bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in multiple trauma patients: should we obtain more CT-scans?
Authors: Khabiri Seyyed Saeed , Naleini Farhad , Miladi Ronak , Mosavat Mina Sadat , Khoshbakht Maryam , Maleki Shokofeh , Ghadimi Maryam , Baghdadi Soroush
Published: August 2020

Background: There are studies that show a chest CT scan is superior to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies in the diagnosis of COVID. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of COVID-related lung involvement in patients admitted to a trauma center.Methods: In a retrospective study, data from a regional referral trauma center from February 21, 2020 to April 10, 2020, were reviewed. All patients admitted to the hospital for whom a chest CT scan was performed during the study period for any reason were included. Trained physicians screened all CT-scans for findings suggestive of COVID-19. Next, blinded radiologists selected CT-scans with findings highly suggestive of COVID involvement. The clinical course and outcome, and the results of PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were recorded assessed.Results: A total of 4200 chest CT scans were reviewed. After multiple rounds of exclusion, 24 patients with highly- suggestive findings were reviewed. Only three patients developed COVID symptoms during the course of admission. PCR results were positive in 22 patients (92.6%). Conclusions: We suggest having a lower threshold for ordering chest CT scans in trauma patients at a high risk of COVID infection, as well as those requiring extensive surgical interventions. Also, a thorough review of the available CT scans before invasive procedures, preferably with the help of an expert radiologist, is highly recommended, even when the results of the COVID laboratory tests are negative.
Risk Factors for Disease Progression and Prognosis Analysis in Pediatric Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma Patients: a Historical Cohort Study From a Single Center
Authors: Wen Yuan , Zhang Weiling , Zhang Yi , Hu Huimin , Li Jing , Huang Dongsheng
Published: August 2020

Background: The purposes of this study are to explore risk factors for disease progression during primary treatment, and to analyze disease prognosis of different event groups in a historical cohort of 56 pediatric patients with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma.Methods: From June 1st, 2016 to June 30th, 2019, a historical cohort of 56 pediatric patients diagnosed as head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma was chosen. Clinical data were collected including general information about diagnosis, treatment, prognostic factors, and follow up results. Patients were divided into non-event group, disease-progression group and disease-relapse group according different types of events. Comparison among the three groups was made to reveal different clinical features and prognosis. Patients were further divided into disease-progression group and non-progression group to explore risk factors for disease progression, with univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: The median follow-up time of all 56 patients was 31.8 months (range 3.5-74.6 months). There were 30 non-event patients, 12 disease relapse patients, and 14 disease-progression patients. The estimated 5-year overall survival rates were 100.0%, 82.5%, and 11.9% for non-event, disease-relapse and disease-progression patients respectively (p<0.001). Compared with non-event patients, disease-progression patients had higher rates of tumor size>5cm (p=0.008) and non-initial radiation therapy (p=0.001). Compared with disease-relapse patients, disease-progression patients had a higher rate of tumor size>5cm (p=0.002), and higher ranks of surgical-pathologic group (p=0.009) and risk group (p<0.001). Compare with non-progression patients, univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor size>5cm, alveolar histology, non-initial radiation therapy, and higher ranks of surgical-pathologic group as well as risk group were statistically significant risk factors for disease progression. The multivariate analysis result showed tumor size>5cm (OR=6.75, 95%CIs 1.02-44.78), alveolar histology (OR=7.10, 95%CIs 1.08-46.57), and non-initial radiation therapy (OR=15.26, 95%CIs 2.38-97.70) to be independent risk factors for disease progression.Conclusions: Pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma patients with disease progression have significantly worse overall survival, and the prognosis is obviously different from patients with disease relapse and patients without events. Tumor size>5cm, alveolar histology and non-initial radiation therapy are independent risk factors for disease progression. Patients with disease progression tend to have higher ranks of surgical-pathologic group and risk group.
Size and Temperature Effects on Dielectric Breakdown of PLZT Film Capacitors
Authors: Tong Sheng
Published: August 2020

The paper introduces a model of dielectric breakdown strength. The model integrated thermal breakdown and defect models, the relationship between the electric field of ferroelectric films and dimensional parameters and operating temperature (T). The thickness effect is thermal breakdown in origin, whereas the area effect is statistical in nature. This model is verified with experimental results of the lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films of various d (0.8 – 3 m), A (0.0020 – 25 mm2) tested under a range of T (300 – 400 K) with satisfying fitting results. Also learned is a relationship that the recoverable electric energy density is directly proportional to the square of breakdown electric field. This relationship is found viable in predicting the electric energy density in terms of variables of d, A, and T for the PLZT films.
Medical Malpractice and Trigeminal Neuralgia: An Analysis of 49 Cases
Authors: Boyke Andre E. , Naidu Ishan , Lam Sharon , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Bader Edward R. , Sethi Atharv , Agarwal Vijay
Published: August 2020

BackgroundOur study aims to fill the vacancy of litigation studies related to trigeminal neuralgia management, and to give healthcare providers the necessary information needed to better understand the potential litigious outcomes that often follow certain treatment methods.MethodsWe queried the Westlaw Edge legal database to identify litigation cases related to the management of trigeminal neuralgia for the years 1985-2019 using the following search criteria: (trigeminal & neuralgia), (tic & douloureux) and (microvascular & decompression). Key variables extracted included the following: plaintiff medical complaints, trial outcome, payout, and demographic characteristics. Continuous variables were compared between cases in favor of defendant and cases in favor of plaintiff using t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square or Fischer’s exact test.Results49 cases met the inclusion criteria – for those cases surgical complication (42.9%) and failure to diagnose (32.7%) were cited as the most common alleged reasons for filing a malpractice claim. Cranial nerve deficits (34.7%) and loss of consortium (12.2%) were the most frequent post-operative complaints. Verdicts ruled in favor of the defendant in 61.2% of cases, and for the plaintiff in 26.5% of cases with a mean payout of $1,982,428.46. Dental specialists were included in the most cases, 63.3%, and the average payout was $415,908, while Neurosurgical specialists were involved in 20.4% of cases with an average payout of $618,775. Cases where the verdict was in favor of the plaintiff were more likely to be older than cases with a verdict in favor of the defendant (p=0.03). ConclusionsOver one-half of the cases resulted in a defendant’s verdict with surgical complications cited as the most common reason for litigation. Dentistry and neurosurgery were listed as the most common individual physician specialties for defendants, also contributing to the largest average payouts based on specialty (for specialties > 1 occurrence). Cranial nerve deficits and loss of consortium were the most common plaintiff post-operative complaints. A key implication of this study is the need for more extensive discussions between physician and patient regarding informed consent, especially when neurosurgical interventions are required.
Circadian variations in occurrence and the clinical presentation of Vestibular Migraine: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Le , Dong Hongli , Qian Huifeng , Zhao Hongru , Yang Yi , Dong Wanli
Published: August 2020

Background: As a new clinical disease entity, vestibular migraine (VM) is considered to be the commonest cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo. This study is trying to explore the circadian variations in occurrence and the clinical presentation of VM.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study and identified female patients who fulfilled the 2012 International Headache Society-Bárány Society Criteria for VM. Population’s clinical data were collected, including onset time and descriptions of sensations experienced by our patients during VM attacks.Results: A total of 189 female VM patients were included in our study. 74.0% of attacks in VM were presented in morning hours before 12 o’clock and the peak of occurrence was at about 7 o'clock. The attack frequency reached the baseline during 12:00-23:59 while there were two abnormal upward fluctuations at about 14:00 and 20:00. The biological circadian cycles may have greater impact of VM than lack of sleep. In addition, clinical presentations of vestibular symptoms including orthostatic vertigo, visually induced vertigo and dizziness showed variations among four 6-hour quadrants per day. Conclusions: Occurrence as well as clinical presentations of vestibular symptoms exhibited circadian variations among VM patients. These data suggested that chronobiological mechanisms may play a role in vestibular migraine pathophysiology.
Identification of an Autophagy-Related 10-lncRNA-mRNA Signature for Distinguishing Glioblastoma Multiforme from Lower‑Grade Glioma and Prognosis Prediction
Authors: Wei Bo , Wang Le , Zhao Jingwei
Published: August 2020

Background: Autophagy provides the nutrients and energy for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Theoretically, autophagy-related mRNAs and regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may represent promising biomarkers to predict tumor progression and poor prognosis. Our study aims to develop an autophagy-related signature to distinguish glioblastoma (GBM) from lower-grade gliomas (LGG) and predict overall survival (OS).Methods: The expression profile of GBM and LGG was collected from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database that was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DELs). The autophagy-related genes were obtained from the Human Autophagy Database. The autophagy-related DELs were identified by a co-expression network with DEGs. These DEGs and DELs underwent univariate and multivariate analyses to screen prognostic genes. They were entered into the Logit regression model to identify the GBM feature genes. The prognostic signature was evaluated by survival curve analyses and validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The prognostic model and clinicopathological parameters were integrated to construct the nomogram.Results: A total of 131 autophagy-related DEGs and 54 autophagy-related DELs were identified. Ten of them were demonstrated as independent prognostic factors and could distinguish GBM from LGG, with the accuracy of 0.891 using CGGA dataset and 0.790 using TCGA dataset. The risk score was established based on these 10 genes. Patients with higher risk score were at an increased risk of developing GBM (49.7% vs 21.3%) and worse OS prognosis than those in low risk group. The predictive accuracy was 0.840 and 0.744 for CGGA and TCGA dataset, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed age, recurrence, IDH mutation and risk score status were independent prognostic factors and thus they were used to build a nomogram which showed the highest predictive power than other factors.Conclusion: The established nomogram may aid the clinical decision making of personalized treatment.
Kolaviron (Kolaflavanone), apigenin, fisetin as potential Coronavirus inhibitors: In silico investigation
Authors: Oladele Johnson Olaleye , Oyeleke Oyedotun Moses , Oladele Oluwaseun Titilope , Olowookere Boyede Dele , Oso Babatunde Joseph , Oladiji Adenike Temidayo
Published: August 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is increasing with an alarming rate of associated frightening mortality without no known approved therapy. The emergence of new infectious diseases and increase in frequency of drug resistant viruses demand effective and novel therapeutic agents. This study investigated the putative inhibitory potentials of apigenin, fisetin, kolaflavanone, and remdesivir towards SARS-COV2 major protease (6LU7) using in silico methods. Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicological profiles of the compounds were also examined using the pkCSM server. All the compounds showed good affinity to the binding pocket of 6LU7. It was observed that kolaflavanone exhibited the highest binding affinity when compared to apigenin, fisetin, and remdesivir. The amino acids ASN238, TYR237, LEU286, and LEU287 were showed as the key residues for kolaflavanone binding to human SARS-COV2 major protease. The Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics results suggested that all the tested compounds have significant drug likeness properties and they could be absorbed through the human intestine. Additionally, all the tested compounds except remdesivir are not hepatoxic and also displayed non or relatively low toxic effects in human. Summarily, the results of this study indicated that all the tested compounds are potential putative inhibitors of SARS-COV2 major protease with no or low toxicity effects. However, further experimental and clinical studies are needed to further explore their activities and validate their efficacies against COVID-19.
WITHDRAWN: Relationship Between Circadian Preference and Lifetime Experiences of Hypomanic Symptoms
Authors: Lee Kounseok , Lee Hye-Kyung , Kim Seok Hyeon
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms have been known to be associated with bipolar disorders. There are many cases in which hypomanic symptoms are not recognized as an illness. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the experience of lifetime hypomanic symptom and circadian type of university students.METHODS: A total of 8,562 university students participated in the study. The participants completed the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) for circadian typology and Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Chi-square test and analysis of variance were performed, and the post-hoc result was computed using the FDR adjusted p-values.RESULTS: Overall, the MDQ score was high in the evening-type group. There was no significant difference between the intermediate-type group and morning-type group for male students. In the evening-type group, the response rate was significantly higher in 10 out of 13 items in MDQ.CONCLUSIONS: The evening-type group was more likely to experience hypomanic symptoms. This study shows that circadian and seasonal characteristics related to circadian types are associated with lifetime hypomanic symptoms. Hence, further investigation is needed to determine the eveningness, as it could be a trait marker of bipolar spectrum disorder.
Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures accompanied with Pink Pulseless Hands
Authors: Xie Li-wei , Wang Juan , Deng Zhi-qiang
Published: August 2020

Background: The optimal treatment for pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures accompanied with a pink pulseless hand is controversial. Some clinicians recommend close observation after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of the fractures, while some recommend surgical exploration if the radial pulse is unpalpable. The present study aimed to analyze the benefits and outcomes of close observation for treating pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with a pink pulseless hand. Methods: Thirteen children presenting with a pink pulseless hand following supracondylar humeral fracture were enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative color-flow Duplex ultrasound detection was used to assess brachial artery injury in most cases. Urgent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of the fractures were attempted first. Close observation was carried out when the hand was pink and pulseless with an absent radial pulse. Results: Preoperative color-flow Duplex ultrasound showed no disruption of the brachial artery in cases detected. Compression of the artery by the proximal fragment was observed in most cases, with one case of entrapment of the artery between fragments, and thrombus considered in two cases. All cases underwent urgent surgery, after which nine experienced immediate return of the radial pulse. The remaining four without a palpable pulse were managed with close observation and no deterioration of the vascular status was observed; therefore, no surgical exploration was performed. Postoperative color-flow Duplex ultrasound revealed continuity of the artery and rich collateral circulation. Patients completed an average of 4.5 years of follow-up, during which no major complications occurred. All patients achieved excellent limb function. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that close observation after urgent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a sufficient approach for the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures accompanied with a pink pulseless hand. Surgical exploration is not necessary as long as the hand is warm and well perfused. Color-flow Duplex ultrasound is beneficial for assessing vascular injury and determining treatment strategies.
Help Seeking Preferences to Informal and Formal Source of Care for Depression: a Community Based Study in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: shumet shegaye , Kassew Tilahun , Azale Telake , Ayano Getinet , Abebaw Dessie , Tesfaw Getachew , Wonde Mesele , Getinet wondale , Amare Tadele
Published: August 2020

Background: Depression is the leading cause of disability at a population level and globally 350 million people are suffering from depression. Many people suffer from depression use different sources of help for their mental health problems. People with different mental health problems seek help from formal and/or informal sources. This gives crucial information on community,s beliefs and perception regarding their preference for help if they faced depression. This study helps to guide effective planning and provision of mental health services and health policy of the country to explore the community,s preferences of help-seeking. Objective: The aim of this community based cross-sectional study was to contrast patterns of formal and informal help-seeking preferences for depression among residents of Aykel town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional population based study included 832 participants. We used a major depressive disorder case vignette and general help-seeking questionnaire (GHSQ) to assess the preferences to seek help. Study participants were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews. An independent- sample t- test and analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was performed to determine mean score difference in socio-demographic characteristics of the participants for informal sources of help.Results: A total of 656 subjects (78.8%) showed high propensity to intimate partner, and 655 (78.7%) of the study subjects had high propensity to mental health professional. The mean score of the residents’ preference to seek help from informal sources was 3.41±0.60.The mean score of preference to seek help from formal sources was 3.18±0.75. A total of 276 (33.2%) subjects showed high propensity to both informal and formal sources of help. The result also showed that there was mean score difference in preferences to informal help between subjects with strong social support and low and/ moderate social support (P<0.001).Conclusion: The result suggests that the majority of the residents had a higher preference to seek help from informal sources compared to formal sources of care. Mean score difference was observed in degree of social support and occupational status(student,housewife and jobless) for informal sources of help. Providing and strengthening both formal and informal sources of help in conjunction is crucial to get a more qualified and effective care of depressed patients.
An Analysis of the Influence of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia Epidemic on Middle School Students' Mental Health
Authors: Zhang XiaoHong , Wang Shuai , Wang Xi , Gu Qing
Published: August 2020

Objective: To explore the psychological health status of middle school students in China during the recent epidemic outbreak of “Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia” (NCP) and its influencing factors, and to provide a basis and suggestions for the adjustment of mental health of middle school students during the epidemic. Methods: A total of 2,007 middle school students were randomly selected nationwide to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire included basic personal and family information, life status and family relations during the epidemic, attitudes and pressures in the face of the epidemic, created by Chinese professor Zung. The anxiety self-assessment scale (SAS) compiled by SPSS statistical analysis software was used for data analysis to explore the changes in mental health during the epidemic. Results: Of the 2,007 valid questionnaires, according to the data using the self-rating anxiety scale, 424 students had anxiety, accounting for 21.1% of the total number; anxiety level of boys was higher than that of girls, and the anxiety level increased as the grade level increased. The student's personality, grade level, problem-solving methods, awareness and attention to the epidemic, parents' educational background, marital status, and family economic status all had an impact on the student's psychological status during the epidemic.Conclusion: The Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia epidemic has a great impact on the mental health of some middle school students. Family, school and social departments should pay attention to this phenomenon, care for their mental health, and take reasonable measures to actively intervene.
Gender Differences in Anger Among Hospital Medical Staff Exposed to Patients with COVID-19 in a German Tertiary Center
Authors: Wesemann Ulrich , Hadjamu Nino , Wakili Reza , Willmund Gerd , Vogel Judith , Rassaf Tienush , Siebermair Johannes
Published: August 2020

Occupational exposure to patients with COVID-19 is a stress factor. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in anger among medical hospital staff. N = 78 hospital employees completed State-Trait Inventory-2. Female personnel showed higher scores in the main “trait anger” scale and its subscale “anger temperament”, while “anger control-out” was significant lower. More specific training for female hospital staff could achieve health-related equality. Focusing on anger as a leading indicator could lead to better prevention and self-monitoring.
NOB1 Assumes Signifying Capacity in Lung Cancer Diagnosis.
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhong Hua , Yang Qinghui , Yu Jian , Jin Cailing , Li Xiaorui
Published: August 2020

Background: NIN1/RPN12 binding protein 1 homolog (NOB1) gene was reported to play a key role in the oncogenesis and prognosis of carcinomas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of NOB1 and its clinical significance in lung cancer, and further explore the diagnostic value of NOB1 in lung cancer patients.Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was used to characterize the expression of NOB1 in 97 lung cancer patients and 55 healthy controls. The associations of NOB1 mRNA expression with clinicopathological factors of lung cancer patients were analyzed by Chi-square test. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of NOB1 in lung cancer.Results: The expression levels of NOB1 mRNA in lung cancer samples were significantly up-regulated compared with healthy controls (P<0.001). And the NOB1 expression was significant correlated with differentiation (P=0.005) and invasion depth (P=0.008). No associations were found between NOB1 expression and other factors (All P>0.05). ROC curve revealed that the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.885, with a sensitivity of 76.3% and a specificity of 89.1%. And the cutoff value of NOB1 was 2.225.Conclusion: NOB1 is a sensitive and specific diagnostic marker for lung cancer, and provide a new therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.
Design of Running Training Assistance System Based on Blockchain And Wireless Sensor Technology
Authors: Ma Fuxing
Published: August 2020

Running exercise can increase the basal metabolic rate and increase the time of aerobic exercise. It is a healthy and effective exercise method. Based on the current needs of the general public for running auxiliary training, this article combines wireless sensing and blockchain technology in the design scheme, and designs and implements a running training auxiliary technology. First, obtain the user's gait information and other related parameters in the process through the wireless sensor network, and optimize the calculation gait in different states through the noise processing algorithm. Then, use the blockchain technology to design a data transmission and storage plan for the protection and analysis of the user's personal privacy data. This technology builds a new type of sports training assistance system for the masses of modern society and contributes to the masses' physical exercise.
Tourism Safety And Security In The Republic Of Armenia
Authors: Tovmasyan Gayane , Tovmasyan Rubik
Published: August 2020

The article examines the issues of security and protection of the consumer's rights of tourist services. The relevance of the chosen direction of research is due to the rapid increase in the number of trips of citizens, increasing the number of threats (terrorism, civil wars, political conflicts, revolutions, epidemics, natural disasters), which are becoming more destructive and less predictable. The purpose of the study is to analyze the current position of Armenia in international rankings and indices that assess the state of tourism safety and security. The study used methods of descriptive statistics, observation, comparison, and questionnaires. The information base of the study was data from international ratings and indices (Competitiveness Index in Travel and Tourism, Global Peace Index, Global Terrorism Index), as well as the results of a survey on the level of tourist satisfaction with services in Armenia. It is substantiated that the tourism industry helps to increase foreign exchange earnings, intensifies investment activities, influences the creation of new jobs, as well as promotes a positive image of the state in the international arena. The analysis of the rating positions of Armenia in different international reports allows us to say about its safety and security for travelers. The results of the survey indicate that about 87% of tourists consider Armenia a safe country and are satisfied with the quality of tourist services in this country. It is proposed to improve the national migration and visa policy, to promote Armenia as a safe destination for tourists and to develop international cooperation in the field of tourism. The results of the study can be useful for public administration, the private sector, as well as for researchers in the tourism industry.

Keywords: tourism, safety, security, terrorism, crime, Armenia.
The Business Cycle And The Portfolio Composition Of Mutual Funds
Authors: Kaya Halil D. , Kwok Julia S.
Published: August 2020

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of mutual funds’ composition across the business cycle. The main purpose of the research is to determine whether mutual funds alter their investments across the business cycle. Systematization of the literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of the relationship between the business cycle and the composition of mutual funds indicates that five-star rated mutual funds may have an investment strategy that is different from lower-rated funds. Investigation of the topic of the relationship between the business cycle and composition of mutual funds in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: First, we classified each quarter as an “improving” or a “worsening” business condition period based on the Aruoba-Diebold-Scotti Business Conditions Index. As a result, we had seven “improving” and seven “worsening” business condition periods during our sample period. Then, we compared each star group (one-star to five-star) investments in common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible bonds, warrants, corporate bonds, municipal bonds, government bonds, other securities, and cash across the “improving” versus the “worsening” periods. The methodological tools utilized in this research were nonparametric tests. The objects of the research are the mutual funds listed in the CRSP quarterly mutual funds dataset for the 2003-2006 period. The paper presents the results of empirical analysis for these mutual funds, which showed that five-star funds tend to have a different strategy when compared to lower-rated funds. The research empirically confirms and theoretically proves that the five-star funds tend to invest more in riskier assets and they tend to better adjust to the conditions (i.e. invest more in common stocks and less in bonds in improving periods) when compared to the other groups. This explains their success: higher NAVs compared to the other groups and higher star ratings. On the other hand, our results show that the lower-rated funds do not adjust their investments in main asset classes like stock and bonds during “improving” versus “worsening” business condition periods. Overall, our results indicate that mutual funds’ star ratings and NAVs are linked to these funds’ success in their adaptation to the macro-economic environment. The results of the research can be useful for investment firms or individual investors that consider investing in U.S. mutual funds.

Keywords: mutual fund, portfolio, business cycle, recession, net asset value.
Co-Production Related To Business Counselling in the Microfinance Sector as a Demonstration of Social Cooperation: An Interpersonal Relationship Approach
Authors: Abeysekera Ruwan
Published: August 2020

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide services such as microcredit, savings, insurance, and Business Development Services (BDS) to low-income people in order to start new businesses and expand existing businesses. MFIs cater to micro-enterprises. A microenterprise is defined as an owner-managed business that has fewer than 10 employees. The studies show that microenterprises not only need microcredit but also BDS in order to grow their businesses. This study focuses on BDS. BDS are non-financial services such as management training, vocational training skills, marketing assistance, and technology access provided to owner-managers by MFIs. MFIs could provide BDS to owner-managers/clients using business counseling. A good relationship between the counselor and the client can be considered a defining feature of any successful counseling intervention. This interpersonal relationship enhances the co-production of BDS in counseling. Therein, the objectives of this study are; to identify the factors that enhance the interpersonal relationship between the counselor and the client in microfinance settings that result in enhanced co-production, to identify how interpersonal relationships enhance co-production, and to understand how organizational factors affect interpersonal relationships. The multiple case study method was used to conduct the study and six (6) Sri Lankan Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) were chosen as cases and data were collected by holding in-depth interviews. Findings show that factors such as the expertise of the counselors, social interaction, similar attitudes, intensity of contacts, and power distance influence the relationship between the counselors and the clients. As a result of the enhanced interpersonal relationships between counselor and client, parties exchange personal and communal favors thereby further enhancing co-production as well as improving the provision of information by clients. The findings further reveal that interpersonal relationships could be affected by organizational factors such as the type of MFI and type of linkages. Therefore, the findings of this study will enable MFIs to improve the counseling intervention and will further contribute to the microfinance knowledge and practice domains. Keywords: interpersonal relationship, co-production, counseling, microfinance, business development services (BDS).
A PATTERN OF RESEARCH IN CORONAVIRUSES IN SAUDI ARABIA FROM 2014 – 2018
Authors: Baladi Zameer Hussain
Published: August 2020

The aim: to observe the contribution of authors and the collaboration of institutes functioning in Saudi Arabia through the bibliometric review of literature in Coronaviruses.

Design/Methods/Approach: Authors as solo or corroborators in research are the main sources to retrieve the material of their original articles, case reports and review articles published from 2014–2018 in PubMed indexed journals for estimation and tabulation.

Results: Total 895; 3.5 % institutes (522; 58.3 % functioning locally and 373; 41.6 % internationally) in Saudi Arabia with the support of 1878; 7.4 % authors produced 253 articles from 2014 to 2018. Position of the author always matters in research, 207; 81.8 % authors had the first position followed by 28; 11 % as a second. Majority 72; 28.4 % articles published by single institute followed 46; 18.1 % and 49; 19.3 % by two and three institutes. Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia publish 57; 6.3 % stand on lead followed by the Ministry of Health (All Regions) Kingdome of Saudi Arabia and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah & Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Community & General Medicine and Hospital Administration & Health Informatics were major disciplines of publications. Three journals, Journal of Infectious and Public Health, International Journal of Infectious Diseases and American Journal of Infection Control grab 147; 58.1 % share of publishing research.

Conclusion: This study illustrates the determinations of the Saudi public and private healthcare sectors to handle the epidemic situation and uphold the esteem of people residing in catchment areas by means of technical, logistical and financial aid to managers and decision-makers.
FEATURES OF SURGICAL ACCESS DURING VIDEOTHORACOSCOPY OPERATIONS IN THE WOUNDED WITH CHEST TRAUMA
Authors: Gerzhyk Konstantyn , Severgin Vladislav , Khuda Marta
Published: August 2020

The aim. To improve the treatment of wounded with combat chest injury by optimizing low-traumatic surgical access using video thoracoscopy.

Materials and methods. In the period from 2014 to 2019, 103 injured were treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical interventions in case of chest trauma. According to the objectives of the study, two clinical groups of victims were formed. The comparison group included 54 (52.4 %) victims, the main group – 49 (47.6 %). The wounded accounted for 72 persons (69.9 %), injured – 31 (30.1 %). In case of wounds to the chest, the selection of victims for VTS surgical interventions and the timing of their implementation was carried out taking into account the location, type of injury and trauma, the severity of the condition of the patients, the presence of a combined wound, the possibility of two or one-lung ventilation during the intervention, the timing of admission to a medical institution with the moment of injury, the technical capabilities of military-technical operations. In staging trocars during combat chest injury, we adhere to the general rules for video-assisted thoracoscopic interventions on the chest – the rules of the “triangle”. When a chest injury is involved, the port setting has its variability, which is based on the type of injury and the purpose of the surgical intervention. You can use both standard points of installation of thoracoports, and non-standard individual ones that will correspond to the set clinical goals.

Research results and discussion. High efficiency in visualization of the operating area and the technical convenience of surgical techniques have been established. This allows a rational and consistent audit of the anatomical zone of the wound. With a chest injury, the most rational sequence for conducting a pleural cavity audit is on the principle of paramount importance.

Conclusions. Features of online access – port setting for injuries to the chest depends on the area of the inlet of the gunshot. When setting ports, it is not necessary to adhere to standard points, the introduction of a thoracoport is possible at any point on the chest wall, but with the obligatory observance of the triangulation rule. The number of input ports for combat trauma to the chest depends on the technical need for a full operation. In the vast majority of military-technical operations, 3 thoracoports are enough.
BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR AND ADIPONECTIN IN ADOLESCENCE WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH METHOTREXATE
Authors: Parkhomenko Liudmyla , Strashok Larysa , Pavlova Olga
Published: August 2020

Methotrexate has been applied clinically for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) treatment for decades. It is recommended for use globally, according all modern guidelines. Despite the fact that fibrosis molecular mechanisms as well as methotrexate (MTX) elimination and fibrosis indexes were studied a lot there is still not enough information for adolescence. Adiponectin, fibroblast growth factor and fibrosis indexes in adolescents with JIA treated with methotrexate were studied in this work.

The aim was to study dynamics of molecular-cellular mechanisms activation of fibrotic processes development in the liver in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, were enrolled in the study. 25 boys (36.8 %) and 43 girls (63.2 %) were examined. Children were divided into three groups in accordance with the methotrexate dose. The following data were analyzed: ESR (mm/hour), C-reactive protein (mg/l), Hemolytic activity (CU), circulating immune complexes, (g/l), ALT (U/l), AST (U/l), Adiponectin (mcg/ml), BFGF (pg/ml), APRI index, FIB-4 Score.

Results: According to our results when patients start using MTX they have significantly positive effect. Therefore, when analyzing all parameters liver pathologies may occur before MTX use. When MTX used, its proinflammation and antifibrotic effects lead to normalization of all organs and systems, as well as joints and liver. Also, long-term MTX use can lead to adverse effects.

Conclusions: So, it is important to control possible liver disorders in adolescence treated with MTX. According to our study results we find out that there are decreasing of liver damage parameters in patients which started using MTX.
An effect of the animal condition after gas stunning on quality of slaughter products from Large White pigs
Authors: Semenova A. A. , Sinichkina A. I. , Kozyrev I. V. , Mittelstein T. M.
Published: August 2020

The aim of the research was to establish an effect of gas stunning of pigs at slaughter on the condition of the internal organs and pork functional-technological characteristics. The experiment was carried out in the conditions of the operating enterprise on 37 Large White pigs. When using 94% concentration in a chamber, only 65% of animals were assessed as normally stunned, 30% of animals did not have cardiac activity and were considered dead, 5% of animals retained sensibility. Assessment of the condition of the internal organs, dynamics of pH changes, comparison of moisture holding capacity and color characteristics did not reveal substantial and statistically significant differences between slaughter products from normally stunned animals and animals died during stunning. The authors discuss mortality of animals before the beginning of bleeding as a possible cause of similar results of investigation of the internal organs and meat quality from animals with and without cardiac activity after gas stunning.
Perinatal and infant mortality prediction score for the fetuses with
Ebstein’s anomaly
Authors: I.V. Komarova, M.V. Medvedev
Published: August 2020

The work was conducted according to the results of multicenter study of prenatal diagnosis Ebstein’s
anomaly cases at 2017–2019 and using literature reports. For creating the score 20 cases of the diagnosed defect
were selected. The score included the most significant quantified echographic parameters (Celermajer index,
pulmonary artery-to aorta diameter ratio, axis of the heart) and quality valued parameters, estimated the existence
or absence of the parameter (pulmonary artery atresia, ventricular septal defect, combined significant congenital
heart diseases, pericardial effusion, hydrops/ascites, fetal growth restriction, chromosomal anomalies’ markers
and accompanying fetal congenital defects). The proposed score provides with an opportunity for smart and
veridical valuation of perinatal and infant mortality risks, both as for isolated form of Ebstein’s anomaly and for
the cases of combined Ebstein’s anomaly with another cardiac and non-cardiac pathology.
Prenatal diagnosis of pericardial lymphangioma in the second trimester of
gestation: case report
Authors: K.K. Otaryan , A.N. Chulkov , D.B. Shekhovtsov et all
Published: August 2020

A case of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of pericardial lymphangioma at 19+3 weeks of gestation is presented.
Prenatal diagnosis verified on histological analysis.
Usos do desenho na feira livre:
Authors: Mendonça João , Velame João Vitor
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma narrativa etnográfica construída a partir do uso do desenho como ferramenta metodológica. A pesquisa foi realizada na feira livre do mercado público de Rio Tinto, cidade localizada no interior do litoral norte da Paraíba, Brasil. A observação da venda de aves e crustáceos na perspectiva das relações entre humanos e não humanos, bem como a percepção dos ritmos e da duração da feira, constituem a tônica da experiência narrada. Procura-se, ao longo desse percurso, oferecer uma visão geral da feira no contexto urbano, tanto quanto descrições detalhadas de personagens e situações. O trabalho procura demonstrar, finalmente, possibilidades metodológicas experimentadas, através do uso do desenho, numa pesquisa antropológica sobre feiras urbanas.
FÁCIES E ESTRATIGRAFIA DO CANAL DE MARÉ DO PORTO DA BARRA GRANDE, ICAPUÍ – CE
Authors: Souza Ian Cerdeirade Oliveira , Maia Guilherme Augusto Mendonça , Almeida Narelle Maia , Abreu Neto João Capistrano , Freire George Satander Sá , Albuquerque Luana Nascimento , Silveira Antonio Daniel da Silva
Published: August 2020

A planície costeira de Icapuí é composta pela sobreposição de terraços marinhos, cordões litorâneos, lagunas e depósitos eólicos, limitados a sul por uma linha de falésias da Formação Barreiras e cortado, morfologicamente, por canais de maré, situado o Porto da Barra Grande. No geral, a região apresenta caráter regressivo durante o Holoceno Superior, contudo as planícies e os canais de maré podem ser formados em condições completamente distintas. A fim de caracterizar o canal de maré do Porto da Barra Grande diante dos aspectos estratigráficos e faciológicos, destacar a relação entre as fácies e compreender as mudanças de curto e longo prazo que ocorreram na região, foram estabelecidas 16 fácies agrupadas em três estágios de sedimentação ( porções inferior, intermediária e superior) a partir de seis testemunhos retirados na área de estudo. A porção inferior é composta por pacotes lamosos e arenosos muito finos, a intermediária é dominada por sedimentos médios a grossos, alta quantidade de conchas e cascalhos, alto índice ZTR, teor de CaCO3 moderado e baixo de matéria orgânica. A porção superior é composta por areia fina a média, presença de raízes, conchas preservadas, baixo índice ZTR e baixo teor de CaCO3 e matéria orgânica. Interpretou-se a sucessão sedimentar como sendo inicialmente lagunar, seguido por depósitos transgressivos e regressivos.
AMBIENTE, ANTROPOCENO E ENFERMIDADES: (RE)ABRINDO A CAIXA DE PANDORA
Authors: Souza Bartolomeu Israel de , Mendonça Juan Diego Lourenço de , Santos Marcos Leonardo Ferreira dos , Melo Lukas Barbosa Veiga de
Published: August 2020

As atividades humanas têm provocado modificações ambientais em escala planetária, ainda não totalmente conhecidas pela Ciência, fazendo com que novas propostas de periodização temporal, estabelecimento e manutenção dos elementos bióticos sejam sugeridas como possibilidade de melhor representarem essas dinâmicas, em substituição aos conceitos ainda tradicionalmente utilizados. Esse artigo tem o objetivo de fazer uma reflexão teórica sobre o Meio Ambiente, a partir dessas propostas conceituais, aplicando-os a emergência da pandemia da COVID-19. Para tanto, foram consultados artigos nacionais e internacionais, sobre os quais realizamos uma análise crítica. Os resultados indicam o domínio de um mundo cada vez mais transformado pela Sociedade, onde também se estabeleceram crises que em muito ameaçam a humanidade, exigindo novas formas integradas de relacionamento, gestão e uso dos recursos do que tradicionalmente denominamos de Natureza, tanto nas áreas protegidas ambientalmente, como nas áreas produtivas da zona rural e nas cidades, onde cada vez mais a população mundial está concentrada, especialmente nos países subdesenvolvidos das zonas tropicais, onde as elevadas desigualdades sociais e a expansão das atividades econômicas para as áreas que concentram grande parte da biodiversidade do planeta, ainda em muito desconhecida, estabelecem uma situação que favorece o surgimento de novas enfermidades.
INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY FOR TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS AND OPINONSOF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN THEIR INTERACTION WITH PUBLIC AUTHORITIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE YAMAL-NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT)
Authors: GLADUN Elena F. , DETTER Gennady F. , ZAKHAROVA Olga V. , ZUEV Sergei M. , VOZELOVA Lyubov G.
Published: August 2020

Developing democracy institutions and citizen participation in state affairs, the world community focuses on postcolonial studies, which allow us to identify new perspectives, set new priorities in various areas, in law and public administration among others. In Arctic countries, postcolonial discourse has an impact on the methodology of research related to indigenous issues, and this makes possible to understand specific picture of the world and ideas about what is happening in the world. Moreover, the traditions of Russian state and governance are specific and interaction between indigenous peoples and public authorities should be studied with a special research methodology which would reflect the peculiarities of domestic public law and aimed at solving legal issue and enrich public policy. The objective of the paper is to present a new integrated methodology that includes a system of philosophical, anthropological, socio-psychological methods, as well as methods of comparative analysis and scenario development methods to involve peripheral communities into decision-making process of planning the socio-economic development in one of Russia’s Arctic regions — the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District and to justify and further legislatively consolidate the optimal forms of interaction between public authorities and indigenous communities of the North. In 2020, the Arctic Research Center conducted a sociological survey in the Shuryshkararea of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, which seems to limit existing approaches to identifying public opinion about prospects for developing villages and organizing life of their residents. Our proposed methodology for taking into account the views of indigenous peoples can help to overcome the identified limitations.