bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Bimbingan Kelompok Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa Di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima
Authors: Nurmaya Alya
Published: October 2021

ABSTRAK Di lingkungan SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima siswa dituntut mampu belajar dengan tekun sesuai dengan aturan yang ada di sekolah, sehingga dengan diberikan bimbingan kelompok memungkinkan siswa Kelas XI di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima, meningkatkan motivasi untuk belajar. Dan dengan adanya bimbingan kelompok akan memberikan bantuan kepada siswa melalui kegiatan bimbingan kelompok. Dalam bimbingan kelompok ini merupakan sarana untuk menunjang perkembangan optimal masing-masing siswa, yang diharapkan dapat mengambil manfaat. Artinya semua peserta dalam kegiatan kelompok saling berinteraksi, bebas mengeluarkan pendapat, menanggapi, memberi saran, dan kritik. Apa yang dibicarakan itu semuanya bermanfaat untuk diri peserta yang bersangkutan dan untuk peserta lainnya. Dengan adanya bimbingan kelompok di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima, sangat positif sekali sehingga motivasi belajar siswa yang peneliti lihat sangat realatif. Adapun upaya untuk membantu individu agar dapat mencapai perkembangan secara optimal sesuai dengan kemampuan bakat dan minat yang ada dan untuk mengambil manfaat dari hasil kegiatan tesebut. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut: Apaka ada pengaruh bimbingan kelompok terhadap motivasi belajaran siswa di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima Tahun 2016-2017. Dari rumusan masalah di atas, maka tujuan yang ingin dicapai dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui besarnya pengaruh bimbingan kelompok terhadap motivasi belajar siswa Kelas XI di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima tahun ajaran 2016/2017. Adapun ruang lingkup dalam penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut: 1) Penentuan variabel: bimbingan kelompok sebagai variabel X (variabel bebas) dan motivasi belajar sebagai variabel Y (variabel terikat); 2) Subjek Penelitian: siswa Kelas XI di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima. 3) Obyek penelitian adalah bimbingan kelompok. 4) Lokasi penelitian di SMA Negeri 2 Kota Bima. Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan rancangan penelitian kuantitatif empirik. Populasi penelitian lebih dari 100 maka peneliti membatasi sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 10% dari seluruh populasi penelitian, sehingga sampel dari penelitian ini adalah 35 orang siswa kelas X SMAN 2 Kota Bima. Adapun tehnik analisis data penelitian ini digunakan analisis regresi linear sederhana untuk menganalisis data tentang pengaruh bimbingan kelompok terhadap motivasi belajar siswa di SMAN 2 Kota Bima dengan rumus: Y' = a + bX. Berdasarkan hasil wawancara dan observasi selama penelitian dilaksanakan diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa ada pengaruh bimbingan kelompok pada mata pelajaran matematika terhadap motivasi belajar siswa di SMAN 2 KotaBima Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017, hal ini dibuktikan dari hasil analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi yang menandakan hubungan antara kedua variabel yang terlibat adalah positif dengan Y = 33,196 - 51,26 x yang artinya antara kedua variabel yang terlibat berhubungan positif. Kata Kunci: Bimbingan kelompok, motivasi belajar
ANALISIS NGGAHI NCEMBA DALAM MASYARAKAT BIMA DI KECAMATAN SAPE KABUPATEN BIMA
Authors: Irham Irham
Published: October 2021

Nggahi Ncemba merupakan salah satu jenis sastra lisan (folklor) yang tumbuh dan berkembang pada masyarakat Bima di Kecamatan Sape Kabupaten Bima. Sebagai bagian dari tradisi, Nggahi Ncemba kiranya perlu mendapatkan perhatian dari masyarakat penggunanya, maupun pemerintah. Yaitu, dengan cara meningkatkan apresiasi terhadap tradisi tersebut, seperti melakukan inventarisasi dan menganalisisnya. Hal ini dilakukan sebagai upaya pelestarian terhadap budaya lokal yang merupakan bagian dari kekayaan budaya nasional, sehingga generasi yang akan datang dapat mengenalnya. Selain itu, upaya seperti ini dilakukan untuk membentengi terjadinya akulturasi budaya tradisional. Maka penelitian yang dilakukan ini adalah bagian dari bentuk apresiasi penulis terhadap budaya tradisional dalam rangka inventarisasi, melestarikan, dan untuk menganalisis bentuk, fungsi dan nilai/makna yang terkandung dalam Nggahi Ncemba tersebut pada masyarakat penggunanya, yaitu masyarakat Bima di Kecamatan Sape Kabupaten Bima.

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Metode deskriptif kualitatif adalah metode yang menggambarkan suatu masalah dengan uraian kata-kata serta dipisahkan menurut kategori untuk memperoleh kesimpulan. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah masyarakat Bima yang tinggal di Kecamatan Sape Kabupaten Bima. Sedangkan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah perwakilan masyarakat Kecamatan Sape yang diambil secara acak dari tiap-tiap desa yang berjumlah 17 desa (masing-masing dua orang tiap desa). Cara menentukannya adalah dengan menggunakan teknik acak atau random sampling, sehingga jumlah responden/informan yang dikenai sampel sebanyak 34 orang. Objek Penelitiannya adalah bentuk, fungsi dan nilai yang terkandung dalam Nggahi Ncemba. Data dalam penelitian ini adalah bentuk, fungsi dan nilai yang terkandung dalam Nggahi Ncemba. Metode pengumpulan data, yaitu metode observasi, wawancara, rekaman, transkripsi/terjemahan, dan dokumenter. Sedangkan metode analisis data adalah identifikasi, klasifikasi dan interpretasi.

Berdasarkan metode yang digunakan, maka dalam pembahasan penelitian ini penulis menguraikan data yang diperoleh di lapangan dengan mengklasifikasikan, menginterpretasikan dan menganalisisnya. Data yang diperoleh sebanyak 50 Nggahi Ncemba yang diklasifikasikan ke dalam empat bentuk, yaitu pepatah, perumpamaan, pemeo atau pribahasa. Sedangkan fungsi dan nilai yang terkandung dalam Nggahi Ncemba, yaitu religi, pendidikan, moral, sosial, dan ekonomi.
Pengaruh Bimbingan Kelompok Terhadap Peningkatan Sikap Percaya Diri Peserta Didik Dari Keluarga Kurang Harmonis
Authors: Nurhayati Nurhayati , - Faijin , Amin Nur Syariful , - Amiruddin
Published: October 2021

Kepercayaan diri penting dimiliki oleh setiap orang terutama usia remaja, karena masa remaja sedang dalam proses perkembangan dan masa yang rentan maka dibutuhkan peran berbagai pihak untuk membantu ketuntasan masa ini. Keluarga sebagai fondasi awal pendidik dan pembentuk remaja maka peran keluarga sangat vital, oleh karena itu, penting keluarga menjalin komunikasi yang terbuka, hangat dan kooperatif yang mendukung anak remaja berkembang positif sehingga remaja tumbuh dan berkembang rasa percaya dirinya. Kondisi yang terjadi di lapangan ditemuka banyak kasus remaja yang terlibat dalam hal negatif seperti pengguna NAPZA disebabkan oleh kendali orang lain, remaja mudah putus asa, remaja menarik diri dari pergaulan sosial, bahkan remaja yang bunuh diri karena merasa tidak berguna. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk melihat pengaruh bimbingan kelompok terhadap kepercayaan diri peserta didik dari kelurga kurang harmonis. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif jenis true experiment kelompok kontrol dan kelompok eksperimen. Penelitian ini menggunakan instrumen pedoman observasi, tes dan dukumentasi. Kemudian data di analisis menggunakan statistik non parametrik uji tanda (sign test). Hasil posttest untuk kelompok eksperimen diperoleh nilai sebesar 66% dengan tujuh kali treatmen menggunakan bimbingan kelompok. Pada kelompok kontrol nilai rata-rata postestnya adalah 50% tanpa di beri perlakuan dan perbedaan perlakuan antara kedua kelompok adalah 16%.Data hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa 32,233 =3,182, maka  di tolak dan di terima dengan nilai meannya adalah 24,250.

Berdasarkan data tersebut di atas, disimpulkan bahwa bimbingan kelompok berpengaruh untuk meningkatkan sikap percaya diri peserta didik dari keluarga kurang harmonis.
PERSEPSI MAHASISWA TERHADAP PERKULIAHAN DARING DI MASA TANGGAP DARURAT COVID 19
Authors: Ekaningtias Maya , Nurmiati Nurmiati
Published: October 2021

Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Indonesia mengeluarkan kebijakan penutupan semua lembaga pendidikan termasuk perguruan tinggi di seluruh Indonesia akibat pandemi Covid 19 dan menggantikannya dengan perkuliahan daring.Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui persepsi mahasiswa terhadap perkuliahan daring dalam kondisi darurat Covid 19.Metodenya adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan menyebarkan angket online melalui aplikasi googleform.Responden adalah mahasiswa pendidikan biologi FKIP UNW Mataram berjumlah 56 orang. Hasil penelitian adalah 78% mahasiswa menyatakan banyak kendala yang dihadapi dalam perkuliahan daring; 76% berpendapat perkuliahan daring lebih efektif ditinjau dari kompetensi dosen; 74% berpendapat dalam pelaksanaan perkuliahan daring dosen memberikan performa yang memuaskan; 69% menyatakan salah satu keuntungan perkuliahan daring mahasiswa tidak ketinggalan materi dan perkuliahan lebih fleksibel; 66% menyatakan tidak fokus melaksanakan perkuliahan dikarenakan membantu orang tua; dan 66% menyatakan orang tua dapat melihat langsung aktivitas perkuliahan anaknya sehingga dapat mengetahui kesulitan atau kendala yang dihadapi anak.Selain itu, kebutuhan kuota ekstra juga menjadi beban baru bagi orang tua dan anak.Kesimpulannya adalah bagi mahasiswa beberapa kendala dihadapi dalam perkuliahan daring selain hal-hal positif yang diperoleh.Untuk itu,dibutuhkan perhatian lebih dari para pengambil kebijakan untuk memberikan solusi dalam mengantisipasi hal-hal yang menghambat tercapainya tujuan pendidikan dengan penerapan perkuliahan daring di masa tanggap darurat Covid 19
SECTORAL ROLE ANALYSIS TO STRENGTHEN THE ECONOMIC STRUCTURE (CASE STUDY OF BIMA CITY-WEST NUSA TENGGARA)
Authors: Hardinandar Fajrin , Sandi Ahmad , Said Sitaman , Suaeb Suaeb
Published: October 2021

The sectoral contribution of Bima City is very weak towards the economic structure in West Nusa Tenggara Province. The purpose of this study is to increase sectoral strength in the City of Bima and see how it contributes to performance at the provincial level. The results showed the primary sector which actually produced a decline in the City of Bima along with the industrial sector and some service sectors. All sectors in the City of Bima are still in the backward category. The sectoral contribution of Bima City is still very weak to sustain growth at the provincial level. An important finding from this study is that Bima City has a strong economic structure due to the development of the base sector, but the small number of population is sufficient to determine the number of output requests and sectoral contributions of Bima City to the economic structure at the provincial level. Perhaps the base sectors could increase the economic growth of the City of Bima but was less successful in growing growth at the provincial level.
Estimation of Left Ventricular End-Systolic Elastance From Brachial Pressure Waveform via Deep Learning
Authors: Bikia Vasiliki , Lazaroska Marija , Scherrer Ma Deborah , Zhao Méline , Rovas Georgios , Pagoulatou Stamatia , Stergiopulos Nikolaos
Published: October 2021

Determination of left ventricular (LV) end-systolic elastance (Ees) is of utmost importance for assessing the cardiac systolic function and hemodynamical state in humans. Yet, the clinical use of Ees is not established due to the invasive nature and high costs of the existing measuring techniques. The objective of this study is to introduce a method to assess cardiac contractility, using as a sole measurement an arterial blood pressure (BP) waveform. Particularly, we aim to provide evidence on the potential in using the morphology of the brachial BP waveform and its time derivative for predicting LV Eesvia convolution neural networks (CNNs). The requirement of a broad training dataset is addressed by the use of an in silico dataset (n = 3,748) which is generated by a validated one-dimensional mathematical model of the cardiovasculature. We evaluated two CNN configurations: 1) a one-channel CNN (CNN1) with only the raw brachial BP signal as an input, and 2) a two-channel CNN (CNN2) using as inputs both the brachial BP wave and its time derivative. Accurate predictions were yielded using both CNN configurations. For CNN1, Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and RMSE were equal to 0.86 and 0.27 mmHg/ml, respectively. The performance was found to be greatly improved for CNN2 (r = 0.97 and RMSE = 0.13 mmHg/ml). Moreover, all absolute errors from CNN2 were found to be less than 0.5 mmHg/ml. Importantly, the brachial BP wave appeared to be a promising source of information for estimating Ees. Predictions were found to be in good agreement with the reference Ees values over an extensive range of LV contractility values and loading conditions. Therefore, the proposed methodology could be easily transferred to the bedside and potentially facilitate the clinical use of Ees for monitoring the contractile state of the heart in the real-life setting.
Community's Vulnerability to Drought-Driven Water Scarcity and Food Insecurity in Central and Northern Semi-arid Areas of Tanzania
Authors: Mdemu Makarius V.
Published: October 2021

Droughts are one of the most serious threats to water availability, food security, and local livelihoods in the semi-arid areas of Tanzania. This paper adapted the participatory vulnerability assessment tools (causal effects, social mapping–resource mapping–social services–mobility–seasonality) to analyze the effects of prolonged droughts on semi-arid farming systems, community's vulnerability to drought effects, and the adopted coping strategies in six villages of Chamwino and Mwanga districts. Crop failure, loss of pasture, and drying of water sources were the common and major negative effects of droughts. Their consequences included food shortage and insecurity, water scarcity, and loss of livestock. The vulnerability to these effects was found to be driven by the social condition of households, resource ownership, and type of income sources. Those with good social conditions, relatively resourceful and deriving incomes from crop-livestock integration or non-agriculture, were less vulnerable and better placed to cope with the effects of droughts. Investments that build the productive resource base of a household and improve access to domestic and livestock water will contribute to long-term adaptive and drought-resilient systems in semi-arid areas of Tanzania.
Large Cities Fall Behind in “Neighborhood Biodiversity”
Authors: Cooper Daniel S. , Wood Eric M. , Katz Nurit D. , Superfisky Kat , Osborn Fiona M. , Novoselov Anna , Tarczynski Jo , Bacasen Lara K.
Published: October 2021

Urbanization is a major driver of global species loss. While cities with suitable habitats and conservation policies may support locally-high biodiversity levels, we suspected that the complexity of managing very large cities might counteract the advantage of large geographic area, and these cities may be less effective at biodiversity conservation. To answer this, we examined the relationship between the number of native indicator wildlife species (mean and maximum) in 112 cities across three metropolitan areas in California (Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose), with metrics related to scale and environmental variables. We found that indicator species richness is positively related to area, income (the luxury effect), and pervious cover—including trees, shrubs, and grasses. Despite having a high maximum number of indicator species within their boundaries, the largest cities in our study, Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, do a relatively poor job compared with smaller cities at distributing native biodiversity throughout neighborhoods, as measured by their mean species richness. Such variation in “neighborhood biodiversity” may exacerbate existing inequities in residents' access to nature. Using Los Angeles County as a case study, we compared biodiversity management within the County's 88 cities of various sizes and characteristics. We ranked General Plan wording in terms of references to biodiversity and conservation and created a management metric. We found that municipalities of various sizes that had high management scores generally had high indicator species richness. This suggests that robust policies may be able to overcome the challenges posed by city size and population.
Coexistence and Culture: Understanding Human Diversity and Tolerance in Human-Elephant Interactions
Authors: Thekaekara Tarsh , Bhagwat Shonil A. , Thornton Thomas F.
Published: October 2021

There is a growing recognition of the importance of conservation beyond protected areas, in spaces of human-wildlife coexistence. Negative human-wildlife interactions are a key challenge, but a better understanding of the forms of tolerance and mutual accommodation would be useful for coadaptation toward coexistence. To date, however, studies of human-wildlife often have been limited by a largely quantified positivist epistemology, which elides the diverse cultural and ecological contexts which enable tolerance and coexistence between humans and wildlife to develop and adhere. In Gudalur, a plantation landscape in South India, about 150 elephants share space with a quarter of a million people. Using a quantified survey coupled with ethnographic fieldwork, we aim to better understand human diversity and tolerance of elephants that allows for coexistence. We find a marked difference between communities, with ethnicity being a better predictor of tolerance than the more tangible socio-economic or geographic variables such as income, education, land holding or cropping patterns. Using qualitative data, we identify three socio-cultural variables that are relevant to tolerance–a shared history of living with elephants, mode of subsistence and type of agricultural crops, and most importantly, ontology or the fundamental understanding of “what is an elephant?” Hunter-gatherer conceptualisations of elephants as “other-than-human persons” prove to be the ontological stance best suited to coexistence, as it allows for elephant individuality and interpersonal negotiations of shared space, which is limited in other world-views, including the worshiping of elephants as Ganesha, the elephant headed deity in the Hindu Pantheon. Having identified some important differences among ethnic communities in human-elephant interactions, we consider the implications of the research for improving the management and practice of human-wildlife coexistence not only in the Nilgiri region but within the broader context of conservation and development.
Intravascular Imaging Guidance Reduce 1-Year MACE in Patients Undergoing Rotablator Atherectomy-Assisted Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation
Authors: Wongpraparut Nattawut , Bakoh Paroj , Anusonadisai Kawin , Wongsawangkit Namthip , Tresukosol Damras , Chotinaiwattarakul Chunhakasem , Phankingthongkum Rewat , Tungsubutra Wiwun , Chunhamaneewat Narathip , Towashiraporn Korakoth , Phichaphop Asa , Panchavinnin Pariya , Pongakasira Rungtiwa , Panchavinnin Pradit
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared between intravascular imaging guidance and angiographic guidance in patients undergoing rotablator atherectomy (RA)-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 265 consecutive patients with heavy calcified lesion who underwent RA-assisted PCI with DES implantation at our institution during the January 2016-December 2018 study period. This study was approved by the Siriraj Institutional Review Board. Patients were divided into either the angiographic guidance PCI group or the imaging guidance PCI group, which was defined as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography. The primary endpoint was 1-year MACE.

Results: Two hundred and sixty-five patients were enrolled, including 188 patients in the intravascular imaging guidance group, and 77 patients in the angiographic guidance group. One-year MACE was significantly lower in the imaging guidance group compared to the angiographic guidance group (4.3 vs. 28.9%, respectively; odds ratio (OR): 9.06, 95% CI: 3.82–21.52; p < 0.001). The 1-year rates of all-cause death (OR: 8.19, 95% CI: 2.15–31.18; p = 0.002), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR: 6.13, 95% CI: 2.05–18.3; p = 0.001), and target vessel revascularization (TVR) (OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.13–11.96; p = 0.031) were also significantly lower in the imaging guidance group compared with the angiographic guidance group. The rate of stroke was non-significantly different between groups.

Conclusion: In patients with heavy calcified lesion undergoing RA-assisted DES implantation, the intravascular imaging guidance significantly reduced the incidence of 1-year MACE, all-cause death, MI, and TVR compared to the angiographic guidance.
Could Statin Therapy Be Useful in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Authors: Torres-Peña Jose D. , Katsiki Niki , Perez-Martinez Pablo
Published: October 2021

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), resulting from an exaggerated inflammatory response, is the main cause of death from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Apart from respiratory infection, COVID-19 patients can develop cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial injury and myocarditis, pericarditis, cardiac arrest and arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis. Statins can beneficially affect inflammation, oxidative stress, coagulation, thrombosis, angiotensin converting enzyme receptor, lipid rafts, and endothelial function. In this narrative review, we provide a critical overview of the current evidence and future perspectives on the use of statins to modulate the severity, duration and complications of COVID-19 through their pleiotropic properties.
The Imbalance of MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 Contributes to Collagen Deposition Disorder in Diabetic Non-Injured Skin
Authors: Zhou Peng , Yang Chao , Zhang Shan , Ke Zun-Xiang , Chen Dian-Xi , Li Yi-Qing , Li Qin
Published: October 2021

The importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and its cutaneous complications has become increasingly recognized. When diabetic non-injured skin was stained with Masson’s trichrome, its dermal collagen was found to be disordered, its density was variable, and it was dispersed or arranged in vague fascicles. The collagen type I sequencing results of RNA sequencing-based transcriptome analysis of three primary human skin cell types—dermal fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and epidermal keratinocytes—under high glucose were analyzed. The results showed that both COL1A1 and COL1A2 mRNA expressions were reduced in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 in HDFs increased when treated with high glucose. By inhibiting MMP-2 and MMP-9 with SB-3CT, collagen deposition disorder of the skin in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mice was alleviated. The imbalance of MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 contributes to the non-injured skin disorder of collagen deposition in diabetes, suggesting a possibility for early treatment of diabetes skin complications.
Vegetation Assembly, Adaptive Strategies and Positive Interactions During Primary Succession in the Forefield of the Last Venezuelan Glacier
Authors: Llambí Luis D. , Melfo Alejandra , Gámez Luis E. , Pelayo Roxibell C. , Cárdenas Mariana , Rojas Cherry , Torres Jesús E. , Ramírez Nerio , Huber Bárbara , Hernández Jesús
Published: October 2021

Glaciers are receding at unprecedented rates in the alpine tropics, opening-up new areas for ecosystem assembly. However, little is known about the patterns/mechanisms of primary succession during the last stages of glacier retreat in tropical mountains. Our aim was to analyze soil development and vegetation assembly during primary succession, and the role of changing adaptive strategies and facilitative interactions on these processes at the forefront of the last Venezuelan glacier (Humboldt Peak, 4,940 m asl). We established a chronosequence of four sites where the glacier retreated between 1910 and 2009. We compared soil organic matter (SOM), nutrients and temperatures inside vs. outside biological soil crusts (BSCs) at each site, estimated the cover of lichen, bryophyte and vascular plant species present, and analyzed changes in their growth-form abundance and species/functional turnover. We also evaluated local spatial associations between lichens/bryophytes and the dominant ruderal vascular plant (the grassPoa petrosa). We found a progressive increase in SOM during the first century of succession, while BSCs only had a positive buffering effect on superficial soil temperatures. Early seral stages were dominated by lichens and bryophytes, while vascular plant cover remained low during the first six decades, and was almost exclusively represented by wind dispersed/pollinated grasses. There was a general increase in species richness along the chronosequence, but it declined in late succession for lichens. Lichen and bryophyte communities exhibited a higher species turnover than vascular plants, resulting in the loss of some pioneer specialists as succession progressed. Lichen and bryophyte species were positively associated with safe-sites for the colonization of the dominant ruderal grass, suggesting a possible facilitation effect. Our results indicate that lichens and bryophytes play a key role as pioneers in these high tropical alpine environments. The limited initial colonization of vascular plants and the progressive accumulation of species and growth-forms (i.e., direct succession) could be linked to a combination of severe environmental filtering during early seral stages and limitations for zoochoric seed dispersal and entomophilic/ornithophilic pollination. This could potentially result in a slow successional response of these ecosystems to accelerated glacier loss and climate change.
Genome-Wide Profiling Reveals Alternative Polyadenylation of Innate Immune-Related mRNA in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: An Sanqi , Li Yueqi , Lin Yao , Chu Jiemei , Su Jinming , Chen Qiuli , Wang Hailong , Pan Peijiang , Zheng Ruili , Li Jingyi , Jiang Junjun , Ye Li , Liang Hao
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused many deaths worldwide. To date, the mechanism of viral immune escape remains unclear, which is a great obstacle to developing effective clinical treatment. RNA processing mechanisms, including alternative polyadenylation (APA) and alternative splicing (AS), are crucial in the regulation of most human genes in many types of infectious diseases. Because the role of APA and AS in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains unknown, we performed de novo identification of dynamic APA sites using a public dataset of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) RNA-Seq data in COVID-19 patients. We found that genes with APA were enriched in innate immunity -related gene ontology categories such as neutrophil activation, regulation of the MAPK cascade and cytokine production, response to interferon-gamma and the innate immune response. We also reported genome-wide AS events and enriched viral transcription-related categories upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, we found that APA events may give better predictions than AS in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that APA could act as a potential therapeutic target and novel biomarker in those patients. Our study is the first to annotate genes with APA and AS in COVID-19 patients and highlights the roles of APA variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Making a Killer: Selecting the Optimal Natural Killer Cells for Improved Immunotherapies
Authors: Barnes Samantha A. , Trew Isabella , de Jong Emma , Foley Bree
Published: October 2021

Over the past 20 years natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia. Unlike T cell-based therapies, NK cells harbor an innate capacity to eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization and can be adoptively transferred between individuals without the need for extensive HLA matching. A wide variety of therapeutic NK cell sources are currently being investigated clinically, including allogeneic donor-derived NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cell lines. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all NK cells are endowed with the same antitumor potential. Despite advances in techniques to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence, the initial identification and utilization of highly functional NK cells remains essential to ensure the future success of adoptive NK cell therapies. Indeed, little consideration has been given to the identification and selection of donors who harbor NK cells with potent antitumor activity. In this regard, there is currently no standard donor selection criteria for adoptive NK cell therapy. Here, we review our current understanding of the factors which govern NK cell functional fate, and propose a paradigm shift away from traditional phenotypic characterization of NK cell subsets towards a functional profile based on molecular and metabolic characteristics. We also discuss previous selection models for NK cell-based immunotherapies and highlight important considerations for the selection of optimal NK cell donors for future adoptive cell therapies.
High Concentration and Frequent Application of Disinfection Increase the Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Psychiatric Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Yang Mi , Feng Yu , Yuan Lu , Zhao Huachang , Gao Shan , Li Zezhi
Published: October 2021

The tolerance of certain multi-drug resistant bacteria to disinfectants may be promoted while the requirements of environmental disinfection have been raised in the high-risk areas of medical institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current research addressed the mechanisms underlying a sharp increase in the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) observed in a closed-management unit of elderly patients with mental disorders in 2020 as compared with the previous 4 years. We first conducted microbial detection in staff-hand and environment and a molecular epidemiology analysis, rejecting the hypothesis that the MRSA increase was due to an outbreak. Afterward, we turned to disinfectant concentration and frequency of use and analyzed the varied MRSA detection rates with different concentrations and frequencies of disinfection in 2020 and the previous 4 years. The MRSA detection rate increased with elevated concentration and frequency of disinfection, with 1,000 or 500 mg/L two times per day since January in 2020 vs. 500 mg/L 2–3 times per week in 2016–2019. When the disinfectant concentration was reduced from 1,000 to 500 mg/L, the MRSA detection decreased which indicated a modulatory role of disinfectant concentration. With a sustained frequency of disinfection in 2020, the MRSA detection rate was still higher, even after May, than that in the previous years. This suggested that the frequency of disinfection also contributed to the MRSA increase. Overall, the MRSA detection was augmented with the increase in disinfection concentration and frequency during the COVID-19 epidemic, suggesting that highly-concentrated and highly-frequent preventive long-term disinfection is not recommended without risk assessments in psychiatric hospitals.
Clinical Analysis of Adult Severe Open-Globe Injuries in Central China
Authors: Chen Hongling , Han Junjun , Zhang Xianliang , Jin Xuemin
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To describe the characteristics, management, and outcomes of adult severe open-globe injured (OGI) eyes.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of inpatients with initial visual acuity (VA) of light perception (LP) or no light perception (NLP) associated with OGI between 2017 and 2020 at Department of Ophthalmology, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Henan provincial People's Hospital.

Results: Six hundred twenty-five eyes of 622 adult patients with initial VA of LP or NLP associated with open-globe injuries (OGIs) were included. The mean age was 47.8 ± 14.1 years with the range from 18 to 91 years. Significant male predominance was noted (81.5%). The most common type of these severe OGIs was rupture (65.8%). Traffic accidents accounted for 13.5% followed by fall/tumble (10.9%) and nail/wire (10.9%) of all the severe OGIs. Almost half of the injuries happened at workplace (47.2%). Initially, 78.7% eyes just received primary debridement and wound closure, while 8.5% eyes with no possible of anatomical reconstruction received evisceration. After initial management, 350 eyes received subsequent operation, including 239 eyes underwent vitrectomy + silicone oil/(+cataract remove). Finally, over 6 months follow-up, 137 eyes (21.9%) were eviscerated, 150 eyes (24.0%) got atrophied, while 132 eyes (21.1%) retain some VA. Fifty-three eyes (8.5%) got VA of 0.3–1.5.

Conclusion: Severe OGIs are most seen in the young, middle-aged, and male working population and remain a serious public health problem, resulting in significant vision loss or Evisceration of eyes. Effective preventive measures should be taken for the individuals in these groups.
Outcomes of Primary 27-Gauge Vitrectomy for 73 Consecutive Cases With Uveitis-Associated Vitreoretinal Disorders
Authors: Kim Kyung Woo , Kusuhara Sentaro , Imai Hisanori , Sotani Noriyuki , Nishisho Ryuto , Matsumiya Wataru , Nakamura Makoto
Published: October 2021

Background: Since the advent of 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy system a decade ago, evidence regarding the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) has increased.

Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety profile of 27-gauge PPV for various vitreoretinal conditions associated with uveitis.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated 73 consecutive cases that underwent primary 27-gauge PPV for uveitis-related ocular disorders between October 2014 and April 2021. The primary outcome measures were mean change in logMAR best-corrected decimal visual acuity (BCVA) pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively, the proportion of BCVA improvement category defined as the degree of logMAR BCVA difference (“improved” [≤−0.3], “unchanged” [−0.3 to 0.3], and “worsened” [≥0.3]) pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively, the mean change in intraocular inflammation scores pre-operatively to 3 months post-operatively; and intraoperative and post-operative complications.

Results: The mean logMAR BCVA significantly improved from 0.69 pre-operatively to 0.42 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.017). The percentages of eyes with “improved,” “unchanged,” and “worsened” BCVA at 3 months post-operatively were 37, 50, and 13%, respectively. The mean anterior chamber cell score was 0.6 pre-operatively and 0.2 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.001), the mean anterior chamber flare score was 0.4 pre-operatively and 0.1 at 3 months post-operatively (P = 0.004), and the mean vitreous haze score was 1.9 pre-operatively and 0.1 at 3 months post-operatively (P < 0.001). Surgery-related complications occurred in 35 (48%) eyes, 68% of which were related to intraocular pressure and transient.

Conclusions: Given its risk–benefit profile, 27-gauge PPV is a promising option for the treatment of vitreoretinal disorders in uveitis.
Waterborne Isolates of Campylobacter jejuni Are Able to Develop Aerotolerance, Survive Exposure to Low Temperature, and Interact With Acanthamoeba polyphaga
Authors: Shagieva Ekaterina , Demnerova Katerina , Michova Hana
Published: October 2021

Campylobacter jejuni is regarded as the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis around the world. Even though it is generally considered to be a sensitive microaerobic pathogen, it is able to survive in the environment outside of the intestinal tract of the host. This study aimed to assess the impact of selected environmental parameters on the survival of 14 C. jejuni isolates of different origins, including 12 water isolates. The isolates were tested for their antibiotic resistance, their ability to survive at low temperature (7°C), develop aerotolerance, and to interact with the potential protozoan host Acanthamoeba polyphaga. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by standard disk diffusion according to EUCAST. Out of the 14 isolates, 8 were resistant to ciprofloxacin (CIP) and 5 to tetracycline (TET), while only one isolate was resistant to erythromycin (ERY). Five isolates were resistant to two different antibiotic classes. Tetracycline resistance was only observed in isolates isolated from wastewater and a clinical sample. Further, the isolates were tested for their survival at 7°C under both aerobic and microaerobic conditions using standard culture methods. The results showed that under microaerobic conditions, all isolates maintained their cultivability for 4 weeks without a significant decrease in the numbers of bacteria and variation between the isolates. However, significant differences were observed under aerobic conditions (AC). The incubation led to a decrease in the number of cultivable cells, with complete loss of cultivability after 2 weeks (one water isolate), 3 weeks (7 isolates), or 4 weeks of incubation (6 isolates). Further, all isolates were studied for their ability to develop aerotolerance by repetitive subcultivation under microaerobic and subsequently AC. Surprisingly, all isolates were able to adapt and grow under AC. As the last step, 5 isolates were selected to evaluate a potential protective effect provided by A. polyphaga. The cocultivation of isolates with the amoeba resulted in the survival of about 40% of cells treated with an otherwise lethal dose of gentamicin. In summary, C. jejuni is able to adapt and survive in a potentially detrimental environment for a prolonged period of time, which emphasizes the role of the environmental transmission route in the spread of campylobacteriosis.
Effects of Sex, Age, and Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Brain Ceramides and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate in Alzheimer’s Disease and Control Mice
Authors: den Hoedt Sandra , Crivelli Simone M. , Leijten Frank P. J. , Losen Mario , Stevens Jo A. A. , Mané-Damas Marina , de Vries Helga E. , Walter Jochen , Mirzaian Mina , Sijbrands Eric J. G. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , Verhoeven Adrie J. M. , Martinez-Martinez Pilar , Mulder Monique T.
Published: October 2021

Apolipoprotein ε4 (APOE)4 is a strong risk factor for the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and aberrant sphingolipid levels have been implicated in AD. We tested the hypothesis that the APOE4 genotype affects brain sphingolipid levels in AD. Seven ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) were quantified by LC-MSMS in hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum, and plasma of <3 months and >5 months old human APOE3 and APOE4-targeted replacement mice with or without the familial AD (FAD) background of both sexes (145 animals). APOE4 mice had higher Cer(d18:1/24:0) levels in the cortex (1.7-fold, p = 0.002) than APOE3 mice. Mice with AD background showed higher levels of Cer(d18:1/24:1) in the cortex than mice without (1.4-fold, p = 0.003). S1P levels were higher in all three brain regions of older mice than of young mice (1.7-1.8-fold, all p ≤ 0.001). In female mice, S1P levels in hippocampus (r = −0.54 [−0.70, −0.35], p < 0.001) and in cortex correlated with those in plasma (r = −0.53 [−0.71, −0.32], p < 0.001). Ceramide levels were lower in the hippocampus (3.7–10.7-fold, all p < 0.001), but higher in the cortex (2.3–12.8-fold, p < 0.001) of female than male mice. In cerebellum and plasma, sex effects on individual ceramides depended on acyl chain length (9.5-fold lower to 11.5-fold higher, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, sex is a stronger determinant of brain ceramide levels in mice than APOE genotype, AD background, or age. Whether these differences impact AD neuropathology in men and women remains to be investigated.
In vivo 3D Reconstruction of the Human Pallidothalamic and Nigrothalamic Pathways With Super-Resolution 7T MR Track Density Imaging and Fiber Tractography
Authors: Kwon Dae-Hyuk , Paek Sun Ha , Kim Young-Bo , Lee Haigun , Cho Zang-Hee
Published: October 2021

The output network of the basal ganglia plays an important role in motor, associative, and limbic processing and is generally characterized by the pallidothalamic and nigrothalamic pathways. However, these connections in the human brain remain difficult to elucidate because of the resolution limit of current neuroimaging techniques. The present study aimed to investigate the mesoscopic nature of these connections between the thalamus, substantia nigra pars reticulata, and globus pallidus internal segment using 7 Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, track-density imaging (TDI) of the whole human brain was employed to overcome the limitations of observing the pallidothalamic and nigrothalamic tracts. Owing to the super-resolution of the TD images, the substructures of the SN, as well as the associated tracts, were identified. This study demonstrates that 7T MRI and MR tractography can be used to visualize anatomical details, as well as 3D reconstruction, of the output projections of the basal ganglia.
SARS-CoV-2 S1 Protein Induces Endolysosome Dysfunction and Neuritic Dystrophy
Authors: Datta Gaurav , Miller Nicole M. , Halcrow Peter W. , Khan Nabab , Colwell Timothy , Geiger Jonathan D. , Chen Xuesong
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is the viral cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasingly, significant neurological disorders have been associated with COVID-19. However, the pathogenesis of these neurological disorders remains unclear especially because only low or undetectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported in human brain specimens. Because SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein can be released from viral membranes, can cross the blood-brain barrier, and is present in brain cells including neurons, we tested the hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein can directly induce neuronal injury. Incubation of primary human cortical neurons with SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein resulted in accumulation of the S1 protein in endolysosomes as well as endolysosome de-acidification. Further, SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein induced aberrant endolysosome morphology and neuritic varicosities. Our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein directly induces neuritic dystrophy, which could contribute to the high incidence of neurological disorders associated with COVID-19.
Comparing Brain Functional Activities in Patients With Blepharospasm and Dry Eye Disease Measured With Resting-State fMRI
Authors: Feng Changqiang , Jiang Wenyan , Xiao Yousheng , Liu Yang , Pang Lulu , Liang Meilan , Tang Jingqun , Lu Yulin , Wei Jing , Li Wenmei , Lei Yiwu , Guo Wenbin , Luo Shuguang
Published: October 2021

Background: Blepharospasm (BSP) and dry eye disease (DED) are clinically common diseases characterized by an increased blinking rate. A sustained eyelid muscle activity may alter the cortical sensorimotor concordance and lead to secondary functional changes. This study aimed to explore the central mechanism of BSP by assessing brain functional differences between the two groups and comparing them with healthy controls.

Methods: In this study, 25 patients with BSP, 22 patients with DED, and 23 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was applied to analyze the imaging data.

Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed widespread differences in ALFF across the three groups. In comparison with healthy controls, patients with BSP showed abnormal ALFF in the sensorimotor integration related-brain regions, including the bilateral supplementary motor area (SMA), left cerebellar Crus I, left fusiform gyrus, bilateral superior medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and right superior frontal gyrus (SFG). In comparison with patients with DED, patients with BSP exhibited a significantly increased ALFF in the left cerebellar Crus I and left SMA. ALFF in the left fusiform gyrus/cerebellar Crus I was positively correlated with symptomatic severity of BSP.

Conclusions: Our results reveal that the distinctive changes in the brain function in patients with BSP are different from those in patients with DED and healthy controls. The results further emphasize the primary role of sensorimotor integration in the pathophysiology of BSP.
Evaluating [68Ga]Ga-p14-032 as a Novel PET Tracer for Diagnosis Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Zhang Qihui , Zhao Xiaobin , Lei Peng , Kung Hank F. , Yang Zhi , Zhu Lin , Wang Shujing , Zhu Hua , Meng Xiangxi , Duan Yunyun , Sun Li , Pan Jianwei , Ma Ruixue , Hong Haiyan , Zhao Xingquan , Demchuk Andrew , Smith Eric E. , Wang Yongjun
Published: October 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate the distribution of [68Ga]Ga-p14-032, a novel PET ligand that binds to vascular amyloid, in patients diagnosed clinically with probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) compared with patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal controls (NC).

Methods: This longitudinal cohort study was composed of 10 subjects (three probable CAA patients, two AD patients, five NC subjects), recruited from a clinic in China. CAA patients had a history of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and met modified Boston criteria for probable CAA. All participants were aged at least 55 years and underwent [68Ga] Ga-p14-032 PET/CT or/and PET/MRI, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment on initial assessment. Demographics were measured at baseline (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic stroke, and ICH). Two PET imaging experts reviewed the PET images with cortical standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr) displayed on a color scale and visually classified the images as positive or negative. The mean of SUVr was calculated using the pons as reference.

Results: In CAA patients, PET scans were positive in regions with higher numbers of CMBs. No significant signal was seen in AD subjects or controls. The relative [68Ga]Ga-p14-032 retention in the cortex was stronger in patients with CAA than AD and NC (median SUVr 2.68 ± 1.53 vs. 1.77 ± 0.08 and 0.83 ± 0.24).

Conclusions: Our results provide early evidence that the [68Ga] Ga-p14-032 PET probe binds preferentially to vascular amyloid and may be a useful tracer for diagnosing CAA.
Delays in Presentation Time Under the COVID-19 Epidemic in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack and Mild Stroke: A Retrospective Study of Three Hospitals in a Japanese Prefecture
Authors: Tanaka Koji , Matsumoto Shoji , Nakazawa Yusuke , Yamada Takeshi , Sonoda Kazutaka , Nagano Sukehisa , Hatano Taketo , Yamasaki Ryo , Nakahara Ichiro , Isobe Noriko
Published: October 2021

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide with collateral damage and therefore might affect the behavior of stroke patients with mild symptoms seeking medical attention.

Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke who were admitted to hospitals within 7 days of onset were retrospectively registered. The clinical characteristics, including onset-to-door time (ODT), of patients with a transient ischemic attack (TIA)/mild stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score of ≤ 3 on admission) or moderate/severe stroke were compared between those admitted from April 2019 to March 2020 (pre-COVID-19 period) and from April to September 2020 (COVID-19 period). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the ODT.

Results: Of 1,100 patients (732 men, median age, 73 years), 754 were admitted during the pre-COVID-19 period, and 346 were admitted during the COVID-19 period. The number and proportion of patients with TIA/minor stroke were 464 (61.5%) in the pre-COVID-19 period and 216 (62.4%) during the COVID-19 period. Among patients with TIA/mild stroke, the ODT was longer in patients admitted during the COVID-19 period compared with that of the pre-COVID-19 period (median 864 min vs. 508 min, p = 0.003). Multivariable analysis revealed the COVID-19 period of admission was associated with longer ODT (standardized partial regression coefficient 0.09, p = 0.003) after adjustment for age, sex, route of arrival, NIHSS score on admission, and the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and wake-up stroke. No significant change in the ODT was seen in patients with moderate/severe stroke.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic might increase the ODT of patients with TIA/mild stroke.