scholarly journals Pertussis Serodiagnosis in Belgium from 1990 to 2009

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muriel Vincent ◽  
Caroline Rodeghiero ◽  
Romain Eylenbosch ◽  
Yvan Mans ◽  
Jeannine Swalus-Steenhouwer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Whooping Cough ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Childhood Vaccination ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Children And Young Adolescents ◽  
Vaccination Campaigns

ABSTRACTDiagnosis of pertussis by culture and PCR is most sensitive when performed on nasopharyngeal specimens collected <2 weeks and <3 weeks, respectively, after the onset of clinical disease. Conversely, serological testing allows the diagnosis of patients (mostly adults) with less typical whooping cough symptoms, for whom clinical samples are often collected at later time points. Here, we report on a 20-year serodiagnostic survey of pertussis in Belgium from 1990 to 2009. In total, 13,163 patients were analyzed forBordetella pertussis-specific antibodies by agglutination, complement fixation, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. The number of positive pertussis cases detected by serodiagnosis ranged between 50 and 150 annually. The mean age of positive cases increased from 9.9 years in 1990 to 33.9 years in 2009. Whereas from 1990 to 2003, children and young adolescents made up the majority of cases, from 2004 onwards, cases were detected in all age groups and the distribution became bimodal, with a first peak at the age of 10 to 20 years and a second at the age of 35 to 50 years. In contrast, patients diagnosed since 2001 by PCR and/or culture were mostly children younger than 1 year of age. Despite extensive childhood vaccination campaigns, whooping cough is still present in Belgium. Our findings confirm the potential role of adults in the continued transmission of pertussis and strongly warrant booster or cocoon vaccinations in older age groups.

Revitalising Waqf (endowment) lands for agribusiness: potentials of the anchor company models

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norfaridah Ali Azizan ◽  
Amirul Afif Muhamat ◽  
Sharifah Faigah Syed Alwi ◽  
Husniyati Ali ◽  
Amalia Qistina Casteneda Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Household Income ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Previous Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Right

PurposeWaqf (endowment) lands constitute as among the highest types of waqf (endowment) properties in Malaysia; yet it is still unable to reach its maximum potential due to various challenges such as capital, location, legal and administrative issues. Therefore, this study intends to explore these issues by focussing on the two states in Malaysia (Selangor and Perak) that have fertile lands but different management authorities.Design/methodology/approachThere were series of interviews that had been conducted with ten (10) key informants who are experts and practitioners in the areas of Shariah (Islamic law), farming, agribusiness, land management and waqf.FindingsFindings exhibit that constraints and challenges that had been highlighted in the previous literature still exist (although some improvements had been made), but there is emerging theme that the study intends to highlight which is on the needs to secure market for the agribusiness produce and the potential role of anchor company in the agribusiness. It is pertinent that for agribusiness to thrive, selecting the right anchor company that has the capacity to address the challenges is necessary. This study posits two anchor company models (Waqf Trustee-Anchor Company and Waqf Trustee-Anchor Company-Community Farmers) that can be applied for agribusiness on the waqf lands.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on the Malaysia's context influenced by specific country's features. Nevertheless, such findings can still be used as reference or benchmark by other endowment trustees in other countries especially for the Muslim countries as well as the non-Muslim countries that have significant Muslim populations.Social implicationsThe suggested models have potentials to improve the living condition of the B40 (below 40% household income) in Malaysia because the models encourage their participation in the agribusiness activities.Originality/valueThis study focusses on the agribusiness, which is rarely being given attention in previous literature in the context of endowment lands. Therefore, this article bridges the literature gap and at the same time attempts to provide suggestion to address the pertinent issue – the underutilised endowment lands.

China's economy will struggle to halt secular slowdown

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Regression To The Mean ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strong Force ◽  
Global Demand ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Productivity Gains ◽  
Global Growth ◽  
China’S Economy

Significance Comparisons with two formerly fast-growing Asian neighbours, Japan and South Korea, suggest that China will continue to slow for another decade. Analysis of global growth trends over 50 years points to a strong force of ‘regression to the mean’, meaning that continued high-speed growth is statistically unlikely. Impacts Continued Chinese economic slowing will reduce global demand for resources such as iron ore and coal. Achieving productivity growth will require deepening reforms to increase the role of the market, the private sector and competition. World Bank economists emphasise that imposing stricter financial discipline is a key step to enhancing market-based productivity gains.

scholarly journals Validation and Implementation of a Diagnostic Algorithm for DNA Detection ofBordetella pertussis,B. parapertussis, andB. holmesiiin a Pediatric Referral Hospital in Barcelona, Spain

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Valero-Rello ◽  
Desiree Henares ◽  
Lesly Acosta ◽  
Mireia Jane ◽  
Iolanda Jordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Whooping Cough ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Analytical Validation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Ofbordetella Pertussis ◽  
Lower Limits

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to validate a comprehensive diagnostic protocol based on real-time PCR for the rapid detection and identification ofBordetella pertussis,Bordetella parapertussis, andBordetella holmesii, as well as its implementation in the diagnostic routine of a reference children’s hospital. The new algorithm included a triplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting IS481gene (inB. pertussis,B. holmesii, and someBordetella bronchisepticastrains), pIS1001(B. parapertussis-specific) andrnaseP as the human internal control. Two confirmatory singleplex tests forB. pertussis(ptxA-Pr) andB. holmesii(hIS1001) were performed if IS481was positive. Analytical validation included determination of linear range, linearity, efficiency, precision, sensitivity, and a reference panel with clinical samples. Once validated, the new algorithm was prospectively implemented in children with clinical suspicion of whooping cough presenting to Hospital Sant Joan de Deu (Barcelona, Spain) over 12 months. Lower limits of detection obtained were 4.4, 13.9, and 27.3 genomic equivalents/ml of sample for IS481(onB. pertussis), pIS1001and hIS1001, and 777.9 forptxA-Pr. qPCR efficiencies ranged from 86.0% to 96.9%. Intra- and interassay variabilities were <3% and <5%, respectively. Among 566 samples analyzed,B. pertussis,B. holmesii, andB. parapertussiswere detected in 11.1%, 0.9% (only in females >4 years old), and 0.2% of samples, respectively. The new algorithm proved to be a useful microbiological diagnostic tool for whooping cough, demonstrating a low rate of other non-pertussisBordetellaspecies in our surveilled area.

scholarly journals Study of the Immunological Status of Iraqi Vitiligo Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 454-462
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Immunoglobulin E ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Control Serum ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Vitiligo is an acquired idiopathic skin disorder characterized by depigmented macules due to loss of cutaneous melanocytes. A potential role of the immune dysfunction has been suggested in vitiligo, so to test this hypothesis, certain cytokines (IL-17A and TNF-?) and immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, IgA and total IgE) were investigated in all participants. The study included: 60 patients with age range between (6-55) year; 30(11 males and 19 females) were untreated and 30(12 males and 18 females) were treated with Narrow Band Ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) and 30 (14 males and 16 females) apparently healthy control. Serum was separated and cytokines (IL-17A and TNF-?) and total immunoglobulin E (IgE) were detected by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA); while immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG and IgA) were detected by using Single Radial Immunodiffusion (SRID) method. The results showed that the mean levels of serum IL-17A and TNF-? in both untreated and NB-UVB treated vitiligo patients were increased significantly (p ? 0.05) as compared with healthy control. The mean levels of serum IgG and IgA in untreated vitiligo patients showed non significant decreased (P

Marketing to the “middle of the pyramid” in emerging markets using a social network perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tendai Chikweche ◽  
Richard Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Middle Class ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Executives ◽  
Advanced Economies ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to expand knowledge about how middle class consumers in Sub-Saharan African markets behave, focusing on the potential role of social networks and the subsequent interactions that take place between these consumers and firms. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research method approach comprising personal interviews and observations targeted at consumers and business executives was used covering all four countries. Findings – Key findings include identification of middle of the pyramid (MOP) social networks, their impact on consumer behaviour and nature of consumer and firm interactions that take place as a result of the impact of social networks. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was restricted to 80 consumers in each of the four countries. This might limit generalisability. Practical implications – The study provides managers with insights on the potential role of social networks on marketing to the MOP in Africa. Social implications – The study provides managers with insights on the potential opportunities for corporate social responsibility solutions at the MOP. Originality/value – Research into the middle class in markets other than western advanced economies is a relatively new area of study. The majority of studies on the middle class have focused on North America and Europe ignoring the merging middle class in Africa. Hence, this research expands knowledge by providing basis for exploring new insights on the emerging marketing opportunity within the middle class in Africa.

The role of age structure and occupational choices in the Indian labour market

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhananjay Kumar ◽  
Nitin Bisht ◽  
Indrajeet Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Occupational Choices ◽  
Occupational Classification ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis study aims to identify the role of age structure in occupational choices and the classification of the occupations based on the age structure of individuals in the Indian labour market.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses the first Periodic Labour Force Survey, 2017–18. The occupational classifications are based on the standardised scores for age groups and their occupations. Further, a multinomial logistic regression model has been used to estimate social and economic factors in determining the age-based occupational classifications.FindingsThe authors found age structure an essential factor in determining occupational choices. Hence, occupations in the Indian labour market have been grouped into seven categories, accordingly. In addition, social and economic factors of individuals and households do have a significant influence on the selection of age-based occupational classifications.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to the occupational classification based on the age structure of individuals without any industry effects. The findings suggest that policymakers must adopt occupation-specific policies considering the age structure of individuals.Originality/valueEarlier studies are limited to the dynamics of age either on the basis of specific age groups (younger or older) or on the industrial classification in a disaggregated way. They also lack a rich approach in analysing the occupational classification considering age structure, especially in the Indian labour market. The study adds value when the role of age structure is identified in occupational choices in the Indian labour market, and hence, a novel classification of occupations into seven categories is proposed.

The relationship between cooperative and competitive behavioral tendencies and trust in coworkers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-360
Author(s):  
Ece Ömüriş ◽  
Ferda Erdem ◽  
Janset Özen Aytemur
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Behavioral Tendencies ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship between cooperative and competitive behavioral tendencies and trust of coworkers in organizations. Two main hypotheses were developed. The first hypothesis was that cooperativeness and trust in coworkers is positively correlated. The second hypothesis was that competitiveness and trust in coworkers is negatively correlated.Design/methodology/approachThe sample was 442 Turkish tourism sector employees in a labor-intensive industry. Two scales were used to measure trust in coworkers and cooperativeness/competitiveness. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to understand how individuals' behavioral tendency affects their coworkers' trust in them.FindingsThe findings strongly supported the first hypothesis, in that cooperativeness was positively correlated with trust in coworkers. The second hypothesis was only partially supported because there was no significant relationship between competitiveness and the competency and trustworthiness dimensions of trust. Unselfishness aspect of trust, however, was negatively correlated with competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsThe main contribution of this study is to show that employee cooperativeness and competitiveness can affect trust in coworker relations. However, the measurement of competitiveness and cooperativeness measurement had limitations due to differences in the culture-specific meanings of cooperation and competition. Future research employing mixed methods research is needed to further explain the content of the two tendencies and the relationship between the concepts.Originality/valueThe literature on trust and employee relations tends to focus more on the issue of trust between managers and subordinates while neglecting the complex and multifaceted structure of trust in employee–employer relations. However, new working forms mean that horizontal relations are increasingly important. Therefore, more research is needed to address the tendencies and structures that affect trust in coworkers. This study draws attention to the potential role of cooperative and competitive behaviors in trust in horizontal employee relations.

Treatment of Cognitive Impairment and the Role of Demographic Factors in Disease Progression: The Final Results of the Russian Observational Program “DIAMANT”

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Vladimir Anatolyevich Parfenov ◽  
Sergey Anatolyevich Zhivolupov ◽  
Irina Evgenyevna Poverennova ◽  
Marina Valentinovna Nesterova ◽  
Svetlana Evgenyevna Ushakova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Socioeconomic Factors ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
Cognitive Improvement ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Moca Score

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is a form of cerebrovascular disease manifested as a vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The management of the patients with CCI is determined by a healthy lifestyle and early therapy aimed at correcting and preventing this disease. Divaza is a drug with endothelial protective and nootropic effects. We present the final efficacy and safety analysis of all-Russian, open-label, prospective, observational, multicenter study of Divaza and emphasize the role of demographic and socioeconomic factors in cognitive disorder (CD) progression. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> CCI patients (<i>n</i> = 2,583) with or without CD were enrolled. Patients received Divaza (2 tablets 3 times per day for 12 weeks). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) testing was required. The change in the mean MoCA score post-treatment was used as the primary endpoint. As the secondary endpoints, the number of patients with a MoCA &#x3c;26 and ≤17 (dementia); the percentage of patients with a MoCA score improvement in different age groups; the dynamics of mean MoCA score in age groups; and the relationship between CD and sex or regional social/economic factors were assessed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Divaza therapy led to a significant improvement: the mean MoCA score was up to 20% higher post-treatment (Wilcoxon test, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.0001 vs. baseline). The number of participants with MoCA ≥26 increased by 33.6%. The number of patients with dementia was 4.1 times less after therapy (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.00001 vs. baseline). Divaza improved cognitive functions of patients in each age group. Findings demonstrate that regional socioeconomic factors contribute to CD development and severity. The observed divergence between sexes was a result of a larger number of women enrolled. The study confirmed the safety of Divaza. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In the study, we observed the efficacy of Divaza for the treatment of CD: a therapy contributed to an increase in the mean MoCA score and the positive dynamics in the number of patients with cognitive improvement.

Treatment of Large Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: The Potential Role of Neoadjuvant Intravesical Chemotherapy

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Marco Raber ◽  
Noor Buchholz ◽  
Augusto Vercesi ◽  
Nashaat A. Hendawi ◽  
Vincenzo Inneo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Tumor Volume ◽  
Neoadjuvant Treatment ◽  
Complete Resection ◽  
Bladder Mucosa ◽  
Bladder Tumors ◽  
Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Muscle Invasive

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The endoscopic resection of large and bulky bladder cancers represents a challenge. To reduce the tumor and make it more easy to resect, we used neoadjuvant short and intensive intravesical mitomycin (MMC) therapy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Patients with large bladder tumors were evaluated for this study. At cystoscopy, the surgeon evaluated the feasibility of complete resection. In patients where this was not possible, biopsies from the tumor, bladder mucosa, and prostatic urethra were taken. These patients then underwent a short and intensive cytoreductive schedule of intravesical MMC. This was then followed by TUR-BT. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Fifteen patients were included in our study. The mean age was 74 years (range: 56–82; SD ±6 years). Mean tumor size was 51 mm (range: 35–65; SD ±8 mm). After neoadjuvant treatment, complete resection was then feasible in all patients. The mean tumor volume after the chemo-resection had reduced to 34 mm (range: 10–50; SD ±13 mm). No adverse effects were reported. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Intravesical cytoreductive neoadjuvant MMC as an initial treatment of large NMIBC can be considered safe, effective, and feasible.

Trend of hospital utilization for encephalitis

2011 ◽  
Vol 140 (4) ◽  
pp. 753-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. BARBADORO ◽  
A. MARIGLIANO ◽  
A. RICCIARDI ◽  
M. M. D'ERRICO ◽  
E. PROSPERO
Keyword(s):  
Potential Role ◽  
Viral Encephalitis ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Hospitalization Rate ◽  
Preventive Interventions ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
Not Otherwise Specified ◽  
The Mean

SUMMARYEncephalitis generally results in a serious illness requiring hospitalization. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of hospitalization for encephalitis in Italy, taking into account the geographical distribution, aetiology, seasonality and evolution of hospitalization rates over recent years. The mean hospitalization rate was 5·88/100 000. For most of these hospitalizations (n=13 119, 55·6%), no specific cause of encephalitis was reported. The most common aetiological category was ‘viral’, which accounted for 40·1% (n=4205) of such hospitalizations (rate 1·05/100 000). Within this category, herpes virus was the leading causative agent (n=1579, 0·39/100 000). This report highlights a significant increase of ‘viral encephalitis not otherwise specified’ (ICD-9 code 049·9) vs. a reduction of all other causes. A seasonal pattern was noted in people aged ⩾65 years in this group. Specific surveillance of encephalitis without known origin should be reinforced in order to identify the potential role of emerging pathogens and to design preventive interventions.

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