bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEKTIVITAS MANAJEMEN LEMBAGA PELATIHAN PT. HANDARU UTAMA NITYASA (HUMANIS GROUP) DI JAKARTA SELATAN
Authors: Mayang Sari Ahadini Ratri , Hutagaol Said , Tampubolon Hotner
Published: August 2021

Ditengah tekanan kompetisi dalam bidang penyedia layanan pelatihan yang semakin ketat, usaha untuk menjadi lembaga penyedia layanan pelatihan yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan dan memberikan kepuasan pada klien pengguna jasa bukanlah suatu pekerjaan yang mudah bagi lembaga penyedia layanan pelatihan seperti halnya Humanis Group.Humanis Group diharapkan mampu untuk terus bersaing dengan menunjukkan manajemen yang efektif dalam pengelolaan usaha penyedia jasa pelatihan.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas manajemen Humanis Group dalam melaksanakan proses perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan dan pengendalian dalam menjalankan usahanya sebagai lembaga penyedia jasa pelatihan selama kurun waktu tigabelas tahun sehingga mampu bersaing dalam ketatnya persaingan di bidang usaha penyedia jasa pelatihan.Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan dilakukan melalui teknik sampel dengan pertimbangan tertentu (purposive sampling) melalui wawancara mendalam.Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa manajemen Humanis Group melaksanakan proses perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan dan pengendalian secara efektif dalam menjalankan usahanya, meskipun dalam pelaksanaannya masih terdapat hal-hal yang perlu dioptimalkan dalam fungsi pelaksanaan dan pengendalian.
IMPLEMENTASI PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER SISWA (Studi Kasus di SMP AL-HILAAL Desa Kamal KABUPATEN SERAM BAGIAN BARAT)
Authors: Bagdad Jawaz , Neolaka Amos , Murniarti Erni
Published: August 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui implementasi pendidikan karakter di SMP Al-Hilaal Kamal yang mana di dalamnya mencakup memahami dan menjelaskan tentang pelaksanaan pendidikan karakter.Menjelaskan kendala yang dihadapi serta strategi yang dilakukan dalam mengatasi kendala-kendala yang dihadapi.Metode penelitian adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Pemilihan informan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling yang terdiri dari kepala sekolah, guru mata pelajaran agama, dan guru mata pelajaran pkn.

Hasil penelitian ini adalah implementasi pendidikan karakter di SMP Al-Hilaal Kamal belum sepenuhnya efektif disebabkan oleh kurangnya kerjasama yang baik antara pihak sekolah dan pihak yayasan serta komite sekolah. Hal ini yang menyebabkan proses evaluasi pendidikan karakter kurang berjalan dengan baik karena tidak adanya dukungan dari yayasan dan komite sekolah. Solusi yang diberikan adalah pihak yayasan serta komite sekolah harus bersama-sama dengan pihak sekolah untuk bekerjasama dalam mengawal proses pendidikan karakter baik dalam proses pelaksanaan sampai dengan proses evaluasi, dan ketiga pihak tersebut harus profesional, agar pelaksanaan pendidikan karakter bisa berjalan dengan efektif.
BUDAYA ORGANSASI DAN KOMPENSASI BERPENGARUH TERHADAP KEPUASAN KERJA GURU
Authors: Suryani Dede , Tampubolon Manahan P. , Limbong Mesta
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Penelitian kualitatif adalah penelitian berupa angka-angka dan analisis menggunakan statistik. Penelitian ini dilakukan di SD, SMP Pembangunan Jaya Bintaro pada tahun 2019.

Pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini mengguakan probability sample yaitu Teknik pengambilan sampel yang memberikan peluang yang sama bagi setiap unsur (anggota) populasi yang dipilih jadi anggota sampel. Dari hasil uji coba intrumen terhadap 20 sampel menunjukan hasil uji validitas setiap variabel terdapat 8 instrumen drop pada variabel Kepuasan Kerja Guru, 5 variabel drop pada Budaya Organisasi dan 15 instrumen drop pada variabel Kompensasi. Kemudian dilakukan penelitian pada 65 responden.

Hasil penelitian untuk uji normalitas Budaya Organisasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Guru sebesar 0,200 > 0,05 dan Variabel Kompensasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja sebesar 0,040 > 0,05. Maka penelitian berdistribusi normal. Nilai signifikansi variabel Budaya Organisasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja sebesar 0,422 > 0,05 dan Variabel Kompensasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja sebesar 0,622 > 0,05.

Nilai homogenitas antara variabel Budaya Organisai dan Kompensasi  terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Guru (Y) sebesar 0,875 > 0,05. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa data dalam penelitian ini homogen. Pembuktian yang lainnya nilai F hitung sebesar 5,143 lebih besar dari F tabel yaitu 3,14.

Hasil Penelitian menjunjukan adanya pengaruh Budaya Organisasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Guru SD, SMP Pembangunan Jaya sebesar dengan 0,587. Pengaruh Kompensasi terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Guru SD, SMP Pembangunan Jaya sebesar 0,598. Dan Budaya Organisasi dan Kompensasi secara Bersama-sama memengaruhi Kepuasan Kerja Guru dengan korelasi kuat sebesar 0,776.
PENGARUH EFIKASI DIRI DAN KEPUASAN KERJA GURU TERHADAP KOMITMEN ORGANISASI PADA SPK SD DAN SMP DI KECAMATAN KALIDERES DAN CENGKARENG PROVINSI JAKARTA
Authors: Fung Boem Kim , Neolaka Amos , Sihotang Hotmaulina
Published: August 2021

Boen Kim Fung, Pengaruh Efikasi Diri dan Kepuasan Kerja Guru terhadap Komitmen Organisasi SPK SD dan SMP di Kecamatan Cengkareng dan Kalideres, Jakarta.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh efikasi diri dan kepuasan kerja terhadap komitmen organisasi bagi para guru. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah para guru lokal SPK SD dan SMP di kecamatan Cengkareng dan Kalideres yang berjumlah 203 orang. Penulis menggunakan tabel Krejcie dan Morgan untuk menentukan jumlah sampel. Sampel yang diambil berjumlah 118 sampel. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kuantitatif dengan teknik deskriptif dan korelasi. Data yang didapat dari kuesioner diolah dengan menggunakan Pearson Product Moment. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh langsung positif efikasi diri guru terhadap komitmen organisasi. Kepuasan kerja guru juga berpengaruh langsung positif terhadap komitmen organisasi. Variabel efikasi diri dan kepuasan kerja guru secara bersama sama berpengaruh positif terhadap komitmen organisasi.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN OPERASI LOGIK SISWA SMA DALAM MATA PELAJARAN FISIKA PADA TAHAP OPERASIONAL FORMAL
Authors: Syar Nur Inayah
Published: August 2021

AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kemampuan operasi logik siswa pada tahap perkembangan kognitif operasional formal dalam mata pelajaran fisika. Adapun populasi penelitian adalah sejumlah 1458 orang siswa dan sampelnya sejumlah 207 orang siswa yang berasal dari enam sekolah yang berbeda dengan menggunakan Cluster Are Sampling. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu kuantitatif deskriptif dengan instrumen penelitian tes operasional formal dalam bentuk operasi logik yang telah valid dan reliabel untuk digunakan. Hasil analisis deskriptif menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar siswa SMA di Kabupaten Bulukumba belum memasuki periode operasional formal dalam tingkat perkembangan kognitifnya. Berdasarkan keempat jenis operasi logik, urutan operasi yang paling dikuasai siswa yaitu operasi hipotetik-deduktif, refleksif, kombinatorial dan terakhir proposisional. Data-data tersebut menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan usia tidak mempengaruhi tingkat perkembangan kognitif siswa seperti apa yang dipaparkan oleh Piaget.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES OF SECONDARY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Nuangchalerm Prasart
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 pandemic can make school and instructional practices at risk. The purpose of this research was to study the teaching and learning activities through an online classroom. The research approach used in this research is a quantitative research approach. The research design used in this study was a survey research design. The type of survey used was a cross-sectional survey design. The choice of a cross-sectional survey design was carried out to measure the behaviour of a number of populations through a sample regarding the level of integrity of the teaching and learning process using online classrooms as a variable in the study. The informants were 23 teachers and 146 students from one secondary school, Mahasarakham province, Thailand. Data were obtained in Semester 2 Academic Year 2020. A questionnaire about online learning was used for data collection through Google form. Mean and standard deviation was employed for data analysis. Findings showed that teachers and students had opinions are at fluctuating level. Some opinions may need discussion for online learning by enhancing technological skills, reskill or upskill in field of educational technology are required for effective instruction.
FACING ONLINE LEARNING PROBLEMS THROUGH CHARACTER BUILDING, A TEACHER STRATEGY
Authors: Rahmah Sita Aulia , Komariah Siti , K Siti Nurbayani
Published: August 2021

The pandemic has been putting pressure for us to make a big digital leap, in an instant, education changed as if it’s a digitalization remote, forces pupils to manage and master digital device in order to participate in education, and it’s not just the pupils who adhere to these changes, but also the teachers, schools, families, even society. This online learning system demands teachers’ role, even more, bestowing the measurement of a successful online learning process, which determined by the teacher, creativity enhancement so that learning becomes interesting with the fully online e-learning format learning method.  This case study research will examine teachers’ strategies to overcome problems that arise in online learning through character building. This research purpose is to describe educator roles in overcoming online learning problems through character building. This research captures its data through observations, in-depth interview, documentation study and literature study. Furthermore, this research uses data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing as methods of analysis. To test the reliability of the data, this research uses data, method and source triangulation. The result of this research shows that teachers and pupils collaboration through its creativity is a must, one of it is to involve OSIS as an activity partner.
GAMIFICATION CONCEPT WITHOUT DIGITAL PLATFORMS: A STRATEGY FOR PARENTS ON MOTIVATING CHILDREN STUDY AT HOME DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Zainuddin Zamzami , Keumala Cut Muftia
Published: August 2021

The temporary closure of schools around the world to limit the spread of the COVID-19 has induced a new challenge for parents. Particularly, for those working remotely, making sure the children follow the learning schedule given by the school and keeping them occupied at home until bedtime is no obvious duty to make efforts to boost their enthusiasm. Therefore, one strategy proposed to motivate children's learning at home is to gamify their learning activities. Numerous studies have been published on the use of various digital platforms in gamification research, however, gamified systems in a non-technology environment or non-digital platform have been inadequately discussed and investigated by scholars. Thus, in this study, we will present a concise discussion on how gamified activities can be utilized in a non-tech environment. This conceptual paper employing a systematic literature review in collecting and analyzing the data. Through a review of the current empirical and conceptual literature, this study presents a new conceptual framework of the gamification concept in a non-technology environment. The study recommends that applying game-based elements or mechanics to motivate and engage children's learning can be carried out anywhere and anytime for any grade level, without waiting for high-tech supports.
EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS IN MANAGING NARCOTICS ABUSE PERSPECTIVE SANI (INDONESIAN ANTI-NARCOTICS CELEBRITIES) AND BNN (NATIONAL NARCOTICS AGENCY)
Authors: Rizal Sofian Syaiful , Junaedi Deddy
Published: August 2021

Narcotics abuse is still a serious threat in Indonesia, especially its use is very widespread by some of the public figures of the artists involved in it. So that it becomes a spotlight for young people, especially those whose lives are still unstable, seeing public figures as examples of current trends in the millennial world. The purpose of this study is to minimize and overcome the use of narcotics from various circles, both public figures, BNN, the Police, and the community. The problem approach used in this research is a normative juridical approach and an empirical juridical approach, namely an approach that is carried out through studies of theories, concepts, views, and aspects related to the problems discussed. The results of this study are the formation of teamwork in overcoming the use of narcotics both from all walks of life, especially for public figures (artists) by working together from various parties, both communities, agencies, BNN so that the younger generation of Indonesia is no longer touched by narcotics whose impact is very damaging the nation's young generation, both in socializing, achieving and living a normal life by maintaining akhlaqul karimah/etiquette in social life without narcotics.
A Rare Case of Patient Forgetting His Native Language with the Diagnosis of “Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome”
Authors: Güzelce Mustafa Can , Açıkgöz Tuğçe , Ersoy Gürkan
Published: August 2021

“Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome” is a reversible rare disease manifesting with variety of neurological findings often accompanied with high blood pressures. Here we present a case who admitted to our emergency department with the complaint of having difficulty speaking his native language (Turkish) and later diagnosed as PRES Syndrome. Based on the interesting nature and rare occurrence of the case, the etiology, physical exam findings and differential diagnosis of the disease are presented and discussed in the light of the literature.
Simultaneous Bilateral Quadriceps Femoris Tendon Rupture: Case report
Authors: Pamukçu Günaydın Gül , Demircan Serkan , Öz Tolga , Coşkun Selçuk , Otal Yavuz
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is a very rare injury that may be associated with systemic illnesses or drugs. We present a case of bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in a patient with no identifiable risk factors.
Case: Sixty seven year old male patient presented to emergency room with bilateral knee pain after trip and fall from 2 steps on his knees. His physical exam revealed bilateral suprapatellar swelling and tenderness with palpation on both knees and he could not fully actively extend knees. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture. Both knees were immobilized with long leg cast in full extension. Early operative treatment was offered.
Conclusion: Diagnosis may be delayed in bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture. Since it is a rare injury emergency medicine physicians should be familiar with symptoms and signs of it to diagnose it early and prevent disability.
The Detrimental and Beneficial Functions of Macrophages After Cochlear Injury
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Li Yiyuan , Fu Xiaolong , Wang Pengjun , Wang Qin , Meng Wei , Wang Tian , Yang Jianming , Chai Renjie
Published: August 2021

Macrophages are the main intrinsic immune cells in the cochlea; they can be activated and play a complicated role after cochlear injury. Many studies have shown that the number of macrophages and their morphological characteristics within the major cochlear partitions undergo significant changes under various pathological conditions including acoustic trauma, ototoxic drug treatment, age-related cochlear degeneration, selective hair cell (HC) and spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) elimination, and surgery. However, the exact role of these macrophages after cochlear injury is still unclear. Regulating the migration and activity of macrophages may be a therapeutic approach to reduce the risk or magnitude of trauma-induced hearing loss, and this review highlights the role of macrophages on the peripheral auditory structures of the cochlea and elucidate the mechanisms of macrophage injury and the strategies to reduce the injury by regulating macrophage.
Charging Up the Periphery: Glial Ionic Regulation in Sensory Perception
Authors: Ray Sneha , Singhvi Aakanksha
Published: August 2021

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) receives diverse sensory stimuli from the environment and transmits this information to the central nervous system (CNS) for subsequent processing. Thus, proper functions of cells in peripheral sense organs are a critical gate-keeper to generating appropriate animal sensory behaviors, and indeed their dysfunction tracks sensory deficits, sensorineural disorders, and aging. Like the CNS, the PNS comprises two major cell types, neurons (or sensory cells) and glia (or glia-like supporting neuroepithelial cells). One classic function of PNS glia is to modulate the ionic concentration around associated sensory cells. Here, we review current knowledge of how non-myelinating support cell glia of the PNS regulate the ionic milieu around sensory cell endings across species and systems. Molecular studies reviewed here suggest that, rather than being a passive homeostatic response, glial ionic regulation may in fact actively modulate sensory perception, implying that PNS glia may be active contributors to sensorineural information processing. This is reminiscent of emerging studies suggesting analogous roles for CNS glia in modulating neural circuit processing. We therefore suggest that deeper molecular mechanistic investigations into critical PNS glial functions like ionic regulation are essential to comprehensively understand sensorineural health, disease, and aging.
TREM2, Driving the Microglial Polarization, Has a TLR4 Sensitivity Profile After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Hu Yangchun , Li Chao , Wang Xiaojian , Chen Weiwei , Qian Yu , Dai Xingliang
Published: August 2021

Increasing evidence suggests that triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is implicated in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. The aim here was to investigate the neuroprotective role of TREM2 and its regulatory mechanism after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). TREM2 siRNA was administered to measure the detrimental role of TREM2 in mediating microglial polarization in vivo and in vitro after experimental SAH. The relationship between Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and TREM2 was further explored. The soluble TREM2 from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with SAH was detected. The results showed that TREM2 mainly located in the microglia and presented a markedly delayed elevation after SAH. TREM2 knockdown triggered increased pro-inflammatory productions, aggravated microglial activities, and further exacerbated neurological dysfunction after SAH. Significantly, TLR4 knockout increased the expression of TREM2, accompanied by ameliorated neuroinflammation and improved neurological function. Corresponding to different clinical Hunt–Hess grades, obviously enhanced accumulation of soluble TREM2 was detected in the CSF of patients with SAH. TREM2 played a pivotal role in mediating microglial polarization after SAH, and the neuroprotective effect of TREM2 might be potentially suppressed by the hyperactive TLR4 in the early phase of SAH. Pharmacological targeting of TREM2 may be a promising strategy for SAH therapy.
Magnesium Promotes the Regeneration of the Peripheral Nerve
Authors: Zhang Jingxin , Zhang Binjing , Zhang Jinglan , Lin Weimin , Zhang Shiwen
Published: August 2021

Peripheral nerve injury is a common complication in trauma, and regeneration and function recovery are clinical challenges. It is indispensable to find a suitable material to promote peripheral nerve regeneration due to the limited capacity of peripheral nerve regeneration, which is not an easy task to design a material with good biocompatibility, appropriate degradability. Magnesium has captured increasing attention during the past years as suitable materials. However, there are little types of research on magnesium promoting peripheral nerve regeneration. In this review, we conclude the possible mechanism of magnesium ion promoting peripheral nerve regeneration and the properties and application of different kinds of magnesium-based biomaterials, such as magnesium filaments, magnesium alloys, and others, in which we found some shortcomings and challenges. So, magnesium can promote peripheral nerve regeneration with both challenge and potential.
Homeotic Genes: Clustering, Modularity, and Diversity
Authors: Hajirnis Nikhil , Mishra Rakesh K.
Published: August 2021

Hox genes code for transcription factors and are evolutionarily conserved. They regulate a plethora of downstream targets to define the anterior-posterior (AP) body axis of a developing bilaterian embryo. Early work suggested a possible role of clustering and ordering of Hox to regulate their expression in a spatially restricted manner along the AP axis. However, the recent availability of many genome assemblies for different organisms uncovered several examples that defy this constraint. With recent advancements in genomics, the current review discusses the arrangement of Hox in various organisms. Further, we revisit their discovery and regulation in Drosophila melanogaster. We also review their regulation in different arthropods and vertebrates, with a significant focus on Hox expression in the crustacean Parahyale hawaiensis. It is noteworthy that subtle changes in the levels of Hox gene expression can contribute to the development of novel features in an organism. We, therefore, delve into the distinct regulation of these genes during primary axis formation, segment identity, and extra-embryonic roles such as in the formation of hair follicles or misregulation leading to cancer. Toward the end of each section, we emphasize the possibilities of several experiments involving various organisms, owing to the advancements in the field of genomics and CRISPR-based genome engineering. Overall, we present a holistic view of the functioning of Hox in the animal world.
Immobilized Crosslinked Pectinase Preparation on Porous ZSM-5 Zeolites as Reusable Biocatalysts for Ultra-Efficient Hydrolysis of β-Glycosidic Bonds
Authors: Liu Can , Zhang Liming , Tan Li , Liu Yueping , Tian Weiqian , Ma Lanqing
Published: August 2021

In this study, we immobilized pectinase preparation on porous zeolite ZSM-5 as an enzyme carrier. We realized this immobilized enzyme catalyst, pectinase preparation@ZSM-5, via a simple combined strategy involving the van der Waals adsorption of pectinase preparation followed by crosslinking of the adsorbed pectinase preparation with glutaraldehyde over ZSM-5. Conformal pectinase preparation coverage of various ZSM-5 supports was achieved for the as-prepared pectinase preparation@ZSM-5. The porous pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 catalyst exhibited ultra-efficient biocatalytic activity for hydrolyzing the β-glycosidic bonds in the model substrate 4-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside, with a broad operating temperature range, high thermal stability, and excellent reusability. The relative activity of pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 at a high temperature (70 °C) was nine times higher than that of free pectinase preparation. Using thermal inactivation kinetic analysis based on the Arrhenius law, pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 showed higher activation energy for denaturation (315 kJ mol−1) and a longer half-life (62 min−1) than free pectinase preparation. Moreover, a Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetic analysis indicated a higher maximal reaction velocity for pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 (0.22 µmol mg−1 min−1). This enhanced reactivity was attributed to the microstructure of the immobilized pectinase preparation@ZSM-5, which offered a heterogeneous reaction system that decreased the substrate–pectinase preparation binding affinity and modulated the kinetic characteristics of the enzyme. Additionally, pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 showed the best ethanol tolerance among all the reported pectinase preparation-immobilized catalysts, and an activity 247% higher than that of free pectinase preparation at a 10% (v/v) ethanol concentration was measured. Furthermore, pectinase preparation@ZSM-5 exhibited potential for practical engineering applications, promoting the hydrolysis of β-glycosidic bonds in baicalin to convert it into baicalein. This was achieved with a 98% conversion rate, i.e., 320% higher than that of the free enzyme.
Washed Microbiota Transplantation Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients With Hypertension
Authors: Zhong Hao-Jie , Zeng Hong-Lie , Cai Ying-Li , Zhuang Yu-Pei , Liou Yu-Ligh , Wu Qingping , He Xing-Xiang
Published: August 2021

Background

Although transplantation of the fecal microbiota from normotensive donors has been shown to have an antihypertensive effect in hypertensive animal models, its effect on blood pressure in patients with hypertension is unclear. This study aimed to assess the effect of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) from normotensive donors on blood pressure regulation in hypertensive patients.

Methods

The clinical data of consecutive patients treated with washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) were collected retrospectively. The blood pressures of hypertensive patients before and after WMT were compared. The factors influencing the antihypertensive effect of WMT in hypertensive patients and fecal microbial composition of donors and hypertensive patients were also analyzed.

Results

WMT exhibited an antihypertensive effect on blood pressure: the blood pressure at hospital discharge was significantly lower than that at hospital admission (change in systolic blood pressure: −5.09 ± 15.51, P = 0.009; change in diastolic blood pressure: −7.74 ± 10.42, P < 0.001). Hypertensive patients who underwent WMT via the lower gastrointestinal tract (β = −8.308, standard error = 3.856, P = 0.036) and those not taking antihypertensive drugs (β = −8.969, standard error = 4.256, P = 0.040) had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure, and hypertensive patients not taking antihypertensive drugs also had a greater decrease in diastolic blood pressure (β = −8.637, standard error = 2.861, P = 0.004). After WMT, the Shannon Diversity Index was higher in six of eight hypertensive patients and the microbial composition of post-WMT samples tended to be closer to that of donor samples.

Conclusion

WMT had a blood pressure-lowering effect in hypertensive patients, especially in those who underwent WMT via the lower gastrointestinal tract and in those not taking antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, modulation of the gut microbiota by WMT may offer a novel approach for hypertension treatment.
Identifying New Factors Associated With Cognitive Decline and Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Study Protocol
Authors: Ghezzi Erica S. , Psaltis Peter J. , Loetscher Tobias , Davis Daniel , Montarello Joseph , Lau Jerrett K. , Delacroix Sinny , Bourke Alice , McLoughlin James , Keage Megan , Keage Hannah A. D.
Published: August 2021

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard-of-care for treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and is also being increasingly recommended for low-risk patients. While TAVI boasts positive post-procedural outcomes, it is also associated with cognitive complications, namely delirium and cognitive decline. There is a pressing need for accurate risk tools which can identify TAVI patients at risk of delirium and cognitive decline, as risk scores designed for general cardiovascular surgery fall short. The present effect-finding exploratory study will assess the utility of various measures in the context of aging and frailty in predicting who will and who will not develop delirium or cognitive impairment following TAVI. The measures we propose include gait, visual symptoms, voice, swallowing, mood and sleep.

Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study focused on identifying pre-procedural risk factors for the development of delirium and cognitive decline following TAVI. Potential risk factors will be measured prior to TAVI. Primary outcomes will be post-procedure cognitive decline and delirium. Secondary outcomes include activities of daily living, quality of life, and mortality. Delirium presence will be measured on each of the first 2 days following TAVI. All other outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively. A series of logistic regressions will be run to investigate the relationship between potential predictors and outcomes (presence vs. absence of either delirium or cognitive decline).

Discussion: This study will assess the strengths of associations between a range of measures drawn from frailty and aging literature in terms of association with cognitive decline and delirium following TAVI. Identified measures can be used in future development of TAVI risk prediction models, which are essential for the accurate identification of cognitive at-risk patients and successful application of pre-procedural interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. [https://bit.ly/2PAotP5], [ACTRN12618001114235].
18F-FDG-Uptake in Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in Suspected Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Predictor or Confounder?
Authors: Hove Derk ten , Sinha Bhanu , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Gomes Anna , Swart Laurens E. , Tanis Wilco , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Slart Riemer H. J. A.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious disease affecting ~0.4% of prosthetic valve recipients per year. 18F-FDG-PET/CT has high sensitivity and specificity for PVE and is included as major criterion for the diagnosis in recent guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. We addressed the question whether increased FDG-uptake in mediastinal lymph nodes could help to support the visual diagnostic assessment of PVE.

Methods: In this sub-analysis of a previously published retrospective multicentre study, 160 unique patients were identified who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for evaluation of suspected PVE. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed in adherence to the European Association of Nuclear Medicine guidelines of 2015 and scans were assessed for signs of mediastinal lymph node activity by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians who were blinded to clinical context. Clinical diagnosis of PVE had been established based on surgical findings or multidisciplinary consensus after a 1-year follow-up in 80 of 160 patients (50%).

Results: In total, 52 patients showed increased mediastinal lymph node activity. Mediastinal lymph node activity on 18F-FDG-PET/CT did not increase diagnostic accuracy when added to the visual analysis of scans for signs of PVE: X2: 0.118, p = 0.731). After excluding patients with known confounders for 18F-FDG-PET/CT, namely use of Bioglue® during prosthetic valve implantation and C-reactive protein levels below 40 mg/L, mediastinal lymph node activity was still not of additional diagnostic value compared to visual analysis alone (X2:0.129, p = 0.723).

Discussion: Assessment of mediastinal lymph node activity did not improve 18F-FDG-PET/CT diagnostic accuracy for suspected PVE compared to visual assessment of the valve alone, as it seems to be a rather a specific finding, that might be caused by sternal wound or mediastinal infections or even by subclinical respiratory infections. Future studies might elucidate whether increased FDG active lymph nodes indicate a high-risk patient group and whether more detailed assessment of mediastinal lymph nodes could improve their additional diagnostic benefit.
Linking K-12 STEM Pedagogy to Local Contexts: A Scoping Review of Benefits and Limitations
Authors: Holmes Kathryn , Mackenzie Erin , Berger Nathan , Walker Michelle
Published: August 2021

Student engagement and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in primary and secondary schools is increasingly being emphasized as the importance of STEM skills for future careers is realized. Localized learning has been identified as a group of pedagogical approaches that may enhance learning in STEM by making the relevance of STEM clear to students and providing stronger connections to students’ lives and contexts. This paper reports on a scoping review that was conducted to identify the benefits and limitations of localized learning in primary and secondary school STEM disciplines. A secondary aim of the review was to identify strategies that increase the effectiveness of localized learning these disciplines. Following literature searches of four databases, 1923 articles were identified. Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Potential benefits of localized learning included increases in enjoyment of STEM, improvements in learning, more positive STEM career aspirations, and development of transferable skills. The main challenges of these pedagogical approaches were time restrictions and lack of community involvement. Strategies for enhancing the impact of localized pedagogy included professional development for teachers (in STEM content knowledge, integration of localized pedagogy, and capacity to address socio-scientific issues), integration of technology, whole-school implementation of the pedagogical approach, and integration of the wider community into STEM education. These findings provide support for localized learning as an effective pedagogical approach to enhance STEM learning in schools, while emphasizing the critical roles of teachers and communities in supporting students to realize the relevance of STEM in their lives.
Higher Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Increase the Risk of Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Tan Qing-Qing , Du Xin-Yi , Gao Chen-Lin , Xu Yong
Published: August 2021

The relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) is unclear; therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current published literature was conducted. Relevant studies published online (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) until February 1, 2021 were identified for review. The initial search yielded 13 reports, and after perusing their titles, abstracts, and full texts, 5 studies were deemed appropriate for inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Individuals with higher DII scores (representing a more proinflammatory diet) had a higher risk of DM (pooled odds ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.72, I2 58.6%, p < 0.05). Although the current meta-analysis indicated a trend toward a positive association between DII and DM, further evidence—especially from larger prospective studies in different countries—is needed to clarify this association.
Role of Inflammation in Vascular Disease-Related Perivascular Adipose Tissue Dysfunction
Authors: Chen Yaozhi , Qin Zeyu , Wang Yaqiong , Li Xin , Zheng Yang , Liu Yunxia
Published: August 2021

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is the connective tissue around most blood vessels throughout the body. It provides mechanical support and maintains vascular homeostasis in a paracrine/endocrine manner. Under physiological conditions, PVAT has anti-inflammatory effects, improves free fatty acid metabolism, and regulates vasodilation. In pathological conditions, PVAT is dysfunctional, secretes many anti-vasodilator factors, and participates in vascular inflammation through various cells and mediators; thus, it causes dysfunction involving vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Inflammation is an important pathophysiological event in many vascular diseases, such as vascular aging, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory crosstalk between PVAT and blood vessels may comprise a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases. In this review, we summarize findings concerning PVAT function and inflammation in different pathophysiological backgrounds, focusing on the secretory functions of PVAT and the crosstalk between PVAT and vascular inflammation in terms of vascular aging, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and other diseases. We also discuss anti-inflammatory treatment for potential vascular diseases involving PVAT.
Calcium Transport in Specialized Dental Epithelia and Its Modulation by Fluoride
Authors: Costiniti Veronica , Bomfim Guilherme H. , Mitaishvili Erna , Son Ga-Yeon , Li Yi , Lacruz Rodrigo S.
Published: August 2021

Most cells use calcium (Ca2+) as a second messenger to convey signals that affect a multitude of biological processes. The ability of Ca2+ to bind to proteins to alter their charge and conformation is essential to achieve its signaling role. Cytosolic Ca2+ (cCa2+) concentration is maintained low at ~100 nM so that the impact of elevations in cCa2+ is readily sensed and transduced by cells. However, such elevations in cCa2+ must be transient to prevent detrimental effects. Cells have developed a variety of systems to rapidly clear the excess of cCa2+ including Ca2+ pumps, exchangers and sequestering Ca2+ within intracellular organelles. This Ca2+ signaling toolkit is evolutionarily adapted so that each cell, tissue, and organ can fulfill its biological function optimally. One of the most specialized cells in mammals are the enamel forming cells, the ameloblasts, which also handle large quantities of Ca2+. The end goal of ameloblasts is to synthesize, secrete and mineralize a unique proteinaceous matrix without the benefit of remodeling or repair mechanisms. Ca2+ uptake into ameloblasts is mainly regulated by the store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) before it is transported across the polarized ameloblasts to reach the insulated enamel space. Here we review the ameloblasts Ca2+ signaling toolkit and address how the common electronegative non-metal fluoride can alter its function, potentially addressing the biology of dental fluorosis.
A Missense Mutation in the MYBPH Gene Is Associated With Abdominal Fat Traits in Meat-Type Chickens
Authors: Trevisoli Priscila Anchieta , Moreira Gabriel Costa Monteiro , Boschiero Clarissa , Cesar Aline Silva Mello , Petrini Juliana , Margarido Gabriel Rodrigues Alves , Ledur Mônica Corrêa , Mourão Gerson Barreto , Garrick Dorian , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann
Published: August 2021

Chicken is an important source of protein for human nutrition and a model system for growth and developmental biology. Although the genetic architecture of quantitative traits in meat-type chickens has been the subject of ongoing investigation, the identification of mutations associated with carcass traits of economic interest remains challenging. Therefore, our aim was to identify predicted deleterious mutation, which potentially affects protein function, and test if they were associated with carcass traits in chickens. For that, we performed a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for breast, thigh and drumstick traits in meat-type chickens and detected 19 unique quantitative trait loci (QTL). We then used: (1) the identified windows; (2) QTL for abdominal fat detected in a previous study with the same population and (3) previously obtained whole genome sequence data, to identify 18 predicted deleterious single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in those QTL for further association with breast, thigh, drumstick and abdominal fat traits. Using the additive model, a predicted deleterious SNP c.482C > T (SIFT score of 0.4) was associated (p-value < 0.05) with abdominal fat weight and percentage. This SNP is in the second exon of the MYBPH gene, and its allele frequency deviates from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that the c.482C > T SNP in the MYBPH gene is a putative causal mutation for fat deposition in meat-type chickens.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Immunosuppressive Targets of Mesalazine in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Li Rong , Cheng Lin , Wang Qi , Zhou Liming
Published: August 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a complex inflammatory bowel disorder that can induce colonic and rectal dysfunction. Mesalazine, a first-line medicine, is routinely prescribed for UC treatment. However, the pharmacological targets of mesalazine against UC are not detailed in current publications. In the current study, a transcriptomics strategy was applied to reveal the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of mesalazine for treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Compared with the UC group, a total of 1,663 differentially expressed genes were identified in mesalazine-treated mice, of which 262 were upregulated and 1,401 were downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the protective actions of mesalazine for treating UC were related to the functional regulation of immune inflammatory response, such as the regulation of T cells, white blood cells, and cytokine receptor pathways. In addition, ingenuity pathway analysis of the gene network further revealed the inhibitory action of mesalazine on C–C motif chemokine ligands (CCL11 and CCL21) and C–X–C motif chemokine ligands (CXCL3 and CXCR2). Taken together, the current transcriptomic findings revealed anti-UC pharmacological targets, including the newly discovered biotargets CCL11, CCL21, CXCL3, and CXCR2, of mesalazine against DSS-induced intestinal inflammation.
Sensitization and Desensitization in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Authors: Moris Dimitrios , Cendales Linda C.
Published: August 2021

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a field under research and has emerged as an alternative option for the repair of severe disfiguring defects that result from severe tissue loss in a selected group of patients. Lifelong immunosuppressive therapy, immunosuppression associated complications, and the effects of the host immune response in the graft are major concerns in this type of quality-of-life transplant. The initial management of extensive soft tissue injury can lead to the development of anti-HLA antibodies through injury-related factors, transfusion and cadaveric grafting. The role of antibody-mediated rejection, donor-specific antibody (DSA) formation and graft rejection in the context of VCA still remain poorly understood. The most common antigenic target of preexisting alloantibodies are MHC mismatches, though recognition of ABO incompatible antigens, minor histocompatibility complexes and endothelial cells has also been shown to contribute to rejection. Mechanistically, alloantibody-mediated tissue damage occurs primarily through complement fixation as well as through antibody-dependent cellular toxicity. If DSA exist, activation of complement and coagulation cascades can result in vascular thrombosis and infarction and thus rejection and graft loss. Both preexisting DSA but especially de-novo DSA are currently considered as main contributors to late allograft injury and graft failure. Desensitization protocols are currently being developed for VCA, mainly including removal of alloantibodies whereas treatment of established antibody-mediated rejection is achieved through high dose intravenous immunoglobulins. The long-term efficacy of such therapies in sensitized VCA recipients is currently unknown. The current evidence base for sensitizing events and outcomes in reconstructive transplantation is limited. However, current data show that VCA transplantation has been performed in the setting of HLA-sensitization.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Exacerbate Secondary Injury via Promoting Neuroinflammation and Blood–Spinal Cord Barrier Disruption in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Feng Zhou , Min Lingxia , Liang Liang , Chen Beike , Chen Hui , Zhou Yi , Deng Weiwei , Liu Hongliang , Hou Jingming
Published: August 2021

As the first inflammatory cell recruited to the site of spinal cord injury (SCI), neutrophils were reported to be detrimental to SCI. However, the precise mechanisms as to how neutrophils exacerbate SCI remain largely obscure. In the present study, we demonstrated that infiltrated neutrophils produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which subsequently promote neuroinflammation and blood–spinal cord barrier disruption to aggravate spinal cord edema and neuronal apoptosis following SCI in rats. Both inhibition of NETs formation by peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor and disruption of NETs by DNase 1 alleviate secondary damage, thus restraining scar formation and promoting functional recovery after SCI. Furthermore, we found that NETs exacerbate SCI partlyviaelevating transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) level in the injured spinal cord. Therefore, our results indicate that NETs might be a promising therapeutic target for SCI.
Set Up for Failure: Pre-Existing Autoantibodies in Lung Transplant
Authors: McQuiston Alexander , Emtiazjoo Amir , Angel Peggi , Machuca Tiago , Christie Jason , Atkinson Carl
Published: August 2021

Lung transplant patients have the lowest long-term survival rates compared to other solid organ transplants. The complications after lung transplantation such as primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and ultimately chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) are the main reasons for this limited survival. In recent years, lung-specific autoantibodies that recognize non-HLA antigens have been hypothesized to contribute to graft injury and have been correlated with PGD, CLAD, and survival. Mounting evidence suggests that autoantibodies can develop during pulmonary disease progression before lung transplant, termed pre-existing autoantibodies, and may participate in allograft injury after transplantation. In this review, we summarize what is known about pulmonary disease autoantibodies, the relationship between pre-existing autoantibodies and lung transplantation, and potential mechanisms through which pre-existing autoantibodies contribute to graft injury and rejection.
Different Aspects of Classical Pathway Overactivation in Patients With C3 Glomerulopathy and Immune Complex-Mediated Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Michels Marloes A. H. M. , van de Kar Nicole C. A. J. , van Kraaij Sanne A. W. , Sarlea Sebastian A. , Gracchi Valentina , Engels Flore A. P. T. , Dorresteijn Eiske M. , van der Deure Johannes , Duineveld Caroline , Wetzels Jack F. M. , van den Heuvel Lambertus P. W. J. , Volokhina Elena B.
Published: August 2021

The rare and heterogeneous kidney disorder C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by dysregulation of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system. C3G is often associated with autoantibodies stabilizing the AP C3 convertase named C3 nephritic factors (C3NeF). The role of classical pathway (CP) convertase stabilization in C3G and related diseases such as immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the CP convertase activity in patients with C3G and IC-MPGN. Using a refined two-step hemolytic assay, we measured the stability of CP convertases directly in the serum of 52 patients and 17 healthy controls. In four patients, CP convertase activity was prolonged compared to healthy controls, i.e. the enzymatic complex was stabilized. In three patients (2 C3G, 1 IC-MPGN) the convertase stabilization was caused by immunoglobulins, indicating the presence of autoantibodies named C4 nephritic factors (C4NeFs). Importantly, the assay also enabled detection of non-immunoglobulin-mediated stabilization of the CP convertase in one patient with C3G. Prolonged CP convertase activity coincided with C3NeF activity in all patients and for up to 70 months of observation. Crucially, experiments with C3-depleted serum showed that C4NeFs stabilized the CP C3 convertase (C4bC2a), that does not contain C3NeF epitopes. All patients with prolonged CP convertase activity showed clear signs of complement activation, i.e. lowered C3 and C5 levels and elevated levels of C3d, C3bc, C3bBbP, and C5b-9. In conclusion, this work provides new insights into the diverse aspects and (non-)immunoglobulin nature of factors causing CP convertase overactivity in C3G/IC-MPGN.