bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occipital Horn Syndrome as a Result of Splice Site Mutations in ATP7A. No Activity of ATP7A Splice Variants Missing Exon 10 or Exon 15
Authors: Møller Lisbeth Birk , Mogensen Mie , Weaver David D. , Pedersen Per Amstrup
Published: April 2021

Disease-causing variants in ATP7A lead to two different phenotypes associated with copper deficiency; a lethal form called Menkes disease (MD), leading to early death, and a much milder form called occipital horn syndrome (OHS). Some investigators have proposed that an ATP7A transcript missing exon 10 leads to a partly active protein product resulting in the OHS phenotype. Here, we describe an individual with OHS, a biology professor, who survived until age 62 despite a splice site mutation, leading to skipping of exon 15. ATP7A transcripts missing exon 10, or exon 15 preserve the reading frame, but it is unknown if either of these alternative transcripts encode functional protein variants. We have investigated the molecular consequence of splice site mutations leading to skipping of exon 10 or exon 15 which have been identified in individuals with OHS, or MD. By comparing ATP7A expression in fibroblasts from three individuals with OHS (OHS-fibroblasts) to ATP7A expression in fibroblasts from two individuals with MD (MD-fibroblasts), we demonstrate that transcripts missing either exon 10 or exon 15 were present in similar amounts in OHS-fibroblasts and MD-fibroblasts. No ATP7A protein encoded from these transcripts could be detected in the OHS and MD fibroblast. These results, combined with the observation that constructs encoding ATP7A cDNA sequences missing either exon 10, or exon 15 were unable to complement the high iron requirement of the ccc2Δ yeast strain, provide evidence that neither a transcript missing exon 10 nor a transcript missing exon 15 results in functional ATP7A protein. In contrast, higher amounts of wild-type ATP7A transcript were present in the OHS-fibroblasts compared with the MD-fibroblasts. We found that the MD-fibroblasts contained between 0 and 0.5% of wild-type ATP7A transcript, whereas the OHS-fibroblasts contained between 3 and 5% wild-type transcripts compared with the control fibroblasts. In summary these results indicate that protein variants encoded by ATP7A transcripts missing either exon 10 or exon 15 are not functional and not responsible for the OHS phenotype. In contrast, expression of only 3-5% of wild-type transcript compared with the controls permits the OHS phenotype.
TP53-Activated lncRNA GHRLOS Regulates Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Modulating the miR-346/APC Axis
Authors: Ren Ke , Sun Jinghui , Liu Lingling , Yang Yuping , Li Honghui , Wang Zhichao , Deng Jingzhu , Hou Min , Qiu Jia , Zhao Wei
Published: April 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the main type of lung cancer with high mortality worldwide. To improve NSCLC therapy, the exploration of molecular mechanisms involved in NSCLC progression and identification of their potential therapy targeting is important. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have shown important roles in regulating various tumors progression, including NSCLC. We found lncRNA GHRLOS was decreased in NSCLC cell lines and tissues which correlated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA GHRLOS in NSCLC progression remains elusive. The expression of lncRNA GHRLOS was examined in NSCLC cell lines and biopsy specimens of patients with NSCLC by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of GHRLOS on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were determined by both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The interaction between GHRLOS and TP53 was determined by dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) combined with qRT-PCR analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was conducted to validate the binding between GHRLOS and microRNA-346 (miR-346). Dual-luciferase reporter assays were also carried out to reveal the interaction between miR-346 and the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mRNA.Our data demonstrated that overexpression of lncRNA GHRLOS suppressed cancer cell proliferation and invasion as well as promoted cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of CDK2, PCNA, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Bax, and Bcl-2 in NSCLC cells. Moreover, lncRNA GHRLOS was upregulated by the binding of TP53 to the GHRLOS promoter. The binding target of lncRNA GHRLOS was identified to be miR-346. Impressively, overexpression of miR-346 promoted cell proliferation and invasion, as well as inhibited cell apoptosis, however, these effects can be blocked by overexpression of lncRNA GHRLOS both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this study reveals lncRNA GHRLOS, upregulated by TP53, acts as a molecule sponge of miR-346 to cooperatively modulates expression of APC, a miR-346 target, and potentially inhibits NSCLC progression via TP53/lncRNA GHRLOS/miR-346/APC axis, which represents a novel pathway that could be useful in targeted therapy against NSCLC.
Function of miR-24 and miR-27 in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ni Fen-fen , Liu Guang-lei , Jia Shi-lei , Chen Ran-ran , Liu Li-bing , Li Cheng-rong , Yang Jun , Gao Xiao-Jie
Published: April 2021

Purpose: We investigated the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) by measuring the effects two specific miRNAs on Th2 cells in children with this disease.

Methods: After informed consent, we enrolled 20 children with active INS before steroid initiation, 20 children with INS in remission after steroid therapy, and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to measure the levels of Th2 cells and a cytometric bead array was used to measure the levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)−4, and IL-13. RT-PCR was used to measure the levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in CD4+TCD25− cells. PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and transfected with different mimic or inhibitor miRNAs. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of different RNAs, and flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of Th2 cells.

Results: Relative to healthy controls, children with active INS had higher percentages of Th2 cells (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in controls and children in remission. The plasma levels of IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 were significantly increased in children with active INS (P < 0.05). There were lower levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in children with active non-atopic INS (P < 0.05). Transfection experiments indicated that upregulation of each miRNA decreased the percentage of Th2 cells and the level of IL-4 (P < 0.05), and down-regulation of each miRNA had the opposite effects (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Children with active INS, with or without atopy, had higher levels of IgE, possibly related to their higher levels of IL-13 and IL-4 due to a drift toward Th2 cells. miR-24 and miR-27 suppressed the expression of Th2 cells and have a critical function regulating Th2 cell expression in INS.
Data Mining Reconstruction of Magnetotail Reconnection and Implications for Its First-Principle Modeling
Authors: Sitnov Mikhail , Stephens Grant , Motoba Tetsuo , Swisdak Marc
Published: April 2021

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process providing topological changes of the magnetic field, reconfiguration of space plasmas and release of energy in key space weather phenomena, solar flares, coronal mass ejections and magnetospheric substorms. Its multiscale nature is difficult to study in observations because of their sparsity. Here we show how the lazy learning method, known as K nearest neighbors, helps mine data in historical space magnetometer records to provide empirical reconstructions of reconnection in the Earth’s magnetotail where the energy of solar wind-magnetosphere interaction is stored and released during substorms. Data mining reveals two reconnection regions (X-lines) with different properties. In the mid tail (∼30RE from Earth, where RE is the Earth’s radius) reconnection is steady, whereas closer to Earth (∼20RE) it is transient. It is found that a similar combination of the steady and transient reconnection processes can be reproduced in kinetic particle-in-cell simulations of the magnetotail current sheet.
FSO Receiver With Adaptive Alignment Based on Pure Phased Holographic Imaging
Authors: Wang Haibo , Zhang Zaichen , Zhang Yidi
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a free space optical communication (FSO) receivier system with adaptive alignment based on pure phase holographic imaging. During the frame header transmission period, the optical phased array in this system performs specific holographic imaging on the receiving plane, which assist the system to undergo beam alignment. The system model has been built in this work, along with the receiving signal expression. Based on the physical model, we propose an algorithm for positioning calibration and the circuitous phased encoding for improvement of imaging quality and algorithm complexity.
Is Watching TV Series an Adaptive Coping Strategy During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Insights From an Italian Community Sample
Authors: Boursier Valentina , Musetti Alessandro , Gioia Francesca , Flayelle Maèva , Billieux Joël , Schimmenti Adriano
Published: April 2021

Social distancing and lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic substantially impacted individuals' daily habits and well-being. Within such a context, digital technology may provide a welcome source of alternative forms of connection and entertainment. Indeed, streaming services showed a remarkable increase in membership subscriptions throughout the period considered. However, excessive involvement in watching TV series has recently become a subject of scholarly concern as it may represent an emerging form of addictive behavior with the features of what has been labeled as “binge-watching” (i.e., watching multiple episodes of TV series in a single session). The current study aimed to assess TV series watching behaviors and related motivations, as well as their relationships with depression, stress and anxiety, in a sample of Italian adults during the COVID-19 lockdown. Specifically, we aimed to explore which patterns of motivations and emotional states influenced either a high but healthy engagement in watching TV series, or promoted problematic and uncontrolled watching behavior under such circumstances. A total of 715 adults (M = 31.70, SD = 10.81; 71.5% female) from all over Italy were recruited (from 1st to 30th April 2020) through advertisements via social media platforms of Italian university communities and other online groups. Two multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed with non-problematic and problematic TV series watching set as dependent variables. Results showed that people spent more time watching TV series during the pandemic lockdown, especially women who also reported higher levels of anxiety and stress than men. Moreover, both non-problematic (R2 = 0.56; p < 0.001) and problematic (R2 = 0.33; p < 0.001) TV series watching behaviors were equally induced by anxiety symptoms and escapism motivation, thereby suggesting that watching TV series during the COVID-19 lockdown probably served as a recovery strategy to face such a stressful situation. Finally, our findings also suggest that enrichment motives may protect from uncontrolled and potentially addictive watching behaviors. These findings, therefore, hold important implications, particularly for avoiding the over-pathologization of excessive involvement in online activities emerging as a result of specific distressing situations.
Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Serotonin Transporter (5-HTTLPR) Polymorphism in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zerbinati Luigi , Murri Martino Belvederi , Caruso Rosangela , Nanni Maria Giulia , Lam Wendy , De Padova Silvia , Sabato Silvana , Bertelli Tatiana , Schillani Giulia , Giraldi Tullio , Fielding Richard , Grassi Luigi
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Post-traumatic Symptoms (PTSS) and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have been reported to affect a quite significant proportion of cancer patients. No study has examined the relationship between serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and cancer, including Gene-Environment interactions between this polymorphism and specific causes of distress, such as cancer related problems (CRP) or life stressful events (SLE).

Methods: One hundred and forty five breast cancer outpatients participated in the study and were assessed using the Impact of Event Scale (IES), the Problem List (PL) developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Distress Management Guidelines and the Paykel's Life Events Interview to evaluate the exposure to SLE during the year before the cancer diagnosis. Each patient was genotyped for 5-HTTLPR polymorphism by analyzing genomic DNA obtained from whole blood cells. Gene-Environment interactions were tested through moderation analysis.

Results: Twenty-six patients (17.7%) were classified as PTSS cases using the IES. Genotype and phenotype distributions did not differ across individuals with/without PTSS (genotype: χ2 = 1.5; df = 2; p = 0.3; phenotype χ2 = 0.9; df = 1; p = 0.2). For both the genotype and phenotype model, using CRP as a predictor showed significant gene-environment interactions with IES total score (p = 0.020 and p = 0.004, respectively), with individuals carrying the l/l allele showing a greater probability of experiencing PTSS. No interaction was found in relationship to SLE (p = 0.750).

Conclusion: This study showed a significant GEI between CRP and PTSS in breast cancer patients, with carriers of the l/l allele showing indicators consistent with greater sensitivity to stress.
The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Among Pakistani Adults in Lahore
Authors: Majeed Saima , Schwaiger Elizabeth Maria , Nazim Abia , Samuel Ivan Suneel
Published: April 2021

Background: In the wake of the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus and the resultant restrictive measures, mental health has become a crucial issue. Physical health is not the only aspect of humans that is at risk. Globally, the rates and severity of mental illness are being significantly impacted by this pandemic. Two scales have been validated to measure the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the levels of anxiety and obsessional thinking in clinical and non-clinical populations. The present study was designed to investigate the levels of anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19 in the general public of Lahore, Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected via snowball sampling from May 9 to May 19. An online survey consisting of a demographic profile and two scales, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), was sent through email, WhatsApp, and Facebook groups to adults (18 years and above) of Lahore, Pakistan.

Results: A total of 240 individuals (20% men and 80% women) recorded their responses. The majority belonged to a nuclear family system (60%), and their education level ranged from high school to Ph.D. The cut-off score for probable dysfunctional coronavirus anxiety and obsession levels was not met within this sample (CAS, M = 3.24, SD = 4.21; OCS, M = 4.14, SD = 3.15), suggesting that the general population of Lahore, Pakistan is not suffering from dysfunctional anxiety or obsessions related to COVID-19. Forty-seven participants' score on OCS and 35 participants' scores on CAS were above the cut-off, i.e., ≥7 and ≥9, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship (**p < 0.619) between anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19.

Conclusion: One important, yet surprising, conclusion of this study is that the average adult in Lahore does not show much anxiety or obsessions related to COVID-19. Other studies around the world using these measurement tools have indicated significantly high levels of both anxiety and obsessions related to COVID-19. These findings may demonstrate the resilience of Pakistanis or perhaps the lack of understanding of the seriousness of the situation.
Trends in Research Related to Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder From 1945 to 2018: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gao Mingzhou , Gao Dongmei , Sun Hui , Cheng Xunshu , An Li , Qiao Mingqi
Published: April 2021

Background: The global incidence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is increasing, with increasing suicide reports. However, the bibliometric analysis of global research on PMS and PMDD is rare. We aimed to evaluate the global scientific output of research on PMS and PMDD and to explore their research hotspots and frontiers from 1945 to 2018 using a bibliometric analysis methodology.

Methods: Articles with research on PMS and PMDD between 1945 and 2018 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). We used the bibliometric method, CiteSpace V and VOSviewer to analyze publication years, journals, countries, institutions, authors, research hotspots, and trends. We plotted the reference co-citation network, and we used keywords to analyze the research hotspots and trends.

Results: We identified 2,833 publications on PMS and PMDD research from 1945 to 2018, and the annual publication number increased with time, with fluctuations. Psychoneuroendocrinology published the highest number of articles. The USA ranked the highest among the countries with the most publications, and the leading institute was UNIV PENN. Keyword and reference analysis indicated that the menstrual cycle, depression and ovarian hormones were the research hotspots, whereas prevalence, systematic review, anxiety and depression and young women were the research frontiers.

Conclusions: We depicted overall research on PMS and PMDD by a bibliometric analysis methodology. Prevalence and impact in young women, systematic review evaluations of risk factors, and the association of anxiety and depression with menstrual cycle phases are the latest research frontiers that will pioneer the direction of research in the next few years.
Impact of Work-Family Conflict on Sleep Complaints: Results From the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)
Authors: Silva-Costa Aline , Toivanen Susanna , Rotenberg Lúcia , Viana Maria Carmen , Fonseca Maria de Jesus M. da , Griep Rosane H.
Published: April 2021

Background: Balancing work and family demands is often a challenge. Family and job responsibilities may affect many aspects of health, and sleep is an important issue. Work-family conflict (WFC) refers to situations where it is difficult to reconcile family and professional demands. WFC can act in two directions: work-to-family conflicts occur when job demands interfere in family life; family-to-work conflicts arise when family demands interfere with job performance. This study evaluated whether dimensions of WFC—time- and strain-related, work-to-family conflict; family-to-work conflict; and lack of time for self-care and leisure due to work and family demands—were cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with sleep complaints, by gender.

Methods: The sample comprised 9,704 active workers (5,057 women and 4,647 men) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data. WFC was measured at baseline (2008–2010), and sleep complaints were measured at baseline and approximately 4 years after the first visit (2012–2014). To test the association between the four WFC dimensions and sleep complaints, crude and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The adjusted model included age, education, marital status, hours worked and work schedule.

Results: Mean age at baseline was 48.2 years. Most participants were educated to University degree level (54.5%), married (68.2%) and worked ≤ 40 h/week (66.1%). At baseline, 48.3% of women and 41.1% of men reported sleep complaints. Frequent WFC was reported by women and men, respectively, as follows: time-related work-to-family conflict (32.6 and 26.1%), strain-related work-to-family conflict (25.3 and 16.0%), family-to-work conflict (6.6 and 7.6%) and lack of time for self-care (35.2 and 24.7%). For both women and men, time- and strain-related work-to-family conflicts and conflicts for lack of time for self-care were cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with sleep complaints. The findings also suggest a weaker and non-significant association between family-to-work conflict and sleep complaints.

Conclusions: The statistically significant associations observed here underline the importance of reducing WFC. In the modern world, both WFC and sleep problems are increasingly recognized as frequent problems that often lead to ill health, thus posing a public health challenge.
Stress and Simulated Environments: Insights From Physiological Marker
Authors: Liebherr Magnus , Mueller Silke M. , Schweig Stephan , Maas Niko , Schramm Dieter , Brand Matthias
Published: April 2021

Driving in a simulator might induce stress because of the confrontation with new environments, dealing with new technologies, and experience with symptoms of simulator sickness, which, in turn, may influence individuals’ driving performance. The present study aims to provide a better understanding of the association between simulated environments and humans’ stress level under consideration of age, simulator adaptation, experience with simulator sickness, and driving performance. Data from 164 participants (M = 61.62 years, SD = 12.66 years, ranging from 25 to 89 years, 42 women) were analyzed in the present study. During three measurement times, participants completed an advance first simulator drive (T0), followed by an online survey, assessing experience with simulator sickness (T1), and a second simulator drive (T2) including pre- and post-cortisol measurements. The hypothesized model shows no correlations of driving performance with experience with simulator sickness or stress level before and after a further simulator drive. Beyond the effect of age, previous experience with simulator sickness does further account for stress-level changes following a simulated drive but current driving performance did not. The present study provides relevant findings for future studies in the field of simulated environments.
The Use of Modeling Tools to Better Evaluate the Packaging Benefice on Our Environment
Authors: Coffigniez Fanny , Matar Céline , Gaucel Sébastien , Gontard Nathalie , Guilbert Stéphane , Guillard Valérie
Published: April 2021

Packaging play a key role on food quality preservation and shelf-life increase. Even if the link between shelf life and food loss has not yet clearly been formalized, it is generally observed that a well-designed packaging contributes to reduce food loss and waste and thus the corresponding useless negative impact that producing and distributing uneaten or inedible food has on our environment and economy. In order to anticipate the usage benefit of a given packaging, decision making tools are needed to be developed. While some authors' separately showed the importance of shelf life model, food loss and waste prediction model and Life Cycle Analysis, so far no connection was really made between them. In this context, this paper aims to analyze the different mathematical modeling approaches proposed in the available scientific literature, from the prediction of food shelf life gain thanks to well-designed packaging to the environmental benefice due to the decrease of food loss and waste. The article presents a review of 29 models developed on this thematic during the last two decades. The analyzed models were split in three categories: (1) the food shelf life models, (2) the models linking shelf life to food loss and waste, and (3) the Life Cycle Analysis including direct (production, processing and end of life) and indirect (food loss and waste) packaging environmental impacts. In one hand, the review showed that if many predicting approaches were conducted to assess food shelf life, only few of them were enough mechanistic (by coupling mass transfer to food deterioration) to be used in other conditions than the ones initially studied. Moreover, the consumers' practices and believes being strongly influent on the quantity of food waste at household, it should be more systematically integrated in the food loss and waste estimation for a fairer evaluation. On the other hand, this review highlighted that even if indirect environmental benefit of packaging, e.g., through food loss and waste decrease, is more and more integrated in life cycle analyses of the food packaging system, most of studies were only based on rough estimation and not on real quantification of the food loss and waste reduction obtained thanks to the well-designed packaging. Therefore, further research is needed to facilitate the representation/quantification of the links between shelf life increase for packed food, resulting food loss and waste reduction and environmental benefit to support the packaging sectors to choose and validate the best packaging solution to decrease the environmental impact of food/packaging system.
Agitation Following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Is a Clinical Sign of Recovery of Consciousness
Authors: Wang Zhe , Winans Nathan J. , Zhao Zirun , Cosgrove Megan E. , Gammel Theresa , Saadon Jordan R. , Mani Racheed , Ravi Bharadwaj , Fiore Susan M. , Mikell Charles B. , Mofakham Sima
Published: April 2021

Objective: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) often results in disorders of consciousness. Patients emerging from coma frequently exhibit aberrant behaviors such as agitation. These non-purposeful combative behaviors can interfere with medical care. Interestingly, agitation is associated with arousal and is often among the first signs of neurological recovery. A better understanding of these behaviors may shed light on the mechanisms driving the return of consciousness in sTBI patients. This study aims to investigate the association between posttraumatic agitation and the recovery of consciousness.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 530 adult patients (29.1% female) admitted to Stony Brook University Hospital between January 2011 and December 2019 with a diagnosis of sTBI and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ≤8. Agitation was defined as a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) > +1, or any documentation of equivalently combative and violent behaviors in daily clinical notes. The ability to follow verbal commands was used to define the recovery of consciousness and was assessed daily.

Results: Of 530 total sTBI patients, 308 (58.1%) survived. Agitation was present in 169 of all patients and 162 (52.6%) of surviving patients. A total of 273 patients followed commands, and 159 of them developed agitation. Forty patients developed agitation on hospital arrival whereas 119 developed agitation later during their hospital course. Presence of in-hospital agitation positively correlated with command-following (r = 0.315, p < 0.001). The time to develop agitation and time to follow commands showed positive correlation (r = 0.485, p < 0.001). These two events occurred within 3 days in 54 (44.6%) patients, within 7 days in 81 (67.8%) patients, and within 14 days in 96 (80.2%) patients. In 71 (59.7%) patients, agitation developed before command-following; in 36 (30.2%) patients, agitation developed after command-following; in 12 (10.1%) patients, agitation developed on the same day as command-following.

Conclusion: Posttraumatic agitation in comatose patients following sTBI is temporally associated with the recovery of consciousness. This behavior indicates the potential for recovery of higher neurological functioning. Further studies are required to identify neural correlates of posttraumatic agitation and recovery of consciousness after sTBI.
The Prognostic Value of Retraction Clefts in Chinese Invasive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Huang Liangliang , Li Yujie , Du Jun , Li Heng , Lu Mengmeng , Wang Yuting , Zhou Wenchao , Wang Wei , Wu Haibo
Published: April 2021

Some studies reported the correlation between retraction clefts (RCs) and the clinicopathological features as well as prognosis in invasive breast carcinoma. However, limited number of investigations have been done and controversial results were reported. Larger population studies around the world might help to provide more accurate and comprehensive information. Thus, we examined the correlation between the extent of RCs and the clinicopathological features as well as the prognosis in 541 invasive breast carcinoma samples from Central China in this study. The statistical analyses were performed with the Pearson χ2 tests and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression assays. Compared with other studies, lower RCs occurrence rate (15.5%) was observed in Chinese breast cancer patients and opposite association between the presence of RCs and lymph nodes metastasis was identified, in which both progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were improved with the presence of RCs in our study. Besides, despite some statistically significant associations between RCs and molecular subtypes, RCs and estrogen receptor status, the results were largely depending on the stratification methods. Generally, no convincing association was detected between the extent of RCs and the clinicopathological features or prognosis. In sum, the extent of RCs showed limited value as a prognostic predictor in invasive breast carcinoma patients from Central China.
Three Dimensional Cell Culturing for Modeling Adrenal and Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Krokker Lilla , Szabó Borbála , Németh Kinga , Tóháti Rebeka , Sarkadi Balázs , Mészáros Katalin , Patócs Attila , Butz Henriett
Published: April 2021

In vitro monolayer conditions are not able to reproduce the complexity of solid tumors, still, there is scarce information about the 3D cell culture models of endocrine tumor types. Therefore, our aim was to develop in vitro 3D tumor models by different methodologies for adrenocortical carcinoma (H295R), pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (RC-4B/C and GH3) and pheochromocytoma (PC-12). Various methodologies were tested. Cell biological assays (cell viability, proliferation and live cell ratio) and steroid hormone production by HPLC-MS/MS method were applied to monitor cellular well-being. Cells in hanging drops and embedded in matrigel formed multicellular aggregates but they were difficult to handle and propagate for further experiments. The most widely used methods: ultra-low attachment plate (ULA) and spheroid inducing media (SFDM) were not the most viable 3D model of RC-4B/C and GH3 cells that would be suitable for further experiments. Combining spheroid generation with matrigel scaffold H295R 3D models were viable for 7 days, RC-4B/C and GH3 3D models for 7–10 days. ULA and SFDM 3D models of PC-12 cells could be used for further experiments up to 4 days. Higher steroid production in 3D models compared to conventional monolayer culture was detected. Endocrine tumor cells require extracellular matrix as scaffold for viable 3D models that can be one reason behind the lack of the usage of endocrine 3D cultures. Our models help understanding the pathogenesis of endocrine tumors and revealing potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. They could also serve as an excellent platform for preclinical drug test screening.
The Unequal Taxonomic Signal of Mosquito Wing Cells
Authors: Chonephetsarath Somsanith , Raksakoon Chadchalerm , Sumruayphol Suchada , Dujardin Jean-Pierre , Potiwat Rutcharin
Published: April 2021

Accurate identification of mosquito species is critically important for monitoring and controlling the impact of human diseases they transmit. Here, we investigate four mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. scutellaris and Verrallina dux that co-occur in tropical and subtropical regions, and whose morphological similarity challenges their accurate identification, a crucial requirement in entomological surveillance programs. Previous publications reveal a clear taxonomic signal embedded in wing cell landmark configuration, as well as in the external contour of the wings. We explored this signal for internal cells of the wings as well, to determine whether internal cells could uniformly provide the same taxonomic information. For each cell to be tentatively assigned to its respective species, i.e., to measure the amount of its taxonomic information, we used the shape of its contour, rather than its size. We show that (i) the taxonomic signal of wing shape is not uniformly spread among internal cells of the wing, and (ii) the amount of taxonomic information of a given cell depends on the species under comparison. This unequal taxonomic signal of internal cells is not related to size, nor to apparent shape complexity. The strong taxonomic signal of some cells ensures that even partly damaged wings can be used to improve species recognition.
The Interaction of Human Glutathione Transferase GSTA1-1 with Reactive Dyes
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed Hamed , Foudah Ahmed Ibrahim , Muharram Magdy Mohamed , Labrou Nikolaos E.
Published: April 2021

Human glutathione transferase A1-1 (hGSTA1-1) contributes to developing resistance to anticancer drugs and, therefore, is promising in terms of drug-design targets for coping with this phenomenon. In the present study, the interaction of anthraquinone and diazo dichlorotriazine dyes (DCTD) with hGSTA1-1 was investigated. The anthraquinone dye Procion blue MX-R (PBMX-R) appeared to interact with higher affinity and was selected for further study. The enzyme was specifically and irreversibly inactivated by PBMX-R, following a biphasic pseudo-first-order saturation kinetics, with approximately 1 mol of inhibitor per mol of the dimeric enzyme being incorporated. Molecular modeling and protein chemistry data suggested that the modified residue is the Cys112, which is located at the entrance of the solvent channel at the subunits interface. The results suggest that negative cooperativity exists upon PBMX-R binding, indicating a structural communication between the two subunits. Kinetic inhibition analysis showed that the dye is a competitive inhibitor towards glutathione (GSH) and mixed-type inhibitor towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB). The present study results suggest that PBMX-R is a useful probe suitable for assessing by kinetic means the drugability of the enzyme in future drug-design efforts.
Extraction Optimization of Astragaloside IV by Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Its Stability during Sterilization and Storage
Authors: Xu Lin , Wei Kongjiong , Jiang Jiaolong , Zhang Lianfu
Published: April 2021

Radix Astragali is referred to as a variety of food-medicine herb, and it is commonly applied as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, it is extremely difficult to extract its bio-active compounds (astragaloside IV) and apply it in food processing efficiently, which restricts its practical applications. In this study, the conditions required for the extraction of astragaloside IV were optimized by following the response surface methodology. More specifically, ammonia with a concentration of 24% was used as an extracting solvent, the solid–liquid ratio was 1:10 (w:v); the Radix Astragali was soaked at 25 °C for 120 min in advance and then stirred at 25 °C for 52 min (150 rpm) to extract astragaloside IV. This method promoted the transformation of other astragalosides into astragaloside IV and replaced the traditional approach for extraction, the solvent reflux extraction method. The yield of astragaloside IV reached the range of 2.621 ± 0.019 mg/g. In addition, the stability of astragaloside IV was evaluated by detecting its retention rate during sterilization and 60-day storage. As suggested by the results, the astragaloside IV in acidic, low-acidic, and neutral solutions was maintained above 90% after sterilization (95 °C and 60 min) but below 60% in an alkaline solution. High temperature and short-term sterilization approach is more appropriate for astragaloside IV in an alkaline solution. It was also found out that the astragaloside IV obtained using our method was maintained over 90% when stored at room temperature (25 °C), and there was no significant difference observed to low temperature (4 °C) in solutions regardless of acidity.
Algebra of Symmetry Operators for Klein-Gordon-Fock Equation
Authors: Obukhov Valeriy V.
Published: April 2021

All external electromagnetic fields in which the Klein-Gordon-Fock equation admits the first-order symmetry operators are found, provided that in the space-time V4 a group of motion G3 acts simply transitively on a non-null subspace of transitivity V3. It is shown that in the case of a Riemannian space Vn, in which the group Gr acts simply transitively, the algebra of symmetry operators of the n-dimensional Klein-Gordon-Fock equation in an external admissible electromagnetic field coincides with the algebra of operators of the group Gr.
Dynamics of the number of cattle in the Republic of Tyva
Authors: Kan-ool B. K. , Ludu B. M.
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the dynamics of the number and distribution of cattle in all categories of farms and natural and climatic zones in the Republic of Tyva. The methodological basis of the research was based on systematization techniques, logical and comparative statistical analyses. Research information base were offi cial materials of the Ministry of agriculture and food of the Republic of Tyva on animal husbandry. The results of research indicate an increase in the number of livestock over the analyzed period (2015–2019) in the Republic as a whole by 1,14 times, while the majority of animals (135,8 thousand heads) are in the people. This is due to the implementation of the priority national project “Development of the agro-industrial complex” and state support provided under the program “Development of agriculture and regulation of markets for agricultural products, raw materials and food in the Republic of Tyva for 2014–2020”. It has been established that the number of cattle by 2019 reached 180 748 heads. The number of cattle in the regions of the Republic is unevenly distributed, which is due to diff erent climatic and pasture conditions. It has been revealed that the largest number of cattle is concentrated in the Kyzylsky (18,3 thousand heads), Dzun-Khemchiky (16,5 thousand heads), Barun-Khemchiky (15,3 thousand heads) and Bai-taiginsky (13,1 thousand heads) areas, which are included in the Central and Western natural and climatic zones of the Republic. These areas have favorable conditions for breeding animals; it is possible to have agisted stock for grazing throughout the winter. Pasture management is practiced in these farms.
Escritos sobre a estação Ipueiras
Authors: Gaspar de Sousa Ana Paula , Pereira dos Santos Carlos Augusto , Melo Rodrigues Sena Patrícia de Fátima , Moreira Andrade Ronaldo
Published: April 2021

No ano de 2013, via Ministério da Educação e Ministério da Cultura, o Governo Federal possibilitou às escolas do sistema público de ensino com atendimento à educação integral, cadastrarem, através do portal do SIMEC, projetos de cultura para o PROGRAMA MAIS CULTURA NAS ESCOLAS.

Desde então, a gestão da educação integral do município de Ipueiras passou a mobilizar os diretores das unidades escolares, bem como suas equipes, no sentido de refletir aspectos importantes de suas referidas comunidades e, com esse subsídio, elaborar um projeto cultural. Foram cadastrados, ao todo, trinta e cinco projetos.
PEMBANGUNAN BERKELANJUTAN: DAMPAK PENGEMBANGAN APARTEMEN DI DAERAH SLEMAN TERHADAP KEHIDUPAN MASYARAKAT
Authors: Harahap Pasmaka Pindo
Published: April 2021

Dalam paper ini saya membahas mengenai bagaimana dampak yang ditimbulka dari adanya pembangunan Uttara The Icon Apartment di Kabupaten Sleman, hubungan antara pemerintah,  pihak swasta dan masyarakat, peran pemerintah dalam menangani konflik yang terjadi dalam proses pembangunan gedung, serta dampaknya kepada lingkungan. Paper ini dibuat berdasarkan dari studi pustaka yang saya lakukan, dan juga dersifat deskriptif dalam menjelaskan permasalahan yang ada di dalamnya. Paper ini bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi bagi pembaca mengenai kasus yang terjadi antara pihak pengelola bangunan dan juga masyarakat saat pembangunan berlangsung, serta seberapa besar peran pemerintah dan juga dampak yang ditimbulkan dari adanya proyek ini. Dari hasil penelitian ini muncul berbagai konflik agraria, mulai dari konflik air, lingkungan hingga konflik sosial yang terjadi.
KONSTRUKSI KONSEP SOCIAL DISTANCING DAN LOCKDOWN DALAM PERSPEKTIF KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK
Authors: Herdiana Dian
Published: April 2021

Wabah COVID-19 yang melanda dunia memunculkan terminologi baru di tengah-tengah masyarakat, yaitu lockdown dan social distancing. Kedua terminologi ini merujuk kepada upaya yang dilakukan oleh pemerintah dalam penanggulangan COVID-19. Social distancing yaitu kebijakan pemerintah yang dibangun atas dasar upaya reduktif terhadap penyebaran penyakit di suatu wilayah yang berimplikasi kepada adanya pembatasan kegiatan dari penduduk dengan konsekuensi kewajiban pemerintah menetapkan instrumen kebijakan penentuan pola dan ruang kegiatan dari tiap penduduk.  Lockdown yaitu kebijakan pemerintah yang dibangun atas kondisi penyebaran penyakit yang telah meluas di suatu wilayah yang berimplikasi kepada adanya pembatasan penduduk secara terpadu di wilayah tersebut dengan konsekuensi kewajiban pemerintah menetapkan instrumen kebijakan bagi keberlangsungan hidup penduduk. Berdasarkan kepada pemahaman tersebut, posisi pemerintah dalam konteks kebijakan social distancing berperan sebagai pengatur dan penentu atas aktivitas dari penduduk yang mana dalam batas-batas tertentu penduduk masih memiliki akses terhadap penghidupan seperti kepada sumber mata pencaharian, sedangkan posisi pemerintah dalam konteks kebijakan lockdown berperan sebagai pengendali dan penjamin keberlangsungan hidup penduduk dikarenakan hilangnya akses penduduk atas keberlangsungan hidup secara mandiri
Los mecanismos del imperialismo canadiense en el sector minero de América Latina
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Tetreault Darcy
Published: April 2021

Los mecanismos empleados por el gobierno canadiense para ayudar a las compañías mineras canadienses a ganar acceso a los recursos minerales y la fuerza de trabajo barata en América Latina incluyen el impulsar reformas neoliberales, intervenir en la reformulación de la legislación minera, sub-regular la Bolsa de Valores de Toronto, brindar beneficios impositivos, subsidios directos y apoyo diplomático a las compañías mineras canadienses operando en el extranjero, y rehusar a regularlas fuera del país. Si bien estos mecanismos no constituyen por sí mismos el imperialismo, se argumenta que reflejan las estrategias imperialistas de una potencia media que ha ayudado a moldear la evolución del sistema capitalista global hacia los principios del comercio libre, privatización y desregulación. De esta manera, el capital minero canadiense ha podido externalizar costos.
El boom minero en Colombia: ¿locomotora del desarrollo o de la resistencia?
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Sankey Kyla
Published: April 2021

El boom minero de Colombia es un ejemplo claro de cómo los modelos de desarrollo neoliberales no surgen por su potencial para proporcionar «beneficios para todos», como pretenden sus partidarios, sino más bien como el resultado de la evolución de las relaciones de poder entre las clases dominantes y su interacción con la lucha de clases desde abajo, así como la influencia de las fuerzas del capital global y el imperialismo. Tras un análisis del proceso de reprimarización del modelo de desarrollo nacional desde una perspectiva crítica de la economía política, este trabajo examina las reconfiguraciones en las dinámicas de la lucha de clase generadas en los nuevos conflictos sociales que rodean el boom minero.
Colaboración México-Estados Unidos en MEMS/NEMS
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Foladori Guillermo , Záyago Lau Edgar ,   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Sandoval Remberto ,   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Appelbaum Richard ,   University of California at Santa Bárbara, Parker Rachel ,   Technology Policy Institute, Washington
Published: April 2021

Este artículo tiene el objetivo de explorar la cooperación binacional entre México y Estados Unidos sobre Sistemas Micro-Electro Mecánicos (MEMS) y Sistemas Nano-Electro Mecánicos (NEMS). Es una cooperación que está en sus albores, pues tiene menos de una década. Sin embargo, su desarrollo muestra al menos dos cuestiones que merecen destacarse. Una de ellas es la coincidencia de intereses militares y civiles en la investigación y desarrollo (I+D) de esta tecnología. Este propósito común hace posible la formación de recursos humanos y la especialización de civiles mexicanos dentro de instituciones estadounidenses con orientación militar; pero levanta la duda sobre el grado de independencia de la agenda de investigación de MEMS en México. Otra cuestión a tener en cuenta es que las instituciones mexicanas son capaces de desarrollar nuevas áreas tecnológicas con poca tradición, siempre y cuando la voluntad política esté presente.
La dieta estadounidense y la dependencia alimentaria en América Latina
Authors:   Simon Fraser University, Otero Gerardo , Pechlaner Gabriela ,   University of the Fraser Valley
Published: April 2021

Con el neoliberalismo, las agriculturas y dietas nacionales de América Latina se han subsumido cada vez más a los patrones alimentarios y productivos de clima templado. En este artículo presentamos la adopción de ese patrón dietético y sus consecuencias asociadas. La biotecnología difiere de la revolución verde por sus particularidades ecológicas y la dinámica de las grandes agroempresas multinacionales (AEM); aquí se subrayan sus implicaciones. Macro-datos de la región del TLCAN demuestran la creciente dependencia alimentaria del socio menos desarrollado: México. Proponemos democratizar las agendas de investigación agrícola con tecnologías apropiadas para los pequeños productores y la sustentabilidad ecológica de la agricultura.
El laberinto del desarrollo sustentable
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Mallorquín Carlos
Published: April 2021

El texto intenta dar una descripción de la evolución teórica del trabajo de Enrique Leff sobre la cuestión ambiental durante varias décadas; subraya los itinerarios por medio de los cuales su vocabulario, habiendo iniciado desde el campo de la ecología y el marxismo, da pie a la producción de un discurso autóctono que desplaza a la mayoría de las nociones de procedencia europea y anglosajona culminando en un concepto del medio ambiente sui generis. A lo largo de la evolución teórica percibo una dislocación, del vocabulario en cuestión, de la problemática de las asimetrías de poder y las relaciones sociales entre las unidades productivas. Por lo tanto, en la segunda parte propongo una respuesta a dicha «falta» ofreciendo un matrimonio teórico con un discurso latinoamericano igualmente autóctono sobre la problemática de la economía y las asimetrías de poder, conocido como el estructuralismo latinoamericano.
Impacto de la crisis financiera
Authors: Guadalupe Lanas Jorge Fernando
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se muestra que gracias a, por una parte, la existencia de factores como la evolución positiva del precio de las materias primas, el consumo de los hogares —demanda— y el panorama fiscal superavitario en el periodo 2002-2007, y, por otra parte, la débil integración financiera hacia los mercados de derivados, Ecuador pudo aminorar los efectos nefastos de la crisis financiera internacional de finales de 2008. Además, se evidencia también que una vez que el impacto inicial de la crisis fue absorbido, la economía ecuatoriana retomó paulatinamente la senda del crecimiento debido principalmente a 1) la recuperación de la demanda mundial de los precios del petróleo, y 2) la recuperación de la demanda mundial de alimentos —materias primas empujadas sobre todo por el aumento de las importaciones chinas.