bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study for precision diagnosing and treatment strategies in difficult-to-treat AIDS cases and HIV-infected patients with highly fatal or highly disabling opportunistic infections
Authors: Zeng Yan-Ming , Li Yao , He Xiao-Qing , Huang Yin-Qiu , Liu Min , Yuan Jing , Bai Yan , Lu Yan-Qiu , Li Huan , Chen Yao-Kai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background:
Toxoplasma encephalitis (TE) is one of the main opportunistic infections in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, and represents a social burden due to its high prevalence and morbidity. Concomitant antiretroviral therapy (ART), together with effective anti- toxoplasma combination therapy, is an effective strategy to treat AIDS-associated TE (AIDS/TE) patients. However, the timing for the initiation of ART after diagnosis of TE remains controversial. We therefore designed the present study to determine the optimal timing for ART initiation in AIDS/TE patients.

Methods/Design:
This trial is a 17-center, randomized, prospective clinical study with 2 parallel arms. A total of 200 participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio into the 2 arms: the early ART initiation (≤14 days after TE diagnosis) arm and the deferred ART (>14 days after TE diagnosis) arm. The primary outcome will be the difference of mortality between the 2 arms at 48 weeks. The secondary outcomes will be the differences between the 2 arms in the changes of CD4+ counts from baseline to week 48, the rate of virologic suppression (HIV ribonucleic acid <50 copies/mL) from baseline to week 48, the incidence of TE-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome during the study period, and the incidence of adverse effects during the study period.

Discussion:
This present trial aims to evaluate the optimal timing for ART initiation in AIDS/TE patients, and will provide strong evidence for AIDS/TE treatment should it be successful.

Trial registration:
This trial was registered as one of the 12 trials under the name of a general project at the chictr.gov (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=35362) on February 1, 2019, and the registration number of the general project is ChiCTR1900021195.
Influence of early extensive posterior decompression on hyponatremia and cardiopulmonary dysfunction after severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Yang Chaohua , Wang Gaoju , Xu Shuang , Li Guangzhou , Wang Qing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Retrospective single institution observational study.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of early extensive posterior decompression on complications in patients with severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tcSCI).
Cervical SCI is associated with a high prevalence of hyponatremia and cardiopulmonary dysfunction. However, very few studies have focused on this exploration to reduce the incidence of SCI early complications.
We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients undergoing extensive posterior decompression within 24 h for severe tcSCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] A to C) admitted between January 2009 and January 2018. The data collected retrospectively included age, gender, mechanism, and level of SCI, AIS grade, fracture or dislocation, electrolyte, and cardiopulmonary complications.
Of the 97 enrolled patients, the baseline AIS grade was AIS A in 14, AIS B in 31, and AIS C in 52. Improvement of at least two AIS grades was found in 26 (26.8%), and improvement of at least one grade was found in 80.4% of patients at discharge. Twenty-nine (29.9%) patients had mild hyponatremia, 8 (8.2%) had moderate hyponatremia, and 3 (3.1%) had severe hyponatremia during hospitalization. The incidences of hyponatremia, hypotension, and tracheotomy were 41.2%, 13.4%, and 6.2%, respectively. The mean forced vital capacity (FVC) on admission and at discharge was 1.34 ± 0.46 L and 2.21 ± 0.41 L (P < .0001), respectively. Five patients developed pneumonia.
Our results suggest that early expansive posterior decompression significantly reduces the incidence of hyponatremia, hypotension, and tracheotomy by promoting recovery of spinal cord function after severe tcSCI.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Hospital Admissions
Authors: Álvarez Retamales Violeta , Suarez Oswaldo Madrid , Lara-Garcia Odalys E. , Ranjha Suhayb , Maini Ruby , Hingle Susan , Sundareshan Vidya , Robinson Robert L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractImportanceCOVID-19 has affected millions of people worldwide. Furthermore, with its increasing incidence, more has been learned about the risk factors that can make certain groups more at risk of contracting the disease or have worse outcomes. We aim to identify any discrepancy in the hospitalization rate by race/ethnicity of patients who tested positive for COVID-19, and through this, analyze the risks of these groups in an effort to call out for attention to the circumstances that make them more vulnerable and susceptible to disease.ObservationsAnalysis indicates that patients identified as non-Hispanic White and Asian/Pacific Islander in hospital admission data are underrepresented in COVID-19 admissions. Patients identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian have a disproportionate burden of hospital admissions, suggesting an increased risk of more severe disease.Conclusions and RelevanceThere is a disproportionate rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations found among non-Hispanic Blacks. Further investigation is imperative to identify and remediate the reason(s) for increased vulnerability to COVID-19 infections requiring hospital admission. These efforts would likely reduce the COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in the non-Hispanic Black population.
Circulating argonaute-bound microRNA-126 reports vascular dysfunction & response to treatment in acute & chronic kidney disease
Authors: Scullion Kathleen M , Vliegenthart A D Bastiaan , Rivoli Laura , Oosthuyzen Wilna , Farrah Tariq E , Czopek Alicja , Webb David J , Hunter Robert W , Bailey Matthew A , Dhaun Neeraj , Dear James W 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundVascular and kidney dysfunction commonly co-exist. There is an unmet need for biomarkers of vascular health. Circulating microRNAs (miRs) are disease biomarkers; miR-126 is endothelial cell-enriched. We measured circulating miR-126 in rats with nephrotoxic nephritis (NTN) and humans with acute endothelial and renal injury (vasculitis associated with autoantibodies to neutrophil cytoplasm antigens (ANCA)). We then compared these findings to those from patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and explored the relationship between miR-126 and markers of vascular dysfunction.MethodsIn rats, NTN was induced with nephrotoxic serum. Samples were prospectively collected from 70 patients with ANCA vasculitis (at presentation and once in treatment-induced remission), healthy subjects (n=60), patients with CKD (n=30) and ESRD before and after dialysis (n=15). In humans and rats, miR-126 and miR-122 (liver-specific control) were measured and correlated with vascular function.ResultsIn NTN rats, miR-126 was selectively reduced. In ANCA vasculitis, pre-treatment circulating miR-126 was reduced compared to health (88-fold reduction, ROC-AUC 0.87 (0.80-0.94)). miR-126 increased 3.4-fold post-treatment but remained lower than in health (∼26-fold). There was no change in miR-122. Plasma fractionation demonstrated that argonaute 2-bound miR-126 increased with treatment of ANCA vasculitis. Urinary miR-126 decreased post-treatment. miR-126 did not differ between CKD and health but its concentration significantly correlated with measures of endothelial dysfunction. miR-126 was substantially reduced in ESRD (∼350 fold compared to health and CKD).ConclusionsmiR-126 may be a marker of vascular inflammation and has the potential to aid in clinical decision-making.
COVID-19 Pandemic among Latinx Farmworker and Non-farmworker Families in North Carolina: Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, and Preventive Behaviors
Authors: Quandt Sara A. , LaMonto Natalie J. , Mora Dana C. , Talton Jennifer W. , Laurienti Paul J. , Arcury Thomas A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract(1)BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic poses substantial threats to Latinx farmworkers and other immigrants in food production and processing. Classified as essential, such workers cannot shelter at home. Therefore, knowledge and preventive behaviors are important to reduce COVID-19 spread in the community.(2)MethodsRespondents for 67 families with at least one farmworker (FWF) and 38 comparable families with no farmworkers (non-FWF) in North Carolina completed a telephone survey in May, 2020. The survey queried knowledge of COVID-19, perceptions of its severity, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. Detailed data were collected to document household members’ social interaction and use of face coverings.(3)ResultsKnowledge of COVID-19 and prevention methods was high in both groups, as was its perceived severity. Non-FWF had higher self-efficacy for preventing infection. Both groups claimed to practice preventive behaviors, though FWF emphasized social avoidance and non-FWF emphasized personal hygiene. Detailed social interactions showed high rates of inter-personal contact at home, at work, and in the community with more mask use in non-FWF than FWF.(4)ConclusionsDespite high levels of knowledge and perceived severity for COVID-19, these immigrant families were engaged in frequent interpersonal contact that could expose community members and themselves to COVID-19.
Risk Adjusted Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions for the Management of COVID-19 in South Africa
Authors: Choma Joshua , Correa Fabio , Dahbi Salah-Eddine , Hayasi Kentaro , Lieberman Benjamin , Maslo Caroline , Mellado Bruce , Monnakgotla Kgomotso , Naudé Jacques , Ruan Xifeng , Stevenson Finn 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA global analysis of the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the dynamics of the spread of the COVID-19 indicates that these can be classified using the stringency index proposed by the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) team. The world average for the coefficient that linearises the level of transmission with respect to the OxCGRT stringency index is αs = 0.01±0.0017 (95% C.I.). The corresponding South African coefficient is αs = 0.0078 ± 0.00036 (95% C.I.), compatible with the world average. Here, we implement the stringency index for the recently announced 5-tier regulatory alert system. Predictions are made for the spread of the virus for each alert level. Assuming constant rates of recovery and mortality, it is essential to increase αs. For the system to remain sub-critical, the rate with which αs increases should outpace that of the decrease of the stringency index. Monitoring of αs becomes essential to controlling the post-lockdown phase. Data from the Gauteng province obtained in May 2020 has been used to re-calibrate the model, where αs was found increase by 20% with respect to the period before lockdown. Predictions for the province are made in this light.
COVID-19 Anxiety Among Frontline Nurses: Predictive Role of Organisational Support, Personal Resilience and Social Support
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , de los Santos Janet 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimThis study examines the relative influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety in frontline nurses.BackgroundAnxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic is prevalent in the nursing workforce, potentially affecting nurses’ well-being and work performance. Identifying factors that could help maintain mental health and reduce coronavirus-related anxiety among frontline nurses is imperative. Currently, no studies have been conducted examining the influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety among nurses.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 325 registered nurses from the Philippines using four standardised scales.ResultsOf the 325 nurses in the study, 123 (37.8%) were found to have dysfunctional levels of anxiety. Using multiple linear regression analyses, social support (β = −0.142, p = 0.011), personal resilience (β = −0.151, p = 0.008) and organisational support (β = −0.127, p = 0.023) predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Nurse characteristics were not associated with COVID-19 anxiety.ConclusionsResilient nurses and those who perceived higher organisational and social support were more likely to report lower anxiety related to COVID-19.Implication for Nursing ManagementCOVID-19 anxiety may be addressed through organisational interventions, including increasing social support, assuring adequate organisational support, providing psychological and mental support services and providing resilience-promoting and stress management interventions.
Continuity of services for patients with tuberculosis in China in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Shen Xin , Sha Wei , Yang Chongguang , Pan Qichao , Cohen Ted , Cheng Shiming , Cai Qingshan , Kan Xiaohong , Zong Peilan , Zeng Zhong , Tan Shouyong , Liang Ruixia , Bai Liqiong , Xia Jia’an , Wu Shucai , Sun Peng , Wu Guihui , Cai Cui , Wang Xiaolin , Ai Kaixing , Liu Jianjun , Yuan Zheng’an 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is crucial to maintain continuity of essential services for people affected by tuberculosis (TB). Efforts to deliver these essential services in many global settings have been complicated by the emergence and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic of COVID-19. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the availability of TB diagnostic and treatment services is critical for identifying policies that can mitigate disruptions of these essential services. China has a dual burden of TB and COVID-19. We conducted a survey and collected data from 13 provinces in China to evaluate the early impact of COVID-19 on TB services and to document interventions that were adopted to maintain the continuity services for TB patients during the pandemic. We use these data to identify additional opportunities which will improve the ability of TB programs to maintain essential services during this crisis. While health systems and underlying epidemiology differ between countries, we believe that sharing China’s experience can inform the design of locally tailored strategies to maintain essential TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The association between ABO blood group and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a meta-analysis
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Boetto Erik , Maietti Elisa , Fantini Maria Pia 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAt present, existing evidence about the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and ABO blood group polymorphism is preliminary and controversial. In this meta-analysis we investigate this association and determine SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals’ odds of having a specific blood group compared to controls.We performed a systematic search on MEDLINE and LitCovid databases for studies published through July 15, 2020. Seven studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, including a total of 13 subgroups of populations (7503 SARS-CoV-2 positive cases and 2962160 controls).We analysed the odds of having each blood group among SARS-CoV-2 positive patients compared with controls. Random-effects models were used to obtain the overall pooled odds ratio (OR). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed in order to explore the source of heterogeneity and results consistency.The results of our meta-analysis indicate that SARS-CoV-2 positive individuals are more likely to have blood group A (pooled OR 1.23, 95%CI: 1.09-1.40) and less likely to have blood group O (pooled OR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.67-0.88).Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms at the basis of this association, which may affect the kinetics of the pandemic according to the blood group distribution within the population.
(In)Visibilization through decolonial delinking? Disrupting the permanently neglected disaster at the border of Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: Waldmueller Johannes M. 
Published: July 2020

PurposeThe geopolitical relevance of the region with regard to clandestine and market interests exerting ecological pressures over mangroves and artisanal fishing thus raises awareness with regard to the local disaster's potentially global dimension. Delinking thus suggests divergent visibilization strategies regarding the narratives and framings of the region.Design/methodology/approachReflecting on previous ethnographic and quantitative research on the impacted livelihoods in the Canton of Muisne (Ecuador) in the aftermath of the earthquake of April 2016, this article explores some disruptive dimensions of the permanent disaster in the predominantly black Ecuadorian–Colombian border region.FindingsBy drawing on decolonial theory, as well as by shifting between a mainstream narrative of the disaster, on the one hand, and a “delinked narrative,” on the other, this article is in line with more recent publications arguing that neither local and time bound accounts of vulnerability, ethnicity and (in)visibility, nor mainstream depictions of a “lack of development” are able to generate the required knowledge to disrupt from this permanently neglected disaster.Originality/valueIn order to understand the disaster beyond its ostensibly local dimension, economic, environmental, as well as the geopolitical considerations are suggested, resulting in a different framing of the disaster.
What next for Tech SA? Aligning leadership, culture and strategy
Authors: Babb Sarah 
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes
Identify, compare and contrast current and aspirational organisational cultures. Describe desired leadership capacities and how these contribute to building a culture and strategy. Describe ways to align culture with strategy including building an ambidextrous organisation.

Case overview/synopsis
Growth remained flat for Tech SA towards the end of 2016. As a subsidiary of a global information technology services firm, Tech SA was under pressure to meet its growth plan. With this in mind, a new culture and values framework to be more innovative, collaborative and responsive had been adopted. This was to match the demands of the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world the company finds itself in. While the organisation had a tradition of serving long-standing clients and contracts to high standards, it was not used to working with radical change and disruptive innovation. To achieve this, significant changes in leadership behaviours were required. The organisation had recognised the need for these changes and a leadership development programme was devised to enable 200 of its top leaders to make the required cultural and behavioural shifts to lead in these times. Although the leadership programme was well into its second year, the targets of the growth plan had not been achieved and the leadership behaviours had not yet been instilled across the business. If the growth plan was not achieved, John would need to consider cost-cutting and retrenching. This was the last thing John wanted to do as he had worked alongside his colleagues for 12 years. What else could John do and say to the leaders to make the required changes urgently needed as a matter of survival? What would it take to deliver to existing clients and explore new products and markets?

Complexity academic level
Masters, Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA and Executive leadership.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 7: Management Science.
Al-Ain eye centre: sales force evaluation dilemma
Authors: Sattar Muhammad Muzamil 
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes
This case was written to help students develop their analytical and decision-making skills with regard to sales force evaluation. It identifies a variety of issues – in the Pakistani context particularly – within the sales force environment, including union representation, sales force team conflicts and power dynamics between superiors and subordinates. The various case lessons will enhance students’ analytical, negotiation and team-management skills. This case can be used to discuss the following issues: the complexity of objective and subjective evaluations of a sales force, sales force perceptions and cultural nuances for succeeding in Pakistan. Distribution structures and management in Pakistan. Characteristic features of the Pakistani pharmaceutical market. Students will be able to explain how salesperson performance information can be used to identify problems, determine their causes and suggest sales management actions to solve them. Students will be able to differentiate between an outcome-based and a behaviour-based perspective for evaluating and controlling salesperson performance. Students will understand how to control one’s behaviour in conflict situations by identifying common interests and achieving a “win-win” situation.

Case overview/synopsis
The Al-Ain case describes sales force management and sales force evaluation in a situation that involves a high-performing team operating in a hostile environment. Al-Ain eye centre (Al-Ain), located in the city of Karachi in Sindh state of Southern Pakistan, is a small-scale hospital that has diversified into the pharmaceutical business. Al-Ain’s product portfolio includes analgesics, antibiotics, ophthalmology products and cardiology products. This case focusses on team management and the relationship between a sales manager and subordinate salespeople in the context of Pakistani culture. A sales representative has received a poor performance assessment, which he perceives to be an unfair evaluation of his efforts. As a result of the situation, he subsequently joins a union and creates problems for his superiors. As they explore these management issues within a sales force, students will develop an appreciation for objective methods of sales force evaluation, as well as for the complexity of handling high-performing teams, the importance of employee perceptions and the scope of subjective biases in sales force evaluation that can emerge in practice.

Complexity academic level
The case is suited to undergraduate or MBA courses on sales management, organizational behaviour, distribution management, marketing/strategy and pharmaceutical industries. It addresses issues of sales force management, sales territory allocations, sales target fixation, team conflict, promotion, team bonus and distribution management in the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.

Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.