Trading Kuznets curve: empirical analysis for China

Due to inspiring growth over the past 20 years, the dynamics of Chinese exports have been the focus of many researchers. In contrast to current literature, this study examines the quadratic relationship between China's real exports to 154 partner countries and the income of trading partners from 1996 to 2019. The findings obtained from the second generational econometric analysis confirm cross-section dependence and heterogeneous slope among panel members. Second, while the GDP per capita of partner countries has a positive impact on China's exports, the quadratic of GDP per capita has a negative impact. These findings indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between China's exports and GDP per capita of its partner countries-thus, validating the trading Kuznets curve (TKC) hypothesis. The appreciation of the Renminbi (RMB) has statistically significant negative effects on China's exports. From a policy perspective, Chinese policymakers could consider the TKC hypothesis when determining market and export strategies. Additionally, the Chinese monetary authority could consider stabilizing the value of the RMB.

Evaluation of the agreement of optical biometry and Scheimpflug corneal topography with different axial lengths

PURPOSE

To compare anterior segment parameters evaluated with optical low coherence reflectometry and combined Scheimpflug-Placido disc topography in eyes with different axial lengths.

METHODS

Deux cent quatre patients were divided into 3 groups according to their axial lengths. Central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (AD), mean keratometry value (K mean) and white-to-white distances (WTW) obtained from both devices were compared. All measurements were performed 3 times and averaged.

RESULTS

In group 1, a significant difference was detected between the two devices for CCT, WTW and Kmean measurements (P<0.001, P<0.001, p:0.005 respectively). In group 2, a significant difference was detected between the two devices for WTW measurement (P<0.001). In group 3, a significant difference was detected between the two devices for CCT and WTW measurement (P<0.001, P<0.001 respectively). In the Bland-Altman analysis, there was no match for Kmean obtained with both devices in group 1. In group 2, there was no agreement for AD obtained with both devices. In group 3, there was no match for AD, WTW or Kmean values obtained with both devices.

CONCLUSION

Some anterior segment parameters are not suitable for interchangeability in eyes with different axial lengths evaluated by Lenstar and Sirius anterior segment imaging systems. When planning critical surgery and treatment, more attention should be paid to measurements in eyes of different axial lengths.

FRI0636-HPR COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF YOGA AND HOME EXERCISE PROGRAMS ON FUNCTIONAL STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH ENTHESITIS RELATED ARTHRITIS

Background:

Enthesitis-Related Arthritis (ERA), also referred as the juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, is a subtype of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). However, ERA patients were reported as having higher pain levels, lower functional status and lower quality of life level compared to other JIA subtypes. Yoga is used as an exercise method in adult patients with rheumatic diseases and positive effects on physical and psychosocial symptoms were reported. However, no study was conducted related to yoga in pediatric population with rheumatic diseases.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of performing yoga or home exercises on functional status in children with ERA.

Methods:

Twenty-one children with ERA were allocated into two groups as yoga group (n=11) and home exercise group (n=10). Yoga group performed yoga exercises supervised by a physiotherapist for twice a week, for eight weeks, while the home exercise group performed video-based home exercises for the same period. Pain in rest and activity (Numeric Rating Pain Scale), functional status (Six-Minute Walk Distance, Stair Climb Test), and quality of life (PedsQL Children and Parent Form) were evaluated at baseline and following eight weeks.

Results:

The groups were similar regarding to physical characteristics, pain, functional status, and quality of life at baseline (p>0.05, Table 1). While, all the parameters (except PEDSQL Parent Form) in yoga group significantly improved at the end of the study (p<0.05, Table 2), only stair climb test results significantly improved in home exercise group (p<0.05, Table 2).

Table 1.

Comparison of the groups at baseline

Yoga Group(n:11)Median (IQR 25/75)Home Exercise Group (n:10)Median (IQR 25/75)p*Physical parametersAge (year)15.0 (13.0/15.5)16.0 (14.0/17.0)0.099BMI (kg/m2)20.7 (18.3/23.1)21.2 (19.9/22.0)0.756PainRest pain (score)0 (0/5.0)1.0 (0/3.0)0.705Activity pain (score)4.0 (1.0/6.5)2.0 (0/7.0)0.387Functional StatusSix-minute walk distance (m)600.0 (552.5/664.5)626.0 (556.0/650.0)1.000Stair climb test (sec)7.6 (6.8/8.3)7.4 (7.0/8.0)1.000Quality of LifePedsQL Children (score)13.0 (10.0/23.5)12.5 (6.0/20.0)0.654PedsQL Parent (score)21.0 (8.5/31.5)26,0 (15.0/39.0)0.387

*: Mann-Whitney U test; IQR 25/75: Interquartile Range 25/75, PedsQL: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, p<0.05

Table 2.

Changes in the Groups

BeforeMedian(IQR 25/75)AfterMedian(IQR 25/75)p*Yoga GroupPainRest pain (score)0 (0/5.0)0 (0/2.5)0.039Activity pain (score)4.0 (1.0/6.5)0 (0/1.5)0.012Functional StatusSix-minute walk distance (m)600.0 (552.5/664.5)692.0 (595.0/705.5)0.011Stair climb test (sec)7.6 (6.8/8.3)6.2 (6.0/7.0)0.008Quality of LifePedsQL Children (score)13.0 (10.0/23.5)9.0 (4.0/17.0)0.021PedsQL Parent (score)21.0 (8.5/31.5)18.0 (8.0/22.0)0.169Home Exercise GroupPainRest pain (score)1.0 (0/3.0)0 (0/3.0)0.715Activity pain (score)2.0 (0/7.0)2.0 (0/7.0)0.892Functional StatusSix-minute walk distance (m)626.0 (556.0/650.0)601.5 (585.0/707.0)0.093Stair climb test (sec)7.4 (7.0/8.0)7.0 (6.5/7.8)0.028Quality of LifePedsQL Children (score)12.5 (6.0/20.0)8.5 (7.0/18.0)0.475PedsQL Parent (score)26.0 (15.0/39.0)22.5 (14.0/30.0)0.192

*: Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, IQR 25/75: Interquartile Range 25/75, PedsQL: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, p<0.05

Conclusion:

Yoga seems promising for improving functional status in children with ERA compared to a home-based exercise program. Therefore, yoga can be implemented as an exercise intervention in rehabilitation programs in children with ERA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Coagulation parameters and platelet function analysis in patients with acromegaly

OBJECTIVE

Acromegaly is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The data about the evaluation of coagulation and fibrinolysis in acromegalic patients are very limited and to our knowledge, platelet function analysis has never been investigated. So, we aimed to investigate the levels of protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, antithrombin 3 and platelet function analysis in patients with acromegaly.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with active acromegaly and 35 healthy subjects were included in the study. Plasma glucose and lipid profile, fibrinogen levels, GH and IGF-1 levels and protein C, protein S and antithrombin III activities were measured in all study subjects. Also, platelet function analysis was evaluated with collagen/ADP and collagen-epinephrine-closure times.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics of the patient and the control were similar. As expected, fasting blood glucose levels and serum GH and IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group (pglc: 0.002, pGH: 0.006, pIGF-1: 0.001, respectively). But lipid parameters were similar between the two groups. While serum fibrinogen and antithrombin III levels were found to be significantly higher in acromegaly group (p fibrinogen: 0.005 and pantithrombin III: 0.001), protein S and protein C activity values were significantly lower in the patient group (p protein S: 0.001, p protein C: 0.001). Also significantly enhanced platelet function (measured by collagen/ADP- and collagen/epinephrine-closure times) was demonstrated in acromegaly (p col-ADP: 0.002, p col-epinephrine: 0.002). The results did not change, when we excluded six patients with type 2 diabetes in the acromegaly group. There was a negative correlation between serum GH levels and protein S (r: -0.25, p: 0.04)) and protein C (r: -0.26, p: 0.04) values. Likewise, there was a negative correlation between IGF-1 levels and protein C values (r: -0.39, p: 0.002), protein S values (r: -0.39, p: 0.001), collagen/ADP-closure times (r: -0.28, p: 0.02) and collagen/epinephrine-closure times (r:-0.26, p: 0.04). Also, we observed a positive correlation between IGF-1 levels and fibrinogen levels (r: 0.31, p: 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Acromegaly was found to be associated with increased tendency to coagulation and enhanced platelet activity. This hypercoagulable state might increase the risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in acromegaly.

Effects of pleural opening on respiratory function tests in cardiac surgery: a prospective study

PURPOSE

To show the effects on lung function of the opening pleura in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

66 patients were included. Patients were allocated into two groups. In group 1 (n=21) pleura was intact, in group 2 (n=45) pleura was opened. Both groups were compared prospectively in terms of preoperative and on the post-operative 5th day pulmonary function tests (PFT), preoperative, postoperative first and fifth day arterial blood gas analysis, preoperative and postoperative first day mixt venous oxygen saturation, bleeding, operation periods, pulmonary complications, intensive care and hospital stay period and mortality.

RESULTS

There was significant decrease in all PFT indicators on 5th post-operative day in group 2 (p < 0.01). Although there was a significant decrease in FEV1 on 5th post-operative day in group 1 (p < 0.001), other pulmonary functions parameters were not change significantly (p > 0.025). In group 2 much more decline in pulmonary function test parameters than group 1 were observed (p < 0.05). There was not statistically significant difference in blood gas analysis and mixed venous oxygen saturation values in group 1 (p > 0.05). But in group 2 except pH and PaCO2, other blood gas measurements were significantly decreased on the postoperative first and fifth day (p < 0.008). In group 2 except pH and PCO2, other parameters were less than the other Group (p < 0.01). The drained amount was still significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.001). The frequency of the revision due to bleeding was observed much more in group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Protection of the integrity of pleura may have positive effects on pulmonary functions in cardiac surgery.

Flotation of Heterocoagulated Particulates in Ulexite/SDS/Electrolyte System

Salt-type minerals can be usually floated with either anionic or cationic collectors. In a number of systems, flotation has been reported to remarkably increase above the concentrations where precipitation of the collector salt is initiated. Some studies attribute this phenomenon to heterocoagulation of oppositely charged colloidal precipitate and mineral particles. In this study, ulexite, a semisoluble boron mineral, in the presence of various multivalent ions, i.e. Ba2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Al3+, was found to exhibit excellent flotation even when particles, colloidal precipitates, and bubbles acquire a similar charge, which indicates that attractive structural forces exceed the forces of electrostatic repulsion. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.