bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Socio-Spatial Determinants of COVID-19 Diffusion: The Impact of Globalisation, Settlement Characteristics and Population
Authors: Sigler Thomas , Mahmuda Sirat , Kimpton Anthony , Loginova Julia , Wohland-Jakhar Pia , Charles-Edwards Elin , Corcoran Jonathan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 is an emergent infectious disease that has spread geographically to become a global pandemic. While much research focuses on the epidemiological and virological aspects of the COVID-19 transmission, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the drivers of geographical diffusion between places. Here, we use quantile regression to model the roles of globalisation, human settlement and population characteristics as socio-spatial determinants of COVID-19 diffusion over a six-week period in March and April 2020.Results: The quantile regression model suggest that globalisation and settlement population characteristics related to high human mobility predict disease diffusion. Human development level (HDI) and total population predict COVID-19 diffusion in countries with a high number of total confirmed cases per million whereas larger household size, older populations, and globalisation tied to human interaction predict COVID-19 diffusion in countries with a low number of total confirmed cases per million. Conclusions: The analysis confirms that globalisation, settlement and population characteristics lead to greater disease diffusion, and primarily variables tied to high human mobility. These outcomes serve to inform policies around ‘flattening the curve’, particularly as they related to anticipated relocation diffusion from more- to less-developed countries and regions, and hierarchical diffusion from countries with higher population and density. Epidemiological strategies must be tailored to suit the range of human mobility patterns, as well as the variety of settlement and population characteristics.
Psychosocial Factors Associated with Initiation and Continuation of Substance Abuse among Preparatory Students in Addis Ababa
Authors: Berihun Eyuel , Getu Bethelhem , wondimu Habtamu , Molla Yenus 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Substance abuse is the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over the Counter drugs for the purpose other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed. Substance abuse is an emerging public health problem in Ethiopia, like other African countries.
Methods

School based cross-sectional survey was employed. A total of 326 students were randomly selected from one government and two private schools. The 296 Sample size was calculated using the formula of a single population proportion and calculated using software Epi-info stat calculation by taking 31% proportion from previous study with confidence level of 95% and 5% degree of precision. Non-response rate in this study was estimated to be 10% (30). We use self-administer questionnaire to assess the physiological factors associated with initiation and continuation of substance abuse.
Results

The magnitude and the prevalence of substance abuse were 24.8% and the commonly abused were alcohol (30.8%), kchat (15.4%) and cigarette (11%). Other substances are rarely abused. The study also showed that male students were abused substance [OR, 95% CI: 3.150 (1.451, 8.685)] three times higher than that of females. In addition those who abused substances through peer pressure or [OR, 95% CI: 7.599 (4.571, 16.174)] were eight times more likely to abuse substances in contrast with those who did not. Other psychosocial factors: curiosity, poor family relationship and stress were positively associated with substance abuse.
Conclusion

substance abuse is a threat problem to the public as well as to the preparatory students of Addis Ababa; it is strong positively associated with various variables such as male students, peer pressure, curiosity, poor family relationship and stress of students. Peer pressure was the major precipitating factor for substance abuse followed by curiosity. The most commonly abused substances were alcohol, khat and cigarette. Yet, the magnitude of factors for substance abuse is high. From this, it can be generally said that substance abuse is a pressing issue for preparatory students.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Benefits and Disadvantages of Implementing Cloud-Specific Solutions in Polish Companies on the Example of ERP Systems
Authors: Zieliński Remigiusz , Kot Sebastian , Zielińska Katarzyna 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Both dynamics and environmental turbulences result in constant updating of IT and communication specific technologies utilized within the scope of various organizations. The Polish IT market is characterized by a dynamic development of the cloud data processing model that offers access to various resources via the network in the form of convenient services. The transfer of IT systems (including ERP) to the cloud is a complex process and while the connection can be made, it may be met with a number of problems. The predominant aim of the article, aside from theoretical considerations, is to showcase the possibilities of supporting a company’s operational schemes by means of IT solutions available within the cloud; as well as to indicate both the benefits and the difficulties Polish companies have to face while implementing cloud computing specific solutions. Within the scope of the article, selected outcomes of questionnaire surveys are going to be presented. Research results have shown that IT solutions and ERP systems available in the cloud have been positively perceived by the respondents, especially with regard to improving the overall operational efficiency of companies.
miR-498 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting FOXK1 in gastric cancer
Authors: Liu Jinshan , Huang Ximing , Wu Liran , Zhao Zhiqiang , Fan Kun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective: MiR-498 has emerged as a potential molecular target for several cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the important function and mechanisms of miR-498 in gastric cancer.Methods: To detect the important roles of miR-498 in gastric cancer, we first measured its expression by RT-qPCR in gastric cancer cell lines. The impact of the miR-498 on gastric cancer cell proliferation were detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assays. The effect of the miR-498 on the cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. We also used the scratch and transwell chamber assays to measure the cell migration and invasion. The expression levels of related proteins were assessed by western blot. The bioinformatics analysis was used to explore the target gene of miR-498. RT-qPCR and western blot assays were used to detect the expression levels of FOXK1 in response to miR-498 overexpression. In order to prove the role of FOXK1 in mediating the effect of miR-498 on the gastric cancer, CCK-8, colony formation, transwell chamber and flow cytometry assays were used for the further investigations.Results: The expression level of miR-498 is downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines. Overexpression of miR-498 inhibited proliferation and migration/invasion, while promoted the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-498 targeted on FOXK1 to inhibit the gastric cancer in vitro.Conclusion: MiR-498/FOXK1 axis may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancers.
Irreversible Electroporation in Patients With Liver Tumours: Treated-area Patterns With Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Zhou Linyu , Yin Shanyu , Chai Weilu , Zhao Qiyu , Tian Guo , Xu Danxia , Jiang Tian'an 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To describe the contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging findings of liver tumours after percutaneous ablation by irreversible electroporation (IRE). Methods: A prospective study of 21 malignant liver tumours (19 primary hepatic tumours and 2 hepatic metastases) treated by IRE ablation was performed. The ablation zones were evaluated by two examiners in a consensus reading performed immediately, 1 day, and 1 month after IRE ablation. The gold standard method with which the effectiveness of the treatment at 1 month is compared, is MRI. Results: Immediately after IRE ablation and up to 1 month later, the ablation zones gradually changed from hypo-echogenicity to hyper-echogenicity on conventional ultrasound, and becomes non-enhancement on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). There was substantial agreement (κ = 0.77, p < 0.05) between the results obtained with CEUS and those obtained with MRI 1 month after IRE ablation. Conclusions: We conclude that CEUS could be an effective tool for assessing post-irreversible electroporation ablation changes after 1 month. CEUS enables the depiction of tumour vascularity in real time and provides an easy, repeatable way.
Astragaloside IV enhances memory and modulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity by decreasing GABAergic inhibition through EGR-1 mediated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Huang Fei , Lan Yunyi , Zhou Jin , Yang Liu , Guan Hao , Shi Hailian , Wu Hui , Hu Zhibi , Wu Xiaojun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Astragaloside IV (ASIV) is one of the saponins isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine and a health product sold all over the world. However, so far, the effect of ASIV on GABAergic synaptic transmission has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, the effect of ASIV on memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity was investigated in mice and down-regulated early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) knockout mice.
Methods

Behavior tests including radial-arm maze test and shuttle-box test, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, western blotting analysis, quantitative PCR, electrophysiological recording, and electron microscopy were used in this study. The difference of data was detected by unpaired student t-test or two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Mann-Whitney U test.
Results

ASIV was shown to enhance the learning and memory of mice in behavior tests, such as radial-arm maze test and shuttle-box test, as well as the synaptic plasticity in electrophysiological experiments. Moreover, it significantly reduced the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the expression of glutamate decarboxylase 2 (GAD65) in mouse hippocampus, which was accompanied with decreased ratio of inhibitory synapses, and EGR-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB). When EGR-1 was knocked out, the promotive effects of ASIV on memory and synaptic plasticity, as well as the inhibitory effects on GAD65, BDNF and TrkB, were abolished. In addition, ASIV was found to down-regulate the pre-existing EGR-1 baseline to better adapt to the learning stimuli.
Conclusions

Together, these results demonstrated a novel role of ASIV in enhancing memory and modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity by decreasing GABAergic inhibition through EGR-1 mediated BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in mice.
An Attempt of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion(OLIF)
Authors: Li Renjie , Shao Xiaofeng , Jiang Weimin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) attempts to decrease the surgical stress response to minimize postoperative complications and improve functional rehabilitation after major surgery, but it have not been widely utilized in spinal surgery. This study is to evaluate the implementation of an ERAS pathway for patients undergoing oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery.Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of patient who underwent OLIF in 2018 prior to ERAS (“pre-ERAS” ,n=23) and in 2019 after ERAS was instituted (“ERAS”, n=24). Major outcomes were collected included demographics, length of hospital stay, financial cost, postoperative complications, off-bed time and perioperative factors. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain. The ERAS pathway and compliance with pathway elements were also recorded.Results After ERAS implementation, we found no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. In our study, the mean stay in the hospital was significantly lower (p= 0.033) in the ERAS group (15.3±3.9 days) compared to the standard pathway group (13.0±3.1 days). In comparison to the standard group, we also found a variation between the financial costs of surgery and hospitalization [(116312.1±30787.4)vs(100691.2±19695.1) yuan, P < 0.05]. The ERAS group manifested a lower blood loss compared with the pre-ERAS group with statistical significance [(68.3±57.1)vs(119.3±104.8) ml, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in operative time, complications, and 30-d readmission rates ( P > 0.05 ). Pain scores between the two groups showed a significant difference during the 3th hour and 6th hour (P < 0.05).Conclusion Institution of an ERAS protocol appears to accelerate functional recovery and reduce length of stay, financial costs and decreased pain.
AXL Promotes SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Pulmonary and Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang Shuai , Qiu Zongyang , Hou Yingnan , Deng Xiya , Zheng Tingting , Yan Renhong , Wu Peihan , Xie Shaofang , Zhou Qiang , Huang Jing , Li Xu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a global public health challenge. The viral pathogen responsible, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), binds to a host receptor ACE2 through its spike (S) glycoprotein, which mediates membrane fusion and virus entry. Although the role of ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 is clear, studies have shown that ACE2 expression across different human tissues is extremely low, especially in pulmonary and bronchial cells. Thus, other host receptors and/or co-receptors that promote the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells of the respiratory system might exist. In this study, we have identified tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL), specifically interacts with SARS-CoV-2 S on the host cell membrane. When overexpressed in cells that do not highly express either AXL or ACE2, AXL promotes virus entry as efficiently as ACE2. Strikingly, deleting AXL, but not ACE2, significantly reduces infection of pulmonary cells by the SARS-CoV-2 virus pseudotype. Soluble human recombinant AXL, but not ACE2, blocks SARS-CoV-2 virus pseudotype infection in pulmonary cells. Taken together, our findings suggest AXL may play an important role in promoting SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human respiratory system and is a potential target in future clinical intervention strategies.
Effects of inorganic minerals replaced by complexed glycinates on growth, blood profiles, immune responses, intestinal morphology, and mineral excretion in piglets
Authors: Pei Xun , Wang Geng , Liu Lujie , Sun Wanjing , Xiao Zhiping , Tao Wenjing , Wang Minqi , Huai Mingyan , Li Lily , Pelletier Wolf 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The effects of inorganic trace minerals (ITM) replaced by low-dose glycine-complexed trace minerals (GCM) on growth, serum parameters, immunity, intestinal morphology, and mineral excretion in piglets were investigated. One hundred and twenty-eight weaned piglets (14.18 ± 0.33kg body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 4 replicates, 8 piglets per replicate. Treatments consist of: (T1) basal diet + 100% inorganic trace mineral (ITM) as the control group (20 ppm Cu, 150 ppm Fe, 150 ppm Zn, and 30 ppm Mn from sulfates); (T2) basal diet + 50% ITM (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn from sulfates, 50% of control) + 50% organic trace minerals (OTM, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn from glycine complexed trace minerals (GCM), 50% of control); (T3) basis diet + 50% OTM from GCM; (T4) basal diet + 70% OTM from GCM. The feeding period lasted 28 d and was divided into 2 stages (0 to 14 d and 15 to 28 d). After feeding trial , 6 pigs per treatment were randomly selected to slaughter for sampling. RESULTS: Average daily gain, feed intake, and G:F were not affected by dietary treatments during the overall period. During the second, and the overall feeding phases, the digestibility of Zn and Fe in T3 and T4 was higher than that of T1 ( P < 0.05). The concentration of serum ferritin in T2 was significantly higher than T3 and T4. Serum immunoglobulin A concentration in the ileal mucosa of T2 was higher than that of T1 ( P < 0.05), and the higher duodenum villus height was observed in T4 compared with the rest treatments ( P < 0.05). The lowest trace mineral excretion was overserved in T3 ( P < 0.01); in addition, the urinary concentrations of Zn and Fe in T2 were lower than that in T1 ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that GCM have higher bioavailability than ITM, and that supplementation of low-dose GCM to replace full dose ITM could reduce mineral excretion without affecting performance, blood profiles, immune responses, and intestinal morphology in piglets.
Empirical Investigation into the Determinants of Public Debts in Africa: New Insights Using a Panel Bayesian Model Averaging Approach
Authors: Bayale Nimonka 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The determinants of public indebtedness in developing countries is still generating a lot of interest among academics and policy makers. This paper introduces model uncertainty into the empirical study on the determinants of public debt at continental level. This is done by adopting a Bayesian model averaging approach applied to data of 51 African countries spanning from 1990 to 2018. Our results suggest that, among the set of twenty-seven (27) regressors considered in the baseline model, those reflecting international financial and institutional conditions as well as internal economic prospects tend to receive high posterior inclusion probabilities. These findings are robust to changes in the model specification, the inclusion of economic crises and geographical heterogeneities of the continent.
Family–Based Index Testing for HIV: a qualitative study of barriers and challenges among clients in Cape Coast, Ghana
Authors: Ampofo Evelyn Asamoah , Commey Isaac Tetteh , Adu-Gyamfi Raphael , Enyan Nancy Innocentia Ebu , Agyare Elizabeth , Ayisi-Addo Stephen , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Family-based Index HIV Testing, (FBIT) approach is known to be associated with a relatively higher testing yield compared to Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling. The implementation of this strategy in several countries has exposed some barriers to optimal FBIT outcomes. With the scale up of FBIT in Ghana, stakeholders’ engagement is key in identifying and addressing all barrier to implementation. This study explored index clients’ perspective of barriers and challenges of FBIT.
Methods

Using an exploratory descriptive qualitative design, 17 individual in-depth interviews were conducted among seventeen purposively selected clients who had been offered FBIT at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) utilizing a semi-structured interview guide. Each interview lasted between 45–60 minutes and the transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis procedure. Themes and sub-themes from the transcripts were generated and supported with verbatim texts to provide a rich understanding of the barriers and challenges.
Results

Age of participants ranged between 24–71 years, majority of whom were females. Themes and sub- themes emerged on barriers and challenges and these related to good understanding of the benefits of FBIT by index clients, challenge with getting family members to accept testing opportunities, fear and uncertainty of reaction of family members to a positive status, and issues of confidentiality and privacy related to health facility service provision. Key findings were: 1. Index clients perceived FBIT as a good approach to reach family members for testing. 2. Stigmatization, lack of confidentiality and privacy at service centers and 3. Inadequate information on FBIT were identified as barriers that can affect the uptake of FBIT. Getting listed family members to agree to be tested was perceived as a challenge.
Conclusions

Despite the acceptance of FBIT as a good strategy to reach family members of index clients for testing, there are barriers of stigmatization, fear and uncertainty of reaction of family members to a positive status, lack of confidentiality and privacy, and inadequate information on FBIT. Efforts should be made to address these barriers and challenges. Index clients and their families need tailored support to improve acceptance of this strategy.
Molecular Docking suggests repurposing of Brincidofovir as a potential drug targeting SARS-CoV-2 "COVID-19" ACE2 receptor and main protease
Authors: Hussien Mostafa A. , Abdelaziz Ahmed E.M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The current outbreak of the highly transmittable and life-threatening treme intense respiratory disorder coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has advanced rapidly and posed a global health emergency. Many clinical trials are now being conducted to test possible therapies. To assist, the molecular docking was applied on some selected FDA-approved drugs, previously used in epidemics, and the top ten compounds were selected. These ten well-characterized drugs, previously used to treat Malaria and Ebola infections, were screened based on their interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 ACE2 Receptor and 3C-like Protease. Compared to the other nine medicines, Brincidofovir, an ether lipid ester analog of cidofovir with potent antiviral activity, showed the highest docking scores and binding interactions. Therefore, Brincidofovir worth further investigations and clinical trials as a possible therapeutic agent for the COVID-19 disease .
A single dose of an adenovirus-vectored vaccine provides complete protection of the upper and lower respiratory tracts against SARS-CoV-2 challenge
Authors: Wu Shipo , Zhong Gongxun , Zhang Jun , Shuai Lei , Zhang Zhe , Wen Zhiyuan , Wang Busen , Zhao Zhenghao , Song Xiaohong , Chen Yi , Liu Renqiang , Fu Ling , Zhang Jinlong , Guo Qiang , Wang Chong , Yang Yilong , Fang Ting , Lv Peng , Wang Jinliang , Xu Junjie , Li Jianmin , Yu Changming , Hou Lihua , Bu Zhigao , Chen Wei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has created a worldwide public health emergency, and there is an urgent need to develop an effective vaccine to control this severe infectious disease. Here, we found that a single vaccination with a replication-defective human type 5 adenovirus encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (Ad5-nCoV) protected mice completely against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Additionally, a single vaccination with Ad5-nCoV protected ferrets from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the upper respiratory tract. This study suggested that a combination of intramuscular and mucosal vaccination maybe provide a desirable protective efficacy and different Ad5-nCoV delivery modes are worth further investigation in human clinical trials.