bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional Intravesical Recurrence-Free Survival Rate After Radical Nephroureterectomy With Bladder Cuff Excision for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Chung Jae Hoon , Song Wan , Kang Minyong , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Seo Seong IL , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Sung Hyun Hwan
Published: October 2021

Background

To evaluate the conditional intravesical recurrence (IVR)–free (IVRF) survival rate in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had no history of bladder cancer and no concomitant bladder cancer. Hence, we aimed to analyze a relatively large number of patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (RNUx).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1,095 patients with UTUC who underwent RNUx. Their baseline characteristics, bladder tumor history, and UTUC features were analyzed to evaluate oncological outcomes. To determine the factors affecting IVR, surgical modality, use of preoperative ureteroscopy, TNM stage, and pathological outcomes were evaluated. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors affecting IVR. Conditional IVRF survival rate was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Among the 1,095 patients, 462 patients developed IVR, and the mean time to the development of IVR was 13.08 ± 0.84 months after RNUx. A total of 30.74% of patients with IVR and 15.32% of those without IVR had a history of bladder cancer (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that a history of bladder cancer, multifocal tumors, use of preoperative ureteroscopy, extravesical bladder cuffing method, lymph node involvement, positive surgical margins, and use of adjuvant chemotherapy were determined to be risk factors for IVR. The conditional IVRF rate was 74.0% at 12 months after RNUx, 87.1% at 24 months after RNUx, 93.6% at 36 months after RNUx, and 97.3% at 60 months after RNUx. The median IVRF survival period was 133.00 months for all patients. In patients with IVRF at 24 months after RNUx, only ureteroscopy was an independent risk factor for IVR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.945, p = 0.040]. In patients with IVRF at ≥36 months, there was no significant factor affecting IVR.

Conclusions

Active IVR assessment is required until 36 months after RNUx. In addition, patient education and regular screening tests, such as urine analysis and cytology, are required for patients with IVRF for ≥36 months.
Distinguishing Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Hepatic Inflammatory Pseudotumor Using a Nomogram Based on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Liao Mengting , Wang Chenshan , Zhang Bo , Jiang Qin , Liu Juan , Liao Jintang
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic iflammatory pseudotumor (IPT) share similar symptoms and imaging features, which makes it challenging to distinguish from each other in clinical practice. This study aims to develop a predictive model based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and clinical features to discriminate HCC from IPT.

Methods

Sixty-two IPT and 146 HCC patients were enrolled in this study, where pathological diagnosis served as the reference standard for diagnosis. Clinical and ultrasound imaging data including CEUS features: enhancement degree during arterial phase, portal phase and delayed phase, enhancement pattern, early washout within 60 s, feeding artery, peritumoral vessels, peritumoral enhancement, and margin of nonenhanced area were retrospectively collected. Imaging data were reviewed by two experienced ultrasound doctors. Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation sets. Chi-squared test followed by LASSO regression was performed on ultrasonographic features in the training set to identify the most valuable features that distinguish HCC from IPT, based on which the sonographic score formula was generated. With the significant clinical and ultrasonographic indicators, a nomogram was developed. The performance of the nomogram was verified by ROC curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) with the comparison with sonographic score and the ultrasound doctor’s diagnosis.

Results

The most valuable ultrasonographic features that distinguish between HCC and IPT were enhancement degree during arterial phase, early washout, peritumoral vessels, peritumoral enhancement, and liver background. The sonographic score based on these features was verified to be an independent factor that predicts the diagnosis (p = 0.003). Among the clinical indicators, AFP (p = 0.009) and viral hepatitis infection (p = 0.004) were significant. Sonographic score, AFP, and viral hepatitis were used to construct a predictive nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.989 and 0.984 in training and validation sets, respectively, which were higher than those of sonographic score alone (0.938 and 0.958) or the ultrasound doctor’s diagnosis (0.794 and 0.832). DCA showed the nomogram provided the greatest clinical usefulness.

Conclusion

A predictive nomogram based on a sonographic signature improved the diagnostic performance in distinguishing HCC and IPT, which may help with individualized diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.
Synergistic Effects of Genetic Variants of Glucose Homeostasis and Lifelong Exposures to Cigarette Smoking, Female Hormones, and Dietary Fat Intake on Primary Colorectal Cancer Development in African and Hispanic/Latino American Women
Authors: Jung Su Yon , Sobel Eric M. , Pellegrini Matteo , Yu Herbert , Papp Jeanette C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Disparities in cancer genomic science exist among racial/ethnic minorities. Particularly, African American (AA) and Hispanic/Latino American (HA) women, the 2 largest minorities, are underrepresented in genetic/genome-wide studies for cancers and their risk factors. We conducted on AA and HA postmenopausal women a genomic study for insulin resistance (IR), the main biologic mechanism underlying colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis owing to obesity.

Methods

With 780 genome-wide IR-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 4,692 AA and 1,986 HA women, we constructed a CRC-risk prediction model. Along with these SNPs, we incorporated CRC-associated lifestyles in the model of each group and detected the topmost influential genetic and lifestyle factors. Further, we estimated the attributable risk of the topmost risk factors shared by the groups to explore potential factors that differentiate CRC risk between these groups.

Results

In both groups, we detected IR-SNPs in PCSK1 (in AA) and IFT172, GCKR, and NRBP1 (in HA) and risk lifestyles, including long lifetime exposures to cigarette smoking and endogenous female hormones and daily intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFA), as the topmost predictive variables for CRC risk. Combinations of those top genetic- and lifestyle-markers synergistically increased CRC risk. Of those risk factors, dietary PFA intake and long lifetime exposure to female hormones may play a key role in mediating racial disparity of CRC incidence between AA and HA women.

Conclusions

Our results may improve CRC risk prediction performance in those medically/scientifically underrepresented groups and lead to the development of genetically informed interventions for cancer prevention and therapeutic effort, thus contributing to reduced cancer disparities in those minority subpopulations.
GeO2 Doped Optical Fiber Plasmonic Sensor for Refractive Index Detection
Authors: Gangwar Rahul Kumar , Min Rui , Kumar Santosh , Li Xiaoli
Published: October 2021

In this article, a D-shaped optical fiber refractive index (RI) sensor based on surface plasmon resonance effect is demonstrated. The gold film is placed at the flat portion of the optical fiber along with the sensing analytes of the different RIs to excite the plasmonic interactions. Sensing properties are investigated by using the finite element method. The maximum sensitivity of the proposed sensor is achieved as high as 20863.20 nm/RIU with the maximum resolution of 4.79 × 10−6 RIU and figure of merit of 308.38 RIU−1 for an analyte with RI 1.43 by optimizing the different parameters of the sensor with maximum phase matching between the core mode and surface plasmon mode. The high sensitivity of the sensor offers a promising approach for the detection of unknown RI analyte in chemical and biological fields in the near-infrared region.
Revisiting Biological Nitrogen Fixation Dynamics in Soybeans
Authors: Ciampitti Ignacio A. , de Borja Reis André Froes , Córdova S. Carolina , Castellano Michael J. , Archontoulis Sotirios V. , Correndo Adrian A. , Antunes De Almeida Luiz Felipe , Moro Rosso Luiz H.
Published: October 2021

Biological nitrogen (N) fixation is the most relevant process in soybeans (Glycine max L.) to satisfy plant N demand and sustain seed protein formation. Past studies describing N fixation for field-grown soybeans mainly focused on a single point time measurement (mainly toward the end of the season) and on the partial N budget (fixed-N minus seed N removal), overlooking the seasonal pattern of this process. Therefore, this study synthesized field datasets involving multiple temporal measurements during the crop growing season to characterize N fixation dynamics using both fixed-N (kg ha−1) and N derived from the atmosphere [Ndfa (%)] to define: (i) time to the maximum rate of N fixation (β2), (ii) time to the maximum Ndfa (α2), and (iii) the cumulative fixed-N. The main outcomes of this study are that (1) the maximum rate of N fixation was around the beginning of pod formation (R3 stage), (2) time to the maximum Ndfa (%) was after full pod formation (R4), and (3) cumulative fixation was positively associated with the seasonal vapor-pressure deficit (VPD) and growth cycle length but negatively associated with soil clay content, and (4) time to the maximum N fixation rate (β2) was positively impacted by season length and negatively impacted by high temperatures during vegetative growth (but positively for VPD, during the same period). Overall, variation in the timing of the maximum rate of N fixation occurred within a much narrower range of growth stages (R3) than the timing of the maximum Ndfa (%), which varied broadly from flowering (R1) to seed filing (R5–R6) depending on the evaluated studies. From a phenotyping standpoint, N fixation determinations after the R4 growth stage would most likely permit capturing both maximum fixed-N rate and maximum Ndfa (%). Further investigations that more closely screen the interplay between N fixation with soil-plant-environment factors should be pursued.
The Physiological Basis of Improved Heat Tolerance in Selected Emmer-Derived Hexaploid Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Ullah Smi , Trethowan Richard , Bramley Helen
Published: October 2021

Wheat is sensitive to high-temperature stress with crop development significantly impaired depending on the severity and timing of stress. Various physiological mechanisms have been identified as selection targets for heat tolerance; however, the complex nature of the trait and high genotype × temperature interaction limits the selection process. A three-tiered phenotyping strategy was used to overcome this limitation by using wheat genotypes developed from the ancient domesticated wheat, emmer (Triticum dicoccon Schrank), which was considered to have a wide variation for abiotic stress tolerance. A contrasting pair of emmer-based hexaploid lines (classified as tolerant; G1 and susceptible; G2) developed from a backcross to the same recurrent hexaploid parent was chosen based on heat stress responses in the field and was evaluated under controlled glasshouse conditions. The same pair of contrasting genotypes was also subsequently exposed to a short period of elevated temperature (4 days) at anthesis under field conditions using in-field temperature-controlled chambers. The glasshouse and field-based heat chambers produced comparable results. G1 was consistently better adapted to both extended and short periods of heat stress through slow leaf senescence under heat stress, which extended the grain filling period, increased photosynthetic capacity, increased grain filling rates, and resulted in greater kernel weight and higher yield. The use of a combination of phenotyping methods was effective in identifying heat tolerant materials and the mechanisms involved.
Melatonin Enhanced the Tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to High Light Through Improving Anti-oxidative System and Photosynthesis
Authors: Yang Si-Jia , Huang Bo , Zhao Yu-Qing , Hu Di , Chen Tao , Ding Chun-Bang , Chen Yang-Er , Yuan Shu , Yuan Ming
Published: October 2021

Land plants live in a crisis-filled environment and the fluctuation of sunlight intensity often causes damage to photosynthetic apparatus. Phyto-melatonin is an effective bioactive molecule that helps plants to resist various biotic and abiotic stresses. In order to explore the role of melatonin under high light stress, we investigated the effects of melatonin on anti-oxidative system and photosynthesis of Arabidopsis thaliana under high light. Results showed that exogenous melatonin increased photosynthetic rate and protected photosynthetic proteins under high light. This was mainly owing to the fact that exogenous melatonin effectively decreased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and protected integrity of membrane and photosynthetic pigments, and reduced cell death. Taken together, our study promoted more comprehensive understanding in the protective effects of exogenous melatonin under high light.
Guilt and Shame of What Might Have Been in Optimistic Offender Drivers
Authors: del Valle Carlos Hugo Criado
Published: October 2021

Habitual offender drivers are required to recover points lost on their driving license by attending reeducation courses, an experience that may, upon reflection of the incident in question, induce feelings of guilt or shame for the infractions they committed. A simulated driving task studied optimistic offender drivers to analyze the extent to which the controllability of the situational context influenced their use of internal and external factors in counterfactual thoughts and emotions such as guilt and shame. The study involved 160 drivers, of whom 54 were categorized as repeat offender drivers while 106 drivers attended courses for advanced professional driving licenses. The participants drove along a route in a driving simulator, which had been previously adjusted for the difficulty to generate a perception of high or low control. Based on the outcome obtained by the participants in this stage, each driver had to report which resources they required to improve their outcomes. Different factor ANOVAs were used to analyze our findings. The results indicated that optimistic offenders, unlike other groups (i.e., optimistic non-offender and pessimistic non-offender), thought that their results could have been better if external factors had been present (i.e., upward counterfactuals), both under conditions of high and low control. They believed their results would have been worse had it not been for their internal resources (i.e., downward counterfactuals), especially under conditions of low control. Concerning emotions of guilt and shame, offender optimists had the lowest values in both conditions compared with the other groups. We may contend that optimistic offender drivers thought they could have obtained better outcomes if external factors had been involved. In the low control condition, they justified that if it were not for such internal skills, their results could have been worse. When they generated such thoughts, the emotions of guilt and shame were minimal.
Neural Correlates of Auditory Hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Razak Khaleel A. , Binder Devin K. , Ethell Iryna M.
Published: October 2021

The mechanisms underlying the common association between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing disorders (SPD) are unclear, and treatment options to reduce atypical sensory processing are limited. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and ASD behaviors. As in most children with ASD, atypical sensory processing is a common symptom in FXS, frequently manifesting as sensory hypersensitivity. Auditory hypersensitivity is a highly debilitating condition in FXS that may lead to language delays, social anxiety and ritualized repetitive behaviors. Animal models of FXS, including Fmr1 knock out (KO) mouse, also show auditory hypersensitivity, providing a translation relevant platform to study underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The focus of this review is to summarize recent studies in the Fmr1 KO mouse that identified neural correlates of auditory hypersensitivity. We review results of electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in the Fmr1 KO mice and highlight EEG phenotypes that are remarkably similar to EEG findings in humans with FXS. The EEG phenotypes associated with the loss of FMRP include enhanced resting EEG gamma band power, reduced cross frequency coupling, reduced sound-evoked synchrony of neural responses at gamma band frequencies, increased event-related potential amplitudes, reduced habituation of neural responses and increased non-phase locked power. In addition, we highlight the postnatal period when the EEG phenotypes develop and show a strong association of the phenotypes with enhanced matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, abnormal development of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing inhibitory interneurons and reduced formation of specialized extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs). Finally, we discuss how dysfunctions of inhibitory PV interneurons may contribute to cortical hyperexcitability and EEG abnormalities observed in FXS. Taken together, the studies reviewed here indicate that EEG recordings can be utilized in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, while at the same time, used to identify cellular and circuit mechanisms of dysfunction in FXS. New therapeutic approaches that reduce MMP-9 activity and restore functions of PV interneurons may succeed in reducing FXS sensory symptoms. Future studies should examine long-lasting benefits of developmental vs. adult interventions on sensory phenotypes.
Spacious Environments Make Us Tolerant—The Role of Emotion and Metaphor
Authors: Wu Chenjing , Liang Fuqun , Liang Xiaoling , Huang Chuangbing , Wang Hua , He Xianyou , Zhang Wei , Rojas Don , Duan Yan
Published: October 2021

The physical environment plays an important role in moral cognition. Previous research has demonstrated that the physical environment affects individual moral judgment. Investigators have argued that the environment influences moral judgment through emotion and cognition, such as during metaphor processing. Following the intensification of urbanization and increases in population size, the phenomenon of a narrow environment has become more common. However, the relation between environmental spaciousness and moral judgment has not been thoroughly examined. We examined the effect of environmental spaciousness (spaciousness vs. narrowness) on moral judgments in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Results showed that participants report a higher rating score of moral judgment in more spacious environments compared with narrow environments. We further explored the roles of emotion and metaphor in the relation between environmental spaciousness and moral judgments. We found support for a partial mediation effect of emotion in the relationship between environmental spaciousness and moral judgment. The results also supported an association between the concept of spaciousness and tolerant cognition. Spacious environments may elicit positive emotions and more tolerant cognition, which in turn influences moral judgment. These results provide new evidence for the influence of the environment on moral judgments, and more attention may be warranted to incorporate this relationship in environmental design.
Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers and Initial Areas of Action for Intervention and Prevention—The egePan/VOICE Study
Authors: Jerg-Bretzke Lucia , Kempf Maximilian , Jarczok Marc Nicolas , Weimer Katja , Hirning Christian , Gündel Harald , Erim Yesim , Morawa Eva , Geiser Franziska , Hiebel Nina , Weidner Kerstin , Albus Christian , Beschoner Petra
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Epidemics lead to an increase in occupational stress and psychological strain among healthcare workers. However, the impact of a pandemic outbreak on healthcare systems is yet to be clearly defined. Therefore, this work aims to describe and analyze specific areas of workload among different groups of healthcare workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A sample of N = 8088 persons working in the German-speaking healthcare sector participated in the VOICE/egePan online survey, which addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020. We used 15 self-constructed items, based on the work of Matsuishi et al. (2012), to identify potential COVID-19-specific topics. Results: N = 7542 records of healthcare workers were analyzed. Of these, 60.80% reported, retrospectively, an increase in stress since the outbreak of the pandemic. Problem areas tended to be indicated more frequently by the women surveyed than by the men. Nurses, paramedics and medical technicians reported the highest fear of infecting others while physicians reported the highest fear of physical or mental exhaustion. With respect to age, older respondents indicated less fear and felt more protected. Men and people living alone were more likely to use dysfunctional coping strategies. Migrants reported a higher fear of becoming infected or infecting others as well as they reported about increased levels of smoking. Discussion: Retrospectively, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in stress among healthcare workers. Problem areas have different focuses with regard to different living situations, environmental conditions and professions. In order to lay the best basis for healthy and efficient work, it seems necessary to take measures especially tailored to the needs of different groups of healthcare workers.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the UDP-Glycosyltransferase Family Reveals Its Roles in Coumarin Biosynthesis and Abiotic Stress in Melilotus albus
Authors: Duan Zhen , Yan Qi , Wu Fan , Wang Yimeng , Wang Shengsheng , Zong Xifang , Zhou Pei , Zhang Jiyu
Published: October 2021

Coumarins, natural products abundant in Melilotus albus, confer features in response to abiotic stresses, and are mainly present as glycoconjugates. UGTs (UDP-glycosyltransferases) are responsible for glycosylation modification of coumarins. However, information regarding the relationship between coumarin biosynthesis and stress-responsive UGTs remains limited. Here, a total of 189 MaUGT genes were identified from the M. albus genome, which were distributed differentially among its eight chromosomes. According to the phylogenetic relationship, MaUGTs can be classified into 13 major groups. Sixteen MaUGT genes were differentially expressed between genotypes of Ma46 (low coumarin content) and Ma49 (high coumarin content), suggesting that these genes are likely involved in coumarin biosynthesis. About 73.55% and 66.67% of the MaUGT genes were differentially expressed under ABA or abiotic stress in the shoots and roots, respectively. Furthermore, the functions of MaUGT68 and MaUGT186, which were upregulated under stress and potentially involved in coumarin glycosylation, were characterized by heterologous expression in yeast and Escherichia coli. These results extend our knowledge of the UGT gene family along with MaUGT gene functions, and provide valuable findings for future studies on developmental regulation and comprehensive data on UGT genes in M. albus.
Natural Products with Activity against Lung Cancer: A Review Focusing on the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Yang Yue , Li Ning , Wang Tian-Ming , Di Lei
Published: October 2021

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Despite the undeniable progress in lung cancer research made over the past decade, it is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and continues to challenge scientists and researchers engaged in searching for therapeutics and drugs. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is recognized as one of the major hallmarks of epithelial cancers, including the majority of lung cancers, and is associated with tumorigenesis, progression, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting of the TME has received increasing attention in recent years. Natural products have historically made substantial contributions to pharmacotherapy, especially for cancer. In this review, we emphasize the role of the TME and summarize the experimental proof demonstrating the antitumor effects and underlying mechanisms of natural products that target the TME. We also review the effects of natural products used in combination with anticancer agents. Moreover, we highlight nanotechnology and other materials used to enhance the effects of natural products. Overall, our hope is that this review of these natural products will encourage more thoughts and ideas on therapeutic development to benefit lung cancer patients.
A C2H2-Type Zinc-Finger Protein from Millettia pinnata, MpZFP1, Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Zhonghua , Yan Hao , Liang Ling , Zhang Yi , Yang Heng , Li Wei , Choi Jaehyuck , Huang Jianzi , Deng Shulin
Published: October 2021

C2H2 zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) play important roles in plant development and response to abiotic stresses, and have been studied extensively. However, there are few studies on ZFPs in mangroves and mangrove associates, which represent a unique plant community with robust stress tolerance. MpZFP1, which is highly induced by salt stress in the mangrove associate Millettia pinnata, was cloned and functionally characterized in this study. MpZFP1 protein contains two zinc finger domains with conserved QALGGH motifs and targets to the nucleus. The heterologous expression of MpZFP1 in Arabidopsis increased the seeds’ germination rate, seedling survival rate, and biomass accumulation under salt stress. The transgenic plants also increased the expression of stress-responsive genes, including RD22 and RD29A, and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These results indicate that MpZFP1 is a positive regulator of plant responses to salt stress due to its activation of gene expression and efficient scavenging of ROS.
Adipokines as Immune Cell Modulators in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Rijnsburger Merel , Djuric Niek , Mulder Inge A. , de Vries Helga E.
Published: October 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is a major clinical and societal problem, which has a tremendous impact on the life of patients and their proxies. Current immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapies prove to be relatively effective; however, they fail to concomitantly stop ongoing neurological deterioration and do not reverse acquired disability. The proportion to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to the etiology of MS is still incompletely understood; however, a recent association between MS etiology and obesity was shown, with obesity greatly increasing the risk of developing MS. An altered balance of adipokines, which are white adipose tissue (WAT) hormones, plays an important role in the low-grade chronic inflammation during obesity by their pervasive modification of local and systemic inflammation. Vice versa, inflammatory factors secreted by immune cells affect adipokine function. To explore the role of adipokines in MS pathology, we will here review the reciprocal effects of adipokines and immune cells and summarize alterations in adipokine levels in MS patient cohorts. Finally, we will discuss proof-of-concept studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of adipokines to target both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration processes in MS.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Licochalcone A via Regulation of ORAI1 and K+ Channels in T-Lymphocytes
Authors: Phan Hong T. L. , Kim Hyun J. , Jo Sungwoo , Kim Woo K. , Namkung Wan , Nam Joo H.
Published: October 2021

Calcium signaling plays a vital role in the regulation of various cellular processes, including activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T-lymphocytes, which is mediated by ORAI1 and potassium (K+) channels. These channels have also been identified as highly attractive therapeutic targets for immune-related diseases. Licochalcone A is a licorice-derived chalconoid known for its multifaceted beneficial effects in pharmacological treatments, including its anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumorigenic properties. However, its anti-inflammatory effects involving ion channels in lymphocytes remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether licochalcone A inhibits ORAI1 and K+ channels in T-lymphocytes. Our results indicated that licochalcone A suppressed all three channels (ORAI1, Kv1.3, and KCa3.1) in a concentration-dependent matter, with IC50 values of 2.97 ± 1.217 µM, 0.83 ± 1.222 µM, and 11.21 ± 1.07 µM, respectively. Of note, licochalcone A exerted its suppressive effects on the IL-2 secretion and proliferation in CD3 and CD28 antibody-induced T-cells. These results indicate that the use of licochalcone A may provide an effective treatment strategy for inflammation-related immune diseases.
Host–Viral Interactions in the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Bruland Torunn , Østvik Ann Elisabet , Sandvik Arne Kristian , Hansen Marianne Doré
Published: October 2021

Ulcerative colitis is characterized by relapsing and remitting colonic mucosal inflammation. During the early stages of viral infection, innate immune defenses are activated, leading to the rapid release of cytokines and the subsequent initiation of downstream responses including inflammation. Previously, intestinal viruses were thought to be either detrimental or neutral to the host. However, persisting viruses may have a role as resident commensals and confer protective immunity during inflammation. On the other hand, the dysregulation of gut mucosal immune responses to viruses can trigger excessive, pathogenic inflammation. The purpose of this review is to discuss virus-induced innate immune responses that are at play in ulcerative colitis.
The Antifungal Mechanism of Isoxanthohumol from Humulus lupulus Linn.
Authors: Yan Yin-Fang , Wu Tian-Lin , Du Sha-Sha , Wu Zheng-Rong , Hu Yong-Mei , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Zhao Wen-Bin , Yang Cheng-Jie , Liu Ying-Qian
Published: October 2021

Humulus lupulus Linn. is a traditional medicinal and edible plant with several biological properties. The aims of this work were: (1) to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of H. lupulus ethanolic extract; (2) to study the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of isoxanthohumol, an isoprene flavonoid from H. lupulus, against Botrytis cinerea; and (3) to explore the antifungal mechanism of isoxanthohumol on B. cinerea. The present data revealed that the ethanolic extract of H. lupulus exhibited moderate antifungal activity against the five tested phytopathogenic fungi in vitro, and isoxanthohumol showed highly significant antifungal activity against B. cinerea, with an EC50 value of 4.32 µg/mL. Meanwhile, it exhibited moderate to excellent protective and curative efficacies in vivo. The results of morphologic observation, RNA-seq, and physiological indicators revealed that the antifungal mechanism of isoxanthohumol is mainly related to metabolism; it affected the carbohydrate metabolic process, destroyed the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and hindered the generation of ATP by inhibiting respiration. Further studies indicated that isoxanthohumol caused membrane lipid peroxidation, thus accelerating the death of B. cinerea. This study demonstrates that isoxanthohumol can be used as a potential botanical fungicide for the management of phytopathogenic fungi.
Caval Valve Implantation (CAVI): An Emerging Therapy for Treating Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Abdul-Jawad Altisent Omar , Benetis Rimantas , Rumbinaite Egle , Mizarien Vaida , Codina Pau , Gual-Capllonch Francisco , Spitaleri Giosafat , Fernandez-Nofrerias Eduard , Bayes-Genis Antoni , Puri Rishi
Published: October 2021

Severe tricuspid regurgitation remains a challenging heart-valve disease to effectively treat with high morbidity and mortality at mid-term. Currently guideline-directed medical treatment is limited to escalating dose of diuretics, and the rationale and timing of open-heart surgery remains controversial. Emerging percutaneous therapies for severe tricuspid regurgitation continue to show promising results in early feasibility studies. However, randomized trial data is lacking. Additionally, many patients are deemed unsuitable for these emerging therapies due to anatomical or imaging constraints. Given the technical simplicity of the bicaval valve implantation (CAVI) technique compared to other transcatheter devices, CAVI is postulated as a suitable alternative for a wide variety of patients affected with severe+ tricuspid regurgitation. In this review we illustrate the current evidence and ongoing uncertainties of CAVI, focusing on the novel CAVI-specific devices.
Self-Injuries and Their Functions with Respect to Suicide Risk in Adolescents with Conduct Disorder: Findings from a Path Analysis
Authors: Szewczuk-Bogusławska Monika , Kaczmarek-Fojtar Małgorzata , Halicka-Masłowska Joanna , Misiak Błażej
Published: October 2021

Non-suicidal self-injuries (NSSIs) have been identified as one of the most predictive factors of suicidal behaviours in adolescents. However, it remains unknown whether certain functions of NSSIs are associated with suicide risk, and what are the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between functions of NSSIs and suicide risk in adolescents with conduct disorder (CD), which shares some common characteristics with NSSIs. Participants were 215 adolescents (155 females, 72.1%) with CD. Functions of NSSIs, depressive symptoms, the levels of impulsivity, anxiety, self-esteem and aggression were examined. There were 77 adolescents with lifetime history of NSSIs (35.8%). Among them, adolescents with lifetime history of suicide attempt were significantly more likely to report anti-dissociation and anti-suicide function of NSSIs. They had significantly higher levels of anxiety as well as significantly lower self-esteem. Higher lifetime number of NSSIs was associated with higher odds of reporting anti-dissociation and anti-suicide functions. Moreover, these two functions fully mediated the association between lifetime number of NSSIs and suicide risk after co-varying for depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as self-esteem. The present findings indicate that anti-suicide and anti-dissociation functions of NSSIs might be crucial predictors of suicide risk in adolescents with CD.
Needling Interventions for the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César
Published: October 2021

Needling interventions consist of the use of filiform needles for the management of different conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system [...]
Mooring Stability Study for Novel Wave Energy Converter Based on Regular Wave
Authors: Meng Zhongliang , Chen Yun , Liu Yanjun , Ding Yi
Published: October 2021

The mooring system not only plays a vital role in keeping wave energy generators floating stably, but also affects the success of engineering design. Combining wave force theory and the hydrological data obtained from the field measurements of a certain sea area in the Bohai Sea, the Stokes second-order wave theory was adopted to design the mooring system of a new type of power-generating device. At the same time, the study uses the Aqwa software to gather the dynamic data of a power-generating device in a real test, and then makes models and carries out regular wave tests so as to verify the viability of the mooring system and the stability of the whole power-generating device. All of this work will provide a theoretical basis for the manufacture of an engineering prototype and its reliable supply of power.
Emersion-Associated Responses of an Intertidal Coral and Its Suitability for Transplantation to Ecologically Engineer Seawalls
Authors: Yong Clara , Poquita-Du Rosa , Huang Danwei , Todd Peter
Published: October 2021

There is a growing interest in transplanting corals onto the intertidal section of artificial coastal defences (e.g., seawalls) as an ecological engineering strategy to enhance biodiversity on urban shores. However, this inevitably results in exposure to the harsh environmental conditions associated with emersion (aerial exposure). Although the effects of a multitude of environmental stressors on corals have been examined, their photophysiological and gene expression responses to emersion stress remain understudied, as does the among-genotype variation in these responses. In this study, we conducted an in situ experiment to test the effects of increased daily emersion duration on a locally common intertidal coral, Dipsastraea cf. lizardensis. Coral fragments (n = 3) from five genotypically distinct colonies were subjected to two treatments: (1) increased daily emersion duration (~4.5 h d−1) and, (2) control (~3 h d−1) for three consecutive days during spring low tide. We examined the post-experimental photophysiological responses and expression level of a stress-associated gene, Hsp16. Relative to the controls, coral fragments that were exposed to longer daily emersion duration displayed significantly reduced effective quantum yield, while endosymbiont density varied significantly among genotypes across the experimental conditions. We found no significant differences in chlorophyll a concentration and Hsp16 gene expression level, suggesting that changes in these processes may be gradual and the duration of treatment that the corals were subjected to is likely within their tolerance limits. Taken together, it appears that D. cf. lizardensis displays substantial capacity to cope with sup-optimal conditions associated with emersion which makes it a promising candidate for transplantation onto intertidal seawalls. However, within-species variation in their stress response indicates that not all genotypes respond similarly to emersion, and this should be taken into account when selecting donor colonies for transplantation.
Relative Growth and Size Structure of Achelous spinicarpus Stimpson, 1871 Associated with Shrimp Trawling in the State of Veracruz
Authors: Morán-Silva Angel , Cházaro-Olvera Sergio , Chávez-López Rafael , Montoya-Mendoza Jesús , Vázquez-López Horacio , Rodríguez-Varela Asela del Carmen
Published: October 2021

The objective was to analyse the relative growth and size structure of Achelous spinicarpus associated with trawling in Veracruz. The organisms came from shrimp trawls carried out in July 2013. There were 45 trawls organized in two depth intervals (B: 22 to 46 m and C: >46 m) and 14 fishing quadrants. Abundance, mean and standard deviation, by sex and depth interval, and sex ratio were determined. An ANOVA was applied to compare CW means, depth intervals and fishing quadrants. The CW-weight relationship was obtained, and growth type was also determined. Length-frequency analyses were carried out. A total of 2377 crabs were collected, 1164 males and 713 females. The overall average CW was 3.65 ± 0.7677 cm, the minimum value was 1.50 cm, and the maximum was 6.00 cm. For males, the average CW was 3.65 ± 0.8242 cm, with1.50 cm minimum value and 6.00 cm maximum value. The average CW of females was 3.64 ± 0.6164 cm, with 1.60 cm minimum value and 5.90 cm maximum value. There were no statistically significant differences in CW between males and females. However, there were significant differences between depth intervals (B and C) for the total and sex CW data. The sex ratio was 2.94:1 and 2.05:1 for depth intervals B and C, and 2.33:1 for the total data set. Growth type was allometric negative for both sexes and overall, with significant differences in slopes between sexes. There was a unimodal pattern for the two fishing depth intervals and for each sex; crabs were between 2.40 and 4.00 cm (77.64%) and between 2.56 and 5.12 (91.12%) for the B and C intervals, respectively. In males, 88.46% were between 2.40 and 4.80 cm, and 90.46% of females were between 2.72 and 4.64 cm. Achelous spinicarpus is an essential species in the structure of the brachyuran assemblage and in benthic communities, as well as a food resource for various species of demersal fish. Thus, the present study provides information on the population subjected to the impact of fishing activity in the area, allowing comparisons between different populations in the species’ area of distribution.
COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): Case-Series and Global Analysis of Mortality Risk Factors
Authors: Riad Abanoub , Shabaan Alshaimaa Ahmed , Issa Julien , Ibrahim Sally , Amer Hatem , Mansy Yossef , Kassem Islam , Kassem Amira Bisher , Howaldt Hans-Peter , Klugar Miloslav , Attia Sameh
Published: October 2021

Background: Since the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the cases of COVID-19 co-infections have been increasingly reported worldwide. Mucormycosis, an opportunistic fungal infection caused by members of the Mucorales order, had been frequently isolated in severely and critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: Initially, the anamnestic, clinical, and paraclinical features of seven COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) cases from Egypt were thoroughly reported. Subsequently, an extensive review of the literature was carried out to describe the characteristics of CAM cases globally, aiming to explore the potential risk factors of mortality in CAM patients. Results: Out of the seven reported patients in the case series, five (71.4%) were males, six (85.7%) had diabetes mellitus, and three (42.9%) had cardiovascular disease. All patients exhibited various forms of facial deformities under the computed tomography scanning, and two of them tested positive for Mucorales using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) was prescribed to all cases, and none of them died until the end of the follow-up. On reviewing the literature, 191 cases were reported worldwide, of which 74.4% were males, 83.2% were from low-middle income countries, and 51.4% were aged 55 years old or below. Diabetes mellitus (79.1%), chronic hypertension (30%), and renal disease/failure (13.6%) were the most common medical comorbidities, while steroids (64.5%) were the most frequently prescribed medication for COVID-19, followed by Remdesivir (18.2%), antibiotics (12.7%), and Tocilizumab (5.5%). Conclusions: As the majority of the included studies were observational studies, the obtained evidence needs to be interpreted carefully. Diabetes, steroids, and Remdesivir were not associated with increased mortality risk, thus confirming that steroids used to manage severe and critical COVID-19 patients should not be discontinued. Lung involvement, bilateral manifestation, and Rhizopus isolation were associated with increased mortality risk, thus confirming that proactive screening is imperative, especially for critically ill patients. Finally, surgical management and antimycotic medications, e.g., amphotericin B and posaconazole, were associated with decreased mortality risk, thus confirming their effectiveness.
Cytotoxicity of Aspergillus Section Fumigati Isolated from Health Care Environments
Authors: Viegas Carla , Twarużek Magdalena , Almeida Beatriz , Dias Marta , Ribeiro Edna , Carolino Elisabete , Soszczyńska Ewelina , Caetano Liliana Aranha
Published: October 2021

This study analyzed 57 Aspergillus section Fumigati (AF) isolates collected by active and passive sampling (N = 450) in several health care facilities and from biological sampling of health care workers (N = 25) and controls (N = 22) in Portugal. All isolates were cultured in different media and screened for azole resistance. Cytotoxicity was assessed for 40 isolates in lung epithelial cells and kidney cells using the MTT assay. Aspergillus section Fumigati was prevalent in the health care facilities and in nasal swabs from health care workers and controls. All AF isolates reduced cell viability and presented medium to high cytotoxicity, with cytotoxicity being significantly higher in A549 lung epithelial cells. The cytotoxicity of isolates from air and nasal swab samples suggested the inhalation route as a risk factor. Notably, 42% of AF isolates exhibited a pattern of reduced susceptibility to some of the most used antifungals available for the treatment of patients infected with these fungi. In sum, the epidemiology and clinical relevance of Aspergillus section Fumigati should continue to be addressed. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying Aspergillus-mediated cytotoxicity is necessary.
Raman Characterization of Fungal DHN and DOPA Melanin Biosynthesis Pathways
Authors: Strycker Benjamin D. , Han Zehua , Bahari Aysan , Pham Tuyetnhu , Lin Xiaorong , Shaw Brian D. , Sokolov Alexei V. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: October 2021

Fungal melanins represent a resource for important breakthroughs in industry and medicine, but the characterization of their composition, synthesis, and structure is not well understood. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the elucidation of molecular composition and structure. In this work, we characterize the Raman spectra of wild-type Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans and their melanin biosynthetic mutants and provide a rough “map” of the DHN (A. fumigatus) and DOPA (C. neoformans) melanin biosynthetic pathways. We compare this map to the Raman spectral data of Aspergillus nidulans wild-type and melanin biosynthetic mutants obtained from a previous study. We find that the fully polymerized A. nidulans melanin cannot be classified according to the DOPA pathway; nor can it be solely classified according to the DHN pathway, consistent with mutational analysis and chemical inhibition studies. Our approach points the way forward for an increased understanding of, and methodology for, investigating fungal melanins.
Agency-Linked Risk Management with Ownership and Board Sub-Committee Governance: Evidence from an OECD Economy
Authors: Farooque Omar Al
Published: October 2021

From a risk management perspective, this study examines the role of ownership and board sub-committee governance on direct measures of agency costs in a small OECD economy—New Zealand. Using Logistic and OLS regression approaches, two proxies of direct agency costs are tested on a pooled sample of 466 firm-year observations ranging from 2012 to 2018. The study provides evidence that insider ownership concentration outperforms outsider ownership concentration in constraining agency costs. Moreover, audit committee independence can also effectively deter agency costs. These findings suggest that both insider ownership concentration and audit committee structure are important risk management mitigating factor for deterring agency costs in New Zealand companies.