bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removing Trade Barriers Between China and India: A Counterfactual Analysis on Export Growth and Welfare
Authors: Kathjoo Umar Nisar , Fazili Asif 
Published: January 2024

The two Asian giants, China and India, share a long history of political acrimony and simmering border disputes. This often disrupts their bilateral economic relationship along with the overall dynamics of the regional balance of power and the global multi-polarisation order. Under such a scenario, this study aims to measure the impact of a hypothetical removal of all trade barriers between China and India on the overall exports and welfare of 73 sample countries while preserving the geographical trade costs. Employing the structural gravity model under a general equilibrium setting, the counterfactual scenario reveals that India, followed by China, is the main beneficiary of full-scale integration in terms of trade growth and welfare. Indian consumers gain while producers tend to lose through a decrease in prices. Chinese welfare gains are shared among its producers and consumers with light asymmetry. Next, we simulate a unilateral removal of all trade barriers while preserving the effects of geography for exports from China to India. The results reveal that asymmetric trade liberalisation leads to smaller gains for both countries at the expense of certain groups and the aggregate national welfare. JEL Codes: D58, F02, F17, O57
Long-term effects of various experiences of parental migration on adult health: A nationwide survey in China
Authors: Wang Feng , Yang Shuai , Wang Yan , Liu Zhijun 
Published: January 2024

Background: Despite numerous literature studies on the short-term effects of diverse experiences of being left-behind, migrant, or both on children, the research on their long-term effects remains inadequate. The purpose of current study is to explore the long-term impact of being left-behind, migrant or experiencing both during childhood on health in adulthood. Simultaneously, we investigate the impact of psychological resilience on adults in the presence of diverse experiences of parental migration. Method: A total of 2,371 samples were selected from 28 provinces in China, consisting of 656 participants who had been left behind but never migrated (PLBNM), 205 participants who had migrated but never been left behind (PMNLB), 265 participants who had both been left behind and migrated (PLBM), and 1,245 participants who had no left-behind/migrant experiences (NLBM). The mental health, health condition, and psychological resilience were measured using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Self-Rated Health, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), respectively. Results: The results of the regression model indicated that PLBNM ( OR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.59, 2.77], p < .001), PMNLB (1.93, [1.27, 2.94], p < .01), and PLBM (2.01, [1.37, 2.94], p < .001) displayed lower self-rated health compared to NLBM. However, only PLBNM (1.29, [1.05, 1.58], p < .05) reported higher mental health problems compared to NLBM. Our results also showed a strong association between psychological resilience and adults’ lower self-rated health (0.72, [0.64, 0.82], p < .001). Conclusion: The negative long-term impact of various experiences regarding being left-behind, migrant, or both, on adult’s mental health and self-rated health were more pronounced. The Chinese government ought to create unique policy frameworks that offer assistance to those adults.
PALLiative care in ONcology (PALLiON): A cluster-randomised trial investigating the effect of palliative care on the use of anticancer treatment at the end of life
Authors: Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Pirnat Aleksandra , Aass Nina , Andersen Sigve , Astrup Guro L , Dajani Olav , Garresori Herish , Guldhav Kristin V , Hamre Hanne , Haukland Ellinor C , Jordal Frode , Lundeby Tonje , Løhre Erik Torbjorn , Mjåland Svein , Paulsen Ørnulf , Semb Karin A , Staff Erik S , Wester Torunn , Kaasa Stein 
Published: January 2024

Background: Effects on anticancer therapy following the integration of palliative care and oncology are rarely investigated. Thus, its potential effect is unknown. Aim: To investigate the effects of the complex intervention PALLiON versus usual care on end-of-life anticancer therapy. Design: Cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT), registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (No. NCT01362816). The complex intervention consisted of a physician education program enhancing theoretical, clinical and communication skills, a patient-centred care pathway and patient symptom reporting prior to all consultations. Primary outcome was overall use, start and cessation of anticancer therapy in the last 3 months before death. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes. Mixed effects logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard were used. Setting: A total of 12 Norwegian hospitals (03/2017–02/2021). Participants: Patients ⩾18 years, advanced stage solid tumour, starting last line of anticancer therapy, estimated life expectancy ⩽12 months. Results: A total of 616 (93%) patients were included (intervention: 309/control:307); 63% males, median age 69, 77% had gastrointestinal cancers. Median survival time from inclusion was 8 (IQR 3–14) and 7 months (IQR 3–12), and days between anticancer therapy start and death were 204 (90–378) and 168 (69–351) (intervention/control). Overall, 78 patients (13%) received anticancer therapy in the last month (intervention: 33 [11%]/control: 45 [15%]). No differences were found in patient-reported outcomes. Conclusion: We found no significant differences in the probability of receiving end-of-life anticancer therapy. The intervention did not have the desired effect. It was probably too general and too focussed on communication skills to exert a substantial influence on conventional clinical practice.
Several laboratory variables indicate severity and prognosis of COVID-19
Authors: Sheng Lingxiang , Hu Mahong , Ji Conghua , Xu Xiujuan 
Published: January 2024

Objective While several laboratory variables have been used to assess COVID-19 disease, to our knowledge, no attempt has previously been made to compare differences across different patient groups. We attempted to evaluate the relationship between laboratory variables and severity of the disease as well as on prognosis. Method We searched BioLINCC database and identified three studies which had separately included outpatients, inpatients, and ICU patients. For this re-analysis, we extracted data on general demography, laboratory variables and outcome. Result In total, 2454 participants (496 outpatients [Study 1], 478 inpatients [Study 2], and 1480 ICU patients [Study 3]) were included in the analysis. We found three laboratory variables (i.e., creatinine, aspartate transferase, and albumin) were not only prognostic factors for outcome of inpatients with COVID-19, but also reflected disease severity as they were significantly different between inpatients and ICU patients. These three laboratory variables are an indication of kidney function, liver function, and nutritional status. Conclusion For patients with COVID-19, in addition to monitoring infectious disease indicators, we need to pay attention to liver function, renal function, and take timely measures to correct them to improve prognosis.
Worth of pan-immune-inflammation value in trismus prediction after concurrent chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Somay Efsun , Yilmaz Busra , Topkan Erkan , Ozdemir Beyza Sirin , Ozturk Duriye , Besen Ali Ayberk , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Selek Ugur 
Published: January 2024

Objective Radiation-induced trismus (RIT), one of the rare but serious side effects of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT), is difficult to predict with high accuracy. We aimed to examine whether the pretreatment pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) measures predict RIT in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) receiving C-CRT. Methods Data of patients with LA-NPC who underwent C-CRT and had maximum mouth openings (MMO) > 35 mm were reviewed. Any MMO of 35 mm or less after C-CRT was considered RIT. All PIV values were computed using the complete blood count test results: PIV = (Platelets × Monocytes × Neutrophils) ÷ Lymphocytes. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to dissect a possible association between pre-treatment PIV readings and RIT status. Confounding variables were tested for their independent relationship with the RIT rates using logistic regression analysis. Results The research comprised 223 participants, and RIT was diagnosed in 46 (20.6%) at a median time from C-CRT to RIT of 10 months (range: 5–18 months). Pre-C-CRT PIV levels and RIT rates were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with 830 being the optimal cutoff (area under the curve: 92.1%; sensitivity: 87.5%; specificity: 85.5%; Youden index: 0.730). RIT was significantly more prevalent in the PIV > 830 cohort than its PIV ≤ 830 counterpart (60.3% vs. 5%; hazard ratio 5.79; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced T-stage ( P = 0.004), masticatory apparatus dose V58Gy≥%32 ( P = 0.003), and PIV > 830 ( P < 0.001) were independently linked with significantly elevated rates of RIT. Conclusion The presence of elevated pre-C-CRT PIV is a unique biological marker that independently predicts increased RIT rates in LA-NPC undergoing C-CRT.
Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Increases BBB Permeability and Promotes Stem Cell–Induced Regeneration of Stroke by Downregulating MMP8
Authors: Bai Yun , Du Yichao , Yang Yin , Wälchli Thomas , Constanthin Paul E , Li Fan 
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of intravenous stem cell delivery utilizing ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), while investigating the underlying mechanisms. Acute cerebral infarction (ACI) was induced surgically in adult rats to create the MCAO rat model. Intravenous injection of SonoVue microbubbles and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) was performed concurrently, with or without ultrasound targeting the stroke. The animals were divided into four groups: sham-operated group, ACI-MCAO rats treated with phosphate-buffered saline (ACI+PBS), rats receiving intravenous delivery of BMSC expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP-BMSC; ACI+BMSC), and rats receiving intravenous GFP-BMSC with simultaneous UTMD exposure (ACI+BMSC+UTMD). The efficacy of the treatments was assessed by evaluating the animals’ neurological function using the Longa score and examining histopathological changes such as cerebral infarct volume, cerebral edema, and cell apoptosis. A rat cytokine array was utilized to identify the potential cytokines that may be responsible for the therapeutic effect of UTMD-mediated BMSC treatment. Optimal UTMD parameters resulted in an increase in blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability after 30 min, which returned to baseline 72 h later without causing any residual injury. UTMD application significantly increased the homing of intravenously delivered BMSC, resulting in a 2.2-fold increase in GFP-BMSC cell count on day 3 and a 2.6-fold increase on day 7 compared with intravenous delivery alone. This effect persisted for up to 6 weeks after injection. Intravenous BMSC delivery significantly reduced the volume of cerebral infarct and decreased cerebral edema, leading to a lower Longa score. Furthermore, this effect was further enhanced by UTMD. Acute cerebral infarction induced by MCAO led to elevated matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, which were significantly reduced following UTMD-mediated BMSC treatment. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction facilitates the migration and homing of BMSC into the brain, possibly by transiently increasing blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes in an ACI rat model. The observed effect may be partly attributed to modulation of MMP8 levels. Advances in knowledge: UTMD-mediated intravenously delivered BMSC transplantation led to a significant increase in cell homing and reduction of MMP8 levels, resulting in increased therapeutic effect in an acute ischemic cerebral infarction model.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of RNF43 mutations as promising prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Zi-Yao , Wen Lei , Ye Liu-Fang , Lu Yu-Ting , Pat Fong William , Zhang Ren-Jing , Wu Si-Xian , Chen Zhi-Gang , Cai Yan-Yu , Xu Rui-Hua , Li Yu-Hong , Du Zi-Ming , Wang De-Shen 
Published: January 2024

Background: Transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase ( RNF43) mutations are present in approximately 6–18% of colorectal cancers (CRC) and could enhance Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is emerging as a promising therapeutic target. This study aims to investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics and potential heterogeneity of RNF43-mutant CRC. Methods: A total of 78 patients with RNF43-mutant CRC were enrolled from July 2013 to November 2022. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, treatment regimens used, and survival outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Our study uncovered that patients with RNF43 mutations in the N-terminal domain (NTD; n = 50) exhibited shorter overall survival (OS; median months, 50.80 versus not reached; p = 0.043) compared to those in the C-terminal domain (CTD; n = 17). Most RNF43 mutations in NTD had positive primary lymph node status, low tumor mutation burden (TMB-L), and correlated with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR)/microsatellite stable (MSS) status. By contrast, RNF43 mutations in CTD were significantly enriched in deficient MMR (dMMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI-H) tumors with high TMB (TMB-H). N-terminal RNF43-mutated tumors harbored a hotspot variant ( RNF43 R117fs), which independently predicted a significantly worse outcome in pMMR/MSS CRC with a median OS of 18.9 months. Patients with RNF43 mutations and the BRAF V600E alterations demonstrated sensitivity to BRAF/EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, we observed that pMMR/MSS patients with RNF43 R117fs mutation had a higher incidence of stage IV, ⩾2 metastatic sites, low TMB, and none of them received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy. Conclusion: Our findings provide the first evidence that RNF43 mutations in NTD and the R117fs variant correlate with a poorer prognosis in CRC patients, providing strategies for Wnt-targeted therapy to improve clinical efficacy.
Current evidence of PD-1 and PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for esophageal cancer: an updated meta-analysis and synthesis of ongoing clinical trials
Authors: Zafar Saram , Shehzadi Rabbia , Dawood Hina , Maqbool Moeez , Sarfraz Azza , Sarfraz Zouina 
Published: January 2024

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with a poor prognosis and a 5-year survival rate of 5% in advanced cases. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in EC patients by analyzing phase III clinical trials. Design: A meta-analysis following the PRISMA Statement 2020 guidelines. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase were searched through 6 December 2022, and the analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.3 (Cochrane). Results: Out of 387 studies, 13 phase III clinical trials with 6519 participants were pooled. Overall survival (OS) favored PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with a Cohen’s d of 0.28 (95% CI: 0.12–0.43; p = 0.0006), and the likelihood of achieving objective response also favored these inhibitors (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.68–2.48; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides strong evidence that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy improve OS and objective response rate among patients with advanced EC but do not affect progression-free survival. Trial registration: Open Science Framework: osf.io/y27rx.
Virtual Reality Meets Diabetes
Authors: Vaughan Neil 
Published: January 2024

Background: This article provides a detailed summary of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications in diabetes. The purpose of this comparative review is to identify application areas, direction and provide foundation for future virtual reality tools in diabetes. Method: Features and benefits of each VR diabetes application are compared and discussed, following a thorough review of literature on virtual reality for diabetes using multiple databases. The weaknesses of existing VR applications are discussed and their strengths identified so that these can be carried forward. A novel virtual reality diabetes tool prototype is also developed and presented. Results: This research identifies three major categories where VR is being used in diabetes: education, prevention and treatment. Within diabetes education, there are three target groups: clinicians, adults with diabetes and children with diabetes. Both VR and AR have shown benefits in areas of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Virtual reality and augmented reality in diabetes have demonstrated potential to enhance training of diabetologists and enhance education, prevention and treatment for adults and children with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Future research can continually build on virtual and augmented reality diabetes applications by integrating wide stakeholder inputs and diverse digital platforms. Several areas of VR diabetes are in early stages, with advantages and opportunities. Further VR diabetes innovations are encouraging to enhance training, management and treatment of diabetes.
Results From the POINT Pragmatic Randomized Trial: An Emergency Department-Based Peer Support Specialist Intervention to Increase Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Linkage and Reduce Recurrent Overdose
Authors: Watson Dennis P. , Tillson Martha , Taylor Lisa , Xu Huiping , Ouyang Fangqian , Beaudoin Francesca L. , O’Donnell Daniel , McGuire Alan B. 
Published: January 2024

Background: People with opioid use disorder (OUD) frequently present at the emergency department (ED), a potentially critical point for intervention and treatment linkage. Peer recovery support specialist (PRSS) interventions have expanded in US-based EDs, although evidence supporting such interventions has not been firmly established. Methods: Researchers conducted a pragmatic trial of POINT (Project Planned Outreach, Intervention, Naloxone, and Treatment), an ED-initiated intervention for harm reduction and recovery coaching/treatment linkage in 2 Indiana EDs. Cluster randomization allocated patients to the POINT intervention (n  = 157) versus a control condition (n  = 86). Participants completed a structured interview, and all outcomes were assessed using administrative data from an extensive state health exchange and state systems. Target patients (n  = 243) presented to the ED for a possible opioid-related reason. The primary outcome was overdose-related ED re-presentation. Key secondary outcomes included OUD medication treatment linkage, duration of medication in days, all-cause ED re-presentation, all-cause inpatient re-presentation, and Medicaid enrollment. All outcomes were assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-enrollment. Ad hoc analyses were performed to assess treatment motivation and readiness. Results: POINT and standard care participants did not differ significantly on any outcomes measured. Participants who presented to the ED for overdose had significantly lower scores (3.5 vs 4.2, P < .01) regarding readiness to begin treatment compared to those presenting for other opioid-related issues. Conclusions: This is the first randomized trial investigating overdose outcomes for an ED peer recovery support specialist intervention. Though underpowered, results suggest no benefit of PRSS services over standard care. Given the scope of PRSS, future work in this area should assess more recovery- and harm reduction-oriented outcomes, as well as the potential benefits of integrating PRSS within multimodal ED-based interventions for OUD.
Factor XI deficiency: phenotypic age-related considerations and clinical approach towards bleeding risk assessment
Authors: Barg Assaf Arie , Livnat Tami , Kenet Gili 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that presents complex challenges in patient assessment and bleeding risk management. Despite generally causing mild to moderate bleeding symptoms, clinical manifestations can vary, and bleeding tendency does not always correlate with FXI plasma levels or genotype. Our manuscript delves into the age-related nuances of FXI deficiency across an individual's lifespan. We emphasize issues faced by specific groups, including neonates and females of reproductive age experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. Older patients present unique challenges and concerns related to the management of bleeding as well as thrombotic complications. The current assortment of diagnostic laboratory assays shows limited success in predicting bleeding risk in the perisurgical setting of patients with FXI deficiency. This review explores the intricate interplay between individual bleeding profiles, surgical sites, and FXI activity levels. We also evaluate the accuracy of existing laboratory assays in predicting bleeding and discuss the potential role of investigational global assays in perioperative assessment. Furthermore, we outline our suggested diagnostic approach to refine treatment strategies and decision making. Available treatment options are presented, including antifibrinolytics, replacement products, and recombinant activated FVII. Finally, we discuss promising nonreplacement therapies for the treatment of rare bleeding disorders that can potentially address the challenges faced when managing FXI deficiency–related bleeding complications.
The follicular lymphoma tumor microenvironment at single-cell and spatial resolution
Authors: Radtke Andrea J. , Roschewski Mark 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a generally incurable malignancy that originates from developmentally blocked germinal center B cells residing, primarily, within lymph nodes (LNs). During the long natural history of FL, malignant B cells often disseminate to multiple LNs and can affect virtually any organ. Nonmalignant LNs are highly organized structures distributed throughout the body, in which they perform functions critical for host defense. In FL, the malignant B cells “re-educate” the lymphoid environment by altering the phenotype, distribution, and abundance of other cells such as T cells, macrophages, and subsets of stromal cells. Consequently, dramatic anatomical changes occur and include alterations in the number, shape, and size of neoplastic follicles with an accompanying attenuation of the T-cell zone. Ongoing and dynamic interactions between FL B cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) result in significant clinical heterogeneity observed both within and across patients. Over time, FL evolves into pathological variants associated with distinct outcomes, ranging from an indolent disease to more aggressive clinical courses with early death. Given the importance of both cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors in shaping disease progression and patient survival, comprehensive examination of FL tumors is critical. Here, we describe the cellular composition and architecture of normal and malignant human LNs and provide a broad overview of emerging technologies for deconstructing the FL TME at single-cell and spatial resolution. We additionally discuss the importance of capturing samples at landmark time points as well as longitudinally for clinical decision-making.