bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of Prognostic Expression Markers for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Petitprez Florent , Ayadi Mira , de Reyniès Aurélien , Fridman Wolf H. , Sautès-Fridman Catherine , Job Sylvie
Published: April 2021

Context:The number of prognostic markers for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been increasing regularly over the last 15 years, without being integrated and compared.

Objective:Our goal was to perform a review of prognostic markers for ccRCC to lay the ground for their use in the clinics.

Evidence Acquisition:PubMed database was searched to identify RNA and protein markers whose expression level was reported as associated with survival of ccRCC patients. Relevant studies were selected through cross-reading by two readers.

Evidence Synthesis:We selected 249 studies reporting an association with prognostic of either single markers or multiple-marker models. Altogether, these studies were based on a total of 341 distinct markers and 13 multiple-marker models. Twenty percent of these markers were involved in four biological pathways altered in ccRCC: cell cycle, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and immune response. The main genes (VHL, PBRM1, BAP1, andSETD2) involved in ccRCC carcinogenesis are not the most relevant for assessing survival.

Conclusion:Among single markers, the most validated markers wereKI67, BIRC5, TP53, CXCR4, andCA9. Of the multiple-marker models, the most famous model, ClearCode34, has been highly validated on several independent datasets, but its clinical utility has not yet been investigated.

Patient Summary:Over the years, the prognosis studies have evolved from single markers to multiple-marker models. Our review highlights the highly validated prognostic markers and multiple-marker models and discusses their clinical utility for better therapeutic care.
Cancer or Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review of the Clinical and Imaging Features in Diagnosis of the Confusing Mass
Authors: Xiang Yufan , Huang Chen , He Yan , Zhang Qin
Published: April 2021

Confusing masses constitute a challenging clinical problem for differentiating between cancer and tuberculosis diagnoses. This review summarizes the major theories designed to identify factors associated with misdiagnosis, such as imaging features, laboratory tests, and clinical characteristics. Then, the clinical experiences regarding the misdiagnosis of cancer and tuberculosis are summarized. Finally, the main diagnostic points and differential diagnostic criteria are explored, and the characteristics of multimodal imaging and radiomics are summarized.
Effectiveness of a 6-Month 22.5-mg Leuprolide Acetate Depot Formulation With Tamoxifen for Postoperative Premenopausal Estrogen Suppression in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Zhen-Yu , Lee Young-jin , Kim Heejeong , Lee Jongwon , Chung Il Yong , Kim Jisun , Lee Saebyeol , Son Byung-Ho , Kim Sung-Bae , Jeong Jae Ho , Gong Gyungyub , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Ko BeomSeok
Published: April 2021

Background

In patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/premenopausal breast cancer, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs (LHRHas) are used as standard endocrine treatment. Based on previous clinical studies, 1-month formulations are recommended in most breast cancer treatment guidelines, but long-acting formulations facilitate reductions in side effects and patient discomfort caused by frequent administration. However, few efficacy studies have been conducted on 6-month formulations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 6-month formulations of LHRHas.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to December 2019 and involved premenopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer administered 6-month LHRHas as adjuvant treatment after surgery, and those previously administered chemotherapy or other LHRHa types were excluded. Patients’ estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured before surgery, and their E2 levels were also measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months at periodic postsurgical examinations.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included, and the median patient age was 44 (range, 25–54) years. The mean serum E2 and FSH levels before surgery were 69.7 (range, 4–683) pg/mL and 7.3 (range, 0.4–88.9) mIU/mL, respectively, whereas the mean serum E2 level monitored at intervals during the 6-month LHRHa administration was 5.5 (range, 4.0–52) pg/mL. No women menstruated during the follow-up period after the LHRHas administration, and the E2 levels were less than 30 pg/mL in all patients except one.

Conclusions

The 6-month LHRHa formulation adequately suppressed ovarian function in premenopausal patients with HR+ breast cancer. This indicates that long-acting LHRHas can be effectively used for patient convenience and that there is high compliance with long-term use.
Different Apples, Same Tree: Visualizing Current Biological and Clinical Insights into CTLA-4 Insufficiency and LRBA and DEF6 Deficiencies
Authors: Gámez-Díaz Laura , Seidel Markus G.
Published: April 2021

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a crucial immune checkpoint that is constitutively expressed in regulatory T (Treg) cells. Following T-cell activation, CTLA-4 is rapidly mobilized from its intracellular vesicle pool to the cell surface to control the availability of co-stimulatory B7 molecules, thereby maintaining immune homeostasis. Heterozygous mutations in CTLA-4 lead to defects in (i) CTLA-4 ligand binding, (ii) homo-dimerization, (iii) B7-transendocytosis, and (iv) CTLA-4 vesicle trafficking, resulting in an inborn error of immunity with predominant autoimmunity. CTLA-4 vesicle trafficking impairment is also observed in patients with lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency or the differentially expressed in FDCP6 homolog (DEF6) deficiency, caused by biallelic mutations in LRBA and DEF6, respectively. Therefore, patients with CTLA-4 insufficiency, LRBA deficiency, and—most recently reported—DEF6 deficiency present an overlapping clinical phenotype mainly attributed to a defective suppressive activity of Tregs, as all three diseases reduce overall surface expression of CTLA-4. In this paper, we describe the clinical phenotypes of these immune checkpoint defects, their patho-mechanisms, and visually compare them to other immune regulatory disorders (IPEX syndrome, CD27, and CD70 deficiencies) by using the immune deficiency and dysregulation (IDDA version 2.1) “kaleidoscope” score. This illustrates the variability of the degrees and manifestations of immune deficiency and dysregulation. Patients characteristically present with an increased risk of infections, autoimmune cytopenias, multi-organ autoimmunity, and inflammation, which are often severe and life-threatening. Furthermore, these patients suffer an increased risk of developing malignancies, especially Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Successful treatment options include regular administration of soluble CTLA-4-Ig fusion protein, Treg cell-sparing immune suppressants like sirolimus or mycophenolate mofetil, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This mini-review highlights the most relevant biological and clinical features as well as treatment options for CTLA-4 insufficiency and LRBA and DEF6 deficiencies.
Precise Species Detection in Traditional Herbal Patent Medicine, Qingguo Wan, Using Shotgun Metabarcoding
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Shi Mengmeng , Zhao Qing , Kong Weijun , Mu Weishan , Xie Hongbo , Li Zhongsi , Li Baoli , Shi Linchun
Published: April 2021

As one of the high-incidence diseases in the world, pharyngitis seriously affects the lives of those with the condition. Qingguo Wan is a herbal medicine used for treating pharyngitis, and its quality evaluation is currently only accomplished via traditional identification. However, precise identification becomes challenging with fake products on the market or fungal contamination during the production process. This study used the Illumina NovaSeq platform for targeting the ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, and rbcL sequences to survey the species composition of lab-made and commercial samples. The results showed that a total of 34.56 Gb of raw data that was obtained represented more than 0.23 billion reads. After assembly, annotation, and operational taxonomic unit clustering, 103, 12, 10, and 12 OTUs were obtained, which belonged to the ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK, and rbcL sequences of the mock lab-made and commercial samples. The analytical results indicated that the sequences of all the prescription ingredients were successfully obtained in the two lab-made samples. The positive control medicinal Panax quinquefolius L. sequence was obtained in HSZY175, while Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Lonicera japonica Thunb. Menispermum dauricum DC. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. were detected in the three commercial samples. The detection results of the other four herbs in different fragments were not all the same. In addition, a total of 28 fungi OTUs, representing 19 families and 20 genera, were obtained from both the commercial and mock lab-made samples. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium dominated among the 20 genera. This study demonstrated that the shotgun metabarcoding method is a powerful tool for the molecular identification of the biological ingredients in Qingguo Wan. It can be used to effectively supplement traditional methods while providing a new technique for the quality evaluation of Qingguo Wan.
A Bibliometrics Analysis of Metformin Development From 1980 to 2019
Authors: Song Yanjun , Ma Pei , Gao Yu , Xiao Peigen , Xu Lijia , Liu Haibo
Published: April 2021

Metformin, the first-line oral blood glucose-lowering agent to manage type 2 diabetes, has gained growing popularity on both clinical application and basic research since early 1980s. A thorough and systematic knowledge map of metformin is pertinent to evaluate the research frontier and determine knowledge gaps. To this end, 20, 526 publications were analyzed by bibliometrics and data visualization to demonstrate the current global research status, potential hotspots, and perspectives on future research directions. In addition, the metformin development along the historical line was illustrated over the last 40 years. In sum, this study provides a comprehensive analysis that delineates the evolution of the historical milestones of metformin development, and we discuss the future research directions based on objective data analysis from a wide spectrum of metformin research areas.
The Cognitive Association Between Effortful Self-Control and Decreased Vitality
Authors: Bertrams Alex
Published: April 2021

According to the schema model of self-control, individuals’ self-control efforts activate the fatigue/decreased vitality schema. A precondition for this schema activation is that the cognitive concepts of self-control effort and decreased vitality are associated in individuals’ minds. In the present two studies, the existence of such a cognitive association was tested. In Study 1, 133 school students from Switzerland read two similar stories in a random order. In one story, a fictitious individual engaged in effortful self-control, while in the other story, he/she did not. In Study 2, 251 online workers from the United States, per random assignment, received either a story describing an individual exerting self-control or a similar story describing an individual not exerting self-control. In both studies, the participants rated how vital the fictitious individuals felt at the time the story ended. As expected, in both studies, the fictitious individual exerting self-control was rated as feeling less vital compared to the one not exerting self-control. This finding is in line with the schema model of self-control, as it indicates that the concepts of self-control exertion and decreased vitality are related to each other in a cognitive associative structure. Additional results suggest that emotional valence and calmness are irrelevant in this association. Moreover, the self-control exertion-decreased vitality association was independent from the raters’ own momentary feelings of self-control exertion, effort, and exhaustion.
The Impact of COVID-19 Home Confinement on Mexican University Students: Emotions, Coping Strategies, and Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Gaeta Martha Leticia , Gaeta Laura , Rodriguez María del Socorro
Published: April 2021

One of the main challenges in higher education is promoting students' autonomous and self-regulated learning, which involves managing their own emotions and learning processes in different contexts and circumstances. Considering that online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic may be an opportunity for university students to take greater responsibility for their learning, it is essential to explore the strategies they have developed in the face of emotional and learning challenges during the health crisis. This study aimed at analyzing the relationships between students' emotions, coping strategies, and self-regulated learning in online learning during COVID-19 home confinement. The participants were 1,290 Mexican students from different universities throughout the country, who answered an online self-report questionnaire from standardized instruments adapted to the pandemic. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential analyses, including a structural equation model (SEM). Findings indicate that, although anxiety, boredom, and frustration were present among participants during confinement, the primary emotions were gratitude, joy, and hope. Second, the main coping strategies used by students participating were focused on facing and reassessing the situation. Furthermore, tranquility, hope, gratitude, and joy were positively related to self-regulated learning, although, loneliness and disinterest were negatively related. Finally, it was found that an approach to coping strategies mediated the relationship between emotions and self-regulated learning. Thus, teachers should help students understand the relevance of active coping strategies and use student-centered learning models that promote autonomous and self-regulated learning, considering each learner's needs, during and after confinement.
Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy Mediates the Impact of the Post-pandemic Entrepreneurship Environment on College Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Zhang Jiping , Huang Jianhao
Published: April 2021

The mechanism of how the COVID-19 global pandemic has affected the entrepreneurial intentions of college students remains unknown. To investigate the impact of the entrepreneurial environment on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions in the post-pandemic era, 913 college students were invited to complete a questionnaire. The data were analyzed with structural equation models. The conclusions revealed by the questionnaire are as followed: college students have retained some entrepreneurial intention in the post-pandemic era; the factors influencing the entrepreneurial intention include sex, family entrepreneurial history, major, and education background; and entrepreneurial self-efficacy can play a major role to mediate the impact caused by the post-pandemic entrepreneurial environment on entrepreneurial intentions. The research conclusions provide important insights to improve college students’ entrepreneurial intentions in the post-pandemic environment.
The “One Mind, Two Aspects” Model of the Self: The Self Model and Self-Cultivation Theory of Chinese Buddhism
Authors: Wang Kai
Published: April 2021

Constructing a self model with universal cultural adaptability is a common concern of cultural psychologists. These models can be divided into two types: one is the self model based on Western culture, represented by the self theory of Marsh, Cooley, Fitts, etc.; the other is the non-self model based on Eastern culture, represented by the Mandela model of Hwang Kwang Kuo and the Taiji model of Zhen Dong Wang. However, these models do not fully explain the self structure and development of Chinese people in the context of Chinese Buddhist culture. Based on the self theory of Chinese Buddhism and inspired by the famous Buddhist work Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna, this article constructs the “one mind, two aspects” self model. This model not only can properly represent the self structure of Chinese people in the context of Chinese Buddhism but also can explain the self-cultivation process and the realm of practice of Chinese Buddhist believers and thus has satisfactory cultural validity.
“The Referee Plays to Be Insulted!”: An Exploratory Qualitative Study on the Spanish Football Referees’ Experiences of Aggression, Violence, and Coping
Authors: Devís-Devís José , Serrano-Durá José , Molina Pere
Published: April 2021

Referees are essential participants in the sport of football. They are responsible for enforcing the rules and achieving the necessary impartiality for the matches. Referees are often target of hostile reactions from fans, players, and coaches. However, few studies have focused on these experiences and the strategies they use to manage them. In order to fill this gap, a qualitative interview-based study was developed to explore the experiences of a group of football referees (four males and four females) on aggression, violence, and coping. A thematic analysis was developed combining inductive and deductive processes. Results indicated that the most frequent aggressions experienced were verbal abuse. Most of the aggressions from spectators were of a sexist nature. When aggressions were considered normal by referees, symbolic violence emerged. Racist aggressions were directed to the two Moroccan participants. Problem and emotional-focused coping strategies were identified. The two most common referee responses to coaches’ and players’ verbal abuse were penalties and send-off calls. Smiling and not considering insults as a personal matter were two emotional-focused coping strategies used toward spectator aggressions. Implications for the referees’ job and well-being as well as the quality of football competitions were highlighted to reduce aggressions and violence and to help referees to cope with hostile behaviors.
A Comparison of Four Caries Risk Assessment Methods
Authors: Featherstone John D. B. , Crystal Yasmi O. , Alston Pamela , Chaffee Benjamin W. , Doméjean Sophie , Rechmann Peter , Zhan Ling , Ramos-Gomez Francisco
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Caries risk assessment (CRA) is essential as the basis for successful management of dental caries. Of the many published CRA tools, four well-known ones are CAMBRA, Cariogram, American Dental Association (ADA), and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) CRAs. The predictive accuracy of CAMBRA and Cariogram CRA tools have been examined in clinical outcomes studies in thousands of patients and the tools are widely used all over the world. The purpose of the present paper is three-fold, namely (1) to briefly review, compare and contrast these four CRA methods, (2) to provide a concise method for CRA introducing a quantitative component to the CAMBRA forms (CAMBRA 123), and (3) to guide the choice of CRA methods that will support caries management decisions.

Comparison of Caries Risk Assessment Methods: In the present evaluation, the above-mentioned four CRA methods for ages 0–6 years and 6 years-adult were compared using 26 hypothetical patients (13 per age group). Comparison results show that Cariogram and CAMBRA categorized patients into identical risk categories. Each of the ADA and AAPD tools gave different results than CAMBRA and Cariogram in several comparison examples. CAMBRA 123 gave the same caries risk level results as the Cariogram and the CAMBRA methods for all hypothetical patients for both age groups.

Conclusions: Both the Cariogram and the CAMBRA CRA methods are equally useful for identifying the future risk of dental caries. CAMBRA 123 shows promise as an easy-to-use quantitative method for CRA in clinical practice. The health care providers will be the ones to decide which CRA method will allow them to establish individualized, successful caries management therapies and how to combine these for the best care of their patients.
Values-Based Foundation for a U.S. Single Payer Health System Model
Authors: Markowitz Walter , McLeod-Sordjan Renee
Published: April 2021

A universal, single payer model for the American health system aligns with and should emanate from commonly held values contained within the country’s foundational religious teachings, morals, ethics and democratic heritage. The Affordable Care Act in its attempt to create expanded health access has met with significant challenges. The conservative Supreme Court decreases the likelihood of a federal mandated single payer model. As uncertainty of the structure of the healthcare system increases, this paper supports its transformation to a single payer model. Healthcare should be considered a duty within the framework of a Kantian approach to ethics and a social good. Evidently ignoring this duty, the American health system perpetuates a healthcare underclass, with underserved portions of the population, with unequal access to quality care and persistent health status and outcome disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the effect of social determinants on optimal health outcome. A health insurance system based on the nation’s commonly held values has the potential to eliminate these disparities.
Vascular Access Perspectives in Patients After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Letachowicz Krzysztof , Banasik Mirosław , Królicka Anna , Mazanowska Oktawia , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Augustyniak-Bartosik Hanna , Zmonarski Sławomir , Kamińska Dorota , Kuriata-Kordek Magdalena , Krajewska Magdalena
Published: April 2021

Introduction: More attention has been paid to the influence of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on the cardiovascular system. In renal transplant recipients, some beneficial effect of an elective vascular access (VA) ligation was observed in patients with a high AVF flow. However, this strategy is not widely accepted and is in contradiction to the rule of vasculature preservation for possible future access. The aim of our study is to elucidate the vascular access function and VA perspective in the kidney transplantation (KTx) population.

Materials and Methods: KTx patients with a stable graft function were recruited to participate in this single center observational study (NCT04478968). The measurement of VA flow and vessel mapping for future vascular access was performed by a color Doppler ultrasound. The study group included 99 (63%) males and 58 (37%) females; the median age was 57 (IQR 48–64) years. The median time from the transplantation to the baseline visit was 94 (IQR 61–149) months. Median serum creatinine concentration was 1.36 (IQR 1.13–1.67) mg/dl.

Results: Functioning VA was found in 83 out of 157 (52.9%) patients. The sites were as follows: snuffbox in six (7.2%), wrist in 41 (49.4%), distal forearm in 18 (21.7%), middle or proximal forearm in eight (9.6%), upper-arm AV graft in one (1.2%), and upper-arm AVFs in nine (10.8%) patients, respectively. Blood flow ranged from 248 to 7,830 ml/min; the median was 1,134 ml/min. From the transplantation to the study visit, 66 (44.6%) patients experienced access loss. Spontaneous thrombosis was the most common, and it occurred in 60 (90.9%) patients. The surgical closure of VA was performed only in six (4%) patients of the study group with a functioning VA at the time of transplantation. Access loss occurred within the 1st year after KTx in 33 (50%) patients. Majority (50 out of 83, 60.2%) of the patients with an active VA had options to create a snuffbox or wrist AVF on the contralateral extremity. In a group of 74 patients without a functioning VA, the creation of a snuffbox or wrist AVF on the non-dominant and dominant extremity was possible in seven (9.2%) and 40 (52.6%) patients, respectively. In 10 (13.1%) patients, the possibilities were limited only to the upper-arm or proximal forearm VA on both sides. Access ligation was considered by 15 out of 83 (18.1%) patients with a patent VA.

Conclusions: In the majority of the patients, vascular access blood flow was below the threshold of the negative cardiovascular effect of vascular access. Creation of a distal AVF is a protective measure to avoid a high flow and preserve the vessels for future access. The approach to VA should be individualized and adjusted to the patient's profile.
Risk Factors and Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Early Post-operative Period After Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Li Yuping , Ding Junrong , Shen Lei , Yang Jian , Wang Haifeng , Zhou Yiming , Jiang Gening , Zhu Yuming , Wang Yin
Published: April 2021

Background: Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (IDDVT) accounts for ~50% of all patients diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), but the diagnosis and optimal management of IDDVT remains unclear and controversial. The aim of this study was to explore potential risk factors and predictors of IDDVT, and to evaluate different strategies of anticoagulation therapy.

Methods: A total of 310 consecutive patients after thoracic surgery, who underwent whole-leg ultrasonography as well as routine measurements of D-dimer levels before and after surgery were evaluated. The general clinical data, anticoagulant therapy, pre- and postoperative D-dimer levels were collected. Differences between IDDVT, DVT and non-DVT groups were calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors of postoperative IDDVT.

Results: Age and postoperative D-dimer levels were significantly higher in IDDVT group than in non DVT group (p = 0.0053 and p < 0.001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative D-dimer level was a significant independent predictor of IDDVT even when adjusted for age and operation method (p = 0.0003). There were no significant side effects associated with both full-dose and half-dose anticoagulation regimens. Half-dose therapy was associated with a significant decrease in the requirement for anticoagulation medications after discharge (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion: Age and D-dimer levels after surgery are strong predictors of IDDVT following thoracic surgery. Half-dose therapeutic anticoagulation has the same efficiency in preventing IDDVT progression, is not associated with any additional risks of adverse effects compared to a full-dose regimen, and may be adopted for treating IDDVT patients after thoracic surgery.
A Neglected Parasite: Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus, First Report in Feral Pigs in a Natural Park of Sicily (Southern Italy)
Authors: Migliore Sergio , Puleio Roberto , Gaglio Gabriella , Vicari Domenico , Seminara Salvatore , Sicilia Elio Rodolfo , Galluzzo Paola , Cumbo Valentina , Loria Guido Ruggero
Published: April 2021

Sanitary management and population control of feral pigs remains a major problem in public health, particularly in natural parks where hunting is prohibited and the extensive farming of livestock is common.Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceusis a zoonotic parasite species with a worldwide distribution of which the natural definitive hosts are primarily pigs and wild boars (Sus scrofa). The present study describes the main anatomo-pathological and parasitological findings in the first case ofM. hirudinaceusin feral pigs in the Madonie park in Sicily (Southern Italy). Overall, 52 acanthocephalans were collected from the small intestine of four infected feral pigs. The prevalence among the 36 examined animals was 11.1% with a mean Abundance (mA) and mean Intensity (mI) of 1.4 and 13, respectively. Pathological examination revealed grossly visible nodules on the external surface of the intestines, corresponding to the proboscis ofM. hirudinaceusattached deeply into the intestinal wall. In these sites, severe inflammatory reactions in the tissue involved and the destruction of normal intestinal architecture, as well as necrosis and ulceration in the mucosa, submucosa, and part of themuscolaris mucosaewere described. This is the first official report of this neglected zoonosis in Italy, in particular in a natural park where the extensive farming of domestic pigs is practiced. This could favor the spread of this parasite in domestic animals and the environment, increasing the accidental risk of infection in human residents of these areas.
Transcription Profile Analysis of Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Leaves of Wild-Type and Chlorophyll b-Deficient Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Nguyen Minh Khiem , Shih Tin-Han , Lin Szu-Hsien , Lin Jun-Wei , Nguyen Hoang Chinh , Yang Zhi-Wei , Yang Chi-Ming
Published: April 2021

Photosynthesis is an essential biological process and a key approach for raising crop yield. However, photosynthesis in rice is not fully investigated. This study reported the photosynthetic properties and transcriptomic profiles of chlorophyll (Chl) b-deficient mutant (ch11) and wild-type rice (Oryza sativa L.). Chl b-deficient rice revealed irregular chloroplast development (indistinct membranes, loss of starch granules, thinner grana, and numerous plastoglobuli). Next-generation sequencing approach application revealed that the differential expressed genes were related to photosynthesis machinery, Chl-biosynthesis, and degradation pathway in ch11. Two genes encoding PsbR (PSII core protein), FtsZ1, and PetH genes, were found to be down-regulated. The expression of the FtsZ1 and PetH genes resulted in disrupted chloroplast cell division and electron flow, respectively, consequently reducing Chl accumulation and the photosynthetic capacity of Chl b-deficient rice. Furthermore, this study found the up-regulated expression of the GluRS gene, whereas the POR gene was down-regulated in the Chl biosynthesis and degradation pathways. The results obtained from RT-qPCR analyses were generally consistent with those of transcription analysis, with the exception of the finding that MgCH genes were up-regulated which enhance the important intermediate products in the Mg branch of Chl biosynthesis. These results indicate a reduction in the accumulation of both Chl a and Chl b. This study suggested that a decline in Chl accumulation is caused by irregular chloroplast formation and down-regulation of POR genes; and Chl b might be degraded via the pheophorbide b pathway, which requires further elucidation.
Unlocking the Non-IgE-Mediated Pseudo-Allergic Reaction Puzzle with Mas-Related G-Protein Coupled Receptor Member X2 (MRGPRX2)
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Duraisamy Karthi , Chow Billy-Kwok-Chong
Published: April 2021

Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor member X2 (MRGPRX2) is a class A GPCR expressed on mast cells. Mast cells are granulated tissue-resident cells known for host cell response, allergic response, and vascular homeostasis. Immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI)-mediated mast cell activation is a well-studied and recognized mechanism of allergy and hypersensitivity reactions. However, non-IgE-mediated mast cell activation is less explored and is not well recognized. After decades of uncertainty, MRGPRX2 was discovered as the receptor responsible for non-IgE-mediated mast cells activation. The puzzle of non-IgE-mediated pseudo-allergic reaction is unlocked by MRGPRX2, evidenced by a plethora of reported endogenous and exogenous MRGPRX2 agonists. MRGPRX2 is exclusively expressed on mast cells and exhibits varying affinity for many molecules such as antimicrobial host defense peptides, neuropeptides, and even US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. The discovery of MRGPRX2 has changed our understanding of mast cell biology and filled the missing link of the underlying mechanism of drug-induced MC degranulation and pseudo-allergic reactions. These non-canonical characteristics render MRGPRX2 an intriguing player in allergic diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the emerging role of MRGPRX2 as a non-IgE-mediated mechanism of mast cell activation in pseudo-allergic reactions. We have presented an overview of mast cells, their receptors, structural insight into MRGPRX2, MRGPRX2 agonists and antagonists, the crucial role of MRGPRX2 in pseudo-allergic reactions, current challenges, and the future research direction.
Impact of Water Regimes and Amendments on Inorganic Arsenic Exposure to Rice
Authors: Majumder Supriya , Biswas Pabitra Kumar , Banik Pabitra
Published: April 2021

Rice-based diet faces an important public health concern due to arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain, which is toxic to humans. Rice crops are prone to assimilate As due to continuously flooded cultivation. In this study, the objective was to determine how water regimes (flooded and aerobic) in rice cultivation impact total As and inorganic As speciation in rice on the basis of a field-scale trial in the post-monsoon season. Iron and silicon with NPK/organic manure were amended in each regime. We hypothesised that aerobic practice receiving amendments would reduce As uptake in rice grain with a subsequent decrease in accumulation of inorganic As species relative to flooded conditions (control). Continuously flooded conditions enhanced soil As availability by 32% compared to aerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, total As concentrations in rice decreased by 62% compared to flooded conditions. Speciation analyses revealed that aerobic conditions significantly reduced (p < 0.05) arsenite (68%) and arsenate (61%) accumulation in rice grains. Iron and silicon exhibited significant impact on reducing arsenate and arsenite uptake in rice, respectively. The study indicates that aerobic rice cultivation with minimum use of irrigation water can lead to lower risk of inorganic As exposure to rice relative to flooded practice.
Digital-Based Healthy Bra Top Design That Promotes the Physical Activity of New Senior Women by Applying an Optimal Pressure
Authors: Choi Kuengmi , Jun Jungil , Ryoo Youngshil , Park Sunmi
Published: April 2021

A bra use can reduce physiological and physical functions because of clothing pressure, which can be a problem for new senior women starting to lose physical function. The present study presents a bra top design development method for promoting new senior women’s physical activity by identifying problems related to bras’ effects on women’s health and minimizing clothing pressure. The analysis utilized the 3D scan data of 42 adult women (age range: 50s) from the 5th Size Korea Project. Bra top design elements were extracted based on new senior consumers’ needs. We developed an average wireframe reflecting the new senior’s physical characteristics, and a standard body form was developed through surface modeling. To produce a consumer-oriented bra with a body shaping effect and reduced clothing pressure that would not affect physical activities, a three-dimensional pattern was developed applying an optimal reduction rate of 80%. To verify the bra’s adequacy for the body form of new senior women, two market-available bras were selected and fit-compared to the developed product. The developed bra received higher expert appearance evaluation and 3D virtual clothing evaluation scores. This study is significant because by using virtual fitting technology, it provides foundational data to quantify the quality of fashion products.
Can China’s Environmental Regulations Effectively Reduce Pollution Emissions?
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Zhigang
Published: April 2021

Based on the provincial panel data of China during 2006–2017, this study uses the panel smooth transition (PSTR) model to study the dynamic transformation mechanism of pollution emission under environmental regulation. We focus on technological progress, economic growth, and foreign direct investment (FDI) as threshold variables, and analyses the non-linear effects of environmental regulation on pollution emissions under those threshold variables, attempting to explore the effectiveness of existing environmental regulations. The structure of biased technological progress is based on the slacks-based measure (SBM) and Global-Malmquist–Luenberger index, which is divided into pollution-biased technology progress and clean-biased technology progress. Finally, we use the panel vector auto regressive (PVAR) algorithm to further verify the relationship. The findings are as follows: (1) Environmental regulation has a significant nonlinear effect on pollution emissions, and technological progress is the optimal threshold variable of this study. (2) Under the influence of these three factors, environmental regulation has a substitution effect on pollution discharge, and a stronger substitution effect on emission reduction in areas with advanced technology and high FDI. It also has a lower emission reduction effect in the high-system areas of economic development than in the low-system areas. (3) The PVAR results show that the impact on environmental regulation of technological progress and FDI has gradually turned from positive to negative; the impact of economic growth on environmental regulation has always been positive but is gradually decreasing. This study points out the direction for governments and companies to implement effective environmental regulations.
The Effects of Empowerment Education on Daily Dairy Intake in Community-Dwelling of Older Asian Women
Authors: Hsu Pei-Ti , Chen Jeu-Jung , Ho Ya-Fang
Published: April 2021

A scarcity in the intake of dairy products in older women begets a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, especially osteoporosis. However, dairy products are often not consumed in sufficient quantities in Eastern societies. This study used empowerment education to improve daily dairy intake in 68 older Asian women in the community through a quasi-experimental study design. The 34 participants in the experimental group took part in empowerment education programs that included lectures, sharing sessions, situation dramas, and cooking activities, for two hours per week for 6 weeks. The 34 participants in the control group had no interventions. The generalized estimating equation was used to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. The test was conducted for the two groups at 1 and 12 weeks after the completion of the lessons. We used daily dairy intake self-efficacy, intention, and behavior scale to measure the outcome. The change in the experimental group’s daily dairy intake self-efficacy and intention score at post-1 week and post-12 weeks was higher compared to the control group, but the dairy intake behavior was only changed at post-12 weeks. The empowerment education was effective in encouraging older women to change their dairy intake behavior and improved their dairy intake self-efficacy and intentions.
Plasticity of Naturally Occurring Regulatory T Cells in Allergic Airway Disease Is Modulated by the Transcriptional Activity of Il-6
Authors: MacBeth Morgan , Joetham Anthony , Gelfand Erwin W. , Schedel Michaela
Published: April 2021

The impact of naturally occurring regulatory T cells (nTregs) on the suppression or induction of lung allergic responses in mice depends on the nuclear environment and the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). These activities were shown to be different in nTregs derived from wild-type (WT) and CD8-deficient mice (CD8−/−), with increased IL-6 levels in nTregs from CD8−/− mice in comparison to WT nTregs. Thus, identification of the molecular mechanisms regulating IL-6 production is critical to understanding the phenotypic plasticity of nTregs. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) were performed to determine transcription factor binding to four Il-6 promoter loci using nuclear extracts from nTregs of WT and CD8−/− mice. Increased transcription factor binding for each of the Il-6 loci was identified in CD8−/− compared to WT nTregs. The impact of transcription factor binding and a novel short tandem repeat (STR) on Il-6 promoter activity was analyzed by luciferase reporter assays. The Il-6 promoter regions closer to the transcription start site (TSS) were more relevant to the regulation of Il-6 depending on NF-κB, c-Fos, and SP and USF family members. Two Il-6 promoter loci were most critical for the inducibility by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). A novel STR of variable length in the Il-6 promoter was identified with diverging prevalence in nTregs from WT or CD8−/− mice. The predominant GT repeat in CD8−/− nTregs revealed the highest luciferase activity. These novel regulatory mechanisms controlling the transcriptional regulation of the Il-6 promoter are proposed to contribute to nTregs plasticity and may be central to disease pathogenesis.
Date Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera): Effects on Vascular Health and Future Research Directions
Authors: Al-Dashti Yousef A. , Holt Roberta R. , Keen Carl L. , Hackman Robert M.
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally, presenting an immense public and economic burden. Studies on cardioprotective foods and their bioactive components are needed to address both personal and public health needs. Date fruit is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, certain micronutrients, and dietary fiber, which can impact vascular health, and have the potential to attenuate vascular disease in humans. Data from in vitro and animal studies report that consumption of date fruit or extracts can modulate select markers of vascular health, particularly plasma lipid levels including triglycerides and cholesterol, indices of oxidative stress and inflammation, but human data is scant. More investigation is needed to better characterize date polyphenols and unique bioactive compounds or fractions, establish safe and effective levels of intake, and delineate underlying mechanisms of action. Implementing scientific rigor in clinical trials and assessment of functional markers of vascular disease, such as flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry, along with gut microbiome profiles would provide useful information with respect to human health. Emerging data supports the notion that intake of date fruit and extracts can be a useful component of a healthy lifestyle for those seeking beneficial effects on vascular health.
Developmental Hip Dysplasia Treated with Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Straight Stem and a Threaded Cup—A Concise Follow-Up, At a Mean of Twenty-Three Years
Authors: Janz Viktor , Hipfl Christian , Düppers Felix , Perka Carsten F. , Wassilew Georgi I.
Published: April 2021

We previously reported the 9-year follow-up results of 121 cementless total hip arthroplasties (THAs) from 1990 to 1994 in 93 patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The present study reports the updated long-term results after a mean follow-up of 23 years. Fifty-seven patients (72 hips) were alive and available for follow-up. Since our previous report, nine THAs had been revised. The cumulative implant survivorship of any component was 87% (95% CI, 78–92%). The cumulative probability of not having aseptic cup loosening was 87% (95% CI, 77–93%) and there was no revision surgery for aseptic stem loosening. In three hips (5%), an exchange of the ball and liner due to polyethylene wear was performed after a mean of 12 years. This study demonstrates that cementless THA for DDH with restoration of the hip joint center provides excellent long-term durability.
Sintered Glass-Ceramics, Self-Glazed Materials and Foams from Metallurgical Waste Slag
Authors: Jordanov Nicolai B. , Georgiev Ivan , Karamanov Alexander
Published: April 2021

The materials used for the synthesis of parent glass are 70% wt. metallurgical slag and 30% wt. industrial quartz sand. The initial batch is melted at and then quenched in water. The resulting glass frit is milled bellow 75 microns and pressed 1400 °C into “green” samples. In a next stage, they are heat treated at different temperatures with various heating rates and holding times. As a result, it is demonstrated the possibility for production variations, allowing the manufacture of three types of new materials by using the same pressed glass powders. We highlight the flexibility of the synthesis obtaining namely well densified glass-ceramics at about 950 °C, self-glazed glass-ceramics at about 1000 °C or glass-ceramic foams at approximately 1100 °C. The first set of materials is characterized by very well sintered structure combined with reasonable crystallinity; the second one—by smooth self-glazed surface with an attractive appearance and good properties and the third one—by 80–90% closed porosity and very good thermal stability above 1000 °C.
Low-Temperature Induced Enhancement of Photoelectric Performance in Semiconducting Nanomaterials
Authors: Wu Liyun , Ji Yun , Ouyang Bangsen , Li Zhengke , Yang Ya
Published: April 2021

The development of light-electricity conversion in nanomaterials has drawn intensive attention to the topic of achieving high efficiency and environmentally adaptive photoelectric technologies. Besides traditional improving methods, we noted that low-temperature cooling possesses advantages in applicability, stability and nondamaging characteristics. Because of the temperature-related physical properties of nanoscale materials, the working mechanism of cooling originates from intrinsic characteristics, such as crystal structure, carrier motion and carrier or trap density. Here, emerging advances in cooling-enhanced photoelectric performance are reviewed, including aspects of materials, performance and mechanisms. Finally, potential applications and existing issues are also summarized. These investigations on low-temperature cooling unveil it as an innovative strategy to further realize improvement to photoelectric conversion without damaging intrinsic components and foresee high-performance applications in extreme conditions.
Análisis de los procesos vinculados a la gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo
Authors: Querales Andrea
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se presenta un análisis de los procesos vinculados a la gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo; esta investigación forma parte de un proyecto más amplio dirigido a evaluar la gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo en las empresas que construyen localizaciones para la industria petrolera en el estado Zulia. Se clasificó como descriptiva, con diseño no experimental, transeccional y de campo. Se aplicó un cuestionario con escala de frecuencia, validado por el juicio de expertos y se aplicó el coeficiente estadístico Alfa de Crombach para el cálculo de su confiabilidad, cuyo valor fue 0,95. El análisis de los resultados se realizó mediante la media aritmética. Se concluye que en las organizaciones estudiadas la gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo han asumido un conjunto de procesos integrados vinculados a dicha gestión, logrando garantizar el logro de los objetivos organizacionales.