bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing the Challenges and Relational Aspects of Index-Linked HIV testing for Children and Adolescents: Insights From The B-GAP Study in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chikwari Chido Dziva , Bernays Sarah , Dringus Stefanie , Simms Victoria , Weiss Helen A , Sibanda Edwin , Kranzer Katharina , Ncube Gertrude , Chikodzore Rudo , Webb Karen , Chirimambowa Trevor , Apollo Tsitsi , Mutseta Miriam , Ferrand Rashida A
Published: May 2020

Introduction Index-linked HIV testing, targeted at sexual contacts or children of individuals with HIV, may improve yield and efficiency. The B-GAP study evaluated index-linked testing approaches in health facility and community-based settings. This paper reports on a qualitative study to understand factors that affect index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents.Methods We conducted four focus group discussions (FGDs) with caregivers who had their children tested through B-GAP and one FGD with providers who offered index-linked HIV testing to indexes. We aimed to understand enabling and inhibiting factors in the decision-making process. Translated and transcribed transcripts were read for familiarisation. Following initial coding, analytical memos were written to identify emerging key themes across the data.Results Caregivers did not have adequate knowledge about the need for, and importance of, paediatric HIV testing. Once the decision to test had been made, access to facilities was sometimes challenging, and alleviated by community-based testing. A key finding was that HIV testing is not a discrete event but a process that was influenced by relationships with other family members and children themselves. These relationships raised complex issues that could prevent or delay the testing process. Conclusion There is a need to improve paediatric HIV literacy and to provide support to caregivers and their families in order to improve testing uptake. Addressing access barriers through the provision of community-based testing and implementing a family centred approach can optimize index-linked testing. Contributions to the literature • Although promoted and recommended by the World Health Organization; index-linked HIV testing for children has not been standard practice in routine HIV care for many countries including Zimbabwe.• Prior this study, no study has evaluated the factors that influence and affect uptake of index-linked HIV testing for children and adolescents as reported in our manuscript. • Our findings have the potential to bridge the HIV testing gap for children and optimize index-linked testing, a strategy that has been shown to result in higher yield of HIV when compared to universal testing but where uptake remains suboptimal.
Dietary Supplementation of β-Carotene on Growth Performance, Jejunal Permeability and Tight Junction Proteins in Weaned piglets
Authors: Lang Wuying , Gong Haizhou , Li Ruonan , Wu Min , Chu Qianran , Wang Taiping , zheng xin
Published: May 2020

Background: Weaning causes stress syndrome in the newborns, while it can lead to many intestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary supplementation of β-carotene on growth performance, jejunal permeability and tight junction proteins in weaned piglets, and explore the underlying mechanisms by which β-carotene regulates tight junction proteins. The positive control group was fed sow's milk throughout the trial. The negative control group was weaned at d 21 without any supplementation. Two experimental groups of piglets were weaned at d 21 and fed 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg β-carotene-supplemented diets from d 14 to d 24, respectively. Blood and the jejunum were collected at d 24. Results: The results showed that β-carotene at 80 mg/kg increased initial and final body weight and average daily feed intake, improved the villus height at d 24 (p<0.05) but reduced crypt depth in weaned piglets at d 24 (p<0.05). Additionally, β-carotene protected intestinal morphology. Supplemental 80 mg/kg β-carotene reduced the concentrations of D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase in serum (p<0.05) but enhanced the mRNA expression of claudin-3, occludin (p<0.05), and zonula occludens protein-1(p>0.05) and the protein levels of claudin-3 (p<0.01), occludin (p<0.05), and zonula occludens protein-1 (p>0.05) in the jejunum at d 24. Using intestinal epithelial cells and a Rac1 inhibitor in vitro, we demonstrated that the β-carotene-induced higher tight junction proteins might depend on the Rac1 pathway. Conclusions: β-carotene improved growth performance and attenuated jejunal permeability and tight junction proteins in weaned piglets, suggesting that β-carotene at 80 mg/kg may be an effective way for keeping healthier intestine of weaning piglets due to weaning.
Concomitant Sleep Apnea and Diabetes Mellitus Are Independently Associated with Cardiovascular Events and Hospitalization for Heart Failure after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Aung Aye-Thandar , Koo Chieh-Yang , Tam Wilson W , Chen Zhengfeng , Kristanto William , Sim Hui-Wen , Kojodjojo Pipin , Kofidis Theodoros , Lee Chi-Hang
Published: May 2020

BackgroundSleep apnea is a prevalent condition and an indicator of a poor outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Previous studies have not explored the relative and combined effects of sleep apnea with diabetes mellitus (DM) on cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing CABG.MethodsIn this secondary analysis of data from the SABOT study, 1007 patients were reclassified into four groups based on their sleep apnea and DM statuses, yielding 295, 218, 278, and 216 patients in the sleep apnea (+) DM (+), sleep apnea (+) DM (−), sleep apnea (−) DM (+), and sleep apnea (−) DM (−) groups, respectively. The primary end point was a major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), which encompasses cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and unplanned revascularization. Hospitalization for heart failure was a key secondary end point.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up period of 2.1 years, the crude incidence of MACCEs was 18% in the sleep apnea (+) DM (+), 11% in the sleep apnea (+) DM (−), 13% in the sleep apnea (−) DM (+), and 5% in the sleep apnea (−) DM (−) groups. Using sleep apnea (−) DM (−) as the reference group, a Cox regression analysis indicated that sleep apnea (+) and DM (+) independently predicted MACCEs (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–6.2; p = 0.005) and hospitalization for heart failure (adjusted hazard ratio, 12.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.0–52.3; p < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and excessive daytime sleepiness.ConclusionSleep apnea and DM have independent negative effects on the prognosis of patients undergoing non-emergent CABG.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identification no. NCT02701504
RNF180 Suppresses Methylation of ADAMTS9 DNA Promotor by Ubiquitinating DNMT3A Inhibiting Metastasis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Sun Weilin , Deng Jingyu , Ma Gang , Zhang Li , Wang Pengliang , Liu Huifang , Zhang Nannan , Wu Zizhen , Dong Yinping , Cai Fenglin , Chen Liqiao , Zhao Zhenzhen , Liang Han
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND: A disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif 9 (ADAMTS9) is hypermethylated and inhibits the proliferation of various cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of ADAMTS9 was associated with the lymphatic metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) and elucidated the down- and upstream molecular pathways in GC progression.METHODS: The study explored the expression level, biological function, clinical application, and involved molecular mechanism of ADAMTS9 in GC.RESULTS: In 135 GC tissue samples, ADAMTS9 expression level was significantly correlated with the pN stage, the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs), and the overall survival of patients with GC. The in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ADAMTS9 attenuated the viability and motile capacity of GC cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ADAMTS9 significantly inhibited the transcription of C–C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)/C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11). This effect impaired the migration and invasion in GC cells. This study revealed that the hypermethylation level in the promotor of ADAMTS9 gene was mainly mediated by DNA-methyltransferase(DNMT) 3A, which reduces ADAMTS9 expression in GC. Ring finger protein (RNF) 180 could promote DNMT3Aubiquitination and degradation, thereby restoring the ADAMTS9 expression in GC cells.CONCLUSIONS: ADAMTS9 expression is restored by the RNF180 via suppressing the promotor methylation of the ADAMTS9 gene. ADAMTS9 inhibits metastasis and improves the prognosis of patients with GC via CCL5/CXCL11-dependent pathway. Thus, ADAMTS9 should be considered as a predictor of LN metastasis and a therapeutic target in GC.
Predictions of Current and Future Episodic Memory Using Gay Matter Volume and Functional Connectome: A Longitudinal Study in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients
Authors: Wang Zan , Shu Hao , Liu Duan , Su Fan , Xie Chunming , Cui Zaixu , Zhang Zhijun
Published: May 2020

Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients are considered an at-risk group for progression to Alzheimer’s dementia and accurate prediction of aMCI progression could facilitate the optimal decision-making for both clinicians and patients. Based on the baseline whole-brain grey-matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (FC), we used relevance vector regression to predict the baseline and longitudinal Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test Delayed Recall (AVLT-DR) scores of individual aMCI patients.Methods: Fifty aMCI patients completed baseline and 3-year follow-up visits. All patients underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and multimodal brain MRI scans.Results: We found that the GMV pattern predicted the baseline AVLT-DR score, while the pattern of FC predicted the longitudinal AVLT-DR score. In particular, GMV predicted the baseline AVLT-DR score with an accuracy of r = 0.54 (P < 0.001); the regions that contributed the most were within the default mode (e.g., the posterior cingulate gyrus, angular gyrus and middle temporal gyrus) and limbic systems (e.g., the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus). The FC predicted the longitudinal AVLT-DR score with an accuracy of r = 0.50 (P < 0.001), and the connections that contributed the most were the within- and between-system connectivity of the default mode and limbic systems. As a complement, we demonstrated that the GMV and FC patterns could also effectively predict the baseline and longitudinal composite episodic memory scores (calculated by averaging three well-known episodic memory test scores).Conclusions: Our results demonstrated the multimodal brain features in the individualized prediction of aMCI patients’ current and future episodic memory performance. These “neural fingerprints” have the potential to be biomarkers for aMCI patients and can help medical professionals optimize individual patient management and longitudinal evaluation.
Public Interest in Raynaud’s Phenomenon: A Google Trends Analysis
Authors: Wang Yuanzhuo , Zhang Hanlin , Zheng Qingyue , Tang Keyun , Sun Qiuning
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common disorder affecting body extremities. As infodemiological methods developed, online search tools could be used to explore the public interest of the disease. The study aimed to determine the annual trend, seasonal pattern, and associated topics of Raynaud’s phenomenon.Methods: Google Trends was used to collect the data. “Raynaud syndrome” was selected as the search term. Data on monthly relative search volume (RSV) were collected from 4 selected countries (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand) and globally. Related topics were obtained, and annual related topics were also collected for analysis.Results: The maximum RSV appeared in January 2019, and the minimum value was observed in August 2011. The peak for RSV occurred in winter, and the bottom appeared in summer. In top related topics, “Maurice Raynaud” was the most related. In rising related topics, disease manifestations and autoimmune connective diseases were highly concerned. For annual related topics, associated diseases were attracting more attention over time.Conclusions: The population is interested in related diseases, pathogenesis, and treatment. There was a peak in winter for searching and revealed that there might be a positive correlation between disease attack and seasonal variation.
Enterococcus Faecium Modulates the Gut Microflora of Broilers and Enhances Phosphorus Absorption and Utilization
Authors: wang weiwei , Cai Huiyi , Zhang Anrong , Chen Zhimin , Chang Wenhuan , Liu Guohua , Deng Xuejuan , Bryden Wayne L. , Zheng Aijuan
Published: May 2020

Background: The modern broiler or meat chicken has ongoing bone health problems. Phosphorus (P) plays an important role in bone development and increased understanding of P metabolism should improve the skeletal health of broilers. Enterococcus faecium has been widely used as a probiotic in broiler production and shown to improve skeletal health of rats; but its effect on the bones of broilers remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of E. faecium on P absorption and utilization in broilers and associated changes in the gut microflora using 16S rDNA sequencing.Results: Dietary supplementation with E. faecium improved P absorption through up-regulation of the expression of intestinal NaP-IIb mRNA, and increased the concentration of serum alkaline phosphatase. These actions increased P retention and bone mineralization in E. faecium treated broilers. The positive effects of E. faecium on P metabolism were associated with changes in the structure of the intestinal microbiota. There was increased relative abundance of the following genera, Alistipes, Eubacterium, Rikenella and Ruminococcaceae, and a decrease in the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium and Escherichia-Shigella. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with E. faecium changed gut microbiota structure of broilers, increased the relative abundance of SCFA (short chain fatty acid) producing bacteria, improved intestinal P absorption, bone forming metabolic activities, and decreased P excretion. E. faecium facilitates increased utilisation of P in broilers.
Molecular Identification of Commercial Fish Maws using mtDNA 16S rRNA Nucleotide Sequences
Authors: Zhang Jinju , Deng Qiuting , Li Nanxin , Liu Xindan , Wu Menghua , Ma Zhiguo , Zhang Ying , Cao Hui
Published: May 2020

Background: Fish maws (dried swim bladders of fish) have long been used as a medicinal material and valuable tonic food which are very popular in Southeast Asia. It is difficult to identify the original species of fish maws sold on the market due to a lack of taxonomic characteristics. The present study aims to investigate the origin of commercial fish maws using DNA sequencing based on a partial sequence of the mtDNA 16S rRNA gene.Methods: Mitochondrial genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 44 individual fish maw samples collected from different markets by a QIAamp® DNA Mini Kit. The fragments of the 16S rRNA gene were amplified by PCR and bidirectionally sequenced using an ABI 3730 genetic analyser. Sequence assembly was performed with DNASTAR SeqMan software, and the resulting sequence was compared with reference sequences in GenBank using BLAST. Interspecific divergence and intraspecific variation were calculated by the Kimura 2-parameter model. Sample sequences were clustered in MEGA 6 using a neighbour-joining tree.Results: Forty-two of 44 fish maw samples were sequenced successfully. Fourteen taxa matched known fish species in the DNA sequence database, and 10 of them were supported by high homogeneity (99-100%). According to the results, 88% of the total samples belonged to family Sciaenidae. The clustering and genetic distance results, including in-group divergence and out-group divergence, indicated conﬁdence in species identiﬁcations. Moreover, there was no strict correspondence between the commercial names provided by traders and the origin of the fish maws. This study also found a probable correlation between the molecular characteristics and morphological features of fish maws from croakers and non-croakers.Conclusion: In this study, DNA sequencing based on mtDNA 16S rRNA was carried out successfully to identify the origin of ~95% of the samples. This result indicated that 16S rRNA is a suitable barcode for identifying fish maws. The identification results allowed us to learn more about the fish species available in the fish maw market in Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay. In addition, the association between trade category and species found in this study provides both consumers and merchants with an important reference for identifying the origin of fish maws.
Risk factors for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding within 1 month: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yasuda Shun , Fukuda Toma , Toba Naoya , Kamo Norihito , Yokochi Nidori , Okawara Tomoko , Takano Seiko , Yoshida Hideko , Kobayashi Nobuko , Kudo Shingo , Miyazaki Kyohei , Hosoya Mamiko , Sato Kenichi , Takano Kei , Oda Shinichiro
Published: May 2020

Background While breastfeeding provides both optimal nutrition for infants and health benefits for the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women. Methods This study utilized medical records from the Iwase General Hospital in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic, medical, and family predictors among 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Results In bivariate analysis, women who were primipara, unmarried, smoked before pregnancy, were exposed to secondhand smoke, employed, or had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. In multivariable analysis, primiparity, smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment and neonatal jaundice therapy remained associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding. Conclusions Several maternal factors are associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. In particular, women who smoke before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support of breastfeeding.
Optimization of a virus-induced gene silencing system and functional elucidation of MaBAM9b in postharvest banana fruits
Authors: liu juhua , Li Meng , Zhang Jing , Miao Hongxia , Wang Jingyi , Jia Caihong , Zhang Jianbin , Wang Zhuo , Xu Biyu , Jin Zhiqiang
Published: May 2020

Background: Banana is a typical starch conversion fruit, and fruit ripening involves a process of fruit quality formation. To improve the nutritional value of banana, it is necessary to understand the genetic basis of the metabolic pathways that operate during fruit ripening processes. MaBAM9b is a key enzyme gene that might play an important role in starch degradation during the banana fruit ripening process. The identification of gene function by stable genetic transformation is time- and energy-consuming. Thus, developing an efficient and rapid method for functional identification is imperative. Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) is a reverse-genetics method based on RNA-mediated antiviral plant defense that has been used to rapidly identify gene function in plants. Results: In this report, 0.5% iodine-potassium-iodide (I2-KI) staining for 150 s determined that a 1:3 ratio of TRV1: TRV2-MaBAM9b cultivated at an optical density of 600 nm (OD600) 0.8 at 30 mmHg for 30 sec and kept on Murashige & Skoog (MS) media for 5 d produced the best silencing results. Under these conditions, the total starch content was greatly increased, while the β-amylase activity, soluble sugar contents, and the expression of endogenous MaBAM9b were greatly decreased. Conclusions: The developed system is particularly useful for studying genes and networks for starch conversion in fruit, which alone would not produce a visual phenotype. This system will provide a platform for banana functional genomics and for banana fruit quality improvement.
Association between dietary intake in each trimester during pregnancy and postpartum depression and hypochondriasis
Authors: Kutenaee Maryam Azizi , Taghavi Seyed-Abdolvahab , Asemi Zatollah , Dadkhahtehrani Tahmineh , Bazarganipour Fatemeh
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of the present study was to assess pregnant mothers' nutritional supply in each trimester and psychological status in postpartum with an emphasis on post pregnancy depression disorder and hypochondriasis.Methods: This was a three-year prospective cohort study that 1319 pregnant women referred to rural health centers in Bandar Abbas, Iran were enrolled. The data were collected using a checklist including socioeconomic and fertility characterize, food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for measurement of dietary intake, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to diagnose postpartum depression (PPD), Evans hypochondriasis questionnaire was used to diagnose hypochondriasis.Results: The finding showed that prevalence of PPD and hypochondriasis were 91(6.8%) and 553(42%), respectively. The results showed that intake of iron, selenium, iodine, folate, vitamin C, B12, EPA in all trimesters and intake of vitamin c in second trimester was significantly associated with PPD (P<0.05); as intake of those micronutrients was significantly lower in women with PPD rather than women without that. Moreover, our finding showed that intake of iron, iodine, folate, selenium, EPA in all trimesters was significantly associated with hypochondriasis (P<0.05); as intake of those micronutrients was significantly lower in women with hypochondriasis rather than women without that.Conclusions: Considering the pregnancy and lactation are major nutritional stressors to body and our finding in relation between poor nutrition intake of iron, iodine, folate, selenium, EPA, vitamin C and mood disorders (PPD and hypochondriasis), greeter attention to nutritional factors in psychological status during postpartum is warranted.
SNORA42 Promote Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Development Through Interacting With Dhx9
Authors: Shan Yanan , Wei Sisi , Xiang Xiaohao , Dai Suli , Cui Wenxuan , Zhao Riyang , Zhang Cong , Zhang Weimin , Zhao Lianmei , Shan Baoen
Published: May 2020

Background:Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a high malignant cancer, which is the most common subtype of oesophageal cancer. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a group of novel non-coding RNAs that have been found play a key role in various cancers. Methods:The expression of SNORA42 in ESCC samples and cell lines was measured by using real-time PCR and a series of in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to determine the function of SNORA42 in ESCC. Furthermore, RNA pull-down assay combined with Mass Spectrometry was applied to identify the protein that is associated with SNORA42. Silencing SNORA42 in ESCC cell followed by Next-Generation mRNA Sequencing was used to investigate the signaling pathway regulated by SNORA42.Results: We identified H/ACA box snoRNA42 (SNORA42) wasupregulated in ESCC and had the potential to be applied as a prognostic marker. Specifically, overexpression of SNORA42 promotedESCCprogressionin vitro and in vivo, whereas knockdown of SNORA42 had opposite effects. We identified SNORA42 interacted with DHX9, which was up-regulated in ESCC and had a positive correlation with the expression of SNORA42. Furthermore, the promotion of SNORA42 on ESCC phenotypes can be reversed by knockdown of DHX9. Mechanically, SNORA42 promoted DHX9 expression by attenuating DHX9 transports into cytoplasm, to protect DHX9 from being ubiquitinated and degraded. From KEGG analysis of Next-Generation Sequencing, the NF-κB pathway was one of the most regulated pathways by SNORA42. SNORA42 enhanced phosphorylation of p65 and this effect could be reversed by NF-κB inhibitor, BAY11-7082. Moreover, SNORA42 activated NF-κB signaling through promotingthe transcriptional co-activator DHX9 interacted with p-p65, inducingNF-κB downstream genes expression. Conclusions:These findings suggest that SNORA42 is up-regulated in ESCC and promotes ESCC developments,partly via interacting with DHX9 and triggering SNORA42/DHX9/p65 axis.
Safety and efficacy of fentanyl combined with midazolam in bronchoscopy under bispectral index-guided conscious sedation
Authors: He Qian , Zhang Sujuan , Zhou Jun , Xu Xiong , Xu Qianqian , Qiu Hui , Guan Suhong , Han Ying , Dai Pei , Zhang Qiudi
Published: May 2020

Background: Sedation combined with local anesthesia during bronchoscopy is widely accepted in America and Europe, and receiving great attention in China. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of fentanyl combined with midazolam for bispectral index (BIS) titrated conscious sedation during bronchoscopy in the Chinese population. Methods: Data from 436 patients who underwent bronchoscopy under local anesthesia (LA group) or BIS-guided conscious sedation combined with local anesthesia (FM group) were retrospectively analyzed. The analysis included vital signs, adverse events recorded during the procedure, and questionnaire information, such as patient tolerance and satisfaction, operator satisfaction, and the cough score noted after the procedure. Results: A total of 225 patients in the LA group, and 211 in the FM group were enrolled in the study. The blood pressure and oxygen saturation were significantly higher in the LA group than in the FM group during bronchoscopy (P<0.001). The heart rate was significantly faster in the LA group at T3max, T3min and T4 than in the FM group. The incidence of hypoxia and bradycardia was higher in the FM group than in the LA group, whereas incidence of hypertension and tachycardia was lower. Patient satisfaction and tolerance of the procedure were significantly better in the FM group. visual analog scale (VAS) scores for cough and operator satisfaction were better in the FM group than in the LA group. Sub-group analysis (inspection, biopsy and transbronchial biopsy guided by radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS-TBB)) indicated that the vital signs, adverse event(hypoxia) and patient satisfaction of the two groups were similar to the previous results. However, the VAS scores for operators’ satisfaction was no significant difference between the two groups in patients undergoing inspection. Conclusions: The conscious sedation regimen of fentanyl combined with midazolam monitored by BIS during bronchoscopy is safe and effective. Although the incidence of hypoxia and bradycardia was higher, the patient’s tolerance and physician’s satisfaction were significantly improved, especially during lengthy procedures, such as intrabronchial biopsy and transbronchial biopsy guided by radial endobronchial ultrasound. Trial registration: The study was approved by the ethics committee of Changzhou first people's Hospital (2019-020). Key words: bronchoscopy, bispectral index, conscious sedation, midazolam, fentanyl.
Systemic Inflammatory Cytokines Associate With SARS-COV-2 Viral Shedding Time in Covid-19 Inpatients
Authors: Shi Jing , Cheng Chongsheng , Yu Muqing , Li Xiaochen , Wang Ke , Tao Yu , Zhou Ying , Zhou Min , Xu Shuyun , Qin Lu , Yang Zhenyu , Zhang Cong , Yue Junqing , Liu Xiansheng , Renz Harald , Xie Min
Published: May 2020

Background: Since December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as an infectious disease with cytokine storm, has become an emerging global challenge. To assess the duration of SARS-COV-2 viral shedding and associated risk factors in COVID-19 patients.Methods: COVID-19 patients with interleukin (IL)-1b, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α cytokines data consecutively admitted to Tongji Hospital from January 27, 2020 through February 5, 2020 were enrolled and been followed up until March 24, 2020. We utilized Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to assess the duration of viral shedding and risk factors affecting virus clearance.Results: 246 inpatients with laboratory confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled. The median duration of viral shedding was 24 days, ranging from 6 to 63 days. Age, severity of COVID-19, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, ferritin and sIL-2R were associated with duration of viral shedding. Administration of lopinavir-ritonavir, arbidol, oseltamivir and intravenous immunoglobulin did not shorten viral shedding time. Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that sIL-2R, LDH and severity of COVID-19 were independent factors associated with duration of viral shedding. At stratified analysis, the viral shedding time was positively correlated with age, sIL-2R and LDH in non-corticosteroid subgroup, while negatively correlated with lymphocyte count in corticosteroid group. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that elevated sIL-2R, increased LDH and severe status were related to prolongation of viral shedding in COVID-19 inpatients. Further research is urgent to investigate the mechanism of immune reaction involved in the virus clearance process and aim to the optimal antiviral therapy.
lncRNA LUCAT1 acts as a potential biomarker and demonstrates malignant biological behaviors in gastric cancerlncRNA LUCAT1 acts as a potential biomarker and demonstrates malignant biological behaviors in gastric cancer
Authors: Teng YangYang , Yu HeJie , Ni LeYi , Lu GuangRong , Zhu YueSheng , Zhou LingLing , Zhang Jing , Xue ZhanXiong , Cai ZhenZhai , Xing Chao
Published: May 2020

Gastric cancer(GC) remains the fourth-leading malignancy worldwide and has a high mortality rate.Accumulating evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis and can be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. The current study sought to define the lncRNA LUCAT1 and verify its malignant biological behaviors in GC. We conducted bioinformatic analysis to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs between GC tissue and paracancerous tissue. Gene expression profiles were downloaded from the National Center of Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to verify LUCAT1 expression in both GC tissue and paracancerous tissue. Furthermore, the associations between LUCAT1 and clinical features were analyzed. In addition, the malignant behaviors of LUCAT1 in GC were investigated by knocking down LUCAT1 expression in the SGC7901 and AGS cell lines. The results indicated that LUCAT1 expression was obviously upregulated in GC samples compared with paracancerous tissue samples. Moreover, the expression pattern of LUCAT1 showed close correlations with tumor diameter (P<0.001), differentiation grade (P=0.026), and lymphnode metastasis(LNM)status (P=0. 020). In vitro, shRNA-mediated knockdown of LUCAT1 expression inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and led to S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosisin GC cells. Thus, the lncRNA LUCAT1 may be used as a potential biomarker for early signs of LNM in GC and may play a crucial role in the development of GC.
Role of pulmonary circulation assessment in CT imaging in evaluating the severity and tendency of severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Hu Qiongjie , liu Yiwen , Pan Yueying , Sun Ziyan , Xiang Min , li Kaiyan , Xia Liming , Zhang huilan , Guan Hanxiong
Published: May 2020

Objective: To investigate the value of changes of pulmonary circulation in CT imaging in evaluating the severity and tendency of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia.Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 99 severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia patients including the 47 improved cases and 52 dead cases. Demographic data, laboratory findings, comorbidities, and CT imaging features including the diameters of pulmonary vein (PV), pulmonary artery (PA) and ascending aorta were collected and assessed.Results: The PV diameters of the deceased patients were larger than recovered patients in the severe phase. Compared with the severe phase in the improvement group, the diameters of the pulmonary veins during the improved phase were smaller, and the total CT scores were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Instead, there was no significant difference in the ratio of main PA to aorta diameter between the recovered group and the deceased group, nor did the self control of the recovered group and the deceased group (p > 0.05). Construction of a ROC curve yielded an optimal cut-off value of the PV diameters for prediction of survival (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The changes of the PV diameters might indirectly reflect the activity of pulmonary inflammation and cardiac insufficiency. Pulmonary manifestations of severe and critical COVID-19 pneumonia might be related to myocardial injury and cardiac insufficiency, expecially accompanied by dilated PVs. Evaluation of changes in pulmonary circulation by chest CT images may be considered as a useful tool for determining the severity, fatal outcome and tendency of COVID-19.Key words: COVID-19, pneumonia, pulmonary circulation, Computed Tomography
INFORMALITY AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM IN ALBANIA
Authors: Hoxhaj Dajana , Kruja (Demneri) Alba
Published: May 2020

The informal sector constitutes a significant part of the economies in developing countries and it is very often stigmatized as unmanageable and troublesome. It has been a major issue for Albania since the early stages of its transition to a market economy. For this reason, integrating the informal economy into the formal sector has become an important policy challenge. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between informality in Albanian enterprises and their size in terms of yearly revenues, exporting opportunities, trainings and to make a deeper analysis of the causes of informality and possible incentives to reduce it. The data, used for this study, are taken from the survey, implemented by the Albanian Investment Council (AIC) on tax audit, VAT reimbursement and informality during the period July-September 30, 2017. Study results reveal that main causes that lead businesses to informality are corruption and high taxes, and that there exists a significant negative relationship between the aforementioned variables. Research findings suggest that informality in the sector can be decreased by improving the ecosystem, in which Albanian enterprises operate through lowering taxes and reviewing taxation policy, training entrepreneurs and providing exporting opportunities to enlarge their market and increase revenues. This study provides distinct contributions that have theoretical implications to ecosystem researchers, as well as practical implications to policymakers and entrepreneurs.
MODELING OF ECONOMIC SAFETY OF SUSTAINABLE NATURE MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Authors: Petrukha Sergii , Korolenko Mykola
Published: May 2020

The study systematizes mutual influences and connections of the economic safety of bank sector functioning as a whole, bank activity (state and commercial) at the fund market and financial support of sustainable nature management, taking into account bank strategies “threading” by Sustainable development aims of UNO till 2030 of both own activity (concrete examples are given) and one of market agents of the nature-resource sector of the national economy, for which a financial-credit institution acts as a specific financial provider in the world of sustainable nature management and comprehensive development, taking into account the global ecologic initiative. There are given parallels in aim setting of supranational and national regulators in two opposite and at the same time complementary conceptions: “green economy” and “financial globalism”, expecting dynamism of unpredictability and inertia of global financial stability absence on the ecologically influenced stability of the economic dynamics. There are constructed correspondent econometric dependence models of a triad “financial safety of the bank sector – financial support stability – nature management sustainability” on variables – corporative equity and bond issue, using special methods and program environment Eviews and Statistica. It has been revealed, that the market of bonds and the one of equities differently react on changes of the economic dynamics – the equity issue volume, as opposite to corporative bond issue, doesn’t depend on nature management sustainability indices, and its financial support stability is not in the sphere of financial-economic parametrization, but in the political conjuncture, socio-psychological and mental transformation in the direction of economic subjects’ readiness to conducting ecologically and at the same time socially responsible business that needs modernization of the purpose orientation of safe bank strategies, taking correspondent anti-crisis arrangements by them for providing safety of their activity at the fund market under conditions of intensification of the COVID-19 pandemic influence. Obtained modeling results may be used by the National bank of Ukraine for actualizing the macroprudential policy, directed on elimination of system risks for preventing crises or diminution of losses from them by the system of financial stimulation of rational nature management.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
Authors: Szira Zoltán , Alghamdi Hani
Published: May 2020

The world faces old and new problems that are more complicated than our currently capable multilateral and national institutions. To face these challenges, international cooperation is becoming ever more important. An international environmental agreement is a kind of treaty that is binding in international law, allowing them to accomplish an environmental goal. Bilateral environmental agreement is defined as an agreement between two countries. If the agreement is signed between three or more nations it is called a Multilateral Environmental Agreement. These agreements, mainly drawn up by the United Nations, include issues, such as environmental policies, freshwater policies, hazardous waste and material policies, aquatic environment, wildlife conservation policies, noise pollution and nuclear safety. International agreements set a number of objectives: Informal agreements may formulate action plans for sovereign states or international institutions; they may establish or alter international organizations or bodies; and legally binding agreements may demand that sovereign states change their actions. Least developed countries face significant challenges in terms of mitigation and adaptation, which must be resolved by successful agreements. A state government may wish to abide by an agreement but lacks the power to do so. Some climate agreements build in frameworks for promoting implementation and enforcement through technology transfer, funding and technical support. Agreements can facilitate the process of forging a common vocabulary and a mutual knowledge of an issue. States have often taken steps within their own jurisdictions which foreshadow what they are prepared to agree internationally. The balance of power is increasingly shifting, giving rise to questions about the successful functioning of foreign regimes. This current multi-polarity also deepens cleavages over the nature of agreements. The financial crisis spurred consensus on institutional reform; adapting international architecture to better represent the dynamics of contemporary power. The emerging and developing economies have concluded agreements in the environmental problem field to promote mitigation and adaptation assistance to the least developed countries. This present paper analyzes the development, function and the problems of these agreements.
CORONOVIRUS PROPAGATION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WORLD ECONOMY
Authors: Bechir Chenguel Mohamed , Derbali Abdelkader
Published: May 2020

From the appearance of an unknown virus in China to a "black Monday" which has seen markets fall like never since the end of 2008: in two months, the Covid-19 epidemic has brought the world economy to its knees. The current coronavirus epidemic that has started in China is a real tragedy for individuals and communities not only in China, but around the world. The results for the Chinese are already terrible and are likely to worsen. To date, more than 80,000 infections have been reported, including thousands of fatal cases. In response to the spread of the virus, the world health organization declared an international health emergency on January 30. All global production chains are affected, and even blocked for certain sectors. A quasi-monopoly, China is not only the factory of the world, but also the supplier of components for all the other factories or industries on the planet. Hundreds of companies have therefore suffered the full force of this crisis and are struggling to preserve activities, on which millions of consumers and employees depend, directly impacted by their operation or by their disruption. The epidemic is infecting several Asian countries and little by little other continents, with more than 115,000 cases of infection to date, including more than 4,000 dead.
ASSESSING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES
Authors: Fernando Almeida
Published: May 2020

Entrepreneurship can be perceived as an individual's ability to identify opportunities, and to develop solutions that create innovative solutions for society. It can be a business, a project or even a movement that generates real change and impact on people's daily lives. What defines an entrepreneur is his/her behavior and attitudes and not personality traits or any other innate characteristics. It is not possible to predict which individuals have an entrepreneurial profile, but we can work on developing the skills that are necessary to become an entrepreneur. Therefore, this view assumes that entrepreneurial skills can be developed through education and life experiences. The teaching of entrepreneurship is a theme that has generated considerable interest in higher education institutions. Several programs have been proposed. Currently, it is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness, considering multiple perspectives. Only through the evaluation of the performance of these courses we can ensure that students are properly prepared for the challenges they will encounter in the labor market, whether through the launch of a start-up or in the management of a company or project. This study uses the EntreComp framework to assess the development of entrepreneurial skills and to identify the factors that influence their performance. This study offers both theoretical and practical contributions. In the conceptual component, a framework that has a multidisciplinary view of the entrepreneurial skills has been developed. On a practical level, it can be applied within a course of entrepreneurship, which will enable its replication to various educational institutions.
Topological chiral modes in random scattering networks
Authors: Delplace Pierre
Published: May 2020

Using elementary graph theory, we show the existence of interface
chiral modes in random oriented scattering networks and discuss their
topological nature. For particular regular networks (e.g. L-lattice,
Kagome and triangular networks), an explicit mapping with
time-periodically driven (Floquet) tight-binding models is found. In
that case, the interface chiral modes are identified as the celebrated
anomalous edge states of Floquet topological insulators and their
existence is enforced by a symmetry imposed by the associated network.
This work thus generalizes these anomalous chiral states beyond Floquet
systems, to a class of discrete-time dynamical systems where a periodic
driving in time is not required.
“As ditaduras podem voltar, eu sei”: On the Construction of Trust in Julián Fuks’s A resistência
Authors: Ward Callie
Published: May 2020

In the present essay, I examine truth and trust as socially embedded co-constructions. To ground my analysis, I focus on Julián Fuks’s A resistência (2015), a novel that addresses Brazil’s dictatorial past (1964-1985) while alluding to contemporary and future concerns. Through close readings of Fuks’s metafictional novel, I examine the ways in which trust develops in tandem with doubt and suspicion. This focus sheds light on how attention to trust can be crucial for both lectoral engagement and the democratic processes of discussion and consensus.
Relevance of voluntary environmental and social reporting in the French context: Does CSR assurance matter?
Authors: Lajmi Amira , Paché Gilles
Published: May 2020

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting is of high importance for firms that wish to communicate their environmental and social actions to stakeholders and society at large. Of course, the credibility of CSR reporting affects considerably the market reaction to the information provided. Although research on environmental and social reporting is important, empirical evidence regarding the relevance of environmental and social disclosure to firms’ market values is scarce. This paper specifically analyzes the moderating role of external CSR assurance on the relationship between voluntary environmental and social reporting and firm market value. A content analysis index is then developed based on disclosure items specified in the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines. Using hand-collected data on a sample of French companies, the authors find that CSR assurance has a negative moderating effect on the relationship between high environmental and social reporting and firms’ market value, raising questions about the role of external assurance in assessing CSR reporting credibility.
AcknowledgmentThe authors sincerely thank three anonymous reviewers of Environmental Economics for their insightful comments on a previous version of the paper.
Low-risk effect: evidence, explanations and approaches to enhancing the performance of low-risk investment strategies
Authors: Joshipura Mayank , Joshipura Nehal
Published: May 2020

The authors offer evidence for low-risk effect from the Indian stock market using the top-500 liquid stocks listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India for the period from January 2004 to December 2018. Finance theory predicts a positive risk-return relationship. However, empirical studies show that low-risk stocks outperform high-risk stocks on a risk-adjusted basis, and it is called low-risk anomaly or low-risk effect. Persistence of such an anomaly is one of the biggest mysteries in modern finance. The authors find strong evidence in favor of a low-risk effect with a flat (negative) risk-return relationship based on the simple average (compounded) returns. It is documented that low-risk effect is independent of size, value, and momentum effects, and it is robust after controlling for variables like liquidity and ticket-size of stocks. It is further documented that low-risk effect is a combination of stock and sector level effects, and it cannot be captured fully by concentrated sector exposure. By integrating the momentum effect with the low-volatility effect, the performance of a low-risk investment strategy can be improved both in absolute and risk-adjusted terms. The paper contributed to the body of knowledge by offering evidence for: a) robustness of low-risk effect for liquidity and ticket-size of stocks and sector exposure, b) how one can benefit from combining momentum and low-volatility effects to create a long-only investment strategy that offers higher risk-adjusted and absolute returns than plain vanilla, long-only, low-risk investment strategy.