bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agri-Farm Tourism in Region IV-A: Basis for a Proposed Development Plan
Authors: Salarda Lady Michelle dP.
Published: January 2022

Agri-Farm tourism in Region IV-A is very evident because of its rich farm lands. It is an indication that it gets to produce jobs and income to its people and the community at large.  In order to develop sustainable Agri-farm tourism in Region IV-A, the study suggested variety of projects, strategies and activities to be implemented contributing to the environmental, cultural, social and economic growth of the area that is reflected through a development plan. The study was conducted to determine what are the products, services, marketing activities and linkages in Agri-farm tourism in Region IV-A, and assess its economic contributions to the region, as well as its capability to be sustainable. Likewise, the researcher come up with any recommendations that will improve the products, services, marketing activities and linkages of Agri-farm tourism in the region and will contribute to its possible sustainability based or anchored purely from the results of the study.

The descriptive method of research was employed in this study. The respondents such as farm owners, Local Government Unit employees and visitors were randomly chosen and asked to answer the survey questionnaire about their perceptions on the products, services, marketing activities, linkages and the problems encountered in the selected Agri-Farm Tourism sites located in Region IV-A. Responses were analyzed using percentage, weighted mean, Analysis of Variance, Ranking, and to assess whether there is a significant difference in the responses of the three groups of respondents, use the t-test (Grouped Data).The results showed that the respondents looked for a more sustainable products, services, marketing activities and linkages. In the acceptability of the Development Plan, it was found to be highly acceptable by the respondents and can be implemented by the Agri-farm tourism owners for sustainable development.

These results suggest that owners and the management should consider improving the Agri-farm tourism business with strong emphasis on the products, services, marketing activities and linkages to attain higher assessment rating from Very Good to Excellent. The Proposed Development Plan may be adopted by the Agri-Farm Tourism planners, farm owners and Local Government Unit employees should give emphasis on Agri-farm Tourism offer as to products and services, extent of marketing and linkages, and its sustainability to keep the Agri-farm tourism business.
Widowhood Rituals among Some Ethnic Groups Africa
Authors: Dorgbetor Alfred
Published: January 2022

Widowhood rites are widely believed to be practices that a bereaved spouse must undergo upon becoming a widow in many parts of the world. It is the time period during which a woman transitions from being a wife to being a widow in her family and community. Different societies associate widowhood with a variety of different customs and values, which have a significant impact on how it is experienced. This article therefore sought to examine the practice among some Ethnic groups in Ghana and some African countries.
Instructional Material Development for Vocabulary Enhancement of Grade 9 Students of Botolan National High School
Authors: Bellido Willyn A. , Rico Felipa M.
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the level of vocabulary skills of Grade 9 students of Botolan National High. This was identified by using the DepEd E-class Record transmutation table and descriptive rating. The study which used descriptive analysis research was also utilized to know the level of vocabulary of 155 Grade 9 respondents of Botolan National High School SY 2019- 2020. Results and findings of the study led to the development of the supplementary instructional materials to enhance the level of vocabulary of Grade 9 students.

The findings revealed that the level of vocabulary skills of the students before exposure to context clues was Fairly Satisfactory, while the level of the vocabulary skills of the students after exposure to context clues was Satisfactory. The level of vocabulary skills of the students before exposure to visual association was Fairly Satisfactory while the level of the vocabulary skills of the students after exposure to visual association was also Fairly Satisfactory.

There was significant relationship on the level of vocabulary skills of the students before and after exposure to context clue and visual association strategies. It is recommended therefore that appropriate supplementary instructional materials be devised and utilized in order to enhance the level of vocabulary skills of Grade 9 students.
A crítica na república das letras: os limites da polêmica no mundo erudito segundo baillet e bayle
Authors: Santana Júnior Paulo Borges de
Published: January 2022

O presente artigo visa ressaltar, a partir de dois autores franceses do fim do século XVII (Baillet e Bayle), como o próprio mundo erudito utiliza a prática da crítica para representar um aspecto polêmico do saber associado à difusão dos livros para um público cada vez mais largo. Essa característica do saber junto com essa nova condição social (o aumento da prática da leitura) cria uma demanda especificamente moderna que associa a liberdade de pensamento não apenas ao pensamento privado (ou talvez à liberdade de crença), mas em especial ao exercício da escrita e ao acesso aos livros dos mais diversos teores. Em contrapartida, essa nova disposição da República das Letras desperta entre os próprios críticos interrogações a respeito dos limites ou de critérios reguladores da crítica.
John Locke Médico: a relação entre a filosofia e sua prática médica
Authors: Santos Antonio Carlos dos , Silva Henrique Batista e
Published: January 2022

O objetivo deste texto é investigar um aspecto pouco conhecido da obra de John Locke: a relação entre a filosofia e a sua prática médica. Este tema se justifica porque a sua concepção filosófica é largamente conhecida, mas seus estudos na área de medicina são, no Brasil, praticamente ignorados. Para levarmos a cabo tal tarefa, o artigo está dividido em três partes: na primeira, abordaremos o debate em torno da prática médica inglesa no século xvii; na segunda, o pendor de Locke pela medicina e, finalmente, na terceira, a prática médica de Locke. Esperamos que o presente texto possa colaborar com o avanço de pesquisas sobre John Locke no Brasil, especialmente na sua relação com a medicina.
Apresentação
Authors: Espinosanos Cadernos
Published: January 2022

Apresentação da Edição 45 dos Cadernos Espinosanos
Andar com fé: o sionismo cristão e as fronteiras político-identitárias entre o turismo religioso e peregrinação a Israel
Authors: Travassos Deborah Hornblas
Published: January 2022

As viagens promovidas a Israel são cada vez mais procuradas por grupos evangélicos brasileiros que se declaram sionistas cristãos, e possuem o objetivo de encontrar uma terra milenar, local onde a profecia messiânica se dará com a volta de Jesus, segundo a doutrina dispensacionalista. Esses grupos religiosos têm encontrado amparo na ascensão da nova direita brasileira, que por sua vez , vem buscando um alinhamento político ao Estado de Israel; esse apoio possui como meta o voto evangélico cada vez mais abundante no Brasil. Um aspecto fundamental levantado são as diferenças entre peregrinação e turismo religioso, as fronteiras entre esses dois tipos de deslocamento são porosas e pouco delimitadas, e exatamente por conta dessas linhas borradas torna-se vantajoso declara-se peregrino, o que no caso estudado por esse artigo, possui a capacidade de legitimar os objetivos propostos por essas viagens.
Assessing the Accuracy of Estimated Lipoprotein(a) Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a)‐Free Low‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Zheng Weili , Chilazi Michael , Park Jihwan , Sathiyakumar Vasanth , Donato Leslie J. , Meeusen Jeffrey W. , Lazo Mariana , Guallar Eliseo , Kulkarni Krishnaji R. , Jaffe Allan S. , Santos Raul D. , Toth Peter P. , Jones Steven R. , Martin Seth S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Accurate measurement of the cholesterol within lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]‐C) and its contribution to low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) has important implications for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as in familial hypercholesterolemia. A method for estimating Lp(a)‐C from particle number using fixed conversion factors has been proposed (Lp[a]‐C from particle number divided by 2.4 for Lp(a) mass, multiplied by 30% for Lp[a]‐C). The accuracy of this method, which theoretically can isolate “Lp(a)‐free LDL‐C,” has not been validated.

Methods and Results

In 177 875 patients from the VLDbL (Very Large Database of Lipids), we compared estimated Lp(a)‐C and Lp(a)‐free LDL‐C with measured values and quantified absolute and percent error. We compared findings with an analogous data set from the Mayo Clinic Laboratory. Error in estimated Lp(a)‐C and Lp(a)‐free LDL‐C increased with higher Lp(a)‐C values. Median error for estimated Lp(a)‐C <10 mg/dL was −1.9 mg/dL (interquartile range, −4.0 to 0.2); this error increased linearly, overestimating by +30.8 mg/dL (interquartile range, 26.1–36.5) for estimated Lp(a)‐C ≥50 mg/dL. This error relationship persisted after stratification by overall high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol subtypes. Similar findings were observed in the Mayo cohort. Absolute error for Lp(a)‐free LDL‐C was +2.4 (interquartile range, −0.6 to 5.3) for Lp(a)‐C<10 mg/dL and −31.8 (interquartile range, −37.8 to −26.5) mg/dL for Lp(a)‐C≥50 mg/dL.

Conclusions

Lp(a)‐C estimations using fixed conversion factors overestimated Lp(a)‐C and subsequently underestimated Lp(a)‐free LDL‐C, especially at clinically relevant Lp(a) values. Application of inaccurate Lp(a)‐C estimations to correct LDL‐C may lead to undertreatment of high‐risk patients.
Predicting the Future With a Scale-Invariant Temporal Memory for the Past
Authors: Goh Wei Zhong , Ursekar Varun , Howard Marc W.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, it has become clear that the brain maintains a temporal memory of recent events stretching far into the past. This letter presents a neurally inspired algorithm to use a scale-invariant temporal representation of the past to predict a scale-invariant future. The result is a scale-invariant estimate of future events as a function of the time at which they are expected to occur. The algorithm is time-local, with credit assigned to the present event by observing how it affects the prediction of the future. To illustrate the potential utility of this approach, we test the model on simultaneous renewal processes with different timescales. The algorithm scales well on these problems despite the fact that the number of states needed to describe them as a Markov process grows exponentially.
Germination and Seedling Growth Response of Sprouts and Leafy Vegetables after Applying Oxygen Nanobubble Water
Authors: Lee Seo Youn , Jung Seo Hee , Cho Ah Ram , Shim Myung Syun , Chung You Kyung , Kim Yoon Jin
Published: January 2022

Background and objective The nanobubbles remain stable in water, and it increased dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water that promotes the seed germination and the plant growth. We evaluated the seed germination and growth of sprouts (radish, wheat, and barley) and leafy vegetables (red mustard and pak choi) when irrigated with various DO of nanobubble water (NB). Methods The oxygen NB was generated by surface friction and treated in 4 levels: NB 0% (control, DO 9.21 mg·L−1), NB 20% (DO 15.40 mg·L−1), NB 33% (DO 20.93 mg·L−1), and NB 100% (DO 39.29 mg·L−1). Results The root length of radish and wheat increased more in NB 33% than the control plot. The fresh weight increased in NB 33% compared to the control plot in radish and wheat, and both fresh and dry weight increased more in NB 20%, NB 33%, and NB 100% than the control plot of barley. The leaf length and width of red mustard decreased more in NB 33% and NB 100% than the control plot and NB 20%, which indicated the leaf compactness. The fresh and dry weight of shoot and root increased more in NB 100% than the control plot in red mustard. In pak choi, the shoot fresh weight increased more in NB 100% than the control plot. In leafy vegetables, the germination rate of red mustard in NB 100% was higher than the control plot, however, it was not significantly different between oxygen NB plots in sprout vegetables. Conclusion The results showed that the root growth and biomass increased after applying NB 33% in sprout vegetables. The leaf growth properties as the number of leaves and leaf size were not significantly different or decreased in NB treatments compared to control plots, but NB 100% (DO 39.29 mg·L−1) effectively increased the root growth and plant biomass in leafy vegetables.
Changes in Electroencephalographic Results and Heart Rate Variability after Exposure to Green Landscape Photographs Correlated with Color Temperature and Illumination Level
Authors: Lee Min Jung , Oh Wook
Published: January 2022

Background and objective Various images from visual display terminals (VDTs) as well as living lighting are important parts of our daily life; thus, properly controlling the lighting environment – that is, illuminance, color temperature and good images from VDTs – can have a substantial effect on improving the mental health and work efficiency in everyday life. We examined electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) responses to various lighting conditions in 25 university students as they viewed images of a green landscape or traffic congestion. Methods EEG was performed in darkness and when the room was illuminated with 10 different light-emitting diode (LED) color temperatures, while the EEG and HRV responses to green landscape or traffic congestion image stimuli were measured in darkness and during room illumination with three different LED color temperatures. Results We found a significant difference between darkness and high LED illumination (400 lx) at 7 (CZ, F4, FZ, O1, O2, OZ, and T6) of 30 channels, while the alpha wave activity increased during darkness. In the second experiment, the green landscape image stimuli in the 30 lx–2600 K lighting condition elicited theta wave activity on the EEG, whereas the traffic congestion image stimuli under high LED illumination elicited high beta and gamma wave activities. Moreover, the subjects exhibited better stress coping ability and heart rate stability in response to green landscape image stimuli under illuminated conditions, according to their HRV. Conclusion These results suggest that lower color temperatures and illumination levels alleviate tension, and that viewing green landscape image stimuli at low illumination, or in darkness, is effective for reducing stress. Conversely, high illumination levels and color temperatures are likely to increase tension and stress in response to traffic congestion image stimuli.
A Study on Priority of Classification System for Agro-healing Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Yoo Eunha , Park Yumin , Jeong Sun Jin , Kim Jae Soon , Kang Yong Ku , Jeong Yeo Jin
Published: January 2022

Background and objective As the ‘Healing Agriculture Research and Development and Promotion Act’ came into effect on March 25, 2021, social interest in agro-healing has been increasing exponentially. This study was conducted to analyze the priorities of agro-healing classification system and to provide basic data to inform policy directions and related research for the development and activation of agro-healing. Methods The survey data collected from 18 experts were analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method in determine the relative weights of the main and sub-criteria for the classification system. There were three main criteria identified: agro-healing input industry, agro-healing service industry, and agro-healing-related/derived industry. There were also 11 sub-criteria. Results The top three sub-criteria with the highest complex weights include “community service,” “social rehabilitation” and “treatment and rehabilitation,” all of which correspond to the main criterion “agro-healing service industry”. In addition, the complex weights of the sub-criteria corresponding to the main criterion “agro-healing related/derived industry” are as follows: “other agro-healing support service,” which ranked 4th, and “training and education institutions for agro-healing experts,” which ranked 5th when prioritizing the criteria. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the main criterion to be considered first in establishing a classification system is “agro-healing service industry”. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research on detailed service classifications and systems with verified validity to ensure expertise in human resources, and organization related to social purpose services in agro-healing.
Agro-Healing Service Quality Analysis Using IPA Analysis for Business Owners
Authors: Kim Yun-Jin , Kim Seon-Ok , Park Sin-Ae
Published: January 2022

Background and objective This study seeks to investigate domestic agro-healing farm resources so that preliminary data can be obtained on the systematic provisions for agro-healing programs in order to improve service quality and to identify the quality of agro-healing policy services. Methods For this study, owners of agro-healing facilities were asked 24 questions via an online survey. An importance–performance analysis (IPA) was conducted to identify service quality for each policy sector. Results Respondents’ satisfaction levels were low when compared to agro-healing farm owners’ perceptions of the above-average importance of each sector. The results from the resource analysis of domestic agro-healing farms indicated that the main operational purposes of farms were, in descending order, experience (90.0%), healing (86.7%), and education (84.0%). With respect to the type of program that was operated, cultivating crops (horticultural therapy) was identified most frequently at 83.3%. Conclusion As a result of this study, the resources possessed by agro-healing farms were identified. In addition, the results of the IPA analysis in terms of service quality are not as good as expected, and performance levels should be increased to improve this. The results of this study are expected to provide useful information not only to improve the quality of agro-healing services, but also to revitalize the agro-healing industry while developing a systematic agro-healing program.
Conclusion: The Narrow Road to Martyrdom
Authors: Fabre Pierre-Antoine
Published: January 2022

The conclusion of this collection of studies endeavors to recapture five major questions that this special issue of the Journal of Jesuit Studies poses on the subject of martyrdom: Is this gesture a form of imitation of Christ (or imitatio Christi) or is it itself a sacrifice? How does it get rid of the shadow of suicide or voluntary death? How do the singularity of its experience and the community within which and in the name of which it is exercised articulate? Can martyrdom be defined as a renunciation of human love, and in this sense as the ultimate step in a process of conversion? How does martyrdom take its place in the writing of the religious history of the modern era, in particular, as far as the Society of Jesus is concerned, in the historiography of the nineteenth century? These five questions open this collection of essays to a field of research that remains to be pursued.
Anemone pindariensis (Ranunculaceae), most recently described from the western Himalaya in India, is a teratological form of A. rivularis
Authors: FEI WEN-QUN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: January 2022

Based on literature survey and observations on herbarium specimens and living plants in the wild, we demonstrate that Anemone pindariensis (Ranunculaceae), most recently described from the western Himalaya in India, is a teratological form of A. rivularis. We therefore place the former in synonymy with the latter herein.
Reaffirming the legitimate status of Calamagrostis neglecta (Poaceae)
Authors: SENNIKOV ALEXANDER N.
Published: January 2022

N/A
miRNA-126 Inhibits Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs)
Authors: Chang Le , Duan Wei , Wang Chuang , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2022

This study was to determine whether microRNA (miRNA)-126 regulates osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Rat BMSCs were extracted and stimulated for osteogenic differentiation. Functional experiments were conducted to assess miR-126’s impact
on BMSCs differentiation. Western blot and RT-qPCR determined miR-126 expression. ALP activity detection and alizarin red staining detection were also performed. After osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, miR-126 expression was gradually decreased over time. Overexpression of miR-26 decreased
ALP activity, Notch signaling activity as well as declined Runx2 expression and calcium Salt nodules after treatment. Importantly, we found that Smad4 serves as a target of miR-126 while upregulation of the miRNA was accompanied with the decreased Smad4 protein expression without affecting
the Smad4 mRNA level. In conclusion, miR-126 restrains osteogenic differentiation through inhibition of SMAD4 signaling, providing a novel insight into the mechanism.
Research on Function of Exosome of miR-328-3p Secreted by Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) on Restraining the Gastric Cancer Through Being Down-Regulated with Trefoil Factor 3
Authors: Li Jing , Xie Bo , Wang Hu , Chen Chengsong , Pan Chengwu , Jia Jianguang
Published: January 2022

Certain progress has been made in the therapeutic method against gastric cancer such as surgical operation combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy in recent years. But the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis on gastric cancer was still not satisfactory. The function of exosome
of miR-328–3p secreted by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on restraining the gastric cancer was studied in the present study. The BMSCs with highly-expressed miR-328-3p was established. The exosome in cell supernatant was collected. The exosome of BMSCs and MSCs with highlyexpressed
miR-328-3p was added into SGC-7901 cells followed by analysis of miR-328-3p level by Real-time PCR and TFF3 (Trefoil Factor 3) level in exosome by Western blot, cell proliferation, expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin and Caspase-3. miR-328-39 expression was reduced and TFF3 was elevated in
gastric cancer tissue (P < 0.05). miR-328-3p was upregulated and TFF3 was downregulated after addition of BMSCs exosomes along with increased cell proliferation and reduced E-cadherin and Caspase3 expression (P < 0.05). In conclusion, exosome of BMSCs could be regulated
by miR-328-3p and TFF3 expression is restrained so as to regulate the biological behaviors of gastric cancer cell.
MicroRNA-367 Inhibits Breast Cancer and Promotes Apoptosis by Targeting AT-Rich Interactive Domain-Containing Protein 1B
Authors: Pan Bing , Liu Binghui , Pan Juhua , Xin Jian , Fu Chenglin
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) developed in the glandular epithelial tissue of breast. microRNA (miR)-367 is an important player in cancer progression, but has never been studied in BC. This experiment tries to probe the mechanism of miR-367 in BC treatment with downstream
target gene. Materials and Methods: Human BC cell lines and healthy breast epithelium cells were applied in this study. After the transfection of miR-367 inhibitor or mimic into BC cells, functional assays were conducted to measure cell growth. Afterwards, flow cytometry was employed
in apoptosis verification. Then, target relation between miR-367 and ARID1B was certified. Furthermore, ARID1B level was also measured. Results: miR-367 was underexpressed in human BC cells (p < 0.05). Besides, overexpressed miR-367 inhibited BC cell proliferation and encouraged
apoptosis, while underexpressed miR-367 led to an opposite outcome (p < 0.05). This experiment then implied that miR-367 dramatically suppressed the activity of cell transfected with ARID1B-wild type. miR-367 overexpression quenched ARID1B level in BC cells; while silencing miR-367
upregulated ARID1B expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our experiment discovered that miR-367 quenched BC cell growth and promoted apoptosis by targeting ARID1B. This investigation may provide novel insights in BC treatment.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC)-Exosomes Overexpressing miR-141 Inhibit the Malignant Biological Behavior of Glioma Cells via Wnt Signaling
Authors: Cao Jing , Yang Fan , Zhou Haiyan , Fan Duojiao , Li Hengzhou , Fan Tao , Sun Peng
Published: January 2022

Our study explores whether BMSC-exosomes overexpressing miR-141 can regulate Wnt signal to inhibit the malignant biological behavior of glioma cells. Thirty healthy mice were selected to construct a glioma mouse model and assigned randomly into the control group, miR-141 NC group, and
miR-141 mimic group followed by analysis of cell proliferation, apoptosis, protein expression and mRNA expression by MTT method, flow cytometry, Western blot and RT-PCR methods. Compared with the other two groups, miR-141 mimic group showed reduced number of cell proliferation at 24 h and
48 h, decreased cell migration and invasion ability, and the increased cell apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). In miR-141 mimic group, the protein expression of miR-141 was the highest, while the protein expression of β-catenin, survivin and c-myc was the lowest (P <
0.05). In conclusion, BMSC-exosomes overexpressing miR-141 can inhibit the malignant biological behavior of GC cells possibly by inhibiting the activation of Wnt signaling pathway.
Influence of Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1α of Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Left Ventricular Function in Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Chang Zhitang , Sheng Guotai , Zhou Yizhong , Wu Zhiyong , Xie Guobo , Zhang Xuehong , Wei Dan
Published: January 2022

Based on the promotion of myocardial activity via endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) subsequent to acute myocardial infarction (AMI), our research was designed to explore the influence of excessive HIF-1α expression in expanded EPCs (eEPCs) on promotion of the activity
of left ventricle subsequent to MI. Isolation of EPCs from cord blood was performed before transduction with the help of retroviral vector with or without HIF-1α expression. Transplantation was performed subsequent to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in
mice. Ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle was promoted via transplantation after 2 weeks. Excessive HIF-1α expression enhanced EF of left ventricle and decreased the extent of MI. It was revealed via functional studies that excessive HIF-1α expression enhanced
proliferation of EPCs triggered by low oxygen concentration and suppressed cell death in the region of infarction. Moreover, markers of endothelium CD31, VEGF, and eNOS were upregulated. Transplantation of eEPCs with excessive HIF-1α expression in AMI can promote myocardial activities
by increasing differentiation, generation of vessels, proliferation of eEPCs, and suppressing cell death. The above findings propose that regulation of EPCs via HIF-1α enhances the activity as well as mobilization of EPCs, indicating that reinforcement of expression of HIF-1α
is beneficial for coronary heart disease.
Stard 3 (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory-Related Lipid Transfer Domain-Containing Protein 3) Play Important Role in Preadipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Chen Zhonge , Tang Yanhua , Jiang Wenyong , Zhou Xiaoqian
Published: January 2022

Aim: To evaluate Stard 3’s effects and relative mechanisms in preadipocyto differentiation by vitro study. Materials and Methods: The 3T3-L1 cell were divided into 5 groups as NC, si-Stard 3, ROS agonist, ROS inhibitor and si-Stard 3+ROS agonist groups. The cell
of different groups were evaluated by Oil red O staining and Triglyceride. Evaluating ROS production by DHE and NBT assay. Using RT-qPCR and WB methods to evaluate gene and protein expressions. Results: Compared with NC group, Triglyceride, DHE fluorescence intensity and NBT positive
rate were significantly down-regulation in si-Stard 3 and ROS inhibitor groups (P < 0.001, respectively), and were significantly up-regulation in ROS agonist group (P < 0.001, respectively); However, with si-Stard 3 transfection and ROS agonist treatment, compared with
si-Stard 3 group, Triglyceride, DHE fluorescence intensity and NBT positive rate were significantly increased in si-Stard 3+ROS agonist group (P < 0.001, respectively). With RT-qPCR and WB assay, Compared with NC group, Stard 3 gene and protein expressions of si-Stard 3 and si-Stard
3+ROS agonist group were significantly depressed (P < 0.001, respectively), AMPK, PPARγ, CEBPα and FABP4 gene expressions were significantly differences in si-Stard 3, ROS agonist and ROS inhibitor groups (P < 0.001, respectively) and p-AMPK, PPARγ,
CEBPα and FABP4 protein expressions were significantly differences in si-Stard 3, ROS agonist and ROS inhibitor groups (P < 0.001, respectively), with si-Stard 3 transfection and ROS agonist the relative gene and protein expressions were significantly resumed compared
with si-Stard 3 group (P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Stard 3 knockdown had effects to suppress 3T3-L1 cells transformation into adipocytes in vitro study.
Dynamic Characteristics of Blood Platelet Count in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: An Jiang-Hong , Qi Fu-Rong , Cheng Xiao-Ya , Liu Xun-Qi , Luo Pu , Chen Qiong , Qian Shen , Zhang Yi-Hui-Zhi , Lian Li , Guo Zhi , Liu Lei , Tan Xiao-Hua
Published: January 2022

Background and purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was spreading all over the world. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily invades and infects the lungs of humans leading to COVID-19. Mild to severe clinical symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath were existed in those patients. One of the most common changes in these patients was abnormal blood routine. However, uncertainty remains regarding the dynamic characteristics of platelet in COVID-19 patients due to limited data. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the association between dynamic characteristics of blood platelet and disease severity, and to identify new monitoring indicators to treat the COVID-19 patients.Methods: In this cohort study, 398 COVID-19 patients treated in the Shenzhen Third People’s hospital from December 16, 2019 to March 26, 2020 were collected and participated. All data of participants including the clinical characteristics, imaging and laboratory information were collected. All patients included in our study were classified as four groups (mild, common, severe, and critical types) regarding clinical symptoms and relevant severe failures based on the Diagnosis Criteria. Platelet count was examined at the baseline and every 3–5 days during hospitalization.Results: The platelet count varied with clinical classifications. The platelet count in mild type was normal without significant fluctuation. While the blood platelet count of most common and severe patients had obvious fluctuations, showing as a dynamic change that first rose and then fell to the level at admission, which was consistent with the trend of lung inflammation. Bone marrow smears further showed that bone marrow hyperplasia was normal in mild, common and severe type patients, and megakaryocytes and their platelet-producing functions were not abnormal.Conclusions: Our results suggested that the dynamic changes of platelet count might be a predictor of lung inflammation alteration for COVID-19 patients. The changes in platelet count might be a responsive pattern secondary to lung inflammation. The function of bone marrow may be slightly affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Inhibitor Improves Local Immune Microenvironment and Reduces Seizures via Increasing miR-211 Level in Rat Brain
Authors: Du Meijiao , Wang Zhengmei , Su Geng , Zhou Yunxia , Luo Chuan
Published: January 2022

This study aims to analyze the role of mTOR inhibitor on the expression of miR-211 in rat brain tissue and the biological effect of miR-211 in attenuating seizure. Rats were randomly divided into four groups, and the number of seizures and the duration of single seizure were observed
within 24 hours after intervention. The level of miR-211 in brain tissue was detected by RT qPCR, the apoptosis of nerve cells was assessed by TUNEL staining, the level of immune cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the level of serum inflammatory factors was determined by ELISA. The
number of seizures and the duration of single seizure in the three groups treated by rapamycin within 24 hours were lower than those in the control group, and the symptom relief in group C was the best. After treatment, the expression level of miR-211 in the brain tissue of epileptic rats
increased. TUNEL staining showed that neuronal apoptosis was obvious in epileptic rats. The anti apoptotic ability of group C was the most significant, followed by group D and group B. Compared with group A, the levels of CD3+ cells, CD8+ cells and CD4+/CD25+
cells in brain tissue of group C were decreased, while the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were lower in group C than those in control. In group C (n = 5), the levels of CD3+ cells, CD8+ cells and CD4+/CD25+ cells were elevated, and
the levels of immune related cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ were higher than those of rats without miR-211 inhibition. mTOR inhibitors can improve the local immune microenvironment, reduce the release of inflammatory factors, and finally decrease the frequency and duration of seizures
by up regulating the level of miR-211 in rat brain tissue.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Transplantation Alleviates Acute Pancreatitis Through Inhibiting Inflammation and Promoting Caspase-8 Apoptosis Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiang , Yu Lan , Xiong Xing , Chen Yao , Men Bo
Published: January 2022

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are capable of multipolar differentiation and repairing injured tissues. Herein, we aimed to investigate the mechanism by how BMSCs modulate the apoptotic pathway in the acute pancreatitis (AP). In this study, primary BMSCs were cultured and administrated into 10 AP mice while 10 healthy mice were taken as a blank group and 10 AP mice as a control group. The mouse pancreatic tissues were assessed by HE staining and evaluated by pancreatitis score and serum amylase detection. Level of inflammatory factors CRP and TNF-αwas measured by ELISA and PIPK1, PIPK3, MLKL and Caspase-8 expression was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The pancreatitis score (7.29±1.36) and the serum amylase score of (453.66±103.67) mu/ml of BMSCs group was significantly higher than that of control group, indicating increased tissue repair after BMSCs treatment. BMSCs group exhibited a higher level of CRP (711.01±115.31) and TNF-α(132.81±22.13) in serum compared to control group (p< 0.05). PIPK1, PIPK3, and MLKL expression in BMSCs group decreased (p< 0.05) whereas Caspase-8 was increased (p< 0.05). On the other hand, BMSCs group presented upregulated PIPK1, PIPK3, and MLKL (p< 0.05) and downregulated Caspase-8 (p< 0.05). In conclusion, BMSCs regulate cell apoptosis by upregulating Caspase-8 expression, and downregulating PIPK1, PIPK3 and MLKL level, thereby alleviating the inflammation in AP.
Phosphatase and Tensin Homology Deletion Gene (PTEN) Regulates Fibroblast Precursor Cells Autophagy and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling in Preeclampsia
Authors: Zhu Jingfang , Hu Jianglin
Published: January 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) causes serious harm to the health of mothers and infants. PTEN regulates cell biological behaviors, but its role in preeclampsia have not been reported. Real time PCR and Western blot detected PTEN level in the placenta of PE patients and controls. Placental trophoblastderived
cell line HTR8 was assigned into NC group, PTEN group and si-PTEN inhibitor group followed by measuring PTEN level, cell proliferation by MTT assay, cell invasion by Transwell, Caspase 3 activity, Beclin-1 and Atg-5 expression as well as PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling protein
by Western blot. PTEN in PE patients was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Transfection of PTEN siRNA significantly down-regulated PTEN, promoted cell proliferation and invasion, reduced Caspase 3 activity, increased Beclin-1 and Atg-5, and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF
protein expression (P < 0.05). Transfection of pcDNA 3.0-PTEN up-regulated PTEN and significantly reversed the above changes (P < 0.05). In conclusion, PTEN is reduced in PE and it can regulate pre-eclampsia trophoblast autophagy possibly through PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF
signaling, suggesting that PTEN can be a potential target for PE therapy.
MiR-221 Regulates Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling 3-Janus Kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (SOCS3-JAK2/STAT3) Pathway and Affects Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Jiang Neng , Zhu Shunfu , Zhu Jianjun
Published: January 2022

Objective: Suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) negatively regulates JAK-STAT signaling. Bioinformatics analysis showed a targeted relationship between miR-221 and SOCS3 mRNA 3′-UTR. This study investigated whether miR-221 regulates SOCS3 expression and affects thyroid
cancer cells. Methods: Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments verified the relationship between miR-221 and SOCS3. The tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of patients with thyroid cancer were collected to detect miR-221 and SOCS3 level. Thyroid cancer cell line KTC-1 cells were assigned
into miR-NC group and miR-221 inhibitor group followed by analysis of SOCS3, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 level by Real-time PCR, cell apoptosis and cell proliferation by flow cytometry and cell invasion by Transwell assay. Results: Compared with adjacent tissues, miR-221 level in tumor tissues
was increased, and SCOS3 mRNA level was decreased. There was a targeted relationship between miR-221 and SOCS3 mRNA. MiR-221 level in KTC-1 and TPC-1 cells was increased, while SOCS3 mRNA level was decreased. MiR-221 inhibitor can significantly upregulate SOCS3 mRNA and protein in KTC-1 cells,
reduce the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 protein, increase cell apoptosis, and reduce cell proliferation and invasion. Conclusion: The increased miR-221 and decreased SOCS3 expression are related to thyroid cancer pathogenesis. MiR-221 can inhibit the expression of SOCS3, affect JAK-STAT
signaling activity, and regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells.
C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) and Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Expression are Prognostic Biomarkers for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Ting , Song Qian , Xu Yanjun , Liu Qiya
Published: January 2022

Chemokines and immunomodulatory factors involve in tumor development. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is considered to start from dendritic cell infiltration and then produce immunomodulatory factors. In this study, CXCR4 and PD-L1 biomarkers were used to explore their prognostic
role in PTC survival. Confocal microscopy detected the transfection efficiency in tumor cells. 42 PTC patients and thyroiditis patients (control) were enrolled to measure the expressions of CXCR4 and PD-L1. Multi-factor analysis analyzed the effect of combined CXCR4 and PD-L1 expression on
ROC. The two groups had no differences in the baseline characteristics. CTXCR4 and PD-L1 level in PTC patients was significantly higher than control. CXCR4 was lowly expressed in thyroid cancer tissue and PD-L1 was highly expressed in serological samples. Compared with single measurement,
the combined detection of CXCR4 and PD-L1 showed more ROC area. In conclusion, reduced CXCR4 and increased PD-L1 level is found in thyroid cancer and their level might be used as predictive markers for PTC to improve the curative effect.
Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome Ten (PTEN) Derived from Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Promotes the Development of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Song Jin , Chang Jiahan , Lin Xue , Fan Cibo , Han Lili , Bai Xue
Published: January 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a threat to women’s life with a lack of targeted therapy. This study aimed to explore the role of PTEN derived from BMSCs in TNBC. We carried out a retrospective analysis of 65 TNBC patients and 30 healthy subjects from October 2016
to January 2021 with a 10-year follow up. PTEN expression in TNBC tissues and cells was determined by RTqPCR. Functional experiments were conducted to evaluate PTEN’s effect on TNBC cell biological behaviors using MTT assay and Transwell assay, as well as on PI3K-Akt-HIF-1α-VEGF
signaling transduction. PTEN was up-regulated in TNBC tissues relative to healthy controls and it was negatively associated with the survival rate. In in vitro experiments, PTEN overexpression increased cell viability and invasion and knocking down of PTEN exerted opposite effect. The
expression of PI3K was directly regulated by PTEN. Up-regulation of PTEN resulted in a decline in HIF-1α, Akt and VEGF expressions, which were elevated after knocking down of PTEN. In conclusion, PTEN derived from BMSCs promotes TNBC cell development through blocking PI3K-Akt-HIF-1α-VEGF
signaling pathway, providing a new theoretical basis for targeted therapy of TNBC.
Objective and Probabilistic Long-Range Forecasts of Summertime Air Temperatures in South Korea Based on Gaussian Processes
Authors: Rhee Jinyoung , Myoung Boksoon
Published: January 2022

We propose the objective long-range forecasting model based on Gaussian processes (OLRAF-GP), focusing on summertime near-surface air temperatures in June (1-month lead), July (2-month lead), and August (3-month lead). The predictors were objectively selected based on their relationships with the target variables, either from observations (GP-OBS) or from observations and dynamical climate model results from APEC Climate Center multimodel ensemble (APCC MME) for the period with no observed data (GP-MME). The performances of the OLRAF-GP models were compared with the model with predetermined predictors from observations (GP-PD). Both GP-MME and GP-OBS outperformed GP-PD in June [Heidke skill score (HSS); HSS = 0.46, 0.72, and 0.16 for mean temperature] and July (HSS = 0.53, 0.3, and 0.07 for mean temperature). Furthermore, GP-MME mostly outperformed GP-OBS and GP-PD in August (HSS = 0.52, 0.28, and 0.5, respectively, for mean temperature), implying larger contributions of the additional predictors from MME. OLRAF-GP models, especially GP-MME, are expected to better forecast summertime temperatures in regions where existing models have been struggling. We find that the physical processes associated with the notable predictors are aligned with those in previous studies, such as the attribution of the La Niña conditions in the previous winter, the related Indian Ocean capacitor effect, and the impacts of wintertime Polar/Eurasia pattern. These results imply that the mechanisms of the objectively selected predictors can be physically meaningful, and their inclusion can improve model performance and efficiency.

Significance Statements

This study aims to improve the long-range probabilistic forecasting of summertime near-surface temperatures for regions where the climate variability is not sufficiently explained by well-known key predictors. We propose objective and probabilistic forecasting models that use objectively selected predictors either from observations or from observations and results of the dynamical climate model. The overall skill scores of the proposed models (overall HSS = 0.33, 0.39) for the case study site of South Korea are higher than the model with predetermined predictors (overall HSS = 0.19). We also find that the mechanisms of the objectively selected predictors can be physically meaningful, and their inclusion can improve model performance and efficiency.
Hustle in Higher Education: How Latinx Students with Conviction Histories Move from Surviving to Thriving in Higher Education
Authors: Hernandez Joe Louis , Murillo Danny , Britton Tolani
Published: January 2022

The voices and experiences of formerly incarcerated college students are emerging throughout the social science literature. The importance of documenting their narratives is grounded in the reality that more than an estimated 12,000 system-impacted people are enrolled throughout the California postsecondary education system. This paper highlights the knowledge and skills formerly incarcerated students possess and deploy to navigate higher education successfully. Our study adds to the growing body of literature examining the experiences of formerly incarcerated Latinx students from an anti-deficit perspective. We use the theory of funds of knowledge and semi-structured interviews with 16 formerly incarcerated Latinx students at different points of the postsecondary education pipeline to understand their experiences. We find that formerly incarcerated Latinx students tapped into their “hustle” to move from surviving to thriving in higher education. These pre-college skills, acquired through their life experiences, allow students to seek academic and financial resources, create academic networks, and make personal connections with institutional agents to overcome various personal and institutional barriers.
Telework in a Land of Overwork: It’s Not That Simple or Is It?
Authors: Ono Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted labor markets around the world. Workers and corporations scrambled to adjust their workstyles to a new normal, by avoiding the commute and working remotely from their homes or elsewhere. Japan is a country that stood out for its inability to adjust to the remote work imperative. Comparative statistics show that Japan reported the lowest number of people engaged in remote work among the OECD countries, as well as the lowest percentage of corporations that offered remote work policies. In this article, I investigate why telework in Japan is difficult. The lack of telework in Japan may seem paradoxical, given the country’s reputation for being technologically advanced. I argue that it is not the technological infrastructure that is lacking in the Japanese workplace, but distinct features of work embedded in Japanese culture and its collectivist roots that prevent the effective implementation of telework. I rely on recently published data from various sources, and apply key sociological theories such as implicit contracts, gift exchange, dramaturgy, and impression management to substantiate my main arguments. The paper concludes by drawing on implications for the future of work in Japan.
Another Person’s Peril: Peanut Allergy, Risk Perceptions, and Responsible Sociality
Authors: DeSoucey Michaela , Waggoner Miranda R.
Published: January 2022

This article examines perceptions of health risk when some individuals within a shared space are in heightened danger but anyone, including unaffected others, can be a vector of risk. Using the case of peanut allergy and drawing on qualitative content analysis of the public comments submitted in response to an unsuccessful 2010 U.S. Department of Transportation proposal to prohibit peanuts on airplanes, we analyze contention over the boundaries of responsibility for mitigating exposure to risk. We find three key dimensions of proximity to risk (material, social, and situational) characterizing ardent claims both for and against policy enactment. These proximity concerns underlay commenters’ sensemaking about fear, trust, rights, moral obligations, and liberty in the act of sharing space with others, while allowing them to stake positions on what we call “responsible sociality”—an ethic of discernible empathy for proximate others and of consideration for public benefit in social and communal settings. We conclude by discussing the insights our case affords several other areas of scholarship attentive to the intractable yet timely question of “for whom do we care?”