bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Wu Qin , Xing Yuhan , Shi Lei , Li Wenjie , Gao Yang , Pan Silin , Wang Ying , Wang Wendi , Xing Quansheng
Published: March 2020

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified pathogen which mainly spreads by droplets. Most published studies focused on adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but data concerning pediatric patients is limited. This study aimed to determine epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of pediatric patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We reviewed and analyzed data on pediatric patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, including basic information, epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, laboratory and radiologic findings, treatment, outcome and follow-up results.

Results

From January 20th to February 27th of 2020, a total of 74 pediatric patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. Of the 68 cases whose epidemiological data were complete, 65 (65/68, 95.59%) cases were household contacts of adults whose symptoms developed earlier. Forty (59.46%) of the infected children were male, and the median age and body weight are 6 (0.10-15.08) years and 24 (4.20-87.00) kg, respectively. Except for one critically ill case, 20 (27.03%) patients did not show any symptoms of infection, 24 (32.43%) patients had acute upper respiratory tract infection and 29 (39.19%) patients were diagnosed with mild pneumonia. Cough (24/74, 32.43%) and fever (20, 27.03%) were the predominant symptoms of 44 (59.46%) symptomatic patients at onset of the illness. Abnormalities in leukocyte count were found in 23 (31.08%) children and 10 (13.51%) children presented with abnormal lymphocyte count. Of the 34 (45.95%) patients who had nucleic acid testing results for common respiratory pathogens, 19 (19 / 34, 51.35%) showed co-infection with other pathogens other than SARS-CoV-2.Ten (13.51%) children had RT-PCR analysis of SARS-CoV-2 for fecal specimens and 8 of them showed prolonged existence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA 11 (5-23) days after nasopharynx swabs turning negative. Abnormalities in chest imaging were observed in 37 (50.00%) patients and 28 (37.84%) of them only presented with nontypical changes.All children had good prognosis with a median hospitalization duration of 11 days and follow-up period of 16.5 days. During the follow-up period, all the patients remained in quarantine at designated site and home for two 14-day obervation periods and showed no clinical manifestation,but 3 of the 8 cases with prolonged fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 still showed positive result of feces test.
Clinical Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Hainan, China
Authors: Yan Shijiao , Song Xingyue , Lin Feng , Zhu Haiyan , Wang Xiaozhi , Li Min , Ruan Jianwen , Lin Changfeng , Liu Xiaoran , Wu Qiang , Luo Zhiqian , Fu Wenning , Chen Song , Yuan Yong , Liu Shengxing , Yao Jinjian , Lv Chuanzhu
Published: March 2020

Background

Since January 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has spread rapidly and developing the pandemic model around the world. Data have been needed on the clinical characteristics of the affected patients in an imported cases as model in island outside Wuhan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study included all 168 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Hainan province from 22 January 2020 to 13 March 2020. Cases were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and were analysed for demographic, clinical, radiological and laboratory data.

Results

Of 168 patients, 160 have been discharged, 6 have died and 2 remain hospitalized. The median age was 51.0 years and 51.8% were females. 129 (76.8%) patients were imported cases, and 118 (70.2%), 51 (30.4%) and 52 (31%) of patients lived in Wuhan or traveled to Wuhan, had contact with Covid-19 patients, or had contact with Wuhan residents, respectively. The most common symptoms at onset of illness were fever (65.5%), dry cough (48.8%) and expectoration (32.1%). On admission, ground-glass opacity was the most common radiologic finding on chest computed tomography (60.2%). The elderly people with diabetes, hypertension and CVD are more likely to develop severe cases. Follow-up of 160 discharged patients found that 20 patients (12.5%) had a positive RT-PCR test results of pharyngeal swabs or anal swabs or fecal.

Conclusions

In light of the rapid spread of Covid-19 around the world, early diagnosis and quarantine is important to curb the spread of Covid-19 and intensive treatments in early stage is to prevent patients away from critical condition.
Multimorbidity within households and health and social care utilisation and cost: retrospective cohort study using administrative data
Authors: Stafford Mai , Deeny Sarah R. , Dreyer Kathryn , Shand Jenny
Published: March 2020

Background

The daily management of long-term conditions falls primarily on individuals and their informal carers, but the household context and its impact on health and social care activity among people with multimorbidity is understudied.

Methods

Linked data from health providers and local government in Barking and Dagenham provided a retrospective cohort of people aged 50+ in two-person households between April 2016 and March 2018. Two-part regression models were applied to estimate annualised use and cost of hospital, primary, community, mental health and social care by multimorbidity status of individuals and co-residents, adjusted for age, gender and deprivation. Applicability at the national level was tested using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Results

Over 45% of multimorbid people in two-person households were co-resident with another multimorbid person. They were 1.14 (95% CI 1.00, 1.30) times as likely to have any community care activity and 1.24 (95% CI 0.99,1.54) times as likely to have any mental health care activity compared to those co-resident with a healthy person. They had more primary care visits (8.5 (95% CI 8.2,8.8) vs 7.9 (95% CI 7.7,8.2)) and higher primary care costs. Outpatient care and elective admissions did not differ between these groups. Findings in the national data were similar.

Conclusions

Care utilisation for people with multimorbidity varies by household context. There may be potential for connecting health and other community service input across household members.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection upon male gonadal function: A single center-based study
Authors: Ma Ling , Xie Wen , Li Danyang , Shi Lei , Mao Yanhong , Xiong Yao , Zhang Yuanzhen , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2020

Since SARS-CoV-2 infection was first identified in December 2019, it spread rapidly and a global pandemic of COVID-19 has occurred. ACE2, the receptor for entry into the target cells by SARS-CoV-2, was found to abundantly express in testes, including spermatogonia, Leydig and Sertoli cells. However, there is no clinical evidence about whether SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect male gonadal function so far. In this study, we compared the sex-related hormones between 81 reproductive-aged men with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 100 age-matched healthy men, and found that serum luteinizing hormone (LH) was significantly increased, but the ratio of testosterone (T) to LH and the ratio of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) to LH were dramatically decreased in males with COVID-19. Besides, multivariable regression analysis indicated that c-reactive protein (CRP) level was significantly associated with serum T:LH ratio in COVID-19 patients. This study provides the first direct evidence about the influence of medical condition of COVID-19 on male sex hormones, alerting more attention to gonadal function evaluation among patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially the reproductive-aged men.
From a single host to global spread: The global mobility based modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic implies higher infection rate and lower detection ratio than current estimates
Authors: Siwiak Marian , Szczesny Pawel , Siwiak Marlena
Published: March 2020

Background

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple efforts of modelling of the geo-temporal transmissibility of the virus have been undertaken, but none describes the pandemic spread at the global level. The aim of this research is to provide a high-resolution global model of the pandemic that overcomes the problem of biased country-level data on the number of infected cases. To achieve this we propose a novel SIR-type metapopulation transmission model and a set of analytically derived model parameters. We used them to perform a simulation of the disease spread with help of the Global Epidemic and Mobility (GLEAM) framework embedding actual population densities, commute patterns and long-range travel networks. The simulation starts on Nov 17th, 2019 with just a single pre-symptomatic, yet infectious, case in Wuhan, China, and results in an accurate prediction of the number of diagnosed cases after 154 days in multiple countries across five continents. In addition, the model outcome shows high compliance with the results of a random screening test conducted on pregnant women in the New York area.

Methods

We have built a modified SIR metapopulation transmission model and parameterized it analytically either by setting the values of the parameters based on the literature, or by assuming their plausible values. We compared our results with the number of diagnosed cases in twenty selected countries which provide reliable statistics but differ substantially in terms of strength and speed of undertaken Non-Drug Interventions. The obtained 95% confidence intervals for the predictions are in agreement with the empirical data.

Results

The parameters that successfully model the pandemic are: the basic reproduction numberR0, 4.4; a latent non-infectious period of 1.1. days followed by 4.6 days of the presymptomatic infectious period; the probability of developing severe symptoms, 0.01; the probability of being diagnosed when presenting severe symptoms of 0.6; the probability of diagnosis for cases with mild symptoms or asymptomatic, 0.001.

Discussion

Parameters that successfully reproduce the observed number of cases indicate that bothR0and the prevalence of the virus might be underestimated. This is in concordance with the newest research on undocumented COVID-19 cases. Consequently, the actual mortality rate is putatively lower than estimated. Confirmation of the pandemic characteristic by further refinement of the model and screening tests is crucial for developing an effective strategy for the global epidemiological crisis.
Phylogenomic analysis clarifies the evolutionary origin of Coffea arabica L
Authors: Bawin Yves , Ruttink Tom , Staelens Ariane , Haegeman Annelies , Stoffelen Piet , Mwanga Mwanga Jean-Claude Ithe , Roldán-Ruiz Isabel , Honnay Olivier , Janssens Steven B.
Published: March 2020

Interspecific hybridization events have played a major role in plant speciation, yet, the evolutionary origin of hybrid species often remains enigmatic. Here, we inferred the evolutionary origin of the allotetraploid species Coffea arabica, which is widely cultivated for Arabica coffee production.

We estimated genetic distances between C. arabica and all species that are known to be closely related to C. arabica using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data. In addition, we reconstructed a time-calibrated multilabeled phylogenetic tree of 24 species to infer the age of the C. arabica hybridization event. Ancestral states of self-compatibility were also reconstructed to infer the evolution of self-compatibility in Coffea.

C. canephora and C. eugenioides were confirmed as the putative progenitor species of C. arabica. These species most likely hybridized between 1.08 million and 543 thousand years ago.

We inferred the phylogenetic relationships between C. arabica and its closest relatives and shed new light on the evolution of self-compatibility in Coffea. Furthermore, the age of the hybridization event coincides with periods of environmental upheaval, which may have induced range shifts of the progenitor species that facilitated the emergence of C. arabica.
Employee perceptions of HRM practices and their turnover intentions: evidence from South Korea
Authors: Oh Jinuk
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The study sought to provide insight into the affective mechanisms that underlie the relationship between HRM practices and employee turnover intentions from the perspective of Korean employees. The study drew on social exchange theory and used compensation satisfaction, perceived job security and job autonomy to explain how perceptions of HRM practices affect employee turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were generated from a survey questionnaire administered to both white-collar and knowledge workers in different organizations in the Seoul Capital Area. The final sample consisted of 310 full-time employees.

Findings

The results show that compensation satisfaction and perceived job security have significant indirect negative effects on employees' intentions to leave their organization in the Korean context, which supports previous studies in Western contexts. However, the indirect effects of job autonomy on employee turnover intention were not significant in the current study.

Originality/value

This study continues the conversation about the important role HRM practices play in retaining valuable employees. This study offers a nuanced view of the relationship between HRM practices and employee turnover in a distinctive research setting. This study also provides realistic and practical suggestions on HRM so that organizations in Korea are able to implement HRM practices that help them retain competent employees.
Constructing construction careers: the case for the building trades
Authors: Callanan Gerard , Perri David
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper discusses the well-publicized labor shortages in the building trades, reviews the causes for the deficiencies, and presents prescriptions for how career counselors and schools can play a critical role in encouraging young adults to consider construction occupations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from government agencies, trade organizations, and scholarly publications, this paper describes the categories of the building trades as well as their employment trends and compensation prospects. It also reviews the personal and environmental factors that could lead to the “construction of a construction career.”

Findings

This article documents the reasons for the labor shortages in the construction industry and then offers recommendation on how younger adults could be encouraged to consider the building trades as viable career alternatives.

Social implications

Labor shortages in the construction industry have a direct and indirect deleterious effect on the economic well-being of every country. This article provides suggestions on how to inspire young adults to consider the building trades as worthwhile career pursuits.

Originality/value

There is a limited amount of scholarly attention given to career decision making related to occupations that do not require a college degree, including the building trades. This paper attempts to fill this gap in the literature by focusing on the individual characteristics and environmental factors that might prompt consideration of a career in the building trades. It also describes the educational, governmental, and corporate initiatives that work to encourage individuals, working in conjunction with their career counselors, to consider careers in the construction industry.
Validating effective managerial behaviors for the hospitality industry
Authors: Michel John W. , Tews Michael J. , Tracey J. Bruce
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the validity of the Managerial Practices Survey (MPS). Despite voluminous work on leadership styles, few studies have examined the specific behaviors of effective leaders in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from two different samples through surveys to assess the construct validity of the MPS in the hospitality industry.

Findings

The proposed four meta-category and 18 component behavior MPS framework fit the data well and both the meta-categories and component behaviors were predictive of leadership effectiveness.

Practical implications

While meta-categories may be conceptually and theoretically relevant, component leadership behaviors are more useful for applied uses, such as leadership development. When behaviors are assessed at the component level, leaders can be provided with feedback and coaching on the specific actions they can take to improve their decision-making and problem-solving capabilities and ultimately become more effective leaders.

Originality/value

This research provides a validation of the MPS and useful insights for which behaviors are most useful for managers in hospitality contexts.
Operational efficiency of shipping companies
Authors: Venkadasalam Saravanan , Mohamad Azhar , Sifat Imtiaz Mohammad
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper is the first comprehensive investigation of the shipping industry's efficiency in five countries from the ASEAN region: Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing Data Envelopment Analysis and Stochastic Frontier Analysis, this paper compares efficiency dynamics of 45 international and offshore shipping providers engaged in fishing and ferrying.

Findings

The results indicate consistently diminishing efficiency from 2011 to 2017, a phenomenon that persists even in the traditionally efficient companies. Thereafter, this paper develops AltmanZ-scores for the sampled companies and notice that despite rising inefficiency, most firms remain unencumbered by bankruptcy concerns, especially those with large capital buffers.

Research limitations/implications

In general, this paper observes a negative relationship between bankruptcy risk and efficiency. Furthermore, the paper notices that reducing inputs does not help boost efficiency.

Originality/value

In terms of novel contributions, this paper is the first (to the best of knowledge) to set aZ-score for the ASEAN-based shipping companies.
Fatigue failure analysis of express freight sliding side covered wagon based on the rigid-flexibility model
Authors: Liu Xiaoxue , Zhang Yahui , Xie Suming , Zhang Qiang , Guo Hanfei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The car body stiffness of express freight sliding side covered wagon decreased for the sliding and the resonance vibration based on the flexible car body has affected the dynamics performances. Dynamic loading will cause fatigue cracks and eventually lead to fatigue failure of the car body. This paper aims to investigate the influence of car body flexibility on the evaluation of the failure.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the railway vehicles random analysis procedure (RVRAP) is employed to study the fatigue failure of the rigid-flexibility model. Following the analysis process, the rigid-flexibility model is established and four contrastive schemes for simulation analysis are designed. To verify the results, an experimental test using the real car body structure on the vibration test plant is carried out; the RMS of dynamic stress is obtained and compared with the simulation results.

Findings

The results show that the flexibility of the car body has a crucial influence on the fatigue life.

Originality/value

The reliability is verified regarding the use of RVRAP at an appropriate stage on the antifatigue design of the vehicle.
Rubber asphalt waterproof adhesive layer for steel bridge gussasphalt pavement
Authors: Wang Hongchang , Jin Cheng , Liu Houyu , Xue Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

Purpose

As an important part of steel bridge deck pavement, if waterproof adhesive layer performance does not meet requirements, numerous kinds of bridge deck pavement distress may be encountered. To study the adhesive behavior of rubber asphalt waterproof adhesive layers in steel bridge gussasphalt pavement, the pull-off and direct-shear tests have been used in the study to mechanically simulate steel bridge deck pavement under vehicles loading.

Design/methodology/approach

Several potentially influential factors associated with the adhesive strength of rubber asphalt are investigated including temperature, spraying quantity and environmental conditions.

Findings

Results indicate that rubber asphalt was associated with good performance with respect to its use as a waterproof adhesive layer; simulated performance was negatively correlated with increasing temperatures. A necessary spraying quantity of 0.4 Lm-2is required for appropriate adhesive strength of the composite structure, with a decrease in adhesive strength noted when spraying quantity is significantly greater or less than this.

Originality/value

The current paper presents an examination of the adhesive performance of a rubber asphalt adhesive layer on steel bridge deck pouring construction, while additionally examining potentially influential factors and conditions via use of both pull-off and shear tests.
A study on the effect of long-term orientation and risk propensity on resilience
Authors: Sulphey M.M.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Resilience is the ability to recover and once again adapt former behaviours that have characterized an individual, prior to the period of disruption. It requires various qualities, resources and power to recover immediately after a traumatic event and is found related to a number of variables and concepts. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship of long-term orientation and risk propensity on resilience using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Design/methodology/approach

R Program was used to perform SEM on the data collected online from 357 samples using three standardized questionnaires to measure long-term orientation, risk propensity and resilience.

Findings

It was found that long-term orientation and its factors, respect for tradition and planning, were having a positive relationship with resilience. No relationship was found between risk propensity and resilience.

Originality/value

A fair review of literature has found that no previous studies have examined the relationship between long-term orientation and risk propensity on resilience. The present study is a modest effort towards this direction. The findings are indeed significant and contribute substantially to literature.
Malaysian Muslim investors’ behaviour towards the blockchain-based Bitcoin cryptocurrency market
Authors: Ayedh Abdullah , Echchabi Abdelghani , Battour Mohamed , Omar Mohammed
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the factors that could increase the investment in the Bitcoin market among Malaysian Muslim communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey questionnaire to collect data for a sample of 200 Muslim respondents in Malaysia. Subsequently, the collected data was analysed using structural equation modelling, as well as basic descriptive statistics and one sample test.

Findings

The findings showed that compatibility, awareness and facilitating conditions have a significant impact on Malaysian Muslim communities’ investment in the Bitcoin market.

Originality/value

It is worth emphasizing that this is one of the earliest studies that examine the Muslim communities’ perception and willingness to invest in the Bitcoin market. Hence, it is expected to be one of the foundations for future studies in this area.
Analysis of barriers to the application of life cycle costing in building projects in developing countries
Authors: Opawole Akintayo , Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Kajimo-Shakantu Kahilu , Ateji Oluwatumininu A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Life cycle costing (LCC) has become increasingly important in construction projects over the last decades. However, limited empirical studies have been carried out on the factors influencing its application in building projects, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to address this gap in knowledge within the Nigerian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were used through the administration of questionnaires to practising quantity surveying firms in Lagos State, Nigeria. The data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools including percentages, mean item score and factor analysis.

Findings

The study identified 47 barriers to the application of LCC, and the analysis of the ranking revealed that 35 (of 47) identified barriers were considered important. Factor analysis grouped the identified barriers into four key factors namely, professional incompetence; cost implications; administrative factor and procurement options.

Practical implications

This research is important by providing the empirical evidence on the barriers to the application of LCC in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. For instance, the identification of important barriers to LCC use will enlighten the construction professionals to be trained in the practicalities of LCC. Moreover, the study provides implications for construction stakeholders (including governments) to draw policy recommendations that will positively improve the use of LCC in the construction industry, especially in developing countries.

Originality/value

The study will be beneficial to all the construction stakeholders by broadening their awareness about the barriers to LCC use in Nigeria and developing countries at large.
An international university-industry collaboration model to develop supply chain competences
Authors: Gámez-Pérez Karla M. , Sarmiento Ana Maria , Garcia-Reyes Heriberto , Velázquez-Martínez Josué C.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The increase in the supply chain complexity demands new professionals who are able to deal with the new challenges faced nowadays. The purpose of this work is to propose an international university–industry collaboration model to develop supply chain management competences in students as a tool for the training of future professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes an international collaboration model to develop supply chain competences. The model consists of three main phases from the genesis of the collaboration to the assessment of the competence development. This study validates the model collaborating with one of the largest retailer companies in Mexico.

Findings

Results identify collaboration good practices and point at possible improvements for the next model iteration. This study identifies four key supply chain competences as part of this model. Three didactic approaches (i.e. guidance methods) and two student’s involvement schemes were tested. The results show that professors acting as an advisor (i.e. acting as a guider without telling student directly what to do or how to do it) plus a voluntary student’s involvement in the project promote better competence development.

Originality/value

The first contribution of this research is the definition of an international collaboration model that promotes competence-based education. Also, this study documents good practices for this type of partnership. The second one refers to a large-scale model validation (i.e. 14-week experiment in nine different regions of Mexico involving a retail company, 20 professor-researchers and more than 100 students). The third contribution includes the assessment of different levels of competences development using diverse students’ participation schemes and professor’s guidance methods.
ArsH protects Pseudomonas putida from oxidative damage caused by exposure to arsenic
Authors: Páez‐Espino A. David , Nikel Pablo I. , Chavarría Max , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: March 2020

The two As resistance arsRBC operons of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 are followed by a downstream gene called arsH that encodes an NADPH‐dependent flavin mononucleotide reductase. In this work, we show that the arsH1 and (to a lesser extent) arsH2 genes of P. putida KT2440 strengthened its tolerance to both inorganic As(V) and As(III) and relieved the oxidative stress undergone by cells exposed to either oxyanion. Furthermore, overexpression of arsH1 and arsH2 endowed P. putida with a high tolerance to the oxidative stress caused by diamide (a drainer of metabolic NADPH) in the absence of any arsenic. To examine whether the activity of ArsH was linked to a direct action on the arsenic compounds tested, arsH1 and arsH2 genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, which has an endogenous arsRBC operon but lacks an arsH ortholog. The resulting clones both deployed a lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to As salts and had a superior endurance to physiological redox insults. These results suggest that besides the claimed direct action on organoarsenicals, ArsH contributes to relieve toxicity of As species by mediating reduction of ROS produced in vivo upon exposure to the oxyanion, e.g. by generating FMNH2 to fuel ROS‐quenching activities.
Increasing Methamphetamine Detection in Cases of Early Childhood Fatalities
Authors: Kenneally Michaela , Byard Roger W.
Published: March 2020

Age and organ maturity can influence drug toxicity in children; however, most clinical data and literature are based on drug concentrations in adults. Therefore, the interpretation of drugs detected in children is often difficult or not possible. Retrospective reviewing of pathology and toxicology information from postmortem cases may assist in future interpretations or identify drug trends. A search of the Forensic Science SA case files was undertaken over 15 years from January 2002 to December 2016 for all children (<13 years). Of the 412 pediatric coronial cases, toxicological information was available on 373. At least one drug was detected in 94 cases with paracetamol, ibuprofen, codeine and hospital‐administrated lignocaine and morphine among the most commonly detected agents. Methamphetamine, one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in Australia, was found in seven cases. In the methamphetamine cases, deaths were associated with shared sleeping in three, pneumonia in one, and stillbirth in one. Methamphetamine was considered potentially contributory to death in two cases. The causes of death in the remaining two cases were undetermined. As six of the seven positive cases occurred in the 2012–2016 (n = 106) timeframe, an increase has occurred over recent years in the number of infants and young children presenting to forensic autopsy in South Australia who have detectable concentrations of methamphetamine. If this is an indication of a more generalized increased childhood exposure in the community there may be significant long‐term physical and psychological effects.
Sublay repair for primary superior lumbar hernia with the Kugel patch
Authors: Lin Ronggui , Teng Tianhong , Lin Xianchao , Lu Fengchun , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Congfei , Chen Yanchang , Huang Heguang
Published: March 2020

Background

A superior lumbar hernia is a posterior ventral hernia that is rarely encountered in the clinical setting. However, no standard operative strategy exists for superior lumbar hernia repair at present.

Methods

Twelve patients with primary superior lumbar hernia who underwent sublay repair via the retroperitoneal space with the Kugel patch between December 2008 and June 2019 were included in this study. The demographic, peri‐operative and post‐operative data of the patients were collected to analyse the effectiveness of this technique.

Results

All patients underwent an uneventful operation. The median operative time was 60 min, and the median blood loss was 35 mL. The median hernia defect area was 16 cm2. Five medium‐sized Kugel patches (11 cm × 14 cm) and seven large‐sized Kugel patches (14 cm × 17 cm) were used for the repairs. The median visual analogue scale score on post‐operative day 1 was 3. The median time to removal of drainage was 3 days. The median duration of the hospital stay was 3 days. No serious post‐operative complications, including seroma, haematoma, incision or mesh infection, recurrence and chronic pain, occurred during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Sublay repair for primary superior lumbar hernia with the Kugel patch shows benefits including a reliable repair, minimal invasiveness and few post‐operative complications.
The anti–heat stress effects of Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions and rumen‐protected γ‐aminobutyric acid on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and health status in beef cattle
Authors: Chen Jian , Guo Kun , Song Xiaozhen , Lan Lvtao , Liu Shiqi , Hu Ruiming , Luo Junrong
Published: March 2020

This study aims to evaluate the anti–heat stress effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) prescription, rumen‐protected γ‐aminobutyric acid (RP‐GABA), and CHM plus RP‐GABA co‐medication on growth performance, apparent digestibility, and serum parameters in heat‐stressed beef cattle. Forty beef cattle were randomly divided into four groups. Control group was supplied with basal diet, while CHM, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), and CHM + GABA groups were, respectively, supplied with CHM, RP‐GABA, and CHM plus RP‐GABA in basal diet. Our result indicated that CHM + GABA elevated apparent digestibility including crude protein, Ca, P, crude fat (CF) (p < .01), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < .05), but no difference was found with CF and NDF digestibility both in CHM and GABA group (p > .05). More importantly, average daily gain (ADG) was improved in CHM, GABA, and CHM + GABA groups, while average daily feed intake (ADFI) significantly increased only in CHM + GABA groups (p < .05). Meanwhile, CHM + GABA displayed notably more positive effect in serum hormones, immune globulin, ions contents, and blood inflammatory cytokines than other treatment groups and control group. These results demonstrated that both CHM and GABA are effective in alleviating heat stress response and the co‐medication has a synergistic effect on anti–heat stress.
Testing hypothetical bias in a framed field experiment
Authors: Brouwer Roy , Tarfasa Solomon
Published: March 2020

Hypothetical bias is tested based on inter‐ and intra‐respondent comparisons of choice behavior, applying a hypothetical and real choice experiment. The inter‐respondent comparison commonly applied in the environmental and agricultural economics literature consists of a control group of buyers who are asked to hypothetically choose between conventional and organic beans and an experimental group of buyers who are endowed to purchase the same beans using an identical experimental design. Hypothetical bias is tested by comparing inter‐ and intra‐respondents’ (i) hypothetical and real choices, (ii) preference parameters of the estimated choice models related to hypothetical and real choices, and (iii) hypothetical and real willingness to pay (WTP). Choices in the experimental group are highly consistent when switching from hypothetical to real choices for this study's homegrown goods. However, after being endowed, the price sensitivity of lower income households drops, suggesting a house money effect. WTP derived from actual purchases is higher than WTP based on hypothetical choices, indicating a negative hypothetical bias, but differences are only significant in the case of the inter‐respondent comparison. Actual prices paid by respondents in the field experiment appear to be considerably lower than the estimated WTP values and yield a mixed picture of hypothetical bias.
Global–Local Incompatibility: The Misperception of Reliability in Judgment Regarding Global Variables
Authors: Broomell Stephen B.
Published: March 2020

A number of important decision domains, including decisions about hiring, global warming, and weather hazards, are characterized by a global–local incompatibility. These domains involve variables that cannot be observed by a single decision maker (DM) and require the integration of observations from locally available information cues. This paper presents a new bifocal lens model that describes how the structure of the environment can lead to a unique form of overconfidence when generalizing the reliability of the local environment to a global scale. When the local environment does not reliably reflect the global environment, they are incompatible. While local perspectives vary across DMs, global–local incompatibility can be understood using the structure of classical test theory as the difference between (a) perceived estimates of the reliability derived from the local environment and (b) the true reliability of the local environment. I model global–local incompatibility as the difference between the true and estimated reliability when the assumptions of classical test theory are violated. Using a series of case studies and an empirical study, I demonstrate the widespread utility of this framework, and I conclude by discussing implications for cognitive–ecological theory, risk communication, and overconfidence.
Proteomics analysis reveals alterations of NK cells in patients with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Tian , Chen Yingying , Liu Chunyan , Qi Weiwei , Shao Yuanyuan , Yu Hong , Chen Tong , Ding Shaoxue , Li Yang , Wang Ting , Shao Zonghong , Fu Rong
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a disease characterized by severe pancytopenia and hematopoietic failure of bone marrow. Natural killer (NK) cells are a class of large granular lymphocytes that perform killing and immunomodulatory functions. Our previous study demonstrated that NK cells played the “protective” role in SAA, which is weakened. However, the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

Peripheral blood NK cells from SAA patients and normal controls were sorted and total proteins were extracted. Then, mass spectrometry was performed to screen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

Results

Significant differences in the expression levels of 93 proteins were observed in NK cells of SAA patients compared with normal controls. Among them, 48 were upregulated proteins, including histone H1.2, histone H1.3, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 (hnRNP A2/B1), and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF‐1), and 45 were downregulated proteins, including actin‐related complex (ARP2/3), histone H3, histone H4, phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), talin‐1. Gene Ontology (GO) function indicated that the DEPs most involved were vesicle‐mediated transport, innate immune response, and DNA binding. KEGG analysis showed 3 upregulated and 12 downregulated pathways, in which cell endocytosis and FC‐γ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis were most closely related to NK cell functions.

Conclusion

Our study is the first analysis of proteomic profile in NK cells in SAA and found many DEPs involving in dysfunction of NK cells, which provides potential targets for deeper research of inadequate immunomodulation.
Real‐world assay variability between laboratories in monitoring of recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein activity in plasma samples
Authors: Sommer Jurg M. , Sadeghi‐Khomami Ali , Barnowski Christopher , Wikén Margareta , Willemze Annemieke J.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Monitoring of factor IX (FIX) replacement therapy in haemophilia B relies on accurate coagulation assays. However, considerable interlaboratory variability has been reported for one‐stage clotting (OSC) assays. This study aimed to evaluate the real‐world, interlaboratory variability of routine FIX activity assays used in clinical haemostasis laboratories for the measurement of recombinant FIX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) activity.

Methods

Human FIX‐depleted plasma was spiked with rFIXFc at 0.80, 0.20 or 0.05 IU/mL based on label potency. Participating laboratories tested samples using their own routine OSC or chromogenic substrate (CS) assay protocols, reagents and FIX plasma standards. Laboratories could perform more than one measurement and method, and were not fully blinded to nominal activity values.

Results

A total of 142 laboratories contributed OSC results from 175 sample kits using 11 different activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagents. The median recovered FIX activity for the 0.80, 0.20 and 0.05 IU/mL samples was 0.72 IU/mL, 0.21 IU/mL and 0.060 IU/mL, respectively. Across all OSC reagents, interlaboratory variability (% CV) per aPTT reagent ranged from 9.4% to 32.1%, 8.2% to 32.6% and 12.2% to 42.0% at the 0.80, 0.20 and 0.05 IU/mL levels, respectively. CS results showed excellent median recoveries at all nominal levels (87.5% to 115.0%; n = 11) with low interlaboratory variability (CV 3.6% to 15.4%).

Conclusion

This large, real‐world data set indicates that rFIXFc activity in plasma samples can be accurately measured with the majority of routine OSC and CS assay methods. Given the variation in FIX assay procedures between sites, it is important that individual laboratories qualify their in‐house methods for monitoring of rFIXFc activity.
Frontline perspective on credentialing and privileging of ambulatory care pharmacists
Authors: Weber Zachary A , Skelley Jessica W , Riche Daniel M , Bryant Shilliday Betsy , Cavanaugh Jamie J , Foster Keith
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To present the current state of, and frontline advice on, the implementation of successful credentialing and privileging processes for practicing pharmacists in the United States.

Methods

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Section Advisory Group on Compensation and Practice Sustainability surveyed ambulatory care pharmacists via ASHP Connect about the status, structure and oversight of their ambulatory care clinical practice sites with credentialed and privileged (C&P) pharmacists.

Key findings

Over 80% of survey respondents identified themselves as a C&P pharmacist, and over 90% indicated it is ‘Important’ or ‘Very Important’ for pharmacists to be C&P. Qualitative survey responses indicated the most important considerations for establishing or expanding a credentialing and privileging process for ambulatory care pharmacists were ‘don't re-create the wheel’, ‘establish a physician champion and/or obtain leadership buy-in’, ‘be persistent and patient’, ‘develop a guidance document’ and ‘work within existing processes’.

Conclusions

Starting a credentialing and privileging process is critical in preparation for, or response to, provider status recognition of pharmacists in the United States. When used with existing guidance documents on credentialing and privileging, ‘front line’ advice from practicing pharmacists can help promote expanded roles for pharmacists within healthcare systems.
Using Organizational Architecture to Lead Change
Authors: Brickley James , Smith Clifford , Zimmerman Jerold , Willett Janice
Published: March 2020

Effective leadership involves more than developing and communicating the right strategic vision for the company. To encourage employees to carry out the corporate vision, companies must ensure consistency among the following three main components of their organizational architecture: (1) the allocation of decision‐making authority; (2) performance measurement systems; and (3) reward systems.

The authors illustrate the application of this framework with the case of Xerox's (eventually) successful attempt to create a customer‐oriented workforce in the 1980s. But a more effective demonstration of the importance of these principles, as the authors go on to suggest, might well be the same company's well‐known failure to harvest the commercial promise of the many inventions by its research group in Palo Alto, one of which became the basis for Steve Jobs' success at Apple.

This organizational framework is especially useful for evaluating the likely effects of major corporate initiatives such as “Six Sigma” or the “Balanced Scorecard.” For example, it could be used to help top management determine whether, and under what circumstances, decentralization is likely to improve decision‐making and performance, as well as the changes in the firm's performance management and incentive systems that would be required to make decentralization work.

Finally, the authors apply the framework to another important leadership issue: corporate ethics. Since the scandals of the early 2000s and the passage of Sarbanes‐Oxley, many, if not most, U.S. companies have issued formal codes of conduct, appointed ethics officers, and instituted training programs in ethics. But a key question for top management is whether the incentives established by the company's organizational architecture reinforce or undermine the code of conduct. Ensuring consistency in organizational design is an important leadership function—one that is critical to encouraging ethical behavior as well as the pursuit of shareholder value.
Psychiatric symptoms, challenging behaviour and utilization of psychiatric services among adults with intellectual disabilities in Turkey
Authors: Gormez Aynur , Kurtulmus Ayse , Ince Zeynep , Torun Perihan , Uysal Omer , Cıtak Serhat
Published: March 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the factors associated with psychiatric symptoms (PS) and challenging behaviour (CB) in adults with intellectual disabilities, and the utilization of psychiatric services in Turkey.

Method

Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with Developmental Disorders Checklist‐Revised was used for PS and a structured form for other variables in 771 participants.

Results

Of the participants, 50.1% had PS and 36.4% presented with CB. Multivariate analysis revealed that a higher level of needs, better verbal ability, residential living, incontinence and CB, and lifetime suicidal ideation/attempt were independently associated with PS. For CB, it emerged as male carer, PS, lifetime suicidal attempt/ideation, lower level of verbal ability and autism spectrum disorder. Barriers were experienced by 64.7% of participants within the previous year.

Conclusions

Psychiatric symptoms and CB seem to be problems for a significant proportion of adults with intellectual disabilities in Turkey, and there are certain barriers to psychiatric services.
The effect of adaptation theory‐based therapeutic approach on adolescents anger management
Authors: Doğan Satı , Çam Olcay
Published: March 2020

Problem

Anger is usually defined as psychometric, rather than a theoretical model and generally, anger treatments have been developed for handling incompatible anger. Roy Adaptation Model‐based intervention not only focuses on problematic behaviors but also on healthy behaviors and to evaluate the individual with a holistic perspective. The research aim was the examination of the effect of the Roy adaptation theory‐based, cognitive‐behavioral approach program on adolescent's anger management.

Methods

In this study, the pretest–posttest control group experimental design, interview, and observation techniques were used. Carried out in a vocational training center, with 60 participants (experimental group 30 and control group 30), who meet the research criteria. The semi‐structured interview forms, the state‐trait anger expression inventory, multidimensional anger scale, and brief symptom inventory were used for data collection. Results have been evaluated to the 95% confidence interval and p < .05 significance level. In data analysis; descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ2 test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Sign tests were used.

Findings

There was a significant difference in anger management levels of the experimental group after the adaptation theory‐based therapeutic approach program.

Conclusion

Study results showed that the adaptation‐base therapeutic approach is effective in adolescent's anger management. This program will contribute to theoretical and practical studies and field experts.