bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Did China‐Pakistan free trade agreement promote trade and development in Pakistan?
Authors: Shah Syed H. , Kamal Muhammad A. , Yu Da L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChina‐Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) increased trade between China and Pakistan, however, it also swelled Pakistan trade deficit with China. The empirical findings of this paper suggest that CPFTA positively contribute to Pakistan exports to China and her imports from China but the increase in Pakistan imports was far greater than Pakistan exports after CPFTA. Resultantly, Pakistan's trade deficit with China increased and Pakistan's growth hampered. Constant market share analysis suggests that a better understanding of the Chinese market, efficient utilization of tariff lines and focus on products of the comparative edge are important for Pakistan to benefit from CPFTA. Otherwise, CPFTA is counterproductive for Pakistan.
Prehospital emergency obstetric and neonatal care train‐the‐trainers program in Rwanda
Authors: Rosenberg Ashley , Williams Kenneth , Nyinawankusi Jeanne D’Arc , Asay Basil , Wolfe Luke , Ntirushwa David , Ndikuryayo Emmanuel , Ritter Amanda , Uwitonze Jean Marie , Kabagema Ignace , Dushime Theophile , Jayaraman Sudha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo improve maternal mortality rates, our collaboration developed and implemented a context‐specific, prehospital Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Course (EONC) and train‐the‐trainers program in Rwanda.MethodsTwo cohorts of staff participated in the program—the SAMU emergency medical service and staff from district hospitals. A 2‐day course was developed, consisting of skills stations, simulations, and didactics. A 50‐question assessment was administered to both cohorts before and after the courses. Student's t test and matched paired t tests were used to evaluate the assessments through retrospective analysis of the data.ResultsEONC1 median scores were 60% versus 92% (pre vs post), using matched‐pair analysis of 20 participants. EONC2 median scores were 52% versus 96% (pre vs post), using matched‐pair analysis of participants. A one‐way analysis of variance mean square analysis showed that regardless of the baseline level of training for each participant, all trainees reached similar post‐course assessment scores (F(1) = 8.35, P = 0.0059).ConclusionOptimal prehospital management of obstetric emergencies is essential to prevent needless mortality and morbidity. This study demonstrated that a context‐appropriate prehospital obstetric and neonatal training program could be effectively developed and implemented for the SAMU team in Kigali, Rwanda.
Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in cancer; with an extensive focus on TLR agonists and antagonists
Authors: Keshavarz Ali , Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Zafari Parisa , Bagheri Nader , Ghaffari Seyed H. , Bashash Davood 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAt the forefront of the battle against pathogens or any endogenously released molecules, toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play an important role as the most noble pattern recognition receptors. The ability of these receptors in distinguishing “self” and “non‐self” antigens is a cornerstone in the innate immunity system; however, misregulation links inflammatory responses to the development of human cancers. It has been known for some time that aberrant expression and regulation of TLRs not only endows cancer cells an opportunity to escape from the immune system but also supports them through enhancing proliferation and angiogenesis. Over the past decades, cancer research studies have witnessed a number of preclinical and clinical breakthroughs in the field of TLR modulators and some of the agents have exceptionally performed well in advanced clinical trials. In the present review, we have provided a comprehensive review of different TLR agonists and antagonists and discuss their limitations, toxicities, and challenges to outline their future incorporation in cancer treatment strategies.
Tuberculosis comorbidity with rheumatoid arthritis: Gene signatures, associated biomarkers, and screening
Authors: Zafari Parisa , Golpour Monireh , Hafezi Nasim , Bashash Davood , Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Tavakolinia Naeimeh , Rafiei Alireza 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to be related to an elevated risk of infections because of its pathobiology and the use of immunosuppressive therapies. Reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection is a serious issue in patients with RA, especially after receiving anti‐TNFs therapy. TNF blocking reinforces the TB granuloma formation and maintenance and the growth ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). After intercurrent of TB infection, the standard recommendation is that the treatment with TNF inhibitors to be withheld despite its impressive effect on suppression of inflammation until the infection has resolved. Knowing pathways and mechanisms that are common between two diseases might help to find the mechanistic basis of this comorbidity, as well as provide us a new approach to apply them as therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers. Also, screening for latent TB before initiation of an anti‐TNF therapy can minimize complications. This review summarizes the shared gene signature between TB and RA and discusses the biomarkers for early detection of this infection, and screening procedures as well.
Circ_0109046 promotes the malignancy of endometrial carcinoma cells through the microRNA‐105/SOX9/Wnt/β‐catenin axis
Authors: Li Yanyan , Liu Jinyu , Piao Jinxia , Ou Jian , Zhu Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEmerging evidence suggests the important involvements of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in cancer progression. This study focuses on the function of Circ_0109046 on the malignancy of endometrial carcinoma (EC) cells and the molecules involved. First, high expression of Circ_0109046 was found in EC tissues compared to the adjacent tissues, and it predicted unfavorable prognosis in patients. Similarly, high expression of Circ_0109046 was confirmed in EC cells relative to that in normal endometrial epithelial cells. Silencing of Circ_0109046 in AN3‐CA cells inhibited proliferation and aggressiveness but increased apoptosis of cells. Circ_0109046 was mainly sub‐localized in cytoplasm, and it mediated SOX9 expression through sponging microRNA (miR)‐105. The proliferation and aggressiveness of EC cells suppressed by Circ_0109046 downregulation was recovered upon SOX9 overexpression. SOX9 activated the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of Circ_0109046 reduced the growth of xenograft tumors in nude mice. This study evidenced that Circ_0109046 upregulates SOX9 expression through sponging miR105, leading to activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and the malignant growth of EC. This study may offer novel understanding in EC treatment.
Evolution of raw meat polarization‐based properties by means of Mueller matrix imaging
Authors: Peyvasteh Motahareh , Popov Alexey , Bykov Alexander , Pierangelo Angelo , Novikova Tatiana , Meglinski Igor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe possibilities of using Mueller matrix (MM) imaging polarimetry to assess meat quality have not yet been sufficiently explored. In the current study, the fresh porcine muscles are imaged at room temperature with a wide‐field MM imaging polarimeter over 26 hours to visualize dynamics of tissue optical properties through applying Lu‐Chipman decomposition. The frequency distribution histograms (FDHs) and statistical analysis of the MM elements show prominent changes over time. The wavelength spectra of both total depolarization and scalar retardance have dips at 550 nm whereas their values continuously increase with time; the former is referred to the increase of number of scattering events and decrease of myoglobin absorption in the red part of visible spectra related to meat color and freshness, while the latter is associated with the increase in birefringence and meat tenderness. The obtained results are promising to develop a novel fast noncontact optical technique for monitoring of meat quality.
Thermochemical stabilities of giant fullerenes using density functional tight binding theory and isodesmic‐type reactions
Authors: Waite Simone L. , Karton Amir , Chan Bun , Page Alister J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present a systematic assessment of the density functional tight binding (DFTB) method for calculating heats of formation of fullerenes with isodesmic‐type reaction schemes. We show that DFTB3‐D/3ob can accurately predict ΔfH values of the 1812 structural isomers of C60, reproduce subtle trends in ΔfH values for 24 isolated pentagon rule (IPR) isomers of C84, and predict ΔfH values of giant fullerenes that are in effectively exact agreement with benchmark DSD‐PBEP86/def2‐QZVPP calculations. For fullerenes up to C320, DFTB ΔfH values are within 1.0 kJ mol−1 of DSD‐PBEP86/def2‐QZVPP values per carbon atom, and on a per carbon atom basis DFTB3‐D/3ob yields exactly the same numerical trend of (ΔfH [per carbon] = 722n−0.72 + 5.2 kJ mol−1). DFTB3‐D/3ob is therefore an accurate replacement for high‐level DHDFT and composite thermochemical methods in predicting of thermochemical stabilities of giant fullerenes and analogous nanocarbon architectures.
The long non‐coding RNA PCAL7 promotes prostate cancer by strengthening androgen receptor signaling
Authors: Li Zhihui , Teng Jingfei , Jia Zhuomin , Zhang Guohui , Ai Xing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe prostate cancer (PCa) has been a global problem to men health. Notably, the androgen receptor (AR) is essential for both normal development of prostate and prostate cancer progression.MethodsThe RNA sequencing was used to identify the novel long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) termed PCAL7. The RT‐qPCR was performed to quantify PCAL7 expression. Migration and proliferation assays were used to examine the function of PCAL7. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to determine subcellular localization.ResultsBy RNA sequencing, the differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified (top 10 upregulated lncRNAs: PCAL7, AC083843.1, CTC‐338M12.3, RP11‐443B7.1, RP11‐1008C21.2, RN7SL329P, RP4‐773N10.4, RP11‐264B17.2, KB‐1507C5.2, and RP11‐20B24.6; top 10 downregulated lncRNAs: RP11‐77H9.2, RAB11FIP1P1, AP001625.6, CTA‐217C2.1, RP11‐603J24.7, RP11‐315I20.1, AC092839.1, RP4‐758J18.10, RP11‐259O2.3, and HMGN2P17). PCAL7 was the lncRNA with the highest fold upregulation and significantly correlated with AR signaling during prostate cancer progression. The AR‐regulated PCAL7 was abundantly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues and AR‐dependent cell lines. PCAL7 knockdown inhibited cell migration and proliferation. Consistently, the migration and proliferation were promoted by PCAL7 overexpression. PCAL7 depletion via antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) markedly suppressed AR signaling and tumor growth. Mechanistically, PCAL7 interacted with Huntingtin‐interacting protein 1 (HIP1) to stabilize HIP1. Therefore, PCAL7 could advance AR signaling via a novel positive feedback loop.ConclusionOur experiments support an oncogenic role for PCAL7 which promotes prostate cancer progression suggesting PCAL7 may serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for quantifying nine antimicrobials in human serum and its application to study the exposure of Chinese pregnant women to antimicrobials
Authors: Li Youran , Yue Xiaofei , Pan Zhifeng , Liu Ying , Shen Min , Zhai Yanhong , Cao Zheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo study the prevalence of the exposure of pregnant women to antimicrobials, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine nine antimicrobials, namely sulfadimidine, sulfapyridine, sulfadiazine, sulfathiazole, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline, and lincomycin, in human serum.MethodsThe sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation followed by a cleanup step with solid phase extraction (SPE). Separation was carried out using a CORTECS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 µm) by gradient elution with a runtime of 8.0 min. Detection was performed on a triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometer with scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) in positive ion scan mode.ResultsThe calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.5–50 ng/ml, and the limit of quantitation was between 0.01 and 0.2 ng/ml. For each level of quality control samples, the inter‐ and intra‐assay precision values were less than 12.0%, and the accuracy ranged from 86.1% to 109.0%. No significant matrix effect or carryover was observed. The antimicrobials of interest were stable under all investigated conditions. The validated method was applied to analyze clinical samples from pregnant women in China, and 10 out of 500 samples showed the presence of antimicrobial residues. Moreover, compared with the time‐resolved fluoro‐immunoassay (TRFIA) method, the developed method showed greater sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionThis study provides a simple and rapid LC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous measurement of nine antimicrobials in serum samples, which could be a useful tool in clinical utilization.
Antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) of dengue virus: Identification of the key amino acid that is vital in DENV vaccine research
Authors: Cui Guohui , Si Lulu , Wang Ying , Zhou Junmei , Yan Huijun , Jiang Lifang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) of dengue virus (DENV) has critically restricted vaccine development. Prior research suggested pr4 as the probable ADE epitope of DENV.MethodsChimeric DENV was constructed by replacing the DENV pr4 gene with the corresponding Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) gene to determine whether it can reduce ADE activities. An alanine scanning method and bioinformatics analysis were utilized to identify the amino acid of pr4 that was crucial as an ADE epitope.ResultsChimeric virus reduced ADE and virulence. The amino acids at the following locations on the mutant peptides showed significantly reduced binding ability to prM antibody: pr4.5 (position 5 – leucine), pr4.6 (position 6 – leucine), pr4.7 (position 7 – phenyalanine) and pr4.16 (position 16 – cysteine). The four amino acids had formed a pocket‐like structure, which could increase the possibility of binding to an antibody.ConclusionsADE activities could be reduced by replacing the DENV pr4 gene with the corresponding JEV gene. Leucine at position 5, leucine at position 6, phenyalanine at position 7 and cysteine at position 16 were the key amino acid sites in the ADE response of DENV. The occurrence of ADE can potentially be reduced by the replacement of key amino acids, hence highlighting its possible contribution to dengue vaccine design, paving a way for future vaccine research.
Bilateral subdural hematomas and retinal hemorrhages mimicking nonaccidental trauma in a patient with D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria
Authors: Perales‐Clemente Ester , Hewitt Angela L. , Studinski April L. , Tillema Jan‐Mendelt , Laxen William J. , Oglesbee Devin , Graff Arne H. , Rinaldo Piero , Lanpher Brendan C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionNonaccidental trauma (NAT) is considered when pediatric patients present with intracranial injuries and a negative history of an accidental injury or concomitant medical diagnosis. The evaluation of NAT should include the consideration of possible medical causes including coagulation, hematologic, metabolic and other genetic disorders, as well as witnessed and unwitnessed accidental injuries.Case PresentationWe present a 7‐month‐old male with spells and incidental findings of bilateral subdural hematomas, retinal hemorrhages, and secondary macrocephaly, leading to investigation for NAT. Biochemical analysis showed excretion of a large amount of D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric in urine consistent with a biochemical diagnosis of D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria, a rare neurometabolic disorder characterized by developmental delay, epilepsy, hypotonia, and psychomotor retardation. None of these symptoms were present in our patient at the time of diagnosis. Molecular genetic testing revealed a pathogenic splice site variant (c.685‐2A>G) and a variant of uncertain significance (c.1256G>T) with evidence of pathogenicity in the D2HGDH gene, consistent with a molecular diagnosis of D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria type I (OMIM #600721).ConclusionSince several metabolic disorders, including D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria type I, can present solely with symptoms suggestive of NAT (subdural and retinal hemorrhages), an early metabolic evaluation by urine organic acid analysis should be included in clinical protocols evaluating NAT. A methodical and nonjudgmental approach coordinated between pediatricians and metabolic specialists is also necessary to ensure that rare genetic conditions are not overlooked to prevent devastating social, legal, and financial consequences of suspected child abuse.
Clinical characteristics of pediatric SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Kuwait
Authors: Alsharrah Danah , Alhaddad Fatemah , Alyaseen Munirah , Aljamaan Sarah , Almutairi Nahar , Ayed Mariam , Papenburg Jesse , Alghounaim Mohammad 
Published: November 2020

AbstractClinical presentation of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) ranges from asymptomatic to severe and life‐threatening. National‐level registries found that children, generally, have less severe disease when compared with adults. However, most asymptomatically infected children will not present to hospital and may be missed. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics in pediatric COVID‐19 patients in Kuwait, and to estimate the potential duration of viral shedding. A retrospective cohort study was performed in Jaber Alahmad Hospital (JAH) from February 29 to April 30, 2020. During the study period and as part of the public health measures, all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐infected patients from 1 month to 18 years old, regardless of symptoms, were hospitalized at JAH, and were included. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negativity was defined as having two consecutive negative PCR results from a respiratory specimen. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression analyses were performed. We found that 67.9% (95% CI, 59.4%–75.3%) of 134 SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected children were asymptomatic. Median PCR positivity was 15 days and did not vary with symptoms. Among patients who had laboratory investigations and chest imaging, symptomatic infection was associated with elevated C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin, and radiographic pneumonia. Asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is very common in children. Among symptomatic patients, the disease seems to be mild. Children exhibit substantial duration of viral shedding, regardless of symptoms.
Reporting of test comparisons in diagnostic accuracy studies: A literature review
Authors: Vali Yasaman , Yang Bada , Olsen Maria , Leeflang Mariska M. G. , Bossuyt Patrick M. M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractComparative accuracy studies evaluate the relative performance of two or more diagnostic tests. As any other form of research, such studies should be reported in an informative manner, to allow replication and to be useful for decision‐making. In this study we aimed to assess whether and how components of test comparisons were reported in comparative accuracy studies. We evaluated 100 comparative accuracy studies, published in 2015, 2016 or 2017, randomly sampled from 238 comparative accuracy systematic reviews. We extracted information on 20 reporting items, pertaining to the identification of the test comparison, its validity, and the actual results of the comparison. About a third of the studies (n = 36) did not report the comparison as a study objective or hypothesis. Although most studies (n = 86) reported how participants had been allocated to index tests, we could often not evaluate whether test interpreters had been blinded to the results of other index tests (n = 40; among 59 applicable studies), nor could we identify the sequence of index tests (n = 52; among 90 applicable studies) or the methods for comparing measures of accuracy (n = 59). Two‐by‐four table data (revealing the agreement between index tests) were only reported by 9 of 90 paired comparative studies. More than half of the studies (n = 64) did not provide measures of statistical imprecision for comparative accuracy. Our findings suggest that components of test comparisons are frequently missing or incompletely described in comparative accuracy studies included in systematic reviews. Explicit guidance for reporting comparative accuracy studies may facilitate the production of full and informative study reports.
Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Cognitive and Physical Impairments in World Trade Center Responders
Authors: Diminich Erica D. , Clouston Sean A. P. , Kranidis Alexandra , Kritikos Minos , Kotov Roman , Kuan Peifen , Carr Melissa , Bromet Evelyn J. , Luft Benjamin J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to increased prevalence and incidence of cognitive and physical impairment. When comorbid, these conditions may be associated with poor long‐term outcomes. We examined associations between chronic PTSD and symptom domains with cognitive and physical functioning in World Trade Center (WTC) responders nearly 20 years after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Participants included a cross‐sectional sample of 4,815 responders who attended a monitoring program in 2015–2018. Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores less than 23 indicated cognitive impairment (CogI); Short Physical Performance Battery scores 9 or lower on a hand‐grip test indicated physical impairment (PhysI). Comorbid cognitive/physical impairment (Cog/PhysI) was defined as having cognitive impairment with at least one objective PhysI indicator. Clinical chart review provided PTSD diagnoses; symptom domains were assessed using the PTSD Checklist. Participants were on average 53.05 years (SD = 8.01); 13.44% had PTSD, 7.8% had CogI, 24.8% had PhysI, and 5.92% had comorbid Cog/PhysI. Multivariable‐adjusted multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that Responders with PTSD have more than three times the risk of Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.29, 95% CI 2.44‐ 4.44). Domain‐specific analyses revealed that emotional numbing symptoms predicted an increased risk of PhysI (adjusted RR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.08‐2.28), whereas reexperiencing symptoms were associated with comorbid Cog/PhysI (adjusted RR = 3.96, 95% CI, 2.33‐6.74). These results suggest that responders with chronic PTSD may have increased risk of deficits beyond age‐expected impairment characterized by the emergence of comorbid Cog/PhysI at midlife.