bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Kooperatif dengan Snowball Throwing Terhadap Hasil Belajar IPA Pada Siswa Kelas IV SDN Bondrang Kecamatan Sawoo Kabupaten Ponorogo
Authors: Kusumawati Naniek
Published: January 2020

Pada pembelajaran IPA di Sekolah Dasar membutuhkan suatu inovasi baru yang mampu untuk mengaktifkan dan membuat proses pembelajaran menjadi lebih menyenangkan agar para siswa mampu untuk memahami materi yang dipelajari. Hal ini menuntut guru untuk dapat menjadi lebih kreatif dan inovatif dalam memilih model pembelajaran yang akan digunakan. Salah satu contoh model pembelajaran yang dapat digunakan adalah model pembelajaran kooperatif Snowball Throwing. Dalam pembelajaran Snowball Throwing siswa akan belajar secara berkelompok dan bekerjasama dengan teman sekelompoknya dalam memecahkan masalah. Sehingga siswa akan lebih mudah dalam memahami materi dan juga dalam mengemukakan ide yang dapat memaksimalkan hasil belajar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada atau tidaknya pengaruh model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan Snowball Throwing terhadap hasil belajar IPA pada siswa kelas IV SDN Bondrang Kecamatan Sawoo Kabupaten Ponorogo tahun pelajaran 2016/2017. Subyek dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas IV SDN 1 Bondrang dan siswa kelas IV SDN 2 Bondrang. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode penelitian eksperimen. Pengambilan sampel penelitian dilakukan dengan sampling jenuh. Sedangkan dalam rangka pengumpulan data peneliti menggunakan metode tes, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah uji prasyarat dan uji hipotesis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran Snowball Throwing dapat mempengaruhi hasil belajar IPA siswa kelas IV SDN Bondrang Kabupaten Ponorogo, dimana diperoleh hasil nilai rata-rata pada kelas eksperimen adalah 83,23 dan pada kelas kontrol adalah 71,47. Simpulan pada penelitian ini adalah ada pengaruh dari penerapan model pembelajaran kooperatif dengan Snowball Throwing terhadap hasil belajar IPA pada siswa kelas IV SDN Bondrang Kecamatan Sawoo Kabupaten Ponorogo tahun pelajaran 2016/2017.
Asesmen Portofolio dalam Pembelajaran IPA di Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Muna Izza Aliyatul
Published: January 2020

Pentingnya sistem penilaian yang dapat mengukur kemampuan siswa secara kognitif, afektif, dan psikomotorik maka diperlukan suatu asesmen yang dapat mengukur hasil belajar siswa yang tidak hanya bisa diukur dengan nilai melalui tes tertulis, jadi agar kualitas pembelajaran dapat berkembang lebih baik maka dibutuhkan asesmen portofolio yang merupakan bagian dari penilaian kelas yang saat ini dikembangkan. Portofolio merupakan kumpulan hasil karya siswa yang membutuhkan kinerja sesuai konteks, adapun contoh-contoh hal apa saja yang dapat dimasukkan siswa ke dalam portofolio adalah tes, hasil karya yang telah dievaluasi untuk tugas wajib siswa, tugas-tugas kinerja, dan proyek kerja seperti makalah atau tugas lainnya yang dibuat oleh siswa sendiri. Dengan menerapkan penilaian alternatif yaitu salah satunya penilaian portofolio terhadap siswa, dapat dikumpulkan bukti-bukti kemajuan siswa secara aktual yang dapat digunakan sebagai bahan pertimbangan untuk memperbaiki proses pembelajaran selanjutnya.Selain itu penilaian seperti ini dirasakan lebih adil dan transparan bagi siswa serta dapat meningkatkan motivasi siswa untuk terlibat secara aktif dalam proses pembelajaran.
Pengaruh Kemampuan Membaca Pemahaman Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Matematika Pada Pokok Bahasan Soal Cerita Kelas IV
Authors: Rudyanto Hendra Erik
Published: January 2020

Membaca, menulis dan berhitung merupakan kesatuan yang menjadi kebiasaan semua orang. Apalagi bagi peserta didik, tiada hari tanpa ketiga kegiatan tersebut. Ketika siswa mengalami hambatan dalam memahami isi soal cerita, maka siswapun sulit untuk menyelesaikan soal dengan baik. Dengan demikian, prestasi belajar siswa akan menurun karena berulang kali melakukan kesalahan dalam menyelesaikan soal. Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk membuktikan apakah terdapat pengaruh antara kemampuan membaca pemahaman terhadap prestasi belajar matematika pada pokok bahasan soal cerita kelas IV SDN 02 Kertosari Kabupaten Madiun tahun pelajaran 2016/2017. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian adalah siswa kelas IV SDN 02 Kertosari yang berjumlah 28 siswa dari dua sekolah di kelurahan Kertosari. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dengan teknik sampel jenuh, sehingga yang ada pada populasi digunakan sebagai sampel secara keseluruhan. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu teknik tes pilihan ganda pada variabel X dan tes isian pada variabel Y. Uji prasyarat yang dilakukan adalah uji normalitas, uji linearitas, dan uji homogenitas. Analisis data penelitian menggunakan regresi linear sederhana dengan menghitung nilai a, nilai b, dan nilai r, nilai t, serta koefisien determinasi untuk mengetahui seberapa besar kontribusi antar variabel.Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, koefisien determinasi yang didapatkan adalah 0,5254 atau 52,54% dan sisanya dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain. Sehingga, dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh kemampuan membaca pemahaman terhadap prestasi belajar matematika pada pokok bahasan soal cerita siswa kelas IV SDN 02 Kertosari tahun pelajaran 2016/2017.
Penerapan Model PBL dan GI Terhadap Kemampuan Menganalisis Fenomena Sosial Berorientasi Pendekatan Interdisipliner
Authors: Imron Ilmawati Fahmi , Aka Kukuh Andri
Published: January 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemampuan menganalisis fenomena sosial berorientasi pendekatan interdisipliner pembelajaran IPS, dan mendeskripsikan perbedaan kemampuan menganalisis fenomena sosial berorientasi pendekatan interdisipliner pembelajaran IPS  dengan menerapkan model PBL dan GI pada mahasiswa PGSD UN PGRI Kediri.

Jenis penelitian ini adalah eksperimental dengan rancangan penelitian Nonequivalent Groups Design yakni rancangan ini dilakukan perbandingan perlakuan model yang diterapkan oleh kelompok A dan model kelompok B untuk mengetahui kemampuan menganalisis fenomena sosial pembelajaran IPS pada mahasiswa PGSD UN PGRI Kediri. Kelompok A menggunakan model PBL (Problem Based Learning) dan kelompok B menggunakan GI (Group Investigation). Subjek penelitian adalah mahasiswa UN PGRI Kediri. Teknik yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pemberian tes. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dalam penelitian ini adalah lembar penilaian atau lembar tes tulis berbentuk soal uraian yang mengacu pada indikator kemampuan menganalisis fenomena sosial berorientasi pendekatan interdisipliner.

Teknik analisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan statistik inferensial. Hasil pada penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan kemampuan menganalisis fenomena sosial pada kelas PBL dan GI ditunjukkan t hitung 6,069 dengan signifikansinya 0,000<0,050. Dari perbedaan tersebut model PBL ditentukan lebih unggul dibandingkan dengan model GI, berdasarkan perbandingan nilai posttest dan pretest. Selisih model PBL yakni 16,08 point, sedangkan model GI yakni 6,56 point.
Pengembangan Kompetensi Profesional Calon Guru PKn MI: Pemahaman tentang Paradigma Baru PKn
Authors: Ulfah Nufikha
Published: January 2020

Pendidikan merupakan sebuah proses dimana guru membantu peserta didik ke dalam sebuah perubahan yang dianggap baik. Inti dari sebuah pendidikan ialah sebuah proses belajar mengajar. Guru sebagai pemegang peranan utama, dimana guru memandu sebuah proses pembelajaran dan menciptakan hubungan timbal balik Antara guru dan peserta didik dalam suasana belajar demi tercapainya tujuan pembelajaran. Pendidikan kewarganegaraan sebagai program kurikuler berfungsi sebagai wahana pengembangan karakter yang demokrasi dan bertanggung jawab. Melalui pembelajaran PKn di sekolah sebagai pusat pengembangan wawasan, sikap, dan keterampilan dalam kehidupan demokratis. Oleh karena itu, agar proses pembelajaran dan bimbingan dapat terarah dan mencapai yujuan yang telah ditetapkan maka seorang calon guru PKn MI harus mulai mengembangkan kompetensi profesionalnya yang berkenaan dengan kemampuan mengemas sebuah pembelajaran yang mencakup penguasaan materi pembelajaran bidang studi dan substansi keilmuan pada kurikulum mata pelajaran (materi, struktur, konsep serta pola pikir keilmuan yang mendukung PKn).

Tugas PKn dengan paradigma barunya (paradigma dalam konteks ini merupakan cara berpikir baru tentang PKn yang sifatnya mendasar seperti: materi pokok keilmuan, visi dan misi, serta model atau kerangka berpikir yang digunakan dalam proses pendidikan kewarganegaraan di Indonesia) yaitu mengembangkan pendidikan demokrasi dengan tiga fungsi pokoknya yaitu mengembangkan kecerdasan warga negara (civic intelligence), membina tanggung jawab warga negara (civic responsibility), dan mendorong partisipasi warga negara (civic participation). Seorang calon guru PKn MI wajib mempersiapkan kemampuannya dalam memahami paradigm baru PKn sehingga kelak dalam praktiknya kelak para calon guru PKn MI tidak lagi mengalami kesulitan dalam memilih dan menyusun materi serta menentukan model pembelajaran yang cocok untuk pokok bahasan tertentu.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Strategi Kontra Radikalisme Santri Pesantren
Authors: Ardiansyah Mochammad Zaka
Published: January 2020

Radikalisme yang merasuki pesantren menurut Tan dapat dicegah dengan mendorong pesantren menerapkan educative tradition guna mengembalikan pesantren pada wajah aslinya, Islamic school with a smiling face, lembaga pendidikan Islam berwajah ramah. Meski beberapa parameter educative tradition kontradiktif dengan tradisi pesantren yang menjunjung tinggi kepatuhan total pada kiai, namun beberapa lainnya penting untuk diterapkan, seperti mendorong santri-siswa pesantren berpikir kritis dan kreatif. Untuk mewujudkan keduanya santri-siswa, pengelola lembaga pendidikan di bawah holding institution pesantren seyogyanya mendesain pembelajaran yang dapat menghasilkan siswa memiliki keterampilan berpikir tingkat tinggi (Higher-Order Thinking Skills/HOTS), yakni tidak hanya puas pada hafalan dan pemahaman, namun juga mengarahkan pembelajaran untuk menganalisis masalah dan konsep, mengevaluasi realitas lapangan dan merumuskan problem solving atas masalah sosial. Ikhtiar ini diharapkan menjadi solusi mencegah tekstualisme-fanatisme berpikir yang dapat menjangkit santri dan alumni pesantren.
Pembelajaran Kontekstual Learning dalam Strategi Adaptasi Masyarakat Terhadap Bencana Abrasi Pada Materi Mitigasi Bencana di Kelas X IPS SMA Negeri 1 Kragan
Authors: Ronggowulan Lintang
Published: January 2020

Sumber belajar pendidikan mengenai bencana abrasi masih kurang. Sumber belajar mengenai abrasi pantai diharapkan dapat meminimalisirkan resiko bencana abrasi, serta diharapkan pula dengan adanya sumber belajar mengenai bencana abrasi ini mampu menambah wawasan bagi para siswa dan pembaca. Penelitian dilakukan di Kecamatan Kragan dan Kecamatan Sarang yang termasuk wilayah pesisir Kabupaten Rembang bagian timur. Uji coba suplemen penelitian dilakukan di SMA Negeri 1 Kragan Kabupaten Rembang. Pengembangan materi ajar dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan Research and Development. Sebagai implementasi dalam pendidikan, penelitian ini kemudian diimplementasikan dalam modul pembelajaran berupa Modul Pembelajaran Kontekstual Stategi Adaptasi Bencana Abrasi yang dapat digunakan dalam Materi Mitigasi Bencana di kelas X semester 2 Kurikulum 2013. Hassil uji coba dilakukan di SMA N 1 Kragan dan respon yang diberikan oleh tim ahli, guru geografi dan siswa sangat layak.
Pengelolaan Kelas dalam Melaksanakan Pembelajaran Aktif
Authors: Muyasaroh Siti
Published: January 2020

Pengelolaan kelas adalah kegiatan yang terencana yang sengaja dilakukan oleh guru dengan tujuan untuk menciptakan dan mempertahankan kondisi yang optimal, membangun iklim sosio-emosional yang positif serta menciptakan suasana hubungan interpersonal yang baik. Sehingga diharapkan proses belajar dan mengajar dapat berjalan secara efektif dan efesien, sehingga tercapai tujuan pembelajaran. Peningkatan mutu pendidikan akan tercapai apabila proses belajar mengajar yang diselenggarakan di kelas benar-benar efektif dan berguna untuk mencapai kemampuan pengetahuan, sikap dan keterampilan yang diharapkan. Karena pada dasarnya proses belajar mengajar merupakan inti dari proses pendidikan secara keseluruhan, di antaranya guru merupakan salah satu faktor yang penting dalam menentukan berhasilnya proses belajar mengajar di dalam kelas.
Metode Creative Problem Solving (CPS) dengan Media Berbasis Information Communication Technology (ICT) untuk Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar
Authors: Mardayanti Mella
Published: January 2020

Peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa menjadi salah satu keberhasilan proses belajar-mengajar, dimana semakin baik usaha siswa dalam belajar, maka semakin baik prestasi belajar siswa. akan tetapi persoalannya tidak semua siswa memiliki peningkatan prestasi belajar. Persoalan tidak adanya peningkatan prestasi belajar siswa menjadi persoalan dalam proses belajar mengajar untuk segera dicarikan solusinya. Hal ini juga terjadi di SMK Negeri I Surakarta Jurusan Administrasi Perkantoran pada mata pelajaran memahami prinsip-prinsip penyelenggaraan administrasi perkantoran mengalami persoalan dalam prestasi belajar yang diberikan dikelas X AP 1 dan X AP 2.

Jenis penelitian yang digunakan peneliti dalam penelitian ini ialah penelitian tindakan kelas dimana pengambilan data menggunakan wawancara, obesrvasi, dokumentasi, tes hasil belajar mengajar. Sedangkan validitas data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah teknik trianggulasi, selanjutnya analisis data yang digunakan yaitu melakukan pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.

Hasil penelitian dengan metode pembelajaran Creative Problem Solving dengan media berbasis Information Communication Technology (ICT) ini dilakukan dalam dua siklus. Tiap siklus dilaksanakan dalam 4 kali pertemuan, dimana masing-masing pertemuan berlangsung selama 90 menit. Penerapan Metode pembelajaran Creative Problem Solving dengan media berbasis Information Communication Technology (ICT) telah dapat meningkatkan prestasi belajar siswa. Dimana pada penerapan metode pembelajaran Creative Problem Solving dengan media berbasis Information Communication Technology (ICT), siswa diajak untuk serta dalam semua proses pembelajaran, tidak hanya mental tetapi juga melibatkan fisik. Dengan variasi pembelajaran yang terdiri dari diskusi kelompok dan presentasi membuat siswa merasakan suasana belajar yang lebih menyenangkan dan materi yang disajikan dalam bentuk slide menjadi lebih mudah dipahami.
A Comparison of Contiguous Two-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion using a Structural Allograft versus a Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cage: The Results of a Three-Year Follow-up
Authors: MOO ING HOW , Kam Carmen Jia Wen , Lai Maksim Wen Sheng , Yeo William , Soh Reuben Chee Cheong
Published: January 2020

Background: Allografts and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages are the two most commonly used material in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). However, their effectiveness in in two-level ACDF remains controversial. The primary aim of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two-level ACDF with plate fixation using either a structural allograft or a PEEK cage.
Methods: From 2010 to 2015, 88 consecutive patients underwent a two-level ACDF of which 53 used an allograft and 35 patients with a PEEK cage. All PEEK cages were filled with local autografts. All clinical outcomes were prospectively collected preoperatively, at six months and at two years after surgery. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using visual analogue scale for neck pain and limb pain, the Neck Pain and Disability Score, Neck Disability Index, Neurogenic Symptom Score, and the Japan Orthopedic Association score. Radiological outcomes were assessed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at the final follow-up.

Results: A preoperative comparison revealed no difference between the two patient groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, preoperative symptoms, operated levels, and follow-up (mean= 42.8 months). No difference in improvements in the clinical outcome between the two groups was observed. Both groups showed significant improvement in mean disc height, segmental height, and segmental lordosis postoperatively. The fusion rates for PEEK cage was 100% at both levels while the fusion rates for allograft group was 98.1% at cephalad level and 94.2% at caudad level (p>0.05). Subsidence at the cephalad level occurred in 22.9% (8/35) segments in the PEEK group and 7.7% (4/52) segments in the allograft group (p=0.057). At the caudal level, a higher cage subsidence was noted in the PEEK group compared to the allograft group [37.1% (13/35) versus 15.4% (8/52)] (p=0.02). Overall, subsidence was noted in 30% (21/70) of the PEEK group and in 11% (12/104) of the allograft group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The use of PEEK cages resulted in a higher rate of subsidence in two-level ACDF as compared to allograft. Two-level ACDF using either allografts or PEEK cages resulted in similar clinical outcomes, radiological improvements in alignment and fusion rates.
A randomised controlled trial of hearing and vision support in dementia: Protocol for a process evaluation in the SENSE-Cog Trial
Authors: Leroi Iracema , Armitage Christopher J. , Collin Fidéline , Frison Eric , Hann Mark , Hooper Emma , Reeves David , Simkin Zoe , Wolski Lucas
Published: January 2020

Background: Optimising hearing and vision function may be important in improving a range of outcomes for people living with dementia (PwD) and their companions. The SENSE-Cog cross-national randomised controlled trial (RCT) is evaluating the effectiveness of a sensory intervention (SI) to improve quality of life for PwD with concurrent hearing and/or vision impairment, in five European countries. To ascertain how or why the intervention will, or will not, achieve its outcomes, we have designed a process evaluation to explore potential discrepancies between expected and observed outcomes. This will also help us to understand how context may influence the outcomes. Here we describe the protocol for this process evaluation, which is embedded within the RCT. Methods and analysis: We will use a mixed method approach with a theoretical framework derived from the UK Medical Research Council’s’ guidance on process evaluations. It will include the following: (1) evaluating how key aspects of the intervention will be delivered, which will be important to scale the intervention in real world populations; (2) characterising the contextual issues, which may shape the delivery and the impact of the intervention in different countries; and (3) investigating possible causal mechanisms through analyses of potential moderators and mediators. To avoid bias, we will analyse the process data before the analysis of the main effectiveness outcomes. Discussion: This evaluation will provide insight into how the complex SENSE-Cog SI will be tailored, enacted and received, across the different European contexts, all of which have unique health and social care economies. The findings will provide insight into the causal mechanisms effecting change, and will determine whether we should implement the intervention, if effective, on a wider scale for PwD and concurrent sensory impairment. Trial registration number: ISRCTN17056211. Registered on 19 February 2018. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17056211
Effects of a vocational rehabilitation programme on return to work among sick-listed primary health care patients A population-based matched, case-control study
Authors: von Celsing Anna-Sophia , Kristiansson Per , Svärdsudd Kurt , Wallman Thorne
Published: January 2020

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of a multidisciplinary vocational programme in sick-listed, primary health care patients as compared to matched non-programme patients. Methods: The design was a 3-year prospective population-based, matched case-control study. It was set in a large primary healthcare centre in the city of Eskilstuna, Sweden. The subjects were 943 sickness-certified patients (482 women and 461 men). Intervention: 170 high-risk patients and a matched control group (n = 340) with similar risk for not returning to work within expected time, based on propensity score was created. The intervention group passed a multidisciplinary medical assessment and a coordinated vocational programme, while the control group received usual care by their general practitioner. Main outcome measures: Sick leave conclusion and the day when it occurred. Results: The follow-up time was subdivided into four periods. During the first two periods, days 1–14 and days 15–112 after baseline, the intervention group had a significantly lower sick leave conclusion rate than the control group (hazard ratios, (HR) 0.32, 95% CI 0.20–0.51, p < 0.0001 and 0.47, 95% CI 0.35–0.64). During the third period, days 113–365, the intervention group had an insignificantly lower conclusion rate (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46–1.08, p = 0.10), and during the fourth follow-up period, days 366–1096, the intervention group had an insignificantly higher conclusion rate than the control group (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.69–1.96, p = 0.58). Across the total follow-up period, the intervention group had a lower conclusion rate than the control group (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.45–0.66, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: No positive significant effects of the rehabilitation programme on time to sick leave conclusion were found.
Antibiotic use among twelve Canadian First Nations communities: A retrospective chart review of skin and soft tissue infections
Authors: Author) Dahn Jeong(Former Corresponding , Nguyen Ha Nhan Thi , Tyndall Mark , Author) Yoko S Schreiber(New Corresponding
Published: January 2020

Background Previous publications indicated an emerging issue with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), particularly skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), in Indigenous communities in Canada. The objectives of this analysis were to explore the prevalence of SSTIs due to CA-MRSA and patterns of antimicrobial use in the community setting.Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted as part of an environmental scan to assess antibiotic prescriptions in 12 First Nations communities across five provinces in Canada including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Charts were randomly selected from nursing stations and patients who had accessed care in the previous 12 months and were ≥18 years were included in the review. Data was collected from September to December, 2013 on antibiotic prescriptions, including SSTIs, clinical symptoms, diagnostic information including presence of CA-MRSA infection, and treatment.Results A total of 372 charts were reviewed, 60 from Alberta, 70 from Saskatchewan, 120 from Manitoba, 100 from Ontario, and 22 from Québec. Among 372 patients, 224 (60.2%) patients had at least one antibiotic prescription in the previous 12 months and 569 prescriptions were written in total. The prevalence of SSTIs was estimated at 36.8% (137 cases of SSTIs in 372 charts reviewed). In 137 cases of SSTIs, 34 (24.8%) were purulent infections, and 55 (40.2%) were due to CA-MRSA.Conclusions This study has identified a high prevalence of antibiotic use and SSTIs due to CA-MRSA in remote and isolated Indigenous communities across Canada. This population is currently hard to reach and under-represented in standard surveillance system and randomized retrospective chart reviews can offer complimentary methodology for monitoring disease burden, treatment and prevention.
Comorbidities associated with HPV infection among people living with HIV-1 in the Southeastern US: a retrospective clinical cohort study
Authors: Ye Yuanfan , Burkholder Greer A. , Wiener Howard W. , Griffin Russell , Aslibekyan Stella , Fry Karen , Khan Ashraf , Shrestha Sadeep
Published: January 2020

Background: The southeastern US is an epicenter for incident HIV in the US with high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) co-infections. However, epidemiologies of HPV-associated clinical conditions (CC) among people living with HIV-1 infection (PLWH) are not fully known. Methods: Electronic medical records (EMR) of PLWH attending one of the leading HIV clinics in the southeastern US between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed and analyzed. The retrospective study was nested within the University of Alabama at Birmingham HIV clinical cohort, which has electronically collected over 7000 PLWH’s clinical and sociobehavioral data since 1999. Incidence rates of HPV-related CC including anogenital warts, penile, anal, cervical, and vaginal/vulvar low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL and HSIL) were estimated per 10000 person years. Joinpoint regressions were performed to examine temporal changes in the trends of incident CC. All rates and trends were stratified by gender and race. Results: Of the 4,484 PLWH included in the study (3,429 men, 1,031 women, and 24 transgender), we observed 1,038 patients with HPV-related CC. The median nadir CD4 count (cells/uL) was higher in the HPV-condition free group than the case groups (P<0.0001). Anogenital warts, anal LSIL, HSIL, and cancer were more likely to be diagnosed among HIV-infected men than women. White men presented more frequently with anal LSIL and anal and penile cancers than black men (P<0.03). White women were also more likely to be diagnosed with cervical HSIL (P=0.023) and cancer (P=0.037) than black women Conclusions: There were significant differences between gender and race with incidence of HPV-related CC among HIV patients. EMR-based studies provide insights on understudied HPV-related anogenital conditions in PLWH; however, large-scale studies in other regions are needed to generalize current findings and draw public health attention to co-infection induced non-AIDS defining comorbidities among PLWH.
Photosynthetic characteristics and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) grown under different LED wavelengths
Authors: Gao Song , Liu Xuena , Liu Ying , Cao Bili , Chen Zijing , Xu Kun
Published: January 2020

Background: The optimized illumination of plants using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is beneficial to their photosynthetic performance, and in recent years, LEDs have been widely used in horticultural facilities. However, there are significant differences in the responses of different crops to different wavelengths of light. Thus, the influence of artificial light on photosynthesis requires further investigation to provide theoretical guidelines for the light environments used in industrial crop production. In this study, we tested the effects of different LEDs (white, W; blue, B; green, G; yellow, Y; and red, R) with the same photon flux density (300 μmol/m 2 ·s) on the growth, development, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, leaf structure, and chloroplast ultrastructure of Welsh onion ( Allium fistulosum L.) plants.
Results: Plants in the W and B treatments had significantly higher height, leaf area, and fresh weight than those in the other treatments. The photosynthetic pigment content and net photosynthetic rate ( P n ) in the W treatment were significantly higher than those in the monochromatic light treatments, the transpiration rate ( E ) and stomatal conductance ( G s ) were the highest in the B treatment, and the intercellular CO 2 concentration ( C i ) was the highest in the Y treatment. The non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) was the highest in the Y treatment, but the other chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics differed among treatments in the following order: W > B > R > G > Y. This includes the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) under dark adaptation (Fv/Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII under light adaptation (Fv′/Fm′), photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), actual photochemical efficiency (ΦPSII), and apparent electron transport rate (ETR). Finally, the leaf structure and chloroplast ultrastructure showed the most complete development in the B treatment.
Conclusions: White and blue light significantly improved the photosynthetic efficiency of Welsh onions, whereas yellow light reduced the photosynthetic efficiency.
Genome-wide identification of expansin gene family reveals expansin genes are involved in fibre cells growth in cotton
Authors: Lv Limin , Zuo Dongyun , Wang Xingfen , Cheng Hailiang , Zhang Youping , Wang Qiaolian , Song Guoli , Ma Zhiying
Published: January 2020

Background : Expansins ( EXPs ), a group of proteins that loosen plant cell walls and cellulosic materials, are involved in regulating cell growth and diverse developmental processes in plants. However, the biological functions of this gene family are still unknown in cotton.
Results: In this paper, we identified a total of 93 expansin genes in Gossypium hirsutum . These genes were classified into four subfamilies, including 67 GhEXPAs , 8 GhEXPBs , 6 GhEXLAs , and 12 GhEXLBs , and divided into 15 subgroups. All 93 expansin genes are distributed over 24 chromosomes excluding Ghir_A02 and Ghir_D06. All GhEXP genes contain multiple exons and each GhEXP protein has multiple conserved motifs. Transcript profiling and qPCR analysis revealed that the expansin genes have distinct expression patterns in different stages of cotton fibre development. Among them, 3 genes ( GhEXPA4o , GhEXPA1A , and GhEXPA8h ) were highly expressed in the initiation stage, 9 genes ( GhEXPA4a , GhEXPA13a , GhEXPA4f , GhEXPA4q , GhEXPA8f , GhEXPA2 , GhEXPA8g , GhEXPA8a , and GhEXPA4n ) had high expression during the fast elongation stage, while GhEXLA1c and GhEXLA1f were preferentially expressed in the transition stage of fibre development.
Conclusions: Our results provide a solid basis for further elucidation of biological functions of expansin genes in cotton fibre development and valuable genetic resources used for crop improvement in the future.
A maternal GOT1 novel variant associated with early-onset severe preeclampsia identified by whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Zhang Lin , Cao Zheng , Feng Fan , Xu Ya-Nan , LI LIN , Gao Hong
Published: January 2020

Purpose This study wants to know the genetic cause of preeclampsia (PE) which is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal death, but the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause PE remain poorly understood. Many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified by genome-wide association studies and were found to be associated with PE; however, few studies have used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify PE mutations. Methods Five patients with severe early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) were recruited, and WES was performed on each patient. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the potential causative genetic mutation. Results After a stringent bioinformatics analysis, a rare mutation in the GOT1 gene, c.44C>G:p.P15R, was found in one patient. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the mutation site is highly conserved across several species and was predicted to be a pathogenic mutation according to several online mutational function prediction software packages. Further structural biology homology modeling suggested that P15R would change the electric environment of enzymatic center, and might affect the binding affinity of substrate or product. Conclusion We demonstrated for the first time that the mutation in GOT1 may be associated with EOPE, the results of this study provide researchers and clinicians with a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie maternal severe EOPE.
SCreg: A Registration-based Platform to Compare Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty SPECT/CT Scans
Authors: Dandois Félix , De Buck Stijn , Beckers Lucas , Shah Darshan , Slane Laura , Vandenneucker Hilde , Scheys Lennart
Published: January 2020

Background A combination of conventional computed tomography and single photon emitted computed tomography (SPECT/CT) provides simultaneous data on the intensity and location of osteoblastic activity. Currently, since SPECT/CT scans are not spatially aligned, scans following knee arthroplasty are compared by extracting average and maximal values of osteoblastic activity intensity from large subregions of the structure of interest, which leads to a loss of resolution, and hence, information. Therefore, this paper describes the SPECT/CT registration platform (SCreg) based on the principle of image registration to spatially align SPECT/CT scans following unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) and allow full resolution intra-subject and inter-subject comparisons. Methods SPECT-CT scans of 20 patients were acquired before and 1 year after UKA. Firstly, scans were pre-processed to account for differences in voxel sizes and divided in volumes of interest. This was followed by optimization of registration parameters according to their volumetric agreement, and alignment using a combination of rigid, affine and non-rigid registration. Finally, radiotracer uptakes were normalized, and differences between pre-operative and post-operative activity were computed for each voxel. Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was performed to compare Dice similarity coefficients pre- and post-registration. Results Qualitative and quantitative validation of the platform assessing the correct alignment of SPECT/CT scans resulted in Dice similarity coefficient values over 80% and distances between predefined anatomical landmarks below the fixed threshold of (2;2;0) voxels. Locations of increased and decreased osteoblastic activity obtained during comparisons of osteoblastic activity before and after UKA were mainly consistent with literature. Conclusions Thus, a full resolution comparison performed on the platform could assist surgeons and engineers in optimizing surgical parameters in view of bone remodeling, thereby improving UKA survivorship.
Promoting rational antibiotic prescribing for non-complicated infections: Understanding social influence in primary care networks in Germany
Authors: Poss-Doering Regina , Kamradt Martina , Glassen Katharina , Andres Edith , Kaufmann-Kolle Petra , Wensing Michel
Published: January 2020

Background Primary care networks in Germany are formalized regional collaborations of physicians and other healthcare providers. Common goals are optimized healthcare processes and services for patients, enhanced communication, agency for professional concerns and strengthened economic power. In the ARena study (Sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance), 14 primary care networks in two federal German states aimed to promote appropriate antibiotics use for acute non-complicated infections by fostering awareness and understanding. Factors related to the role of primary care networks were to be identified. Methods For this study, audio-recorded telephone interviews were conducted with physicians, non-physician health professionals and stakeholder representatives. Pseudonymized verbatim transcripts were coded using thematic analysis. In-depth analysis was based on the inductive categories ‘social support’, ‘social learning’, ‘social normative pressures’ and ‘social contagion’ to reflect social influence processes. Data generated through a survey with physicians and non-physician health professionals were analyzed descriptively to foster understanding of the networks’ potential impact on antibiotic prescribing. Results Social influence processes proved to be relevant regarding knowledge transfer, manifestation of best-practice care and self-reflection. Peer communication was seen as great asset, main reason for membership and affirmative for own perspectives. All interviewed physicians (n=27) considered their network to be a strong support factor for daily routines, introduction of new routines, and continuity of care. They utilized network-offered training programs focusing on best practice guideline-oriented use of antibiotics and considered their networks supportive in dealing with patient expectations. A shared attitude combined with ARena intervention components facilitated reflected management of antibiotic prescribing. Non-physician health professionals (n=11) also valued network peer exchange. They assumed their employers joined networks to offer improved and continuous care. Stakeholders (n=7) expected networks and their members to be drivers for care optimization. Conclusion Primary care networks play a crucial role in providing a platform for professional peer exchange, social support and reassurance. With regards to their impact on antibiotic prescribing for acute non-complicated infections, networks seem to facilitate and amplify quality improvement programs by providing a platform for refreshing awareness, knowledge and self-reflection among care providers. They are well suited to promote a rational use of antibiotics.
Effects of menarche, parity, primiparous age, and reproductive diseases on uterine fibroids of rural women in China
Authors: Wu Bing-Jie , Shao Chun-Yan , Zhu Yun , Huang Kai , Wei Wu , Zhang Xiu-Jun , Hu Cheng-Yang , Zhong Fei
Published: January 2020

Objectives: Given the increasing prevalence of hysteromyoma among the Chinese rural women of childbearing age, it is imperative that more attention should be given to researching risk factors that predispose women to this condition so that early preventive measures may be taken. Our study investigates potential risk factors for uterine fibroids such as participants' demographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, education), physiological characteristics (age at menarche, primiparous age), and the occurrence of several different female reproductive diseases (vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease).Methods: 2,200 rural women of reproductive age were screened from a cross-sectional study carried out in the Anhui province. Data was collected by questionnaire surveys, gynecological and laboratory examinations and were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate the risk factors for uterine fibroids.Results: Of the 2,200 women, 440 had uterine fibroids. In general, women with endometriosis, ovarian cysts and early menarche were more likely to suffer from hysteromyoma. Factors including higher parity, late age of first childbirth, and a regular menstrual cycle were protective against uterine fibroids.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that parameters such as earlier age of menarche, early primiparous age，lower parity and a variety of female reproductive diseases could increase the risk of uterine fibroids. These findings may be used to guide the formulation of effective prevention and intervention protocols to improve the reproductive health of rural women.
Emergence of human avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infections in Wenshan City in Southwest China, 2017
Authors: Jiang Li , Zhao Xiaonan , Xu Wen , Zhou Xuehua , Luo Chunrui , Zhou Jiunan , Fu Xiaoqing , Chen Yaoyao , Li Duo
Published: January 2020

Background: The emergence of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus was reported in Wenshan City, southwestern China in 2017. The study describes the epidemiological and virological features of the outbreak and discusses the origin of the infection. Methods: Poultry exposure and timelines of key events for each patient were collected. Samples derived from the patients, their close contacts, and environments were tested for influenza A(H7N9) virus by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Genetic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were also conducted. Results: Five patients were reported in the outbreak. An epidemiological investigation showed that all patients had been exposed at live poultry markets. The A(H7N9) isolates from these patients had low pathogenicity in avian species. Both epidemiological investigations of chicken sources and phylogenetic analysis of viral gene sequences indicated that the source of infection was from Guangxi Province, which lies 100 km to the east of Wenshan City. Conclusions: In the study, a sudden emergence of human cases of H7N9 was documented in urban area of Wenshan City. Chickens were an important carrier in the H7N9 virus spreading from Guangxi to Wenshan. Hygienic management of live poultry markets and virological screening of chickens transported across regions should be reinforced to limit the spread of H7N9 virus.
Hotspots of unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia: Mapping and Spatial analysis of Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey Data 2016
Authors: Bogale Getahun Gebre
Published: January 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of chloroformic and methanolic extracts of 6 important medicinal plants collected from North of Iran
Authors: Ghahari Somayeh , Hadadi Zahra , Nematzadeh Ghorban Ali
Published: January 2020

Background: as possible sources of natural bioactive molecules, the plant essential oils and extracts have been used globally in new antimicrobial compounds, food preservatives, and alternatives to treat infectious disease.Methods: In this research, the antimicrobial activities of chloroformic and methanolic extracts of Sophora flavescens, Rhaponticum repens, Alhagi maurorum, Melia azedarach, Peganum harmala, and Juncus conglomeratus were evaluated against 8 bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis, R. toxicus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, P. syringae, X. campestris, P. viridiflava) and 3 fungi (Pyricularia oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea), through disc diffusion method. Furthermore, the essential oils of plants with the highest antibacterial activity were analyzed utilizing GC/MS. Moreover, the tested plants were exposed to screening for possible antioxidant effect utilizing DPPH test, guaiacol peroxidas, and catalase enzymes. Besides, the amount of total phenol and flavonoid of these plants was measured. Results: Among the tested plants, methanolic and chloroformic extracts of P. harmala fruits showed the highest antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Besides, the investigation of free radical scavenging effects of the tested plants indicated the highest DPPH, protein, guaiacol peroxidase, and catalase in P. harmala, M. azedarach, J. conglomeratus fruits, and J. conglomeratus fruits, respectively. In addition, the phytochemical analysis demonstrated the greatest amounts of total phenolic and flavonoid compositions in J. conglomeratus and P. harmala, respectively.Conclusion: The results indicated that these plants could act as a promising antimicrobial agent, due to their short killing time.
Hypertonic glucose inhibits growth and attenuates virulence factors of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa by regulating quorum sensing
Authors: Chen Tao , Xu Ye , Xu Wenya , Liao Wenli , Xu Chunquan , Zhang Xiucai , Cao Jianming , Zhou Tieli
Published: January 2020

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common Gram-negative pathogen responsible for chronic wound infections such as diabetic foot infections, which make chronic wound treatment become increasingly difficult and costly, further exacerbated. Hypertonic glucose, a commonly used prolotherapy solution, can accelerate the proliferation of granulation tissue and improve microcirculation in the wound, but the knowledge of the impacts that hypertonic glucose has on wound infecting pathogens has lagged. In this study, we aim to investigate the inhibitory effects of hypertonic glucose on diabetic foot infecting multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, to offer a novel approach to control the chronic wound infections caused by P. aeruginosa. Results: Four multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical strains isolated from diabetic foot ulcers from a tertiary hospital in China and P. aeruginosa PAO1 were studied. Hypertonic glucose had a remarkable inhibitory effect on growth of PAO1 and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. Furthermore, hypertonic glucose significantly inhibited the formation of biofilm, the ability of swimming, and the production of virulence factors including pyocyanin and elastase in all P. aeruginosa strains. We examined the expressions of major quorum sensing related genes (lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR) in P.aeruginosa and found these genes were all downregulated after hypertonic glucose treatment. In infection model of Galleria mellonella larvae, groups inoculated with P. aeruginosa strains which were treated with hypertonic glucose showed no increased survival rate than non-hypertonic glucose-treated groups. Conclusions: Our research suggested that hypertonic glucose displayed the ability to inhibit growth, biofilm formation and swimming motility as well as attenuate virulence factors of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa via regulating quorum sensing system. Further clinical studies combining hypertonic glucose with traditional antibiotics should be considered in chronic wound infections.
Characteristics of Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Older Adults after the PICMOR Intervention Program: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sugimoto Hikaru , Kawagoe Toshikazu , Otake-Matsuura Mihoko
Published: January 2020

Background: The present study aimed to provide a basis for future research examining neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of an intervention program named Photo-Integrated Conversation Moderated by Robots (PICMOR) on verbal fluency in older adults, which was identified in our previous randomized controlled trial. In this preliminary report, we conducted an additional experiment after the intervention period using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Specifically, we investigated the characteristics of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the intervention group (INT) by comparing with that of the control group (CONT). Methods: The rsfMRI data were acquired from 31 participants in INT and 30 participants in CONT after the intervention. In the analyses, two of the most important regions in verbal fluency, the left inferior and middle frontal gyri, were selected as seed regions, and the rsFCs were compared between INT and CONT. We also conducted regression analyses for rsFCs using the difference in individual scores of the phonemic verbal fluency test (PVFT) between the pre- and post-intervention periods (i.e., post- minus pre-intervention) as a dependent variable. Results: We found higher rsFC in INT than in CONT between the left inferior frontal gyrus and the temporal pole and middle frontal gyrus. The rsFC strength between the left inferior frontal gyrus and temporal pole positively correlated with an increased PVFT score between the pre- and post-intervention periods. In contrast, we found lower rsFC in INT than in CONT between the left middle frontal gyrus and the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and postcentral gyrus. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that the beneficial intervention effect of PICMOR on verbal fluency is characterized by enhanced rsFC of the left inferior frontal gyrus with semantic and executive control-related regions and suppressed rsFC between the left middle frontal gyrus and default mode network. Although we cannot make any definitive conclusions because of a lack of rsfMRI data before the intervention, this pilot study successfully provides the candidates for rsFCs, reflecting the neural mechanisms underlying the beneficial intervention effect on verbal fluency.