bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting quality management at the Thai national institute of health
Authors: Chansatitporn Natkamol , Pobkeeree Vallerut , Na Nongkhai Surachart , Sangkijporn Somchai 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to confirm and examine organization-related factors that could affect quality management at the Thai national reference laboratory known as National Institute of Health.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors invited 340 laboratory staff members to complete a questionnaire that enquired about their skills, opinions, perceptions, leadership, work environment, organizational culture and organizational commitment in relation to quality management. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Findings
In total, 65 percent of institute members responded to the questionnaire. CFA revealed that all factors were related to quality management. Three factors, leadership, organizational commitment and work environment, significantly affected quality management, but organizational culture did not.

Research limitations/implications
Other data types should be collected for an in-depth understanding, i.e. focus groups or in-depth interviews. A longitudinal study could also enhance quality management understanding to see how each variable changes over time.

Originality/value
Analyzing quality management through confirmatory factor and regression analysis showed that the four analyzed variables are statistically significant in relation to quality management at the laboratory. Managers could apply this information to revise the current policy.
Relationships between psychological contract violation, stress and well-being in firefighters
Authors: Duran Fazeelat , Bishopp Darren , Woodhams Jessica 
Published: April 2019

Purpose
Negative emotions resulting from the broken promises by the organisation or employers, as perceived by an employee are called psychological contract (PC) violation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between perceived feelings of violation, work-related stress, anxiety and depression. Fairness and self-efficacy are used as mediators to understand the underlying mechanism of associations.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 97 firefighters completed an online-survey and structural equation modelling was used to examine the multiple mediation models.

Findings
PC violation was positively associated with occupational stress and job-related well-being. Together, fairness and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between feelings of violation and job-related depression. Therefore, the results partially supported the hypotheses.

Originality/value
As the first quantitative study of its kind, this study makes an important contribution to the firefighters literature by investigating the potential influence of PC violation on their work-related stress and well-being. Also, previous studies have failed to identify fairness and self-efficacy as potential mediators of the PC violation.
Effect of financial knowledge on performance of women farm enterprises in Kenya
Authors: Cherotich Josephine , Ayuya Oscar Ingasia , Sibiko Kenneth W. 
Published: April 2019

PurposeFinancial knowledge (FK) is considered one of the major factors influencing performance of farm enterprises. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of FK on performance of women farm enterprises. Performance is measured using levels of savings and enterprise margins.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses primary data of 384 farmers from three sub-counties in Kericho County, Kenya. It employs a propensity score matching (PSM) approach to control for possible selection bias and to model the impact of FK on performance of women farm enterprises.FindingsThe analysis reveals that high FK has a significant positive impact on performance of women farm enterprises. Specifically, respondents with higher levels of FK were also associated with higher amounts of savings and enterprise margins.Research limitations/implicationsEconometrically, robust strategies were employed using PSM to ensure minimal estimation bias. Although PSM captures selection bias due to observable characteristics, it fails to capture selection bias due to unobservable factors.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the growing debate on the role played by FK on performance of small and micro enterprises. It provides insights on the state of FK among women farmers and identifies knowledge gaps and policy implications from a developing country perspective.
Chronic Renal Failure as a Possible Risk Factor for Allergic Reaction in Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Using Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors: Eguchi Megumi , Okumura Kenji , Torigoe Kazunari , Toyoda Mariko , Uekihara Soichi , Yamanaga Shigeyoshi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe incidence of allergic reactions in patients with chronic renal failure during plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma is not well known. We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients who underwent plasma exchange between January 2013 and May 2018. The most common indication for plasma exchange was desensitization/preconditioning for kidney transplant (61.3%, 38/62). The incidence of allergic reactions was significantly higher in patients with chronic renal failure than patients without (57.1% vs. 25.0%, P = 0.029). Also, the incidence of allergic reactions tended to be higher in peritoneal dialysis patients (75%, 3/4) than in hemodialysis (58.8%, 10/17) and preemptive kidney transplant (58%, 11/19). These results suggested the relationship of chronic renal failure and the incidence of allergic reactions in patients undergoing therapeutic plasma exchange using fresh frozen plasma.
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to two chemicals
Authors: Kim YeongHo , Kim YiSeul , Kim Donghun , Kim SeYeon , Seo GyeongJin , Shin SooHyun , Lee JaeYoung , Kim Young Ho 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDrosophila melanogaster is attracted to chemicals produced by fermentation and it is abundantly found in rotten fruits. Considering its habitat, the fruit fly is reported to be tolerant to environmental chemicals. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was employed to investigate the expression pattern and physiological function of genes putatively involved in chemical detoxification. In quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays, normalization of target gene expression with internal reference genes is required. These reference genes should be stably expressed during chemical exposure and in chemical‐free conditions. In this study, therefore, we used two programs (geNorm and BestKeeper) to evaluate the expression stability of five reference genes (nd, rpL18, ef1β, hsp22 and tbp) in female adult flies exposed to various concentrations of methanol and ethyl acetate. Four genes (nd, rpL18, ef1β and tbp) were found to be suitable for use as reference genes in methanol‐treated flies and three genes (ef1β, nd, tbp) were found to be suitable for use as reference genes in ethyl acetate‐treated flies. These results suggested that a combination of two genes among these stably expressed genes can be used for accurate normalization of target gene expression in quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction‐based determination of gene expression profiles in D. melanogaster treated with both chemicals.
Merkel cell carcinoma in situ: New insights into the cells of origin
Authors: Yang Anes , Cordoba Carolina , Cheung Karen , Konya Joseph 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe report a case of a 71‐year‐old male who presented with a small skin‐coloured plaque on his cheek. Histopathology demonstrated an intraepidermal carcinoma with follicular involvement. No evidence of dermal invasion was seen. Immunohistochemical studies showed areas of positive staining for CK20, EMA and synaptophysin. Histopathology findings were found to be most consistent with a diagnosis of intraepidermal carcinoma with features of Merkel cell carcinoma in situ, in combination with a squamous cell carcinoma in situ, with follicular involvement. Recent advances and findings suggest Merkel cell polyomavirus MCPyV‐positive Merkel cell carcinoma and MCPyV‐negative Merkel cell carcinoma have different cells of origin from different germ layers.
Vaginal bromocriptine improves pain, menstrual bleeding and quality of life in women with adenomyosis: A pilot study
Authors: Andersson Johanna K. , Khan Zaraq , Weaver Amy L. , Vaughan Lisa E. , Gemzell‐Danielsson Kristina , Stewart Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionAdenomyosis is a benign uterine disease where endometrial glands and stroma are found within the myometrium surrounded by an area of hypertrophic myometrium. Symptomatology includes heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is not known; however, animal models have shown increased uterine concentration of prolactin as a risk factor. Prolactin acts as a smooth muscle cell mitogen. If prolactin is central to adenomyosis pathogenesis, reducing uterine prolactin could be a possible medical treatment option. In this pilot study, we aim to evaluate the effect of bromocriptine, a prolactin inhibitor, on menstrual bleeding and pain in women with adenomyosis.Material and methods23 women with diffuse adenomyosis were enrolled from a university hospital in Sweden and a tertiary care center in the USA. Nineteen patients completed 6 months of treatment with vaginal bromocriptine at a dose of 5 mg daily. Participants completed validated measures at baseline, 3 and 6 months of treatment, and at 9 months (3 months after cessation of bromocriptine). Validated measures utilized included Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC), Aberdeen Menorrhagia Clinical Outcomes Questionnaire (AMCOQ), Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP‐30), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Fibroid Symptom Quality of Life (UFS‐QOL) symptom severity and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) subscores. Scores were compared between baseline and 9 months using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsMean age of participants was 44.8 years. About 77.8% reported PBLAC scores >250 and 68.4% reported moderate to severe pain at baseline. Compared with baseline, women had lower 9‐month scores (median [interquartile range] for all) on PBLAC (baseline 349 [292‐645] vs 9‐month 233 [149‐515], P = 0.003), VAS (5.0 [4‐8.3] vs 2.5 [0‐4.5], P < 0.001), EHP Core Pain (15.9 [9.1‐50.0] vs 3.4 [2.3‐34.1], P = 0.029), EHP Core Self‐image (41.7 [16.7‐58.3] vs 25 [0‐5], P = 0.048) and Symptom Severity Score (60 [44‐72] vs 44 [25‐56], P < 0.001) and higher HRQL scores (57 [37‐63] vs 72 [51‐85], P < 0.001) following bromocriptine treatment. Other EHP core parameters and FSFI were not significantly different.ConclusionsSignificant improvement in menstrual bleeding, pain and quality of life after vaginal bromocriptine treatment suggests a novel therapeutic agent for adenomyosis.
Efficacy and safety of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in Swedish glaucoma patients
Authors: Rasmuson Erika , Lindén Christina , Lundberg Björn , Jóhannesson Gauti 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of all transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) treatments performed during a 5‐year period.MethodsMedical records of all patients, who had undergone TCP treatment between 2010 and 2014 at Umeå University Hospital, Sweden, were evaluated. Clinical data including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity (VA), number of topical glaucoma medications, use of oral acetazolamide, retreatments and complications during a 2‐year follow‐up were registered. Global success was defined as IOP 6–18 mmHg with or without glaucoma medication.ResultsThree hundred patients underwent TCP during the time period. Mean IOP at baseline was 29.3 ± 11.0 (mean ± standard deviation) mmHg (n = 297) with a mean reduction of 11.5 (±12.0) mmHg at 1 year (n = 258; p < 0.001) and 12.6 (±12.0) mmHg at 2‐year follow‐up (n = 245; p < 0.001). Global success at 2 years was 64%, achieved by a mean of 1.2 treatments (n = 257). The number of topical glaucoma medications at baseline was 3.1 (±1.0; n = 296) and was reduced by 0.9 (±1.0) medications at 2 years (n = 244; p < 0.001). Use of oral acetazolamide decreased from 30% (n = 90) at baseline to 5.3% (n = 13) at 2 years. In eyes with Snellen VA ≥ 0.1, the mean VA at baseline was 0.55 (±0.3) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; n = 132) and 1.1 (±0.9) logMAR (n = 76) at 2 years (p < 0.001). No cases of phthisis bulbi were found.ConclusionThis study displays a substantial and long‐term reduction of IOP following TCP with a decrease in topical and oral glaucoma medications. The treatment appears to be safe but the decrease in VA during follow‐up is a concern that needs further evaluation.
Reduction of faecal immunochemical test false‐positive results using a signature based on faecal bacterial markers
Authors: Malagón Marta , Ramió‐Pujol Sara , Serrano Marta , Serra‐Pagès Mariona , Amoedo Joan , Oliver Lia , Bahí Anna , Mas–de–Xaxars Teresa , Torrealba Leyanira , Gilabert Pau , Miquel‐Cusachs Josep Oriol , García‐Nimo Laura , Saló Joan , Guardiola Jordi , Piñol Virginia , Cubiella Joaquin , Castells Antoni , Aldeguer Xavier , Garcia‐Gil Jesús 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundColorectal cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer mortality. Some countries are implementing colorectal cancer screening to detect lesions at an early stage using non‐invasive tools like the faecal immunochemical test. Despite affordability, this test shows a low sensitivity for precancerous lesions and a low positive predictive value for colorectal cancer, resulting in a high false‐positive rate.AimTo develop a new, non‐invasive colorectal cancer screening tool based on bacterial faecal biomarkers, which in combination with the faecal immunochemical test, could allow a reduction in the false‐positive rate. This tool is called risk assessment of intestinal disease for colorectal cancer (RAID‐CRC).MethodsWe performed both the faecal immunochemical test and the bacterial markers analysis (RAID‐CRC test) in stool samples from individuals with normal colonoscopy (167), non‐advanced adenomas (88), advanced adenomas (30) and colorectal cancer (48). All the participants showed colorectal cancer‐associated symptoms.ResultsPerformance of the faecal immunochemical test for advanced neoplasia (ie advanced adenoma and colorectal cancer) was determined by using the cut‐off value established in Catalonia (20 µg haemoglobin/g of faeces) for a population‐based screening approach. Sensitivity and specificity values of 83% and 80%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 56% and 94%, respectively, were obtained. When both the immunological and the biological analysis were combined, the corresponding values were 80% and 90% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively, and 70% and 94% for positive and negative predictive values, respectively, resulting in a 50% reduction of the false‐positive rate.ConclusionsRAID‐CRC test allows a substantial reduction in the faecal immunochemical test false‐positive results (50%) in a symptomatic population. Further validation is indicated in a colorectal cancer‐screening scenario.
Characteristics of animal hoarding cases referred to the RSPCA in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Elliott R , Snowdon J , Halliday G , Hunt GE , Coleman S 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of animal hoarding in New South Wales, Australia.DesignCross sectional study of consecutive referred cases.MethodsFiles of animal hoarding cases referred to RSPCA NSW in 2013–15 were examined. Details concerning animal hoarding cases and supportive services, living conditions and factors believed to have contributed to animal accumulation were recorded. Data were analysed.ResultsData were available regarding 48 properties where 50 persons (78% female) were found to be hoarding animals. Most were over 50 years of age; 40% lived alone; 15 (30%) had contact with mental health services and/or community social services. Animal hoarders were categorised as ‘breeders’ (30%), ‘overwhelmed caregiver’ (24%), ‘rescuers’ (22%), ‘exploiters’ (10%) or ‘incipient hoarders’ (14%); 24% were associated with animal rescue networks. Accumulation of animals was attributed most commonly to unplanned breeding (60% of properties) and collecting strays (38%). Other reasons for accumulation included receiving donations of animals and planned breeding; in 38% of cases there was only one identified reason. The median number of animals was 35 (range, 6–300), with cats hoarded on 75% of properties and dogs on 52%. In 75% of cases, the living conditions of animals were rated as ‘very unsanitary’ or ‘filthy’.ConclusionsThis study provides reasons for recommending increased regulatory control of companion animal breeding and management, and training and support for veterinarians to help reduce the human and animal suffering caused by animal hoarding. There is widespread agreement that psychiatric and personality problems underlie cases of animal hoarding. Closer links between animal welfare organisations and mental health services are desirable.
Clinical and epidemiological features of West Nile virus equine encephalitis in New South Wales, Australia, 2011
Authors: Read AJ , Finlaison DS , Gu X , Hick PM , Moloney BJ , Wright T , Kirkland PD 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundBetween February and June 2011, more than 300 horses with unexplained neurological disease were observed in New South Wales, Australia. A virulent strain of West Nile virus (WNVNSW2011), of Australian origin, was shown to be the cause of many of these cases.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical descriptions provided by veterinary practitioners and the associated laboratory results. Although there was a range of clinical signs described, ataxia was the only sign that was consistently described in laboratory‐confirmed cases.ResultsWNV was detected in brain samples by real‐time reverse transcription PCR assay and virus isolation. For serological confirmation of clinical cases, an equine IgM ELISA specific for WNV was shown to be the most effective tool.ConclusionA state‐wide serological survey undertaken after the outbreak indicated that, contrary to expectation, although infection had been widespread, the seroprevalence of antibodies to WNV was very low, suggesting that there could be a significant risk of future disease outbreaks.
Analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of epidural oxycodone in pain management after gynaecological laparoscopy—A randomised, double blind, active control, double‐dummy clinical comparison with intravenous administration
Authors: Piirainen Panu , Kokki Hannu , Anderson Brian , Hannam Jacqueline , Hautajärvi Heidi , Ranta Veli‐Pekka , Kokki Merja 
Published: April 2019

AimsEarly pain after laparoscopy is often severe. Oxycodone is a feasible analgesic option after laparoscopy, but there are sparse data on epidural administration. The aim was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of a single dose of epidural oxycodone as a part of multimodal analgesia after gynaecological laparoscopy.MethodsWomen (n = 60), aged 23–71 years, undergoing elective gynaecological laparoscopy, were administrated either epidural oxycodone 0.1 mg kg−1 and intravenous (i.v.) saline (EPI‐group n = 31), or epidural saline and i.v. oxycodone 0.1 mg kg−1 (IV‐group = 29) in a randomised, double blind, active control, double dummy clinical trial. A pharmacokinetic model was developed using population modelling of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations obtained in these patients and data of 2 published studies. The primary outcome was the amount of i.v. fentanyl for rescue analgesia during the first 4 hours.ResultsTwenty of the 31 patients in the EPI‐group and 26 of the 29 patients in the IV‐group needed i.v. fentanyl for rescue analgesia, P = .021. The median (interquartile range) number of fentanyl doses were 1.0 (1.0–3.0) in the EPI‐group and 2.5 (1.0–4.0) doses in the IV‐group, P = .008. Plasma concentrations were similar, but CSF concentrations were 100‐fold higher in the EPI‐group. The population model indicated that 60% of oxycodone injected into the epidural space enters into CSF and 40% is absorbed into the systemic circulation.ConclusionsThe data support superiority of epidural administration of oxycodone compared to i.v. administration during the first hours after laparoscopic surgery. This is likely to be based on enhanced permeation into the central nervous system after epidural administration.
Different medications for the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Zuwei , Yue Fengjuan , Huang Wei , Rajenderkumar Deepak , Zhao Fei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt is generally accepted that intratympanic injection provides an effective approach to manage severe vertigo in Ménière's disease. Although there are several medications available, that which is the most effective is still subject to debate.ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness and safety of the different medications used in the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection using a network meta‐analysis.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched. Only randomised controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of medications used for intratympanic injection to treat Ménière's disease with each other or a placebo were included. The primary outcome assessed was the effectiveness of medication in the management of vertigo symptoms. The effectiveness was expressed in terms of risk ratio (RR) with a 95% credible interval (CrI) for individual studies analysed. Network meta‐analyses were performed by Stata version 15.0 using the network package.ResultsNine studies involving 314 patients treated with five different medications were included in the present analysis. A number of injections given varied from 1 to 10 and the follow‐up time from 3 to 28 months. When compared to each other or to a placebo, Gentamicin was found to be the most efficacious medication, followed by Methylprednisolone, Latanoprost, Dexamethasone and Ganciclovir in order of effectiveness. However, no significant difference in efficacy was found between Gentamicin and Methylprednisolone when outcomes from studies with a follow‐up time equal to or more than 24 months were analysed. It was not possible to conduct subgroup and sensitivity analysis because of the limited number of studies that were included.ConclusionAll medications are more effective than a placebo in the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection. According to the SUCRA, Gentamicin ranked the most effective, with Gentamicin and Methylprednisolone equally effective in the long‐term effect. When the potential risk of hearing loss induced by Gentamicin is taken into consideration, Methylprednisolone may be the best choice for the treatment of Ménière's disease by intratympanic injection.