bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trade-restrictive Measures under the WTO Framework in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Example of China
Authors: Zhao Yun , Lin Lifei 
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to shortages of critical medical equipment and supplies, exposing significant flaws in the global supply chain. A number of countries have adopted trade-restrictive measures in response to the domestic challenges posed by COVID-19. This paper analyzes whether the trade-restrictive measures adopted by various countries in response to COVID-19 are legitimate under the current WTO framework and how to reform multilateral rules on such measures to promote global equality in accessing essential supplies and coping with the de-globalization wave.
With reference to China’s practice, the paper first examines the compatibility of the trade-restrictive measures induced by COVID-19 with the WTO framework, arguing that export restrictions are likely permissible under WTO rules as long as they are non-discriminatory, temporary, and necessary to achieve a certain degree of domestic protection. However, such measures may ultimately disrupt global supply chains and cause more harm, especially to vulnerable countries. The COVID-19 crisis may even lead to a post-pandemic wave of economic de-Sinicization and de-globalization. The paper further argues that it will be contrary to the globalization trend for countries to implement a policy of supply chain localization in the post-pandemic era. The paper concludes that the best solution for minimizing the losses induced by similar crises in the future is to refer back to the WTO framework and reform the rules pertaining to trade-restrictive measures to promote equitable access to key global supplies.
A Study of Anatomical and Visual Outcome in Secondary Scleral Fixated Intra-Ocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Rajurkar Dr Sagar , Agrawal Sachin , Chauhan Ravi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract:
Aims: To study of anatomical and visual outcome in secondary scleral fixated intra-ocular lens implantation
Settings and Design: Hospital based prospective case study conducted at a tertiary care centre over a period of 2 years.
Methods and Material: 30 eyes of 30 patients underwent secondary scleral fixation of IOL by 2-point Ab-externo technique. Post-operatively best corrected visual acuity, IOP, Keratometry and complications encountered were noted at regular follow-up of 7th day, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Results: Mean age of patients in the study was 52.33 years in the range of 46-60 years. Out of the 30 cases, 56.66% were men and 43.33% were women. Best corrected pre-operative V/A was in the range of 6/24 to 6/18 (53.33%), 6/12 to 6/9 (16.66%), 6/60 to 6/36 (30%). At final follow-up of 6 months, the results were, 63.33% in range of 6/12 to 6/9, 26.66% in 6/24 to 6/18 and 10% in 6/60 to 6/36. In early complications, transient corneal oedema was seen in 20%, transient IOP elevation in 10%, while vitreous haemorrhage and post-operative hyphaema was noted in 3.33% each. In late complications, Cystoid Macular Oedema was seen in 10%, pupil distortion was seen in 6.66% of patients and decentred IOL was seen in 3.33% of the patients.
Conclusion: Secondary scleral fixated IOL provides good visual outcome and better anatomical position with minimal complications.
A avaliação perceptiva de atributos paralinguísticos e extralinguísticos na fala de uma comunidade de prática
Authors: Tanuri Marta Ap. F. , Madureira Sandra , Fontes Mario Augusto de Souza , Caltabiano Maria Aparecida 
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar as impressões causadas, pelo falar de sujeitos de uma comunidade de prática caiçara, em grupos de ouvintes de três localidades diversas, por meio da aplicação de um questionário de diferencial semântico, o qual contém descritores referentes a atributos paralinguísticos e extralinguísticos: psicológicos, sociais, culturais, físicos e econômicos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza sociofonética perceptiva que compreende uma tarefa de produção e uma de percepção e utiliza o método de análise estatística multidimensional. Os resultados indicam que a fala da comunidade caiçara não causou nenhuma estranheza ou incompreensão, mas foi considerada pouco agradável pelos juízes de todas as localidades. Com base nas variáveis estatisticamente significantes, os caiçaras, a partir da percepção da sua maneira de falar, foram julgados como pessoas que exercem trabalhos manuais, apresentam situação financeira baixa e são ingênuos, simplórios e humildes.
Alternative Splicing Signature in human Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Li Daowei , Liang Yuanzi , Lu Jia , Tan Yue 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Although hundreds of risk loci for Crohn’s disease (CD) have been identified, the underlying pathogenesis of CD remains unclear. Recently, evidence has shown that aberrant gene expression in CD patients’ colon tissues was associated with progression of CD. We reasoned that post-transcriptional regulation, especially alternative splicing (AS), may also play important roles in the pathogenesis of CD. Results: Herein we re-analyzed a public mRNA-seq data from NCBI GEO dataset (GSE66207) and identified approximately 3,000 unique AS events in CD patients compared to the healthy controls. “Lysine degradation” and “Sphingolipid metabolism” are the top two AS events enriched terms in CD patients. In a validation study, we also sequenced 8 subjects and demonstrated that key genes which were previously linked to CDs, such as IRF1, STAT3, also had significant AS events in CDs. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provided a landscape of AS events in CD, especially as the first study focused on a Chinese cohort. Our data suggested that dysregulation of AS may be a new mechanism that contribute to the pathogenesis of CD.
A comprehensive physical interaction map between the Turnip mosaic potyvirus and Arabidopsis thaliana proteomes
Authors: Martínez Fernando , Toft Christina , Hillung Julia , Carrasco José L. , Giménez-Santamarina Silvia , Yenush Lynne , Rodrigo Guillermo , Elena Santiago 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that have co-evolved with their hosts to establish an intricate network of protein-protein interactions. Yet, the systems-level mode of action of plant viruses remains poorly understood. Here, we followed a high-throughput yeast two-hybrid screening to identify 378 novel virus-host protein-protein interactions between Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), a representative plant RNA virus, and Arabidopsis thaliana, one of its natural hosts. We found the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase NIb as the virus protein with the largest number of contacts. We verified a subset of 25 selected interactions in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. We then constructed a comprehensive network comprising 399 TuMV-A. thaliana interactions to perform, together with intravirus and intrahost connections, detailed computational analyses. In particular, we found that the host proteins targeted by the virus participate in a higher number of infection-related functions, are more connected and have an increased capacity to spread information throughout the cell proteome, display higher expression levels, and have been subject to stronger purifying selection than expected by chance. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive mechanistic description of a plant virus-host interplay, with potential impact on disease etiology, and reveal that plant and animal viruses share fundamental features in their mode of action.
Association Between Quality of Life and Prognostic Awareness in Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Vlčková Karolína , Polakova Kristyna , Tuckova Anna , Houska Adam , Loucka Martin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Despite the current guidelines supporting open communication about serious news, the evidence about the impact of prognostic awareness on the quality of life in cancer patients is not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between quality of life and prognostic awareness in patients with advanced cancer.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which involved patients (N= 129) with incurable advanced cancer (estimated by oncologist using 12-month surprise question). Data were collected at oncology departments at 3 hospitals using structured interview in which patients were asked about their quality of life (using Integrated Palliative Outcome Scale - IPOS and a single-item global measure), prognostic awareness, information needs and demographics. Results: Only 16 % (N= 129) of the sample was completely aware of prognosis and 57 % was partially aware. Accurate prognostic awareness was significantly associated (p= 0.02) with lower level of quality of life between (when measured by both the IPOS and the single-item scale) patients with accurate prognostic awareness (M= 37.1; 3.9) and partially aware (M= 31.9; 4.6) and unaware patients (M= 30; 5.2). Detailed analysis showed that significant difference between groups was found only for physical symptoms subscales (p=0.002), not for emotional and communication subscales.Conclusion: Prognostic awareness does not have to be associated with increased emotional distress to patient, which many clinicians fear and therefore tend to avoid or postpone prognostic disclosure. More research is needed on personality factors that might influence the development of prognostic awareness and quality of life.
Antialdosterone in Acute Myocardial Infarction patients: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Qiao , Zhao Die , Sun Jie , Lu Chengzhi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We aimed to summarize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in post acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Articles were identified through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid (Medline1946-2021) and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from their inception to December 31, 2020. MRA reduced the risk of all-cause mortality by 16% (relative ratio (RR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.76, 0.94), P = 0.002). Meanwhile, all-cause mortality was reduced by 38% (RR 0.62, 95% CI (0.42, 0.90), P = 0.01), 30% (RR 0.70, 95% CI (0.49, 1.00), P = 0.05), and 29% (RR 0.71, 95% CI (0.59, 0.86), P = 0.0004) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients and those who initiated MRA treatment within 3 days and (3,7) days, respectively. Post-AMI patients without left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) treated with MRA improved left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference [MD] 2.74, 95% CI (2.49, 2.99), P < 0.00001) and reduced left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices (MD -6.23, 95% CI (-10.93, -1.52), P = 0.009; MD -3.13, 95% CI (-5.79, -0.47), P = 0.02). The corresponding RR were 1.73 (95% CI (1.44, 2.08), P < 0.00001) for considered common side effects (hyperkalemia and gynecomastia). Our findings suggest that all-cause mortality is lower in STEMI patients and in patients initiating MRA within 7 days, and that post-AMI patients without LVSD have improved left ventricular remodeling and cardiac function.
Application of the Modified Cytosine Base-Editing in the Cultured Cells of Bama Minipig
Authors: Pan Jia-sheng , Lin Zi-sheng , Wen Jian-cong , Guo Jian-feng , Wu Xia-hui , Liu Ying-ying , Lai Wen-jun , Liang Qi-ying , Xie Yong-shi , Chen Yi-rou , Chen Yi-hong , Yan Ai-fen , Feng Juan , Liu Lian , Gong Dao-yuan , Zhu Xiang-xing , Lu Jia-hong , Tang Dong-sheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Bama minipig is a unique miniature swine bred from China. Their favorable characteristics include delicious meat, strong adaptability, tolerance to rough feed, and high levels of stress tolerance. Unfavorable characteristics are their low lean meat percentage, high fat content, slow growth rate, and low feed conversion ratio. Genome-editing technology using CRISPR/Cas9 efficiently knocked out the myostatin gene (MSTN) that has a negative regulatory effect on muscle production, effectively promoting pig muscle growth and increasing lean meat percentage of the pigs. However, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology is based on random mutations implemented by DNA double-strand breaks, which may trigger genomic off-target effects and chromosomal rearrangements. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 to improve economic traits in pigs has raised biosafety concerns. Base editor (BE) developed based on CRISPR/Cas9 such as cytosine base editor (CBE) effectively achieve targeted modification of a single base without relying on DNA double-strand breaks. Hence, the method has greater safety in the genetic improvement of pigs. The aim of the present study is to utilize a modified CBE to generate MSTN-knockout cells of Bama minipigs. Our results showed that the constructed “all-in-one”-modified CBE plasmid achieved directional conversion of a single C·G base pair to a T·A base pair of the MSTN target in Bama miniature pig fibroblast cells. We successfully constructed multiple single-cell colonies of Bama minipigs fibroblast cells carrying the MSTN premature termination and verified that there were no genomic off-target effects detected. This study provides a foundation for further application of somatic cell cloning to construct MSTN-edited Bama minipigs that carry only a single-base mutation and avoids biosafety risks to a large extent, thereby providing experience and a reference for the base editing of other genetic loci in Bama minipigs.
Characteristics and Long-term Outcome of 535 Patients with Histologically Confirmed Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) - A Single Center Experience of 18 Years
Authors: Buechter Matthias , Kessener Johannes , Möhlendick Birte , Baba Hideo A. , Gerken Guido , Alisan Kahraman 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare liver disease with a favorable prognosis following immunosuppression. In this work-up, we present our long-term experience with this patient collective. Patients and Methods: Overall, we were able to retrospectively evaluate data from 535 patients with histologically confirmed AIH over a period of 18 years between 2002 and 2020. Results: As expected, almost ¾ of the patients were women (74.5 %) of middle age (47.0 ± 14.9 years). Type I AIH was diagnosed in almost all patients (97.5 %). However, 88 patients (16.4 %) revealed an overlap to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In contrast, overlap to primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) was detected in only 22 patients (3.7 %). Regarding auto-antibody profile, positivity for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) was found in 388 patients (72.5 %); smooth-muscle actin (SMA)-titer was positive in 90 patients (16.8 %), anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) were detected in 43 individuals (8.0 %), and we found positive p-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) in 12 patients (2.2 %). More than ¾ of the patients (n = 417 ≈ 77.9 %) were initially treated with corticosteroids (1 mg/kg/day) and this therapy was continued in almost all subjects (97.4 %) in low dose (5 - 7.5 mg/day) as maintenance therapy. Steroid-saving and remission-maintaining therapy with azathioprine was carried out in 380 patients (71.0 %). Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or calcineurin-inhibitors (CNI) were used as second- or third-line immunosuppression. Acute liver failure (ALF) - as the first manifestation of AIH - was diagnosed in 101 patients (18.8 %). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was detected in at least 6 patients (1.1 %). Liver transplantation (LT) was performed in 51 patients (9.5 %) who progressed to cirrhosis despite immunosuppression. Unfortunately, a total of 45 patients (8.4 %) died of cirrhosis-related complications (infected ascites, bleeding, encephalopathy) without chance for adequate organ offer.Conclusion: We here present our long-term experience with a significant number of patients diagnosed with AIH over a long observation period of 18 years. In general, patients with AIH can adequately be managed with good clinical outcome at a liver center requiring immunosuppressive therapy. However, HCC-screening, acute-on-chronic (AOC) liver decompensation, or liver transplantation have to be taken into consideration carefully.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: Its impact on a newborn’s childcare environment and on the mother’s sense of loneliness
Authors: Miyoshi Ai , Ueda Yutaka , Taniguchi Mariko , Yagi Asami , Kimura Toshihiro , Kobayashi Eiji , Hiramatsu Kosuke , Nakagawa Satoshi , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Arahori Hitomi , Ikeda Sayaka , Hirai Kei , Kimura Tadashi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The COVID-imposed social isolation of Japanese mothers has significantly increased their already existing sense of loneliness. We report here on the changes that have occurred in the environment of home childcare and in the mother’s feelings of loneliness during the pandemic and we compare these findings with results from a similar previous study we conducted in 2019. Methods: In 2019, we conducted an online survey of mothers who had infants aged 4-12 months. Many of the survey questions at that time concerned the home childcare environment and the mother’s sense of loneliness. In 2020, during the height of this COVID pandemic, we conducted a follow-up COVID impact survey using the same questionnaire, of a different group mothers, again having infants of 4-12 months, to determine the impact of the pandemic on the mothers of extra-vulnerable young children. Results: The number of women who consulted with their friends or neighbors about childcare during the pandemic had decreased from the more normal times of early 2019, whereas in 2020 there was an increase in the number who consulted with their mother. The mother’s method of gathering childrearing information had shifted away from the face-to-face focus of 2019 to a habit of calling a municipal health center or using social-networking-services (SNS) as a reference. The rate was decreased of a mothers’ frequency of interaction with other parents having children at home as old as their own child. Overall, the number of mothers who felt loneliness was significantly increased. Conclusions: Because of the impact on mothers of the COVID pandemic, specifically around their methods of gathering information concerning childcare, we found that the child-rearing 3 environment in Japan has detrimentally changed since early 2019. Whether or not the mother felt stressed or felt they lacked sufficient information concerning childcare was associated with having an impact on the mother’s sense of loneliness. The importance of the appropriate transmission of information concerning childcare had increased due to this pandemic, so we need to take aggressive actions to help these mothers of small children to prevent harm and tragedies from occurring to the children in their care.
Circulating RP11-445H22.4 and TINCR are Potential Biomarkers for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Moradi Mohammad-Taher , Rahimi Zohreh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Recently introduced molecules namely long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with various diseases, including breast cancer, and they may have the potential to act as biomarkers. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is a frequently observed type of breast cancer that diagnosis through immunohistochemical methods. However, no reliable non-invasive markers such as circulating markers have been introduced for it, so far. Methods: The relative quantitation (RQ) of two lncRNAs, RP11-445H22.4 and TINCR, was measured in tumoral tissues and paired adjacent non-tumoral tissues (PANTs) as well as in plasma samples using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, promoter methylation of the two lncRNAs genes was assessed using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). In order to compare the diagnostic values, plasma levels of CA 15-3 were measured as a conventional circulating biomarker using ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to illustrate the sensitivity and specificity of the potential biomarkers. Results: The RP11-445H22.4 and TINCR genes were upregulated in tumor tissues compared to PANTs (RQRP11-445H22.4 = 2.7, RQTINCR = 4.4). Furthermore, the presence of RP11-445H22.4 and TINCR in the plasma of patients was significantly more than healthy controls (RQc.RP11-445H22.4 = 4.12, RQc.TINCR = 4.16, P<0.001). The promoters of RP11-445H22.4 and TINCR genes were hypomethylated in the tumoral tissues with a negative correlation with their gene expression. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be speculated that the expression levels of these two lncRNAs, as well as their promoter methylation, can be considered as a therapeutic target and potential biomarker for breast carcinoma.
Evaluating the Relation of Maxillary Posterior Roots to the Floor of Maxillary Sinus in Southern Iraqi Patients, a CBCT Study
Authors: Al-Saedi Aqeel , Al-Taee Riad , Al-Bakhakh Bahaa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: This present study aims to evaluate the type of relationship between roots of maxillary posterior teeth and maxillary sinus.Methods: Cone beam computed tomography images for 148 patients were evaluated (62 males Vs 86 females). A total of 1052 teeth were examined (518 maxillary premolars and 534 maxillary molars). The relation between roots tips and maxillary sinus floor were classified into four types: type 0, type 1, type 2 and type 3, vertical linear distance was measured and distribution of type of relationship in different age groups were evaluated.Results: Most of single rooted maxillary premolars showed (type 0) relationship with maxillary sinus floor (98.1%) for maxillary first premolars and (69.5%) for maxillary second premolars. In buccal roots of double rooted maxillary first premolars, (type 0) represented (98.7%). While for maxillary second premolars occurred in (50%). Type 0 still the most common appearing type in palatal roots of maxillary first premolars (92%) and in maxillary second premolars it appeared in (45.8%). In maxillary first molars, (type 0) was the most common type which appeared in 43.3%, 39.8% and 38.6% for mesiobuccal, distobuccal and palatal roots respectively. The most common appearing type in single rooted and double rooted maxillary second molars, (type 0) appeared in (50%). In mesiobuccal and distobuccal roots (type 1) appeared in 48.1% and 45.5%, respectively (most common), whereas (type 0) was seen most frequently in palatal roots (39.7%). There was increased appearance of (type 0) in older age group (>45) in maxillary molars roots with statistically significant difference (P-value < 0.001).Conclusions: Most of maxillary premolars, maxillary first molars and palatal roots of maxillary second molars were separated from maxillary sinus floor (type 0). Most of the mesiobuccal and distobaccal roots of maxillary second molars were in contact with the sinus floor (type1).