bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do intrinsic rewards matter for real estate agents?
Authors: Mosquera Pilar , Soares Maria Eduarda , Oliveira Daniela
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Rewards’ management has long been used as a panacea to promote job satisfaction and labour retention. However, the relationship between these variables is not clearly defined in the real estate industry, due to the scarcity of empirical studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of both satisfaction with intrinsic rewards (SIR) and satisfaction with extrinsic rewards (SER) on job satisfaction and turnover intention in the real estate industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 220 employees from the three largest real estate agencies in Portugal, the study analyses a conceptual framework and tests hypotheses by using partial least squares (PLS), along with importance-performance map analysis (IPMA).

Findings

Results indicate that both SIR and SER have a positive impact on job satisfaction. However, SER has a stronger impact on job satisfaction. Satisfaction with rewards and job satisfaction are negatively related to turnover intention. Job satisfaction mediates the relationship between satisfaction with rewards and turnover intention. Results also show gender and age differences. SIR is more important for women and younger agents. SER has similar importance for men and women, but higher importance for older agents.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of this study extend the existing literature on rewards satisfaction and turnover intention to the context of the real estate industry. They present a contribution to the current debate on extrinsic vs intrinsic rewards for this particular industry.

Practical implications

Following the results of this research, real estate managers should consider intrinsic rewards because they also play a role for job satisfaction and turnover intentions. Human resource managers should consider identifying employees’ needs and motivations and then implement adequate strategies to promote their job satisfaction because it plays a mediating role between satisfaction with rewards and turnover intention. Reward strategies should also consider gender and age differences by giving women and younger agents more recognition, responsibilities and other intrinsic rewards because they are important for their job satisfaction.

Originality/value

Previous studies on real estate agents rewards appear to have only focussed on extrinsic rewards. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the effects of SIR on job satisfaction and turnover intention in the real estate industry. Also, to the best of the knowledge, this study is original in the use of IPMA to detect gender and age differences.
Culinary attributes and technological utilization as drivers of place authenticity and branding: the case of Vascitour, Naples
Authors: Vrontis Demetris , Basile Gianpaolo , Tani Mario , Thrassou Alkis
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and elucidate the culinary territorial (regional) characteristics that may support the development of stakeholder relations with and perceptions of a territorial system. It further focuses on these support interactions between destination managers and stakeholders and how online technology can transform them into a word-of-mouth source.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present a theoretical framework, stemming from a case study of a tour operator and its technological (social media, etc.) dynamics on the relational aspects between destination management and stakeholders. Through a combination of qualitative tools and secondary data analysis, this paper analyzes the interrelationships of authenticity and place-as-brand concept, considered as the set of human characteristics associated with a brand in a “living like” travel experience.

Findings

Culinary tourism is seen as a relevant and significant factor in facilitating interaction between the destination community and its stakeholders, and a meaningful element, which when technologically communicated and enhanced, strengthens both the perception and the brand image of a destination.

Practical implications

Such new technology-enhanced insights into tourists’ experience could be exploited to plan and implement destination management and development strategies in a way that would be expected, accepted and welcomed by stakeholders, including tourists themselves. In this context, this paper presents and prescribes the role of culinary characteristics and stakeholder relationship management to develop new culinary business models and different destination community approaches toward practical implementation at both the individual (business) and the collective (authorities) levels.

Originality/value

The proposed framework fills the gap in the role of culinary tourism resources particularly in those areas where food has no viable certification even if it essentially constitutes a manifestation of traditions.
Evolutionary paths of performance measurement and management system: the longitudinal case study of a leading SME
Authors: Sardi Alberto , Sorano Enrico , Ferraris Alberto , Garengo Patrizia
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The literature highlights the relevance of performance measurement and management system in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to face the current competitive environment. However, a number of studies investigate how performance measurement and management system is effective for evolving and how contingency factors could influence this change. Newer experiences are sporadic and rarely investigated by researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study is to identify the feasible evolutionary path of performance measurement and management system in leading SMEs to respond to current business challenges. Furthermore, it aims to contribute to the understanding of the role of key contingency factors influencing this evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study, based on retrospective and real-time investigations, is performed to investigate the primary evolutions of the performance measurement and management system and its key determinants.

Findings

The findings highlight two evolution paths, increasing the maturity of performance measurement. The first path highlights a strong command and control of performance management; the second path shows a democratic and participative of performance management. Moreover, management information system, organizational culture and management style are highlighted as key contingency factors in the change of performance management.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to knowledge in performance measurement field, showing how the efforts for developing performance measurement and management system in a leading SME could determine two different evolutionary paths. Furthermore, the paper describes the increasing role of organizational culture, management style and management information system in performance management evolution, as well as the relevance of online chats and social media in performance management activities.
The influence of subjective characteristics of social network sites on consumers' word-of-mouth sharing
Authors: Li Yan , Wu Ruijuan , Li Dongjin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how subjective characteristics of social network sites (SNSs) affect consumers' positive and negative word-of-mouth (WOM) sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used for this study were obtained from an online survey with a sample size of 369 consumers. Structural equation modeling was performed to test hypotheses and examine the research questions.

Findings

The authors found that the perceived anonymity of an SNS is negatively correlated with its perceived interpersonal closeness of friends, and the number of friends in an SNS is positively correlated with its perceived interpersonal closeness of friends. With regard to positive WOM, the perceived anonymity of the SNS has a significant negative influence on consumers' WOM, and both perceived interpersonal closeness and the number of friends have a significant positive influence on consumers' WOM. But, in the case of negative WOM, only perceived interpersonal closeness of friends has a significant positive influence on consumers' WOM.

Practical implications

When attempting to promote positive WOM, marketers should choose consumers who possess the “right” subjective characteristics of SNSs (i.e. low anonymity, high interpersonal closeness of friends and a large number of friends). At the same time, marketers should monitor the emergence of consumers' negative WOM, especially those consumers who have a high level of interpersonal closeness of friends in SNSs, and respond to the content of negative WOM without delay.

Originality/value

This study investigates the influence that subjective characteristics of SNSs have on consumers' WOM sharing and therefore contributes to the literature on the antecedents of WOM generation and also contributes to the research that compares positive WOM with its negative counterpart.
Microstructural evolution and micromechanical properties of SAC305/CNT/CU solder joint under blast wave condition
Authors: Ismail Norliza , Jalar Azman , Abu Bakar Maria , Safee Nur Shafiqa , Wan Yusoff Wan Yusmawati , Ismail Ariffin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of carbon nanotube (CNT) addition on microstructure, interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) layer and micromechanical properties of Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305)/CNT/Cu solder joint under blast wave condition. This work is an extension from the previous study of microstructural evolution and hardness properties of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder under blast wave condition.

Design/methodology/approach

SAC/CNT solder pastes were manufactured by mixing of SAC solder powder, fluxes and CNT with 0.02 and 0.04 by weight percentage (Wt.%) separately. This solder paste then printed on the printed circuit board (PCB) with the copper surface finish. Printed samples underwent reflow soldering to form the solder joint. Soldered samples then exposed to the open field air blast test with different weight charges of explosives. Microstructure, interfacial IMC layer and micromechanical behavior of SAC/CNT solder joints after blast test were observed and analyzed via optical microscope, field emission scanning microscope and nanoindentation.

Findings

Exposure to the blast wave induced the microstructure instability of SAC305/Cu and SAC/CNT/Cu solder joint. Interfacial IMC layer thickness and hardness properties increases with increase in explosive weight. The existence of CNT in the SAC305 solder system is increasing the resistance of solder joint to the blast wave.

Originality/value

Response of micromechanical properties of SAC305/CNT/Cu solder joint has been identified and provided a fundamental understanding of reliability solder joint, especially in extreme conditions such as for military applications.
Learning by doing: an undergraduate lean A3 project in a Kuwaiti bank
Authors: Alnajem Mohamad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This case study shows how methods of lean philosophy can be successfully taught to undergraduate students and applied to improving a real-world loan process. Students were instructed to use newly acquired classroom skills to analyse and improve a bank loan process in Kuwait.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved an initial gemba walk through the bank. A case study format with direct observation and semi-structured interviews was adopted by 27 undergraduate students to identify waste, analyse the loan process and develop an efficiency plan.

Findings

The results revealed that undergraduate students could quickly learn basic lean principles and techniques and utilize them in a real-world situation to significantly improve a bank loan process. Areas of waste included over-production, over-processing, defects in procedure, under-utilized skills, wasted motions and poor time management. Suggested corrective measures were expected to reduce loan processing time by 30%.

Practical implications

Increasing costs and competition in the business environment make efficiency improvements imperative, and it was shown that students can play a major role in applying lean principles to a bank loan process while gaining knowledge and skills highly valued in industry. Universities have the opportunity to create a valuable learning experience for undergraduate students in applying classroom skills to solving a real-life problem.

Originality/value

This is the first study of a novel classroom technique for teaching undergraduate students to apply lean techniques in a Kuwaiti bank.
Sharing economy disrupting aviation: travelers’ willingness to pay
Authors: Sarlay Sabine , Neuhofer Barbara
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The sharing economy (SE) has transformed the tourism industry and continues to disrupt multiple sectors in the global business landscape. This paper aims to investigate the potential of the SE entering the aviation sector and examines travelers’ willingness to pay (WTP) a premium for shared private air travel.

Design/methodology/approach

The context for the empirical study was the platform JetSmarter, one of the emerging SE platforms in the private aviation sector. A quantitative survey with a random sampling method was adopted to measure customers’ WTP premium prices.

Findings

The results reveal a glaring interest of commercial air travelers in flying on a shared, private aircraft and show significant differences in the WTP for private aviation. The findings highlight a difference of WTP between customer segments, including Northern American and European customers, as well as business and leisure travelers.

Originality/value

The study makes a three-fold contribution to theory and practice. First, it bridges SE literature and the WTP construct, and with that, expands the understanding of pricing behaviors in a SE context. For tourism businesses, the study is valuable in that it offers concrete pricing suggestions for SE services when aimed at a premium rather than a budget customer segment. Third, the study is novel in that it taps into the aviation sector as a subsector of the SE ecosystem and offers critical implications suggesting the potential of the SE disrupting traditional aviation businesses.
A Safer Housing Agenda for Women: Local Urban Planning Knowledge and Women's Grassroots Movements in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez Rivera Lirio
Published: July 2020

This essay looks at the process through which women's grassroots movements in Medellín, Colombia, were effective in ensuring that a gender perspective was incorporated into the city masterplan with the aim of making Medellín a safer city for women. Drawing on interviews with activists of the Mesa de Trabajo Mujer de Medellín (MTMM), one of the largest networks among women's grassroots movements, and interviews with officials working at the Office of the Secretary for Women and the Department of Planning, I argue that women's grassroots movements are actors in the urban planning process in Medellín. Focusing on the MTMM's agenda for safer housing, I show how the house represents a process that involves women's knowledge, relationships and experience. Furthermore, I show how housing acquires political meaning, becoming the site of negotiations between the MTMM, state urban planning practitioners and the local government.
Cost‐effectiveness of HPV‐based cervical screening based on first year results in the Netherlands: a modelling study
Authors: Jansen EEL , Naber SK , Aitken CA , de Koning HJ , van Ballegooijen M , de Kok IMCM
Published: July 2020

Objective

We aim to compare the cost‐effectiveness of the old cytology programme with the new high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) screening programme, using performance indicators from the new Dutch hrHPV screening programme.

Design

Model‐based cost‐effectiveness analysis.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Population

Dutch 30‐year‐old unvaccinated females followed up lifelong.

Methods

We updated the microsimulation screening analysis (MISCAN) model using the most recent epidemiological and screening data from the Netherlands. We simulated both screening programmes, using the screening behaviour and costs observed in each programme. Sensitivity analyses were performed on screening behaviour, utility losses and discount rates.

Main outcome measures

Cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, number of screening tests and repeat tests, colposcopy referrals by lesion grade, costs from a societal perspective, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and cost‐effectiveness.

Results

The new Dutch cervical cancer screening programme decreased the cervical cancer mortality by 4% and the incidence by 1% compared with the old programme. Colposcopy referrals of women without cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, increased by 172%, but 13% more QALYs were still achieved. Total costs were reduced by 21%, mainly due to fewer screening tests. Per QALY gained, the hrHPV programme cost 46% less (€12,225) than the cytology programme (€22,678), and hrHPV‐based screening remained more cost‐effective in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

The hrHPV‐based screening programme was found to be more effective and cost‐effective than the cytology programme. Alternatives for the current triage strategy should be considered to lower the number of unnecessary referrals.

Tweetable abstract

First results after implementation confirm that HPV screening is more cost‐effective than cytology screening.
Genome scans for selection and introgression based on k‐nearest neighbour techniques
Authors: Pfeifer Bastian , Alachiotis Nikolaos , Pavlidis Pavlos , Schimek Michael G.
Published: July 2020

In recent years, genome‐scan methods have been extensively used to detect local signatures of selection and introgression. Most of these methods are either designed for one or the other case, which may impair the study of combined cases. Here, we introduce a series of versatile genome‐scan methods applicable for both cases, the detection of selection and introgression. The proposed approaches are based on nonparametric k‐nearest neighbour (kNN) techniques, while incorporating pairwise Fixation Index (FST) and pairwise nucleotide differences (dxy) as features. We benchmark our methods using a wide range of simulation scenarios, with varying parameters, such as recombination rates, population background histories, selection strengths, the proportion of introgression and the time of gene flow. We find that kNN‐based methods perform remarkably well compared with the state‐of‐the‐art. Finally, we demonstrate how to perform kNN‐based genome scans on real‐world genomic data using the population genomics R‐package popgenome.
Taking Cultural Goods Seriously: Geographical Indications and the Renegotiation Strategies for the Korea‐EU FTA
Authors: Park SunHee
Published: July 2020

Given the possible renegotiations of the Korea–European Union FTA, this study focuses on the geographical indications (GIs) system included under the Korea–EU FTA and proposes a strategy for Korea to utilize GIs effectively. GIs have been gaining greater importance as a way to safeguard cultural goods in the global trade market against the impact of globalization. For Korea to utilize GIs to its advantage, the EU’s strategy during the Korea‐EU FTA negotiations can be a useful reference. That strategy is one that is centered on the protection of the EU’s GI products in other countries, rather than in the Korean market. This ‘roundabout strategy’ of the EU is one which Korea can apply in order to realize its goal to differentiate its own products from those made by its neighboring countries, Japan and China. The lesson Korea can learn from the EU’s roundabout strategy is that GIs based on locality and traditions can not only play a role as a source of potential economic revenues but also as an effective assertion of national cultural identities which are often overshadowed by the prominence of the larger region.
Detection and monitoring of ‘Candidatus’ Liberibacter spp. vectors: African citrus triozid Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in citrus groves in East Africa
Authors: Aidoo Owusu F. , Tanga Chrysantus M. , Mohamed Samira A. , Khamis Fathiya M. , Baleba Steve B. S. , Rasowo Brenda A. , Ambajo Joseph , Sétamou Mamoudou , Ekesi Sunday , Borgemeister Christian
Published: July 2020

The African citrus triozid (ACT) Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are primary vectors of the ‘Candidatus’ Liberibacter spp. ACT is associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’ (CLaf) causal agent of the African citrus greening disease (ACGD), whereas ACP vectors ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (CLas) and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter americanus’ (CLam), the Asian and the American strains, respectively, associated with huanglongbing.

A preliminary survey in Kenyan citrus groves after the invasion of ACP had revealed that lime‐green sticky traps (Asacp) were not effective in detecting and monitoring ACT and ACP. Therefore, this study compared eight differently coloured double‐sided sticky traps to evaluate, which colour was most effective for detecting ACT and ACP, particularly at low densities. The traps were coded Red, Blue, Asgreen1, GLMgreen, Asacp, Asyellow, White, and Black.

Asyellow and GLMgreen traps captured more ACTs and ACPs than any other trap type. However, since there was no clear difference in the efficiency of Asyellow and GLMgreen in trapping ACP, any of the two trap types would be useful in the presence of both pests.

Among the eight traps, Asyellow and GLMgreen traps are potentially promising options for monitoring and detecting the pests in areas where they coexist.

Our findings will guide biosecurity agencies in decision‐making and designing ecologically friendly integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for citrus greening vectors in Africa as well as serve as an early warning to safeguard against pests' invasion into unaffected areas.
Wide QRS‐T angles are associated with markers of increased inflammatory activity independently of hypertension and diabetes
Authors: Sandstedt Mikael , Bergfeldt Lennart , Sandstedt Joakim , Lundqvist Annika , Fryk Emanuel , Jansson Per‐Anders , Bergström Göran , Mattsson Hultén Lillemor
Published: July 2020

Background

Wide QRS‐T angles and inflammatory activity are markers of future cardiovascular events including sudden cardiac death (SCD). The association between wide QRS‐T angles and inflammatory activation is however not fully understood.

Methods

1,094 study participants of both sexes, 50–64 years old, were included from a randomly selected population‐based cohort as a part of the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) pilot study. Serum samples were analyzed for markers of inflammation, cardiac wall stress/injury, and the metabolic syndrome. Wide QRS‐T angles were defined using Frank vectorcardiography. Variables were analyzed through unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) as well as Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures (OPLS) modeling. In addition, a subset of study participants was analyzed in a post hoc matched group design.

Results

Wide QRS‐T angles correlated positively with markers of inflammation, cardiac wall stress/injury, the metabolic syndrome, and male sex in both PCA and OPLS models. In the matched post hoc analysis, participants with wide QRS‐T angles had significantly higher counts of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils in comparison with matched controls. WBC as well as the number of neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, eosinophils and levels of C‐reactive protein, IL‐1, IL‐4, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and NT‐pro‐BNP were also significantly higher in comparison with healthy controls.

Conclusions

Markers of inflammatory activation and cardiac injury/wall stress were significantly higher in the presence of wide QRS‐T angles. These results corroborate an association between abnormal electrophysiological function and inflammatory activation and may have implications for the prediction of SCD.
Perinatal and perioperative factors associated with mortality and an increased need for hospital care in infants with transposition of the great arteries: A nationwide 11‐year population‐based cohort
Authors: Hautala Johanna , Gissler Mika , Ritvanen Annukka , Helle Emmi , Pihkala Jaana , Mattila Ilkka P. , Pätilä Tommi , Salminen Jukka , Puntila Juha , Jokinen Eero , Räsänen Juha , Vahlberg Tero , Ojala Tiina
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Newborn infants with transposition of the great arteries (d‐TGA) need immediate care for an optimal outcome. This study comprised a nationwide 11‐year population‐based cohort of d‐TGA infants, and assessed whether the implementation of a nationwide systematic fetal screening program, or other perinatal, or perioperative factors, are associated with mortality or an increased need for hospital care.

Material and methods

The national cohort consisted of all live‐born infants with simple d‐TGA (TGA ± small ventricular septal defect, n = 127) born in Finland during 2004‐2014. Data were collected from six national registries. Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal and perioperative factors associated with mortality and length of hospitalization were evaluated.

Results

Preoperative mortality was 7.9%, and the total mortality was 8.7%. The prenatal detection rate increased after introducing systematic fetal anomaly screening from 5.0% to 37.7% during the study period (P < .0001), but the total mortality rate remained unchanged. All prenatally diagnosed infants (n = 27) survived. Lower gestational age (odds ratio 0.68, P = .012) and higher maternal age at birth (odds ratio 1.16, P = .036) were associated with increased mortality in multivariable analysis. Older infant age at time of operation (P = .002), longer aortic clamp time (P < .001), and higher maternal body mass index (P = .027) were associated with longer initial hospital stay. An extended need for hospital care during the first year of life was multi‐factorial.

Conclusions

In our cohort, none of the prenatally diagnosed d‐TGA infants died. As a result of the limited prenatal detection rates, however, the sample size was insufficient to reach statistical significance. The d‐TGA infants born with lower gestational age and to older mothers had increased mortality.
Long‐term vegetation changes in Nardus grasslands indicate eutrophication, recovery from acidification, and management change as the main drivers
Authors: Peppler‐Lisbach Cord , Stanik Nils , Könitz Natali , Rosenthal Gert
Published: July 2020

Questions

Which trends and patterns of community change occurred in Nardus grasslands over recent decades in parts of the Continental biogeographic region of Germany? Are patterns and trends consistent across two study regions? Do impacts of environmental changes on Nardus grasslands in Central Europe correspond to those identified in the European Atlantic biogeographic region?

Location

East Hesse Highlands, Germany.

Methods

In 2012–2015, we re‐surveyed quasi‐permanent plots that had been initially surveyed between 1971 and 1987, and re‐measured soil parameters. We tested for differences in species frequency and cover, mean Ellenberg indicator values, species richness, and soil variables. Nitrogen and sulphur deposition data were analysed to evaluate possible effects of atmospheric pollutants. We used regression and redundancy analyses to identify environmental drivers responsible for changes in species composition.

Results

Across regions, we found significant increases in soil pH, Ellenberg R and N indicator values, plant nutrient indicators, forbs, species of agricultural grasslands and of fallows. By contrast, the C:N ratio, Nardus grassland specialists, low‐nutrient indicators, and graminoids declined. Changes in species composition were related to changes in pH and management. There was a strong decrease in sulphur and a moderate increase in nitrogen deposition, whose local‐scale pattern did not correlate with changes in soil parameters. However, there was an effect of local NHy changes on species composition.

Conclusions

The findings indicate significant overall eutrophication, a trend towards less acidic conditions and insufficient management, which are widely consistent across our study regions and correspond to recent reports of vegetation changes and recovery from acidification in the Atlantic biogeographic region. We assume the reduced sulphur deposition during recent decades to be a major driver of these changes, combined with increased nitrogen deposition and reduced management intensity. This suggests a large‐scale validity of processes that influenced changes in Nardus grasslands of Western and Central Europe.
Nonparametric analysis of nonhomogeneous multistate processes with clustered observations
Authors: Bakoyannis Giorgos
Published: July 2020

Frequently, clinical trials and observational studies involve complex event history data with multiple events. When the observations are independent, the analysis of such studies can be based on standard methods for multistate models. However, the independence assumption is often violated, such as in multicenter studies, which makes standard methods improper. This work addresses the issue of nonparametric estimation and two‐sample testing for the population‐averaged transition and state occupation probabilities under general multistate models with cluster‐correlated, right‐censored, and/or left‐truncated observations. The proposed methods do not impose assumptions regarding the within‐cluster dependence, allow for informative cluster size, and are applicable to both Markov and non‐Markov processes. Using empirical process theory, the estimators are shown to be uniformly consistent and to converge weakly to tight Gaussian processes. Closed‐form variance estimators are derived, rigorous methodology for the calculation of simultaneous confidence bands is proposed, and the asymptotic properties of the nonparametric tests are established. Furthermore, I provide theoretical arguments for the validity of the nonparametric cluster bootstrap, which can be readily implemented in practice regardless of how complex the underlying multistate model is. Simulation studies show that the performance of the proposed methods is good, and that methods that ignore the within‐cluster dependence can lead to invalid inferences. Finally, the methods are illustrated using data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Blood component use in critical care in patients with COVID‐19 infection: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Doyle Andrew J. , Danaee Anicee , Furtado Charlene I. , Miller Scott , Maggs Tim , Robinson Susan E. , Retter Andrew
Published: July 2020

There has been a significant surge in admissions to critical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. At present, the demands on blood components have not been described. We reviewed their use during the first 6 weeks of the outbreak from 3 March 2020 in a tertiary‐level critical care department providing venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv‐ECMO). A total of 265 patients were reviewed, with 235 not requiring ECMO and 30 requiring vv‐ECMO. In total, 50 patients required blood components during their critical care admission. Red cell concentrates were the most frequently transfused component in COVID‐19‐infected patients with higher rates of use during vv‐ECMO. The use of fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelet transfusions was low in a period prior to the use of convalescent plasma.
Biology and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes
Authors: Xunian Zhou , Kalluri Raghu
Published: July 2020

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent stromal cells with the potential to differentiate into several cell types. MSC‐based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for various diseases. Accumulating evidence suggests that the paracrine effects of MSC are partially exerted by the secretion of soluble factors, in particular exosomes. MSC‐derived exosomes are involved in intercellular communication through transfer of proteins, RNA, DNA and bioactive lipids, which might constitute a novel intercellular communication mode. This review illustrates the current knowledge on the composition and biological functions as well as the therapeutic potential of MSC‐derived exosomes in cancer, with a focus on clinical translation opportunities.
Report of the use of patient‐derived xenograft models in the development of anticancer drugs in Japan
Authors: Tsumura Ryo , Koga Yoshikatsu , Hamada Akinobu , Kuwata Takeshi , Sasaki Hiroki , Doi Toshihiko , Aikawa Katsuji , Ohashi Akihiro , Katano Ikumi , Ikarashi Yoshinori , Ito Mamoru , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: July 2020

Cell line‐derived xenograft (CDX) models created by implanting cancer cell lines into immunodeficient mice have contributed largely to the development of cancer drug therapies. However, cell lines often lose their original biological characteristics through many passages and cancer tissues in CDX models have many cancer cells and few cancer stromal cells, therefore CDX models are currently considered not suitable for predicting the results of clinical studies. Conversely, patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models are gaining importance, as human cancer biological characteristics and microenvironments are recreated by implanting tumor tissue into immunodeficient mice. These highly expected, evidently beneficial PDX models have been used in some basic research and are becoming more generalized. However, quality control and quality assurance criteria have not been established for them, and challenges and problems in the utilization of valuable PDX models in drug development have yet to be clarified. In this report, we conducted a questionnaire survey among researchers in Japanese academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies to understand the current status of PDX models in Japan. Based on the questionnaire results, we summarized the situations surrounding respondent's utilization and quality control in the development of anticancer drugs and proposed several measures to facilitate the utilization of PDX models in the development of anticancer drugs.
Parent‐specific effects on risk of developing allergic sensitization and asthma in childhood
Authors: Schoos Ann‐Marie Malby , Hansen Britta Randi , Stokholm Jakob , Chawes Bo Lund , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bisgaard Hans
Published: July 2020

Background

Parent's history of atopic traits increases the risk of the same traits in their children, but mother's history may confer an increased risk compared to father's history.

Objective

To investigate parent‐specific effects on risk of developing allergic sensitization and asthma in childhood.

Methods

We included 685 parent‐child trios from the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC2010) cohort. Parent's asthma was assessed by structured interviews and child's asthma was diagnosed prospectively at regular visits to the COPSAC clinic until age 6. Specific IgE and total IgE levels were measured in parents and children by age 0.5, 1.5 and 6 years. Associations between parent and child disease traits were analyzed using general estimating equations model adjusted for breastfeeding and maternal smoking during 3rd trimester.

Results

Maternal compared to paternal elevated specific IgE increased the child's risk of elevated specific IgE from 0‐6 years: adjusted odds ratio (aOR)mother = 1.49 [1.09‐2.03], P = .01 and aORfather = 1.32 [0.96‐1.82], P = .08. Maternal elevated total IgE also increased the child's risk of elevated total IgE: adjusted relative risk (aOR)mother = 4.32 [1.51‐10.8], P < .01, while a trend was observed for paternal total IgE: aORfather = 2.01 [0.76‐4.82], P = .13. Individual time point analyses showed that the maternal effect was strongest in early life, whereas the parental effects were comparable by age 6. A similar parent‐specific pattern was observed for the child's risk of asthma.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The effect of mother's history of atopic traits on the child's risk of developing the same traits in early childhood was stronger than the effect from father's history, which was not evident before age 6. This suggests that maternal non‐genetic factors seem to confer an added disease risk to the child, particularly in early life.
DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES: GOVERNMENT SPENDING MULTIPLIERS IN HARD TIMES
Authors: Lee Sokbae , Liao Yuan , Seo Myung Hwan , Shin Youngki
Published: July 2020

We investigate state‐dependent effects of fiscal multipliers and allow for endogenous sample splitting to determine whether the U.S. economy is in a slack state. When the endogenized slack state is estimated as the period of the unemployment rate higher than about 12%, the estimated cumulative multipliers are significantly larger during slack periods than nonslack periods and are above unity. We also examine the possibility of time‐varying regimes of slackness and find that our empirical results are robust under a more flexible framework. Our estimation results point out the importance of the heterogenous effects of fiscal policy and shed light on the prospect of fiscal policy in response to economic shocks from the current COVID‐19 pandemic. (JEL C32, E62, H20, H62)
Hemophilia gene therapy—New country initiatives
Authors: Reiss Ulrike M. , Zhang Lei , Ohmori Tsukasa
Published: July 2020

Gene therapy is an opportunity for haemophilia patients to receive a one‐time treatment and have lasting factor levels for years or decades instead of dependence on repeated administration within short intervals and on sustained supply of drug. Great strides have been made in the development of gene therapy for haemophilia in the last decade. Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector–mediated gene transfer in haemophilia A and B has entered the phase III trial stage. Gene transfer by lentiviral vector or gene editing technologies using factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX) genes are now entering clinical evaluation. It is expected that the first FVIII and FIX gene therapy products will soon be approved and distributed in major markets. Global access to gene therapy is a critical goal. This review presents new and ongoing efforts towards this goal in countries other than North America and Europe. In Japan, researchers, regulators and funders have established a promising gene therapy development platform for multiple diseases including haemophilia. Decades of scientific and clinical research in haemophilia gene therapy in China have led to a recently registered clinical trial of AAV‐mediated gene therapy for haemophilia B. Other countries are in earlier phases of building gene therapy programmes or participate in international trials. A phase 2 feasibility trial of AAV‐mediated FIX gene therapy in low‐ and middle‐income countries aims to demonstrate that gene therapy could become available in resource‐constrained socio‐economic settings. The different strategies for establishing gene therapy provide opportunities for closing the global gap in haemophilia care.
Lung, breast and bowel cancer treatment for Aboriginal people in New South Wales: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Fitzadam Suzanne , Lin Enmoore , Creighton Nicola , Currow David C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Aboriginal Australians have higher cancer mortality than non‐Aboriginal Australians. Lower rates of cancer treatment among Aboriginal people can contribute to this.

Aims

To investigate demographic, clinical and access factors associated with lung, breast and bowel cancer treatment for Aboriginal people compared with non‐Aboriginal people in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Population‐based cohort study using linked routinely collected datasets, including all diagnoses of primary lung, breast or bowel cancer from January 2009 to June 2012. Treatment (surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy) within 6 months from diagnosis was measured. Access was measured using minimum distance to radiotherapy or hospital with a cancer‐specific multidisciplinary team, visit to a specialist and possession of private health insurance. Logistic regression modelling was employed.

Results

There were 587 Aboriginal and 34 015 non‐Aboriginal people diagnosed with cancer. For lung cancer, significantly fewer Aboriginal than non‐Aboriginal people received surgery (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.73, P < 0.001) or any treatment (surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy; odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.88, P = 0.006) after adjusting for sex, age, disease extent and comorbidities. They were less likely to have an attendance with a surgeon (27.0%, 62/230 vs 33.3%, 2865/8597, P = 0.04) compared with non‐Aboriginal people. There were no significant differences in cancer treatment for Aboriginal people compared with non‐Aboriginal people for breast or bowel cancers after adjusting for patient sex, age, disease extent and comorbidities.

Conclusion

Aboriginal people were significantly less likely to receive surgery for lung cancer than non‐Aboriginal people and had fewer attendances with a surgeon, suggesting a need to strengthen referral pathways.
The battle for iron in enteric infections
Authors: Sousa Gerós Ana , Simmons Alison , Drakesmith Hal , Aulicino Anna , Frost Joe N.
Published: July 2020

Iron is an essential element for almost all living organisms, but can be extremely toxic in high concentrations. All organisms must therefore employ homeostatic mechanisms to finely regulate iron uptake, usage and storage in the face of dynamic environmental conditions. The critical step in mammalian systemic iron homeostasis is the fine regulation of dietary iron absorption. However, as the gastrointestinal system is also home to >1014 bacteria, all of which engage in their own programmes of iron homeostasis, the gut represents an anatomical location where the inter‐kingdom fight for iron is never‐ending. Here, we explore the molecular mechanisms of, and interactions between, host and bacterial iron homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract. We first detail how mammalian systemic and cellular iron homeostasis influences gastrointestinal iron availability. We then focus on two important human pathogens, Salmonella and Clostridia; despite their differences, they exemplify how a bacterial pathogen must navigate and exploit this web of iron homeostasis interactions to avoid host nutritional immunity and replicate successfully. We then reciprocally explore how iron availability interacts with the gastrointestinal microbiota, and the consequences of this on mammalian physiology and pathogen iron acquisition. Finally, we address how understanding the battle for iron in the gastrointestinal tract might inform clinical practice and inspire new treatments for important diseases.
Systematic profiling of ACE2 expression in diverse physiological and pathological conditions for COVID‐19/SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Li Yunjin , Xu Qiyue , Ma Lu , Wu Duojiao , Gao Jie , Chen Geng , Li Hua
Published: July 2020

Recent retrospective studies of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) disease (COVID‐19) revealed that the patients with common comorbidities of cancers and chronic diseases face significantly poorer clinical outcomes than those without. Since the expression profile of ACE2, a crucial cell entry receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, could indicate the susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, here we systematically dissected ACE2 expression using large‐scale multi‐omics data from 30 organs/tissues, 33 cancer types and some common chronic diseases involving >28 000 samples. It was found that sex and age could be correlated with the susceptibility of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection for certain tissues. Strikingly, ACE2 was up‐regulated in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, oesophageal carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma compared to controls. Furthermore, the patients with common chronic diseases regarding angiocardiopathy, type 2 diabetes, liver, pneumonia and hypertension were also with higher ACE2 expression compared to related controls, which were validated using independent data sets. Collectively, our study may reveal a novel important mechanism that the patients with certain cancers and chronic diseases may express higher ACE2 expression compared to the individuals without diseases, which could lead to their higher susceptibility to multi‐organ injury of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Unsaturated fatty acid‐enriched extract from Hippophae rhamnoides seed reduces skin dryness through up‐regulating aquaporins 3 and hyaluronan synthetases 2 expressions
Authors: Yao Qifeng , Jia Tinghan , Qiao Wu , Gu Hongjian , Kaku Ken
Published: July 2020

Background

Seed oil of sea buckthorn (SBT) is well known to contain high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), and PUFA is generally acknowledged to promote skin hydration by reducing trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Aims

The present study is aimed to investigate that skin hydration offered by SBT seed oil is whether through up‐regulating AQP3 or HAS2 expression.

Methods

MTT assay was performed to detect cytotoxicity of SBT seed oil, and then, PCR was carried out to explore whether SBT seed oil can increase AQP3 mRNA expression in normal human epidermis keratinocytes (NHEK) cells or not. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot analysis were used to test the protein level expression of AQP3 and HAS2 influenced by SBT seed oil in NHEK cells or in reconstructed epidermis skin model.

Results

According to the result of MTT assay, all test concentration of SBT seed oil showed no cytotoxicity to cells. 10 μg/mL SBT seed oil treatment evidently increased AQP3 mRNA level compared to negative control (NC). IF and Western blot analysis results demonstrated that AQP3 and HAS2 protein levels in NHEK cells treated with 10 μg/mL SBT seed oil were much higher than that of NC. Finally, treatment with 10 μg/mL SBT seed oil substantially up‐regulated expression of AQP3 and HAS2 protein in reconstructed epidermis skin model in comparison to NC.

Conclusions

In summary, our study first proved that SBT seed oil can improve skin hydration through increasing AQP3 and HAS2 expressions.