bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five new species of the leafhopper genus Limassolla Dlabola (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: ZHOU XIAN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN , HUANG MIN
Published: November 2020

Five new species of the leafhopper genus Limassolla Dlabola, Limassolla bicruralis, L. kunyica, L. uncata, L. nigropunctata, L. spinulata spp. nov., are described and illustrated and a key to separate males of those species is provided.
Pentamera fonsecae n. sp. a new species of sea cucumber from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica (Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Thyonidae)
Authors: SOLIS-MARIN FRANCISCO ALONSO , ALVARADO JUAN JOSE , CONEJEROS-VARGAS CARLOS ANDRES , CABALLERO-OCHOA ANDREA ALEJANDRA
Published: November 2020

Pentamera fonsecae n. sp. is described from seven specimens as a new species of Thyonidae from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is distinguished from its congeners by having tables with ladder-shaped spires in the body wall, and tube feet with curved support tables of variable height and tables as those found in the body wall slightly smaller than those from the body wall. This species is distributed in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, from 28.5 to 40 m on muddy bottoms.
Leveraging Advanced Practice Providers in an Otolaryngology Practice
Authors: Sharma Nita , Upjohn David , Donald Carrlene , Zoske Katie E. , Aldridge Chelsea L. , Lal Devyani
Published: November 2020

Objective

Advanced practice providers (APPs) may see patients independently or assist in “collaborative” clinics in otolaryngology practices. Our goal was to redesign the collaborative physician‐APP clinic model to increase patient access, maintain financial sustainability, and optimize patient and staff experience.

Methods

The study was performed in a tertiary care academic rhinology clinic seeing adult patients. The DMAIC framework (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) was used to develop the new model. The process shift between old and new models was analyzed by utilizing a statistical process control chart. Patient and staff surveys were tracked.

Results

The collaborative physician‐APP model was redesigned into 2 parallel and independently run (“concurrent”) physician and APP clinics. Patient access increased by 38.9% from a mean of 17.9 patients per collaborative clinic (n = 15 days, 269 patients) to 29.3 patients per concurrent clinic (n = 12 days, 352 patients). Medicare reimbursement rate modeling showed the collaborative clinic to operate at a loss of $1341.51 per day, while the concurrent clinic model operated at a $1309.88 gain (200% positive change). Patient and staff experience tracked positively.

Discussion

Otolaryngology clinics can become overwhelmed by the volume of empaneled established patients. Traditional collaborative physician‐APP clinics see the same panel of patients together. However, these can be successfully redesigned to a concurrent model. Concurrent clinics improve patient access and provider satisfaction while maintaining patient satisfaction and fiscal performance.

Implications for Practice

Leveraging an experienced APP to run a parallel and independent clinic alongside the physician (concurrent clinic model) may improve patient access, financial metrics, and patient/staff experience.
Factors that influence mothers’ prenatal decision to breastfeed in Spain
Authors: Ballesta-Castillejos Ana , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Ortiz-Esquinas Inmaculada , Hernández-Martínez Antonio
Published: November 2020

Background

Parents’ decisions about how to feed their newborns are influenced by multiple factors. Our objective was to identify the factors that can influence the decision to breastfeed.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational online study was conducted in Spain on women who gave birth between 2013 and 2018. The total number of participants was 5671. Data collection was after approval by the ethics committee in 2019. The data were collected retrospectively because the information was obtained from women who were mothers during the years 2013–2018. An online survey was distributed to breastfeeding associations and postpartum groups. Multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression was done to calculate the Adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR). The main result variable was “intention to breastfeed”.

Results

Ninety-seven percent (n = 5531) of women made the decision to breastfeed prior to giving birth. The internet played a role in deciding to breastfeed in 33.7% (n = 2047) of women, while 20.1% (n = 1110) said the same thing about their midwife. We identified five significant factors associated with the mother’s prenatal decision to breastfeed: attending maternal education (aOR 2.10; 95% CI 1.32, 3.34), having two (aOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.28, 0.99) and three children (aOR 0.24; 95% CI 0.10, 0.59), previous breastfeeding experience (aOR 6.99; 95% CI 3.46, 14.10), support from partner (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.09,2.28) and having a condition during pregnancy (aOR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43, 0.91).

Conclusions

Factors related with previous breastfeeding experience and education for mothers are decisive when it comes to making the decision to breastfeed. Given the proven influence that partners have in decision-making, it is important for them to be fully involved in the process.
Dynamic evolution of osseous structure in osteonecrosis of the femoral head and dynamic collapse risks: a preliminary CT image study
Authors: Huang Zeqing , Tan Biao , Ye Hengli , Fu Fanyu , Wang Rongtian , Chen Weiheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Collapse risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is estimated mainly based on static indicators, including lesion size and lesion location, but bone repairing is a dynamic process that lasts for years. The present study attempted to analyze the dynamic evolution of the osseous structure and its correlation with radiographic progression.

Methods

This retrospective study included 50 hips with ONFH from 50 patients. Participants were divided into the non-collapse group (n= 25) and the collapse group (n= 25). Original files of the initial computed tomography (CT) images were imported into imaging processing software for morphology analysis. The volume of sclerotic bone, the volume of soft tissue, and bone mineral density (BMD) were calculated. The linear correlations between the aforementioned indicators and the disease duration were estimated. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation of these indicators with the radiographic progression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate these indicators’ prediction performance.

Results

The volume of sclerotic bone and the BMD grew with disease duration, but the volume of soft tissue decrease. The logistic regression analysis found that the volume of sclerotic bone and the BMD were statistically associated with radiographic progression. The ROC analysis found that the regression model, which integrated the volume of sclerotic bone and the BMD, had satisfactory performance in predicting radiographic progression.

Conclusion

The present study suggested a dynamic evolution of the osseous structure and a dynamic variation trend of the collapse risk in ONFH. The volume of sclerotic bone and the BMD might serve as further prognostic indicators when estimating the collapse risk.
Case management after acquired brain injury compared to care as usual: study protocol for a 2-year pragmatic randomized controlled superiority trial with two parallel groups
Authors: Stiekema Annemarie P. M. , Resch Christine , Donkervoort Mireille , Jansen Natska , Jurrius Kitty H. M. , Zadoks Judith M. , van Heugten Caroline M.
Published: November 2020

Background

People with acquired brain injury may suffer from cognitive, emotional and behavioural changes in the long term. Continuity of care is often lacking, leading to a variety of unmet needs and hindering psychosocial functioning from the occurrence of brain injury up to years thereafter. Case management aims to prevent (escalation of) problems and to facilitate timely access to appropriate services. In other populations, case management has shown to improve psychosocial well-being. In this study, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of case management after acquired brain injury and its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, compared to care as usual.

Methods

This is a pragmatic randomized controlled superiority trial with two parallel groups and repeated measures in adults with ABI and their family, taking place between November 2019 and December 2021 in three provinces in the Netherlands. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the case management group, receiving case management from hospital discharge up to 2 years thereafter, or the control group, receiving care as usual. Effectiveness will be evaluated every 6 months for 18–24 months by patient-reported psychosocial well-being (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation (USER-P) restriction subscale and the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat)), self-management (Patient Activation Measure (PAM)) and care needs (Longer-term Unmet Needs after Stroke (LUNS)). Family outcomes include self-efficacy (Carer Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES)), caregiver burden (Caregiver Strain Index (CSI)), psychosocial well-being (LiSat, HADS), family needs (Family Needs Questionnaire (FNQ)). Feasibility will be evaluated using qualitative methods, assessing fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, recruitment and context. Cost-effectiveness will be determined by the EQ-5D-3L and service use.

Discussion

At the moment, there is no integrated health care service for people with acquired brain injury and their family members in the long term. If case management is shown to be feasible and (cost)-effective, it could bridge the gap between patients’ and families’ needs and the available services.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register NL8104. Registered on 22 October 2019.
Serotyping and pathotyping of Glaesserella parasuis isolated 2012–2019 in Germany comparing different PCR-based methods
Authors: Schuwerk Lukas , Hoeltig Doris , Waldmann Karl-Heinz , Strutzberg-Minder Katrin , Valentin-Weigand Peter , Rohde Judith
Published: November 2020

Glaesserella parasuis is an important pathogen in swine production. It acts as a primary pathogen in systemic Glässer´s disease and as a secondary pathogen in Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex. In this study, a collection of 308 isolates from carrier animals and individuals with respiratory or Glässer´s disease isolated 2012–2019 in Germany was analysed. Isolates were characterized for serovar implementing two different PCR methods. Additionally, two different PCR methods for pathotyping isolates were applied to the collection and results compared. Serovar 6 (p < 0.0001) and 9 (p = 0.0007) were correlated with carrier isolates and serovar 4 was associated with isolates from animals with respiratory disease (p = 0.015). In systemic isolates, serovar 13 was most frequently detected (18.9%). Various other serovars were isolated from all sites and the ratio of serovar 5 to serovar 12 was approximately 1:2. These two serovars together represented 14.3% of the isolates; only serovar 4 was isolated more frequently (24.7%). The pathotyping method based on the leader sequence (LS = ESPR of vta) was easy to perform and corresponded well to the clinical background information. Of the carrier isolates 72% were identified as non-virulent while 91% of the systemic isolates were classified as virulent (p < 0.0001). Results of the pathotyping PCR based on 10 different marker genes overall were in good agreement with clinical metadata as well as with results of the LS-PCR. However, the pathotyping PCR was more complicated to perform and analyze. In conclusion, a combination of the serotyping multiplex-PCR and the LS-PCR could improve identification of clinically relevant G. parasuis isolates, especially from respiratory samples.
New bounds for soft margin estimator via concavity of Gaussian weighting function
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Adil Khan Muhammad , Pečarić Josip
Published: November 2020

In the present article, we elaborate on the notion to obtain bounds for the soft margin estimator of “Identification of Patient Zero in Static and Temporal Network-Robustness and Limitations”. To achieve these bounds for the soft margin estimator, we utilize the concavity of the Gaussian weighting function and well-known Jensen’s inequality. To acquire some more general bounds for the soft margin estimator, we consider some general functions defined on rectangles. We also use the behavior of the Jaccard similarity function to extract some handsome bounds for the soft margin estimator.
Review of Several Experimental Methods for Characterization of Micro- and Nano-Scale Pores in Cement-Based Material
Authors: Aili Abudushalamu , Maruyama Ippei
Published: November 2020

Mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials are largely affected by pore structures. This paper provides an overview of several experimental techniques to characterize pore size distribution and specific surface area, with focus on pores in calcium silicate hydrates. The reviewed experimental techniques are nitrogen and water vapor sorption isotherm, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and small-angle scattering (SAS). Different pretreatment methods are compared for sorption measurements. Pore size distribution and specific surface area are analyzed using data from different methods to understand difference and consistency of these methods. It is found that pore size distribution calculated from sorption isotherm is very sensitive to adsorption model. Though specific surface areas from different techniques are quite different from each other, they are all able to detect the microstructural alteration due to long-term drying.
Systemic anti-commensal response to fungi analyzed by flow cytometry is related to gut mycobiome ecology
Authors: Moreno-Sabater Alicia , Autaa Gaelle , Sterlin Delphine , Jerbi Amenie , Villette Remy , Holm Johanna B. , Parizot Christophe , Selim Sameh , Senghor Yaye , Ghillani-Dalbin Pascale , Bachmeyer Claude , Hennequin Christophe , Gorochov Guy , Larsen Martin
Published: November 2020

Background

Interest for the study of gut mycobiota in relation with human health and immune homeostasis has increased in the last years. From this perspective, new tools to study the immune/fungal interface are warranted. Systemic humoral immune responses could reflect the dynamic relationships between gut mycobiota and immunity. Using a novel flow cytometry technology (Fungi-Flow) to determine immunoglobulin (Ig) responses to fungi, we studied the relationships between gut mycobiota and systemic humoral anti-commensal immunity.

Results

The Fungi-Flow method allows a sensitive and specific measurement of systemic IgG responses against 17 commensal and environmental fungi from the two main divisions; Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. IgG responses exhibited a high inter-individual variability. Anti-commensal IgG responses were contrasted with the relative abundance, alpha-diversity, and intra-genus richness of fungal species in gut mycobiota of twenty healthy donors. Categorization of gut mycobiota composition revealed two differentiated fungal ecosystems. Significant difference of anti-Saccharomyces systemic IgG responses were observed in healthy donors stratified according to the fungal ecosystem colonizing their gut. A positive and significant correlation was observed between the variety of IgG responses against fungal commensals and intestinal alpha-diversity. At the level of intra-genus species richness, intense IgG responses were associated with a low intra-genus richness for known pathobionts, but not commensals.

Conclusions

Fungi-Flow allows an easy and reliable measure of personalized humoral responses against commensal fungi. Combining sequencing technology with our novel Fungi-Flow immunological method, we propose that there are at least two defined ecosystems in the human gut mycobiome associated with systemic humoral responses. Fungi-Flow opens new opportunities to improve our knowledge about the impact of mycobiota in humoral anti-commensal immunity and homeostasis.
Transductomics: sequencing-based detection and analysis of transduced DNA in pure cultures and microbial communities
Authors: Kleiner Manuel , Bushnell Brian , Sanderson Kenneth E. , Hooper Lora V. , Duerkop Breck A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) plays a central role in microbial evolution. Our understanding of the mechanisms, frequency, and taxonomic range of HGT in polymicrobial environments is limited, as we currently rely on historical HGT events inferred from genome sequencing and studies involving cultured microorganisms. We lack approaches to observe ongoing HGT in microbial communities.

Results

To address this knowledge gap, we developed a DNA sequencing-based “transductomics” approach that detects and characterizes microbial DNA transferred via transduction. We validated our approach using model systems representing a range of transduction modes and show that we can detect numerous classes of transducing DNA. Additionally, we show that we can use this methodology to obtain insights into DNA transduction among all major taxonomic groups of the intestinal microbiome.

Conclusions

The transductomics approach that we present here allows for the detection and characterization of genes that are potentially transferred between microbes in complex microbial communities at the time of measurement and thus provides insights into real-time ongoing horizontal gene transfer. This work extends the genomic toolkit for the broader study of mobile DNA within microbial communities and could be used to understand how phenotypes spread within microbiomes.
The relationships among structure variables of larch forests in China
Authors: Fang Wenjing , Zhao Qing , Cai Qiong , Eziz Anwar , Chen Guoping , Feng Yuhao , Zhang Heng , Zhu Jiangling , Ji Chengjun , Tang Zhiyao , Fang Jingyun
Published: November 2020

Background

Larch (LarixMill.) forests are widely distributed in the upper parts of mountainous areas in China, playing vital roles in constructing mountain landscapes and maintaining mountain environments. Despite their importance, our knowledges on the large-scale patterns of structure characteristics and the relationships between different structure variables are unclear. In this paper, we investigated 155 plots from 11 natural larch forest types across the country to explore the biogeographic patterns of the structure characteristics and the allometric relationships between different structure variables for Chinese larch forests.

Results

The structure characteristics were significantly different among larch forest types. For different larch forest types, the power function fits the relationships between tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), average DBH and stem density, and taper and stem density well, but with different exponents among larch forest types. The power exponents of the allometric relationships between tree height and DBH for different larch forest types varied from 0.61 to 0.93 (mean = 0.86) by standard major axis regression (SMA), and from 0.51 to 0.78 (mean = 0.56) by ordinary least square regression (OLS). The 50%, 75% and 95% quantile regression (QR) and OLS indicated that the average DBH and taper of theL. gmeliniiforests,L. gmeliniivar.principis-rupprechtiiforests, andL. sibiricaforests were significantly correlated with stem density.

Conclusions

The relationship between tree height and DBH showed a power function relationship for all larch forest types in China, but with different exponents. Overall, stem density was negatively correlated with average DBH and taper. The Sect. Larix forests exhibited stand density effect. Our findings provide an important basis for recognizing the biogeographic patterns of structure factors and for the management of larch forests in China.
Body shape classification of Korean middle-aged women using 3D anthropometry
Authors: Yu Minji , Kim Dong-Eun
Published: November 2020

Most Korean apparel companies lack suitable dress forms for the different body types of middle-aged Korean women, resulting in poor clothing fit for them. As a part of an ongoing project to develop a dress form that fully reflects Korean middle-aged women’s bodies, this study classified the body shapes and examined the anthropometric characteristics of women in their 40s and 50s. The 3D anthropometric data of 302 middle-aged women of normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25) were obtained from the 6th Size Korea. Sixty-three measurements related to the construction of dress form were chosen. Based on the scores from five factors, the body shapes of Korean middle-aged women were classified into four types: Type 1 had a broader shoulder and a slightly developed upper body but a more developed lower body; Type 2 had a longer, relatively thin and flat, vertical body; Type 3 had a shorter body and smaller torso than the other types, and the lower body was more developed than the upper; Type 4 had a bulky upper body and the highest BMI, but the lower body was rather small. The nine key measurements in classifying the body shapes of Korean middle-aged women were found by discriminant analysis. The characteristics of representative body shapes obtained in this study can be useful for developing dress forms for clothing that better fits Korean middle-aged women.
Metabolomics profiling in hypertension and blood pressure regulation: a review
Authors: Onuh John O. , Aliani Michel
Published: November 2020

Hypertension is a chronic health condition in which blood pressure is usually elevated beyond normal levels. It can progress with serious complications if left undetected and untreated. Incidence of hypertension is on the increase worldwide with debilitating consequences on the health systems of many countries. It is a multifactorial disorder that requires a multi-pronged approach to address it. One such approach is the use of metabolomics or metabolite profiling to understand its underlying cause and possibly control it. Changes in metabolites profiles have been used to accurately predict so many disease conditions in addition to identifying possible biomarkers and pathways associated in their pathogenicity. This will enable their early detection, diagnosis and treatment as well as likely complications that may arise and also assist in development of biomarkers for clinical uses. The objective of this review therefore is to present some of the current knowledge on the application of metabolomics profiling in hypertension and blood pressure control.
Impact of students evaluation of teaching: a text analysis of the teachers qualities by gender
Authors: Okoye Kingsley , Arrona-Palacios Arturo , Camacho-Zuñiga Claudia , Hammout Nisrine , Nakamura Emilia Luttmann , Escamilla Jose , Hosseini Samira
Published: November 2020

Today, modern educational models are concerned with the development of the teacher-student experience and the potential opportunities it presents. User-centric analyses are useful both in terms of the socio-technical perspective on data usage within the educational domain and the positive impact that data-driven methods have. Moreover, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education and processinnovationhas emerged due to the strategic perspectives and the processmonitoringthat have shown to be missing within the traditional education curricula. This study shows that there is an unprecedented increase in the amount of text-based data in different activities within the educational processes, which can be leveraged to provide useful strategic intelligence and improvement insights. Educators can apply the resultant methods and technologies, process innovations, and contextual-based information for ample support and monitoring of the teaching-learning processes and decision making. To this effect, this paper proposes an Educational Process and Data Mining (EPDM) model that leverages the perspectives or opinions of the students to provide useful information that can be used to enhance the end-to-end processes within the educational domain. Theoretically, this study applies the model to determine how the students evaluate their teachers by considering the gender of the teachers. We analyzed the underlying patterns and determined the emotional valence of the students based on their comments in the Students Evaluation of Teaching (SET). Thus, this work implements the proposed EPDM model using SET comments captured in a setting of higher education.
Long-term effectiveness and safety of infliximab and golimumab in ankylosing spondylitis patients from a Canadian prospective observational registry
Authors: Rahman Proton , Starr Michael , Haaland Derek , Bessette Louis , Teo Michelle , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Lehman Allen J. , Nantel Francois
Published: November 2020

Background

The objectives of this study were to describe the profile of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients treated with either infliximab (IFX) or subcutaneous golimumab (GLM) treatment in Canadian routine care setting along with assessing long-term effectiveness and safety.

Methods

AS patients who were eligible for treatment with IFX or subcutaneous GLM as per their respective Canadian product monographs were enrolled into the BioTRAC registry from 2005 to 2017. The study visits occurred at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Effectiveness was assessed by changes in clinical outcomes and acute phase reactants. Safety was evaluated by assessing the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and drug survival rates.

Results

A total of 389 IFX- and 421 GLM-treated patients were enrolled. A significant decrease in disease duration at baseline was observed in the IFX cohort, from a median of 8.0 in 2005–2008 to 1.0 years in 2009–2015 (p < 0.001). A reduction in baseline BASFI score (p = 0.011) and proportion of patients in ASDAS very high disease activity (p = 0.004) was also observed over time. Meanwhile, in the GLM cohort, most disease parameters remained similar from 2010 to 2017.

Treatment with both agents significantly improved all disease parameters over time with similar efficacy between the two agents. The incidence of AEs and SAEs were 136 and 131 events/100 PYs and 10.5 and 8.45 events/100 PYs for IFX- and GLM-treated patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Both IFX and GLM treatment in AS significantly reduced disease activity in most outcome measures in a similar fashion and were well tolerated in Canadian routine care.

Trial registration

NCT00741793.
Carcinomas in the bladder with papillary and pseudopapillary morphology - not always urothelial
Authors: Athanazio Daniel Abensur , de Souza Maiara Ferreira , do Amaral Maria Estela Pompeu
Published: November 2020

Background

Urothelial carcinoma shows wide plasticity and broad morphologic spectrum. In many instances, the presence of papillary morphology is reassuring of the urothelial histogenesis of a high-grade invasive lesion but is not pathognomonic.

Case presentation

We reported herein four cases of carcinomas in the bladder with papillary morphology that had a final diagnosis different from urothelial carcinoma (3% of cases in a 42-month period). In high-grade tumors involving the urinary tract, the presence of papillary/pseudopapillary morphology is not sufficient to render a diagnosis of papillary urothelial carcinoma. Prostate adenocarcinoma, primary bladder adenocarcinoma or metastasis must be excluded in selected case scenarios.
Research roundup: November 2020
Authors: Willis Angela , Kirk Katie , Odd Dawn
Published: November 2020

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to give an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Tuning the Properties of Biodegradable Poly(Butylene Succinate) Via Random and Block Copolymerization
Authors: Tang Yi-Ren , Zhang Yang , Liu Yang , Guo Bao-Hua , Xu Jun
Published: November 2020

In this mini-review, the effect of random and block copolymerization on crystallization and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) is outlined. For random copolymerization, the effect of minor co-monomers can be divided into two categories: In most of the cases, the minor co-monomer units will be excluded from the crystal lattice of the major monomer units, which leads to the decreased melting point, lower crystallinity and slower crystallization kinetics. Consequently, the copolymers will be more flexible. Copolymerization with other aliphatic units results in enhanced biodegradation rate, while copolymerization with aromatic units may depress the biodegradation rate. There is an exceptional case, e.g. in poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene fumarate), where the co-monomer units can cocrystallize with the major monomer units in the whole range of copolymer composition, resulting in almost invariant degree of crystallinity. Whether some content of co-monomer units is included in the crystal lattice of the major monomer units or not is still an open question and deserves further study. Furthermore, block copolymerization is an alternative option to tune the properties, which may open a new window for designing biodegradable polymers, especially thermoplastic elastomers. Block and multiblock copolymers combine the properties of the different blocks and the crystallization behavior depends on the block length and miscibility of the blocks. When the block length is large enough, the melting point of such block will not vary much with its content, which is distinctly different from the random copolymers. Incorporation of more hydrophilic blocks, such as aliphatic polyethers will considerably enhance the hydrolytic degradation rate.
Ethnobotanical investigation of spice and condiment plants used by the Taming tribe in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Navia Zidni Ilman , Audira Dita , Afifah Nurul , Turnip Kasanova , NURAINI Nuraini , Suwardi Adi Bejo
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Navia ZI, Audira D, Afifah N, Turnip K, Nuarini, Suwardi AB. 2020. Ethnobotanical investigation of spice and condiment plants used by the Taming tribe in Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4467-4473. Communities are inseparable from plants in meeting their daily food needs, especially plants as supplementary food. The aim of this study was to investigate of ethnobotany and economic value of spice and condiment plants used by Tamiang tribe in Aceh, Indonesia. A field survey was conducted in three sub-districts, namely Rantau, Seruwai, and Bendahara, Aceh Tamiang District involved 150 respondents (50 individuals from each sub-district) were randomly selected. A total of 31 spices and condiments plants consisting of 26 genera and 18 families was recorded in the study area. Fruits (36%) are the most commonly used parts of plants for spices and condiments, followed by leaves (16%), seeds (13%), rhizome and flower (10% respectively), bulb (6%), and stem and bark (3% respectively). These species were used for preserving traditional cuisines such as bubur pedas, ikan cang rebong, and anyang. Capsicum annuum L has high economic value. The Tamiang tribe has always preserved traditional knowledge of the use of various spices and condiment plants for traditional cuisine.
Daily activity, diet and habitat of Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Authors: SUDARYANTO Fransiscus Xaverius , PUDYATMOKO SATYAWAN , Djohan Tjut Sugandawaty , Jusup Subagja  , I Wayan Suana  , Kalih Lalu Achmad Tan Tilar Wangsajati Sukmaring , Hardini Junita , SUBAGIO JOBNICO
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Sudaryanto FX, Pudyatmoko S, Djohan TS, Subagja J, Suana IW, Kalih LATTWS, Hardini J, Subagio J. 2020. Daily activity, diet, and habitat of Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4474-4482. Endemic Bali myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) has a very high risk of extinction in its natural habitat. Bali Barat National Park (BBNP) and other NGO's have conducted various conservation activities, such as breeding and release, community development, environmental improvement, and awareness program. Breeding and release have already been applied in Nusa Penida out of its original habitat. To support the conservation of Bali myna, basic ecological data are needed, eg. daily activities, habitat profile, home range, and interspecific interaction. This study aimed to meet the needs of these vegetation profiles. We collected data from 2013 to 2015. Daily activities were observed on a couple of Bali myna in a nest box at agroforestry area. Habitat profile was determined by analyzing vegetation at their foraging, nesting, and resting areas, using a quadrate plot of 20 x 20 m2. To estimate the home range, of the Bali myna, we recorded 700 points of perching of these birds, by using Global Positioning System, and analyzed using Convex Polygon Method. Their interaction with other animals was carried out at their foraging, nesting, and roosting areas. Daily activities of the Bali myna in Nusa Penida are predominantly recorded in agroforestry areas, so its home range is relatively narrow, at 3.9 ha. The food types of Bali myna in Nusa Penida were fruits, insects, and nectar flowers. Sucking on nectar flower is the first report here. The vegetation profile of nesting and foraging area for Bali myna consists of one layer of thick and dense canopy, while the vegetation profile of resting area is not too dense, which is composed of two canopy layers. Bali myna's interactions with other animals for competition, predation, and mutualistic symbiosis. These data are expected to be used to make decisions in order to conserve Bali myna in Nusa Penida.
Culturable gut bacteria of Ikan Batak (Neolissochilus sumatranus Weber & de Beaufort, 1916) collected in Toba Samosir, Indonesia
Authors: Dinoto Achmad , Handayani Rini , Setianingrum Ninu , Julistiono Heddy
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Dinoto A, Handayani R, Setianingrum N, Julistiono H. 2020. Culturable gut bacteria of Ikan Batak (Neolissochilus sumatranus Weber & de Beaufort, 1916) collected in Toba Samosir, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4483-4488. Ikan Batak (Neolissochilus sumatranus Weber & de Beaufort, 1916) is one of the fish species that is rarely found in water and have the status of endangered species. In consequence, the loss of endemic fish may contribute to the loss of microorganisms that inhabits the fish as a host. The studies on microorganisms associated with N. sumatranus are very limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate and identify the culturable bacteria isolated from the gut of N. sumatranus. Sampling of N. sumatranus was carried out in a river within Toba Samosir area which flows to Lake Toba. Fish gut content was collected for isolating microorganisms using three media, including MRS, 10X diluted MRS, and MRS supplemented with 1% bile salt. Thirteen isolates were successfully isolated and identified based on 16S rRNA. This study revealed various species of gut bacteria recovered from N. sumatranus based on BLAST analysis. The isolates showed closest relationship to species Bacillus subtilis (3 isolates),  Bacillus tequilensis (2 isolates), Tumebacillus ginsengisoli (6 isolates), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1 isolate), and Lactobacillus pentosus (1 isolate) with the similarity ranging at  98.7 to 100%. All 16S rRNA gene nucleotides of isolates have been submitted to GenBank. This study also described the isolates that have a very close relationship with Bacillus tequilla and Bacillus subtilis. Further identification is challenged to obtain a  big picture of the diversity of microorganisms and the functionality in the digestive ecosystem of N. sumatranus for their conservation and bioprospecting of microbial-based aquaculture.
A synopsis of Bambusoideae (Poaceae) in Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Damayanto I Putu Gede P. , Rustiami Himmah , Miftahudin  , Chikmawati Tatik
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Damayanto IPGP, Rustiami H, Miftahudin, Chikmawati T. 2020. A Synopsis of Bambusoideae (Poaceae) in Lombok, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4489-4500. There is little documentation of bamboo on Lombok. Non-native Indonesian bamboos have been reported occurring in Lombok. As such, suspicious bamboo specimens and information in those reports need to be examined and possibly re-determined. This study aimed to provide updated taxonomical information of bamboo species in Lombok and to investigate the accuracy of previous studies regarding the existence of several non-native Indonesian bamboo species on the island (i.e. they do not have original distribution in Indonesia). Data from fieldwork were combined with specimens in Herbarium Bogoriense to create a synopsis of bamboo in Lombok and to develop an identification key to the species. Eleven species of bamboos in Lombok were reported from this study, namely Bambusa glaucophylla, B. maculata, B. multiplex, B. spinosa, B. vulgaris, Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa apus, G. atter, Schizostachyum brachycladum, S. lima, and Thyrsostachys siamensis. Several doubtful species (B. albustiata, B. ventricosa, Guadua angustifolia, S. jaculans, Pseudosasa japonica) were presented to clarify the existence of a non-native Indonesian bamboo in Lombok. Moreover, there is not enough evidence to state Dinochloa sp. occurred in Lombok. The results of this study can be used by stakeholders for bamboo identification and as the baseline taxonomic account for future studies and conservation of bamboo species in Lombok.
Selection of stain fungi on rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) and its growth response against chitosan
Authors: Salman Ali Bin Abithalib , SUDIRMAN LISDAR IDWAN , NANDIKA DODI
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Salman ABA, Sudirman LI, Nandika D. 2020. Selection of stain fungi on rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) and its growth response against chitosan. Biodiversitas 21: 4501-4508. Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) is one of the most important raw materials in furniture industry in South East Asian countries, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. However, due to its susceptibility to stain fungi attack, wood preservative is needed to processing this material, which has both significant cost and environmental implications. A laboratory study was conducted to identify the seasoned rubberwood attacking stain fungi and to evaluate the bioactivity of chitosan in inhibiting the stain fungi’s growth. Isolation fungi from seasoned rubberwood were obtained firstly then selection isolates were conducted in the rubberwood test samples. Isolates with the highest percentage growth on wood test samples would identify based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Chitosan were prepared in four concentration 0, 0.5, 1 and 2% (w/v). Two isolates were showed the highest percentage growth on wood test samples after six weeks, which were 90.6% for isolate code I4 and 96.2% for II4 and both isolates gained scores 5. The two isolates were identified as Aspergillus foetidus for I4 and Aspergillus aflatoxiformans for II4. Aspergillus foetidus and A. aflatoxiformans would be the newly recorded species and this is the first report about species description from rubberwood in Indonesia. The inhibition rate was increased when chitosan concentration was increased from 0 to 2%. Chitosan concentration 2% inhibited the growth of A. foetidus in 20.28%, but there is no inhibition showed on A. aflatoxiformans. The addition of chitosan in medium can increase the growth of A. aflatoxiformans and forming clear zone around the colony.
Short Communication: Herpetofauna diversity at the University of Palangka Raya, Indonesia
Authors: Maulidi Andri , Purnaningsih Titin , Maulina Anita , Gunawan Yohanes Edy , Rizki Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Maulidi A, Purnaningsih T, Maulina A, Gunawan YE, Rizki M. 2020. Short Communication: Herpetofauna diversity at University of Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4509-4514. Research on herpetofauna at the University of Palangka Raya (UPR) is vital as there has been no official data so far and remains to be anecdotal evidence from various members of the university. The present study aimed to analyze and report the herpetofauna diversity on the Tunjung Nyaho Campus. It was conducted between October 2019 and November 2019. Herpetofauna data were collected using the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) method. Diurnal and nocturnal surveys were carried out between 07:00-10:00 and 19:00-22:00, respectively. The results showed that as many as 12 species of herpetofauna were present, including six species of reptiles from six families and six species of amphibians from four families. Comparative diversity analyses of these species, unburned, post-burnt, and around building, indicated that the unburned area had a relatively high diversity (2.06) compared to the other two (0.86 and 0.88, respectively). However, the evenness index (E) for the herpetofauna community in all three locations was > 0.70. The resulting species list from this study consisted of two species with threatened statuses under the IUCN Red List, i.e., Ophiophagus hannah (VU), and Cuora amboinensis (EN).
Short Communication: Effect of cryopreservation on ultrastructure and mitochondrial function of albino Pangasius catfish spermatozoa
Authors: Hasanah Uswatun , ABINAWANTO ABINAWANTO , ALIMUDDIN A , Boediono Arief , Kusrini Eni
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Hasanah U, Binawanto, Alimuddin A, Boediono A, Kursini E. 2020. Short Communication: Effect of cryopreservation on ultrastructure and mitochondrial function of albino Pangasius catfish spermatozoa. Biodiversitas 21: 4524-4528. Cryopreservation techniques have been carried out on many endangered species and animals with unique characteristics. Successful cryopreservation techniques vary between species depending on various factors. The study used cryopreserved spermatozoa of the albino Pangasius catfish as samples. The cryopreserved spermatozoa were analyzed by its ultrastructure, functional mitochondria, and viability. The cryopreservation was performed using a combination of 10% methanol, skim milk, and fish ringer extender. A deep freezer is used for cryopreservation at -80 °C with a storage period of 14 days. Observations were made on fresh spermatozoa, post-equilibration spermatozoa, and frozen-thaw spermatozoa. This study found there were differences in ultrastructure and morphology in the three treatments. Fresh spermatozoa and post-equilibration spermatozoa appeared intact membrane, mitochondrial, and flagellar structures. In contrast, in frozen-thaw spermatozoa, there was damage to the cell membrane. The study showed different percentages of yields on functional mitochondria of fresh spermatozoa (98 ± 2%), spermatozoa post-equilibration (57 ± 7%), frozen-thaw spermatozoa (42 ± 3.21%). Cell viability showed that there were differences in viability of fresh spermatozoa and frozen-thaw (p <0.05), the results of fresh spermatozoa (92 ± 0.57%) spermatozoa post-equilibration (80 ± 3.51%), frozen-thaw spermatozoa (61 ± 2.30%).The study concluded that the spermatozoa cryopreservation affects the ultrastructure, mitochondrial function, and viability in albino Pangasius catfish spermatozoa.
Resistance level of several soybean lines of M6 generation to stem rot disease Athelia rolfsii
Authors: Hanafiah Diana Sofia , SAFNI IRDA , SIREGAR LUTHFI A.M. , DAMANIK REVANDY I.M. , LESTAMI ANGGRIA , MATONDANG MIKA
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Hanafiah DS, Safni I, Siregar LAM, Famanik RIM, Lestmi A, Matondang M. 2020. Resistance level of several soybean lines of M6 generation to stem rot disease Athelia rolfsii. Biodiversitas 21: 4537-4542.  Athelia rolfsii (Curzi) C.C. Tu & Kimbr. is a soil-borne pathogen that causes stem rot disease on plants. The attack is one of the causes of low soybean productivity hence induction of plant resistance is needed to overcome these problems. Mutagenesis is one of the breeding techniques for inducing genetic variability especially for disease-resistant characters in soybean. This research aimed to obtain selected soybean plant lines (Glycine max L. Merr) of M6 generation based on resistant character against stem rot disease A. rolfsii. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Disease and research field of Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia and soybean planting was carried out on agricultural field, Universitas Sumatera Utara from March to September 2018. This research used augmented design. The treatments were 8 mutant genotypes derived from radiation mutagenesis, that is; Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, and Kipas Putih varieties.  The results showed that the analysis of resistant levels on M6 generation based on disease incidence resulted in 2 lines with resistant criteria to stem rot disease A. rolfsii, that is; M100A25 (5/3) and M200A11 (32/3). Observation of intensity of disease attacks showed that Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, M100A6 (31/1), and M200A12 (6/5) had the lowest resistance level compared to other genotypes. The mutant lines that had high category level of resistance are candidates for resistance lines against stem rot disease A. rolfsii.
Ethnomedicinal plants and practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum healthcare of Minangkabau ethnic group, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Silalahi Marina , KHAIRIAH ARDIAN , NISYAWATI NISYAWATI
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Silalahi M, Khairiah A, Nisyawati. 2020. Ethnomedicinal plants and practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum healthcare of Minangkabau ethnic group, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 4597-4605. In the Minangkabau ethnic cultures, medicinal plants have been used to treat health problems associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period (PCP). The objectives of this study were to (i) document the medicinal plants used during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery by Minangkabau ethnics and the associated ethnomedicinal practices, and (ii) identify plants that have the potential to be developed as ingredients to increase the production of breast milk. Data were collected in three villages, namely Guguak Sarai, Taruang Taruang, and Sungai Durian in West Sumatra, Indonesia, by interviewing a total of 141 informants, involving 9 key informants and 132 general respondents. A total of 42 species of medicinal plants were found to be used for PCP healthcare by Minangkabau people. These medicinal plants are used to facilitate childbirth, alleviate menstruation problems, assist recovery after miscarriage, mitigate postpartum hemorrhage, aid in postpartum recovery, and for infant care. A total of 26 species were represented by 9 families i.e. Poaceae (7 species), Arecaceae, Fabaceae, Zingiberaceae (3 species respectively), Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae, Meliaceae, Musaceae, and Asteraceae (2 species each). Majority of the used medicinal preparations are administered by drinking (35 species), bathing (4 species), and as a paste (3 species). Use of Musa balbisiana, Carallia brachiata, Lansium domesticum, and Toona sureni for treating problems related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period need to be further investigated for their phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Plectranthus ambonicus and Sauropus androgynus are used to increase breast milk production, and further research is needed for standardizing processing and commercialization of these species.