bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of high-altitude windborne migration on survival, oviposition and blood-feeding of the African malaria mosquito,Anopheles gambiaes.l
Authors: Sanogo ZL , Yaro AS , Dao A , Diallo M , Yossi O , Samaké D , Krajacich BJ , Faiman R , Lehmann T
Published: April 2020

Recent results of high-altitude windborne mosquito migration raised questions about the viability of these mosquitoes despite ample evidence that many insect species, including other dipterans have been known to migrate regularly over tens or hundreds of kilometers on high-altitude winds and retain their viability. To address these concerns, we subjected wildAn. gambiaes.l. mosquitoes to a high-altitude survival assay, followed by oviposition (egg laying) and blood feeding assays. Despite carrying out the survival assay under exceptionally harsh conditions that probably provide the lowest survival potential following high altitude flight, a high proportion of the mosquitoes survived for six and even eleven hours assay durations at 120-250m altitudes. Minimal differences in egg laying success were noted between mosquitoes exposed to high altitude survival assay and those kept near the ground. Similarly, minimal differences were found in the female’s ability to take an additional blood meal after oviposition between these groups. We conclude that similar to other high-altitude migrating insects, mosquitoes are able to withstand extended high-altitude flight and subsequently reproduce and transmit pathogens by blood feeding on new hosts.
Eccentric-focused rehabilitation promotes myelin plasticity in individuals with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Faw Timothy D. , Lakhani Bimal , Liu Hanwen , Nguyen Huyen T. , Schmalbrock Petra , Knopp Michael V. , Lohse Keith R. , Kramer John L.K. , McTigue Dana M. , Boyd Lara A. , Basso D. Michele
Published: April 2020

Background

Myelin plasticity has emerged as a novel mechanism by which the nervous system can change with experience, offering new potential for rehabilitation-induced recovery after neurotrauma. This first-in-human study investigated whether innovative, downhill locomotor rehabilitation promotes myelin plasticity in individuals with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

Of 20 individuals with SCI that enrolled, 4 passed the imaging screen and had myelin water imaging (MWI) before and after a 12-week (3 times/week) downhill locomotor treadmill training program (SCI+DH). One individual was excluded for imaging artifacts. Uninjured control participants (n=7) had two MWI sessions within the same day. Changes in myelin water fraction (MWF), a histopathologically-validated myelin biomarker, were analyzed ina priorimotor learning and non-motor learning brain regions and the cervical spinal cord using statistical approaches appropriate for small sample sizes.

Results

Within SCI+DH individuals, significantly more motor learning regions showed increased MWF than non-motor learning regions (p<.05). Compared to Control, MWF in the SCI+DH group increased in white matter underlying postcentral and precuneus cortices, combined motor learning brain regions, and ventral spinal cord (p<.05). To account for small sample size, an estimation-based approach showed the pattern of MWF increase was specific to training and region.

Conclusion

Downhill training increased MWF in brain regions specifically associated with motor learning and in the ventral spinal cord.

Trial Registration

ClincialTrials.gov(NCT02498548,NCT02821845)

Funding

National Institutes of Health [F31NS096921 (TDF), R21HD082808 (DMB)], Craig H. Neilsen Foundation [316282 (DMB)], Foundation for Physical Therapy Research [Promotion of Doctoral Studies Level II Scholarship (TDF)]
The natural history and transmission potential of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , Lam Vo Thanh , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Yen Lam Minh , Minh Ngo Ngoc Quang , Hung Le Manh , Ngoc Nghiem My , Dung Nguyen Tri , Man Dinh Nguyen Huy , Nguyet Lam Anh , Nhat Le Thanh Hoang , Nhu Le Nguyen Truc , Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , Kestelyn Evelyne , Dung Nguyen Thi Phuong , Xuan Tran Chanh , Hien Tran Tinh , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Tu Tran Nguyen Hoang , Geskus Ronald B. , Thanh Tran Tan , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Binh Nguyen Tan , Thuong Tang Chi , Thwaites Guy , Van Tan Le ,   for OUCRU COVID-19 research group
Published: April 2020

Background

Little is known about the natural history of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or its contribution to infection transmission.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study at a quarantine centre for COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. We enrolled quarantined people with RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, collecting clinical data, travel and contact history, and saliva at enrolment and daily nasopharyngeal throat swabs (NTS) for RT-PCR testing. We compared the natural history and transmission potential of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.

Results

Between March 10th and April 4th, 2020, 14,000 quarantined people were tested for SARS-CoV-2; 49 were positive. Of these, 30 participated in the study: 13(43%) never had symptoms and 17(57%) were symptomatic. 17(57%) participants acquired their infection outside Vietnam. Compared with symptomatic individuals, asymptomatic people were less likely to have detectable SARS-CoV-2 in NTS samples collected at enrolment (8/13 (62%) vs. 17/17 (100%) P=0.02). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 20/27 (74%) available saliva; 7/11 (64%) in the asymptomatic and 13/16 (81%) in the symptomatic group (P=0.56). Analysis of the probability of RT-PCR positivity showed asymptomatic participants had faster viral clearance than symptomatic participants (P<0.001 for difference over first 19 days). This difference was most pronounced during the first week of follow-up. Two of the asymptomatic individuals appeared to transmit the infection to up to four contacts.

Conclusions

Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is common and can be detected by analysis of saliva or NTS. NTS viral loads fall faster in asymptomatic individuals, but they appear able to transmit the virus to others.
ArchR: An integrative and scalable software package for single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis
Authors: Granja Jeffrey M. , Corces M. Ryan , Pierce Sarah E. , Bagdatli S. Tansu , Choudhry Hani , Chang Howard Y. , Greenleaf William J.
Published: April 2020

The advent of large-scale single-cell chromatin accessibility profiling has accelerated our ability to map gene regulatory landscapes, but has outpaced the development of robust, scalable software to rapidly extract biological meaning from these data. Here we present a software suite for single-cellanalysis of regulatorychromatin inR(ArchR;www.ArchRProject.com) that enables fast and comprehensive analysis of single-cell chromatin accessibility data. ArchR provides an intuitive, user-focused interface for complex single-cell analyses including doublet removal, single-cell clustering and cell type identification, robust peak set generation, cellular trajectory identification, DNA element to gene linkage, transcription factor footprinting, mRNA expression level prediction from chromatin accessibility, and multi-omic integration with scRNA-seq. Enabling the analysis of over 1.2 million single cells within 8 hours on a standard Unix laptop, ArchR is a comprehensive analytical suite for end-to-end analysis of single-cell chromatin accessibility data that will accelerate the understanding of gene regulation at the resolution of individual cells.
Frequency of Hepatitis B, C and HIV infections among transfusion-dependent Beta Thalassemia patients in Dhaka
Authors: Bhuyan Golam Sarower , Zaman Noor Aftab Uz , Sultana Rosy , Noor Farjana Akther , Sultana Nusrat , Sarker Suprovath Kumar , Islam Md Tarikul , Sayeed Md. Abu , Ul Khabir Md. Imam , Hossain A K M Ekramul , Qadri Syeda Kashfi , Qadri Syed Saleheen , Qadri Firdausi , Mannoor Kaiissar
Published: April 2020

Transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) have remained a major deterrent to public health, particularly among the patients with transfusion-dependent Beta thalassemia in developing countries. Although proper donor selection through adoption of WHO-advised infection panel has lowered the rate of infections, the multi-transfused patients are not free of risk. The present study screened 148 transfusion-dependent Beta thalassemia patients to determine the frequency of HCV, HBV and HIV using ELISA method. Among these patients, infected cases with HCV, HBV and HIV were 13.51%, 3.37% and 0%, respectively. Moreover, 2% of the patients had co-infections with both HBV and HCV. The percentage of infections in the patients with frequent transfusion interval (≤30 days) was significantly higher (P<0.0005) than that in the patients with less frequent transfusion intervals (>30 days). Immunochromatography (ICT)-based rapid test kits are usually used to screen and confirm these infections in the blood of the patients. However, ICT-based tests are not sensitive enough to detect the infections. So, a combination of both Nucleic Acid testing (NAT) and serological testing are suggested to significantly reduce the risk of viral infections during blood transfusion.
Trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in business relationships: a sales perspective
Authors: Høgevold Nils , Svensson Goran , Otero-Neira Carmen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to test trust and commitment as mediators between economic and non-economic satisfaction in seller business relationships in contrast to previous studies on buyer business relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a cross-industry sample of Norwegian companies with sales or marketing managers/directors or key account managers. Key informants were selected to participate who adhered to specific criteria, such as their designations should be sales or marketing managers/directors or key account managers.

Findings

Trust and commitment mediate between economic and non-economic satisfaction in seller business relationships in line with what has been previously tested and retested across contexts and through time in buyer business relationships.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps in establishing an extended foundation to assess the structural properties between economic and non-economic satisfaction, as well as trust and commitment, in business relationships based on seller and or buyer perspectives.

Practical implications

The tested seller business relationship research model provides a corporate foundation for assessing the seller perspective of business relationships. It also provides a corporate foundation for combining the seller perspective with that of the customer perspective.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study based on seller business relationships that validates the research model reported in multiple previous studies based on buyer business relationships.
Getting innovations out of interactions in the public procurement context
Authors: Melander Lisa , Arvidsson Ala Pazirandeh
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how a seller can use interactions to respond to public procurement needs for innovation when the buying side is restricted by public procurement regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data using qualitative semi-structured interviews of different empirical examples, in which private–public interactions of four different high-technological products are studied. Two products belong to the defence industry and two to the civil industry.

Findings

The findings point to three types of innovations in public procurement: product, service and business model. The empirical examples further indicate, as suggested in previous studies, that innovation is hindered by regulations that limit interaction between suppliers and the public. In addition, the empirical examples indicate that firms mobilize actors in their network when the buyer is restricted in regard to interaction. The findings also add to the IMP literature by comparing interactions in the three types of innovations in the public procurement context.

Originality/value

Public procurement is an area where innovations are lagging behind, compared with private procurement. Research points to limited interaction between actors as an obstacle to innovation in public sector collaborations. This paper extends the literature on how organizations interact in the setting of public procurement. The authors identify demand and supply triggers for three types of innovations: product, service and business model innovation.
Loan-to-value and the price-rent ratio
Authors: Borgersen Trond-Arne
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the relation between the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and the price-rent (PR) ratio. The paper intends to relate the PR-ratio to housing return and the potential for a leverage gain in housing investments by considering the funding structure of housing investments.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining a PR-ratio approach with the housing return in the case of mortgage-financed housing, as presented by Borgersen and Greibrokk (2012), this paper relates LTV to the PR-ratio.

Findings

When formalising the relationship between leverage and housing return, as given by Muellbauer and Murphy (1997), the paper finds the effect of a higher LTV on the user cost of housing as the net effect of a higher borrowing cost and the associated leverage gain. The latter depends on the relationship between house price growth and the mortgage rate and, because the leverage gain has an ambiguous effect on the user cost of housing, the relation between the LTV-ratio and the PR-ratio is context-specific.

Originality/value

The paper aims to contribute to the literature on PR ratios in two ways. First, by explicitly including the LTV-ratio in the user cost of mortgage financed housing and, correspondingly, in the PR-ratio derived from the user cost. Second, by including the funding structure of housing investments the expression for the capital gain, which often is discussed in the PR-ratio literature, is related to the funding structure and includes both a price gain and a leverage gain.
The global price of oil, QE and the US high yield rate
Authors: Malliaris Anastasios , Malliaris Mary E.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Quantitative easing (QE) allowed the US economy to stabilize and return to slow growth. Oil prices increased to $100 during 2010–2013. Then in June 2014, they plunged again dramatically to $40. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that describes the price of oil as depending on six inputs: Federal assets accumulated by the Federal Reserve during the period of QE, the 10-Year Treasury note rate, the price of copper, the trade-weighted dollar, the S&P 500 Index and the US high yield rate for bonds rated CCC or below.

Design/methodology/approach

We use 771 overlapping 52-week regressions to capture short-run oil price dynamics.

Findings

We find that QE was statistically significant only during 2009–2010, while the US high yield rate played a more significant role, both during and after the crisis.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not explain the behavior of oil prices prior to 2003.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes the role of the high yield rate on fracking technology in financing the extraction and production of oil.

Originality/value

The paper has both the theoretical value for researchers in the area of energy, as well as practical application for the oil industry.
Firms and export performance: does size matter?
Authors: Ha Van T.C. , Holmes Mark J. , Le Trang M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between export performance and firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysing a large sample of firms in the Vietnamese manufacturing sector, the authors employ a quantile regression approach to asses whether or not the relationship between exporting and firm size is dependent upon the extent of exporting that firms already undertake.

Findings

The authors find that increased firm size leads to higher export volumes. However, in sharp contrast to literature that largely focuses on considering a linear relationship between these two variables, the authors further find that the positive relationship becomes weaker as the extent of exporting activity increases.

Originality/value

In contrast to the earlier literature, a key novelty of the approach is that the authors obtain new insights in terms of establishing a nonlinear relationship between firm size and export performance in the case of Vietnamese manufacturing.
Assessing the impact of enterprise resource planning on decision-making quality
Authors: Ouiddad Ahmed , Okar Chafik , Chroqui Razane , Beqqali Hassani Imane
Published: April 2020

Purpose

An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is commonly used for automating operational processes and enhancing their efficiency inside a company. In the recent years, the increasing development of ERP technologies has increased their impacts on decision-making. Such impact can no longer be underestimated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impacts of ERP systems on the improvement of decision-making quality inside large Moroccan companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the DeLone and McLean information systems success model and by adopting a quantitative approach, survey data were collected through questionnaires. The established questionnaires were distributed to 104 decision-makers who use ERP systems. To test the developed research model, structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares method was used.

Findings

The findings of the present investigation showed that information and system quality had a positive impact on the overall user’s experience with the ERP system, whereas service quality had a negative impact on it. This influenced the quality of decision-making. The results also showed that the model used has sufficient and adequate convergent and discriminant validities, as well as sufficient reliability.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that evaluates the effect of ERP systems on improving the quality of decision-making in Morocco. The results provide interesting theoretical and managerial implications.
Publishing and using record-keeping structural information in a blockchain
Authors: Sødring Thomas , Reinholdtsen Petter , Ølnes Svein
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role blockchain can play for record-keeping by exploring what information from a record-keeping system it is possible to publish to a blockchain. A credible approach is presented, followed by a discussion on both benefits and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a combination of theorised possibilities verified with practical software implementation. The basis for the work is relevant record-keeping and blockchain literature.

Findings

The results show that it is possible to separate the formal record keeping structure from content, and this opens for new possibilities when integrating record keeping and block chain technologies. However, the approach does come with some limitations.

Research limitations/implications

The approach is beneficial where there is a record-keeping standard that has a clearly defined metadata model, and that also makes use of globally unique identifiers. Privacy legislation, for example, GDPR, may limit the scope of an implementation of the approach.

Originality/value

The originality lies in presenting an approach whereby a record-keeping standard is analysed, separating structural and content information to publish structural information to a blockchain.
The Daytop crisis and its impact on the global Therapeutic Community movement
Authors: Zafiridis Phoebus
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The Therapeutic Communities (TCs) movement tends to become from a revolutionary answer to the problem of addiction to another mainstream therapeutic proposal. The author considers that the crisis in 1968 in the seminal TC of Daytop was a pivotal event of this transition. This study aims to evaluate the impact of this historical crisis on the course of the TCs movement, assuming that, to enter into a constructive dialogue that can lead to the overcoming of today’s deadlocks of the movement, an awareness of the history is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper is a perspective/opinion paper and starts with a brief review of the origins of the first TCs for addicts. Emphasis is placed on their inevitable, according to the author, confrontation with the political and scientific status quo of that time. Then, it focuses on the period of the crisis in Daytop TC. The author interprets the events under a whole new scope, based on conversations he personally had with pioneers of that time, on his longstanding experience on the field, and the available literature.

Findings

The author attempts a historical and sociological analysis of the course of TCs and the Daytop TC. He concludes with a dispute of the prevailing idea that the Daytop crisis was a product of the confrontation between personal ambitions. He maintains that the collision that took place in Daytop TC was a confrontation between two antipodal perspectives over the notion of therapy. In any case, the subsequent estrangement of the movement from the groundbreaking attributes of the first TCs did not prove to be in the best interests of addicts; it was rather dictated by the need of the leaders of TCs to rescue their professional career.

Originality/value

The present paper attempts to offer a different view from the conventional reading of TCs’ history and their present situation for today’s predicaments of this proposal to be understood and possibly overcome.
The influence of health on economic growth from the perspective of sustainable development: a case of OECD countries
Authors: Yıldırım Seda , Yildirim Durmus Cagri , Calıskan Hande
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explain the role of health on economic growth for OECD countries in the context of sustainable development. Accordingly, the study investigates the relationship between health and economic growth in OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed cluster analysis and econometric methods. By cluster analysis, 12 OECD countries (France, Germany, Finland, Slovenia, Belgium, Portugal, Estonia, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Korea, Poland and Slovakia) were classified into two clusters as high and low health status through health indicators. For panel threshold analysis, the data included growth rates, life expectancy at birth, export rates, population data, fixed capital investments, inflation and foreign direct investment for the period of 1999–2016.

Findings

The study determined two main clusters as countries with high health status (level) and low health status (level), but there was no threshold effect in clusters. It was concluded that an increase in the life expectancy at birth of countries with higher health status had no significant impact on economic growth. However, the increase in the life expectancy at birth of countries with lower health status influenced economic growth positively.

Research limitations/implications

This study used data that including period of 1999–2016 for OECD countries. In addition, the study used cluster analysis to determine health status of countries, and then panel threshold analysis was preferred to explain significant relations.

Originality/value

This study showed that the role of health on economic growth can change toward country groups as higher and lower health status. It was proved that higher life expectancy can influence economic growth positively in countries with worse or low health status. In this context, developing countries, which try to achieve sustainable development, should improve their health status to achieve economic and social development at the same time.
The association between serum albumin/prealbumin level and disease severity in non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Li Liyang , Li Zhuozhe , Bi Jing , Li Huayin , Wang Sijiao , Shao Changzhou , Song Yuanlin
Published: April 2020

Non‐cystic fibrosis (non‐CF) bronchiectasis is a chronic pulmonary disease that can lead to malnutrition. Serum prealbumin and albumin level are related to inflammatory and nutritional status. Thus, we aimed to confirm our hypothesis that low serum albumin and prealbumin level, as well as body mass index (BMI), is correlated to severe non‐CF bronchiectasis. We conducted a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 128 patients, including 75 patients with prealbumin test and 79 patients with albumin test. Detailed medical history was recorded, including pulmonary function tests and high‐resolution computed tomography. bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) and FACED scores were calculated. Leicester Cough Questionnaire, Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 questionnaires were used to assess patients' clinical symptoms. Correlation analysis showed that BSI score was more correlated to patients' clinical symptoms than FACED. Thus, patients were divided into three groups of different severity based on BSI score. Albumin, prealbumin and BMI showed a significant difference between three groups. Correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis showed that serum albumin and prealbumin level were correlated to BSI, FACED and questionnaires. The analysis between three indices and PFT/high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) showed that prealbumin, albumin and BMI could reflect the PFT and modified Reiff score in non‐CF bronchiectasis. In conclusion, BMI, albumin and prealbumin showed a significant correlation with the BSI, FACED, as well as patients' clinical symptoms. Among them, serum albumin was the indicator most strongly associated with the BSI and questionnaires, while prealbumin could better reflect lung function decline and radiological severity.
Galactose‐NlGr11 inhibits AMPK phosphorylation by activating the PI3K‐AKT‐PKF‐ATP signaling cascade via insulin receptor and Gβγ
Authors: Chen Wei‐Wen , Kang Kui , Lv Jun , Yue Lei , Zhang Wen‐Qing
Published: April 2020

As ligands of the sugar gustatory receptors, sugars have been known to activate the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signaling pathway; however, the precise pathways that are activated by the sugar‐bound gustatory receptors in insects remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the signaling cascades activated by NlGr11, a sugar gustatory receptor in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), and its ligand. Galactose‐bound NlGr11 (galactose‐NlGr11) activated the ‐phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐AKT signaling cascade via insulin receptor (InR) and Gβγ in vitro. In addition, galactose‐NlGr11 inhibited the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation by activating the AKT‐phosphofructokinase (PFK)‐ATP signaling cascade in vitro. Importantly, the InR‐PI3K‐AKT‐PFK‐AKT signaling cascade was activated and the AMPK phosphorylation was inhibited after feeding the brown planthoppers with galactose solution. Collectively, these findings confirm that NlGr11 can inhibit AMPK phosphorylation by activating the PI3K‐AKT‐PFK‐ATP signaling cascades via both InR and Gβγ when bound to galactose. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the signaling pathways regulated by the sugar gustatory receptors in insects.
A randomized, multicenter and noninferiority study of amoxicillin plus berberine vs tetracycline plus furazolidone in quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori rescue treatment
Authors: Zhang Jian , Han Chuan , Lu Wen Quan , Wang Na , Wu Si Ran , Wang Yong Xi , Ma Jin Ping , Wang Jie Hong , Hao Cheng , Yuan Dong Hong , Liu Na , Shi Yong Quan
Published: April 2020

Objective

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely associated with gastric ulcers and gastric adenocarcinomas. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a quadruple regimen with amoxicillin plus berberine vs tetracycline plus furazolidone in rescue therapy for H. pylori eradication.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, open‐label, multicenter, noninferiority trial. Patients with previous treatment failures recruited from five centers were randomized (1:1) to receive a regimen with esomeprazole and bismuth plus either berberine and amoxicillin (the BA group) or tetracycline and furazolidone (the TF group) for 14 days. Their H. pylori infection status was confirmed 4‐8 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was the eradication rate. The secondary outcomes included the rates of symptom improvement, compliance, and adverse events. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03609892).

Results

Altogether 658 participants were consecutively enrolled. An intention‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated that the two regimens achieved a similar eradication rate (76.3% vs 77.5%; P = 0.781). The per‐protocol analysis reached a similar result (81.5% vs 85.0%; P = 0.278). The eradication rate reached in the BA group was greater than the pre‐established margin of noninferiority, at −10% (the lower bounds of the 95% CI were −7.66% and −9.43%, respectively). The rate of adverse events was lower for the BA group than the TF group (18.5% vs 26.1%, P = 0.024). Rates of compliance and symptom improvement were similar for the two therapies.

Conclusion

The efficacy of both regimens in rescue treatment for H. pylori eradication was satisfactory, 14‐day BA‐based quadruple therapy is noninferior to the TF‐based therapy.
A Literature Review Examining Primary Outcomes of Medication Treatment Studies for Opioid Use Disorder: What Outcome Should Be Used to Measure Opioid Treatment Success?
Authors: Biondi Breanne E. , Zheng Xiaoying , Frank Cynthia A. , Petrakis Ismene , Springer Sandra A.
Published: April 2020

Background and Objectives

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce opioid use and overdose; however, MOUD clinical trials have used varying primary outcomes to document treatment success. We conducted a literature review to assess and critically examine the methodologies used in MOUD treatment studies.

Methods

Published studies in English that examined MOUD (buprenorphine, methadone, or extended‐release naltrexone) were included (N = 20). The methods and frequencies of measuring primary opioid outcomes, including urine drug tests (UDTs) and self‐report of opioid use were compared among studies.

Results

A total of 20 studies fit the inclusion criteria. Each study assessed opioid use; only 12 had opioid use as a primary outcome. Other primary outcomes included retention in treatment (N = 6), and two had other primary outcomes (death and opioid withdrawal symptoms). Opioid use was assessed through both self‐report and UDTs in 15 studies. Two studies did not use UDTs. Differences were found in the methods used for how opioid use, retention in treatment, self‐report of opioid use, and UDTs were measured.

Discussion and Conclusions

The different primary outcomes used and operational definitions in each study make comparisons between studies difficult. The use of both self‐report and UDTs for opioid use has several advantages, and if possible, researchers should use both measures.

Scientific Significance

This is the first review critically examining outcome measures from MOUD treatment studies. Creating a standard for opioid treatment outcomes in MOUD studies will allow for generalizable results that can inform both researchers and clinicians to better care for those with OUD. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Adapting re‐usable elastomeric respirators to utilise anaesthesia circuit filters using a 3D‐printed adaptor ‐ a potential alternative to address N95 shortages during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liu D. C. Y. , Koo T. H. , Wong J. K. K. , Wong Y. H. , Fung K. S. C. , Chan Y. , Lim H. S.
Published: April 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased the demand for disposable N95 respirators. Re‐usable elastomeric respirators may provide a suitable alternative. Proprietary elastomeric respirator filters may become depleted as demand increases. An alternative may be the virus/bacterial filters used in anaesthesia circuits, if they can be adequately fitted onto the elastomeric respirators. In addition, many re‐usable elastomeric respirators do not filter exhaled breaths. If used for sterile procedures, this would also require modification. We designed a 3D‐printed adaptor that permits elastomeric respirators to interface with anaesthesia circuit filters and created a simple modification to divert exhaled breaths through the filter. We conducted a feasibility study evaluating the performance of our modified elastomeric respirators. A convenience sample of eight volunteers was recruited. Quantitative fit testing, respiratory rate and end‐tidal carbon dioxide were recorded during fit testing exercises and after 1 h of wear. All eight volunteers obtained excellent quantitative fit testing throughout the trial. The mean (SD) end‐tidal carbon dioxide was 4.5 (0.5) kPa and 4.6 (0.4) kPa at baseline and after 1 h of wear (p = 0.148). The mean (SD) respiratory rate was 17 (4) breaths.min−1 and 17 (3) breaths.min−1 at baseline and after 1 h of wear (p = 0.435). Four out of eight subjects self‐reported discomfort; two reported facial pressure, one reported exhalation resistance and one reported transient dizziness on exertion. Re‐usable elastomeric respirators to utilise anaesthesia circuit filters through a 3D‐printed adaptor may be a potential alternative to disposable N95 respirators during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Clinical impact of leakage in patients with handsewn vs stapled anastomosis after right hemicolectomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Espin E. , Vallribera F. , Kreisler E. , Biondo S.
Published: April 2020

Aim

Anastomotic leakage is a major complication after right hemicolectomy leading to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay and hospital costs. Previous studies have shown that the type of anastomosis (handsewn or stapled) is a major risk factor for anastomotic leakage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of anastomotic leakage depending on the type of anastomotic technique (handsewn vs stapled).

Method

This was an observational, retrospective, cross‐sectional study. Data were collected at two major hospitals in Spain from January 2010 to December 2016. Patients had elective right colectomy for cancer with handsewn or stapled ileocolic anastomosis. The main outcome was the grading of postoperative treatments needed to manage anastomotic leakage according to two major classification systems. The other outcomes were demographics, time of hospitalization and death rate.

Results

Patients (n = 961) underwent elective surgery for neoplasia of the right colon. Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in 116 patients (12.07%). Patients with handsewn anastomosis had more Type IIIA surgical complications and received milder treatments than patients with stapled anastomosis (SA) who had more Type IIIB complications and more re‐laparotomies (P = 0.004). The clinical impact of anastomotic leakage was significantly more severe (Grade C) in patients with SA than in patients with a handsewn anastomosis (P = 0.007). No differences were found for hospital stay of patients with anastomotic leakage depending on the type of anastomosis (P = 0.275). Death due to anastomotic leakage was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

The clinical impact of anastomotic leakage in patients with handsewn anastomosis is lower than in patients with SA.
Niche partitioning among three montane ground‐dwelling pheasant species along multiple ecological dimensions
Authors: Wang Bin , Xu Yu , Price Megan , Yang Nan , Liu Wei , Zhu Bowei , Zhong Xue , Ran Jianghong
Published: April 2020

Pheasants (order Galliformes) are typical ground‐dwelling birds, having a large body size and weak flight abilities. Sympatric pheasants are expected to share narrower niche space and face more extensive interspecific competition. However, little work has been undertaken simultaneously to investigate niche partitioning among sympatric pheasant species across multiple ecological dimensions. We compared microhabitat use, activity pattern and foraging strategy of sympatric Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus, Buff‐throated Partridge Tetraophasis szechenyii and White Eared‐pheasant Crossoptilon crossoptilon on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, China, to identify potential interspecific niche partitioning along different ecological dimensions in the breeding season. We found that the Buff‐throated Partridge differed significantly from the other two species in microhabitat use, and the three species showed different foraging strategies. It is likely that niche partitioning reduced potential interspecific competition, thus facilitating the species’ stable coexistence. Our study provides practical evidence of multidimensional niche theory within sympatric ground‐dwelling pheasant species, emphasizing that species interactions and coexistence within a guild are often not uni‐dimensional. Given global conservation concern for maintaining bird diversity, we recommend further restriction of yak grazing in these species’ habitat.
Sources of parasitic features in the visible range of oxide transparent ceramics absorption spectra
Authors: Goldstein Adrian , Katz Michael , Boulesteix Rémy , Shames Alexander I. , Coureau Christope , Raethel Jan , Mateos‐Ferre Xavier , Loiko Pavel
Published: April 2020

This research focused on the identification of parasitic signal sources introduced by sintering under reductive atmospheres of oxide transparent ceramics. The examination encompassed a wide set of materials, like Mg‐spinel, magnesia, alumina. YAG, yttria, zirconia and titania, so as to allow one to detect general rules if operating. The main finding is the dependence between the ability of such ceramics to generate, under reductive conditions, intrinsic parasitic light‐absorbing centers and their composition and structure. Thus it was determined that oxides based on transition element cations have ,in this sense, abilities not present in the case of oxides of elements from the main periodic table groups. The reason is the possibility of non‐absorbing transition cations to be reduced to oxidation states that absorb light. Drive toward reduced oxidation states is motivated by the stabilization energy associated with the ligand fields acting upon the such cations. It has been also found out that YAG lattice distortion, by dopants like tetravalent silicon or zirconium facilitates reduction of Y 3+ to Y 2 + (a light absorbing, d1, cation).

Oxygen vacancies do not significantly influence visible light absorption. Carbon atoms penetrate inside ceramics, even dense ones and cause achromatic tints formation.
Multi‐centre retrospective study of the long‐term outcome following suspected traumatic elbow luxation in 32 cats
Authors: Williams H. , Calvo I. , Gaines A. , Kalff S. , Sajik D. , Kulendra N. J. , Meeson R. L. , Parsons K. , Farrell M. , Kulendra E. R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To describe reduction techniques and clinical outcome in a series of traumatic elbow luxations in cats.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective review of unilateral elbow luxations treated at five specialist referral centres. Data included signalment, aetiology, concurrent injuries, luxation direction, time to reduction, primary reduction technique, surgical procedure and complications. Cases were excluded if reduction technique was unknown. Telephone owner questionnaire follow‐up was completed using a Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index.

Results

Thirty‐two cats were included. Lateral luxations were most common (n = 21). Time (hours) until attempted initial closed reduction was <24 (n = 12), 24–48 (n = 13), >48 (n = 3) or unrecorded (n = 4). Luxation was treated by closed reduction alone (n = 7) or by surgery (n = 25); 14 of 25 cases underwent primary surgical reduction and 11 of 25 were secondary procedures following failure of closed reduction. Transcondylar bone tunnels and circumferential suture (n = 19) was the most commonly used surgical technique. Catastrophic (n = 1), major (n = 11) and minor complications (n = 5) were recorded; reluxation occurred more frequently after closed reduction (n = 8) than after open reduction with fixation (n = 0). Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index data were available for 12 cats; outcome was good‐excellent in all 12, with a median function score of 64.5/68 (range: 55–68) and a median pain score of 0/15 (range: 0–5). Outcome was not associated with reduction technique.

Clinical Significance

Elbow reluxation occurred in 61% of cats following primary closed reduction but did not occur in any open reduction cases. Reluxation rate increased with duration from injury. Most cats had good‐excellent owner‐assessed outcome, regardless of reduction technique.
Lymphocytosis and lymphadenopathy in a dog arising from two distinct lymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Long Mackenzie E. , Evans Brittany , Avery Anne C. , Wellman Maxey L.
Published: April 2020

A 10‐year‐old intact male Golden Retriever was presented to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center for acute, non‐painful facial swelling of the right mandibular region. On physical examination, the right mandibular swelling was found to represent marked lymphadenopathy of the submandibular lymph node. At this time, marked lymphadenopathy of the prescapular and popliteal lymph nodes was also appreciated. The CBC showed a moderate leukocytosis (38.4 × 109 cells/L, reference interval [RI] 4.8‐13.9 × 109 cells/L) characterized by a moderate lymphocytosis (28.4 × 109 cells/L, RI 1.0‐4.6 × 109 cells/L). Evaluation of peripheral blood and enlarged prescapular and popliteal lymph nodes revealed two morphologically different populations of homogeneous lymphocytes, with the lymphocyte population in the lymph nodes being distinct from that in the blood smear. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood revealed CD45‐, CD5+, CD4‐, CD8‐, variably CD21+ neoplastic lymphocytes compatible with T‐zone lymphocytes due to the absence of CD45 expression. Flow cytometry of the lymph node aspirate indicated a distinct population of CD21+ lymphocytes consistent with a B‐cell phenotype along with a smaller proportion of the T‐zone lymphocytes observed in the blood confirming the presence of two distinct populations of neoplastic lymphocytes, one involving T cells, and the other involving B cells.
Reliability testing of the Matching Assessment using Photographs of Scars App
Authors: Klotz Tanja , Kurmis Rochelle
Published: April 2020

The Matching Assessment using Photographs with Scars assessment tool, published in 2005, enables accurate relocation and reassessment of scars. While used in Australia, uptake has been hampered by its paper manual format. With electronic records and increasing use of smart devices in health, here we report the development of the Matching Assessment using Photographs with Scars manual into a mobile application format: ClinMAPSTM Pro. At the time of development, no other digital scar assessment applications were available. For clinical validation, the digitized Matching Assessment using Photographs with Scars module within ClinMAPSTM Pro was used for intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability testing. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit burns patients representing 44 scars, based on predetermined power calculations. Three therapists, one experienced and two novice, acted as the assessors. Each therapist assessed preselected scars with the digitized Matching Assessment using Photographs with Scars. Re‐assessment of the same scar sites occurred 3 to 7 days later. Inter‐rater reliability testing scores of the new electronic assessment application showed fair to moderate agreement (combined Fleiss Kappa = 0.38‐0.49, P < .0001). Intra‐rater reliability scores between initial and repeat measures showed moderate to almost perfect agreement (Cohen's Kappa = 0.43‐0.90, P < .0001). It was noted that for an experienced rater, intra‐rater agreement demonstrated substantial to almost perfect agreement. Intraclass correlation coefficients calculated to allow for comparison between other published scar assessment tools demonstrated excellent reliability for all scar assessment parameters for both intra‐ (=0.76‐0.91) and inter‐ (=0.76‐0.98) reliability. Notably, reliability testing results confirm its intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability. Our findings validate this novel concept for digitization of the previously paper‐based scar assessment manual and prove that the Matching Assessment using Photographs with Scars within the ClinMAPSTM Pro application is now readily available for clinicians and researchers internationally.
The Effects of Growth in the Agricultural and Service Sectors on Out-Of-School Children in the Lao PDR
Authors: Sisouphanthong Viriyasack , Suruga Terukazu
Published: April 2020

Lao PDR experienced a high rate of out of school children in the last decade, while its economy grew averaging 6.96% from 1989 until 2017. A high growth in certain economic sectors (e.g., agriculture or services) may inadvertently induce students to leave school to work directly, and also indirectly encourage them to leave school to replace adult labor in the household. The current research targets to examine the impact of the growth of the sectors on out-of-school children in primary and lower secondary education. The analysis uses household data from 2012 and employs a multinomial logit model. The results suggest that the growth in the agricultural and service sectors reduces the possibility of school-age children in school enrollment. Moreover, it increases the probability of never enrolled and school dropout.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: April 2020

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 3Agboola O. Paul, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MalaysiaAna Uka, Beder University, AlbaniaAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalAslan,Yasin, Sinop University, TurkeyBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Politécnica de València, SpainEmilio Greco, Sapienza University of Rome, ItalyEncarnación ABAD ARENAS, National University of Distance Education (UNED), SpainHao Liu, Beijing Normal University, ChinaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II,Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJuanita GOICOVICI, University Babeș-Bolyai of Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaK.O. Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaLaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMickey Langlais, University of Nebraska – Kearney, USAQingzhi Huan, Peking University, ChinaRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education, Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaRonaldo R. Larioque, NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PhilippinesUğur DEMİRCİ, Turkish National Police, TurkeyYusramizza Md Isa, Universiti Utara Malaysia, MalaysiaZlatan Begić, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina    James YoungEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of International Journal of Social Science StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://ijsss.redfame.com