bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The PRY/SPRY Domain of Pyrin/TRIM20, The Familial Mediterranean Fever Protein, Interacts with β2-Microglobulin to Promote Inflammasome Formation
Authors: Samukawa Sei , Yoshimi Ryusuke , Kirino Yohei , Nakajima Hideaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. Pyrin/TRIM20 is expressed in the neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages and regulates caspase-1 activation and interleukin-1β maturation. Although the mutations in the PRY/SPRY domain of pyrin cause familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the mechanism of how mutated pyrin provokes excessive inflammation in FMF patients is not well understood. This study was undertaken to explore the new pyrin PRY/SPRY domain-binding protein and to investigate how the interaction affected the pyrin function.Methods. We carried out the yeast two-hybrid screening for pyrin PRY/SPRY domain-binding proteins. Then, protein interactions were investigated using Lenti-X 293T cells expressing pyrin-associated proteins by co-immunoprecipitation analysis. We also used human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells expressing pyrin-associated proteins and human neutrophils stimulated with monosodium urate crystal for immunofluorescence staining analysis.Results. β2-Microglobulin (β2MG) was identified as the novel pyrin ligand binding to the PRY/SPRY domain. β2MG was co-localized with pyrin not only in the HEK293 cells overexpressing these proteins but also in the stimulated human neutrophils in the speck-like structures. The pyrin-β2MG interaction triggered the binding of pyrin and proline-serine-threonine phosphatase interacting protein 1 (PSTPIP1) and then the subsequent recruitment of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase recruitment domain (ASC). Caspase-1 p20 subunit, produced by pyrin inflammasome, also interacted with the pyrin PRY/SPRY domain and inhibited the pyrin-β2MG interaction. FMF-associated pyrin mutation M694V did not affect pyrin-β2MG interaction but weakened this inhibition.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that β2MG functions as the pyrin ligand inducing pyrin inflammasome formation and that the FMF-associated pyrin mutations weakened negative feedback of caspase-1 p20 subunit.
Superior Electrocatalytic Activity of Ag doped MnWO4 Microflowers towards Glucose molecules
Authors: Rajput Manisha , NAIK KUSHA KUMAR 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Herein we report the synthesis of Ag doped MnWO4 material carried out by facile hydrothermal method and its catalytic property towards glucose molecules. The Ag-MnWO4 material is characterized by XRD, SEM and EDX respectively. The morphology of the synthesized material is nanorod like structure and the nanorods are converged with each other constructing microflower structure. The microflowers are uniform and sparsely distributed in all direction. The fabricated Ag-MnWO4 electrode performs huge sensitivity of 17.9 µAµM− 1cm− 2 in the linear range 5-110 µM with response time 8 s. Further, excellent selectivity and acceptable stability of the material are achieved. It is predicted that Ag-MnWO4 material would be a good glucose catalytic material for sensing applications.
Circadian miR-449c-5p Regulates Uterine Ca2+ Transport During Eggshell Calcification in Chickens
Authors: Cui Zhifu , Zhang Zhichao , Amevor Felix Kwame , Du Xiaxia , Li Liang , Tian Yaofu , Kang Xincheng , Shu Gang , Zhu Qing , Wang Yan , Li Diyan , Zhang Yao , Zhao Xiaoling 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: miRNAs regulate circadian patterns by modulating animal biological clock. Clock genes exhibited a cosine expression pattern in the fallopian tube of chicken uterus in our previous study. Clock-controlled miRNAs are present in mammals and Drosophila; however, whether there are clock-controlled miRNAs in chicken uterus and, if so, how they regulate egg-laying rhythms are not clear. Here, we selected 18 layer hens with similar ovipositional rhythmicity (three birds were sacrificed for study per at 4 h intervals throughout 24 h); their transcriptomes were scanned to identify the circadian miRNAs and to explore regulatory mechanisms within the uterus of chickens.Results: We identified six circadian miRNAs mainly associated with several biological processes including ion trans-membrane transportation, response to calcium ion, and enrichment of calcium signaling pathways. Verification of experimental results revealed that miR-449c-5p exhibited a cosine expression pattern in chicken uterus. Ca2+-transporting ATPase 4 (ATP2B4) in the plasma membrane is the predicted target gene of circadian miR-449c-5p and is highly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway. We speculated that clock-controlled miR-449c-5p regulated Ca2+ transportation during eggshell calcification in chicken uterus by targeting ATP2B4. ATP2B4 mRNA and protein were rhythmically expressed in chicken uterus, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that ATP2B4 was directly targeted by miR-449c-5p. miR-449c-5p showed an opposite expression profile with ATP2B4 within a 24h cycle in chicken uterus; it inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of ATP2B4 in uterine tubular gland cells. Additionally, overexpression of ATP2B4 significantly decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P < 0.05), while knockdown of ATP2B4 accelerated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Similar results were found after ATP2B4 knockdown by miR-449c-5p. These results indicated that ATP2B4 promoted uterine Ca2+ trans-epithelial transport. Conclusions: Clock-controlled miR-449c-5p regulates Ca2+ transport in chicken uterus by targeting ATP2B4 during eggshell calcification.
A Comprehensive Study of Preferences Toward Urban Pocket Parks
Authors: Shahhosseini Habib , M.S. Mustafa Kamal , Maulan Suhardi , Samimi Paniz Mousavi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Urban parks are inseparable part of green spaces that have been recognized for developing the surrounding environment’s quality. Aesthetic comprehension in Urban Pocket Parks, as an environment which contains various stimuli, is influenced by multi-sensory perception that includes the integration of non-visual (tactile, auditory and olfactory) and visual stimuli. As the current research’s objective was to determine the impact of multi-sensory on visual preferences, Structural Equations Model results on 16 Urban Pocket Parks in Tabriz, Iran, revealed that there was a significant relation between visual preferences and Sound (Human and Natural sounds), and Smell (Human-Body and Natural smells) stimuli, however, the influence of touch stimuli on visual preferences had not identified significant. As a consequence, evaluating the public experience of Natural Sound-Smell Stimuli and the Human-body Sound-Smell Stimuli are essential in designing urban pocket parks; accordingly, city planners and landscape architects can enhance users’ visual preferences by considering these stimuli.
Excellent Photocatalytic Degradation of Indigo Dye using Low Cost Chemical Route Grown Highly Luminescent SnO2 Decorated Polystyrene Nanocomposites
Authors: Kaundal Jyoti Bala , Tiwari R.K , Goswami Y C 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Irrational use of dye is a challenge for our environment specifically for clean water. Highly luminescent SnO2 decorated Polystyrene nanocomposites developed as an effective solution for it. The low cost chemical synthesis of highly luminescent tin oxide decorated Polystyrene (SnO2-PS) polymer nanocomposites using recyclable expended polystyrene waste has been reported. Sol gel grown tin oxide nanoparticles, thoroughly dissolved in dissolved in toluene were used with recyclable expended polystyrene waste. The composites were grown either on glass substrates or developed as flexible self sustaining layers and characterized by optical, structural & morphological characterizations. X ray diffractograms of SnO2-PS polymer nanocomposites exhibit crystalline behavior with tetragonal structure of SnO2. Accumulation of SnO2 particles on the surface with increasing concentration, in the form of spherical structures is observed in AFM micrographs. Hollow vertical chain like growth is also observed. Absorption edge shift towards higher wavelength results in decrease in band gap with increasing concentration. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectra for higher SnO2 shows a significant peak peaks in visible spectra at about 425 nm. SnO2 decorated Polystyrene nanocomposites synthesized using recyclable expended polystyrene waste opens a new scope in flexible optoelectronic applications with visible region photoluminescence.
Presentation and Survival by Hormonal Receptor Status in Metaplastic Breast Cancer: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Wang Siqin , Hu Jin , Zhang yanting , Shen Jian , Dong Fang , Zhang Ximeng , Lu Chong , Shang Dan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Studies reported the hormonal receptor (HR) status was not associated with survival in metaplastic breast cancer (MBC). In addition, MBC patients cannot benefit from chemotherapy (CT). The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CT on MBC patients with high risk (T1-4N2-3M0 and T4N0-1M0) by propensity-score matching (PSM). Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze MBC from the SEER database. Breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier curve and differences assessed by log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess BCSS. PSM was used to make 1:1 case-control matching.Results: We identified 3116 patients. The median follow-up time was 44 months (range, 1–321 months). 23.0% of patients were HR-positive. About 62.5% of patients received CT, which seem not to relate to HR status. Recurrence risk had a significant difference between HR-negative and HR-positive groups. In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, HR status was not associated with a better BCSS. CT had no benefit for MBC. Multivariate analyses after PSM (n=1274) confirmed that both CT and HR status were not associated with prognosis. The Kaplan–Meier curve before PSM showed that HR-negative MBC with intermediate-risk benefited from CT. For HR-positive MBC, patients with intermediate and high risk benefited from CT. However, CT could only benefit for HR-positive MBC with high risk after PSM.Conclusion: PSM analysis showed that CT could only benefit for HR-positive MBC with high risk.
Evaluating Health-related Quality of Life Among Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Individuals Using Health Utilities Index: a Local Study and Comparison With Existing Data
Authors: Chan Dorothy Chi-Ching , Chiang Lorraine Lok-Wing , Chu William Ching-Yuen , Chung Coey Cheuk-Yee , Hon Nicole Wing-Lam , Wong Wilfred Hing-Sang , Chan Godfrey Chi-Fung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by benign tumor growth in multiple organs, which may cause significant negative impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Since HRQoL studies in Asian TSC population are scarce, we aim to evaluate the HRQoL of our local TSC patients, who are mainly ethical Chinese, so as to provide a holistic view and information for better understanding of TSC patients in this part of the world. Methods:HUI-Ch is a validated Chinese multiple-choice questionnaire for scoring Health Utilities Index Mark 2 (HUI2) and Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). It was used to assess HRQoL of TSC individuals in Hong Kong. Proxy-data on socio-demographics and common chronic health conditions for TSC patients were collected. Data analyses involved multiple imputation with two-sample t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression to predict variations in HRQoL in relation to different factors. Data was compared with existing data on HUI of other disease entities.Results:Of 27 patients in the study sample, mean HUI2 and HUI3 scores were 0.64 and 0.50 respectively (1 = perfect health, 0 = death). 81.5% and 77.8% of TSC patients belonged to the “severe” disability category on HUI2 and HUI3, which were higher than the proportion of Down syndrome patients (60.0% and 72.0%). Behavioral problems on HUI2 and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on HUI3 were statistically significant predictors (both p<0.01) of poorer HRQoL. Patients with behavioral problems, compared to those without, had significantly lower scores in cognition (0.88 vs 0.98, p<0.01) and self-care (0.96 vs 1.00, p<0.01) on HUI2. Patients with ADHD, compared to those without, had significantly lower scores in cognition (0.71 vs 0.95, p<0.001) and speech (0.87 vs 0.95, p<0.05) on HUI3. Patients with multiple chronic health conditions (6 or above) had lower HUI2 and HUI3 scores.Conclusions:Local TSC patients have poorer HRQoL than Down syndrome and other chronic conditions. Findings from our study can serve as a baseline for evaluating management outcome in TSC patients with similar cultural backgrounds. Further HRQoL studies can be conducted in other regions to improve the assessment accuracy of these data collected.
Hotter and Drier Climate Made the Mediterranean Europe and Northern Africa Region a Shrubbier Landscape
Authors: Fang Wei , Yi Chuixiang , Chen Deliang , Xu Peipei , Hendrey George , Krakauer Nir , Jensen Katherine , Gao Shan , Lin Zihan , Lam Gabriella , Zhang Qin , Zhou Tao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A shift to warmer temperatures has left the Mediterranean Europe and Northern Africa (MENA) region more vulnerable to drought and land degradation. We used LAI and GPP deficit, the difference between actual and historical-maximum values, to describe vegetation structural and functional dynamics and consequential landcover change in response to climate variability during 2001-2019 in the area (20°W-45°E, 20°N-45°N). We found that (1) the vegetation responses varied significantly among eight landcover types with the following ranked importance: forests, savannas, a mosaic of cropland and natural vegetation (CNV), croplands, permanent wetlands, urban land, grasslands, and shrublands, each with distinctive yet overlapping signatures over the spectrums of the climate conditions considered. (2) Forests, occupying the coolest and wettest niche of the MENA region, showed the strongest and most dominating response to severe drought with a lag of 1-3 years and a legacy of 10 years. (3) The total areas of savannas and CNV mosaics in MENA increased by 394,994 km2 and 404,592 km2 respectively while that of forests decreased by 33,091 km2 despite of the fertilizer effect of elevated ambient CO2. Shrublands, occupying the hottest and driest niche of MENA, extended by 287,134 km2 while grasslands and croplands retreated by 490,644 km2 and 225,263 km2. The area of permanent wetlands increased by 49,192 km2, and that of urban land increased by 39,570 km2. A net total of 57,649 km2 of barren land became vegetated over the years. With warmer temperature and more extended period of drought, MENA has evolved towards a shrubbier landscape.
Resting coronary flow estimated by dynamic coronary CT angiography: Potential for use in the detection of plaque burden and myocardial ischemia
Authors: Ando Kiyoe , Nagao Michinobu , Yamamoto Atsushi , Nakao Risako , Sakai Akiko , Watanabe Eri , Sato Kayoko , Fukushima Kenji , Sakai Shuji , Hagiwara Nobuhisa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose

We propose a resting coronary flow index (rCFI) estimated by dynamic coronary CT angiography (CCTA) for potential use in detecting coronary plaque burden and myocardial ischemia.
Materials and Methods

A total of 124 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent CCTA were prospectively enrolled in this study. The original data set of dynamic CCTA with continuous 8 to 12 cardiac cycles was interpolated to 24 to 36 image sets using the motion coherence image processing. Using the maximum slope method, rCFI was defined as the ratio of the maximum upslope in the attenuation of distal coronary artery to that of the ascending aorta. Coronary plaques were classified as non-calcified or calcified based on the presence or absence of low attenuation plaque. For patients who may need additional functional assessment, additional stress/rest myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) was performed.
Results

rCFI for vessels with non-calcified plaques was significantly lower than that for normal arteries (0.73 ± 0.23 vs. 0.88 ± 0.22, p < 0.00001). In limited intermediate stenosis, a similar significant difference was observed between the two groups (0.76 ± 0.23 vs. 0.89 ± 0.20, p < 0.0001). In contrast, no significant decrease in rCFI was observed between normal and calcified plaques (0.81 ± 0.28). rCFI for ischemia depicted by MPS was significantly lower than for non-ischemia (0.63 ± 0.24 vs. 0.84 ± 0.19, p < 0.05). The use of the optimal cutoff could detect ischemia, with a C-static value of 0.73, 53% sensitivity, and 93% specificity.
Conclusion

rCFI can be used for the detection of plaque burden and myocardial ischemia in CAD.
Early Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy and In-Hospital Major Bleeding Risk in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Findings from the CCC-ACS Project
Authors: Li Ziping , Yang Pengfei , Geru A , Sun Haonan , Liu Hangkuan , Song Xiwen , Jin Zhengyang , Li Linjie , Hao Yongchen , Li Yongle , Liu Jing , Zhao Dong , Zhou Xin , Yang Qing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUNDPrevious reports demonstrated a bleeding avoidance potential of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and β-blocker. It remains unclear whether guideline-directed medical therapy [GDMT, i.e., the combined use of β-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and statin] confers protection against bleeding in the setting of high-intensity antithrombotic therapy.METHODSWe assessed associations between the use of early (within the first 24 hours) GDMT and in-hospital major bleeds, ischemic events and mortality among ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-Acute Coronary Syndrome project.RESULTSAmong 34,538 STEMI patients without contra-indications to GDMT and eligible for analysis, 35.5% received early GDMT. In a 1-to-2 propensity-score matched cohort, early GDMT was associated with a 28% reduction in major bleeds [odds ratio (OR): 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58 to 0.90], with parallel reductions in ischemic events (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.78) and in-hospital mortality (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.57). GDMT-associated reduction in major bleeds was consistently observed across different major bleeding definitions and in sensitivity analyses. Additionally, no significant interaction was observed in subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONSIn a large nationwide registry, early initiation of GDMT was associated with reduced risk for in-hospital major bleeds in STEMI patients treated with PCI. To improve the outcome of STEMI, further effort should be made to reinforce the use of GDMT in this patient population.
Optical, Thermal and Radiation Shielding Properties of B2O3 - NaF - PbO – BaO - La2O3 Glasses
Authors: Shaaban Kh. S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The techniques of melt-quenching were used to generate 53B2O3 - 2NaF - 27PbO – (20 - x)BaO - La2O3 (0 ≤ x ≥ 15) glass system. XRD patterns have established the amorphous character of glass samples. There is clear evidence of the role of La2O3 modifier in the glass network. The thermal characteristics were identified to increase with an increase in La2O3 content. Increasing La2O3 increases the linear and non-linear optical bandgap energy and the Urbach energy. By adding La2O3 to the glass samples, the refractive index, molar polarizability, polarizability, and optical basicity are increased. Theoretically, the bulk modulus and the glass transition temperature increase because of the increase in bond strength. The number of bonds per unit increased with the increase in La2O3 content because of the modifier character of La2O3 in the glass samples. Multiple optical parameters (ε∞), (εo), X(1), (X(3)) and (n2) as a function of linear and non-linear Eopt were obtained. The extent of shielding in this article was examined with the increment in La2O3 at the expense of BaO. The results correspond with similar studies conducted previously.
Can Lifestyle Influence the Risk of High Nicotine Dependence?
Authors: Chen Zhongbo , Yu Xuechan , Ma Hongying , Chen Jie , Chen Hui , Zhuang Qidong , Fu Panfeng , Yu Yiming , Deng Zaichun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Nicotine dependence (ND) is a maladaptive pattern of tobacco smoking with withdrawal symptoms like other drug addictive disorders. It is very common in clinic that smokers always have different degree of nicotine dependence with same amount of tobacco consumption. Lifestyle may influence cigarettes daily consumption or smoke state. So it is critical to prove the influence of healthy or unhealthy lifestyles in high nicotine dependence smokers. This study aimed to identify behavioral correlates to high ND.Methods: 343 patients who went to clinic for smoking cessation were recruited. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire. The extent of Nicotine dependence was determined by Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).Results: High ND patients (FTND>5) showed significant life style compared with mild and moderate ND patients (FTND<5) is significantly (χ2=36.98, P value=0.002). There is no single lifestyle index can significantly distinguish high ND from mild and moderate ND. However, combined behaviors of caffeine drink and mental activities after dinner contribute to the risk of high ND (OR:1.939, 95%CI:1.154-3.258, P value=0.012). In addition, combined index of(sleep time < 8 hours, caffeine drink and mental activities after dinner) each significantly distinguished patients of high ND from patients of mild and moderate ND. with high nicotine dependence(OR:2.208, 95%CI:1.032-4.737, P value=0.042）.Conclusion: Interact effects of mental activities after dinner and caffeine drink will increase the risk of high nicotine dependence. Sleep less than 8 hours with behaviors of mental activities after dinner and caffeine drink also have the same effect.
Hepatic Artery Variations Analyzed in 1141 Patients Undergoing Digital Subtraction Angiography
Authors: Du Dongdong , Wang Yadong , Wang Xinxing , Ma Mingze , Gao Junlin , Rong Zhonghou , Gao Ruxin , Zhang Zhenhai 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The hepatic artery has several variations that can be observed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). In recent years, clinical studies have continued to explore its diversity, leading to the discovery of rare variations and the development of new classifications.Methods: Institutional Review Board approval was attained. This retrospective study was based on analysis of DSA images in 1141 patients who were pathologically or clinically diagnosed with liver tumor from May 2015 to December 2019. All patients involved in this study had undergone hepatic arteriography at our hospital. The study aimed to complete angiographic assessments of the left gastric artery (LGA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and HA, which supply the liver parenchyma. Results: It was worth mentioning that we found five new cases of hepatic artery variations. The four major types of hepatic artery anatomy were identiﬁed. Normal hepatic artery anatomy was pointed in 871 (76.3%) of 1141 patients, and the incidence of hepatic artery variation was 270 (23.7%) cases. Variation in hepatic artery origin was identiﬁed in 240 (21.1%) cases. Variation in bifurcation was identiﬁed in 18 (1.6%) cases. Three (0.5%) cases had synchronized bifurcate and variation of origin, which has not been reported previously. Conclusion: Hepatic artery variation have diversity and complexity. The known and newly is covered variations were thoroughly analyzed in detail, which has important clinical significance for hepatobiliary surgeries and interventional operations.