bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic angiogenesis by stem cell: new hope for the ischemic limbs
Authors: Mohiuddin AKM , Anwar Raihan , Lewis Peter , Sadiq BA
Published: September 2021

Critical limb ischemia in an intractable condition associated with high level of amputation, leading to low quality of life increase morbidity and mortality. It is often not treated by standard therapeutic modalities. Neoangiogenesis has been proposed as a novel method of treatment of such patients. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Cytokine Fibroblast growth Factor (FGF1) have been shown to elicit neoangiogesis. Stem cells are progenitor cells which can differentiate in vivo into different type of cells. Collateral vessel formation after stem cell therapy. A case of 50 years old male, diabetic, hypertensive with dry gangrene of tip of left ring finger was treated with stem cell therapy after proper counseling. He received the therapy in the form of SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) from adipose tissue by local injection in the territory of the affected vessels. Following monitoring parameters were reported, improved wound status, local temperature change, oxygen saturation change in the ischemic zone. Outcome of stem cell therapy in this case including the rest pain disappeared at 14 days and the finger becomes warmed by 5°C in 3 weeks. The gangrenous area healed in 3 months. Amputation was averted. Angiogenesis is a complex process leading to new blood vessels formation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cell which has an immunomodulatory effect. Stem cell therapy has been used to improve limb Vascularity. Stem Cells are likely to be an important modality to treat critical limb ischemia.

CBMJ 2019 July: Vol. 08 No. 02 P: 40-46
STUDENT'S RESPONSE TO SMART APPS CREATOR MEDIA BASED ON THE LOCAL WISDOM OF MANTINGAN MOSQUE JEPARA TO INCREASE THE UNDERSTANDING ON THE CONCEPT OF GEOMETRY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Authors: Latif Abdul , Utaminingsih Sri , Su’ad Su’ad
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this research was to analyze students’ response to Smart Apps Creator (SAC) media based on the local wisdom of Mantingan Mosque Jepara to improve the understanding of the concept of geometry at grade VI of the elementary schools in Kecamatan Kembang, Kabupaten Jepara. This research was Research and Development (R&D) using the method by Sugiyono at level 4. This research was conducted in seven steps, namely: 1) potential and problems, 2) literature study and information collection, 3) product design, 4) design validation, 5) design revision, 6) product manufacture, and  7) limited trial. The subjects of this study were 52 grade VI students at SD N 4 Cepogo, SDN 1 Bucu, and SDN 2 Bucu, Kecamatan Kembang, Kabupaten Jepara. The product in this research and development was Smart Apps Creator (SAC) mathematics media based on the local wisdom of the Mantingan Mosque Jepara. data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. Then, the data were analyzed by a combination analysis, namely qualitative descriptive analysis and conversion of quantitative to qualitative data. The score of the students’ responses was 3969 with a percentage of 93.4%; the average score was 4.67 with a very good category. The media could be used if it got a good score (3.40 < X 4.21) from the students response. Thus, it was concluded that Smart Apps Creator (SAC) media based on the local wisdom of the Mantingan Mosque Jepara was feasible to improve students’ understanding of the concept of geometry at Grade VI Elementary Schools in Kecamatan Kembang, Kabupaten Jepara.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STAD–TYPE COPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING AND COLLABORATIVE SKILLS
Authors: Yudhanta Vinsensius Willy , Susanti Maria Ika , Rustamti Maria Indarti
Published: September 2021

The purposes of this study were: (1) To describe efforts to improve students' critical thinking and collaborative skills in the science subject at grade V SD Kanisius Kalasan in the even semester academic year 2020/2021; (2) To improve the students’ critical thinking skills through STAD-type cooperative learning model; (3) To improve the collaboration ability of grade V students through STAD-type cooperative learning model in science subject, especially the material of theobject’s shape changes. This research was a Classroom Action Research, conducting in two cycles following the stages of planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and tests. Then, the data were analyzed by using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results showed: (1) the efforts to improve students 'critical thinking and collaboration, (2) STAD-type cooperative learning model improved students' critical thinking skills; the mean score of the students’ critical thinking in the pre-cycle was 68.80; the score in cycle I was 76; and it increased to 79.36 in cycle II, (3) STAD-type cooperative learning model improved students' collaboration skills; the mean score in pre-cycle was 69.36; it increased to 84.46 in cycle I and increased to 86.25 in cycle II.
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE TEACHERS' ABILITIES IN APPLYING CONTEXTUAL LEARNING THROUGH FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
Authors: Melpi Bakri
Published: September 2021

This research was motivated by the learning process which was still dominated by the teacher as a source of knowledge through conventional methods in the form of lecturing; as a result, students became passive during the learning process. Ideally, learning should be able to increase students' understanding about the material and their understanding about the relationship between the material and the student's environment. Referring to these problems, it was necessary to apply a method that helped teachers to improve the learning quality. It was hoped that focus group discussions improved the teachers’ ability to apply contextual learning. This research was a classroom action research. The research was carried out on teachers at SDN 019 Sungai Gantang from February to March 2020. The research subjects were 17 teachers and the instrument was an observation sheet. The results showed that the teachers’ ability to implement contextual learning through focus group discussions increased from 80.25% (with Good category) in cycle I to 84.45% (with Very Good category) in cycle increased II. Based on the results of this research, it was concluded that focus group discussions improved teachers’ ability in implementing contextual learning.
ENHANCING STUDENTS’ ABILITY IN SOCIOLINGUISTICS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THROUGH ONLINE STAD–TYPE COOPERATIVE LEARNING MODEL
Authors: Sari Raras Hafiidha , Prihatin Yulianah
Published: September 2021

This research was initiated by the lecturers’ difficulties in presenting fun learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the improvement of students' abilities in learning Sociolinguistics during the Covid-19 pandemic by applying STAD Type Cooperative Model implemented through the Breakoutroom Zoom Application. This application facilitated lecturers to divide students in one class into small or large groups and they could still monitor the progress of the discussion. Utilizing Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) model in the Breakoutroom Zoom application aimed to achieve a good learning process. This research was a Classroom Action Research conducted in two cycles: Cycle I and Cycle II. This research was carried out in four stages: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The object of this research was the sociolinguistics learning and the research subjects were the fourth semester students of Indonesian Language and Literature Education at the Faculty of Education, Hasyim Asy'ari University. There were 16 students consistinf of 4 male and 12 female students. The data were calculated quantitatively and analyzed qualitatively. Based on the results of the research, it was found that there was an increase in the Sociolinguistic learning after implementing STAD type cooperative learning model which was carried out online through the Breakoutroom Zoom application in cycle I and II. The increase was marked by an increase of the students’ score obtained in each cycle.
THE PROFILE OF STUDENTS’ EMPLOYMENT IDENTITY STATUS (A STUDY AT COMMUNITY EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM, FKIP UNIVERSITAS RIAU)
Authors: Wilson Wilson , Ayub Daeng , Suhil Said , Maemunaty Titi
Published: September 2021

Teenagers studying at university, known as college students, have the responsibility for themselves; they are demanded to be independent in academic activities as well as to build the identity achievement by searching for information through exploration with sufficient intensity in various fields. After collecting adequate information, they need to make choices (commitment) to the field that suits thei interests and abilities. Based on a discussion conducted in the class, it was revealed that some students felt unsuitable with the study program they took; they did not know the career they would pursue while they were already in the third and fourth semesters. This was survey research with a quantitative approach. This study aimed to obtain an objective description of the Students’ Employment Identity Status at the Public Health Education FKIP Universitas Riau. The samples of this study were taken randomly from a population of 104 students. Data on the students’ (adolescents) identity status were collected through a questionnaire. Then, the data were analyzed by using descriptive statistical analysis utilizing SPSS. The results of the study found that only 30.77% of students reached the achievement status while 42.31% of the students were at the level of moratorium status. In addition, 15.38% of the students at the level of Forclusure identity status and 11.54% of them were at the level of diffusion status.
TEACHERS’ PEDAGOGIC COMPETENCE AT SD NEGERI 168 PEKANBARU
Authors: Puspitaningsari Ayu , Zufriady Zufriady
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this research was to describe the teachers’ pedagogic competence at Sekolah dasar Negeri 168 Pekanbaru. This research was conducted on July 2020. The type of this research was quantitative which provided the description about the current condition on the research object which was the teachers’ pedagogic competence at Sekolah dasar Negeri 168 Pekanbaru. The sampling techniques applied in this research was a saturated sampling. The samples of this research were all teachers of ekolah dasar Negeri 168 Pekanbaru amounted 15 teachers. Data were collected through a 71-items questionnaire via google form with the instrument of a positive and negative statement about teachers’ pedagogic competence with four alternative answers. The research results concluded that the teachers’ pedagogic competence at Sekolah dasar Negeri 168 Pekanbaru reached 87.62% with “Very Good” category. The number of core competency who scored in the interval 85-100 with the category of "Very Good" were 7 core competency, at intervals of 70-84 with the category "Good" were 3 core competency, at intervals of 50-69 with the category "Enough" was 0, and at interval of 0-49 with the category "Less" was also 0.
THE EFFECT OF PRINCIPAL’S MANAGERIAL ABILITY AND WORK DISCIPLINE ON TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN KECAMATAN TAMBAKROMO, KABUPATEN PATI
Authors: Subekti Wiwik , Suad Suad , Setiadi Gunawan
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the Principal's managerial ability on teachers’ performance, the effect of work discipline on teachers’ performance, and the influence of Principal’s managerial ability and work discipline in multiple ways on teachers’ performance. This research was conducted at SD Negeri in Kecamatan Tambakromo, Kabupaten Pati. The type of this study was quantitative research through survey methods to elementary school teachers in Kecamatan Tambakromo, Kabupaten Pati. The samples in this study were 191 respondents, which was selected through incidental techniques. The data collection technique was by giving a questionnaire to the teachers. The data analysis test used validity, reliability, classic assumption tests and multiple linear tests which were processed by using IBM SPSS 24. The results showed the following: (1) Principal’s managerial ability (X1) was proven to have a significant effect on teachers’ performance in SD Negeri in Kecamatan Tambakromo, Kabupaten Pati. The t-test result showed that the sig value. Was equal to 0.000 < 0.05 and tcount 6.520 > ttable 1.9727. (2) Work discipline (X2) was proven to have a significant effect on teachers’ performance in SD Negeri in Kecamatan Tambakromo, Kabupaten Pati. The t-test result showed that the sig value was equal to 0.000 <0.05 and the value of tcount 7.206 > ttable 1.9727. (3) Principal’s managerial ability and work discipline simultaneously proved to have a significant effect on teachers’ performance in SD Negeri in Kecamatan Tambakromo, Kabupaten Pati. The results of the F-test showed that the sig. was equal to 0.000 < 0.05 and the value of fcount 229.714 > ftabel 3.04 and simultaneously influenced the teachers’ performance variable (Y) of 71%.
THE QUALITY OF STUDENT WORKSHEETS (LKPD) ON WRITING DESCRIPTION TEXT THROUGH FISHBONE DIAGRAM STRATEGY
Authors: Ulfi Rahmi , Charlina Charlina , Septyanti Elvrin
Published: September 2021

Research on the Quality of Student Worksheets (LKPD) using the fishbone diagram strategy aimed to determine the quality of the product in the form of Student Worksheets which were used as teaching material media to help students in developing writing. For this reason, students tended not to have difficulties when learning the writing descriptive text skills. This LKPD used fishbone diagram strategy that resembled a fishbone used in speaking and writing skills. This research was a research and development (R&D). The data analysis technique was quantitative description. The results showed that Student Worksheet writing descriptive text using the fishbone diagram strategy was feasible to be used as a companion to teaching materials. The validation results from material experts stated that LKPD obtained a percentage of 97.6% and 91.7%, while the validation from linguists achieved feasibility with a percentage of 88% and 86%. The feasibility test for field experts (teachers) got a percentage of 93.68% and 94.73% and the trials on grade VII students of SMP Negeri 1 Kota Dumai were obtained with a percentage of 84.62%.
THE EFFECT OF LEARNING MOTIVATION, SELF-CONTROL AND CRITICAL THINKING ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT AT OFFICE ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM, UNIVERSITAS NEGERI SURABAYA
Authors: Mustikarini Siti Aliva , Puspasari Durinda
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to analyze the effect of learning motivation, self-control, and critical thinking on students’ learning achievement at Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya. This study was quantitative research. The data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. The population in this study were students of the Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, class of 2017, as many as 93 students. The samples in this study were selected through a total sample type, in which the number of samples were the same as the population, namely 93 students. Testing instruments in this study consisted of validity testing and reliability testing. The data analysis techniques used in this study were: 1) Classical assumptions consisting of normality test, multicollinearity test, and heteroscedasticity test; and 2) hypothesis testing using multiple linear regression. The results showed that: 1) there was a significant effect of learning motivation on the students’ learning achievement at Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya; 2) there was a significant effect of self-control on the students’ learning achievement at Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya; 3) there was a significant effect of critical thinking on the students’ learning achievement at Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya; and 4) there was a significant effect of learning motivation, self-control and critical thinking on the students’ learning achievement at Office Administration Education study program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING WHATSAPP AS A MEDIA IN ONLINE LEARNING AT GRADE 5 SD N 1 KARANGNONGKO JEPARA
Authors: Fitria Aida Dwi , Fajrie Nur , Kuryanto Mohammad Syafruddin
Published: September 2021

Online learning has been carried out at SD N 1 Karangnongko Jepara due to the corona virus outbreak. As a result, learning at elementary schools was transferred online with the help of WhatsApp media. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of online learning through WhatsApp media. This study used a phenomenological qualitative research approach. The results showed that online learning using WhatsApp media tended to be less effective. This was influenced by several factors such as the difficulty of the internet signal and the ability of students who were not able to fully master WhatsApp application. Thus, an evaluation with related parties was required in order to create effective online learning.
IMPROVING STUDENTS’ CREATIVE THINKING ABILITY AND LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROBLEM BASED LEARNING MODEL AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Cahyarini Yunita , Ika Susanti Maria Melani , Rustamti Maria Indarti
Published: September 2021

This classroom action research aimed to improve creative thinking skills and social studies learning outcomes by implementing problem-based learning model. This research was motivated by the low creative thinking and learning outcomes of the fifth grade elementary school students. Data on creative thinking and learning outcomes in this Classroom Action Research were collected through interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The subjects of this study were 46 students of grade V. This research was carried out in two cycles with the research procedures consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The results showed that problem-based learning model improved the students’ creative thinking and learning outcomes for social studies material at grade V elementary school. This was showed in the increase of the creative thinking variable with an average initial condition value of 36.83 (creative enough), the first cycle of 43.04 (creative enough) and the second cycle of 45.07 (creative). The variable of students’ learning outcomes in the initial data showed an average value of 68.09, the first cycle was 70.33, and the second cycle was 78.59.
THE EFFECT OF LEARNING MOTIVATION ON LEARNING OUTCOMES THROUGH JIGSAW TYPE COOPERATIVE MODEL AT GRADE V SD RK BUDI LUHUR MEDAN
Authors: Sinaga Sukli , Sipayung Regina , Simarmata Ester Julinda , Tanjung Darinda Sofia
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of learning motivation on learning outcomes through a jigsaw type cooperative model on Theme 8 at Grade V SD RK Budi Luhur Medan. The research method used was an experimental type of quantitative research. The data were obtained by using data collection tools in the form of documentation, a questionnaire of 25 statements and 33 questions. The research was conducted at grade V SD RK Budi Luhur Medan on 20 to 21 May 2021. The number of samples were 35 students selected by saturated sampling technique. Based on statistical analysis of the data, it was obtained that the results of learning motivation questionnaire with student enthusiasm were 48% in very high category and the results of the pretest were answered by students was an average value of 65.8 in moderate category. Furthermore, the results of the post test scores obtained by students from the answers was an average value of 86.74 with very good category. The results of the correlation analysis of the influence of learning motivation on learning outcomes through Jigsaw Cooperative model obtained a correlation value of rcount = 0.880 with rtable = 0.334. Thus, the value of rcount was higher than the value of rtable, so the correlation was very significant. Hypothesis testing with t-test obtained tcount = 10,618 ttable 1,697. It was concluded that there was a significant influence between learning motivation on learning outcomes through Jigsaw Cooperative Model.
THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE, CREATIVE, EFFECTIVE, AND FUN (PAKEM) LEARNING MODEL ON STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOMES AT GRADE V SD
Authors: Ndruru Ernarita , Mahulae Saut , Anzelina Dewi , Silaban Patri Janson
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of PAKEM learning model on students’ learning outcomes on the Ecosystem theme at grade V SD Negeri 067246 Medan in the academic year 2020/2021. The population of this study were all students of grade V SDN 067246 Medan Tuntungan totaling 30 students.The method used in this research was descriptive method. The results of this study indicated that students’ learning outcome by using the PAKEM model was in very good category with an average of 81.03. Besides, the normality test obtained that the significance value of learning outcomes was Lcount <Ltable, namely 0.661 < 0.927. Based on these calculations, it was seen that the significance value of the learning outcomes was normally distributed. In the correlation test, the coefficient value was 0.652 meaning that rcount > rtable that was 0.361. Thus, there was a strong influence between PAKEM model on students’ learning outcomes with the theme of Ecosystem at grade V SDN 067246 Medan. The results of the t-test found that tcount > ttable or 4.550> 1.701 so that Ha was accepted. This showed that there was a significant positive effect of the influence of PAKEM learning model on students’ learning outcomes on the Ecosystem theme for grade V SDN 067246 Medan Tuntungan for the academic year 2020/2021.
IMPROVING INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS IN UTILIZING THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE TEACHERS’ WORK GROUP DISCUSSION AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Authors: Endawinarti Endawinarti , Yulita Fefi
Published: September 2021

This research was motivated by the problems found that teachers did not optimally implement the learning process at elementary schools. It was found that many teachers still did not carry out the learning process in accordance with the characteristics of elementary school students, so efforts were needed to improve it. The purpose of this research was to improve the learning process of elementary school teachers which included lesson planning, implementation of learning, and assessment of learning outcomes through KKG discussion activities. The learning process that would be improved was the process using an investigative group type cooperative model. This research was a school action research by adapting the process of implementing Mc Taggart and Kemmist's classroom action research. This research consisted of stages of planning, implementation, observation and reflection. Based on the research conducted, it was found that the teachers’ average skill score in cycle 1 was 66.32 and an average score in cycle 2 was 85.66. This concluded that there was an increase in the teacher learning process skills through KKG activities. The implications of this research was that it could be used as an effort for supervisors to improve teacher skills.
THE PRINCIPAL'S SUPERVISION OBSERVATIONAL APPROACH TOWARDS TEACHERS’ PERFORMANCE AT SDN 12 BANTAN KABUPATEN BENGKALIS
Authors: Sumiati Sumiati
Published: September 2021

School action research is a research that aims to improve learning methods and improve the results of the learning process in schools. This research was conducted at SDN 12 Bantan, Kecamatan Bantan, Kabupaten Bengkalis. The subject of this research was the teachers at SDN 12 Bantan. This research method was a descriptive method aiming to explain or describe the facts found in the field. The approach taken in this study was observational supervision which functioned to monitor and improve the teachers ability in the learning process in order to achieve the objectives of the learning. The results showed an increase in teachers’ activity during the learning process in the first cycle of the first meeting with the percentage of 62% with fairly good category. Then, in the first cycle at the second meeting, the percentage of teacher activity during the learning process increased to 64% which was still in fairly good category. Therefore, it was continued to learning reflection in the second cycle of the third meeting, and the percentage of teachers’ activity in the learning process was 88% with very good category. After that, it was continued to the fourth meeting in which the percentage of teacher activity in the learning process was 96% with very good category. Then, the results of teachers’ performance observations after the application of learning reflection in the form of educational supervision observations carried out in 2 cycles, it was found that the teachers began to be able to master and understand the teaching materials well, were able to explain the material, and were able to build a communicative atmosphere in the classroom, enjoyed what they taught and liked teaching as a profession, understood students, their experiences, abilities and achievements, used various methods in teaching so that students did not get bored with the old method, were able to eliminate materials that were less important and less meaningful, always followed the latest developments in knowledge. The learning process was always prepared, encouraging students to obtain better results. That meant teachers were able to develop their abilities and were able to apply them well.
A KDM4-DBC1-SIRT1 Axis Contributes to TGF-b Induced Mesenchymal Transition of Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chen Baoyu , Dong Wenhui , Shao Tinghui , Miao Xiulian , Guo Yan , Liu Xingyu , Feng Yifei
Published: September 2021

Intestinal fibrosis is one of the common pathophysiological processes in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Previously it has been demonstrated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can contribute to the development of intestinal fibrosis. Here we report that conditional ablation of SIRT1, a class III lysine deacetylase, in intestinal epithelial cells exacerbated 2, 4, 6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced intestinal fibrosis in mice. SIRT1 activity, but not SIRT1 expression, was down-regulated during EMT likely due to up-regulation of its inhibitor deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1). TGF-β augmented the recruitment of KDM4A, a histone H3K9 demethylase, to the DBC1 promoter in cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) leading to DBC1 trans-activation. KDM4A depletion or inhibition abrogated DBC1 induction by TGF-β and normalized SIRT1 activity. In addition, KDM4A deficiency attenuated TGF-β induced EMT in IEC-6 cells. In conclusion, our data identify a KDM4-DBC1-SIRT1 pathway that regulates EMT to contribute to intestinal fibrosis.
Identification of the Adult Hematopoietic Liver as the Primary Reservoir for the Recruitment of Pro-regenerative Macrophages Required for Salamander Limb Regeneration
Authors: Debuque Ryan J. , Hart Andrew J. , Johnson Gabriela H. , Rosenthal Nadia A. , Godwin James W.
Published: September 2021

The lack of scar-free healing and regeneration in many adult human tissues imposes severe limitations on the recovery of function after injury. In stark contrast, salamanders can functionally repair a range of clinically relevant tissues throughout adult life. The impressive ability to regenerate whole limbs after amputation, or regenerate following cardiac injury, is critically dependent on the recruitment of (myeloid) macrophage white blood cells to the site of injury. Amputation in the absence of macrophages results in regeneration failure and scar tissue induction. Identifying the exact hematopoietic source or reservoir of myeloid cells supporting regeneration is a necessary step in characterizing differences in macrophage phenotypes regulating scarring or regeneration across species. Mammalian wounds are dominated by splenic-derived monocytes that originate in the bone marrow and differentiate into macrophages within the wound. Unlike mammals, adult axolotls do not have functional bone marrow but instead utilize liver and spleen tissues as major sites for adult hematopoiesis. To interrogate leukocyte identity, tissue origins, and modes of recruitment, we established several transgenic axolotl hematopoietic tissue transplant models and flow cytometry protocols to study cell migration and identify the source of pro-regenerative macrophages. We identified that although bidirectional trafficking of leukocytes can occur between spleen and liver tissues, the liver is the major source of leukocytes recruited to regenerating limbs. Recruitment of leukocytes and limb regeneration occurs in the absence of the spleen, thus confirming the dependence of liver-derived myeloid cells in regeneration and that splenic maturation is dispensable for the education of pro-regenerative macrophages. This work provides an important foundation for understanding the hematopoietic origins and education of myeloid cells recruited to, and essential for, adult tissue regeneration.
Advances in Atomic Force Microscopy: Imaging of Two- and Three-Dimensional Interfacial Water
Authors: Cao Duanyun , Song Yizhi , Tang BinZe , Xu Limei
Published: September 2021

Interfacial water is closely related to many core scientific and technological issues, covering a broad range of fields, such as material science, geochemistry, electrochemistry and biology. The understanding of the structure and dynamics of interfacial water is the basis of dealing with a series of issues in science and technology. In recent years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) with ultrahigh resolution has become a very powerful option for the understanding of the complex structural and dynamic properties of interfacial water on solid surfaces. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the application of AFM in the study of two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) interfacial water, and present the prospect and challenges of the AFM-related techniques in experiments and simulations, in order to gain a better understanding of the physicochemical properties of interfacial water.
Samm50 Promotes Hypertrophy by Regulating Pink1-Dependent Mitophagy Signaling in Neonatal Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xu Ran , Kang Le , Wei Siang , Yang Chunjie , Fu Yuanfeng , Ding Zhiwen , Zou Yunzeng
Published: September 2021

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy, the adaptive response of the myocardium to various pathological stimuli, is one of the primary predictors and predisposing factors of heart failure. However, its molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the function of Samm50 in mitophagy during Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via lentiviruses mediated knockdown and overexpression of Samm50 protein. We first found that Samm50 is a key positive regulator of cardiac hypertrophy, for western blot and real-time quantitative PCR detection revealed Samm50 was downregulated both in pressure-overload-induced hypertrophic hearts and Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Then, Samm50 overexpression exhibits enhanced induction of cardiac hypertrophy marker genes and cell enlargement in primary mouse cardiomyocytes by qPCR and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Meanwhile, Samm50 remarkably reduced Ang II-induced autophagy as indicated by decreased mitophagy protein levels and autophagic flux, whereas the opposite phenotype was observed in Samm50 knockdown cardiomyocytes. However, the protective role of Samm50 deficiency against cardiac hypertrophy was abolished by inhibiting mitophagy through Vps34 inhibitor or Pink1 knockdown. Moreover, we further demonstrated that Samm50 interacted with Pink1 and stimulated the accumulation of Parkin on mitochondria to initiate mitophagy by co-immunoprecipitation analysis and immunofluorescence. Thus, these results suggest that Samm50 regulates Pink1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy to promote cardiac hypertrophy, and targeting mitophagy may provide new insights into the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Prolonged Cryopreservation Negatively Affects Embryo Transfer Outcomes Following the Elective Freeze-All Strategy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Wu Shanshan , Hao Guimin , Wu Xueqing , Ren Haiqin , Zhang Yinfeng , Yang Aimin , Bi Xingyu , Bai Lina , Zhang Yunshan , Tan Jichun
Published: September 2021

Background

With the development of embryo freezing and warming technology, frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) has been widely utilized. However, studies investigating the association between cryopreservation duration and FET outcomes are limited and controversial, and previous studies did not conduct stratification analyses based on demographic or clinical characteristics.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study included 17,826 women who underwent their first FET following the freeze-all strategy during the period from January 2014 to December 2018. Duration of cryopreservation was categorized into five groups: 3–8 weeks, 8–12 weeks, 12–26 weeks, 26–52 weeks, and >52 weeks. Modified Poisson regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the association between cryostorage time of vitrified embryos and transfer outcomes. Moreover, further stratification analyses were performed according to variables with p <0.05 in multivariate models.

Results

In this large multicenter study, we observed that storage duration was inversely associated with the possibility of pregnancy and live birth (p <0.001), but not with the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. Stratification analyses based on maternal age, the number of oocytes retrieved, and condition of embryo transferred indicated that the inverse correlation was significant in the subpopulation with characteristics: (1) less than 40 years old, (2) more than 3 oocytes retrieved, and (3) only high-quality blastocysts transferred.

Conclusion

The results of this large, multicenter, retrospective study suggested that prolonged cryopreservation was inversely associated with the probability of pregnancy and live birth. Therefore, for patients who adopt a freeze-all strategy, early FET might achieve a better outcome.
Riparian Land Use and Hydrological Connectivity Influence Nutrient Retention in Tropical Rivers Receiving Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge
Authors: Finkler N. R. , Gücker B. , Boëchat I. G. , Ferreira M. S. , Tanaka M. O. , Cunha D. G. F.
Published: September 2021

Riparian areas are recognized for their buffering capacity regarding phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural and urban runoff. However, their role in attenuating nutrient loads of rivers receiving point source nutrient inputs (e.g., from wastewater treatment plants, WWTPs) is still little understood. Here, we investigated whether ammonium (NH4-N), nitrate (NO3-N), and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) retention were influenced by the riparian land use in three Brazilian rivers receiving WWTP effluents. We hypothesized that nutrient attenuation would be potentially influenced by the hydrological connectivity between the main channel and riparian areas with native vegetation. We estimated retention from longitudinal patterns of dilution-corrected nutrient concentrations below the WWTPs. We assessed nutrient retention during periods with high (i.e., the wet) and low connectivity (i.e., the dry season). Relationships between non-conservative (nutrients) and conservative (chloride) solutes in both seasons were used to identify potential changes in the river chemistry due to the hydrological connectivity with the riparian areas. We also evaluated the relationship between net uptake velocities (Vf-net) and the accumulated percent native vegetation cover in the 100-m buffer using linear regressions, comparing the response for each nutrient between seasons with Analysis of Covariance. Slopes of regressions between nutrients and chloride significantly differed between seasons for NO3-N and SRP but not for NH4-N. The relationships between Vf-net and accumulated native vegetation in the riparian buffer presented steeper slopes for SRP in the wet than in the dry season. No significant relationships between NO3-N Vf-net and native vegetation cover were observed in either season. In contrast, increases in Vf-net with increasing vegetation cover were observed for NH4-N in the dry season. In periods with expected higher connectivity, NO3-N and SRP concentrations tended to be lower relative to chloride concentrations, with a potential effect of native vegetation in the riparian area on SRP retention. Our results suggest that seasonal connectivity between nutrient-rich river water and riparian areas is likely to induce changes in the predominant nutrient transformation processes, thereby favoring either nutrient retention or export in such rivers.
Case Report: An Atypical Angelman Syndrome Case With Obesity and Fulfilled Autism Spectrum Disorder Identified by Microarray
Authors: Hnoonual Areerat , Kor-anantakul Phawin , Charalsawadi Chariyawan , Worachotekamjorn Juthamas , Limprasert Pornprot
Published: September 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which are etiologically heterogeneous. Chromosomal microarray is now recommended as the first-tier clinical diagnostic test for ASD. We performed chromosomal microarray in 16 Thai patients with ASD using an Illumina HumanCytoSNP-12 v2.1 array and found one case with uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 15. Methylation-specific PCR showed abnormal methylation of the maternal SNRPN allele. Haplotype analysis revealed that the patient had received both chromosomes 15 from his father. These results were consistent with Angelman syndrome. However, his clinical features had no clinical significance for classic Angelman syndrome. He had first presented at the pediatric clinic with no speech, poor social interaction skills and repetitive behaviors consistent with ASD based on the DSM-IV criteria at 2 years of age and later confirmed by ADOS at 5 years of age. He was strikingly overweight but had no dysmorphic facies, seizures nor ataxia and was diagnosed as non-syndromic ASD, a diagnosis which was believed until at 10 years of age, his DNA was included for analysis in this current cohort study. Our findings suggest that ASD patients with unknown etiology should be considered for methylation-specific PCR testing for Angelman syndrome where chromosomal microarray is not available. In the study, we also review the clinical features of Angelman syndrome caused by UPD and the frequency of ASD in individuals with Angelman syndrome.
Soliton Generation in Negative Thermal Expansion Materials
Authors: Curry Erin B. , Lyszak Kaitlin , Sheets Donal , Occhialini Connor A. , Rozman Michael G. , Hancock Jason N.
Published: September 2021

Strain solitons have been observed statically in several 2D materials and dynamically in substrate materials using ultrafast laser pulses. The latter case relies on lattice relaxation in response to ultrafast heating in a light-absorbing transducer material, a process which is sensitive to the thermal expansion coefficient. Here we consider an unusual case where the sign of the thermal expansion coefficient is negative, a scenario which is experimentally feasible in light of rapid and recent advances in the discovery of negative thermal expansion materials. We present numerical solutions to a nonlinear differential equation which has been repeatedly demonstrated to quantitatively model experimental data and discuss the salient results using realistic parameters for material linear and nonlinear elasticity. The solitons that emerge from the initial value problem with negative and positive thermal expansion are qualitatively different in several ways. The new case of negative thermal expansion gives rise to a nearly-periodic soliton train with chirped profile and free of an isolated shock front. We suggest this unanticipated result may be realized experimentally and assess the potential for certain applications of this generic effect.
Evidence That ITPR2-Mediated Intracellular Calcium Release in Oligodendrocytes Regulates the Development of Carbonic Anhydrase II + Type I/II Oligodendrocytes and the Sizes of Myelin Fibers
Authors: Mei Ruyi , Huang Linyu , Wu Mengyuan , Jiang Chunxia , Yang Aifen , Tao Huaping , Zheng Kang , Yang Junlin , Shen Wanhua , Chen Xianjun , Zhao Xiaofeng , Qiu Mengsheng
Published: September 2021

Myelination of neuronal axons in the central nervous system (CNS) by oligodendrocytes (OLs) enables rapid saltatory conductance and axonal integrity, which are crucial for normal brain functioning. Previous studies suggested that different subtypes of oligodendrocytes in the CNS form different types of myelin determined by the diameter of axons in the unit. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental association of different types of oligodendrocytes with different fiber sizes remain elusive. In the present study, we present the evidence that the intracellular Ca2+ release channel associated receptor (Itpr2) contributes to this developmental process. During early development, Itpr2 is selectively up-regulated in oligodendrocytes coinciding with the initiation of myelination. Functional analyses in both conventional and conditional Itpr2 mutant mice revealed that Itpr2 deficiency causes a developmental delay of OL differentiation, resulting in an increased percentage of CAII+ type I/II OLs which prefer to myelinate small-diameter axons in the CNS. The increased percentage of small caliber myelinated axons leads to an abnormal compound action potentials (CAP) in the optic nerves. Together, these findings revealed a previously unrecognized role for Itpr2-mediated calcium signaling in regulating the development of different types of oligodendrocytes.
Case Report: Visual Deprivation in Pusher Syndrome Complicated by Hemispatial Neglect After Basal Ganglia Stroke
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Lixia , He Wei , Zheng Xuemei , Zhao Zhengrui , Li Yuanli , Xu Shutian , Zheng Juan , Zhuang Xin , Jia Wenting , Zhu Chengyuan , Xu Hua , Shan Chunlei , Chen Wenhua , Zhao Jingpu , Chen Sijing
Published: September 2021

We aimed to explore whether motor function and activities of daily life (ADL) could be improved with the application of visual deprivation in two patients with Pusher syndrome complicated by hemispatial neglect after right basal ganglia stroke. We assessed two stroke patients suffering from severe motor disturbances, both tilting heavily to the left, with diagnoses of Pusher syndrome and left hemispatial neglect. Vision in the left eye was deprived using patches during clinical rehabilitation. Motor function promotion was confirmed using the Burke Lateropulsion Scale (BLS), Fugl–Meyer Balance Scale (FMBS), and Holden grade (HG), while the Barthel index (BI) assessed ADL immediately and 1 week after intervention. Both patients regained standing balance immediately using visual deprivation, as well as walking ability, although both scored 0 on the FMBS and HG. After 1 week of treatment, one patient increased to 11 and 3 on the FMBS and HG, respectively, while the BLS score decreased from 12 to 2, and the ADL increased from 23 to 70. The other patient demonstrated increases to 10 and 3 on the FMBS and HG, respectively, with the BLS decreasing from 13 to 3, and the ADL increasing from 25 to 60. Therefore, in the rehabilitation treatment of Pusher syndrome complicated by hemispatial neglect due to basal ganglia stroke, visual deprivation can significantly improve motor function and shorten the treatment course.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Thalamic GMV Atrophy and Associations of Lower GMV With Clinical and Sensorimotor Performance Data
Authors: Domin Martin , Strauss Sebastian , McAuley James H. , Lotze Martin
Published: September 2021

Results on gray matter alterations in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) showed heterogeneous findings. Since CRPS is a rare disease, most studies included only small and heterogeneous samples resulting in a low reliability of findings between studies. We investigated 24 CRPS patients with right upper limb affection in the chronic stage of disease using structural MRI and clinical testing. We focused on gray matter volume (GMV) alterations of the brain in comparison to 33 age matched healthy controls, their association to clinical characteristics (duration of pain syndrome and pain intensity ratings) and sensorimotor performance (finger dexterity and spatiotactile resolution). When applying an explorative whole brain analysis CRPS patients showed lower GMV in the bilateral medial thalamus. No other areas showed a relevant GMV difference for the group comparisons. When applying a region of interest driven approach using anatomical masks of the thalamus, ACC/mPFC, putamen, and insula we found relevant associations of clinical and behavioral data in ACC and insula. Whereas, the GMV in ACC showed negative associations with pain intensity and CRPS duration, the GMV of the left posterior insula was negatively associated with sensorimotor performance of the affected hand side. Overall, our results are in accordance to results of others describing a thalamic reduction of GMV in patients with neuropathic pain and are also in accordance with associations of pain intensity and duration with reduced ACC in general in patients with chronic pain syndromes. Sensorimotor performance seems to be related to posterior insula GMV reduction, which has not been described yet for other patient groups.
The Effect of Different Head Movement Paradigms on Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Gain and Saccadic Eye Responses in the Suppression Head Impulse Test in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Starkov Dmitrii , Vermorken Bernd , Van Dooren T. S. , Van Stiphout Lisa , Janssen Miranda , Pleshkov Maksim , Guinand Nils , Pérez Fornos Angelica , Van Rompaey Vincent , Kingma Herman , Van de Berg Raymond
Published: September 2021

Objective: This study aimed to identify differences in vestibulo-ocular reflex gain (VOR gain) and saccadic response in the suppression head impulse paradigm (SHIMP) between predictable and less predictable head movements, in a group of healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that higher prediction could lead to a lower VOR gain, a shorter saccadic latency, and higher grouping of saccades.

Methods: Sixty-two healthy subjects were tested using the video head impulse test and SHIMPs in four conditions: active and passive head movements for both inward and outward directions. VOR gain, latency of the first saccade, and the level of saccade grouping (PR-score) were compared among conditions. Inward and active head movements were considered to be more predictable than outward and passive head movements.

Results: After validation, results of 57 tested subjects were analyzed. Mean VOR gain was significantly lower for inward passive compared with outward passive head impulses (p < 0.001), and it was higher for active compared with passive head impulses (both inward and outward) (p ≤ 0.024). Mean latency of the first saccade was significantly shorter for inward active compared with inward passive (p ≤ 0.001) and for inward passive compared with outward passive head impulses (p = 0.012). Mean PR-score was only significantly higher in active outward than in active inward head impulses (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: For SHIMP, a higher predictability in head movements lowered gain only in passive impulses and shortened latencies of compensatory saccades overall. For active impulses, gain calculation was affected by short-latency compensatory saccades, hindering reliable comparison with gains of passive impulses. Predictability did not substantially influence grouping of compensatory saccades.