scholarly journals Clinically and Microbiologically Derived Azithromycin Susceptibility Breakpoints for Salmonella enterica Serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 2756-2764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Parry ◽  
Nga Tran Vu Thieu ◽  
Christiane Dolecek ◽  
Abhilasha Karkey ◽  
Ruchi Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Enteric Fever ◽  
Inhibition Zone ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Zone Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fever Clearance Time ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTAzithromycin is an effective treatment for uncomplicated infections withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi and serovar Paratyphi A (enteric fever), but there are no clinically validated MIC and disk zone size interpretative guidelines. We studied individual patient data from three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antimicrobial treatment in enteric fever in Vietnam, with azithromycin used in one treatment arm, to determine the relationship between azithromycin treatment response and the azithromycin MIC of the infecting isolate. We additionally compared the azithromycin MIC and the disk susceptibility zone sizes of 1,640S. Typhi andS. Paratyphi A clinical isolates collected from seven Asian countries. In the RCTs, 214 patients who were treated with azithromycin at a dose of 10 to 20 mg/ml for 5 to 7 days were analyzed. Treatment was successful in 195 of 214 (91%) patients, with no significant difference in response (cure rate, fever clearance time) with MICs ranging from 4 to 16 μg/ml. The proportion of Asian enteric fever isolates with an MIC of ≤16 μg/ml was 1,452/1,460 (99.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 98.9 to 99.7) forS. Typhi and 207/240 (86.3%; 95% CI, 81.2 to 90.3) (P< 0.001) forS. Paratyphi A. A zone size of ≥13 mm to a 5-μg azithromycin disk identifiedS. Typhi isolates with an MIC of ≤16 μg/ml with a sensitivity of 99.7%. An azithromycin MIC of ≤16 μg/ml or disk inhibition zone size of ≥13 mm enabled the detection of susceptibleS. Typhi isolates that respond to azithromycin treatment. Further work is needed to define the response to treatment inS. Typhi isolates with an azithromycin MIC of >16 μg/ml and to determine MIC and disk breakpoints forS. Paratyphi A.

Visitation and quality of life among older adults in jail

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Grace Prost ◽  
Meghan A. Novisky
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Developmental Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper aims to examine differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and quality of life (QOL) among older and younger jailed adults. The authors also explored the contribution of visitation to QOL among adults in this setting. The authors anticipated fewer visits and lower QOL among older adults. Framed by psychosocial developmental theory, the authors also anticipated a larger effect in the relationship between visitation and QOL among older rather than younger adults and that visitation would contribute most readily to psychological QOL. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data from a large US jail were used (n = 264). The authors described the sample regarding visitation and QOL measures among older (≥45) and younger adults (≤44) and examined differences in measures of and relationships between visitation and QOL using independent sample t-tests and bivariate analyses. The authors explored the contribution of visitation to psychological, social relationships, physical and environmental QOL among jailed adults using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Findings Older adults had fewer family visits and lower physical QOL than younger adults, disparities were moderate in effect (d range = 0.33–0.35). A significant difference also emerged between groups regarding the visitation and environmental QOL relationship (z = 1.66, p <0.05). Visitation contributed to variation in physical and social relationships QOL among jailed adults (Beta range = 0.19–0.24). Originality/value Limited research exists among jailed older adults and scholars have yet to examine the relationship between visitation and QOL among persons in these settings.

scholarly journals Improving Our Understanding of Salmonella enterica Serovar Paratyphi B through the Engineering and Testing of a Live Attenuated Vaccine Strain

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen E. Higginson ◽  
Girish Ramachandran ◽  
Tracy H. Hazen ◽  
Dane A. Kania ◽  
David A. Rasko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Strain ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Enteric Fever ◽  
Sensu Stricto ◽  
Live Attenuated Vaccine ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Heterologous Challenge ◽  
Paratyphi B ◽  
Homologous Challenge ◽  
Ideal Vaccine

ABSTRACT Enteric fever is caused by three Salmonella enterica serovars: Typhi, Paratyphi A, and Paratyphi B sensu stricto. Although vaccines against two of these serovars are licensed (Typhi) or in clinical development (Paratyphi A), as yet there are no candidates for S. Paratyphi B. To gain genomic insight into these serovars, we sequenced 38 enteric fever-associated strains from Chile and compared these with reference genomes. Each of the serovars was separated genomically based on the core genome. Genomic comparisons identified loci that were aberrant between serovars Paratyphi B sensu stricto and Paratyphi B Java, which is typically associated with gastroenteritis; however, the majority of these were annotated as hypothetical or phage related and thus were not ideal vaccine candidates. With the genomic information in hand, we engineered a live attenuated S. Paratyphi B sensu stricto vaccine strain, CVD 2005, which was capable of protecting mice from both homologous challenge and heterologous challenge with S. Paratyphi B Java. These findings extend our understanding of S. Paratyphi B and provide a viable vaccine option for inclusion in a trivalent live attenuated enteric fever vaccine formulation. IMPORTANCE We developed a live attenuated Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B vaccine that conferred protection in mice against challenge with S. Paratyphi B sensu stricto and S. Paratyphi B Java, which are the causes of enteric fever and gastroenteritis, respectively. Currently, the incidence of invasive S. Paratyphi B sensu stricto infections is low; however, the development of new conjugate vaccines against other enteric fever serovars could lead to the emergence of S. Paratyphi B to fill the niche left by these other pathogens. As such, an effective S. Paratyphi B vaccine would be a useful tool in the armamentarium against Salmonella infections. Comparative genomics confirmed the serovar-specific groupings of these isolates and revealed that there are a limited number of genetic differences between the sensu stricto and Java strains, which are mostly hypothetical and phage-encoded proteins. The observed level of genomic similarity likely explains why we observe some cross-protection.

The relationship between CSR disclosure and competitive advantage

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 547-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui-Cheng Yu ◽  
Lopin Kuo ◽  
Mao-Feng Kao
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Signaling Theory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Strategies ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Strategic Csr ◽  
Environmentally Sensitive ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Csr Disclosure ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This study aims to apply signaling theory to examine whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure can deliver effective signals to stakeholders to increase a firm’s competitive advantage in China. Whether ownership patterns or environmental sensitivity causes a significant difference in the relationship between a firm’s CSR disclosure and competitive advantage is also examined. Design/methodology/approach Data analysis is based on a regression model. Content analysis is performed to convert qualitative CSR information of Chinese firms into quantitative data, while intellectual capital (IC) is used as a proxy variable for competitive advantage. Findings The difference in competitive advantage impairment between environmentally sensitive industries (ESIs) and non-environmentally sensitive industries (NESIs) is significant. Further comparisons on the relationship between overall CSR disclosure and competitive advantage among state-owned enterprises, privately owned enterprises, ESIs and NESIs suggest that the relationship is negative. Research limitations/implications The study extends research of strategic CSR to signaling theory and competitive advantage. In particular, a research using IC as a proxy for competitive advantage is rare. It also contributes to the literature on competitive advantage and strategic CSR by examining the effects of both CSR disclosure and IC. Originality/value This paper provides evidence related to stakeholders’ reaction to managers’ various CSR strategies in China. The contribution of this study is that it confirms that different CSR initiatives have different effects on the competitiveness of enterprises in China.

Evidence on rationality and behavioural biases in investment decision making

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 270-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish Kumar ◽  
Nisha Goyal
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Path Model ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Individual Investors ◽  
Significant Implication ◽  
Rational Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rational Decision Making ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between rational decision-making and behavioural biases among individual investors in India, as well as to examine the influence of demographic variables on rational decision-making process and how those differences manifest themselves in the form of behavioural biases. Design/methodology/approach Using a structured questionnaire, a total of 386 valid responses have been collected from May to October 2015. Statistical techniques like t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test have been used in this study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used to analyse the relationship between rational decision-making and behavioural biases. Findings The findings show that the structural path model closely fits the sample data, indicating investors follow a rational decision-making process while investing. However, behavioural biases also arise in different stages of the decision-making process. It further explores that gender and income have a significant difference with respect to rational decision-making process. Male investors are more prone to overconfidence and herding bias in India. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study have significant implication for the individual investors. It is recommended that if individuals are aware about the biases, they may become alert before taking irrational investment decisions. Originality/value To best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is a first of its kind to investigate the relationship between rational decision-making and behavioural biases among individual investors in India.

scholarly journals Effect of Frequency and Waveform on Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Salsa by Ohmic Heating

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Su-Yeon Lee ◽  
Sangryeol Ryu ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kang
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Heating Rate ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Ohmic Heating ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT The effect of frequency of alternating current during ohmic heating on electrode corrosion, heating rate, inactivation of food-borne pathogens, and quality of salsa was investigated. The impact of waveform on heating rate was also investigated. Salsa was treated with various frequencies (60 Hz to 20 kHz) and waveforms (sine, square, and sawtooth) at a constant electric field strength of 12.5 V/cm. Electrode corrosion did not occur when the frequency exceeded 1 kHz. The heating rate of the sample was dependent on frequency up to 500 Hz, but there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the heating rate when the frequency was increased above 1 kHz. The electrical conductivity of the sample increased with a rise in the frequency. At a frequency of 60 Hz, the square wave produced a lower heating rate than that of sine and sawtooth waves. The heating rate between waveforms was not significantly ( P > 0.05) different when the frequency was >500 Hz. As the frequency increased, the treatment time required to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to below the detection limit (1 log CFU/g) decreased without affecting product quality. These results suggest that ohmic heating can be effectively used to pasteurize salsa and that the effect of inactivation is dependent on frequency and electrical conductivity rather than waveform.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Brainstem Subcortical Auditory Pathways with Diffusion Tensor Imaging After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery in Intracanalicular Vestibular Schwannoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dilek Hacer Çeşme ◽  
Alpay Alkan ◽  
Mehmet Ali Gültekin ◽  
Lütfullah Sarı ◽  
Gökberk Alkan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Tensor Imaging ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Auditory Pathways ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Adc Values ◽  
The Relationship

Objective: To investigate changes in DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging) parameters in brainstem subcortical auditory pathways after Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKR) in patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma (ICVS) and to analyze the relationship between tumor volume and ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) and FA (fractional anisotropy) values. Method: Seventeen patients with ICVS were evaluated before and after GKR. ADC and FA values of the lateral lemniscus (LL) and inferior colliculus (IC) and tumor volume were calculated. Patients who responded to GKR were classified as Group 1 and those who did not respond adequately as Group 2. The relationship between ADC and FA values and changes in tumor volume were analyzed. Results: Tumor volume significantly decreased after GKR. ADC values obtained from the tumor increased after GKR (p: 0.002). There was no significant difference in LL and IC before and after GKR in terms of FA and ADC values (n: 17). There was a positive correlation between response to treatment and contralateral LL ADC values after GKR (p=0.005, r: 0.652). There was a negative correlation between contralateral IC FA values after GKR and response to treatment (p=0.017, r: -0.568). There was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 2 in regards to contralateral LL ADC (p=0.03) and IC FA values (p=0.017). Conclusion: Since the cochlear nerve and subcortical auditory pathways have low regeneration potential after nerve damage, ADC and FA changes in LL and IC may be explained with the presence of intracanalicular tumors prior to GKR. Since GKR does not cause additional damage to the subcortical auditory pathways at the brainstem level, we think that GKR is a noninvasive treatment method that can be used safely in patients with ICVS.

scholarly journals The relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Majda I. Ayoub/Al-Salim ◽  
Khaled Aladwan
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
University Students ◽  
Academic Integrity ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Ethical Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Online University Students ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between academic integrity of online university students and its effects on academic performance and learning quality. The first hypothesis aimed to see if there is statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students taking online classes and their apparent academic performance. The second hypothesis aimed to see if there is a statistically significant difference in academic integrity among male and female students. The third hypothesis aimed to see if there was a statistically significant relationship between academic honesty of students and their quality of learning. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study; data was collected via student emails from 155 active online university students. Findings There was a positive linear relationship for the first hypothesis, the relationship is relatively weak as the value of Pearson correlation was (0.172). For the second hypothesis, the results showed that there was no significant difference between males and females. The results for the third hypothesis showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between academic integrity of students taking online classes and academic learning quality. This relationship is relatively strong. Research limitations/implications The sample size may have been a limitation for generalizing the results. Practical implications As a practical implication, authors recommend that education administrators focus on training their faculty members to stress and instill strong ethical values, such as academic integrity and honesty, in their students all throughout their academic journey. Social implications As for social implication, the embracing of ethical values in students, graduates may continue to embrace such values in the workplace which may lead to more reputable and profitable work environment where the society at large benefits. Originality/value This research is among the pioneers that attempted to study the connection of academic integrity and learning quality from the students’ perspective.

Knowledge territorial behavior congruence and innovation process: the moderating role of team territorial climate

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhenting Xu ◽  
Xianmiao Li
Keyword(s):  
Defensive Behavior ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Territorial Behavior ◽  
Theoretical Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Creative Idea ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Building on the territoriality perspective and innovation process theory, to the purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of transmission and influence of knowledge territorial behavior congruence on innovation process, which provides theoretical implications for innovative teams to execute territoriality management and create a constructive knowledge sharing climate and platform for sustainable innovation of individuals and organizations. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected by the paired method from 311 creative R&D members. In addition, polynomial regressions and response surface method were adopted to test the hypotheses. Findings The more congruent the marking behavior and defensive behavior were, the higher the creative idea generation and idea implementation became. The congruence of “high marking high defensive behavior” was more conducive to triggering creative idea generation and promoting idea implementation. Compared with the incongruence of “low marking high defensive behavior,” the incongruence of “high marking low defensive behavior” was more conducive to stimulating creative idea generation. However, there was no significant difference in the incongruence effect of marking defensive behavior on idea implementation. In addition, creative idea generation mediated the relationship between knowledge territorial behavior congruence and idea implementation. Furthermore, team territorial climate moderated the relationship between knowledge territorial behavior congruence and creative idea generation. Originality/value The study highlights the theoretical research of territoriality and innovation process. By deconstructing the relationship between the territorial behavior congruence and the innovation process, this study establishes that the congruence and incongruence of the marking defensive behavior in knowledge territoriality exerts different effects on creative idea generation and idea implementation.

New bioactive non-implantable textile material using green seaweed for medical applications

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-83
Author(s):  
Janarthanan M. ◽  
Senthil Kumar M.
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Inhibition Zone ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Ulva Lactuca ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Textiles ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Green Seaweed ◽  
Medical Textile ◽  
Surgical Gowns

Purpose Medical textile is one aspect of technical textiles and it is classified according to performance and functional properties for hygienic and healthcare products. Seaweeds have curative powers for curing most degenerative diseases. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The present study focusses on the extraction of dyes from five seaweeds such as Ulva reticulata, Ulva lactuca, Sargassum wightii, Padina tetrastomatica and Acanthophora spicefera. The presence of bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of dye extracted from seaweeds was analysed. The dye extracted from green seaweed was applied on cotton fabric to obtain antimicrobial and other properties used to make non- implantable materials. Findings A maximum antioxidant inhibition percentage of 86.48+2.84 and a maximum antibacterial activity of 27 mm inhibition zone were obtained on the fabric treated with the dye extract from the Ulva lactuca seaweed. The physical properties such as tensile strength and tearing strength did not show much significant difference in untreated and treated fabric. The air permeability, water absorbency and wicking behaviour of treated fabric were reduced compared with untreated fabric. The washing and rubbing properties of treated fabric were very good after repeated washing. Originality/value This bioactive fabric has been used for non-implantable materials such as wound healing, face mask, surgical gowns and hygienic textiles in recent years.

scholarly journals Survival of Host-Associated Bacteroidales Cells and Their Relationship with Enterococcus spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium, and Adenovirus in Freshwater Microcosms as Measured by Propidium Monoazide-Quantitative PCR

2011 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 922-932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sungwoo Bae ◽  
Stefan Wuertz
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Sunlight Exposure ◽  
Propidium Monoazide ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serovar Typhimurium ◽  
Dark Conditions ◽  
Realistic Information

ABSTRACTThe ideal host-associated genetic fecal marker would be capable of predicting the presence of specific pathogens of concern. Flowthrough freshwater microcosms containing mixed feces and inocula of the pathogensCampylobacter jejuni,Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium, and adenovirus were placed at ambient temperature in the presence and absence of diurnal sunlight. The totalEnterococcusDNA increased during the early periods (23 h) under sunlight exposure, even though cultivableEnterococcusand DNA in intact cells, as measured by propidium monoazide (PMA), decreased with first-order kinetics during the entire period. We found a significant difference in the decay of host-associatedBacteroidalescells between sunlight exposure and dark conditions (Pvalue < 0.05), whereas the persistence of host-associatedBacteroidalesDNA was comparable. The 2-log reduction times of adenovirus were 72 h for sunlight exposure and 99 h for dark conditions with similar decay rate constants (Pvalue = 0.13). The persistences of fecalBacteroidalescells andCampylobactercells exposed to sunlight were similar, and host-associatedBacteroidalesDNA and waterborne pathogen DNA were degraded at comparable rates (Pvalues > 0.05). Overall, the ratio of quantitative PCR (qPCR) cycle threshold (CT) values with and without PMA treatment was indicative of the time elapsed since inoculation of the microcosm with (i) fecal material from different animal sources based on host-associatedBacteroidalesand (ii) pure cultures of bacterial pathogens. The use of both PMA-qPCR and qPCR may yield more realistic information about recent sources of fecal contamination and result in improved prediction of waterborne pathogens and assessment of health risk.

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