in a significant number of patients who achieve SVR with all-oral DAA regimens. Equally important, fibrosis regression is more likely to occur in patients with advanced stages of fibrosis and less likely in patients who are obese.
Implementation of a Timed Barium Esophagram Protocol for Assessment of Esophageal Function in Children
Authors: Rosenwald Kent D. , Hayes Kari , Menard‐Katcher Calies , Belkind‐Gerson Jaime
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Timed barium esophagram (TBE) is a fluoroscopic study that is widely employed as an adjunctive tool for diagnosing esophageal emptying disorders in adults (eg, achalasia, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction [EGJOO]) and for following response to treatment. We aimed to describe the characteristics and feasibility of a pediatric TBE protocol and provide a first report of the potential value of TBE for assessment of esophageal emptying in the pediatric population.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients at a tertiary pediatric hospital who underwent TBE from October 2017 to October 2019. Patient and test characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results from patients who had both TBE and high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) were used to generate ROC curves for TBE to identify esophageal emptying disorders.

Results:

Twenty‐two patients underwent 25 TBE. Fourteen of 23 (61%) received 150 mL barium volume per protocol. Nearly half (42%) of subjects could tolerate ingesting barium within 20 seconds. Nine individuals underwent HRM. The sensitivity of standard adult TBE criteria (1 cm barium column height at 5 minutes) to detect emptying disorder was 100%, specificity 40%. A modified diagnostic cutoff (1.6 cm height at 5 minutes) offered 100% sensitivity, 80% specificity.

Conclusions:

TBE is feasible and should be considered an adjunctive noninvasive screen for impaired esophageal emptying in children. There was heterogeneous adherence to protocol for timing and volume of barium; however, studies remained interpretable. This population may benefit from different diagnostic cutoffs than adults, and clinical judgment should be used until specific diagnostic cutoffs are determined in children.
A Randomized, Controlled Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamics Trial of Ambrisentan After Fontan Surgery
Authors: Hill Kevin D. , Maharaj Anil R. , Li Jennifer S. , Thompson Elizabeth , Barker Piers C. A. , Hornik Christoph P.
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

To determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of the hepatically metabolized endothelin receptor antagonist, ambrisentan in children after Fontan surgery.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics and safety trial.

Setting:

Single-center, postoperative cardiac ICU.

Patients:

Children undergoing elective Fontan surgery.

Interventions:

Subjects randomized on postoperative day number 1 to short-term (3 d) treatment with oral ambrisentan (2.5 mg in suspension, daily) versus placebo (4:1 randomization).

Measurements and Main Results:

Plasma drug concentrations were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 18–36 hours after the first dose. We developed a population pharmacokinetic model in NONMEM 7.2 (Icon Solutions, Ellicott City, MD) and applied the model to dose-exposure simulations. Pharmacodynamics endpoints were assessed at baseline and 3 hours after study drug administration, using postoperative hemodynamic monitoring lines. The analysis included 16 patients, 13 on ambrisentan (77 plasma samples); median age 36 months (range, 26–72 mo), weight 13.3 kg (11.1–17.6 kg), and nine males. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between ambrisentan and controls. A one-compartment model with first-order absorption and lag-time characterized the data well. Allometrically scaled weight was the only covariate retained in the final model. Typical values for clearance and volume of distribution were lower than previously reported in adults, 1 L/hr/70 kg and 13.7 L/70 kg, respectively. Simulated exposures with doses of 0.1–0.2 mg/kg approximated therapeutic exposures in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving 5 mg or 10 mg doses. Ambrisentan lowered plasma brain natriuretic peptide concentrations (452 ± 479 to 413 ± 462; p = 0.046), Fontan pressures (16.8 ± 2.9 to 15.6 ± 2.9; p = 0.01), and indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (2.3 ± 0.9 to 1.8 ± 0.6; p = 0.01) with no drug-related adverse events.

Conclusions:

Ambrisentan clearance is reduced following Fontan surgery, perhaps reflecting abnormal hepatic metabolism in this population. The observed safety profile appears favorable and hemodynamic effects of ambrisentan may be beneficial for Fontan patients.
Bacteriophage therapy as a treatment option for transplant infections
Authors: Aslam Saima
Published: July 2020

Purpose of review

Since initial description of the successful use of intravenous bacteriophage therapy in the United States in 2017, there is widespread interest in using bacteriophage therapy for multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

Recent findings

Recent published cases of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients are reviewed highlighting its safety and potential efficacy when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics for a variety of clinical indications. An overview of access to bacteriophage therapy in the United States is also provided.

The reviewed cases form the basis for ongoing compassionate use of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients with life-threatening MDR infections until data from clinical trials are available to guide therapy.
Prevention of Nasal Ala Pressure Injuries With Use of Hydroactive Dressings in Patients With Nasotracheal Intubation of Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Yang Guoyong , Gao Chunyan , Cai Juan
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE:

To compare a hydroactive dressing to an adhesive tape standard of care in the prevention of nasal ala pressure injuries associated with nasotracheal intubation during orthognathic surgery.

DESIGN:

Randomized controlled trial.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The study took place in a tertiary hospital of stomatology in China. Patients undergoing general anesthesia with nasotracheal intubation during orthognathic surgical procedures were invited to participate.

METHODS:

Participants were divided into 2 groups: in the experimental group, a hydroactive dressing was applied to the nasal ala before the surgical procedures; the control group received standard prevention with a type of tape. Skin assessments were performed on the wards up to 72 hours after the procedures. Demographic information and potential contributing factors associated the development of nasal ala pressure injuries were collected from patients' electronic medical records. Pressure injury development was staged using National Pressure Injury Advisory staging guidelines. Pressure injury incidence was compared between groups using the χ2 test and odds ratio.

RESULTS:

The sample comprised 450 participants, 225 in each group. The incidence of nasal ala pressure injuries development was 14.222% and 4.444% in the 2 groups, respectively (P = .000). The odds ratio was 3.565 (95% confidence interval, 1.707-7.443).

CONCLUSIONS:

The study findings indicate that the incidence of pressure injuries of nasal ala skin protected by hydroactive dressings was lower than the standard preventive method. Hydroactive dressings should be considered as a prevention method to reduce device-related skin injuries associated with nasotracheal intubation.
Flavobacterium restrictum sp. nov., Flavobacterium rhamnosiphilum sp. nov., and Flavobacterium zepuense sp. nov. isolated from glaciers
Authors: Zhang Guo-Qing , Yang Lei-Lei , Liu Qing , Liu Hong-Can , Zhou Yu-Guang , Xin Yu-Hua
Published: July 2020

Three strains, designated as LB1R34T, LB3P52T and ZT4R6T, were isolated from glaciers located on the Tibetan Plateau, PR China. The strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile and yellow. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences indicated that they were related to the members of the genus

Flavobacterium

. The 16S rRNA gene sequences similarities between the three strains were 92.31–96.93 %. The average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between these three strains and their closest relatives were 76.80–91.33 % and 21.3–44.2 %, respectively. LB1R34T, LB3P52T and ZT4R6T contained MK-6 as the major menaquinone, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. Phosphatidylethanolamine was present in their polar lipids profiles. On the basis of the phenotypic characteristics, he results of phylogenetic analysis and genotypic data, three novel species, Flavobacterium restrictum sp. nov. (type strain=LB1 R34T=CGMCC 1.11493T=NBRC 113650T), Flavobacterium rhamnosiphilum sp. nov. (type strain=LB3 P52T=CGMCC 1.11446T=NBRC 113776T) and Flavobacterium zepuense sp. nov. (type strain=ZT4 R6T=CGMCC 1.11919T=NBRC 113653T) are proposed.
Optimally Pooled Viral Testing
Authors: Ben-Amotz Dor
Published: July 2020

It has long been known that pooling samples may be used to minimize the total number of tests required in order to identify each infected individual in a population. Pooling is most advantageous in populations with low infection (positivity) rates, but is expected to remain better than non-pooled testing in populations with infection rates up to 30%. For populations with infection rates lower than 10%, additional testing efficiency may be realized by performing a second round of pooling to test all the samples in the positive first-round pools. The present predictions are validated by recent COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pooled testing and detection sensitivity measurements performed using non-optimal pool sizes, and quantify the additional improvement in testing efficiency that could have been obtained using optimal pooling. Although large pools are most advantageous for testing populations with very low infection rates, they are predicted to become highly non-optimal with increasing infection rate, while pool sizes smaller than 10 remain near-optimal over a broader range of infection rates.
The establishment of the first ex vivo whole organ model for human liver neoplasms
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Li Jingjing , Zhu Caihui , Chen Honghui , Ma Yihao , Luo Weixin , Xie Rongxing , Zhang Yixi , Wang Xiaobo , Wang Linhe , Zhang Zhiheng , Guo Zhiyong , He Xiaoshun
Published: July 2020

Background

The incidence of liver neoplasms is on the leading rise worldwide due to lacking exact research model. Accordingly, the resected diseased liver within cancer during liver transplantation was the appropriated model, therefore the aim of this study was to establish the first ex vivo whole organ model for liver neoplasms by using normothermic perfusion system named Life-X system.

Materials and Methods

Four diseased livers within cancer resected during liver transplantation were collected for research. The common hepatic artery and portal vein of the ex vivo liver were connected to the Life-X perfusion device that circulated Life-X perfusate providing continuous oxygen and nutrient supply. The flow and pressure of the perfusate was recorded and blood gas analysis was examined to analyze the function of the diseased liver. Liver tissues after perfusion were collected for histological analysis.

Results

Experiments showed that the artery and portal vein flow were stable 1h after perfusion and were kept within the physiological range. The results of blood gas analysis demonstrated restoration and maintenance of metabolism. Moreover, the bile production of diseased Case 4 liver represented its vivid functionality during the entire 47h of perfusion. Histology analysis shows little liver injury after the perfusion.

Conclusions

Therefore, we have established a powerful tool to research liver neoplasms in vitro through Life-X perfusion system.
Spatial patterns of child mortality in Nanoro HDSS site, Burkina Faso
Authors: Noori Navideh , Derra Karim , Valea Innocent , Oron Assaf P. , Welgo Aminata , Rouamba Toussaint , Boua Palwende Romuald , Some Athanase , Rouamba Eli , Wenger Edward , Sorgho Hermann , Tinto Halidou , Ouédraogo Andre Lin
Published: July 2020

Background

Half of global child deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding child mortality patterns and risk factors will help inform interventions to reduce this heavy toll. The Nanoro Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), Burkina Faso was described previously, but spatial patterns of child mortality in the district had not been studied. Similar studies in other districts indicated accessibility to health facilities as a risk factor, usually without distinction between facility types.

Methods

Using Nanoro HDSS data from 2009 to 2013, we estimated the association between under-5 mortality and accessibility to inpatient and outpatient health facilities, seasonality of death, and age group.

Results

Living in homes 40-60 minutes and >60 minutes travel time from an inpatient facility was associated with 1.52 (95% CI: 1.13-2.06) and 1.74 (1.27-2.40) greater hazard of under-5 mortality, respectively, than living in homes <20 minutes from an inpatient facility. No such association was found for outpatient facilities. Seasonality of death was significantly associated with under-5 mortality, and the wet season (July-November) was associated with 1.28 (1.07, 1.53) higher under-5 mortality than the dry season (December-June), likely reflecting the malaria season.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize the importance of geographical accessibility to health care, and also distinguish between inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Cycling in degradation of organic polymers and uptake of nutrients by a litter-degrading fungus
Authors: Vos Aurin M. , Bleichrodt Robert-Jan , Herman Koen C. , Ohm Robin A. , Scholtmeijer Karin , Schmitt Heike , Lugones Luis G. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: July 2020

Wood and litter degrading fungi are the main decomposers of lignocellulose and thus play a key role in carbon cycling in nature. Here we provide evidence for a novel lignocellulose degradation strategy employed by the litter degrading fungusAgaricus bisporus(known as the white button mushroom). Fusion of hyphae allows this fungus to synchronize the activity of its mycelium over large distances (50 cm). The synchronized activity has an 13-hour interval that increases to 20 h before becoming irregular and is associated with a 3.5-fold increase in respiration while compost temperature increases up to 2 °C. Transcriptomic analysis of this burst-like phenomenon supports a cyclic degradation of lignin, deconstruction of (hemi-) cellulose and microbial cell wall polymers, and uptake of degradation products during vegetative growth ofA. bisporus. Cycling in expression of the ligninolytic system, enzymes involved in saccharification, and nutrient uptake is proposed to provide an efficient way for degradation of substrates such as litter.
How old are dragonflies and damselflies? Odonata (Insecta) transcriptomics resolve familial relationships
Authors: Kohli Manpreet , Letsch Harald , Greve Carola , Béthoux Olivier , Deregnaucourt Isabelle , Liu Shanlin , Zhou Xin , Donath Alexander , Mayer Christoph , Podsiadlowski Lars , Machida Ryuichiro , Niehuis Oliver , Rust Jes , Wappler Torsten , Yu Xin , Misof Bernhard , Ware Jessica
Published: July 2020

Dragonflies and damselflies, representing the insect order Odonata, are among the earliest flying insects with living (extant) representatives. However, unravelling details of their long evolutionary history, such as egg laying (oviposition) strategies, is impeded by unresolved phylogenetic relationships, an issue particularly prevalent in damselfly families and fossil lineages. Here we present the first transcriptome-based phylogenetic reconstruction of Odonata, analyzing 2,980 protein-coding genes in 105 species representing nearly all of the order’s families (except Austropetaliidae and Neopetaliidae). All damselfly families and most dragonfly families are recovered as monophyletic groups. Our Molecular clock estimates suggest that crown-Zygoptera (damselflies) and -Anisoptera (dragonflies) both arose during the late Triassic. Several of the observed long inner branches in our topology are indicative of the extinction of once flourishing lineages. We also find that exophytic egg laying behaviour with a reduced ovipositor evolved in certain dragonflies during the late Jurassic / early Cretaceous. Lastly, we find that certain fossils have an unexpected deterring impact in divergence dating analysis.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Rates of Children in Louisiana During the State Stay at Home Order
Authors: Dietrich Monika L. , Norton Elizabeth B. , Elliott Debra , Smira Ashley R. , Rouelle Julie A. , Bond Nell G. , Aime-Marcelin Kéren , Prystowsky Alisha , Kemnitz Rebecca , Sarma Arunava , Himmelfarb Sarah Talia , Sharma Neha , Stone Addison E. , Craver Randall , Lindrose Alyssa R. , Smitley Leslie A. , Uddo Robert B. , Myers Leann , Drury Stacy S. , Schieffelin John S. , Robinson James E. , Zwezdaryk Kevin J.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Children (≤18 years) account for ∼20% of the US population but currently represent <2% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Because infected children often have few or no symptoms and may not be tested, the extent of infection in children is poorly understood.

METHODS

During the March 18th-May 15th2020 Louisiana Stay At Home Order, 1690 blood samples from 812 individuals from a Children’s Hospital were tested for antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Demographics, COVID-19 testing, and clinical presentation abstracted from medical records were compared with local COVID-19 cases.

RESULTS

In total, 62 subjects (7.6%) were found to be seropositive. The median age was 11 years with 50.4% female. The presenting complaint of seropositive patients was chronic illness (43.5%). Only 18.2% had a previous positive COVID-19 PCR or antibody test. Seropositivity was significantly associated with parish (counties), race, and residence in a low-income area. Importantly, seropositivity was linearly correlated with cumulative COVID-19 case number for all ages by parish.

CONCLUSION

In a large retrospective study, the seropositivity prevalence for SARS-CoV-2 in children in Louisiana during the mandated Stay At Home Order was 7.6%. Residence location, race, and lower socioeconomic factors were linked to more frequent seropositivity in children and correlated to regional COVID-19 case rates. Thus, a significant number of children in Louisiana had SARS-CoV-2 infections that went undetected and unreported and may have contributed to virus transmission.
Novel SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal wide range of humoral immune response during COVID-19
Authors: Dogan Mikail , Kozhaya Lina , Placek Lindsey , Gunter Courtney L. , Yigit Mesut , Hardy Rachel , Plassmeyer Matt , Coatney Paige , Lillard Kimberleigh , Bukhari Zaheer , Kleinberg Michael , Hayes Chelsea , Arditi Moshe , Klappper Ellen , Merin Noah , Liang Bruce T , Gupta Raavi , Alpan Oral , Unutmaz Derya
Published: July 2020

Development of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n=87) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which was also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Further, subjects who donated plasma further out from the diagnosis of COVID-19 appeared to have lower titers. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also contained NAbs against SARS Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.
Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Emergence Amidst Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses
Authors: Leuzinger Karoline , Roloff Tim , Gosert Rainer , Sogaard Kirstin , Naegele Klaudia , Rentsch Katharina , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H. , Pargger Hans , Bassetti Stefano , Bielicki Julia , Khanna Nina , Sutter Sarah Tschudin , Widmer Andreas , Hinic Vladimira , Battegay Manuel , Egli Adrian , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: July 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China in December 2019 as new cause of severe viral pneumonia (CoVID-19) reaching Europe by late January 2020. We validated the WHO-recommended assay and describe the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs).

Methods

Naso-oropharyngeal swabs (NOPS) from 7663 individuals were prospectively tested by the Basel-S-gene and the WHO-based E-gene-assay (Roche) using Basel-N-gene-assay for confirmation. CARVs were tested in 2394 NOPS by multiplex-NAT, including 1816 together with SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Basel-S-gene and Roche-E-gene-assays were concordant in 7475 cases (97.5%) including 825 (11%) positive samples. In 188 (2.5%) discordant cases, SARS-CoV-2 loads were significantly lower than in concordant positive ones and confirmed in 105 NOPS. Adults were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, while children were more likely to test CARV-positive. CARV co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 1.8%. SARS-CoV-2 replaced other CARVs within 3 weeks reaching 48% of all detected respiratory viruses followed by rhino/enterovirus (13%), influenzavirus (12%), coronavirus (9%), respiratory syncytial (6%) and metapneumovirus (6%).

Conclusions

The differential diagnosis for respiratory infections was broad during the early pandemic, affecting infection control and treatment decisions. We discuss the role of pre-existing immunity and competitive CARV replication for the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults and children.
Ptychographic X-ray speckle tracking with multi-layer Laue lens systems
Authors: Morgan Andrew J. , Murray Kevin T. , Prasciolu Mauro , Fleckenstein Holger , Yefanov Oleksandr , Villanueva-Perez Pablo , Mariani Valerio , Domaracky Martin , Kuhn Manuela , Aplin Steve , Mohacsi Istvan , Messerschmidt Marc , Stachnik Karolina , Du Yang , Burkhart Anja , Meents Alke , Nazaretski Evgeny , Yan Hanfei , Huang Xiaojing , Chu Yong S. , Chapman Henry N. , Bajt Saša
Published: July 2020

The ever-increasing brightness of synchrotron radiation sources demands improved X-ray optics to utilize their capability for imaging and probing biological cells, nano-devices and functional matter on the nanometre scale with chemical sensitivity. Hard X-rays are ideal for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic applications owing to their short wavelength, high penetrating power and chemical sensitivity. The penetrating power that makes X-rays useful for imaging also makes focusing them technologically challenging. Recent developments in layer deposition techniques have enabled the fabrication of a series of highly focusing X-ray lenses, known as wedged multi-layer Laue lenses. Improvements to the lens design and fabrication technique demand an accurate, robust, in situ and at-wavelength characterization method. To this end, a modified form of the speckle tracking wavefront metrology method has been developed. The ptychographic X-ray speckle tracking method is capable of operating with highly divergent wavefields. A useful by-product of this method is that it also provides high-resolution and aberration-free projection images of extended specimens. Three separate experiments using this method are reported, where the ray path angles have been resolved to within 4 nrad with an imaging resolution of 45 nm (full period). This method does not require a high degree of coherence, making it suitable for laboratory-based X-ray sources. Likewise, it is robust to errors in the registered sample positions, making it suitable for X-ray free-electron laser facilities, where beam-pointing fluctuations can be problematic for wavefront metrology.
Brief self-efficacy interventions to increase healthy dietary behaviours: evidence from two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bouwman Emily P. , Onwezen Marleen C. , Taufik Danny , de Buisonjé David , Ronteltap Amber
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Self-efficacy has often been found to play a significant role in healthy dietary behaviours. However, self-efficacy interventions most often consist of intensive interventions. The authors aim to provide more insight into the effect of brief self-efficacy interventions on healthy dietary behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present article, two randomized controlled trials are described. In study 1, a brief self-efficacy intervention with multiple self-efficacy techniques integrated on a flyer is tested, and in study 2, an online brief self-efficacy intervention with a single self-efficacy technique is tested.

Findings

The results show that a brief self-efficacy intervention can directly increase vegetable intake and indirectly improve compliance to a diet plan to eat healthier.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that self-efficacy interventions do not always have to be intensive to change dietary behaviours and that brief self-efficacy interventions can also lead to more healthy dietary behaviours.
DEV Mozambique: food security through innovative social enterprise development
Authors: Urban Boris , Townsend Stephanie Althea , Bowen Amanda
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes

At the end of the case discussion, the students should be able to: evaluate the factors influencing entrepreneurship in an African context; discuss the relevance of developmental entrepreneurship in an African context; assess an enabling environment and ecosystem for stimulating entrepreneurship; analyse and resolve practical issues in starting a business under challenging conditions; understand how accelerator programmes work in an African context; appreciate how partnerships can be leveraged to foster entrepreneurship; evaluate relevant business models and their challenges to grow enterprises; and understand the social entrepreneurship journey of a founder.

Case overview/synopsis

In March 2019, Elena Gaffurini, managing partner of DEV Mozambique (DEV), sat down to evaluate the business. DEV, based in Maputo and launched in 2015, was a consulting and services company supporting entrepreneurial development in Mozambique, by training and supporting small businesses in agricultural-related sectors to improve food security. Gaffurini – a self-proclaimed purpose-driven person – now questioned whether DEV’s impact on social and economic development was significant enough to justify the effort she and her team put into it and whether DEV should reconsider its current business model to create more impact.

Complexity academic level

Postgraduate: MBA and Executive Education.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Impact of skill on bi-dimensional trust within small-to-medium sized enterprises upstream relationships
Authors: Sharif Khurram , Kassim Norizan , Faisal Mohd. Nishat , Zain Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper examined the deterministic and moderating impacts of skill on the behavioural (benevolence) and cognitive (credibility) dimensions of trust within small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) upstream (i.e. supplier-to-customer) relationships. A theoretically grounded research model was developed that comprised of three cognitive and three behavioural antecedents of benevolence and credibility. Impact of time (i.e. chronological influences) on skill-driven bi-dimensional trust development was assessed as well.

Design/methodology/approach

All measures were borrowed from top ranking journals and adapted for use. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted with UK SMEs executives who were involved in electrical and electronic components industry. A total of 231 useable questionnaires were received which represented a response rate of 15.4%. After validity and reliability checks, the collected data were subjected to partial least square analysis to verify the deterministic and/or moderating impact of skill on bi-dimensional trust.

Findings

The results supported a dual role (a moderator and a determinant) of skill on SMEs upstream relationship trust. However, the moderating effect of skill dominated the deterministic effect. Furthermore, the results indicated that skill tends to behave differently toward cognitive and behavioural dimensions of trust. Hence, how skill development is influenced by different dimensions of trust, and the role time plays in skill-driven trust enhancement should be carefully considered in SME upstream relationships. Therefore, it is suggested that the nature and context of each supplier–customer relational episode should be examined in terms of the outcomes it is designed to achieve in a relationship.

Originality/value

This study evaluated an in-depth association between skill and bi-dimensional trust development within SME upstream relationships. Specifically, deterministic and moderating impacts of skill on credibility and benevolence were investigated.
Climate change: vegetation and phenological phase dynamics
Authors: Li Yang , Qin Yaochen , Ma Liqun , Pan Ziwu
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The ecological environment of the Loess Plateau, China, is extremely fragile under the context of global warming. Over the past two decades, the vegetation of the Loess Plateau has undergone great changes. This paper aims to clarify the response mechanisms of vegetation to climate change, to provide support for the restoration and environmental treatment of vegetation on the Loess Plateau.

Design/methodology/approach

The Savitsky–Golay (S-G) filtering algorithm was used to reconstruct time series of moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) 13A2 data. Combined with trend analysis and partial correlation analysis, the influence of climate change on the phenology and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) during the growing season was described.

Findings

The S-G filtering algorithm is suitable for EVI reconstruction of the Loess Plateau. The date of start of growing season was found to gradually later along the Southeast–Northwest direction, whereas the date of the end of the growing season showed the opposite pattern and the length of the growing season gradually shortened. Vegetation EVI values decreased gradually from Southeast to Northwest. Vegetation changed significantly and showed clear differentiation according to different topographic factors. Vegetation correlated positively with precipitation from April to July and with temperature from August to November.

Originality/value

This study provides technical support for ecological environmental assessment, restoration of regional vegetation coverage and environmental governance of the Loess Plateau over the past two decades. It also provides theoretical support for the prediction model of vegetation phenology changes based on remote sensing data.
Effect of stitch patterns on moisture responsiveness of seamless knitted wool fabrics for activewear
Authors: Gorea Adriana , Baytar Fatma , Sanders Eulanda
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of knit fabric stitch patterns, as indicated by fabric thickness variations, on moisture responsiveness for different seamless knitted wool-based fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty fabrics were created on a Santoni Top-2 circular knitting machine by using combinations of jersey, tuck and float stitches in combinations of wool/Nylon, wool, and spandex yarns. Physical properties of the knit fabrics as well as changes in fabric thickness during dry, wet, after 30 min air-drying and after 60 min air-drying conditions were compared. Repeated measures ANOVA tests and bivariate correlation analysis were conducted.

Findings

The results indicated that changes in moisture conditions had a significant effect on fabric thickness, and these changes differed by stitch pattern groups. Float patterns and tuck/rib patterns showed a continued relaxation of fabric thickness through all conditions, but tuck stitches and rib stitches showed a thickness recovery. Wool swatches, unlike the wool/Nylon swatches, increased their average thickness in after 60 min air-drying condition compared to 30 min air-drying condition.

Originality/value

This research documents the moisture responsive properties for wool based yarns, as emerging natural functional materials for seamless knitting industry, with applications in garments for activewear as well as healthcare.
Knowledge resources in the university context: an overview of the literature
Authors: Paoloni Paola , Modaffari Giuseppe , Mattei Giorgia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The aim of this work is to identify and analyze the main areas on which researchers have focused in relation to intellectual capital (IC) and its management in the university context. This review will also analyze how these researchers carried out their work to understand future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis was conducted through a structured literature review (SLR) of 866 research contributions (articles, book chapters and books). An analysis of the content was performed to identify the main topics discussed and to ascertain how these studies were carried out.

Findings

This paper highlights how the management of knowledge resources (as IC) has been discussed in the literature, focusing specifically on how universities report the information, which is fundamental for allowing stakeholders to understand the value created by these kinds of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The manual analysis of the results of the SLR can be considered a limitation of this work. Another limitation of the work is represented by the use of only one database.

Originality/value

This SLR makes several useful contributions for both practitioners and scholars. First, it suggests strengthening the relationship with the external stakeholders to assure the survival of universities. Second, it enables others to replicate scientific research, thanks to its clear and transparent process. It also allows scholars to identify which issues their work should address, as well as suggesting possible future research areas.
Australian exercise physiology student attitudes and knowledge towards people living with mental illness
Authors: Fibbins Hamish , Ward Philip , Stanton Robert , Thom Jeanette , Burdett Amanda , Lederman Oscar , Rosenbaum Simon
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Physical activity is increasingly recognised as critical to improving physical and mental health (MH). Understanding the education and training requirements of exercise professionals will support better integration of these emerging MH professionals within the multidisciplinary MH team. The purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to, knowledge and attitudes of final year exercise physiology students towards people with mental illness (MI).

Design/methodology/approach

Student exposure to and knowledge and attitudes of people living with MH were assessed via a 24-item online questionnaire.

Findings

In total,n= 63 out of 78 eligible students participated (81%). Of the participants, 81% (n= 51) showed a favourable attitude towards people with MI and 68% (n= 43) of participants had good knowledge of topics relating to MI. Significant correlations existed between the total score for attitude and any exposure to MH issues and having undertaken placement as part of university training and knowledge and total scores. Further training and education are needed to better equip exercise physiology graduates to work with people with MI.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the attitudes and knowledge of exercise physiology students towards people living with MI and their association with exposure to MI. Given the growing number of exercise professionals being integrated into multidisciplinary MH teams, this study may help to direct the delivery of associated training and education services.
Developing voice-based branding: insights from the Mercedes case
Authors: Vernuccio Maria , Patrizi Michela , Pastore Alberto
Published: July 2020

Purpose

By adopting a managerial perspective, this study aims to deepen how the strategic role of brand voice is conceived in the design of in-car name-brand voice assistants (NBVAs), how the brand experience based on NBVAs is designed and how the NBVA brand experience might influence customer brand engagement (CBE). The ultimate aim is to develop an interpretative theoretical framework for developing voice-based branding through NBVAs.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach with the analysis of a single in-depth case study is followed: the NBVA developed in-house by Mercedes, which was the first NBVA launched in the automotive market.

Findings

In the design of the NBVA, a key role was assigned to the brand voice in developing the brand’s anthropomorphic profile. Driving safety, consistency with the corporate identity, human-like interaction, dynamic personalisation and connectivity emerged as the strategic criteria for designing the NBVA brand experience, which was oriented towards the pursuit of multiple CBE dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Although the qualitative empirical contribution of this study differs from statistical generalisations, the research insights are analytically generalisable. The insights emerging from the study could guide future research on voice-based branding.

Practical implications

The results may be a useful conceptual reference for managers involved in designing brand voice and brand experience based on NBVAs.

Originality/value

This study is the first empirical contribution to the marketing literature about voice-based branding in an innovative experiential field, a topic that, thus, far has been poorly analysed.