bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of A1555G mDNA Variant Using U-TOP™HL Genotyping Kit in Korean Family with Progressive Hearing Loss
Authors: Ahn Jung Hyun , Byun Kwang Hyun , Jung Bo Kyeung , Lee Min Young
Published: February 2021

Recently, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the U-TOP™HL Genotyping Kit has been introduced to detect genetic hearing loss caused by certain type of gene variants popularly found in Korea. The mitochondrial 12S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) genes are related to aminoglycoside induced or non-syndromic, sensorineural hearing loss. Among them, 1555A>G is commonly found and reported worldwide. We are presenting the case of a mother and a son, who were screened by real-time PCR using the U-TOP™HL Genotyping Kit and were found both to have the mitochondrial 12s rRNA 1555A>G variant with a different hearing loss phenotype. This report encourages clinicians to use this or similar screen methods for patients with familial hearing loss.
The Effect of Frenotomy on the Tongue Length, Motion, and Speech According to Age
Authors: Kim Ju Eun , Keum Bo Ram , Li Sung Won , Park Sung Min , Kwon Bin , Kim Heejin , Park Il-Seok
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives Ankyloglossia often results in articulation disorders, which depends on age, articulation ability, and mobility of the tongue. A primary treatment strategy includes surgery and/or speech therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of the tongue length, tongue mobility, and percentage of consonants correct (PCC) after frenotomy. We investigated the optimal surgery timing for ankyloglossia.Subjects and Method A total of 136 patients underwent frenotomy for the tongue tie between January 2016 and December 2019. There were 90 males and 46 females, with the mean age of 5.23, which ranged from 2 to 10 years. The length of the tongue was measured for all patients during the operation preoperatively and postoperatively. The mobility of the tongue and PCC were performed preoperatively and 1 month after surgery by two speech therapists. Patients were divided according to age into three groups: 2-3 years, 4-5 years, and over 6 years old.Results The mean tongue length of all age groups was significantly elongated after surgery (p<0.05). After frenotomy, the mobility of tongue, including horizontal protrusion, protrusion with upward pointing, circumlocution, and lateral movement, was improved. Also, PCCs of all age groups were significantly improved after surgery (p<0.05).Conclusion Frenotomy can be an effective procedure for children with ankyloglossia in all age groups. After frenotomy, length of the tongue, mobility of the tongue and PCC were significantly improved.
Soluções de Equações Quadráticas por ‘Abd Al-Hamid Ibn Turk na Formação Inicial do Professor de Matemática
Authors: Sousa Giselle Costa de , Muniz Jéssica Targino
Published: February 2021

Esse trabalho deriva-se de uma pesquisa de mestrado profissional desenvolvida no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino de Ciências Naturais e Matemática (PPGECNM), ligado à Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Esse estudo qualitativo almeja a aliança entre a história da matemática e as tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação via investigação matemática para abordagem de álgebra geométrica na licenciatura em matemática. Para isso, baseado em Miguel e Miorim (2011), Ponte, Brocardo e Oliveira (2013) e Borba e Penteado (2017), foi elaborado e aplicado um caderno de atividades que trata da solução de equações quadráticas sob ótica de Abd Al-Hamid Ibn Turk, matemático islâmico do século IX. Para coletar dados foram utilizados registros de alunos, diário de campo, entre outros. Os resultados mostraram ampliação do repertório intelectual dos licenciandos.
The biological, social, and political complexity of conserving oribi antelope Ourebia ourebi in South Africa
Authors: Louw AJ , Pienaar EF , Shrader AM
Published: February 2021

The endangered oribi antelope Ourebia ourebi is highly dependent on privately owned lands for its continued survival in South Africa. Despite the fact that conserving oribi may result in costs to farmers in the form of land use restrictions and pressures from illegal hunting, there is evidence that South African farmers are willing to conserve oribi on their lands. However, to date, no research has been conducted to examine farmers’ understanding of how to manage their lands for oribi or their motivations for conserving this species. We conducted 50 in-depth interviews with private landowners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to investigate why farmers are willing to protect oribi, their perceptions of the threats to the species, and their understanding of how land should be managed to benefit oribi. Respondents’ willingness to conserve oribi was driven primarily by an affinity for the species and wildlife in general. Respondents perceived illegal taxi hunting to be the greatest threat to oribi. Taxi hunts are organized, illegal hunting events that involve multiple participants and packs of dogs, who hunt at night on farms without the permission or knowledge of farmers. Although some respondents managed their lands specifically to benefit oribi, most were unsure which land management practices would support oribi conservation efforts. Farmers require legal support to more effectively conserve oribi. In addition, they would benefit from outreach and awareness programs on how to manage their lands for oribi.
Identifikasi Citra Digital Jenis Beras Menggunakan Metode Anfis dan Sobel
Authors: Gansar Suwanto  , Adam Riza Ibnu , Garno
Published: February 2021

Beras merupakan salah satu produk unggulan pangan nasional dan produk unggulan pertanian di Indonesia. Banyaknya jenis-jenis beras di Indonesia menyebabkan semakin sulitnya membedakan beras hanya mengandalkan mata saja. Dikarenakan setiap jenis beras memiliki ciri bentuk dan tekstur yang relatif berbeda. Oleh karena itu, citra digital dapat dijadikan langkah awal dalam mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis beras. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis beras dengan menggunakan pengolahan citra. Pengambilan nilai ciri bentuk menggunakan metode morfologi dan dibandingkan dengan metode sobel. Sedangkan pengambilan nilai ciri tekstur menggunakan metode citra grayscale. Kemudian, nilai bentuk dan tekstur lakukan pengelompokan sesuai jenis beras. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah 140 citra. 100 dari 140 citra tersebut dilakukan pelatihan dengan menggunakan metode ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) dengan memanfaatkan nilai bentuk dan tekstur citra. Pengujiaan dilakukan sebanyak 5 kali dengan menggunakan 140 citra tersebut. Hasil pengujian dengan metode ANFIS (Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System) sebesar 85.2%. Sedangkan, Deteksi tepi sobel dapat mempengaruhi akurasi sebesar 3%.
Analisis Kecenderungan Informasi Terkait Covid-10 Berdasarkan Big Data Sosial Media dengan Menggunakan Metode Data Mining
Authors: Pratama Enda Esyudha , Helen Sastypratiwi  , Yulianti
Published: February 2021

Wabah virus CORONA (COVID-19) mulai menginfeksi hampir ke seluruh negara di awal tahun 2020 tak terkecuali di Indonesia. Pemerintah selaku pihak yang berkepentingan mengeluarkan beberapa kebijakan terkait penanganan virus ini. Kebijakan tersebut mendapat berbagai tanggapan dari masyarakat terutama di media sosial. Jumlah tanggapan yang banyak dan beragam akan menjadi sebuah big data. Big data tersebut dapat menghasilkan informasi yang berharga jika diolah secara baik dan benar. Salah satu informasi yang dapat dihasilkan adalah analisis sentimen. Data mining merupakan salah satu metode yang digunakan untuk menggali informasi penting dari sebuah tumpukan data yang berjumlah besar. Pada penelitian ini digunakan 1400 tweet. Kata kunci (keyword) yang digunakan terkait kebijakan pemerintah yaitu Social Distancing, Isolasi Mandiri, Karantina Wilayah, WFH, PSBB, Lockdown, dan Rapid Test. Dari hasil penellitian yang dilakukan, sentimen masayrakat di media sosial terhadap kebijakan pemerintah dalam menanggulangi wabah virus ini cenderung positif
Implementasi 360 Degree untuk Membantu Proses Pelaporan Kinerja Dosen (Studi Kasus; JTI Polinema)
Authors: Misbahudin  , Rudy Ariyanto  , Yoppy Yunhasnawa
Published: February 2021

Untuk  menuju  tujuan  pendidikan  nasional  tersebut  diperlukan  dosen  yang  professional. Evaluasi kinerja dosen diperlukan agar dalam melaksanakan tugas dan tanggung jawabnya  sejalan dengan apa  yang diisyaratkan dalam UU  No.  14  Tahun  2005  tentang  guru  dan  dosen, Dalam  melaksanakan  penilaian  yang  benar, maka  penilaian dilakukan oleh  pihak yang  tepat  yang  dapat  memberikan  kontribusi  penilaian  yang  baik.  Hal  ini  cocok  dengan metode   360   degree yang   menilai   seseorang   dari   pihak-pihak   yang   berada   di   sekitarnya. Penelitian   ini menggunakan konsep sistem pendukung keputusan kelompok (GDSS) sebagai metode pengolahan data dengan 3 penilai  yaitu  atasan,  mahasiswa,  dan  rekan  sesama  dosen.  Sistem  pendukung  keputusan  kelompok  yang dikembangkan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) dan Borda untuk penentuan  keputusan  kelompok.  Metode  AHP  digunakan  untuk  penentuan  bobot  kriteria  dari  setiap  alternatif. Metode Borda digunakan untuk penggabungan hasil perangkingan yang didapat oleh setiap pengambil keputusan sehingga  mendapatkan  perangkingan  akhir  dan  mendapatkan  skor  setiap  alternatif. Kriteria  yang  digunakan antara  lain:  Kepribadian,  Pedagogik,  Sosial,  dan  Profesional. Hasil  dari  pengujian dari 10  data  uji, dapat disimpulkan tingkat  akurasi  yakni  sebesar  20  %.  Presentase  yang rendah  ini  disebabkan  penilaian  kinerja  yang selama ini diterapkan tidak menggabungkan penilaian dari mahasiswa, atasan dan rekan sejawat. Selain itu tidak ada penilaian untuk rekan kerja.
Prediksi Banjir Lahar Dingin pada Lereng Merapi menggunakan Data Curah Hujan dari Satelit
Authors: Asmara Rosa Andrie , Arief Prasetyo  , Siska Stevani  , Hapsari Ratih Indri
Published: February 2021

Banjir lahar dingin merupakan sekumpulan lahar yang dimuntahkan oleh gunung berapi dan sampai ke permukaan yang lebih rendah dengan bantuan atau dorongan dari air hujan. Akibatnya, air hujan yang membawa serta material-material vulkanik dari lahar ini akan menerjang lahan yang berada di bawahnya ataupun pemukiman penduduk dan banyaknya kerusakan atapun dampak-dampak lain yang akan dihasilkan oleh banjir lahar dingin ini. Faktor yang menyebabkan banjir lahar adalah intensitas atau curah hujan (mm/jam) dan akumulasi hujan (mm/7hari). Terjadinya banjir lahar dapat dideteksi oleh beberapa alat salah satunya adalah Geofon. Alat sering rusak dan hanyut karena dipasang atau ditempatkan pada permukaan tanah disetiap stasiun sungai, dan pada saat terjadinya banjir lahar hingga sampai ke permukaan yang lebih rendah maka alat tersebut tidak dapat mengirimkan informasi getaran. Oleh karena itu pada penelitian ini di buat sebuah sistem untuk membantu sensor Geofon dalam memprediksi banjir lahar pada kawasan Lereng Merapi. Sistem akan mengeluarkan status getaran yang terdiri dari 4 kelas yaitu banjir rendah, banjir sedang, banjir tinggi dan tidak terjadi banjir lahar dengan memperhitungkan atribut curah hujan dan akumulasi hujan dari satelit menggunakan metode K-NN (K-Nearest Neighbor). Pemilihan nilai K pada algoritma K-NN menjadi hal yang penting karena akan mempengaruhi kinerja dari algoritma K-NN pada sistem prediksi banjir lahar, oleh karena itu perlu diketahui berapa nilai K dan tingkat akurasinya. Metode 10-Fold Cross Validation dan Uji Akurasi digunakan untuk mengetahui nilai K Optimal pada tiap lokasi penelitian yaitu Gendol, Putih 1 dan Putih 2. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian yang didapat adalah pada lokasi Gendol dan Putih 1 menggunakan 3-NN dengan akurasi rata-rata 72.307% dan 81.429%, lokasi Putih 2 menggunakan 1-NN dengan akurasi rata-rata 86.955%. Data pengujian pada lokasi Gendol menggunakan data 1-Fold Cross Validation dengan akurasi 3-NN 92.31%, Putih 1 data 8-Fold Cross Validation dengan akurasi 3-NN 95.24%, dan Putih 2 data 10-Fold Cross Validation dengan akurasi 1-NN 91.3%.
Penentuan Bahan Makanan Untuk Itik Petelur Menggunakan Algoritma Genetika
Authors: Rozi Imam Fahrur , Firdausi Annisa Taufika , Rahmadhany Tahta Reza
Published: February 2021

Itik berperan sebagai penghasil telur dan daging. Tingkat produktivitas itik lokal Indonesia baik telur maupun daging masih rendah dan berpeluang untuk ditingkatkan. Produktivitas ternak dipengaruhi oleh faktor pakan, manajemen dan pembibitan. Permasalahan yang sering dihadapi peternak adalah ketersediaan pakan, pakan yang diberikan memiliki kandungan nutrisi rendah. Jika penentuan pakan yang diberikan tidak sesuai dengan standarisasi kebutuhan itik maka yang terjadi adalah itik petelur tidak mencapai kondisi yang optimal seperti kurangnya nafsu makan, mudah terserang penyakit, dan tidak lincah. Bahkan yang lebih fatal bisa mengakibatkan kematian pada itik. Dari ulasan tersebut dapat diketahui pembuatan pakan itik dengan memperhatikan nutrisi perlu dilakukan. Permasalahan penentuan bahan pakan ternak itik petelur dapat diselesaikan dengan algoritma genetika, dikarenakan algoritma genetika memiliki kelebihan dalam menghasilkan output dengan tetap memperhatikan faktor nutrisi. Nutrisi pada itik petelur yang harus dipenuhi antara lain protein kasar, energi, metionin, lisin, kalsium, dan fosfor yang memiliki masing-masing nilai standarnya. Proses algoritma genetika dimulai dengan inisialisasi populasi, menghitung fitness, seleksi, crossover, mutasi, dan evaluasi. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, untuk mengukur kualitas solusi pada permasalahan penentuan bahan makanan untuk itik petelur yaitu dengan melihat nilai fitness. Parameter algoritma genetika memiliki pengaruh terhadap nilai fitness yang dihasilkan. Pengujian parameter algoritma genetika dilakukan dengan mengkombinasikan cr dan mr, yang terbaik terdapat pada kombinasi cr 0,7 dan mr 0,2 dengan rata-rata nilai fitness 2,960. Ukuran populasi yang baik adalah 35 dengan nilai fitness 2,706. Pengujian jumlah generasi dihasilkan fitness terbaik 2,804 terdapat pada generasi 20.
Ca2+ Complexation With Relevant Bioligands in Aqueous Solution: A Speciation Study With Implications for Biological Fluids
Authors: Aiello Donatella , Carnamucio Federica , Cordaro Massimiliano , Foti Claudia , Napoli Anna , Giuffrè Ottavia
Published: February 2021

A speciation study on the interaction between Ca2+and ligands of biological interest in aqueous solution is reported. The ligands under study arel-cysteine (Cys),d-penicillamine (PSH), reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). From the elaboration of the potentiometric experimental data the most likely speciation patterns obtained are characterized by only protonated species with a 1:1 metal to ligand ratio. In detail, two species, CaLH2and CaLH, for systems containingCys,PSH, andGSH, and five species, CaLH5, CaLH4, CaLH3, CaLH2, and CaLH, for system containingGSSG, were observed. The potentiometric titrations were performed at different temperatures (15 ≤t/°C ≤ 37, atI= 0.15 mol L−1). The enthalpy and entropy change values were calculated for all systems, and the dependence of the formation constants of the complex species on the temperature was evaluated.1H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI mass spectrometry, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) investigations on Ca2+-ligand solutions were also employed, confirming the interactions and underlining characteristic complexing behaviors ofCys,PSH,GSH, andGSSGtoward Ca2+. The results of the analysis of1H NMR experimental data are in full agreement with potentiometric ones in terms of speciation models and stability constants of the species. MALDI mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses confirm the formation of Ca2+-L complex species and elucidate the mechanism of interaction. On the basis of speciation models, simulations of species formation under conditions of some biological fluids were reported. The sequestering ability ofCys,PSH,GSH, andGSSGtoward Ca2+was evaluated under different conditions of pH and temperature and under physiological condition.
How Does Personalization in News Stories Influence Intentions to Help With Drought? Assessing the Influence of State Empathy and Its Antecedents
Authors: Wald Dara M. , Johnston Erik W. , Wellman Ned , Harlow John
Published: February 2021

Personalized stories are a powerful tool for communicating about science, particularly when a scientific topic is complex or unfamiliar. One example of such a topic is drought, something many regions of the world face regularly. Like other environmental challenges, drought recovery efforts benefit from a mobilized collective response through prosocial action, including volunteering and donations. The objective of this study was to examine how storytelling about drought influences emotional responses and empathic processes that in turn contribute to prosocial action. Using data collected from an online survey (N= 249) with undergraduate students, the current study tests the hypothesis that, relative to non-personalized stories, personalized news stories about drought will increase audiences' cognitive and emotional responses, including perceived suffering, narrative engagement, and state empathy. In addition, this study examines how emotional responses to personalized news stories influence readers' intentions to donate to farmers suffering from drought. Results reveal that personalized news stories are more likely than non-personalized stories to increase readers' state empathy and perceptions of others' suffering. Perceived suffering was directly related to the affective and cognitive dimensions of state empathy. Narrative engagement (i.e., transportation) was also directly related to the affective and cognitive dimensions of state empathy and indirectly associated with intentions to donate to assist those suffering from drought. Affective state empathy was directly associated with donation intentions, suggesting that an emotional response to media portrayals of suffering may promote prosocial intentions. We discuss the potential implications for using personalized news stories about drought and other natural disasters to motivate prosocial action.
Paroxysms at Stromboli Volcano (Italy): Source, Genesis and Dynamics
Authors: Métrich Nicole , Bertagnini Antonella , Pistolesi Marco
Published: February 2021

Deciphering the triggering mechanisms of violent explosive activity is of broad interest for understanding the dynamics of basaltic open-vent volcanic systems. For nearly 1300 years Stromboli has been renowned not only for its continuous degassing activity and mild explosions at the summit craters, but also for short-lived, violent explosive events of variable scale, known as major explosions and paroxysms. Here, we focus on the 1456 and 1930 paroxysms and on the most recent events, in July and August 2019 at Stromboli. We show that shallow phenomena such as flank collapse, lava outpouring through fractures opening, or partial emptying of the shallow conduit, only speed up volatile-rich magma ascent by increasing the decompression rate, whereas pressurization of the crustal system and the deep refilling by magma and its CO2-rich gas phase play a major role in triggering paroxysms. Moreover, we present new data on the geochemistry of the 2019 bulk pumice, along with a compilation of data from the literature, chemical profiles in olivine crystals, and the physical parameters of explosive eruptions of wide ranging magnitude and intensity. For small and large paroxysms, timescales were derived from Fe–Mg diffusion profiles in olivine. In both types of explosion, the last phases of crystallization-diffusion indicate rapid magma ascent rates of two to ten days prior to eruption. Trace element concentrations (Nb, La and Ba) and ratios (Rb/Th) indicate that the 2019 pumice samples plot in the domain of magma batches erupted within the last 20 years at Stromboli. As a whole, there is no correlation between magma geochemistry and magnitude or intensity of explosive eruptions, which span a range of ∼3 orders of magnitude (from major explosions to large paroxysms) based on estimates of erupted tephra volumes. In contrast, olivine compositions are a good proxy for erupted tephra volumes and magma flux. The correlation among physical and chemical parameters, which is valid for the overall spectrum of eruptions, implies that the magmatic source ultimately controls eruptive dynamics.
Paut Neteru: Dreams of Leadership and Liberation—An Autoethnography of a Black Female Charter School Leader Using An Africentric Approach
Authors: Williams Patricia Linn
Published: February 2021

This article seeks to document and critique concepts of social and material inequalities embedded in institutional policies and practices in neoliberal education, utilizing autoethnography to explore the obstacles and experiences of a Black female charter school leader using an Africentric approach to educating Black children. A conceptual framework that blends African-centered pedagogy, African womanism, and transformational leadership was used to guide the qualitative autoethnographic study that anchors this article. Use of the autoethnographic method provides an opportunity to examine the relational dynamics of the experiences of this Black female charter school leader in the cultural context of the Black community and neoliberal education. Data analysis was captured from autobiographical storytelling within three key time periods or epochs of the researcher’s 17-year experience starting, operating, and closing a charter school. The article highlights findings that indicate how attempts to implement an African-centered approach to educating Black children, in a DC charter school, in the U.S. Eurocentric education model, in the neoliberal era, was compromised by neoliberal policies; and illustrates how reported findings support the need to continue to examine how children of color can be educated, not just schooled, in a manner that places them at the center of their learning, builds agency, and develops them into creative and critical thinkers and future builders.
In Vitro Follicular Activation and Stem Cell Therapy as a Novel Treatment Strategies in Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Fàbregues Francesc , Ferreri Janisse , Méndez Marta , Calafell Josep María , Otero Jordi , Farré Ramon
Published: February 2021

Usually poor ovarian response (POR) to gonadotropins reflects a diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) that gives place to few recruitable follicles despite aggressive stimulation. The reduction in the quantity and quality of the oocytes with advanced age is physiological. However, some women experience DOR much earlier and become prematurely infertile, producing an accelerated follicular depletion towards primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Up to now, egg donation has been commonly used to treat their infertility. In the last thirty years, specialists in assisted reproduction have focused their attention on the final stages of folliculogenesis, those that depend on the action of gonadotrophins. Nevertheless, recently novel aspects have been known to act in the initial phases, with activating and inhibiting elements. In vitro activation (IVA) combining the in vitro stimulation of the ovarian Akt signaling pathway in ovarian cortex fragments with a method named Hippo-signaling disruption. Later, a simplification of the technique designated Drug-Free IVA have shown encouraging results in patients with POI. Another innovative therapeutic option in these patients is the infusion of bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMDSC) in order to supply an adequate ovarian niche to maintain and/or promote follicular rescue in patients with impaired or aged ovarian reserves. In this review, for the first time, both therapeutic options are addressed together in a common clinical setting. The aim of this review is to analyze the physiological aspects on which these innovative techniques are based; the preliminary results obtained up to now; and the possible therapeutic role that they may have in the future with DOR and POI patients.
Within-Person Variation in Serum Thyrotropin Concentrations: Main Sources, Potential Underlying Biological Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
Authors: van der Spoel Evie , Roelfsema Ferdinand , van Heemst Diana
Published: February 2021

Background

Individuals exhibit fluctuations in the concentration of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) over time. The scale of these variations ranges from minutes to hours, and from months to years. The main factors contributing to the observed within-person fluctuations in serum TSH comprise pulsatile secretion, circadian rhythm, seasonality, and ageing. In clinical practice and clinical research however, such within-person biological variation in serum TSH concentrations is often not considered. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the main sources of within-person variation in TSH levels, as well as the potential underlying biological mechanisms, and the clinical implications.

In euthyroid individuals, the circadian rhythm, with a nocturnal surge around 02:00–04:00 h and a nadir during daytime has the greatest impact on variations in serum TSH concentrations. Another source of within-person variation in TSH levels is seasonality, with generally higher levels during the cold winter months. Since TSH is secreted in a pulsatile manner, TSH levels also fluctuate over minutes. Furthermore, elevated TSH levels have been observed with ageing. Other factors that affect TSH levels include thyroid peroxidase (TPO)-antibody positivity, BMI, obesity, smoking, critical illness, and many xenobiotics, including environmental pollutants and drugs. Potential underlying biological mechanisms of within-person variation in TSH levels can be safely concluded from the ability of TSH to respond quickly to changes in cues from the internal or external environment in order to maintain homeostasis. Such cues include the biological clock, environmental temperature, and length of day. The observed increase in TSH level with ageing can be explained at a population level and at an organism level. In clinical practice, the season for thyroid testing can influence a patient’s test result and it occurs frequently that subclinical hypothyroid patients normalize to euthyroid levels over time without intervention.

Conclusions

Serum TSH concentrations vary over time within an individual, which is caused by multiple different internal and external factors. It is important to take the within-person variations in serum TSH concentrations into account when testing a patient in clinical practice, but also in performing clinical research.
Clinical Prognostic Factors in Patients With Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma Treated With Second Line Gemcitabine Plus Capecitabine Chemotherapy
Authors: Grisanti Salvatore , Cosentini Deborah , Laganà Marta , Morandi Alessandra , Lazzari Barbara , Ferrari Laura , Volta Alberto Dalla , Ambrosini Roberta , Ferrari Vittorio Domenico , Sigala Sandra , Berruti Alfredo
Published: February 2021

Gemcitabine plus Capecitabine (Gem/Cape) is a frequently adopted second line chemotherapy for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), but only a minority of patients is destined to obtain a clinical benefit. The identification of baseline predictive factors of efficacy is relevant. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 50 consecutive patients with metastatic progressing ACC treated between 2011 and 2019. Patients received intravenous Gemcitabine and oral Capecitabine on a metronomic schedule. Previous mitotane therapy was maintained. Clinical benefit (partial response + stable disease) at 4 months was 30%, median progression-free survival (PFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) from Gem/Cape start were 3 and 8 months, respectively. Among clinical variables evaluated before the start of Gem/Cape, presence of ECOG performance status ≥1 [HR 6.93 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03–0.54, p.004] and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥5 [HR 3.88, 95% (CI) 0.81–0.90, p.003] were independent indicators of poor PFS at multivariate analysis. Conversely, surgery of primary tumor, the presence of lung or lymph-node metastases, blood mitotane level, anemia, and the Advanced Lung cancer Inflammation index (ALI) failed to be independently associated. This study confirms that the Gem/Cape schedule is modestly active in heavily pretreated ACC patients (28% received at least two previous chemotherapy lines). NLR and performance status (PS) are easily available clinical parameters that are helpful to identify patients not likely to derive significant advantage from Gem/Cape chemotherapy.
Dim Red Light During Scotophase Enhances Mating of a Moth Through Increased Male Antennal Sensitivity Against the Female Sex Pheromone
Authors: Chen Qiuying , Yang Xi , You Dongrui , Luo Jiaojiao , Hu Xiaojing , Xu Zhifeng , Xiao Wei
Published: February 2021

Insects are behaviorally and physiologically affected by different light conditions, including photoperiod, light intensity, and spectrum. Light at night has important influences on nocturnal insects, including most moth species. Moth copulation and mating usually occur at night. Although a few studies examine changes in insect mating under artificial light at night, detailed influences of light, such as that of monochromatic light, on moth mating remain largely unknown. In this study, on the basis of long-term insects rearing experience, dim red light (spectrum range: 610–710nm, with a peak at 660nm; 2.0 Lux) during scotophase was hypothesized to enhance mating in the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis. To test the hypothesis, the mating of moths under dim red, blue, and white lights during scotophase was observed. Under the dim red light, the enhancement of mating in C. punctiferalis was observed. In addition, the electroantennografic response of males against the female sex pheromone increased with red light treatment during scotophase. In an analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the antennae of males under red light and dark conditions, the expression levels of two odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, CpunOBP2 and CpunPBP5, were up-regulated. Two genes were then expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins showed strong binding to female pheromone components in fluorescence-binding assays. Thus, the results of this study indicated that dim red light at night enhanced the mating of C. punctiferalis. One of the mechanisms for the enhancement was probably an increase in the antennal sensitivity of males to the female sex pheromone under red light that was caused by increases in the expression levels of pheromone-binding protein genes in male antennae.
Heterosis and Hybrid Crop Breeding: A Multidisciplinary Review
Authors: Labroo Marlee R. , Studer Anthony J. , Rutkoski Jessica E.
Published: February 2021

Although hybrid crop varieties are among the most popular agricultural innovations, the rationale for hybrid crop breeding is sometimes misunderstood. Hybrid breeding is slower and more resource-intensive than inbred breeding, but it allows systematic improvement of a population by recurrent selection and exploitation of heterosis simultaneously. Inbred parental lines can identically reproduce both themselves and their F1progeny indefinitely, whereas outbred lines cannot, so uniform outbred lines must be bred indirectly through their inbred parents to harness heterosis. Heterosis is an expected consequence of whole-genome non-additive effects at the population level over evolutionary time. Understanding heterosis from the perspective of molecular genetic mechanisms alone may be elusive, because heterosis is likely an emergent property of populations. Hybrid breeding is a process of recurrent population improvement to maximize hybrid performance. Hybrid breeding is not maximization of heterosisper se, nor testing random combinations of individuals to find an exceptional hybrid, nor using heterosis in place of population improvement. Though there are methods to harness heterosis other than hybrid breeding, such as use of open-pollinated varieties or clonal propagation, they are not currently suitable for all crops or production environments. The use of genomic selection can decrease cycle time and costs in hybrid breeding, particularly by rapidly establishing heterotic pools, reducing testcrossing, and limiting the loss of genetic variance. Open questions in optimal use of genomic selection in hybrid crop breeding programs remain, such as how to choose founders of heterotic pools, the importance of dominance effects in genomic prediction, the necessary frequency of updating the training set with phenotypic information, and how to maintain genetic variance and prevent fixation of deleterious alleles.
Antiviral Actions of 25-Hydroxycholesterol in Fish Vary With the Virus-Host Combination
Authors: Adamek Mikolaj , Davies Jonathan , Beck Alexander , Jordan Lisa , Becker Anna M. , Mojzesz Miriam , Rakus Krzysztof , Rumiac Typhaine , Collet Bertrand , Brogden Graham , Way Keith , Bergmann Sven M. , Zou Jun , Steinhagen Dieter
Published: February 2021

Cholesterol is essential for building and maintaining cell membranes and is critical for several steps in the replication cycle of viruses, especially for enveloped viruses. In mammalian cells virus infections lead to the accumulation of the oxysterol 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), an antiviral factor, which is produced from cholesterol by the cholesterol 25 hydroxylase (CH25H). Antiviral responses based on CH25H are not well studied in fish. Therefore, in the present study putative genes encoding for CH25H were identified and amplified in common carp and rainbow trout cells and an HPLC-MS method was applied for determination of oxysterol concentrations in these cells under virus infection. Our results give some evidence that the activation of CH25H could be a part of the antiviral response against a broad spectrum of viruses infecting fish, in both common carp and rainbow trout cells in vitro. Quantification of oxysterols showed that fibroblastic cells are capable of producing 25HC and its metabolite 7α,25diHC. The oxysterol 25HC showed an antiviral activity by blocking the entry of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) into KFC cells, but not spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) or common carp paramyxovirus (Para) in the same cells, or viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) into RTG-2 cells. Despite the fact that the CH25H based antiviral response coincides with type I IFN responses, the stimulation of salmonid cells with recombinant type I IFN proteins from rainbow trout could not induce ch25h_b gene expression. This provided further evidence, that the CH25H-response is not type I IFN dependent. Interestingly, the susceptibility of CyHV-3 to 25HC is counteracted by a downregulation of the expression of the ch25h_b gene in carp fibroblasts during CyHV-3 infection. This shows a unique interplay between oxysterol based immune responses and immunomodulatory abilities of certain viruses.
Targeting miR-148b-5p Inhibits Immunity Microenvironment and Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Zhang Yuyu , Huo Wei , Sun Lidi , Wu Jie , Zhang Chengbin , Wang Huanhuan , Wang Bin , Wei Jinlong , Qu Chao , Cao Hongshi , Jiang Xin
Published: February 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered to dictate the development of various tumors. However, studies on the roles of miRNAs in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) are still lacking.

Methods

Herein, by analyzing GC cell lines and patients samples, we observed that miR-148b-5p was significantly downregulated in GC. We also confirmed that miR-148b-5p overexpression significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Overexpression of miR-148b-5p not only reprogrammed the metabolic properties of GC but also regulated the immune microenvironment by shifting lymphocyte and myeloid populations. Mechanistically, ATPIF1, an important glycolysis-associated gene, was identified as a direct target of miR-148b-5p and mediated the effect of miR-148b-5p. Notably, the low level of miR-148b-5p was significantly related with poor prognosis of GC patients (P < 0.001). Importantly, the levels of miR-148b-5p significantly changed the sensitivity of GC cells to several anti-cancer drugs (Doxorubicin, P < 0.05, Paclitaxel, P < 0.01, Docetaxel, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Targeting miR-148b-5p inhibits immunity microenvironment and gastric cancer progression.
Polymorphisms and Circulating Plasma Protein Levels of Immune Checkpoints (CTLA-4 and PD-1) Are Associated With Posner-Schlossman Syndrome in Southern Chinese
Authors: Huang Xiaosheng , Liu Xinhua , Ye Ye , Zhang Tong , Mei Shaoyi , Zhu Tianhui , Peng Shiming , Cai Jiamin , Yan Zonghui , Zeng Kun , Nie Danyao , Sun Liangnan , Hou Xiaofeng , Zhao Jun
Published: February 2021

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) are well-known key immune checkpoints that play a crucial dampening effect on regulating T-cell homeostasis and self-tolerance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between immune checkpoints (CTLA-4 and PD-1) and Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) in a southern Chinese population. A total of 137 patients with PSS and 139 healthy controls from a southern Chinese population were recruited. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CTLA-4 (rs733618, rs4553808, rs5742909, rs231775, and rs3087243) and five SNPs of PD-1 (rs10204525, rs2227981, rs2227982, rs41386349, and rs36084323) were genotyped by SNaPshot technique. Soluble CTLA-4 (sCTLA-4) and soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) were determined by ELISA and antibody array assay, respectively. The frequencies of T allele at rs733618 and A allele at rs231775 of CTLA-4 were significantly higher in PSS patients than in healthy controls (corrected p (Pc) = 0.037; Pc = 0.044, respectively). The haplotype frequencies of CACGG haplotype (rs733618-rs4553808-rs5742909-rs231775-rs3087243) of CTLA-4 and TGAGC haplotype (rs10204525-rs2227981-rs2227982-rs41386349-rs36084323) of PD-1 in the PSS group was significantly lower than those in the control group (Pc = 0.015, p = 0.034, respectively). Circulating plasma levels of sCTLA-4 and sPD-1 in PSS patients were significantly higher than those in controls (all p < 0.001). The present study suggests that CTLA-4 and PD-1 genetic polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to PSS in a southern Chinese population. The upregulated circulating plasma protein levels of sCTLA-4 and sPD-1 might provide some hints regarding the dysfunction of immune checkpoints in PSS during the active status.
AHR Regulates NK Cell Migration via ASB2–Mediated Ubiquitination of Filamin A
Authors: Shin June Ho , Moreno-Nieves Uriel Y. , Zhang Luhua H. , Chen Chen , Dixon Amera L. , Linde Miles H. , Mace Emily M. , Sunwoo John B.
Published: February 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are effector cells of the innate immune system involved in defense against virus-infected and transformed cells. The effector function of NK cells is linked to their ability to migrate to sites of inflammation or damage. Therefore, understanding the factors regulating NK cell migration is of substantial interest. Here, we show that in the absence of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, NK cells have reduced capacity to migrate and infiltrate tumors in vivo. Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed that ankyrin repeat and SOCS Box containing 2 (Asb2) expression was dramatically decreased in Ahr–/– NK cells and that AhR ligands modulated its expression. Further, AhR directly regulated the promoter region of the Asb2 gene. Similar to what was observed with murine Ahr–/– NK cells, ASB2 knockdown inhibited the migration of human NK cells. Activation of AHR by its agonist FICZ induced ASB2-dependent filamin A degradation in NK cells; conversely, knockdown of endogenous ASB2 inhibited filamin A degradation. Reduction of filamin A increased the migration of primary NK cells and restored the invasion capacity of AHR-deficient NK cells. Our study introduces AHR as a new regulator of NK cell migration, through an AHR-ASB2-filamin A axis and provides insight into a potential therapeutic target for NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Changes in the Peripheral Blood Treg Cell Proportion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients After Transarterial Chemoembolization With Microparticles
Authors: Ren Zhizhong , Yue Yuanxun , Zhang Yuewei , Dong Jiahong , Liu Ying , Yang Xiaowei , Lin Xin , Zhao Xueqiang , Wei Zhanqi , Zheng Yu , Wang Tianxiao
Published: February 2021

Objective

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) stands for an ideal therapy for patients with intermediate stage HCC. This study was carried out to observe the effect of microparticles-transarterial chemoembolization (microparticles-TACE, m-TACE) on the immune function of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by detecting the proportion of regulatory (Treg) cells in the peripheral blood of HCC patients before and after m-TACE, and to determine whether m-TACE has a positive regulatory effect on the immune function of HCC patients.

Methods

33 HCC patients treated with Gelatn Sponge Microparticles (GSMs-TACE) were enrolled. Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of Treg cells and CD4+/CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of HCC patients 1 day before GSMs-TACE, 1 to 2 weeks and 3 to 5 weeks after GSMs-TACE, respectively.

Results

The Tregs cell proportion of HCC patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy and cirrhosis controls and was associated with various clinical indicators of HCC patients. The Treg cell proportion in HCC patients with BCLC stage C was higher than that of stage B patients; The Treg cell proportion at 1 to 2 weeks postoperatively was 8.54 ± 1.27%, which was significantly lower than that before the GSMs-TACE. The Treg cell proportion at 3 to 5 weeks postoperatively was 7.59 ± 1.27%, which continued to decline. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells was 1.31 ± 0.56, 1.86 ± 0.73, 1.76 ± 0.58% (P<0.01) respectively.

Conclusion

These results indicated that m-TACE could exert a positive regulatory effect on the anticancer immune function of HCC patients, which may be used in combination with immune adjuvant therapies to enhance the efficacy of HCC.
Microbiota Modulation of the Gut-Lung Axis in COVID-19
Authors: de Oliveira Gislane Lelis Vilela , Oliveira Camilla Narjara Simão , Pinzan Camila Figueiredo , de Salis Larissa Vedovato Vilela , Cardoso Cristina Ribeiro de Barros
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), to date, SARS-CoV-2 has already infected more than 91.8 million people worldwide with 1,986,871 deaths. This virus affects mainly the respiratory system, but the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is also a target, meanwhile SARS-CoV-2 was already detected in oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, rectum, and in fecal samples from COVID-19 patients. Prolonged GIT manifestations in COVID-19, mainly the diarrhea, were correlated with decreased richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, immune deregulation and delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance. So, the bidirectional interactions between the respiratory mucosa and the gut microbiota, known as gut-lung axis, are supposed to be involved in the healthy or pathologic immune responses to SARS-CoV-2. In accordance, the intestinal dysbiosis is associated with increased mortality in other respiratory infections, due to an exacerbated inflammation and decreased regulatory or anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the lungs and in the gut, pointing to this important relationship between both mucosal compartments. Therefore, since the mucous membranes from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are affected, in addition to dysbiosis and inflammation, it is plausible to assume that adjunctive therapies based on the modulation of the gut microbiota and re-establishment of eubiosis conditions could be an important therapeutic approach for constraining the harmful consequences of COVID-19. Then, in this review, we summarized studies showing the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal system and the related digestive COVID-19 manifestations, in addition to the literature demonstrating nasopharyngeal, pulmonary and intestinal dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients. Lastly, we showed the potential beneficial role of probiotic administration in other respiratory infections, and discuss the possible role of probiotics as an adjunctive therapy in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Pre-existing Immunity to Japanese Encephalitis Virus Alters CD4 T Cell Responses to Zika Virus Inactivated Vaccine
Authors: Lima Noemia S. , Moon Damee , Darko Samuel , De La Barrera Rafael A. , Lin Leyi , Koren Michael A. , Jarman Richard G. , Eckels Kenneth H. , Thomas Stephen J. , Michael Nelson L. , Modjarrad Kayvon , Douek Daniel C. , Trautmann Lydie
Published: February 2021

The epidemic spread of Zika virus (ZIKV), associated with devastating neurologic syndromes, has driven the development of multiple ZIKV vaccines candidates. An effective vaccine should induce ZIKV-specific T cell responses, which are shown to improve the establishment of humoral immunity and contribute to viral clearance. Here we investigated how previous immunization against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and yellow fever virus (YFV) influences T cell responses elicited by a Zika purified-inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine. We demonstrate that three doses of ZPIV vaccine elicited robust CD4 T cell responses to ZIKV structural proteins, while ZIKV-specific CD4 T cells in pre-immunized individuals with JEV vaccine, but not YFV vaccine, were more durable and directed predominantly toward conserved epitopes, which elicited Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. In addition, T cell receptor repertoire analysis revealed preferential expansion of cross-reactive clonotypes between JEV and ZIKV, suggesting that pre-existing immunity against JEV may prime the establishment of stronger CD4 T cell responses to ZPIV vaccination. These CD4 T cell responses correlated with titers of ZIKV-neutralizing antibodies in the JEV pre-vaccinated group, but not in flavivirus-naïve or YFV pre-vaccinated individuals, suggesting a stronger contribution of CD4 T cells in the generation of neutralizing antibodies in the context of JEV-ZIKV cross-reactivity.