bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of CLDN18.2 Expression in Diffuse-Type Metastatic Gastric Cancer
Authors: KIM SEOREE , Shin Kabsoo , Park Jae Myung , Lee Han Hong , Song Kyo Yong , Lee Sung Hak , Kim Bohyun , Kim Sang-Yeob , Seo Junyoung , Kim Jeong-Oh , Roh Sang-Young , Kim In-Ho 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Isoform 2 of the tight junction protein claudin-18 (CLDN18.2) is a potential target of gastric cancer treatment. A treatment targeting CLDN18.2 has shown promising results in gastric cancer. We investigated the clinical significance of CLDN18.2 and other cell-adherens junction molecules (Rho GTPase-activating protein [RhoGAP] and E-cadherin) in metastatic diffuse-type gastric cancer (mDGC).Methods We evaluated CLDN18.2, RhoGAP, and E-cadherin expression by performing two-plex immunofluorescence and quantitative data analysis of H-scores of 77 consecutive mDGC patients who received first-line, platinum-based chemotherapy between March 2015 and February 2017.Results CLDN18.2 and E-cadherin expression was significantly reduced in patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) compared with those without PM at the time of diagnosis (P=0.010 and 0.013, respectively), while it was significantly higher in patients who never exhibited PM from diagnosis to death than in those who did (p=0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Meanwhile, CLDN18.2 and E-cadherin were expressed at significantly higher levels in patients with bone metastasis than in those without it (p=0.010 and 0.001, respectively). We identified a positive correlation between the expression of CLDN18.2 and E-cadherin (p < 0.001), RhoGAP and CLDN18.2 (p=0.004), and RhoGAP and E-cadherin (p=0.001). CDLN18.2, RhoGAP, and E-cadherin expression was not associated with chemotherapy response and survival.Conclusions CLDN18.2 expression was reduced in PM but significantly intact in bone metastasis. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between the expression of CLDN18.2 and other adherens junction molecules, which has clinical implications for mDGC and PM pathogenesis.
Revenue, Trade and Welfare Effects Of the Comesa Free Trade Agreement on the Democratic Republic Of Congo
Authors: NDUNGO Patrick LUSENGE , Mugano Gift 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The present research attempts to assess the likely revenue, trade and welfare implications of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the DRC. The study adopts a partial equilibrium model as the methodological approach. The findings of the research reveal that the COMESA FTA will be beneficial to the DRC in terms of an increase in exports and consumer welfare gain. Moreover, The WITS-SMART simulation results indicate that trade will be created in the DRC as a result of the COMESA FTA. Notwithstanding the fact that trade creation will have a positive effect on welfare, as the Congolese consumers would benefit from lower prices, some local industries in the DRC may be threaten of closure due to the lack of competitiveness. In addition, the simultation results show that the country will experience a huge fiscal revenue loss due to the implementation of zero per cent tarrif rate on imports duty from the COMESA trading partners. Finally, the simultation results indicate that trade will be diverted from more efficient and low cost non-member states to high cost suppliers from the COMESA region. These findings shed light on policy implications.
The Relationship Between Empathic Tendency, Life Satisfaction and Professional Self-esteem Among Turkish Military Health Students
Authors: uzuntarla Yasin , Orhan Fatih 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aims to reveal the relationship among empathic tendencies, life satisfaction and professional self-esteem of the Turkish military students of the school of medicine, nursing and health vocational school. Besides, the study sought to determine whether there was a mediating role of professional self-esteem between the empathetic tendency and life satisfaction of the students receiving health education.Methods: The study is arranged in accordance with the relational screening model. 870 Turkish military health students participated in the study with a survey participation rate of 95.3%. To analyze the hypothesized path model, data were analyzed using SPSS 23 and AMOS 24 programs. Results: 61.3% of participants were male and 38.7% were female. Of the 870 participants, 439 were medicals, 323 were nurses and 108 were vocational school students studying at a military medical academy. Model data fit index values were found to be within acceptable limits.Conclusions: The empathic tendency, life satisfaction and professional self-esteem levels in students receiving health education are high. There is a positive and significant relationship between the variables examined. It was found that professional self-esteem has a partial mediating role in the relationship between empathic tendency and life satisfaction.
A Practical Guide to Incorporating Health Equity Domains in Implementation Frameworks
Authors: Woodward Eva N , Singh Rajinder Sonia , Ndebele-Ngwenya Phiwinhlanhla , Castillo Andrea Melgar , Dickson Kelsey S. , Kirchner JoAnn E 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Due to limited systematic integration of health equity and implementation science, it is imperative to provide researchers and practitioners tools to guide implementation in settings where there is inequitable implementation of an intervention. Our prior work documented and piloted the first published adaptation of an existing implementation science framework with health equity determinants to create the Health Equity Implementation Framework. We suggested how others’ might adapt their preferred implementation science frameworks with three health equity domains: 1) cultural factors of recipients, 2) clinical encounter, or patient-provider interaction, and 3) societal influences (including but not limited to social determinants of health). This manuscript is a practical guide to utilize three health equity domains in implementation research and practice.Methods: We describe in greater depth than in our previous publication domains typical in implementation determinants frameworks and three adaptations: domains known to affect health equity. For each domain, we compiled definitions with supporting literature, defined relevant subdomains, showcased an illustrative example, and suggested sample measures, both quantitative and qualitative.Results: We describe how to incorporate the three health equity domains in one’s preferred implementation science framework, or how to use the Health Equity Implementation Framework specifically. Practical guidelines follow ten published recommendations on how to use frameworks in implementation research and practice. We describe a new case study in which the framework guided evaluation.Conclusions: Incorporating health equity domains within implementation frameworks may optimize the scientific yield and equity of implementation efforts by assessing and ideally, addressing, implementation and equity barriers simultaneously. The practical guidance and tools provided can assist implementation scientists and practitioners to concretely address inequity in implementation across populations to capture and analyze information used to assess health outcomes.Contributions to the LiteratureSpecific definitions of implementation and three health equity domains with examples of how they have been applied in published literature and sample measures.Practical tools, including a qualitative interview guide and codebookCase study of how the Health Equity Implementation Framework guided analysis in an implementation study
Fungal Genomes: Suffering with Functional Annotation Errors
Authors: Mohanta Tapan Kumar , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Harrasi Ahmed AL 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

The genome sequencing data are accumulating at a rapid pace, with the current genome sequence data of more than 5780 species being publicly available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database alone. However, for the researcher communities to use these data, an error-free functional annotation report is a must.
Results

Analyses of the whole proteome sequence data of 689 fungal species (7.15 million protein sequences) to find the presence of functional annotation error in several species. Hence, calcium dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) and selenoproteins were targeted for the analysis as it is absent all across the fungi kingdom. The analyses revealed the presence of protein with the functional annotation name CDPK. InterproScan analysis revealed that, none of the protein sequences tagged with name “calcium dependent protein kinase” was found to encode calcium binding EF-hands at the regulatory domain. Similarly, none of a protein sequences with annotation name associated with “selenocysteine” was found to encode Sec (U) amino acid.
Conclusion

The presence of naming of such functional annotation errors in the fungal kingdom is raised a great concern and need to address it at the earliest possible time.
Modelling the effect of lockdown on COVID-19 pandemic in 22 countries and cities
Authors: Li Yong , Wu Yan , Wang Ximei , Guo Caihong , Wang Lianwen , Li Jiang , Wang Shengtao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Backgrounds: COVID-19 is currently spreading around the world, and the cumulative number of cases worldwide exceeded 5 million on 23 May 2020 (10:00 GMT+2). At present, many countries or cities have implemented lockdown measures. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of lockdown measures on the pandemic by the use of lockdown or similar lockdown in 22 countries or cities. Methods: An SEIQR epidemiological model was developed to capture the transmission dynamics of COVID-19. With the data related to COVID-19 from 22 countries or cities, the optimal parameters of the model were estimated, respectively.Results: The average basic reproduction numbers of 22 countries or cities were between 1.5286-3.8067. And Russia Federation, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States of New York and the United States of New Jersey were hardest hit by COVID-19. Conclusion: Although the pandemic has not been fundamentally controlled for a short time after lockdown, lockdown was proved to be an extremely effective control measure, which significantly scaled the number of patients down, thereby reduced the harmfulness of the pandemic.
Uncovering the underlying mechanisms of Compound Yuxingcao Mixture in the treatment of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology
Authors: Chen Xiaoyue , Zhang Yongqiang , Yuan Dongbo , Hu Bin , Zhu Guohua , Wang Wei , zhu jianguo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background and objective: The novel coronavirus named COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China in December, 2019 and has spread rapidly in China and around the world. The traditional Chinese medicine Compound Yuxingcao Mixture (CYM) has been recommended in recent editions of the national guideline while the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effectiveness and potential mechanisms of CYM on COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. Methods: The active ingredients and potential targets of CYM were screened using TCMSP and STITCH databases. Genes related severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) were queried on the DisGeNET and MalaCards databases. CYM-COVID-19 common target protein interaction network was established by STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to generate the relative pathways based on KOBAS databases. In addition, the possible binding site of screened compounds were also predicted by Autodock vina software. Results: A total of 103 active ingredients and 205 putative targets were screened from CYM, of which 32 overlapped with the targets of COVID-19 and were considered therapeutic targets. The analysis of the network diagram demonstrated that the CYM activity of ingredients of quercetin, luteolin, β-sitosterol and kaempferol may play a crucial role in treating COVID-19 by regulating TNF, IL-6, IL-1β, etc. The analysis of molecular binding energy showed that β-sitosterol had the lowest binding energy with COVID-19 3CLpro (-8.63 kJ/mol). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these targets were closely associated with inflammatory responses and immune defense processes. Conclusion: In summary, our study identified the potential mechanisms and targets of CYM for the prevention of COVID-19, providing directions for further clinical research.
Untreated Depressive Symptoms Significantly Worsen Quality of Life of the Elderly and may Lead to the Misdiagnosis of Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Voros Viktor , Fekete Sandor , Tenyi Tamas , Rihmer Zoltan , Szili Ilona , Osvath Peter 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Several studies demonstrated the role of depressive mood and cognitive impairment in the background of elevated mortality and decreased Quality of Life (QoL) of the elderly.Methods: In the framework of the ICT4Life project self-administered questionnaires and clinical screening tools were used to assess QoL, depressive symptoms and cognitive functions of 60 elderly over the age of 65.Results: Males found to be depressed and cognitively declined more frequently; and had higher scores on the depression and lower on the QoL scales. Depressed elderly had lower cognitive levels and their QoL was significantly poorer than that of the non-depressed subjects. Depressive disorders were detected in a quarter of the elderly, and the majority of them did not receive adequate antidepressant medication.Conclusions: Close correlation between depression and cognitive impairment was confirmed, as well as the key role of depression in the background of QoL decline. Results also highlighted the problems of recognition and adequate treatment of depression and cognitive decline in elderly, which can be further complicated by the common symptoms of depressive pseudo-dementia. Early recognition of depressive symptoms is important not only to treat the underlying mood disorder, but also to improve QoL of the elderly.
Prognosis and treatment results of patients with atrial arrhythmia and thrombus or dense spontaneous echo contrast in left atrial appendage
Authors: Kosmalska Katarzyna , Rzyman Malgorzata , Danilowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmila , Fijałkowski Marcin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction. Thrombus or sludge in the left atrial appendage (LAA) are both absolute contraindications for cardioversion; however, further therapeutic guidance has not been discovered. Objectives. This study focused on assessing these patients’ risk, the effectiveness of anticoagulation in thrombus resolution, and the treatment influence on patients’ risk. Patients and methods. Seventy-sevenout of267 (29%) patients with arrhythmia who were scheduled for cardioversion were diagnosed with thrombus or sludge. Of these, 44% had chronic arrhythmia and were prescribed an oral anticoagulant; the other 56% underwent further attempts at cardioversion. The entire sample was analyzed for annual risk of death and stroke in termsof anticoagulation and thrombus resolution. The effectiveness of anticoagulants was also assessed. Finally, sludge was compared to thrombus. Results. The annual mortality in patients with thrombus or sludge was 23%. In the group without thrombus,annual mortality was 1.6%. A total of 17% of patients with thrombus or sludge experienced ischemic stroke. In patients without thrombus, their risk of stroke was 1%. Heparin performed better for thrombus resolution (82%) compared to non-vitamin-K-OAC(44%) and vitamin-K antagonists (43%). Sludge increased mortality and risk of stroke comparedto those without thrombus or sludge LAA: 16% vs. 1.5% and 11% vs. 1%, respectively.Comparison between sludge and thrombus did not reveal differences. This study failed to find a prognosis-improving treatment. Conclusions. Thrombus or sludge in the LAA have a poor pronosis. Heparin is better than oral anticoagulation for dissolving thrombus. None of the analyzed treatment methods significantly decreased the risk of death or stroke.
Development of a Cost-effective Medium for Photorhabdus Temperata Bioinsecticide Production From Wastewater and Exploration of Performance Kinetic
Authors: Keskes Sahar , Jallouli Wafa , Atitallah Imen Ben , Chamkha Mohamed , Tounsi Slim 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
This study investigates the optimization of culture conditions for enhancing Photorhabdus temperata biopesticide production using wastewater (WS4) as a raw material. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to evaluate the effect of carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N), NaCl concentration and inoculum size on Photorhabdus temperata biomass production and insecticidal activity. Modelling results suggest that the selected variables had contributed significantly to the responses. For enhanced biopesticide production the optimum operation conditions were as follow: inoculum size=4 %; C/N ratio=12.5 and sodium chloride concentration= 4 g/L for two responses. 1.95 and 2.75 folds improvement in oral toxicity and biomass production, respectively, were obtained when using the three variables at their optimum values. From batch fermentations carried out in the cost-effective medium developed in this study (WS4 I) and WS4 used as control, P. temperata kinetic parameters in term of biomass production and substrate consumption were modeled. The obtained results showed that the maximum specific growth rate was of 0.38 h-1 compared to 0.16 h-1 obtained in WS4. In addition, the efficiency of P. temperata to metabolize organic carbon was enhanced by optimizing culture conditions reaching 70 % instead of 47.2 % in the control fermentation. Under the optimized conditions, P. temperata cells showed higher specific consumption rate resulting in P. temperata toxin synthesis improvement.
MicroRNA-124 alone might represent an indicator signifying cholangiocarcinoma prognosis
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Yanni , Zheng Yanfang , Chen Huoming , Wen Xiaolong , Li Zhaoxia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) played a crucial role in various diseases, including cancers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of miR-124 in patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).Methods: The expression pattern of miR-124 was detected in CCA tissues using quantitative reserve transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation of miR-124 expression with clinicopathological features and overall survival of patients were explored using chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox regression analyses.Results: The miR-124 expression level was strong down-regulated in CCA tissues compared with normal para-cancerous tissues (P<0.001). Moreover, aberrant miR-124 expression was significantly associated with differentiation (P=0.045) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.040). In addition, Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test revealed that patients with low miR-124 expression has a poorer overall survival compared with those with high miR-124 expression (P=0.002). Furthermore, multivariate analysis confirmed that miR-124 expression (P=0.006; HR=2.006; 95%CI: 1.224-3.289) was an independent prognostic indicator in CCA.Conclusions: Collectively, our results defined miR-124 expression plays important roles in CCA patients. MiR-124 expression might used as a valuable prognostic biomarker for patients with CCA.
Discovery of Potential Biomarkers Related to Aggressive Progression and Vascular Invasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Bisha 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Aggressive progression together with vascular invasion limit the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aim to identify novel candidate targets related to aggressive stage progression and vascular invasion in HCC and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Results We first found that high expression of VCX3A was significantly associated with aggressive progression and vascular invasion in HCC, and indicated poor prognosis. Subsequently, hsa-miR-664a-3p and TUBA3C was found to be the most potential upstream miRNA and downstream targets of VCX3A, respectively.Conclusions Our research demonstrates that hsa-miR-664a-3p-VCX3A-TUBA3C axis may be a novel pathway linked to stage progression and vascular invasion of HCC, which provides promising prognostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic approaches for HCC.Methods Firstly, RNA sequencing data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed genes with consistency in three comparison sets (normal VS stage I/II; stage I/II VS stage III/IV; none invasion VS invasion) were identified, after which survival analysis was performed. Next, hub gene expression was validated using clinical samples. Then, upstream miRNA was found according to miRNA predication, clinical pathological bioinformatic analysis and expression analysis. Besides, downstream molecular was found in terms of co-expressed analysis, survival analysis and expression analysis.
Exploring an RNA binding proteins-associated prognostic model for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Ming , Xie Jiayi , Luo Xiaobei , Luo Yaxin , Liu Side , Han Zelong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers around the world. Given that abnormal RNA binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in the tumorigenesis, we aimed to explore the potential value of RBPs-associated genes in gastric cancer.Methods: RNA-seq and clinical data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and differentially expressed RBPs genes were screened. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were implemented to elucidate the roles of RBPs in GC. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of RBPs were carried out, and the hub genes were determined by MCODE built in Cytoscape. The TCGA-STAD dataset was randomly divided into training and testing groups. A prognostic signature including five RBPs was developed within the training cohort after Cox regression and Lasso regression analyses. We used Kaplan–Meier (KM) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the capacity of the model in both groups. Then, a nomogram based on hub RBPs expression was established. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis was performed between the high-risk and low-risk group.Results: A total of 166 up-regulated RBPs and 130 down-regulated RBPs were identified. Via Cox regression and Lasso regression analysis within the training group, five hub RBPs (RNASE1, SETD7, BOLL, PPARGC1B, MSI2) were screened and the prognostic model was constructed. The risk score was calculated and gastric cancer patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. In multivariate analysis, risk score was still an independent prognostic indicator (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.45-2.22, P < 0.01). Patients with low risk had favorable survival rate in both training and testing group compared to those at high risk (P < 0.001). The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) of the prognostic model are 0.718 in the training cohort and 0.651 in the testing cohort. The hub RBPs-based nomogram model exhibited excellent ability to predict the OS of GC. GSEA illustrated that several cancer-related signaling pathways were enriched in patients with a high-risk score.Conclusions: This study discovered a five RBPs signature which might provide a potential prognostic value to GC patients.