bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping divers terrestrial orchids grown in the orchids garden of the Ranu Darungan Resort, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Authors: Inayah D , Artaka T , Arisoesilaningsih E
Published: May 2021

The aim of this research was to map and to determine terrestrial orchids grown in the Orchid Garden of Ranu Darungan Resort, the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Garden was divided into four zones, namely A, B, C and D. Garden and orchids were mapped by recording their coordinates using GPS, then integrated into the Google Earth. Terrestrial orchids were identified, while their density of each subzone was determined. Results showed that there were 45 species belonging to 25 genera, some variants and a natural hybrid. Among them, Calanthe triplicata and Nephelaphyllum pulchrum showed the highest density. There were four endemic species of Java such as Paphiopedilum javanicum, Macodes javanica, Liparis javanica, and Acanthephippium javanicum. We found two variants of Eria javanica, two variants of flower colors in Phaius amboinensis, and two variant of labellum tip colors in Arundina graminifolia. We recorded a natural hybridization between C. triplicata and C. sylvatica, and then the hybrid flowers were light purple with a labellum shape of C. triplicata. The A zone was the richest and grown by 31 species followed by the D zone. However, the C and B zones showed the lowest diversity and codominated by N. pulchrum and C. triplicata.
Beeswax formulation and Wrapping effects on red garifta mango physical characteristics
Authors: Husen S , Muhidin  , Sri W , Devi D S , Anggoro W
Published: May 2021

Red garifta is a mango variety that has an attractive appearance with sweet and fresh taste. It is one of the superior Indonesian fruits which having export potential. Therefore, improving the fruit quality is needed to increase market competitiveness. This study aimed to determine the effect of beeswax coating concentration and wrapping on the Red Garifta mango shelf life. There were two factors, first factor was beeswax concentration (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%), and the second factor was wrapping (without and wrapped with cardboard). The result revealed that 6% concentration beeswax is the best treatment throughout storage period with minimum loss of weight, extended color and proportional hardness. Wrapping also gave better effect on the color intensity, hardness, and less weight loss reduction. Therefore, it could be concluded that the treatment able to increase the red garifta mango shelf life.
An analysis of the deformed erythrocytes correlated to varied dose of nanoparticles emitted by diesel engine bus
Authors: Wardoyo A Y P , Juswono U P , Noor J A E , Budianto A
Published: May 2021

This study was aimed to investigate the morphological changes of the mice’s erythrocytes corresponded to the bus exhaust nanoparticle exposures. Male mice were used as the experimental animals. The exhaust emissions emitted by bus samples B1, B2, and B3 were filtered using a nanoparticulate filtering system consisting of an N95 mask and a sucking pump, and the concentration was measured using a TSI P-Trak Ultrafine Particle Counter. In order to the erythrocyte deformation, we used the unexposed and the exposed mice to the bus exhaust emission with the varied particle concentration of Ld - low dose, Md - medium dose, and Hd - high dose as long as 100 seconds per day in eight consecutive days. Then, all mice were sacrificed for the erythrocytes analysis. We found two deformation types that were most highly increased in the erythrocytes such as: helmet-shaped cells and teardrop-shaped cells. The deformation percentages were in the range of 27% to 47%, depending on the nanoparticle concentration dose. Ld had the lowest deformation percentages: 28% for B1, 34% for B2, and 44% for B3. The highest deformation was found in Hd, with the values of 30%, 37%, and 47%, respectively for B1, B2, and B3.
The spores structure of ferns growing in mountain Gumitir coffee plantation area Jember Regency
Authors: Setyati D , Sulistyowati H , Rahmawati R , Ratnasari T
Published: May 2021

Ferns spores diverse in their characteristics such as shapes, types and sizes. These characteristis are commonly used for species identification instead of the roots, stems and leaves. People can use the spores characteristics to identify the ferns species. Therefore, there is a need to characterize the structure of ferns spores growing in mountain Gumitir coffee plantation area. The whole mount method was used for spore preparations. Parameters observed were the type, size, shape and ornamentation of the exine of spores. The results showed the spore characters of ten ferns species. Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link. Nephrolepis falcata (Cav.) C. Chr, Pyrrosia nummularifolia (Sw.) Ching and Pyrrosia penangiana (Hook.) Holtt had large spores size (51-100 μm), while the others had medium-sized spores (26-50 μm). Monolete spore type was found in nine species and trilete spore type was found only in Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link. Subspheroidal spore forms was found in six species, while oblate spore form was found in four species. Exine ornamentation pattern varied from rugulate (3 species), baculate (2 species), scabrate, faveolate, gemmate, verrucate and echinate (the last five only in one species) with (P/E) value 0.64 - 0.97.
Application of response surface methodology in optimization condition of anthocyanin extraction process of cocoa peel waste with Microwave Assisted Extraction Method (MAE)
Authors: Rahmawati I , Fachri B A , Manurung Y H , Nurtsulutsiyah  , Reza M
Published: May 2021

Anthocyanins are present in high concentration in cocoa peels. A microwave-assisted extraction was used to extract the anthocyanins from cocoa peel by using aqueous ethanol solvent. Extraction process conditions such as particle size, material/solvent ratio (w/v), optimum extraction time, and microwave power in the extraction process will affect the obtained concentration of anthocyanin. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between each input variables and to develop predictive models used in optimizing the conditions of the anthocyanin extraction process. The Design Expert vs11 program with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken Design was used for research and select process conditions from a combination of factors producing the optimal responses. Based on the Box-Behnken RSM Design, particle size, material/solvent ratio, extraction time, and microwave power in the extraction process are factors which mainly affect the response of produced anthocyanin concentration. Relationship between variables and the response of anthocyanin concentration was modeled by Y = 0.000178-4.17412E-07A + 0.012205B + 0.000022C + 7.75551R-08D + 0.000060AB - 2.96236E-08AC + 1.20818E-09AD − 0.001314BC − 0.000029BD + 1.84413E-07CD (A is particle size; B is the ratio of cocoa peel/ethanol; C is extraction time; and D is the power of microwave). The optimal response value of anthocyanin concentration is 1,435 mM, with the condition of the particle size at the extraction process of 60 mesh; the ratio of cocoa peel/ethanol of 0.0625 w/v; extraction time of 10 minutes; and the microwave of 450 watts.
Detection of cryII gene from Bacillus thuringiensis using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Authors: Wahyuni F D , Seprianto  , Saraswati H
Published: May 2021

Bacillus thuringiensis is one species of bacteria that has been applied as a microbiological control agent for pests and a vector of plant disease. The availability of Cry proteins in B. thuringiensis can be acted as a specific insect exterminator that only toxic to certain insects. The cryII gene is an example of a type of cry gene that encodes a CryII Protein. The CryII protein is toxic to Lepidoptera insects which can attack Helicoverpa armigera species which is a corn borer. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a general method that can be used to amplify the gene. This research purposed to design a good primer candidate for cryII gene amplification from B. thuringiensis. In silico analysis for designing cryII primer was carried out using some software, such as BLAST for searching cryII gene sequence, Bioedit for sequences alignment, and DINAmelt for analyzing dimer structure of primers. Ten primer candidates were successfully obtained based on the result of the primer 3 software. A pair of primer was selected to amplify the cryII gene, with forward primer 5’-GGTAGTGGACCACAGCAGAC-3’and reverse primer 5’-TCTTCTGGCGCCAAATGGAT-3’. This primer has fulfilled good primer characteristics because it does not cause dimer structure and the resulting amplicons do not form secondary structures. Amplification of the cryI gene by PCR method using selected primer resulting in a PCR product with a length of approximately 800 bp.
Isolation and screening caffeine-degrading bacteria
Authors: Arimurti S , Oktavianawati I , Suharjono S
Published: May 2021

Naturally, the coffee pulp contains caffeine. Caffeine-degrading bacteria can use caffeine for their growth. The purpose of this research was to obtain high potency of caffeine-degrading bacterial isolates. These bacteria were isolated from naturally-fermented pulp waste of Coffea arabica. The bacteria were isolated by using minimal medium M9 contain 1 g/L caffeine and was screened based on their activity to degrade caffeine. There 13 isolates that successfully isolated by this medium. The research found five isolates had high potency to degrade caffeine. They were KAFS 33, KAFS 34, KAFS 16, KAFS 47, and KAFS 35 respectively. Those isolates were the potential to be further analysis as an agent of decaffeinating coffee.
Lipid production from Zygosaccharomyces siamensis AP1 using sequencing batch method with acetic acid as carbon source
Authors: Salsabila R , Ilmi M
Published: May 2021

Microbial lipid made by microorganisms is a promising feedstock to produce biodiesel. One important parameter in the production of microbial lipids is carbon sources. Low-cost carbon sources are one of the considerations for large-scale microbial lipid production. Acetic acid is a low-cost carbon source and can increase the rate of lipid accumulation due to its shorter metabolic pathway. This research aims to evaluate sequencing batch method to increase the lipid production of Zygosaccharomyces siamensis AP1 using carbon sources of acetic acid. The optimum acetic acid for lipid production was first determined by growing the strain in Nitrogen Limited Medium (NLM) with varying concentrations of acetic acid (5 to 40 g/L). Effect of pre-culturing was determined next by growing the yeast in Nitrogen Rich Medium (NRM) with varied acetic acid concentration (5-40 g/L) before lipid production in optimised NLM. Lastly, sequencing batch cultivation was carried out using the optimised pre-culture medium (NRM) and the production medium (NLM). The result shows that Z. siamensis AP1 obtained its highest lipid production when the yeast was grown with 40 g / L of acetic acid. Total lipid increased by 64 % when yeast was pre-culture in NRM containing 40 g/L acetic acid. Sequencing batch method resulted in biomass and total lipid of 0.61 g/L and 0.48 g/L, respectively. Half of the lipid was produced extracellularly. This study suggests that acetic acid can be used as a single carbon source in lipid production from Z. siamensis AP1. It also shows that sequencing batch method with pre-culturing can increase the lipid production. Besides, the method triggers excretion of the produced lipid out of the yeast cells. Further study to investigate the role of acetic acid in Z. siamensis AP1 extracellular lipid production is suggested.
Redistribution of Sumatran orangutan in the Leuser ecosystem due to dispersal constraints and climate change
Authors: Condro A A , Prasetyo L B , Rushayati S B , Santikayasa I P , Iskandar E
Published: May 2021

Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is one of the great apes that lives in Asia. The species’ population suffered a significant reduction due to altered habitat and climate shifting; thus, this species is critically endangered (CR) based on The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Nowadays, the vast majority of the species only occur in the Leuser ecosystem (LE). The population estimation of Sumatran orangutan towards ground-truthing methods still became a challenge to carry out conservation planning; therefore, the ecological niche modeling (ENM) will be a gan excellent alternative to evaluate this species’ population dynamics. Here we present the potential distribution changes of the Sumatran orangutan in the LE under mitigation and business as usual (BAU) scenarios of climate change. This study also conducted the effects of environmental constraint (i.e., deforestation and rivers) on the Sumatran orangutan’s future dispersal in LE. We collected the Sumatran orangutan occurrences data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and literature reviews of orangutan inventory in the Leuser ecosystem. The ENM and dispersal constraints have been conducted using ENMTML and MigClim R package script-codes, respectively. This study provides novel information regarding future orangutan distribution.
Effect of microplastics and natural microparticles on green Mussel (Perna viridis)
Authors: Putri A R , Zamani N P , Bengen D G
Published: May 2021

There are so many studies of microplastics on marine animals, but almost all of them do not compare the effect of microplastics with natural microparticles which are also can be a stressor for the animals. This can lead us to overestimate the effect of microplastics on marine animals. Therefore we conducted a study to see whether the effect of microplastics was the same as the effect of natural microparticles on green mussels (Perna viridis). This research was conducted experimentally in the laboratory for 21 days. Green mussels were exposed to PVC as microplastics and red clay as natural microparticles with 3 different concentrations (1.5 mg/l, 15 mg/l and 150 mg/l). We observed mortality, clearance rates, and BCI index. Clearance rates and mortality values were not statistically significant, while the BCI results showed that the effects of PVC and red clay at each concentration were only less than 10%. This suggests that the effect of microplastics and natural microparticles is similar, and it is necessary to include natural microparticles as a comparison in research related to microplastics.
Food preferences of Bornean orangutan in Lamandau Wildlife Sanctuary, Central Kalimantan
Authors: Widiani E , Rahman D A , Mardiastuti A
Published: May 2021

The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) is one of the world’s most endangered primates. Orangutan food is highly varied, depending on its habitat. This research was conducted in Lamandau Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed to identify Bornean Orangutan food, and estimate their food preferences. The research was conducted on February-March 2020, by following 5 rehabilitated orangutans for 195 hours by 2 observers. Using Jacobs preference index (Di), food were categorized as highly preferred, preferred, less preferred, and not preferred. There were 33 tree species (18 families) consumed. Oorangutans also consumed insects, lianas, mushrooms, herbs, soil, and some additional food provided by the Wildlife Sanctuary Manager. Parts of tree selected as the most preferred food are fruits (73.3%), they also eat other parts of the tree including young leaves, flowers, bark, and shoots. Highly preferred food for Orangutans were ‘katikal’ (Ochanostachys amentacea; fruit, Di 0.95), ‘gandis’ (Garcinia parvifolia; fruit, Di 0.83), ‘kekupui’ (Sarcotheca diversifolia; young leaves, Di 0.78), and ‘malukan’ (fruit, Di 0.56). Other trees selected for food were categorized as preferred food (6 species), less preferred (11 species) and not preferred food (7 species). Other 5 species were uncategorized due to a lack of data.
The effect of plastic debris attachment to the health of branching corals in Kelapa Dua Island, Thousand Islands
Authors: Muhammad F , Zamani N P , Ismet M S
Published: May 2021

Plastic marine debris are a potential threat to the life of marine organisms such as corals. This study aimed to analyze the effect of different plastic waste attachments on the bleaching rate and the health of branching corals at Kelapa Dua Island. Branching coral colonies consisted of 15 fragments of Porites cylidrica at the water depth of 80-90 cm, then treated with plastic waste (control, clear plastic, sack plastic, packaging plastic, and black plastic) for four days. Determination of color changes in corals was determined using Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 and Image j software to obtain the area of the discoloration. The treatment with black plastic became most impactful, with a discoloration area of 5.33 ± 0.48 cm2 and a healthy percentage of 73.62 ± 2.00%. Results of the linear regression between coral discoloration rate and light intensity showed a negative correlation, with r = -0.77 and R2 = 0.59, then between the percentage of coral health and light intensity showed a positive correlation, with r = 0.83 and R2 = 0.69. These results indicated that the decrease in light intensity due to the covered plastic debris affected the discoloration rate and the health percentage of branching coral.
Visualization of agroecological suitability of peatland to pineapple productivity in Kampar District with Fuzzy approach
Authors: Putra F M , Sitanggang I S , Sobir  , Gusmendasari R
Published: May 2021

Pineapple is one of the peat-friendly plants in fire prevention and peatland restoration. The nature and characteristics of the soil are the basis for developing sustainable agroecology. This study aims to create a visualization module of pineapple agro-ecological suitability in peatland. This study uses a Fuzzy inference system to determine the suitability of pineapple land. It visualizes the results in the study area of Kampar District, Riau Province, Indonesia using ArcGIS online. This study resulted in peatlands’ agro-ecological suitability with three limiting factors, particularly climate, soil, and peat characteristics. Based on the climate factors, Kampar District is moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) for cultivating pineapple. Based on the soil factors, Kampar District is an unsuitable class (N), moderately suitable (S2), and marginally suitable (S3) for cultivating pineapple. Kampar District is an unsuitable class (N), moderately suitable (S2), and marginally suitable (S3) for cultivating pineapple based on peat characteristics. Analysis of the agro-ecological suitability of peatlands and pineapple productivity in Kampar District concluded that the land suitability was moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) categories. This study’s results are expected to be used as decision support in increasing the productivity of pineapple in peatlands in the Kampar District.
The relationship of total macro marine debris abundance with total seagrass density in Tidung Kecil Island, DKI Jakarta
Authors: Aji J S , Lestari D F
Published: May 2021

Marine debris is an object that is produced by human activities and is wasted around the coast or marine environment. The research aims to examine the composition, density, frequency, coverage of seagrass, and abundance of macro marine debris and to determine the relationship between total macro marine debris abundance and total seagrass density in Tidung Kecil Island. Observation of marine debris and seagrass samples was carried out using the seagrasswatch method. The relationship between marine debris abundance and seagrass density is knowing by linear regression and pearson correlation. The composition of seagrass in Tidung Kecil Island was found in four species Enhalus acoroides, Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, and Halophila ovalis. The highest density of seagrass species was E. acoroides and the lowest was H. ovalis. The highest frequency of seagrass species was T. hemprichii and the lowest was H. ovalis. The highest type of seagrass cover was T. hemprichii and the lowest was H. ovalis. The highest abundance of macro marine debris is plastic and the lowest is metal. The relationship between the abundance of macro marine debris and the abundance of seagrass species is negative.
Assessing solid waste management strategy in higher education institutions of Indonesia: A case study of IPB University
Authors: Rugatiri J , Abidin Z , Ismail A
Published: May 2021

Globally, the solid waste management sector is facing numerous challenges. To encourage solid waste management IPB University launched the Green Campus program 2020. The critical success of this program was fulfilled by awareness with the participation of the family of IPB University. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the awareness and respective practices’ in solid waste management, among IPB University students. The study employed a descriptive research design with (n=108) randomly selected students. Data were analyzed and interpreted by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that the students are highly aware of solid waste management, and also the students have good practices in terms of proper reducing and reusing, but moderately proper segregation, recycling, and disposal practices. The level of awareness of the students is influenced by their practices in waste segregation, reduction, reuse, and recycling but not influenced by their practices in terms of disposal. The study also revealed that the most waste generated in University dormitories was plastic bags, leftovers food, tissue papers, and cans waste. Meaningful recommendations were suggested to raise awareness among students in proper segregation and disposal practices.
Bicycle lanes to improve road user safety and urban air quality
Authors: Nurfaizi N , Sari N
Published: May 2021

The government should provide paths for pedestrians and cyclists base on Indonesia Government Regulation No. 22 of 2009. Kampung Inggris located in Pare District is a destination for local tourists to learn English. Tourists and residents in Pare sub-district use bicycles for their daily mobility. Currently, there is a mix of traffic in the Pare Central Business Districts (CBD), this is due to the unavailability of bicycle lanes in that area. The purpose of this research is to determine a bicycle lane to improve cyclist safety and improve air quality in the Pare CBD. The analytical method used in this research is stochastic traffic assignment to assign the bicycle route by using the Origin-Destination of the cyclist. The results showed the origin-destination movement for bicycle users in Pare District is mostly directed to Tulungrejo, Pare, Tretek. There are three alternative routes based on the results of the analysis which will serve as a typical bicycle route in the Pare CBD. There are several facilities to support typical bicycle lanes such as markers, traffic signs, and bicycle parking which must be prepared and equipped to support typical bicycle lane planning facilities in the Pare CBD.
An evaluation of Dumagat/Remontado tribe as potential forest resource managers: the case of upper Marikina River basin Protected landscape, Philippines
Authors: Moussavi S , Navarra N
Published: May 2021

Dumagat/Remontados belong to an indigenous community in Rizal Province, Philippines. Being the original inhabitants of the forest they have built strong ties to their lands as a result of living in the forest for generations. However, despite their rich knowledge in conserving and protecting their lands, these communities are still considered as an unimportant community in decision makings by lawmakers. Modern technology has made some of these communities leave the forest and settle in urbanized areas to find a better life. This research stresses the important role of Dumagat/Remontado’s Tribe living in the upper Marikina river basin protected landscape, in managing and conserving the forest. The study involves interviews with the Chieftains of five selected villages and members of Dumagat/Remontado’s tribe, site visits, and photo-documentations. Findings revealed all the communities still have strong ties to their traditional beliefs but communities that are still living in the forest and in their ancestral lands have stronger connections to their ancestral lands, traditional beliefs, and practices which have resulted in better management of the forest and its resources.
Ethnotaxonomy of food plants in Gayo People: a case study in the Jabodetabek community
Authors: Hidayati S , Sunkar A , Suansa N I , Fuadah A S , Hartoyo A P P
Published: May 2021

Traditional knowledge (TK) of indigenous people is of utmost importance for the conservation of many plant species at the grassroots level, in particular food plants, as the main resource for human survival. For the past two decades, a novel path of research has emerged justifying the focus of linguistic ethnobiology on ethnotaxonomy, used by the local communities to symbolize biodiversity. The co-occurrence of linguistic, cultural, and biological diversities at a global level, are recognizable as evidence for a mutually dependent relationship known as biocultural diversity. Traditional knowledge and language come together to provide an ethnotaxonomical system of biodiversity. This study focuses on the ethnotaxonomy of food plants to document the TK of the Gayo ethnic group residing in Jabodetabek. Using Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interviews, this study found 218 species of food plants encoding TK related to morphology (80), ecology (35), utility (11), and quality (9) of the taxa. Our study indicated that ethnotaxonomy showed a remarkable ability to encode TK of multiple taxa. However, 83 documented taxa were unanalysable, suggesting the possibility of TK erosion within the community. Anyone wanting to conserve biocultural diversity should take into account the potentials of folk names as condensed biocultural knowledge.
Wildlife species prone to road kill: case in Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Purnomo T , Kusrini M D , Mardiastuti A
Published: May 2021

Wild animals sometimes accidentally got killed when they try to cross the road in their habitat. However, data and information on the road kill/mortality of wild animals in Indonesia was still lacking. The objective of this study was to record and analyze the road kill (e.g.e species and number) along the 22,4 km highway in Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, Southeast Sulawesi. Road kills were observed during February-March 2020 through series of driving along the highway by motorcycle. Data collected were species and number of road kill, as well as number of vehicles passing by. A total of 529 individuals from 37 species were found accidentally killed of which about half (49,3%) happened along the beginning of the highway (km 0-10). Species prone to road kill were identifed, naley 19 species of bird (mostly Tricoloured Munia, Lesser Coucal, Zitting Cisticola), 3 species of small mammals (mostly Ricefield Rat), 10 species of reptileses species (mostly Water Monitor and Matana Mud Snake), and 5 species of amphibians species (mostly Crested Toad). Big mammals (Booted Macaque, Wild Boar) were not prone to road kill. There was a positive correlation (r=0,721) between the number of vehicle and the number of road kill.
Sertoli cell replacement in explanted mouse testis tissue supporting host spermatogenesis†
Authors: Higuchi Kazusa , Matsumura Takafumi , Akiyama Haruhiko , Kanai Yoshiakira , Ogawa Takehiko , Sato Takuya
Published: May 2021

Spermatogenesis takes place in the seminiferous tubules, starting from the spermatogonial stem cell and maturing into sperm through multiple stages of cell differentiation. Sertoli cells, the main somatic cell constituting the seminiferous tubule, are in close contact with every germ cell and play pivotal roles in the progression of spermatogenesis. In this study, we developed an in vitro Sertoli cell replacement method by combining an organ culture technique and a toxin receptor-mediated cell knockout system. We used Amh-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice, whose Sertoli cells specifically express human diphtheria toxin receptor, which renders them sensitive to diphtheria toxin. An immature Amh-diphtheria toxin receptor testis was transplanted with the donor testis cells followed by culturing in a medium containing diphtheria toxin. This procedure successfully replaced the original Sertoli cells with the transplanted Sertoli cells, and spermatogenesis originating from resident germ cells was confirmed. In addition, Sertoli cells in the mouse testis tissues were replaced by transplanted rat Sertoli cells within culture conditions without requiring immunosuppressive treatments. This method works as a functional assay system, making it possible to evaluate any cells that might function as Sertoli cells. It would also be possible to investigate interactions between Sertoli and germ cells more closely, providing a new platform for the study of spermatogenesis and its impairments.
Differential localization of serotoninergic system elements in human amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Romero-Reyes Jessica , Vázquez-Martínez Edgar Ricardo , Bahena-Alvarez Daniel , López-Jiménez Jessica , Molina-Hernández Anayansi , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio , Díaz Néstor Fabián
Published: May 2021

Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a biogenic amine involved in regulating several functions, including development. However, its impact on human embryo development has been poorly studied. The present work investigated the expression and distribution of the main components of the serotoninergic system in human amniotic tissue and human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC) in vitro, as an alternative model of early human embryo development. Amniotic membranes from full-term healthy pregnancies were used. Human amnion tissue or hAEC isolated from the amnion was processed for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses of the main components of the serotoninergic system. We found the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase type 1 (TPH1), type 2 (TPH2), serotonin transporter (SERT), monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA), as well as HTR1D and HTR7 receptors at mRNA level in amnion tissue as well in hAEC. Interestingly, we found the presence of 5-HT in the nucleus of the cells in amnion tissue, whereas it was located in the cytoplasm of isolated hAEC. We detected TPH1, TPH2, and HTR1D receptor in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. SERT, MAOA, and HTR7 receptor were only observed in the cytoplasm. The results presented herein show, for the first time, the presence of the serotoninergic system in human amnion in vivo and in vitro.
The molecular mechanisms supporting the homeostasis and activation of dendritic epidermal T cell and its role in promoting wound healing
Authors: Chen Cheng , Meng Ziyu , Ren He , Zhao Na , Shang Ruoyu , He Weifeng , Hao Jianlei
Published: May 2021

The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and the first barrier against invasion. Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are a subset of γδ T cells and an important component of the epidermal immune microenvironment. DETCs are involved in skin wound healing, malignancy and autoimmune diseases. DETCs secrete insulin-like growth factor-1 and keratinocyte growth factor for skin homeostasis and re-epithelization and release inflammatory factors to adjust the inflammatory microenvironment of wound healing. Therefore, an understanding of their development, activation and correlative signalling pathways is indispensable for the regulation of DETCs to accelerate wound healing. Our review focuses on the above-mentioned molecular mechanisms to provide a general research framework to regulate and control the function of DETCs.
Prediction of Stock Prices Using Statistical and Machine Learning Models: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Prasad Venkata Vara , Gumparthi Srinivas , Venkataramana Lokeswari Y , Srinethe S , Sruthi Sree R M , Nishanthi K
Published: May 2021

With the advent of machine learning, numerous approaches have been proposed to forecast stock prices. Various models have been developed to date such as Recurrent Neural Networks, Long Short-Term Memory, Convolutional Neural Network sliding window, etc., but were not accurate enough. Here, the aim is to predict the price of a stock and compare the results obtained using three major algorithms namely Kalman filters, XGBoost and ARIMA. Kalman filters are recursive and use a feedback mechanism to perform error correction. This correction makes them best suited for making accurate predictions as they can factor in the market volatility, whereas XGBoost is a promising technique for datasets that are nonlinear and can gather knowledge by detecting patterns and relationships in the data. XGBoost is also capable of capturing the time dependency of features efficiently. ARIMA refers to an Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average model that has become very popular in recent times. It is mostly used on time series data and works by eliminating its stationarity. Finally, a hybrid model combining Kalman filters and XGBoostis discussed and a comparison of the results of each of the four models, are made to provide a better clarity for making investments by forecasting the price of a stock.
Can leadership quality buffer the association between emotionally demanding work and risk of long-term sickness absence?
Authors: Rugulies Reiner , Sørensen Jeppe Karl , Madsen Ida E H , Nordentoft Mads , Sørensen Kathrine , Framke Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

We examined whether the association between emotionally demanding work and risk of register-based long-term sickness absence (LTSA, ≥6 weeks) was buffered by high leadership quality among 25 416 Danish employees during 52-week follow-up. Emotional demands were measured at the job group level, whereas leadership quality was measured by workers rating their closest manager. Emotionally demanding work was associated with a higher risk of LTSA, regardless if leadership quality was high or low, with neither multiplicative nor additive interaction. We conclude that we found no evidence for high leadership quality buffering the effect of emotionally demanding work on risk of LTSA.
Biostatistical prediction of genes essential for growth of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in a human promyelocytic cell line using a random transposon mutant library
Authors: O'Conor M Catherine , Herron Michael J , Nelson Curtis M , Barbet Anthony F , Crosby F Liliana , Burkhardt Nicole Y , Price Lisa D , Brayton Kelly A , Kurtti Timothy J , Munderloh Ulrike G
Published: May 2021

Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), agent of human anaplasmosis, is an intracellular bacterium that causes the second most common tick-borne illness in North America. To address the lack of a genetic system for these pathogens, we used random Himar1 transposon mutagenesis to generate a library of Ap mutants capable of replicating in human promyelocytes (HL-60 cells). Illumina sequencing identified 1195 non-randomly distributed insertions. As the density of mutants was non-saturating, genes without insertions were either essential for Ap, or spared randomly. To resolve this question, we applied a biostatistical method for prediction of essential genes. Since the chances that a transposon was inserted into genomic TA dinucleotide sites should be the same for all loci, we used a Markov chain Monte Carlo model to estimate the probability that a non-mutated gene was essential for Ap. Predicted essential genes included those coding for structural ribosomal proteins, enzymes involved in metabolism, components of the type IV secretion system, antioxidant defense molecules and hypothetical proteins. We have used an in silico post-genomic approach to predict genes with high probability of being essential for replication of Ap in HL-60 cells. These results will help target genes to investigate their role in the pathogenesis of human anaplasmosis.
Molecular evidence of introgression of Asian germplasm into a naturalCastanea sativaforest in Spain
Authors: Alcaide Francisco , Solla Alejandro , Cuenca Beatriz , Martín M Ángela
Published: May 2021

Evidence has been documented in Europe of introgression, the transfer of genetic material, between Asian chestnut species (Castanea crenata and C. mollissima) and the native C. sativa through spontaneous hybridization and subsequent backcrossing. However, the extent of this introgression has not been monitored in a particular forest stand or in adult and juvenile trees simultaneously. We assessed introgression in a natural C. sativa forest in northwest Spain and developed a reliable method to detect the presence of Asian germplasm of Castanea spp. A total of 34 adult trees and 42 saplings were genotyped at 13 SSRs in a forest where ink-disease-resistant C. crenata and C. mollissima seedlings had been planted in the 1940s. The 13 SSR loci selected were highly polymorphic and 115 different alleles were detected for the individuals sampled. Bayesian clustering identified two groups for C. sativa and one group each for C. mollissima and C. crenata. Within the forest, 70.6 per cent of adults and 28.6 per cent of juveniles were classified as pure C. sativa. Most juveniles were C. sativa × C. crenata (>40 per cent) and ca. 10 per cent were C. crenata × C. mollissima hybrids. Six new alleles private to C. crenata are reported here. The study quantifies, for the first time in Europe, introgression of Asian germplasm into a natural C. sativa forest. It also examines the extent of introgression in offspring and provides a method to detect exotic germplasm in C. sativa forests. We discuss why the forest studied may benefit from transfer of alleles involved in ink-disease resistance and why introgression will be detrimental to drought tolerance in offspring.
The Evolution of Interdependence in a Four-Way Mealybug Symbiosis
Authors: Garber Arkadiy I , Kupper Maria , Laetsch Dominik R , Weldon Stephanie R , Ladinsky Mark S , Bjorkman Pamela J , McCutcheon John P
Published: May 2021

Mealybugs are insects that maintain intracellular bacterial symbionts to supplement their nutrient-poor plant sap diets. Some mealybugs have a single betaproteobacterial endosymbiont, a Candidatus Tremblaya species (hereafter Tremblaya) that alone provides the insect with its required nutrients. Other mealybugs have two nutritional endosymbionts that together provision these same nutrients, where Tremblaya has gained a gammaproteobacterial partner that resides in its cytoplasm. Previous work had established that Pseudococcus longispinus mealybugs maintain not one but two species of gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts along with Tremblaya. Preliminary genomic analyses suggested that these two gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts have large genomes with features consistent with a relatively recent origin as insect endosymbionts, but the patterns of genomic complementarity between members of the symbiosis and their relative cellular locations were unknown. Here, using long-read sequencing and various types of microscopy, we show that the two gammaproteobacterial symbionts of P. longispinus are mixed together within Tremblaya cells, and that their genomes are somewhat reduced in size compared with their closest nonendosymbiotic relatives. Both gammaproteobacterial genomes contain thousands of pseudogenes, consistent with a relatively recent shift from a free-living to an endosymbiotic lifestyle. Biosynthetic pathways of key metabolites are partitioned in complex interdependent patterns among the two gammaproteobacterial genomes, the Tremblaya genome, and horizontally acquired bacterial genes that are encoded on the mealybug nuclear genome. Although these two gammaproteobacterial endosymbionts have been acquired recently in evolutionary time, they have already evolved codependencies with each other, Tremblaya, and their insect host.
Homology and Modular Evolution of CATCHR at the Origin of the Eukaryotic Endomembrane System
Authors: Santana-Molina Carlos , Gutierrez Fernando , Devos Damien P
Published: May 2021

The membrane trafficking is an essential process of eukaryotic cells, as it manages vesicular trafficking toward different parts of the cell. In this process, membrane fusions between vesicles and target membranes are mediated by several factors, including the multisubunit tethering complexes. One type of multisubunit tethering complex, the complexes associated with tethering containing helical rods (CATCHR), encompasses the exocyst, COG, GARP, and DSL1 complexes. The CATCHR share similarities at sequence, structural, and protein-complex organization level although their actual relationship is still poorly understood. In this study, we have re-evaluated CATCHR at different levels, demonstrating that gene duplications followed by neofunctionalization, were key for their origin. Our results, reveals that there are specific homology relationships and parallelism within and between the CATCHR suggesting that most of these complexes are composed by modular tetramers of four different kinds of proteins, three of them having a clear common origin. The extension of CATCHR family occurred concomitantly with the protein family expansions of their molecular partners, such as small GTPases and SNAREs, among others, and likely providing functional specificity. Our results provide novel insights into the structural organization and mechanism of action of CATCHR, with implications for the evolution of the endomembrane system of eukaryotes and promoting CATCHR as ideal candidates to study the evolution of multiprotein complexes.
A 15-Year Review of Iatrogenic Burn Injuries in an Academic Public Hospital
Authors: Andersen Emily S , Powell Lauren E , Marcaccini Robert L , Feldman Michael J , Drake Mack D
Published: May 2021

Hospital-acquired burn injuries can result in increased length of hospitalization, costs of stay, and potential for additional procedures. The aim of this study was to describe iatrogenic burn injuries over a 15-year period at an academic public hospital system. Data was collected from January 2004 to June 2019. Data included time of injury, hospital location, mechanism, level of harm caused, and anatomic location of the injury. Demographic information included patient age, gender, body mass index, payer status, primary admission diagnosis and length of stay. 122 patients were identified through an internal hospital database that tracked reported injuries. Incidence was highest between 2005–2012 (12.3 ± 4.1 per year) when compared with 2013–2019 (2.9 ± 2.1 per year). A majority (77%) resulted in harm caused to the patient. Most (41%) of the injuries occurred on the general medical floors, followed by the operating room (33.6%). The most common etiology was scald (23%), followed by electrocautery (14.8%). Five of the injuries resulted in burn consults, although none of these patients required surgery. Iatrogenic burns appear to be decreasing. While a majority were reported to have caused patient harm, none were serious enough to warrant surgery. Most injuries occurred on the medical floors with a scald mechanism. This review presents an opportunity to emphasize in-hospital burn prevention, as well as an opportunity for the burn team to affect change in concert with hospital administration.
Ovarian endosalpingiosis mimicking hydrosalpinges. Unexpected intraoperative findings and a diagnostic rollercoaster
Authors: Muirhead Fleur C , Lee Hong L , Singh Rajeev
Published: May 2021

Over 80 % of ovarian cancer diagnoses are in women aged over 50 years. Post-menopausal women are at significantly increased risk compared with other age groups. Tumour biomarkers and ultrasound assist with diagnostics. A post-menopausal woman was referred with a possible left adnexal cyst on ultrasound. A tertiary gynaecological ultrasound suggested bilateral hydrosalpinges without cysts. Tumour markers were negative. Unexpectedly, while undergoing a laparoscopy, the tubes were normal in appearance; however, multiple cystic deposits suspicious for malignancy were noted on the ovaries. A laparoscopic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed without spillage and pelvic washings obtained. On histopathology, the ovaries contained multiple, benign epithelial cysts and pelvic washings were negative. This case demonstrates an unanticipated peri-operative diagnostic dilemma. It highlights the surgical management decisions required to balance duty of care and consent compliance within the scope of general gynaecology. It emphasizes the importance of histopathological examination to confirm diagnoses.
GalaxyNet: connecting galaxies and dark matter haloes with deep neural networks and reinforcement learning in large volumes
Authors: Moster Benjamin P , Naab Thorsten , Lindström Magnus , O’Leary Joseph A
Published: May 2021

We present the novel wide and deep neural network GalaxyNet, which connects the properties of galaxies and dark matter haloes and is directly trained on observed galaxy statistics using reinforcement learning. The most important halo properties to predict stellar mass and star formation rate (SFR) are halo mass, growth rate, and scale factor at the time the mass peaks, which results from a feature importance analysis with random forests. We train different models with supervised learning to find the optimal network architecture. GalaxyNet is then trained with a reinforcement learning approach: for a fixed set of weights and biases, we compute the galaxy properties for all haloes and then derive mock statistics (stellar mass functions, cosmic and specific SFRs, quenched fractions, and clustering). Comparing these statistics to observations we get the model loss, which is minimized with particle swarm optimization. GalaxyNet reproduces the observed data very accurately and predicts a stellar-to-halo mass relation with a lower normalization and shallower low-mass slope at high redshift than empirical models. We find that at low mass, the galaxies with the highest SFRs are satellites, although most satellites are quenched. The normalization of the instantaneous conversion efficiency increases with redshift, but stays constant above z ≳ 0.5. Finally, we use GalaxyNet to populate a cosmic volume of (5.9 Gpc)3 with galaxies and predict the BAO signal, the bias, and the clustering of active and passive galaxies up to z = 4, which can be tested with next-generation surveys, such as LSST and Euclid.
The Clinical Practice Model for Persons with Dementia: Application to Music Therapy
Authors: Reschke-Hernández Alaine E
Published: May 2021

Currently, no drug can cure or effectively mitigate symptoms for the growing number of individuals who live with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. As they experience declines in memory, communication, and thinking—symptoms that undermine social initiative, autonomy, and well-being—these individuals become increasingly dependent on others. Evidence regarding the benefits of music therapy for persons with dementia is growing. Nonetheless, limitations in existing research have hindered knowledge regarding the use and appropriate application of music as a form of treatment with this population. This article describes the development of The Clinical Practice Model for Persons with Dementia, which provides a theoretical framework to inform evidence-based practice, illustrated here in application to music therapy. Specifically, the model is intended to prompt purposeful application of strategies documented within a broad literature base within 6 thematic areas (Cognition, Attention, Familiarity, Audibility, Structure, and Autonomy); facilitate clinical decision-making and intervention development, including music interventions; and encourage discourse regarding relationships between characteristics of the intervention, the therapist, the person with dementia, and their response to intervention. The model comprises a set of testable assumptions to provide direction for future research and to facilitate the description and investigation of mechanisms underlying behavioral interventions with this population. Although the model is likely to evolve as knowledge is gained, it offers a foundation for holistically considering an individual’s needs and strengths, guidance for applying music and nonmusic strategies in evidence-based practice, and direction for future research.