bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring asymmetric relationship between Islamic banking development and economic growth in Pakistan: Fresh evidence from a non‐linear ARDL approach
Authors: Ullah Assad , Zhao Xinshun , Kamal Muhammad Abdul , Riaz Adeel , Zheng Bowen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIslamic banking has gleaned considerable attention recently owing to its quantum growth. This study examines the asymmetric association between Islamic banking development (IBD) and economic growth (EG) in Pakistan that spans 2007Q1 to 2017Q4. We apply the non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model of Shin et al., (2014). Our findings confirm co‐integration between IBD and EG in Pakistan. The positive (negative) shocks of IBD have significant positive (negative) association with EG in the long‐run; however, only positive shocks have significant positive relationship with EG in the short run. We observe that the interconnection between IBD‐EG is asymmetric/non‐linear in the long‐run, whereas symmetric/linear in the short run. We conclude that unlike the linear models, the non‐linear models provide realistic results by capturing hidden asymmetries, thereby assisting policymakers in useful decision making.
Nitrogen application affects grain yield by altering the soil moisture and nitrate‐N of maize/wheat cropping system in dryland areas of northwest China*
Authors: Qiang Shengcai , Zhang Fucang , Zhang Yan , Yan Shicheng , Fan Junliang , Xiang Youzhen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFew studies have investigated the effects of N application in a wheat/maize rotation system on soil moisture, residual nitrate‐N (NR), growth, grain yield (GY) and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in northwest China under dryland conditions. A five‐season (June 2013–October 2015) field experiment was conducted using N fertilizer rates of 0, 86, 172 and 258 kg ha−1 during the summer maize growing season, and 0, 105, 210 and 315 kg ha−1 during the winter wheat growing season. Soil NR increased sharply as N rates rose, but soil moisture storage decreased. Summer maize under the high N treatment suffered from increased NR levels and low soil water at the vegetative stage. The dry matter levels increased as the N supply rose during the wheat season. When the N application rate was below 210 and 172 kg N ha−1 for wheat and maize, respectively, yield increased as the N application rose, but excessive N applications negatively affected maize and wheat grain yields. NUE decreased significantly as time progressed and N rates increased. The most appropriate N rates were 172 kg N ha−1 for maize and 210 kg N ha−1 for wheat, which led to relatively good soil moisture uptake and NR conditions.
Protein palmitoylation and its pathophysiological relevance
Authors: Jin Jiayu , Zhi Xiuling , Wang Xinhong , Meng Dan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProtein palmitoylation, in which C16 fatty acid chains are attached to cysteine residues via a reversible thioester linkage, is one of the most common lipid modifications and plays important roles in regulating protein stability, subcellular localization, membrane trafficking, interactions with effector proteins, enzymatic activity, and a variety of other cellular processes. Moreover, the unique reversibility of palmitoylation allows proteins to be rapidly shuttled between biological membranes and cytoplasmic substrates in a process usually controlled by a member of the DHHC family of protein palmitoyl transferases (PATs). Notably, mutations in PATs are closely related to a variety of human diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and immune deficiency conditions. In addition to PATs, intracellular palmitoylation dynamics are also regulated by the interplay between distinct posttranslational modifications, including ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Understanding the specific mechanisms of palmitoylation may reveal novel potential therapeutic targets for many human diseases.
Outcomes Associated With 4‐Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate Administration to Reverse Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors in Bleeding Patients
Authors: Highsmith Emily A. , Morton Celia , Varnado Sara , Donahue Kevin R. , Sulhan Suraj , Lista Annette 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCompared with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), oral factor Xa inhibitors are associated with at least equivalent efficacy and a lower incidence of major bleeding. Despite this benefit, bleeding remains the most common adverse event. Prior to the approval of andexanet alfa, alternative agents such as 4‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC) were utilized for reversal. This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted on patients 18 years of age or older who received 4F‐PCC for reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors‐associated bleeding. Patients were excluded if they received a VKA or dabigatran in the previous 48 hours. A subgroup analysis comparing 4F‐PCC with andexanet alfa was conducted on patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the ANNEXA‐4 trial. The primary end point of this study was to evaluate the incidence of hemostasis and associated dosing strategies in patients receiving 4F‐PCC for reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors‐associated bleeding. Thirty‐eight patients were included, and 28 patients (74%) achieved hemostasis. The median dose of 4F‐PCC was 50 units/kg. In patients who achieved hemostasis, the median dose was 50 units/kg, and in those who failed to reach hemostasis, a median dose of 30 units/kg was seen. Within the subgroup analysis, there was no difference in overall rates of hemostasis between the 4F‐PCC and andexanet alfa groups. Remaining a reasonable option to utilize for reversal of oral factor Xa inhibitors is 4F‐PCC, especially when andexanet alfa is unavailable, with 50 units/kg appearing to be the most effective dose to achieve hemostasis. Further studies are needed to determine a preferential agent.
Suitability of the thawed algae for transmission electron microscopy study: Ultrastructural investigation on Coccomyxa melkonianiiSCCA 048
Authors: Isola Michela , Soru Santina , Loy Francesco , Malavasi Veronica , Isola Raffaella , Cao Giacomo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMorphological and ultrastructural investigations are crucial for the identification and characterization of species such as microalgae, microorganisms that greatly change their morphology and physiology during their life cycle. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an excellent tool for the ultrastructural observation of cells and their components. To date, limited ultrastructural studies have been carried out on microalgae, due to the difficulties in sample preparation. The aim of this work is to establish an appropriate fixation method that allows to better preserve the algal ultrastructure and test the suitability of the thawed algae for TEM observation. Fresh and thawed algae (Coccomyxa melkonianii SCCA 048) were fixed with different TEM fixation methods (a mix of glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde for several incubation times, sometimes preceded by a prefixation in cold methanol). The ultrastructural images obtained from fresh algae were compared to those obtained from frozen biomass. The best morphological results were achieved by fixing fresh algae in 1% paraformaldehyde and 1.25% glutaraldehyde for 5 hr. Pretreating with frozen methyl alcohol reduced fixation time to 2 hr. Both fresh and frozen algae ultrastructure were rather well preserved also with 1% paraformaldehyde and 1.25% glutaraldehyde for 2 hr. Ultrastuctural morphological images of the thawed algae demonstrated that also frozen samples can be used in TEM research, widening specimen suitability by means of this technique.
Improvement in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after pembrolizumab‐induced immune reconstruction inflammatory syndrome in a patient with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Dufour Inès , Duprez Thierry , Wertz Marie , Saussoy Pascale , Ackermans Nathalie , El Sankari Souraya , van Pesch Vincent , Van Den Neste Eric 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) may develop in follicular lymphoma patients treated with bendamustine‐rituximab. In this report, treatment with pembrolizumab successfully inhibited the clinical progression of PML by promoting radiologically demonstrated immune restoration inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), allowing complete clearance of the virus. These findings may further support the use of pembrolizumab in PML with special consideration for the potential occurrence of IRIS.
Differential alterations of insular cortex excitability after adolescent or adult chronic intermittent ethanol administration in male rats
Authors: Luo Yi‐Xiao , Galaj Ewa , Ma Yao‐Ying 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAdolescent alcohol drinking, primarily in the form of binge‐drinking episodes, is a serious public health concern. Binge drinking in laboratory animals has been modeled by a procedure involving chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) administration, as compared with chronic intermittent water (CIW). The prolonged effects of adolescent binge alcohol exposure in adults, such as high risk of developing alcohol use disorder, are severe but available treatments in the clinic are limited. One reason is the lack of sufficient understanding about the associated neuronal alterations. The involvement of the insular cortex, particularly the anterior agranular insula (AAI), has emerged as a critical region to explain neuronal mechanisms of substance abuse. This study was designed to evaluate the functional output of the AAI by measuring the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons from male rats 2 or 21 days after adolescent or adult CIE treatment. Decreases in intrinsic excitability in AAI pyramidal neurons were detected 21 days, relative to 2 days, after adolescent CIE. Interestingly, the decreased intrinsic excitability in the AAI pyramidal neurons was observed 2 days after adult CIE, compared to adult CIW, but no difference was found between 2 versus 21 days after adult CIE. These data indicate that, although the AAI is influenced within a limited period after adult but not adolescent CIE, neuronal alterations in AAI are affected during the prolonged period of withdrawal from adolescent but not adult CIE. This may explain the prolonged vulnerability to mental disorders of subjects with an alcohol binge history during their adolescent stage.
Temporal and spatial variation of the transitional climate zone in summer during 1961–2018
Authors: Wang Qiulin , Wang Lin , Huang Gang , Piao Jinling , Chotamonsak Chakrit 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe transitional climate zone (TCZ) over East Asia is an interface area between monsoon circulation and westerly circulation, making it highly susceptible to natural disasters and climate change. This study explores the spatial–temporal variation of the summer (May–September) TCZ during 1961–2018 and its response to monsoon rainy season. The summer Aridity Index (AI) instead of annual amount is used to recognize summer TCZ, with similar domain produced. However, differing from the annual total, the summer evaporation remains stable during the whole period, despite global warming. Hence, the summer TCZ has experienced little significant long‐term trends toward wetter or drier, since it is predominantly driven by precipitation that shows no clear tendency. The EOF decomposition reveals three key patterns accounting for 58.2% of the total variance: spatially uniform, south–north dipole and meridional tripole, which shows the complexity of spatial‐temporal variation in TCZ. TCZ is characterized by interdecadal mutations and periodical oscillations of 3 or 8 years. There exist remarkable 3 years interannual periods, with the greatest contribution stemming from the south‐central part of TCZ. In comparison, the northeast part exhibits a significant interdecadal band of about 8 years, which promotes the regime shift from wet to dry in the late 1990s over TCZ. Furthermore, the onset, retreat, and duration of the rainy season of TCZ in response to summer monsoon are examined, based on EEMD filtered 4 mm/day precipitation. All three indicators are subjected to strong interannual dispersion, without any significant overall trends. Only the retreat date of the western part of TCZ (100–110°E) is significantly correlated with the onset date. Dry‐wet condition in TCZ is more closely associated with the duration length of the monsoon influence. And we also notice that the westmost part of TCZ shows a greater sensitivity to monsoon activity than the east part.
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancers Metastatic to the Cervical Spine
Authors: Yin Linda X. , Puccinelli Cassandra L. , Van Abel Kathryn , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Price Daniel L. , Janus Jeffrey R. , Ryder Mabel , Moore Eric J. 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesThe spine is the most common site of bone metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The role of surgery in the management of cervical spine (C‐spine) metastases (CSpM) has not been adequately explored.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary referral center from 2002 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were pathologic diagnosis of DTC and imaging/pathologic diagnosis of CSpM. Statistical analysis utilized t tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier curves with univariate and multivariate Cox regressions.ResultsFifty patients with DTC and CSpM were identified. Of those, 16 underwent surgical resection of the C‐spine, whereas 34 did not. The most common presenting symptom was neck pain (N = 37, 74%). Patients in the surgery group were more likely to report a subjective improvement of symptoms (P < .01) and to have local (P < .01) and systemic (P = .04) disease control. Five‐year overall survival was 44.7% for the surgery group (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.1–69.3) and 11.1% (95% CI: 2.1–28.8) for the nonsurgery group (P = .01). The strongest risk factor for improved overall survival after C‐spine metastasis was local disease control at the C‐spine (multivariate hazard ratio [HR] = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.85, P = .02). Surgical intervention was significantly associated with improved survival on both univariate (HR = 0. 35, 95% CI: 0.15–0.82, P = .02) and multivariate (HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.98, P = .04) analysis.ConclusionSurgical management of CSpM in differentiated thyroid cancers is associated with significantly improved local disease control and overall survival. Referral to spine surgeons should be considered after diagnosis.Level of EvidenceIV. Laryngoscope, 131:E1741–E1747, 2021
SARS‐CoV‐2 Presence in the Saliva, Tears, and Cerumen of COVID‐19 Patients
Authors: Hanege Fatih M. , Kocoglu Esra , Kalcioglu Mahmut T. , Celik Serdal , Cag Yasemin , Esen Fehim , Bayindir Eray , Pence Sadrettin , Alp Mese Emine , Agalar Canan 
Published: October 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe emergence of a new coronavirus strain (SARS‐CoV‐2) in December 2019 from China led to a global pandemic. The lack of herd immunity against this virus and the possibility of viral spread from asymptomatic individuals is still a major challenge for the prevention of viral transmission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the virus in different bodily secretions as a potential source of viral spread among patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2.Study DesignCross Sectional Study.MethodsThe study included 38 COVID‐19 patients with a positive real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test result for SARS‐CoV‐2, obtained from the combined nasopharyngeal–oropharyngeal swab samples. Saliva, tear, and cerumen samples were taken from the patients within 72 hours of the first RT‐PCR test. SARS‐CoV‐2 N1 and N2 gene regions were studied with single‐step RT‐PCR in all samples.ResultsAmong the studied samples, the highest positivity rate was in saliva (76.3%) followed by tears (55.3%) and cerumen (39.5%). Viral load in saliva was also significantly higher compared to tears and cerumen (P < .001), while there was no significant difference between tears and cerumen. Higher viral load in combined nasopharyngeal–oropharyngeal swab samples was associated with higher viral load in tears, but not in saliva or cerumen. Half of the saliva, tear, and cerumen samples obtained from asymptomatic patients contained SARS‐CoV‐2 genome.ConclusionsThe virus was detected in the saliva, tears, and cerumen samples of both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The potential role of these bodily fluids on viral spread needs to be studied.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1677–E1682, 2021
Advances in Exosomes‐Based Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Gutierrez‐Millan Carmen , Calvo Díaz Clara , Lanao José M. , Colino Clara I. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractExosomes, a subgroup of extracellular vesicles, are important mediators of long‐distance intercellular communication and are involved in a diverse range of biological processes such as the transport of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Researchers, seeing the problems caused by the toxic effects and clearance of synthetic nanoparticles, consider exosomes as an interesting alternative to such nanoparticles in the specific and controlled transport of drugs. In recent years, there have been remarkable advances in the use of exosomes in cancer therapeutics or for treating neurological diseases, among other applications. The objective of this work is to analyze studies focused on exosomes used in drug delivery system, present and future applications in this field of research are discussed based on the results obtained.
Stress and Mindfulness in Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Effects and Potential Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: van der Heide Anouk , Meinders Marjan J. , Speckens Anne E.M. , Peerbolte Tessa F. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Helmich Rick C. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTPatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are very vulnerable to the negative effects of psychological distress: neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, are highly prevalent in PD; motor symptoms (such as tremor) typically worsen in stressful situations; and dopaminergic medication is less effective. Furthermore, animal studies of PD suggest that chronic stress may accelerate disease progression. Adequate self‐management strategies are therefore essential to reduce the detrimental effects of chronic stress on PD. Mindfulness‐based interventions encourage individuals to independently self‐manage and adapt to the challenges created by their condition. In PD, emerging clinical evidence suggests that mindfulness‐based interventions may reduce psychological distress and improve clinical symptoms, but insight into the underlying mechanisms is lacking. In this viewpoint, we provide a systematic overview of existing mindfulness trials in PD. Furthermore, we discuss the cerebral mechanisms involved in acute and chronic stress, and the impact of mindfulness‐based interventions on these networks. In addition, we delineate a hypothetical mechanistic framework of how chronic stress may increase the susceptibility for neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD and may potentially even influence disease progression. We end with offering recommendations for future research. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Small molecules targeting cyclooxygenase/prostanoid cascade in experimental brain ischemia: Do they translate?
Authors: Jiang Jianxiong , Yu Ying 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAcute brain ischemia accounts for most of stroke cases and constitutes a leading cause of deaths among adults and permanent disabilities in survivors. Currently, the intravenous thrombolysis is the only available medication for ischemic stroke; mechanical thrombectomy is an emerging alternative treatment for occlusion of large arteries and has shown some promise in selected subsets of patients. However, the overall narrow treatment window and potential risks largely limit the patient eligibility. New druggable targets are needed to innovate the treatment of brain ischemia. As the rate‐limiting enzyme in the biosyntheses of prostanoids, cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly the inducible isoform COX‐2, has long been implicated in mechanisms of acute stroke‐induced brain injury and inflammation. However, the notion of therapeutically targeting COX has been diminished over the past two decades due to significant complications of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems caused by long‐term use of COX‐2 inhibitor drugs. New treatment strategies targeting the downstream prostanoid signaling receptors regulating the deleterious effects of COX cascade have been proposed. As such, a large number of selective small molecules that negatively or positively modulate these important inflammatory regulators have been evaluated for neuroprotection and other beneficial effects in various animal models of brain ischemia. These timely preclinical studies, though not yet led to clinical innovation, provided new insights into the regulation of inflammatory reactions in the ischemic brain and could guide drug discovery efforts aiming for novel adjunctive strategies, along with current reperfusion therapy, to treat acute brain ischemia with higher specificity and longer therapeutic window.
Autoantibodies in Japanese patients with ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nagaishi Akiko , Narita Tomoko , Woodhall Mark , Jacobson Leslie , Waters Patrick , Irani Sarosh R. , Vincent Angela , Matsuo Hidenori 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe majority of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) initially present with ocular symptoms, but it is difficult to predict which cases will remain as ocular MG (OMG) or will progress to generalized MG. Herein we evaluated the serologic profile of Japanese OMG and its relationship with clinical features.MethodsSeventy‐three patients with OMG from five Japanese myasthenia gravis (MG) centers were enrolled. Live cell‐based assays (CBAs) were used to determine the presence of autoantibodies (Abs) to clustered adult (2α, β, δ, ε) and fetal (2α, β, δ, γ) acetylcholine receptor (AChR) isoforms, muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), and lipoprotein receptor–related protein‐4 (LRP4).ResultsThirty‐four of 73 (46.5%) serum samples were positive for Abs against both the adult‐type and fetal‐type AChR, as expected, but 7 (9.6%) and 2 (2.7%) were positive only for fetal or adult AChR‐Abs, respectively. Four (5.4%) samples were positive for MuSK‐Abs, but two of these also contained antibodies to fetal AChR or LRP4. Twenty‐six (35.6%) samples were seronegative.DiscussionAbs against fetal‐specific AChR, MuSK, and LRP4 are found in some patients with OMG. Future studies attempting to predict conversion from ocular symptoms to generalized MG may benefit from measurement of these antibodies.