bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perbandingan Levenshtein Distance Dan Jaro-Winkler Distance Untuk Koreksi Kata Dalam Preprocessing Analisis Sentimen Pengguna Twitter
Authors: Nur M. Adnan
Published: October 2021

Pada analisis sentimen pengguna twitter dibutuhkan tahap preprocessing sebelum mengklasifikasikan sentimen. Preprocessing digunakan untuk menyaring kata yang dianggap perlu untuk kebutuhan klasifikasi. Kesalahan penulisan pada tweet merupakan suatu permasalahan dalam tahap preprocessing yang tentunya mempengaruhi tingkat akurasi klasifikasi. Berdasarkan hal tersebut dibutuhkan proses tambahan pada preprocessing untuk melakukan koreksi kesalahan penulisan kata. Pada penelitian ini, penulis membandingkan kinerja metode  levenshtein distance dan jaro-winkler distance dalam melakukan koreksi kesalahan penulisan kata. Penelitian ini diawali dengan melakukan survei literatur untuk mengidentifikasi masalah. Selanjutnya melakukan studi pustaka untuk menentukan objek dan parameter yang dibutuhkan dalam merancang dan memodelkan data serta perangkat lunak. Perangkat lunak dikembangkan menggunakan bahasa pemrograman python dengan beberapa library sastrawi, levenshtein, pyjarowinkler dan sklearn. Perangkat lunak ini dibangun untuk memudahkan dalam melihat kinerja metode yang digunakan. Pengujian dilakukan menggunakan confusion matrix dengan 10 fold cross validation. Pengujian melibatkan pengukuran kinerja levenshtein distance jika ditempatkan sebelum dan sesudah proses stemming. Begitupula untuk  metode jaro-winkler distance juga ditempatkan sebelum dan sesudah proses stemming dalam preprocessing. Dari hasil pengujian diperoleh nilai accuracy, recall dan f1score dari metode levenshtein distance lebih baik dibandingkan jaro-winkler distance. Penerapan koreksi kata dengan metode levenshtein distance juga meningkatkan accuracy, recall dan f1score jika dibandingkan tanpa koreksi kata pada preprocessing. Penempatan koreksi kata pada tahap preprocessing dari hasil pengujian menunjukan posisi setelah proses stemming lebih baik dari penempatan koreksi kata sebelum proses stemming
Desain dan Implementasi Pengontrolan Kecepatan Motor AC 3 Fasa Pada Mesin Ekstraksi Jahe
Authors: Adam Adam , Faizi M. Nur , Putra Hari
Published: October 2021

Jahe (Zingiber officinale) merupakan tanaman obat dan rempah-rempah yang banyak dimanfaatkan masyarakat terutama bagian rimpangnya. Jahe dapat meningkatkan daya tahan tubuh seseorang, sebab kandungan polifenol yang ada dalam tanaman herbal itu memiliki banyak khasiat. Salah satunya meningkatkan imunitas tubuh. Di Desa Pasiran Kecamatan Bantan Kabupaten Bengkalis terdapat satu UMKM yang melakukan kegiatan pengolahan minuman jahe untuk dijadikan minuman ekstrak secara tradisional. Permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh pelaku UMKM tersebut adalah proses pengolahan atau proses ekstaksi jahe membutuhkan waktu yang cukup lama dikarenakan proses ekstraksi dilakukan secara konvensional sehingga kurang produktif dan tidak efisien. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membuat suatu alat yang dapat mengolah jahe dijadikan minuman ekstrak. Alat yang dirancang terdiri dari motor AC 3 fasa sebagai penggerak utama yang dapat diatur atau dikendalikan kecepatannya. Dari hasil pengujian yang dilakukan, dengan digunakan metode  kontrol V/F mampu  menahan lonjakan arus starting motor, selisih antara nilai perhitungan kecepatan motor dengan nilai hasil pengukuran kecepatan motor yang dilakukan sebesar 0,009% hal ini menunjukkan bahwa sistem kontrol yang diimplementasikan pada mesin eksraksi dapat berfungsi dengan baik.
RANCANG BANGUN ALAT PEDETEKSI KADAR GULA PADA MINUMAN BERPERISA MENGGUNAKAN SENSOR KAPASITIF
Authors: Hartini Vina Tri
Published: October 2021

Dalam komposisinya, minuman kemasan yang banyak dijual memiliki kandungan kadar gula yang cukup tinggi sehingga apabila dikonsumsi secara berlebihan tanpa memperhatikan batas asupan kadar gula per porsinya dapatmenimbulkan berbagai macam penyakit terutama penyakit diabetes mellitus. Menurut pakar nutrisi dan kesehatan, Brigitte Zeitlin, menyarankan untuk memilih makanan/minuman yang menyajikan tidak lebih dari 10 gram gula per porsinya. Dalam penelitian ini dibuat sebuah alat yang dapat mengontrol asupan kadar gula per porsinya. Pengukuran dilakukan dengan cara mengambil nilai tegangan dari minuman, lalu dikonversi menggunakan metode analisis regresi sehingga dapat menampilkan jumlah kadar gula pada larutan dan keterangan status kadar gula.
Is a Lead Isotope Ratios in Wine Good Marker for Origin Assessment?
Authors: Đurđić Slađana , Stanković Vesna , Ražić Slavica , Mutić Jelena
Published: October 2021

Lead isotope ratio pattern (206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/206Pb, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb) was analyzed in 59 samples of Serbian wine, from four geographical regions. By utilization of powerful inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS), lead isotope ratios were used as unique “fingerprint”, when combined with multivariate methods of analysis (Principal Component Analysis), provided information on the geographical origin of wine. In validation of ICP- QMS method and quantitative analysis, the certified reference material NIST SRM 981 was employed to test the mass-bias correction and thallium isotopes 203Tl and 205Tl (NIST SRM 997) as an internal standard. The obtained results were discussed in correlation with the corresponding values of LIRs of different European and Australian wines. In addition, the impact of anthropogenic Pb from different sources on the total Pb isotopic composition in Serbian wines was analyzed too. On the other side, the obtained values of Pb content were compared with the applicable health safety standards, according to the International Code of Oenological Practices.
Single Independent Autopolyploidization Events From Distinct Diploid Gene Pools and Residual Sexuality Support Range Expansion of Locally Adapted Tetraploid Genotypes in a South American Grass
Authors: Karunarathne Piyal , Hojsgaard Diego
Published: October 2021

Polyploidy plays a major role in plant evolution. The establishment of new polyploids is often a consequence of a single or few successful polyploidization events occurring within a species’ evolutionary trajectory. New polyploid lineages can play different roles in plant diversification and go through several evolutionary stages influenced by biotic and abiotic constraints and characterized by extensive genetic changes. The study of such changes has been crucial for understanding polyploid evolution. Here, we use the multiploid-species Paspalum intermedium to study population-level genetic and morphological variation and ecological differentiation in polyploids. Using flow cytometry, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genetic markers, environmental variables, and morphological data, we assessed variations in ploidy, reproductive modes, and the genetic composition in 35 natural populations of P. intermedium along a latitudinal gradient in South America. Our analyses show that apomictic auto-tetraploids are of multiple independent origin. While overall genetic variation was higher in diploids, both diploids and tetraploids showed significant variation within and among populations. The spatial distribution of genetic variation provides evidence for a primary origin of the contact zone between diploids and tetraploids and further supports the hypothesis of geographic displacement between cytotypes. In addition, a strong link between the ecological differentiation of cytotypes and spatial distribution of genetic variation was observed. Overall, the results indicate that polyploidization in P. intermedium is a recurrent phenomenon associated to a shift in reproductive mode and that multiple polyploid lineages from genetically divergent diploids contributed to the successful establishment of local polyploid populations and dispersal into new environments.
Methods of Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation in Adult: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jhou Hong-Jie , Chen Po-Huang , Ou-Yang Liang-Jun , Lin Chin , Tang Shih-En , Lee Cho-Hao
Published: October 2021

Background/Objective: The aim of study is to assess the efficacy of each ventilator weaning method for ventilated patients in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure to identify randomized control studies on ventilated patients regarding extubation associated outcomes (weaning success or failure, proportion requiring re-intubation, or mortality) from inception until April 01, 2020. Commonly used ventilation modes involved pressure support ventilation, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, automatic tube compensation, continuous positive airway pressure, adaptive support ventilation, neurally adjusted ventilatory assist, proportional assisted ventilation, and SmartCare. Pooled estimates regarding extubation associated outcomes were calculated using network meta-analysis.

Results: Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials including 5,953 patients met inclusion criteria. SmartCare and proportional assist ventilation were found to be effective methods in increasing weaning success (odds ratio, 2.72, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33–5.58, P-score: 0.84; odds ratio, 2.56, 95% CI, 1.60–4.11, P-score: 0.83; respectively). Besides, proportional assist ventilation had superior in reducing proportion requiring re-intubation rate (odds ratio, 0.48, 95% CI, 0.25–0.92, P-score: 0.89) and mortality (odds ratio, 0.48, 95% CI, 0.26–0.92, P-score: 0.91) than others.

Conclusion: In general consideration, our study provided evidence that weaning with proportional assist ventilation has a high probability of being the most effective ventilation mode for patients with mechanical ventilation regarding a higher rate of weaning success, a lower proportion requiring reintubation, and a lower mortality rate than other ventilation modes.
In vitro Selection of Synbiotics and in vivo Investigation of Growth Indices, Reproduction Performance, Survival, and Ovarian Cyp19α Gene Expression in Zebrafish Danio rerio
Authors: Zakariaee Hamideh , Sudagar Mohammad , Hosseini Seyede Sedighe , Paknejad Hamed , Baruah Kartik
Published: October 2021

In this study, we tested the compatibility of two extracts from the plant Jerusalem artichokes and button mushrooms with two different Lactobacillus probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus; La and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus; Lb) to develop a synbiotic formulation to improve the growth, survival, and reproductive performances of farmed fishes. Initially, we employed in vitro approach to monitor the growth of the probiotic lactobacilli in the presence of the different doses of the plant-based prebiotics, with the aim of selecting interesting combination(s) for further verification under in vivo conditions using zebrafish as a model. Results from the in vitro screening assay in the broth showed that both the probiotic species showed a preference for 50% mushroom extract as a source of prebiotic. A synbiotic formulation, developed with the selected combination of L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and 50% mushroom extract, showed a positive influence on the growth and reproductive performances of the zebrafish. Our findings also imply that the improvement in the reproductive indices was associated with the upregulation of a cyp19a gene. Overall results suggest that a combination of L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and mushroom extract can be considered as a potential synbiotic for the successful production of aquaculture species.
Functions of Intracellular Alpha-Synuclein in Microglia: Implications for Parkinson’s Disease Risk
Authors: Booms Alix , Coetzee Gerhard A.
Published: October 2021

Alpha-synuclein accumulation in dopaminergic neurons is one of the primary features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Despite its toxic properties during PD, alpha-synuclein has some important physiological functions. Although the activity of the protein has been extensively studied in neurons, the protein is also expressed in other cell types including immune cells and glia. Genetic studies show that mutations in synuclein alpha (SNCA), the gene that encodes alpha-synuclein, and alterations in its expression levels are a significant risk factor for PD, which likely impact the functions of a broad range of cell types. The consequences of altered SNCA expression in other cell types is beginning to be explored. Microglia, the primary macrophage population in the Central Nervous System (CNS), for example, are affected by variations in alpha-synuclein levels and functions. Studies suggest that deviations of alpha-synuclein’s normal activity influence hematopoiesis, the process that gives rise to microglia, and microglia’s immune functions. Alpha-synuclein levels also dictate the efficiency of SNARE-mediated vesicle formation, which could influence autophagy and cytokine release in microglia. Starting from the time of conception, these effects could impact one’s risk for developing PD. Further studies are needed to determine the physiological role of alpha-synuclein and how the protein is affected during PD in non-neuronal cells such as microglia. In this review we will discuss the known roles of alpha-synuclein in differentiation, immune responses, and vesicle formation, with insights into how abnormal alpha-synuclein expression and activity are linked to altered functions of microglia during PD.
Improvement of Non-motor Symptoms and Quality of Life After Deep Brain Stimulation for Refractory Dystonia: A 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Listik Clarice , Cury Rubens Gisbert , Casagrande Sara Carvalho Barbosa , Listik Eduardo , Arnaut Debora , Santiago Natally , Da Silva Valquiria Aparecida , Galhardoni Ricardo , Machado Júlia de Lima Arantes , Almeida Jessica Campelo de , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , De Andrade Daniel Ciampi
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment option for refractory dystonia's motor symptoms, while its non-motor symptoms (NMS) have been less systematically assessed. We aimed to describe the effects of DBS on NMS in refractory generalized inherited/idiopathic dystonia prospectively.

Methods: We evaluated patients before and 1 year after DBS surgery and applied the following scales: Burke–Fahn–Marsden Rating Scale (BFMRS), NMS Scale for Parkinson's Disease (NMSS-PD), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-8, short-form Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).

Results: Eleven patients (38.35 ± 11.30 years) underwent surgery, all with generalized dystonia. Motor BFMRS subscore was 64.36 ± 22.94 at baseline and 33.55 ± 17.44 1 year after DBS surgery (47.9% improvement, p = 0.003). NMSS-PD had a significant change 12 months after DBS, from 70.91 ± 59.07 to 37.18 ± 55.05 (47.5% improvement, p = 0.013). NMS changes were mainly driven by changes in the gastrointestinal (p = 0.041) and miscellaneous domains (p = 0.012). Seven patients reported chronic pain before DBS and four after it. BPI's severity and interference scores were 4.61 ± 2.84 and 4.12 ± 2.67, respectively, before surgery, and 2.79 ± 2.31 (0.00–6.25) and 1.12 ± 1.32 (0.00–3.00) after, reflecting a significant improvement (p = 0.043 and p = 0.028, respectively). NPSI score was 15.29 ± 13.94 before, while it was reduced to 2.29 ± 2.98 afterward (p = 0.028). MPQ's total score was 9.00 ± 3.32 before DBS, achieving 2.71 ± 2.93 after (p = 0.028).

Conclusions: DBS improves NMS in generalized inherited/idiopathic dystonia, including chronic pain.
E-Cigarettes as a Growing Threat for Children and Adolescents: Position Statement From the European Academy of Paediatrics
Authors: Bush Andrew , Lintowska Agnieszka , Mazur Artur , Hadjipanayis Adamos , Grossman Zacchi , del Torso Stefano , Michaud Pierre-André , Doan Svitlana , Romankevych Ivanna , Slaats Monique , Utkus Algirdas , Dembiński Łukasz , Slobodanac Marija , Valiulis Arunas
Published: October 2021

As the tobacco epidemic has waned, it has been followed by the advent of electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDS) primarily manufactured by the tobacco industry to try to recruit replacements for deceased tobacco addicts. This document sets out the ten recommendations of the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) with regard to e-cigarettes and children and young people (CYP). The EAP notes that nicotine is itself a drug of addiction, with toxicity to the foetus, child and adult, and were ENDS only to contain nicotine, their use to create a new generation of addicts would be rigorously opposed. However, e-cigarettes include numerous unregulated chemicals, including known carcinogens, whose acute and long term toxicities are unknown. The EAP asserts that there is incontrovertible evidence that the acute toxicity of e-cigarettes is greater than that of “traditional” tobacco smoking, and a variety of acute pulmonary toxicities, including acute lung injuries, have been recorded due to e-cigarettes usage. The chronic toxicity of e-cigarettes is unknown, but given the greater acute toxicity compared to tobacco, the EAP cannot assume that e-cigarettes are safer in the long term. The high uptake of e-cigarettes by CYP, including under-age children, is partly fuelled by deceitful marketing and internet exposure, which is also unregulated. Although proposed as aids to smoking cessation, there is no evidence that e-cigarettes add anything to standard smoking cessation strategies. In summary, the EAP regards these devices and liquids as very dangerous, and ineluctably opposed to their use, and their direct or indirect marketing.
Identification of Candidate Olfactory Genes in Scolytus schevyrewi Based on Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Bingqiang , Qin Zhenjie , Kader Abudukyoum , Song Bo , Chen Haoyu , Liu Yang , Liu Wei
Published: October 2021

The bark beetle,Scolytus schevyrewi (S. schevyrewi), is an economically important pest in China that causes serious damage to the fruit industry, particularly, in Xinjiang Province. Chemical signals play an important role in the behavior of most insects, accordingly, ecofriendly traps can be used to monitor and control the target pests in agriculture. In order to lay a foundation for future research on chemical communication mechanisms at the molecular level, we generate antennal transcriptome databases for male and femaleS. schevyrewiusing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. By assembling and analyzing the adult male and female antennal transcriptomes, we identified 47 odorant receptors (ORs), 22 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), and 11 chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Furthermore, expression levels of all the candidate OBPs and CSPs were validated in different tissues of male and female adults by semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).ScosOBP2andScosOBP18were highly expressed in female antennae.ScosCSP2, ScosCSP3, andScosCSP5were specifically expressed in the antennae of both males and females. These results provide new potential molecular targets to inform and improve future management strategies ofS. schevyrewi.
Obstacles to Birth Surname Retention Upon Marriage: How Do Hostile Sexism and System Justification Predict Support for Marital Surname Change Among Women?
Authors: Chayinska Maria , Uluğ Özden Melis , Solak Nevin , Kanık Betül , Çuvaş Burcu
Published: October 2021

Despite the ongoing shift in societal norms and gender-discriminatory practices toward more equality, many heterosexual women worldwide, including in many Western societies, choose to replace their birth surname with the family name of their spouse upon marriage. Previous research has demonstrated that the adherence to sexist ideologies (i.e., a system of discriminatory gender-based beliefs) among women is associated with their greater endorsement of practices and policies that maintain gender inequality. By integrating the ideas from the system justification theory and the ambivalent sexism theory, we proposed that the more women adhere to hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs, the more likely they would be to justify existing gender relations in society, which in turn, would positively predict their support for traditional, husband-centered marital surname change. We further argued that hostile (as compared to benevolent) sexism could act as a particularly strong direct predictor of the support for marital surname change among women. We tested these possibilities across three cross-sectional studies conducted among women in Turkey (Study 1, N=118, self-identified feminist women; Study 2, N=131, female students) and the United States (Study 3, N=140, female students). Results of Studies 1 and 3 revealed that higher adherence to hostile (but not benevolent) sexism was associated with higher support for marital surname change indirectly through higher gender-based system justification. In Study 2, the hypothesized full mediation was not observed. Consistent with our predictions, in all three studies, hostile (but not benevolent) sexism was found to be a direct positive predictor of the support for marital surname change among women. We discuss the role of dominant ideologies surrounding marriage and inegalitarian naming conventions in different cultures as obstacles to women’s birth surname retention upon marriage.
Simultaneous Detection of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Protein and microRNA Biomarkers Using Dynamic Chemical Labelling on a Luminex MAGPIX System
Authors: Marín-Romero Antonio , Tabraue-Chávez Mavys , López-Longarela Bárbara , Fara Mario A. , Sánchez-Martín Rosario M. , Dear James W. , Ilyine Hugh , Díaz-Mochón Juan J. , Pernagallo Salvatore
Published: October 2021

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potentially fatal adverse event and a leading cause for pre- and post-marketing drug withdrawal. Several multinational DILI initiatives have now recommended a panel of protein and microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers that can detect early liver injury and inform about mechanistic basis. This manuscript describes the development of seqCOMBO, a unique combo-multiplexed assay which combines the dynamic chemical labelling approach and an antibody-dependant method on the Luminex MAGPIX system. SeqCOMBO enables a versatile multiplexing platform to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and miRNAs in patient serum samples simultaneously. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method to profile protein and miRNA biomarkers to diagnose DILI in a single-step assay.
Early Changes in DCE-MRI Biomarkers May Predict Survival Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Sorafenib Failure: Two Prospective Phase II Trials
Authors: Chen Bang-Bin , Lin Zhong-Zhe , Shao Yu-Yun , Hsu Chiun , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Ann-Lii , Liang Po-Chin , Shih Tiffany Ting-Fang
Published: October 2021

In this paper, our main objective was to predict survival outcomes using DCE-MRI biomarkers in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after progression from 1st-line sorafenib treatment in two prospective phase II trials. This study included 74 participants (men/women = 64/10, mean age 60 ± 11.8 years) with advanced HCC who received 2nd-line targeted therapy (n = 41 with lenalidomide in one clinical trial; n = 33 with axitinib in another clinical trial) after sorafenib failure from two prospective phase II studies. Among them, all patients underwent DCE-MRI at baseline, and on days 3 and 14 of treatment. The relative changes (Δ) in the DCE-MRI parameters, including ΔPeak, ΔAUC, and ΔKtrans, were derived from the largest hepatic tumor. The treatment response was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1). The Cox model was used to investigate the associations of the clinical variables and DCE-MRI biomarkers with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The objective response rate (ORR) was 10.8% (8/74) and the disease control rate (DCR) was 58.1% (43/74). The median PFS and OS values were 1.9 and 7.8 months, respectively. On day 3 (D3), participants with high reductions in ΔPeak_D3 (hazard ratio (HR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.93, p = 0.017) or ΔAUC_D3 (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.25–1.04, p = 0.043) were associated with better PFS. On day 14, participants with high reductions in ΔPeak_D14 (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–1.01, p = 0.032), ΔAUC_D14 (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.9, p = 0.009), or ΔKtrans_D14 (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.56, p < 0.001) had a higher PFS than those with lower reduction values. In addition, high reductions in ΔAUC_D14 (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32–0.9, p = 0.016) or ΔKtrans_D14 (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.98, p = 0.038) were associated with a better OS. Among the clinical variables, ORR was associated with both PFS (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.005). DCR was associated with PFS (p = 0.002), but not OS (p = 0.089). Cox multivariable analysis revealed that ΔKtrans_D14 (p = 0.002) remained an independent predictor of PFS after controlling for ORR and DCR. An early reduction in tumor perfusion detected by DCE-MRI biomarkers, especially on day 14, may predict favorable survival outcomes in participants with HCC receiving 2nd-line targeted therapy after sorafenib failure.
A Specific Host/Microbial Signature of Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Is Associated to Thrombosis and Marrow Fibrosis in Polycythemia Vera
Authors: Barone Martina , Barone Monica , Ricci Francesca , Auteri Giuseppe , Fabbri Francesco , Bandini Erika , Francia Francesco , Tazzari Pier Luigi , Vianelli Nicola , Turroni Silvia , Cavo Michele , Catani Lucia , Candela Marco , Palandri Francesca
Published: October 2021

Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with increased risk of thrombosis and progression to myelofibrosis. However, no disease-specific risk factors have been identified so far. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mostly of megakaryocyte (MK-EVs) and platelet (PLT-EVs) origin and, along with phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-EVs, play a role in cancer and thrombosis. Interestingly, circulating microbial components/microbes have been recently indicated as potential modifiers of inflammation and coagulation. Here, we investigated phenotype and microbial DNA cargo of EVs after isolation from the plasma of 38 patients with polycythemia vera. Increased proportion of MK-EVs and reduced proportion of PLT-EVs identify patients with thrombosis history. Interestingly, EVs from patients with thrombosis history were depleted in Staphylococcus DNA but enriched in DNA from Actinobacteria members as well as Anaerococcus. In addition, patients with thrombosis history had also lower levels of lipopolysaccharide-associated EVs. In regard to fibrosis, along with increased proportion of PE-EVs, the EVs of patients with marrow fibrosis were enriched in DNA from Collinsella and Flavobacterium. Here, we identified a polycythemia-vera-specific host/microbial EV-based signature associated to thrombosis history and marrow fibrosis. These data may contribute to refining PV prognosis and to identifying novel druggable targets.
Type 1 Nuclear Receptor Activity in Breast Cancer: Translating Preclinical Insights to the Clinic
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Freelander Allegra , Lim Elgene
Published: October 2021

The nuclear receptor (NR) family of transcription factors is intimately associated with the development, progression and treatment of breast cancer. They are used diagnostically and prognostically, and crosstalk between nuclear receptor pathways and growth factor signalling has been demonstrated in all major subtypes of breast cancer. The majority of breast cancers are driven by estrogen receptor α (ER), and anti-estrogenic therapies remain the backbone of treatment, leading to clinically impactful improvements in patient outcomes. This serves as a blueprint for the development of therapies targeting other nuclear receptors. More recently, pivotal findings into modulating the progesterone (PR) and androgen receptors (AR), with accompanying mechanistic insights into NR crosstalk and interactions with other proliferative pathways, have led to clinical trials in all of the major breast cancer subtypes. A growing body of evidence now supports targeting other Type 1 nuclear receptors such as the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), as well as Type 2 NRs such as the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Here, we reviewed the existing preclinical insights into nuclear receptor activity in breast cancer, with a focus on Type 1 NRs. We also discussed the potential to translate these findings into improving patient outcomes.
Alterations in HLA Class I-Presented Immunopeptidome and Class I-Interactome upon Osimertinib Resistance in EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qi Yue A. , Maity Tapan K. , Gao Shaojian , Gong Tao , Bahta Meriam , Venugopalan Abhilash , Zhang Xu , Guha Udayan
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. ICI therapy results in durable responses and survival benefit for a large number of tumor types. Osimertinib, a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has shown great efficacy treating EGFR mutant lung cancers; however, all patients eventually develop resistance. ICI therapy has not benefitted EGFR mutant lung cancer. Herein, we employed stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to investigate potential immune escape molecular mechanisms in osimertinib resistant EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma by interrogating the alterations in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I-presented immunopeptidome, Class I-interactome, and the whole cell proteome between isogenic osimertinib-sensitive and -resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Our study demonstrates an overall reduction in HLA class I-presented immunopeptidome and downregulation of antigen presentation core complex (e.g., TAP1 and ERAP1/2) and immunoproteasome in osimertinib resistant lung adenocarcinoma cells. Several key components in autophagy pathway are differentially altered. S100 proteins and SLC3A2 may play critical roles in reduced antigen presentation. Our dataset also includes ~1000 novel HLA class I interaction partners and hundreds of Class I-presented immunopeptides in EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma. This large-scale unbiased proteomics study provides novel insights and potential mechanisms of immune evasion of EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma.
The Effect of Antibiotic Treatment of Early Childhood Shigellosis on Long-Term Prevalence of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sadaka Yair , Freedman Judah , Ashkenazi Shai , Vinker Shlomo , Golan-Cohen Avivit , Green Ilan , Israel Ariel , Eran Alal , Merzon Eugene
Published: October 2021

It has recently been shown that children with early shigellosis are at increased risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to evaluate the association between antibiotic treatment of shigellosis with long-term ADHD rates. A retrospective cohort study was conducted that included all the Leumit Health Services (LHS) enrollees aged 5–18 years between 2000–2018 with a documented Shigella-positive gastroenteritis before the age of 3 years. Of the 5176 children who were positive for Shigella gastroenteritis before the age of 3 years, 972 (18.8%) were treated with antibiotics early (<5 days), 250 (4.8%) were treated late (≥5 days), and 3954 children (76.4%) were not prescribed antibiotics. Late antibiotic treatment was associated with significantly increased rates of ADHD (adjusted OR = 1.61; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3). Early treatment with antibiotics was not associated with increased ADHD rates (adjusted OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.8–1.3). In conclusion, late antibiotic treatment of early childhood shigellosis was associated with increased rates of ADHD.
Unequivocal Differences in Predation Pressure on Large Carabid Beetles between Forestry Treatments
Authors: Růžičková Jana , Elek Zoltán
Published: October 2021

Carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are considered as one of the most cardinal invertebrate predatory groups in many ecosystems, including forests. Previous studies revealed that the predation pressure provided by carabids significantly regulates the ecological network of invertebrates. Nevertheless, there is no direct estimation of the predation risk on carabids, which can be an important proxy for the phenomenon called ecological trap. In our study, we aimed to explore the predation pressure on carabids using 3D-printed decoys installed in two types of forestry treatments, preparation cuts and clear cuts, and control plots in a Hungarian oak–hornbeam forest. We estimated the seasonal, diurnal and treatment-specific aspects of the predation pressure on carabids. Our results reveal a significantly higher predation risk on carabids in both forestry treatments than in the control. Moreover, it was also higher in the nighttime than daytime. Contrarily, no effects of season and microhabitat features were found. Based on these clues we assume that habitats modified by forestry practices may act as an ecological trap for carabids. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how ecological interactions between species may change in a modified forest environment.
Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge as a Threat of Microplastic (MP) Spread in the Environment and the Role of Governance
Authors: Milojevic Natalia , Cydzik-Kwiatkowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is commonly used as a soil amendment on agricultural land. Unfortunately, more and more research indicates that large amounts of microplastic (MP) are re-introduced to soil with sludge. This study aims to present the impact MP has on soil ecosystems, global trends in agricultural sludge management resulting from a high concentration of micropollutants in sludge, and finally propose a high-level strategy for sustainable sludge management. This strategy is mostly dedicated to the European Union and involves multiple stakeholders and the links between each of them to achieve appropriate sludge management to avoid soil pollution with MP. Governance, Technology, Consumer Acceptance, and Economy and Commercial Viability is explored in depth. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper to discuss these topics in the context of a changing agricultural scene and identifies ways of which sewage sludge can limit MP pollution whilst still fitting into a circular economy. As total elimination of agriculturally used sludge is not a viable option, more stringent regulation on sludge quality before its use is necessary, especially on contaminant concentrations. This includes MPs limits, to improve sludge quality, in turn improving soil health. More alternative management options for sludge that does not meet land usage requirements are necessary and will be explored in this study. Overall, the combination of factors discussed will inevitably lead to more emphasis on sewage sludge management, therefore it can be expected that the information presented in this review will be of high demand and importance for sludge producers and serves as a comprehensive foundation for researchers to build off.
Efficiency of Harvester with the Debarking Head at Logging in Spruce Stands Affected by Bark Beetle Outbreak
Authors: Mergl Václav , Zemánek Tomáš , Šušnjar Marian , Klepárník Jan
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with the use of debarking modifications of the conventional harvester head in the conditions of felling due to bark beetle calamity. For this purpose, a time study was established, in which the conventional heads were compared with the heads with debarking modifications on four research plots and two harvesters. The measurements were taken from August to September 2018. Harvester efficiency with the use of the head with the debarking configuration ranged from 41.2% to 41.8% from the efficiency of a machine with the conventional head, depending on the felling type. It was also demonstrated that the quality of debarking does not depend on the trunk moisture content in the growing season. In terms of diameter, it was found that the best debarked parts of the stem were those occurring in its middle. Specifically, in the central part of the stem with a diameter of 13 to 23 cm, 91.0% of the stem area was debarked in the main felling and 76.6% in the thinning. In contrast, the top parts of the stem (trunk diameter up to 13 cm) were the least debarked. In the main felling, it was 74.2% of the stem area and in the thinning, only 52.2%.
Stability of Woodchips Biochar and Impact on Soil Carbon Stocks: Results from a Two-Year Field Experiment
Authors: Criscuoli Irene , Ventura Maurizio , Wiedner Katja , Glaser Bruno , Panzacchi Pietro , Ceccon Christian , Loesch Maximilian , Raifer Barbara , Tonon Giustino
Published: October 2021

Biochar has been shown to improve soil quality and crop yields. Furthermore, thanks to its high carbon content (C) and stable chemical structure, biochar can sequester C in the soil for a long time, mitigating climate change. However, the variability in published biochar stability in the soil makes verifying this trait under different environmental and agricultural conditions necessary. Moreover, most of the published literature refers to short-term incubation experiments, which are considered to not adequately represent long-term dynamics under field conditions. This article reports the results of a field experiment carried out in a vineyard near Merano, northern Italy, where the stability of woodchips biochar in soil, its impact on the total soil C stocks as well as on the original soil organic C (priming effect) were studied over two years. Vineyard soil (Dystric Eutrochrept) was amended with biochar (25 and 50 t ha−1) alone or together with compost (45 t ha−1) and compared with unamended control soil. Two methods assessed the stability of biochar in soil: the isotopic mass balance approach and the quantification of Benzene PolyCarboxylic Acids (BPCAs), molecular markers of biochar. The amount of C in the soil organic matter (SOM-C) was determined in the amended plots by subtracting the amount of biochar-C from the total soil organic C stock, and the occurrence of priming effect was verified by comparing SOM-C values at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Results did not show any significant biochar degradation for both application rates, but results were characterized by a high variation. The application of 50 t ha−1 of biochar significantly increased soil C stock while no effect of biochar on the degradation of SOM-C was observed. Results were confirmed in the case of biochar application together with compost. It can be concluded that the use of woodchips biochar as a soil amendment can increase soil C content in the medium term. However, further analyses are recommended to evaluate the impact of biochar on climate change mitigation in the long term.
Principal Factors Influencing Tree Growth in Low-Lying Mid Atlantic Coastal Forests
Authors: Haaf LeeAnn , Dymond Salli F. , Kreeger Danielle A.
Published: October 2021

Flood frequencies in coastal forests are increasing as sea level rise accelerates from 3–4 mm year−1 to possibly more than 10 mm year−1 by the end of this century. As flooding increases, coastal forests retreat, ghost forests form, and coastal marshes migrate inland. The existence of ghost forests makes the mechanism of forest retreat clear: low-lying trees become more exposed to coastal flooding until they ultimately die. Variability in these retreat rates, however, makes it difficult to predict where and when retreat will continue to occur. Understanding tree growth responses to tidal water levels relative to other environmental factors is a critical step in elucidating the factors that influence retreat variability. Here, dendrochronology was used to study factors that contribute to variations in growth patterns in four coastal forests fringing the Delaware and Barnegat Bays. Species chosen for study included loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), pitch pine (Pinus rigida), and American holly (Ilex opaca). Pearson’s and partial correlation tests showed that growth relationships with monthly environmental conditions varied across sites and were moderate in strength (generally R < 0.5), but each site had at least one significant growth-water level correlation. As coastal flooding exposure is spatially dependent, tree chronologies were also separated into high and low elevation groups. Pearson’s and partial correlation tests of the mean differences between elevation groups showed that at some sites, low elevation trees grew less than high elevation trees when water levels were high, as might be expected. At one site, however, lower elevation trees grew more when water levels were higher, which suggests that other interacting factors—regardless of current flood exposure—potentially have positive, yet likely temporary, influence over tree growth in these low-lying areas.
Association of Sexual Attitudes with Sexual Function: General vs. Specific Attitudes
Authors: Sierra Juan Carlos , Gómez-Carranza Jennifer , Álvarez-Muelas Ana , Cervilla Oscar
Published: October 2021

Background: Sexual attitudes are related to the expression of sexuality and have been associated with indicators for sexual health. The main aim of this study was to determine the explanatory capacity of general (i.e., erotophilia) and specific (i.e., toward sexual fantasies and masturbation) sexual attitudes on different sexual functioning dimensions (sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication/erection, ability to have an orgasm and orgasm satisfaction). Methods: The sample consisted of 2000 heterosexual adults (1044 women, 956 men) aged 18–83 years. Results: The explanatory models for women mainly showed that positive attitudes toward sexual fantasies (β range = −0.35, −0.249) and age (β range = −0.111, 0.086) explained sexual function. The models proposed for men revealed a more diverse pattern, although the variable essential for explaining sexual function was a positive attitude toward sexual fantasies (β range = −0.266, −0.097). Conclusions: These results indicate that specific sexual attitudes, particularly in relation to sexual fantasies, are more sensitive variables than erotophilia in examining sexual health.
The Effects of Driving Experience on the P300 Event-Related Potential during the Perception of Traffic Scenes
Authors: Inagaki Keiichiro , Wagatsuma Nobuhiko , Nobukawa Sou
Published: October 2021

The incidence of human-error-related traffic collisions is markedly reduced among drivers who have few years of driving experience compared with those with little driving experience or fewer driving opportunities, even if they have a driver’s license. This study analyzes the effect of driving experience on the perception of the traffic scenes through electroencephalograms (EEGs). Primarily, we focused on visual attention during driving, the essential visual function in the visual search and human gaze, and evaluated the P300, which is involved in attention, to explore the effect of driving experience on the visual attention of traffic scenes, not for improving visual ability. In the results, the P300 response was observed in both experienced and beginner drivers when they paid visual attention to the visual target. Furthermore, the latency for the peak amplitude of the P300 response among experienced drivers was markedly faster than that in beginner drivers, suggesting that the P300 latency is a piece of crucial information for driving experience on visual attention.
“I Don’t Know Where I Have to Knock for Support”: A Mixed-Methods Study on Perceptions and Experiences of Single Mothers Raising Children in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Callaghan Mikyla A. , Watchiba Dédé , Purkey Eva , Davison Colleen M. , Aldersey Heather M. , Bartels Susan A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction and Objectives: It is well-documented that single mothers in sub-Saharan Africa face unique psychosocial challenges which can lead to child health and developmental disadvantages, often impacting life trajectories for both the mother and child. Years of instability, conflict, and widespread poor governance within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have resulted in magnified challenges for parents, making it more difficult to provide supportive and effective parenting. To address gaps in knowledge regarding the specific challenges experienced and adaptations made among single mothers raising children in contexts of adversity, the present study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of single mother parenting in the DRC. Methods: Cognitive Edge SenseMaker, a mixed-method data collection tool, was used to collect self-interpreted narratives among parents in eastern DRC. Quantitative SenseMaker data were uploaded into Tableau, a data organization and analysis tool, to visualize differences in response patterns between single mother (n = 263) and two-parent family study participants (n = 182). Single mother micronarratives (n = 251) were then coded line-by-line and analyzed thematically. Qualitative themes identified in the single mother micronarratives were used to facilitate a deeper and more nuanced understanding of key quantitative SenseMaker findings. Findings and Conclusions: Our study found that single mothers experienced immense challenges raising children in the DRC, including financial-, health- and parenting-related hardships. Single mothers described negative emotions and higher levels of household adversity while providing for their children in situations of extreme poverty compared to two-parent family respondents. Self-reliance was exhibited among most single mothers in an attempt to overcome challenges, primarily financial barriers, and to prioritize the health and well-being of their children. However, many children still lacked access to sufficient food, education, and healthcare. Limited governmental and social security support for single mothers was identified as contributing to heightened challenges and the self-reliance observed among single mothers. Findings emphasize that additional research and attention should be directed towards identifying the specific needs of, and available resources for, single mothers in different localities in an effort to inform policies and programs that best support families.
Surgical Treatment Using Sinus Tarsi Approach with Anterolateral Fragment Open-Door Technique in Sanders Type 3 and 4 Displaced Intraarticular Calcaneal Fracture
Authors: Cho Jaeho , Kim Jahyung , Kang Eun Myeong , Lee Jeong Seok , Min Tae-Hong , Won Sung Hun , Yi Young , Chun Dong-il
Published: October 2021

Although various outcomes of the sinus tarsi approach have been reported, these are limited to the Sanders type 2 displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) because of the limited visibility of the posterior facet joint. In this study we aimed to (1) introduce a sinus tarsi approach combined with an anterolateral fragment open-door technique that enables adequate visibility of the innermost and middle portion of the posterior facet joint, and (2) evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of the patients treated with that technique. This is a retrospective case-series study performed on medical records of 25 patients who presented with the Sanders type 3 or 4 DIACF and were treated with the sinus tarsi approach. The radiologic measurements showed significant corrections of the Bohler’s angle, calcaneal width, length, height, and articular step-off in both X-rays and CTs in the last follow-up period. The mean AOFAS score was 90.08 ± 6.44 at the last follow-up. Among all the follow-up patients, two cases (8%) had acute superficial infections, and no other wound complications occurred. Therefore, we suggest that the Sanders type 3 or 4 DIACF could be successfully treated with the proposed technique with low complications and bring out effective clinical and radiologic outcomes.