Asparaginase activity monitoring and management of asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions in Canada

Introduction Pegaspargase can cause anti-asparaginase antibody formation, which can decrease its effectiveness without causing any clinically apparent reaction (silent inactivation). When a patient has silent inactivation, a switch to Erwinia anti-asparaginase is warranted, but there is currently a global shortage of Erwinia. The only way to identify silent inactivation is to measure an asparaginase level. However, routine asparaginase level monitoring is not currently standard of care at all Canadian centers. This study aims to identify variations in practice regarding asparaginase level monitoring and Erwinia use. Methods A 21-item survey was developed using OPINIO software and distributed to all Pediatric Hematology–Oncologists in Canada from February to October 2020. Results Respondents represented 15 hospitals across each region of Canada (response rate = 52%). Only 39.2% of respondents reported routinely measuring asparaginase levels, yet 53% of respondents have modified therapy from pegaspargase to Erwinia in up to half of their patients. The most common reason for not measuring asparaginase levels was not knowing how to use levels clinically (25.5%). There was variation in the timing of levels and their target. Conclusions We identified substantial variation in asparaginase activity monitoring practices across Canada. Therefore, future research should aim to develop a national practice guideline on asparaginase activity monitoring.

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Asparaginase activity monitoring and management of asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions in Canada

10.22541/au.161419331.13710686/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Meghan Pike ◽

Tamara MacDonald ◽

Ketan Kulkarni

Keyword(s):

Antibody Formation ◽

Response Rate ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Activity Monitoring ◽

Future Research ◽

Hypersensitivity Reactions ◽

Substantial Variation ◽

Pediatric Hematology ◽

Asparaginase Activity ◽

National Practice

Background Pegaspargase (PEG), can cause anti-asparaginase (ASP) antibody formation, which can decrease its effectiveness without causing any clinically-apparent reaction (CAR) (silent inactivation [SI]). When a patient has SI, a switch to Erwinia ASP is warranted, but there is currently a global shortage of Erwinia. Up to 30% of patients receiving PEG will experience a CAR, while only 8% of patients will experience SI; the only way to distinguish between these is by measuring an ASP level. However, routine ASP monitoring is not currently standard of care at all Canadian centres. This study aims to identify variations in practice regarding ASP monitoring and Erwinia use. Procedure A 21-item survey was developed using OPINIO software and distributed to all Pediatric Hematology-Oncologists in Canada from Feb-Oct 2020. Results Respondents represented 15 hospitals across each region of Canada (response rate=52%). Only 39.2% of respondents reported routinely measuring ASP levels, yet 53% of respondents have modified therapy from PEG to Erwinia in up to half of their patients. The most common reason for not measuring ASP levels was not knowing how to use levels clinically (25.5%). There was variation in the timing of levels and their target. Conclusions We identified substantial variation in ASP activity monitoring practices across Canada. Therefore, future research should aim to develop a national practice guideline on ASP activity monitoring.

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Provinciale responsverschillen in het Vlaamse Bevolkingsonderzoek Dikkedarmkanker: inzichten uit gemeentelijke socio-demografische en gezondheidsgerelateerde kenmerken

Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde ◽

10.47671/tvg.77.21.144 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

T.N. TRAN ◽

G. VAN HAL ◽

M. PEETERS ◽

S. JIDKOVA ◽

S. HOECK

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Response Rate ◽

Response Rates ◽

Target Population ◽

Wilcoxon Test ◽

Future Research ◽

Screening Methods ◽

Average Income ◽

Medical File ◽

Crc Screening

Municipal characteristics associated with response rate to organised colorectal cancer screening in Flanders Introduction In Flanders (Belgium), the response rate to organised colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is still suboptimal (~ 50%). We studied the characteristics of municipalities in the Flemish provinces with the highest and lowest response rates to explore factors that might be associated with the response rate to organised CRC screening. Methods The response rates of municipalities in 5 Flemish provinces and the characteristics of municipalities in the provinces with the highest and lowest response rates were compared to the average measures of Flanders (data 2017) using an unpaired two-sample Wilcoxon test. Results The municipal response rates in Limburg and Antwerp were significantly higher, and those in West Flanders and Flemish Brabant significantly lower compared to Flanders. Further analyses of Limburg (highest response rate) and Flemish Brabant (lowest response rate) suggested that municipalities with higher response rates had more men and people aged 60-64 in the target population, more jobseekers and more people who contacted GPs/specialists frequently, but fewer people aged 70-74 in the target population and with a lower average income compared to Flanders. In contrast, municipalities with lower response rates had fewer men in the target population, fewer people having a partner, fewer jobseekers and fewer people having a global medical file, but more people with a non-Dutch or non-Belgian nationality and a higher average income (p-values < 0.01). Conclusion This exploratory study identifies certain demographic, socioeconomic and health‑related municipal characteristics that may be related to the response rate to CRC screening in Flanders. These findings can guide future research and investigations with the aim to improve the response rate to CRC screening.

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Track Surfaces Used for Ridden Workouts and Alternatives to Ridden Exercise for Thoroughbred Horses in Race Training

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani8120221 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 221 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ashleigh Morrice-West ◽

Peta Hitchens ◽

Elizabeth Walmsley ◽

R. Whitton

Keyword(s):

Injury Risk ◽

Future Research ◽

Substantial Variation ◽

Thoroughbred Racehorses ◽

Thoroughbred Horses ◽

Alternative Approaches

Little is known about the types of surfaces used during training of Thoroughbred racehorses or methods of exercise used in addition to ridden track-work. Our aims were to (1) describe the types of surfaces used in the training of Thoroughbred racehorses and to (2) identify alternative approaches used to exercise horses in addition to, or in place of, ridden overground track-work. Information regarding surface and alternative exercise methods was collected as part of an in-person survey of training practices of 66 registered Thoroughbred trainers in Victoria, Australia. Sand and synthetic surfaces were used by 97% and 36% of trainers respectively for slow-workouts, with galloping on turf training tracks used in training regimens by 82% and synthetic by 58% of trainers. Of those trainers utilising turf tracks, only 34% of gallop training was completed on turf despite turf being the predominant racing surface. Almost 90% of trainers used alternatives to ridden exercise. There is substantial variation in training surface used and alternative types of exercise undertaken by Victorian trainers. Future research should focus on how such practices relate to injury risk, particularly as it relates to the importance of musculoskeletal adaptation to specific race-day surfaces.

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Evolving injury profiles amid advancing sport: Musculoskeletal injuries in ringball players

South African Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.17159/2078-516x/2020/v32i1a8166 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Blessing Mkhwanazi ◽

Julian David Pillay

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

South Africa ◽

Injury Prevention ◽

Response Rate ◽

Musculoskeletal Injuries ◽

Ankle Injuries ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Future Research ◽

Current Season ◽

Kwazulu Natal

Background: Ringball, a sport historically derived from conventional basketball and netball, demonstrates the evolution of traditional sport. The variations between these sports may predispose players to different risk factors and consequent injuries and their impact, yet they are usually considered comparably. Objective: To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries and to profile injuries based on location, severity, and mechanisms of occurrence. A further objective was to compare the injuries sustained in ringball with that of basketball and netball. Methods: A questionnaire-based study, administered to 110 ringball players in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was applied. Data were described and compared using frequencies/ percentages for categorical variables. Results: Seventy-six ringball players completed the questionnaire (69% response rate). The prevalence of at least one injury during/after the last or current season was 80% (n=61). The most commonly reported injury was to the foot/ankle (36%; n=33) followed by the knee (29%; n=27) and wrist (9%; n=8). The most common mechanisms of injury reported were landing (15%; n=9), jumping (9%; n=5), goal shooting (7%; n=4), defending (7%; n=4) and collision (7%; n=4). Discussion: Ringball shares similar injuries to that of basketball/netball, with foot/ankle injuries being the most prevalent. The prevalence of other injuries in ringball differed from basketball/netball, suggesting variations between these sports as a contributor to the injuries described. Conclusion: The evolution of sport and the modifications in rules/techniques may create a nuanced injury profile to those commonly identified. The combination of a sport’s uniqueness/modification and its similarities to other sports warrants the need for more tailored approaches to injury prevention and a platform for future research.

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149 Virtual Care: A Quality Improvement Project on the Experience of Paediatricians during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxab061.117 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. e102-e104

Author(s):

Emma McCrady ◽

Julie Strychowsky ◽

Jessica Woolfson

Keyword(s):

Quality Improvement ◽

Online Survey ◽

Local Level ◽

Standard Of Care ◽

Subject Area ◽

Future Research ◽

Improvement Project ◽

Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽

Virtual Care ◽

Practice Efficiency

Abstract Primary Subject area Practice/Office Management Background Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person visits were the standard of care for paediatricians at our centre. With the pandemic onset, virtual care (VC) was adopted at an unprecedented scale and pace. Studies have reported positive patient VC experience; however, few have explored physician experience. This quality improvement (QI) initiative sought to qualify the VC experience of local paediatricians during the pandemic, with the intention of implementing VC clinical practice changes at the department level. Objectives To determine key factors that have supported and challenged the adoption of, and that will support integration of, VC in the future. Design/Methods The Donabedian model for healthcare QI was used to evaluate VC experience through an online survey with a focus on structure, process, and outcome measures. All physicians affiliated with the Department of Paediatrics (generalists and subspecialists in medicine and surgery) were invited to participate via email. Three reminder emails were sent at 2-week intervals. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results The response rate was 32.3% (63 of 195 physicians). The majority of respondents were subspecialists (84.1%), and at academic centres (87.5%) (Table 1). Pre-pandemic, only 30.1% used VC and saw <10% of patients virtually. During March-May 2020, 93.8% transitioned to VC, with > 50% seeing over 75% of patients virtually. By summer 2020, VC use declined, but remained higher than pre-pandemic (53.6% seeing < 25% of patients). OTN and telephone were platforms most used (32.8% and 28.6%, respectively). Most conducted visits from their work location (55.2%) versus home (44.8%). VC experience was considered positive by most physicians (73.6%), and only 18.8% found VC difficult to use despite technical difficulties reported by 41.5% (Figure 1). Physicians with ≤ 5 years in practice were most likely to find VC convenient (93.8%). Challenges with VC included lack of physical exam, diagnostic uncertainty, lower patient volumes, and poor patient VC etiquette. Regardless of practice location, specialty, years in practice, and prior experience, 96% would continue VC to 25% of patients, ideally for patients who live far away (26.4%) and for follow-ups of patients with established diagnoses (21.4%). Conclusion A rapid transition to VC during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with challenges but also positive experiences. Willingness to continue VC was high. VC experience could be improved with greater patient education and focus on select patient populations. Future research is needed to improve practice efficiency and to inform regulatory guidelines for VC at a local level.

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The effect of a web-push survey on physician survey response rates: a randomized experiment.

10.21203/rs.2.12242/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Cristine D. Delnevo ◽

Binu Singh

Keyword(s):

Survey Methodology ◽

Response Rate ◽

Mail Survey ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Response Rates ◽

National Sample ◽

High Response Rate ◽

Future Research ◽

Effective Delivery ◽

The Web

Abstract Background: Achieving a high response rate for physicians has been challenging and with response rates declining in recent years, innovative methods are needed to increase rates. An emerging concept in survey methodology has been web-push survey delivery. In this delivery method, contact is made by mail to request a response by web. This study explored the feasibility of a web-push survey on a national sample of physicians. Methods: 1000 physicians across six specialties were randomly assigned to a mail only or web-push survey delivery. Each mode consisted of four contacts including an initial mailing, reminder postcard, and two additional follow-ups. Response rates were calculated using AAPOR’s response rate 3 calculation. Data collection occurred between Febuary – April 2018 and analyzed March 2019. Results: Overall reponse rates for the mail only vs. web-push survey delivery were comparable (51.2% vs. 52.8%). Higher response rates across all demographics were seen in the web-push delivery with the exception of pulmonary/critical care and physicians over the age of 65. The web-push survey yielded a greater response after the first mailing requiring fewer follow-up contacts resulting in a more cost-effective delivery. Conclusions: A web-push mail survey is effective in achieveing a comparable response rate to traditional mail only delivery for physicians. The web-push survey was more efficient in terms of cost and in receiving responses in a more timely manner. Future research should explore the efficiency of a web-push survey delivery across various health care provider populations.

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The Influence of Demographic Matters and Interest on Passenger’s Switching Intention: Evidence of Travelers in the Developing Country Indonesia

The Open Transportation Journal ◽

10.2174/1874447802115010122 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 122-132

Author(s):

Icuk Rangga Bawono ◽

Ratno Purnomo ◽

Cris Kuntadi ◽

Apriani Kartika Rahayu

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Jel Classification ◽

Education Level ◽

Switching Behavior ◽

Future Research ◽

Transportation Mode ◽

Classification Code ◽

Transportation Modes ◽

Quantitative Descriptive ◽

Potential Customers

Background: After the official operation of the Jakarta-Cikampek elevated highway, a socio-demographic picture of Indonesian travel passengers, as well as their interest in switching transportation preferences was provided. This elevated highway shortened travel time and discouraged users from changing to other transportation modes. This study is likely to become a future research foundation for the switching behavior of passengers. Objective: This study aims to analyze demographic factors and interests on passenger’s switching of transportation preference. Methods: A total of 720 questionnaires were distributed to land transportation passengers at concentrated points with a response rate of 89.17% and 642 valid answers. The obtained data were analyzed using quantitative descriptive techniques with cross tab methods. Results: The results showed that age, education level, and type of work influenced the desire of passengers to switch transportation modes, as opposed to gender. Most of the passengers interested in using land modes, such as the highway, were dominated by intercity between provinces travel buses and refused to change to other means of transportation. Meanwhile, passengers that used rented cars tended to switch to other forms of transportation. Conclusion: This research is useful and acts as a reference for managers of each transportation mode to set high priorities for particular consumers based on detailed socio-demographics to retain or attract new potential customers. JEL Classification Code: D12, L92, R41.

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Reputation management in cyberspace: evidence from Jordan’s luxury hotel market

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology ◽

10.1108/jhtt-09-2017-0093 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 107-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zaid Alrawadieh ◽

Mithat Zeki Dincer

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Online Reviews ◽

Reputation Management ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Luxury Hotels ◽

Hotel Managers ◽

Online Reputation ◽

Luxury Hotel ◽

Managerial Response

PurposeDrawing on a sample of 520 negative reviews posted on TripAdvisor against all five-star hotels operating in Petra, Jordan, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the response of luxury hotels to negative online reviews by considering the Response Rate (RR), the Response Time (RT) and the Response Content (RC).Design/methodology/approachA deductive content analysis was used on hotels’ managerial responses. Based on the literature review, a four-construct scheme was identified to guide the analysis including Appreciation; Apology; Explanation; and Incentive. The managerial responses were carefully read and manually coded based on the four-construct scheme. The time between the review posting date and the date of the managerial response was also recorded. Luxury hotel managers were also surveyed to obtain insights into their perceptions and practices with respect to online reputation management.FindingsThe findings call into question luxury hotels’ awareness of the harmful impact of negative online reviews. Specifically, the findings suggest that less than half of the negative reviews received a managerial response, and that more than half of these were standardized and did not refer to the issues raised in the reviews. The low response rate coupled with the hotel managers’ consensus on the importance of answering all online reviews indicates inconsistency between hotel managers’ perceptions and practices with regard to online reputation management.Originality/valueThe paper adds to the ongoing debate on reputation management in the hospitality industry by considering the managerial response to negative online reviews. The paper discusses several managerial implications for hotel managers as well as avenues for future research.

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The Effect of Human Resources Practices on Organizational Commitment: A Jordanian Study

Journal of Management Research ◽

10.5296/jmr.v7i4.7972 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 222 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Taghrid Saleh Suifan

Keyword(s):

Organizational Commitment ◽

Human Resources ◽

Response Rate ◽

Capital City ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Directions ◽

Public And Private ◽

Private Organization ◽

Future Research Directions ◽

Person Organization Fit

AbstractThe effect of human resources practices on organizational commitment was examined in this study using a sample of 500 subjects randomly selected from employees working for public and private organization in various industries in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Of the mailed questionnaires, 431 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 86 percent. A bulk of scales was adopted from related works to measure constructs. Organizational commitment was measured by organizational commitment scale developed by Meyer and Allen (1997), training was measured using a scale developed by Yahya and Goh (2002), person-organization fit was measured by a scale developed by Netemeyer et al. (1997), and, finally, rewards construct was measured by a scale adopted from Sejjaaka and Kaawaase (2014). The results pointed out that all HR practices examined (training, person-organization fit, and rewards) were significantly and positively associated with organizational commitment. Research limitations and future research directions were brought out.

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Use of directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify confounders in applied health research: review and recommendations

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyaa213 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Peter W G Tennant ◽

Eleanor J Murray ◽

Kellyn F Arnold ◽

Laurie Berrie ◽

Matthew P Fox ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Research ◽

Web Of Science ◽

Directed Acyclic Graphs ◽

Causal Effects ◽

Research Review ◽

Future Research ◽

Substantial Variation ◽

Acyclic Graphs ◽

Confounding Variables ◽

Applied Health Research

Abstract Background Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) are an increasingly popular approach for identifying confounding variables that require conditioning when estimating causal effects. This review examined the use of DAGs in applied health research to inform recommendations for improving their transparency and utility in future research. Methods Original health research articles published during 1999–2017 mentioning ‘directed acyclic graphs’ (or similar) or citing DAGitty were identified from Scopus, Web of Science, Medline and Embase. Data were extracted on the reporting of: estimands, DAGs and adjustment sets, alongside the characteristics of each article’s largest DAG. Results A total of 234 articles were identified that reported using DAGs. A fifth (n = 48, 21%) reported their target estimand(s) and half (n = 115, 48%) reported the adjustment set(s) implied by their DAG(s). Two-thirds of the articles (n = 144, 62%) made at least one DAG available. DAGs varied in size but averaged 12 nodes [interquartile range (IQR): 9–16, range: 3–28] and 29 arcs (IQR: 19–42, range: 3–99). The median saturation (i.e. percentage of total possible arcs) was 46% (IQR: 31–67, range: 12–100). 37% (n = 53) of the DAGs included unobserved variables, 17% (n = 25) included ‘super-nodes’ (i.e. nodes containing more than one variable) and 34% (n = 49) were visually arranged so that the constituent arcs flowed in the same direction (e.g. top-to-bottom). Conclusion There is substantial variation in the use and reporting of DAGs in applied health research. Although this partly reflects their flexibility, it also highlights some potential areas for improvement. This review hence offers several recommendations to improve the reporting and use of DAGs in future research.

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