bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy study on the management of forest with special purposes
Authors: Agustina A , Suryandari R T , Wicaksono R L
Published: May 2021

Forest with Special Purpose (FwSP) is designated to advance research, teaching, and training. These FwSPs are usually managed by universities or training centers. This forest management is regulated by the Ministry of Environmental and Forestry (MoEF), while universities are entities under the Ministry of Education. FwSPs management follows regulations under MoEF. In this line of thought, in managing the FwSP, universities should comply with regulations released by MoEF. One specific regulation on FwSP management is MoEF’s Regulation FwSP No. 15/2018, in which the formal regulations, limitations, and physical development related to the activities of FwSP are covered and detailed. This paper is aimed at presenting the problems face by universities managing FwSP. Collecting data from FwSP in Java Island, using qualitative methods, the findings are expected to appeal to MoEF in understanding the practical problems related to FwSP management. The in-depth interview result that some conflicts of interest and problems are manifested because of the unclear information provided in interpreting some aspects of the regulations. Especially in utilizing and maintaining FwSP. Another challenge faced by universities managing FwSP is the budgeting system, which brings burdens for FwSP in securing the funding to manage and protect forest sustainability properly.
Describing and visualizing the progress of ethnozoology in Indonesia by using VOSviewer
Authors: Mardiastuti A , Masy’ud B , Ginoga L N , Sastranegara H , Sutopo
Published: May 2021

As a science, ethnozoology is relatively less popular compared to ethnobotany, although local people in Indonesia have been practicing ethnozoology for thousands of years. This paper aimed to describe the progress of ethnozoology in Indonesia, specifically about research topic within ethnozoology, taxa mostly harvested by the local people, as well as institutions that mostly conduct ethnozoological research. An intensive literature study of the published papers in the last 20 years was performed. Data were analyzed by using VOSviewer. Of the 53 published literatures, VOSviewer showed that the research topic of ethnozoology based on keywords has 16 clusters with 464 links and mostly related to traditional medicine (15 occurrences; 62 total link strength) and reptiles (13 occurrences; 54 total link strength). Among vertebrates, the most widely-utilized taxon was herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) which were included in 44 references. The institutions that have been conducting research on this topic mostly were IPB University (15 refs), Tanjungpura University (7 refs), and Bangka Belitung University (4 refs). Although VOSviewer was meant to construct and visualize bibliometric networks based on authors/co-authors and their affiliations, citation/co-citation, and bibliographic coupling, this software can also be used to describe and visualize specific themes or topics as well.
Organic mulch sheet as a mitigation strategy in vegetable cultivation: Its effect on the growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annum L.)
Authors: Iriany A , Hasanah F , Farahdina F A R , Rosalia N
Published: May 2021

Plastic mulch, mainly used in chili cultivation, is less environmentally friendly due to its non-biodegradable characteristic. An alternative biodegradable mulch is needed to support growth and produce a desirable yield. Organic mulch sheet (OMS) is a promising alternative because it is made from natural fiber which is abundant and renewable organic material. This study aimed to understand the effect of organic mulch sheet (OMS) application on the growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annum L.). This research was carried out using a simple randomized complete block design with one control (black-silver plastic mulch) labeled as M0 and seven treatments (OMS compositions namely percentage of water hyacinth and banana stalk) labeled as M1 (80:20), M2 (70:30), M3 (60:40), M4 (50:50), M5 (40:60), M6 (30:70), and M7 (20:80). Mulch application significantly affected growth (plant height and number of leaves) and yield (fruit weight per fruit and fruit length) variables of chili. Although there was no significant difference in fruit weight per plant between control and OMS compositions, OMS application (M4) increased the yield of chili up to 25% from control. This finding affirmed that OMS is suitable for chili cultivation and can be used as a substitute for black-silver plastic mulch.
Coral reefs substrate composition influence on nudibranch diversity
Authors: Adiwijaya C , Bengen D G , Zamani N P
Published: May 2021

The substrate serves as a habitat and a source of food for Nudibranch. Therefore, it influences the existence of nudibranchs. This study examined the differences in the presence of nudibranchs at two locations with different substrate compositions on Lembeh Island and a flat island (Tunda Island). Data collection used a modified belt transect 50m long and 4m wide (200m2) with a depth of 5-7m along the coastline. A total of 86 individual specimens consisted of 12 families with 22 species were recorded. The largest group was the Phyllidiidae family (10 species). Chromodorididae and Polyceridae family represented by 3 species each, Facelinidae family represented by 2 species, and Dotidae, Flabellinidae, Discodorididae, and Myrrhinidae, each represented by one species. Nudibranch diversity was higher on Lembeh Island than Tunda Island. A total of 19 species were found on Lembeh Island while only 5 species were found on Tunda Island. The wealth of nudibranch is largely determined by the composition of the substrate. Based on hierarchical analysis 80.93% of determinants of nudibranch existence was a substrate category of DCA, sponges, and hard corals. Nudibranch’s diversity directly proportional to the percentage of DCA and sponge, and inversely proportional to the percentage of hard coral.
The behaviour model of domestic tourists in decision making on re-visit to Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Trimurti C P , Utama I G B R
Published: May 2021

This study uses a quantitative approach using descriptive statistical analysis tools and linear regression to be able to simulate the results of the study by surveying respondents who traveled to several tourist attractions in Bali. The number of respondents in this study was 400 people who were determined by accidental sampling because the identity and population size were unknown. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis tools are used to produce a description of the results and analyze the relationship between the developments of Bali tourism destinations on tourist revisit intention. This research has been able to show that domestic tourists are also very important, even as important as foreign tourists. The limitation is research gap refers to the application rather than theory therefore this research can be used as educational material for tourism destination managers and including local governments to position and treat all types of tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists.
Performance of unmanned aerial vehicle with thermal imaging, camera trap, and transect survey for monitoring of wildlife
Authors: Rahman D A , Rahman A A A F
Published: May 2021

Reliable monitoring to obtain ecological data on species is required for effective wildlife management and conservation. However, few monitoring methods are satisfactory in terms of accuracy of the wildlife data produced and cost-effectiveness. Several methods are developed in the last few decades such as camera traps, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with thermal infrared (TIR) imaging may have great potential as a tool for wildlife surveys. We assessed the performance of the camera trap, UAVs-TIR, and traditional ground-based transects survey to the monitoring of wildlife in the IPB University Campus. Camera traps provide the highest number of wildlife records (54 for 22,080 camera days) and allow the identification of several species. Transect survey provides poor records and the most time consuming (24 records for 1,380 h). UAVs-TIR was quite successful in detecting wild animals in the canopy of trees that were not detected by camera traps and transects survey (20 records for 2,208 h of fieldwork). Camera traps and UAVs-TIR are both expensive but they support the fieldwork and provide interesting and much data for further analysis. The use of camera traps and UAVs-TIR simultaneously improves the detection of terrestrial and canopy animals that are often overlooked by the ground observer.
Assessment of public open space management: case study of Siquijor Island, Philippines
Authors: Chavez E M
Published: May 2021

Public open space or POS is an area for people to be accessed. The physical elements of POS offer many benefits in improving the quality of life: health, social interaction, and economic value. This paper outlined the different management practices, quality, stakeholder involvement, and current challenges of selected POS in Siquijor. The researchers conducted key informant interviews among key local government officials, individuals from various municipalities. Focused group discussion was employed to determine vital issues and concerns. Study reveals that several management approaches were utilized for the selected POS. In general, local government units or LGUs of various municipalities directly operate and monitor the well-being of POS. Volunteers from residents surrounding POS takes an active role in the maintenance aspect, while business entity, non-governmental organizations, schools are among other stakeholders who joined the LGUs in maintaining the POS. However, these POS are faced with several challenges such as rapid development which tends to reduce their functions, the limited budget, the diminishing public interest among others. This study recommends that local government units shall endeavor a more active role in the preservation of POS by introducing various programs and activities that ensure the sustainability of POS.
A spatial study of mangrove ecosystems for abrasion prevention using remote sensing technology in the coastal area of Pandeglang Regency
Authors: Whidayanti E , Handayani T , Supriatna  , Manessa M D M
Published: May 2021

The coastal area of Pandeglang regency, which faces the Sunda Strait, is prone to natural disasters. Wave height and tides, including tsunami, are disasters that frequently hit the area. The mangrove ecosystem plays an importance role in reducing the abrasion that mostly caused by waves. In addition to preventing abrasion, the mangrove root system can hold sediment. So that it will expand the coastline or accretion. This study aims to determine the effect of the existence of mangrove ecosystems on changes in coastline, especially the occurrence of abrasion during 2010 to 2020. The research method uses remote sensing. Data collection uses Landsat 7 ETM+ in 2010, Landsat 8 OLI/TRS in 2015 and 2020. As a results, the mangrove ecosystem area along the coast of Pandeglang Regency had expanded from 1,632 ha in 2010 to 1728.06 ha in 2015 and decreased to 1,443.19 ha in 2020 due to the 2018 tsunami. Of course, it also affects the occurrence of abrasion, from 2010 to 2015 the abrasion occurrence affected 371.94 ha of coastline and decreased to 273.52 ha until 2020. Spatially, the largest post-tsunami abrasion occurred in the mangrove area of Cimanggu Sub-district, with about 28% of the mangrove area being reduced.
Evaluation of urban settlement sustainability in an inland municipality in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Suprapto F A , Annisa I , Falensky M A , Alifiani R , Rustanto A , Putri D W
Published: May 2021

A sustainable human settlement and the environment are one of the SDGs 2030 programs to realize Sustainable Cities and Communities, which also one of Purwokerto municipality’s planning goals. Purwokerto is in the progress of the KOTAKU (City Without Slum) program to ensure a sustainable settlement for all. To help the program in the future, sustainable evaluation of the present settlement area based on physical, social, and economic parameters is required. The physical parameter was assessed using a combination of field observations and analysis of remote sensing images (Sentinel 2-A and Worldview). In contrast, the social and economic parameters were evaluated using secondary datasets and interviews. The urban settlement sustainability was determined by the scoring method using geographic information systems and spatial analysis. This study showed that 22.22% of the current total urban settlement area in Purwokerto had a good level of sustainability, while the rest, 48.15% and 29.63%, fell into the medium and poor category. The result indicates that most of the settlement area in Purwokerto municipality still needs to be improved in the future. Thus, urban settlement sustainability can be guaranteed through local government development programs along with local community participation.
Modeling of nutrient retention ecosystem services in oil palm plantations in Sei Jentikar sub-watershed using ISPO policy approach
Authors: Romadona K , Tarigan S D , Widiatmaka  , Setiawan Y
Published: May 2021

Indonesia already has regulations on oil palm plantations that try to maintain good ecosystem services. The regulations are contained in ISPO. However, this regulation has not been fully implemented in oil palm plantations in Sei Jentikar sub-watershed. In this paper, we identify land cover and model N and P nutrient retention in oil palm plantations in the current condition and when ISPO is applied in Sei Jentikar sub-watershed. The method used was land cover identification using supervised classification and rivers using DEMNAS assisted by Google Earth Pro and modeling using the InVEST device. The identification results show the existing condition of oil palm plantation land covering an area of 16 962.99 ha. Meanwhile, when ISPO is applied in the oil palm plantation, the area that cannot be planted is 956.43 ha. This area has a predicted yield of around 2 226.41 tonnes/ha/year. Nutrient retention modeling results in N and P nutrient exports in existing conditions which will increase when approaching the river. Meanwhile, when scenario 2 is implemented, the export of nutrients will decrease in the buffer river. This shows scenario 2 can maintain ecosystem services nutrient retention, but will result in a reduction of value from oil palm production.
Effects of rainfall and groundwater level on soil subsidence, water content, and yield of oil palm
Authors: Adhi Y A , Mubarak H , Roland R , Utama P P , Tambusai N , Ismail I , Anwar S , Tarigan S D , Sahari B
Published: May 2021

Peatlands have long been cultivated for various agricultural crops in Indonesia. However, nowadays land fires are often associated with drained peatlands. We present a four-year study looking at the effects of groundwater level (GWL) on peat reduction, moisture content, and yield. Observations were made on oil palm plantations in tropical peatlands of Riau Province. GWL was observed in 417 plots of 139 blocks and recorded once a week. Peat moisture was monitored automatically and recorded every hour. Subsidence poles were made in 36 blocks and recorded once a month. The results showed that peat subsidence, water content, and yield were affected by GWL fluctuations. There is a relationship between GWL and changes in peat subsidence (R2 = 0.26). A strong relationship was seen between the GWL and the water content of the peat soil at the 10 cm layer (R2 = 0.65). A strong relationship was also found between GWL and oil palm yield 20 months later (R2 = 0.65). In conclusion, by maintaining GWL at a depth of 40-60 cm, peat moisture at the surface can be maintained, peat subsidence can be minimized and oil palm production remains high at an average of 22 tonnes year-1, thereby also reducing susceptibility to fire.
New association between Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and native natural enemies: Bioprospection of native natural enemies as biological control agents
Authors: Tawakkal M I , Buchori D , Maryana N , Pudjianto
Published: May 2021

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is an invasive pest that enters Indonesia which can pose a serious threat to the continued production of maize and other crops. This condition is exacerbated if there are no natural enemies who can control the pests. This study aims to explore potential native natural enemies to control the population of FAW in Indonesia and the influence of habitat conditions on the distribution and population of natural enemies. The research was conducted in seven sub-districts in Bogor and three plots were selected from each district. Observation of natural enemies was carried out directly by collecting samples of eggs and larvae of FAW which attacked maize with the transect method on 200 individual plants. The samples collected will be rearing until the parasitoids emerged. We Collected seven genera of parasitoids that were associated with FAW: Apanteles, Charops, Euplectrus, Microplitis, Telenomus, Trichogramma, and two types of predators: ground beetles and Assasin bug. The highest parasitization rate of egg parasitoid was 93.4% while for larvae parasitoid was 12.44%. In conclusion, Telenomus and Microplitis are native parasitoids that can be used as potential natural enemies to control the S. frugiperda population in the field.
Effects of rainforest transformation to monoculture cash crops on soil living ants (Formicidae) in Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Rizqulloh M N , Drescher J , Hartke T R , Potapov A , Scheu S , Hidayat P , Widyastuti R
Published: May 2021

Ants (Formicidae) are fundamental components of almost every terrestrial ecosystem, especially in the tropics. While epigaeic ants are extensively studied, hypogaeic, soil living ants are still neglected to a large extent. To remedy this, in this paper we explore the effects of rainforest transformation cash crop monocultures on abundance, richness and community composition of soil living ants (Formicidae). Ants in this study were procured as a by-product of extensive sampling of soil meso- and macrofauna along a land-use gradient from lowland rainforest via jungle rubber to monocultures of rubber and oil palm in Jami Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Sampled in 32 plots of 50 * 50 m each, with three 16 cm * 16 cm * 5 cm soil cores each, we collected 2.079 worker ant individuals, belonging to 90 morphospecies from 37 genera and six subfamilies. Land use had a significant effect on abundance and richness, while distance-based community composition was not affected. Cumulatively, lowland rainforest had the highest number of ant species exclusively living in it, and the highest average ant abundance, although multiple comparison tests did not detect significant differences. We also found highest species richness in the lowland rainforest in one of the two investigated landscapes, while not significantly different from the agricultural systems in the other. High abundance variances among the sample sites suggest inadequacy of the sampling method, however. Despite that, our study provides a first glimpse into hypogaeic ant community responses to rainforest conversion to cash crop monocultures in Sumatra, Indonesia.
MAKABUT (mangroves-bekantan-gambut): a solution for the development of integrated eco-tourism area in mangrove-proboscis monkey’s habitat in Batu Ampar, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan
Authors: Asy’Ari R , Putra M C A
Published: May 2021

The Batu Ampar mangrove area, Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan Province is a distinct swamp site for the endemic proboscis monkey’s habitat located in a micro-KHG (Peat Hydrological Unit) zone. The MAKABUT ecotourism presents an integrated development between water, intertidal areas and land through tourist attractions as a reflection of the unique characteristics of mangroves, proboscis monkeys and peat by incorporating the surrounding community as the environment-friendly and sustainable management solutions covering an area of 3049.20 ha. The methods for the development of the MAKABUT ecotourism area is a combination of suitability and carrying capacity analysis, Triple A analysis, and SWOT analysis. The MAKABUT ecotourism is feasible to be developed into an ecologically based, participatory and sustainable tourism area which results in a very suitable zone 923.41 ha and not suitable zone 2125.79 ha. Potential attractions for ecotourism in MAKABUT were Mangrove Hiking, Education Planting Ground, Mangrove Crab Cultivation, Mangrove Mania Fishing, Floating Restaurant, Mangrove Herping, Peat River Exploration, Proboscis Monkeys Observation, and Birding. The MAKABUT ecotourism area have been planned for 23 units of facilities and infrastructures. The main strategies for developing MAKABUT ecotourism area was the management clearance for institutional strengthening, facilities and infrastructure development, and human resources empowerment.
Daily accumulation rates of marine litter in Pulau Rambut Wildlife Sanctuary, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Authors: Ivonie R N , Mardiastuti A , Rahman D A
Published: May 2021

Studies showed that the amount of marine litter is linked with unmanaged litter entering the ocean. Some marine litter could be stranded on small uninhabited islands, including on Pulau Rambut (25 ha), a wildlife sanctuary for waterbirds that consists of mangroves, beaches, and forests located near Jakarta Bay, where 13 rivers from Jakarta ended in the bay. The aim of this study was to identify the daily accumulation of marine litter (classified into non-organic and organic) that is stranded and trapped on this island. Shoreline surveys for the sandy beach (25 m x 7 m plot) and beach forest (25 cm x 6 cm), as well as visual surveys for mangroves (20 m x 4 m; 2 plots), were employed, repeated for 9 times within 17 days. Of 14,610 litter items collected, 14,585 items were non-organic, dominated by foam and plastic. The accumulation rates were 433,5 items/day for non-organic litter and 0,5 items/day for organic litter. The sandy beach and beach forest accumulated higher marine litters compared to mangroves.
Do morning and afternoon bird surveys have the same results? A case of bird survey in Dramaga Campus, IPB University, Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho S P A , Mardiastuti A , Mulyani Y A , Rahman D A
Published: May 2021

During bird surveys using the point count technique, observers assume that early morning and late afternoon observations will have the same result. This assumption is rarely tested prior to the field observation. This paper’s objective was to compare morning and afternoon bird counts in Dramaga Campus, IPB University. Bird data were collected at 6-8 am and 3-5 pm using a standard point count method in four different habitat types: forest, riparian, plantation, and built-up areas. The number of species, bird abundance, as well as Shannon indices (H’) and their corresponding t-tests were calculated. There were 52 bird species found in all habitat types. Time-wise, the number of species found was very similar (morning: 47 species, afternoon: 46 species). H’ in all habitat types were slightly differed between both times, non-significant by t-tests (H’ in morning and afternoon: forest 2.64, 2.66; plantation 2.33, 2.34; built-up area 2.43, 2,55; riparian 2.38, 2.30; t-test values were 0.28, 0.17, 1.42, 0.52, P>0.05 for all comparisons). Bird abundance was also similar between morning and afternoon counts. Based on this result, the assumption that morning observation is the same as afternoon observation can be accepted as a replication of bird survey in the study area.
The distribution of marine debris and microplastic in Tidung Kecil Island, Jakarta Bay and Sembilang National Park, Palembang
Authors: Sulistiowati  , Zamani N P , Ismet M S
Published: May 2021

Plastic waste is one of the marine debris that has negative impacts on the marine environment, such as the death of biota and disturbing the beauty of nature. Plastics can degrade into microplastics. Microplastics in the marine environment can be found in waters and sediments, so they can enter the biota through the food chain. The research aims to examine the distribution of marine debris and microplastics on small islands (Tidung Kecil, Jakarta Bay) and the mainland (Sembilang National Park, South Sumatra). The total marine debris on Tidung Kecil Island (4.04 kg/m2) was greater than that of Sembilang National Plants (0.71 kg/m2). The average abundance of microplastics in the larger size area is greater than in small islands. This is because the substrate is predominantly clayey and muddy with a relatively calm environment, while on small islands the substrate is sand with a dynamic environment. The amount of marine debris found did not correlate with the abundance of microplastics.
Distribution and population estimate of grizzled leaf monkeys in Mount Slamet, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Abimanyu T L , Mardiastuti A , Prasetyo L B , Iskandar E
Published: May 2021

Grizzled leaf monkey (Presbytis comata) or javan surili is an endemic primate species to Java. This species is categorized as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Data on population and distribution is still limited, especially in Central Java. Research on the population distribution of grizzled leaf monkey was carried out at the southern slope of Mount Slamet in Central Java. This research was aiming to explore the distribution and population estimate of grizzled leaf monkeys in the research area. Data were collected by using line transects (9 transects, 2 km length, 50 m wide, 6 repetitions) at 600-1200 m asl). The grizzled leaf monkeys were found in 9 transects. There were 72 individuals, consisted of 19 groups, with a population density of approximately 1.96 individuals/km2 for the estimated population. Habitat types used by the monkeys were secondary forest (53%), primary forest (40%), or crop farm (7%), on elevation range between 900-1000 m asl.
Social Contact Frequency and Pain among Older Adults with HIV: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Herbert Matthew S , Wooldridge Jennalee S , Paolillo Emily W , Depp Colin A , Moore Raeanne C
Published: May 2021

Background

Social relationships are important for pain management among individuals with HIV, but the impact of daily social contact on pain responses in real-time, real-world settings has never been specifically examined.

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between social contact frequency and pain, and the role of negative and positive affect in this relationship among older adults with HIV using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Methods

A total of 66 (Mage = 59.3, SD = 6.3, range: 50–74) older adults with HIV completed EMA surveys that included social contact frequency, pain level, and negative and positive affect four times per day for 2 weeks. Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine concurrent and lagged associations between social contact frequency, pain, and negative and positive affect.

Results

Greater recent social contact frequency was associated with less severe current pain (unstandardized B = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.08, −0.01, p = .014), while greater current pain was associated with lower subsequent social contact frequency (unstandardized B = −0.07, 95% CI: −0.11, −0.03, p < .001). Further, higher current negative affect was related to greater current pain, and this relationship was dampened by increased recent social contact frequency (unstandardized B = −0.17, 95% CI: −0.26, −0.08, p < .001). Neither negative nor positive affect was significantly associated with the relationship between current pain and subsequent social contact frequency.

Conclusions

Social contact frequency and pain are bidirectionally and inversely associated among older adults with HIV. Further, recent social contact influences current pain by attenuating negative affect. Together, these results highlight the need to address social engagement in interventions for pain among older adults with HIV.
Low hospital mobility—resurgence of an old epidemic within a new pandemic and future solutions
Authors: Pereira Daniel E , Welch Sarah A , Montgomery Chandler D , Hatcher Jeremy B , Duggan Mariu C , Greysen S Ryan
Published: May 2021

Low mobility during hospitalisation poses risks of functional decline and other poor outcomes for older adults. Given the pervasiveness of this problem, low mobility during hospitalisation was first described as ‘dangerous’ in 1947 and later described as an epidemic. Hospitals have made considerable progress over the last half-century and the last two decades in particular, however, the COVID-19 pandemic presents serious new challenges that threaten to undermine recent efforts and progress towards a culture of mobility. In this special article, we address the question of how to confront an epidemic of immobility within a pandemic. We identify four specific problems for creating and advancing a culture of mobility posed by COVID-19: social distancing and policies restricting patient movement, personnel constraints, personal protective equipment shortages and increased patient hesitancy to ambulate. We also propose four specific solutions to address these problems. These approaches will help support a culture of healthy mobility during and after hospitalisation and help patients to keep moving during the pandemic and beyond.
Impact of rapid infliximab infusions on access at a large academic tertiary medical center
Authors: Pusateri Antoinette , Hatcher Ashley , Patel Nisha , Lehman Joy , Hinton Alice , Afzali Anita
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Infliximab promotes remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatologic disease (RD). Rapid infliximab infusions (RI) reduce infusion time from 2 hours to 1 hour and can enhance access to care, as defined by capacity, safety, and patient characteristics. Our hypothesis for the study described here was that use of RI can enhance access for patients.

Methods

Data on all patients receiving infliximab for IBD or RD at our outpatient infusion center from February 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical information were collected.

Results

Of 348 patients who received infliximab, 205 had IBD and 143 had RD. In terms of capacity, 40% of patients received RI, resulting in a 16.1% decrease in average daily infusion time and a 9.8% increase in average daily available scheduled infusion chair time (P = 0.720). In terms of safety, 4 patients switched back to standard infusions after RI, after 3 specifically had reactions to RI. In terms of patient characteristics, more patients with RD versus IBD received RI (P = 0.020). Among the patients with RD, a lower proportion receiving RI were female (P = 0.043). For the patients with IBD, a higher proportion receiving RI were White (P = 0.048). Among both patients with RD and patients with IBD, a higher proportion receiving RI had private insurance (P = 0.016 and P = 0.018, respectively).

Conclusion

RI were safe and increased available chair time. Females with RD, patients of non-White race with IBD, and patients with public insurance were less likely to receive RI. Future directions include patient surveys and evaluation of implicit bias against patient factors that may impact access to RI.
Opposing Vitalism and Embracing Hospice: How a Theology of the Sabbath Can Inform End-of-Life Care
Authors: Sawicki Sarah K
Published: May 2021

Medicine often views hospice care as “giving up,” which results in a reduced quality of end-of-life care for many patients. By integrating a theology of the Sabbath with modern medicine, hospice becomes a sacred and valuable way to honor the dying patient in a comprehensive and holistic way. A theology of Sabbath as “Sacredness in Time” can provide the foundation for a shift in understanding hospice as a legitimate care plan, which shifts the focus from controlling and manipulating space for the body, to rest and enjoyment of time for the whole person. First, I explore vitalism and its negative effects on the institution of hospice. Second, I address the main misconceptions and biases surrounding hospice in order to establish hospice as an appropriate option for the terminally ill. Finally, I argue for a shift away from sacredness in space (as seen in vitalism) to sacredness in time.
Neurite Imaging Reveals Widespread Alterations in Gray and White Matter Neurite Morphology in Healthy Aging and Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gozdas Elveda , Fingerhut Hannah , Dacorro Lauren , Bruno Jennifer L , Hosseini S M Hadi
Published: May 2021

Aging is the major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases and affects neurite distributions throughout the brain, yet underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Multi-shell diffusion-weighted imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) now provide in vivo biophysical measurements that explain these biological processes in the cortex and white matter. In this study, neurite distributions were evaluated in the cortex and white matter in healthy older adults and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) that provides fundamental contributions regarding healthy aging and neurodegeneration. Older age was associated with reduced neurite density and neurite orientation dispersion (ODI) in widespread cortical regions. In contrast, increased ODI was only observed in the right thalamus and hippocampus with age. For the first time, we also reported a widespread age-associated decrease in neurite density along major white matter tracts correlated with decreased cortical neurite density in the tract endpoints in healthy older adults. We further examined alterations in cortical and white matter neurite microstructures in aMCI patients and found significant neurite morphology deficits in memory networks correlated with memory performance. Our findings indicate that neurite parameters provide valuable information regarding cortical and white matter microstructure and complement myeloarchitectural information in healthy aging and aMCI.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Versus Influenza in Hospitalized Adult Patients in the United States: Differences in Demographic and Severity Indicators
Authors: Talbot H Keipp , Martin Emily T , Gaglani Manjusha , Middleton Donald B , Ghamande Shekhar , Silveira Fernanda P , Murthy Kempapura , Zimmerman Richard K , Trabue Christopher H , Olson Samantha M , Petrie Joshua G , Ferdinands Jill M , Patel Manish M , Monto Arnold S ,   HAIVEN Study Investigators, Smith Emily , Bounds Kelsey , Calhoun Nicole , Smith Michael , Hawrylak Andrew , Ladogana Michael , Fernandez Joseph , Elieson Marc , Morrison James , Midturi John , McNeal Tresa , Arroliga Alejandro , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Balasubramani G K , Eng Heather , Dauer Klancie , Wyatt Dayna , Zhu Yuwei , Liu Zhouwen , Longmire Stephanie , Graves Kellie , Sedillo Emily , Simion Alina , Speer Karen , Alicie Bethany , Krantz Briana , Carillo Donna , Adams Laura , Drennan Amelia , Orga Jan , Peterson Lynn , Halasa Natasha , McHenry Rendi , Pulido Claudia Guevara , Lamerato Lois E , Malani Anurag , Lauring Adam , Malosh Ryan E
Published: May 2021

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is frequently compared with influenza. The Hospitalized Adult Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Network (HAIVEN) conducts studies on the etiology and characteristics of U.S. hospitalized adults with influenza. It began enrolling patients with COVID-19 hospitalizations in March 2020. Patients with influenza were compared with those with COVID-19 in the first months of the U.S. epidemic.

Methods

Adults aged ≥ 18 years admitted to hospitals in 4 sites with acute respiratory illness were tested by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus causing COVID-19. Demographic and illness characteristics were collected for influenza illnesses during 3 seasons 2016–2019. Similar data were collected on COVID-19 cases admitted before June 19, 2020.

Results

Age groups hospitalized with COVID-19 (n = 914) were similar to those admitted with influenza (n = 1937); 80% of patients with influenza and 75% of patients with COVID-19 were aged ≥50 years. Deaths from COVID-19 that occurred in younger patients were less often related to underlying conditions. White non-Hispanic persons were overrepresented in influenza (64%) compared with COVID-19 hospitalizations (37%). Greater severity and complications occurred with COVID-19 including more ICU admissions (AOR = 15.3 [95% CI: 11.6, 20.3]), ventilator use (AOR = 15.6 [95% CI: 10.7, 22.8]), 7 additional days of hospital stay in those discharged alive, and death during hospitalization (AOR = 19.8 [95% CI: 12.0, 32.7]).

Conclusions

While COVID-19 can cause a respiratory illness like influenza, it is associated with significantly greater severity of illness, longer hospital stays, and higher in-hospital deaths.
Preliminary In Vivo Evidence of Reduced Synaptic Density in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Despite Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Weiss Julian J , Calvi Rachela , Naganawa Mika , Toyonaga Takuya , Farhadian Shelli F , Chintanaphol Michelle , Chiarella Jennifer , Zheng Ming-Qiang , Ropchan Jim , Huang Yiyun , Pietrzak Robert H , Carson Richard E , Spudich Serena
Published: May 2021

Background

Synaptic injury is a pathological hallmark of neurological impairment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PLWH), a common complication despite viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Measurement of synaptic density in living humans may allow better understanding of HIV neuropathogenesis and provide a dynamic biomarker for therapeutic studies. We applied novel synaptic vesical protein 2A (SV2A) positron emission tomographic (PET) imaging to investigate synaptic density in the frontostriatalthalamic region in PLWH and HIV-uninfected participants.

Methods

In this cross-sectional pilot study,13 older male PLWH on ART underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET scanning with the SV2A ligand [11C]UCB-J with partial volume correction and had neurocognitive assessments. SV2A binding potential (BPND) in the frontostriatalthalamic circuit was compared to 13 age-matched HIV-uninfected participants and assessed with respect to neurocognitive performance in PLWH.

Results

PLWH had 14% lower frontostriatalthalamic SV2A synaptic density compared to HIV-uninfected (PLWH: mean [SD], 3.93 [0.80]; HIV-uninfected: 4.59 [0.43]; P = .02, effect size 1.02). Differences were observed in widespread additional regions in exploratory analyses. Higher frontostriatalthalamic SV2A BPND associated with better grooved pegboard performance, a measure of motor coordination, in PLWH (r = 0.61, P = .03).

Conclusions

In a pilot study, SV2A PET imaging reveals reduced synaptic density in older male PLWH on ART compared to HIV-uninfected in the frontostriatalthalamic circuit and other cortical areas. Larger studies controlling for factors in addition to age are needed to determine whether differences are attributable to HIV or comorbidities in PLWH. SV2A imaging is a promising biomarker for studies of neuropathogenesis and therapeutic interventions in HIV.
Field Survival of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on California Tree Crops
Authors: Stahl Judith M , Scaccini Davide , Daane Kent M
Published: May 2021

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a polyphagous insect pest that has invaded much of the United States, including California. Despite model predictions that regions in California like the agriculturally important Central Valley are suitable, H. halys populations and the occurring crop damage are distinctly lower than in regions of the East Coast. To evaluate if this is due to low nymphal survival in the high temperature and intensive monoculture environment, H. halys nymphs were caged on four common Central Valley tree crops: almond, pistachio, peach, and grape, and compared to the well-established almond and pistachio pest Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae). Nymphal development showed that peach, almond, and pistachio can sustain H. halys as single host plants until adult eclosion, whereas grapes cannot. The addition of fruiting structures of almond, pistachio, and grape to H. halys caged on peach trees (= mixed diet) did not increase nymphal survival but did increase adult female size. Leptoglossus zonatus survival was higher than H. halys on pistachio, but not on the other crops. Overall, H. halys nymphal mortality in the field was high, with 92% in the mixed diet compared to 73% in the mixed diet control in the laboratory, indicating abiotic population pressures. Our results confirm peach as a good H. halys host plant and suggest that almond has a similar suitability, and while pistachios can support H. halys nymphal development, they seem less likely to facilitate population growth.
Stability of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in structurally diverse maize genomes
Authors: Noshay Jaclyn M , Liang Zhikai , Zhou Peng , Crisp Peter A , Marand Alexandre P , Hirsch Candice N , Schmitz Robert J , Springer Nathan M
Published: May 2021

Accessible chromatin and unmethylated DNA are associated with many genes and cis-regulatory elements. Attempts to understand natural variation for accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) and unmethylated regions (UMRs) often rely upon alignments to a single reference genome. This limits the ability to assess regions that are absent in the reference genome assembly and monitor how nearby structural variants influence variation in chromatin state. In this study, de novo genome assemblies for four maize inbreds (B73, Mo17, Oh43, and W22) are utilized to assess chromatin accessibility and DNA methylation patterns in a pan-genome context. A more complete set of UMRs and ACRs can be identified when chromatin data are aligned to the matched genome rather than a single reference genome. While there are UMRs and ACRs present within genomic regions that are not shared between genotypes, these features are 6- to 12-fold enriched within regions between genomes. Characterization of UMRs present within shared genomic regions reveals that most UMRs maintain the unmethylated state in other genotypes with only ∼5% being polymorphic between genotypes. However, the majority (71%) of UMRs that are shared between genotypes only exhibit partial overlaps suggesting that the boundaries between methylated and unmethylated DNA are dynamic. This instability is not solely due to sequence variation as these partially overlapping UMRs are frequently found within genomic regions that lack sequence variation. The ability to compare chromatin properties among individuals with structural variation enables pan-epigenome analyses to study the sources of variation for accessible chromatin and unmethylated DNA.
Zebrafish spinal cord oligodendrocyte formation requires boc function
Authors: Kearns Christina A , Walker Macie , Ravanelli Andrew M , Scott Kayt , Arzbecker Madeline R , Appel Bruce
Published: May 2021

The axis of the vertebrate neural tube is patterned, in part, by a ventral to dorsal gradient of Shh signaling. In the ventral spinal cord, Shh induces concentration-dependent expression of transcription factors, subdividing neural progenitors into distinct domains that subsequently produce distinct neuronal and glial subtypes. In particular, progenitors of the pMN domain express the bHLH transcription factor Olig2 and produce motor neurons followed by oligodendrocytes, the myelinating glial cell type of the central nervous system. In addition to its role in patterning ventral progenitors, Shh signaling must be maintained through development to specify pMN progenitors for oligodendrocyte fate. Using a forward genetic screen in zebrafish for mutations that disrupt the development of oligodendrocytes, we identified a new mutant allele of boc, which encodes a type I transmembrane protein that functions as a coreceptor for Shh. Embryos homozygous for the bocco25 allele, which creates a missense mutation in a Fibronectin type III domain that binds Shh, have normally patterned spinal cords but fail to maintain pMN progenitors, resulting in a deficit of oligodendrocytes. Using a sensitive fluorescent detection method for in situ RNA hybridization, we found that spinal cord cells express boc in a graded fashion that is inverse to the gradient of Shh signaling activity and that boc function is necessary to maintain pMN progenitors by shaping the Shh signaling gradient.
Optimizing Dementia Care for Mexicans and for Mexican-Origin U.S. Residents
Authors: Angel Jacqueline L , Vega William A , Gutiérrez Robledo Luis Miguel , López-Ortega Mariana , Andrade Flavia Cristina Drumond , Grasso Stephanie M , Rote Sunshine M
Published: May 2021

In this article, we report on the recommendations of a binational conference that examined the institutional capacities and future ability of Mexico and the United States to address the need for affordable and sustainable dementia care that results from growing older adult populations. These recommendations reflect the large difference in resources between the two nations and each country’s political and institutional capacity. Progress in both countries will require an expansion of programs or the generation of new ones, to meet the needs of older adults, including improving access to services and actively managing the dementia care burden. A comprehensive federal health care safety net will be required in both nations, but economic realities will constrain its implementation. Both nations suffer from a persistent shortage of geriatric primary care physicians and geriatricians, especially in rural areas. Advances in diagnosis, treatment, and care management require additional knowledge and skills of general and specialized staff in the health care workforce to deliver evidence-based, culturally and linguistically appropriate long-term care, and human rights-oriented services. We conclude with a discussion of recommendations for binational dementia care policy and practice.
Heme oxygenase-1 induction by heat shock in rat hepatoma cell line is regulated by the coordinated function of HSF1, NRF2 and BACH1
Authors: Akagi Reiko , Kubo Takanori , Hatori Yuta , Miyamoto Takafumi , Inouye Sachiye
Published: May 2021

The mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction by heat shock (HS) loading remains unclear. Here, we investigated the contribution of transcription factors to HS-induced HO-1 expression, using a rat hepatoma cell line (H-4-II-E). Our results demonstrated that HS treatment resulted in a marked induction of HO-1. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a slight mismatch in the expression levels of HO-1 and HSP70 by HS among cells, suggesting a conflict between multiple induction mechanisms. We observed HS-induced nuclear localization of, not only phosphorylated HSF1 but also NRF2, which is a typical transcription factor activated by oxidative stress. HSF1 knockdown in H-4-II-E markedly reduced HO-1 induction by HS, while NRF2 knockdown resulted in a partial effect. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that HS loading resulted in significant binding of HSF1 to the HSE in the promoter proximal region of HO-1 gene and another HSE located close to the Maf recognition element (MARE) in the −4 kb upstream enhancer region 1, where NRF2 also bound, together with basic leucine zipper transcription factor 1, a negative transcription factor of HO-1. These observations indicate that HO-1 induction by HS is mainly mediated by HSF1 binding to the proximal HSE. NRF2 binding to MARE by HS is predominantly suppressed by an increased binding of BACH1.