bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KINERJA BADAN PERWAKILAN LOKAL PADA ERA REFORMASI
Authors: Aisyah Siti
Published: June 2022

As local parliament, Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Daerah (DPRD) has three functions such as legislation, budgeting, and oversight functions. The research aims to analyse the local parliaments performance at Bogor and Depok city in the reform era. The reseach uses qualitative method. The data gathering technique used is snowball technique with depth-intervieuw and literature study of documents, books, journals, magazines, and daily newspapers that relate to the research issue. The study concludes that DPRDs performance in the reform era does not meet the public expectation yet. From the point of view of legislation and budgeting funcions, it tends to orientate itself to executives interest rather than publics. While from the view of oversight function, it has not used questionnaire and interpellation rights. The form of relation between DPRD and mayors of two cities contributes to the DPRDs performance as a whole. In order to increase the performance of the members of local parliament, it is necessary to increase their ability to identify their regions condition and needs. And it also needs to increase the quality of legislation, budgeting and oversight functions.
ALTERNATIF PILIHAN INPUT TEKNOLOGI, INVESTASI ATAUKAH TENAGA KERJA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN USAHA KECIL DAN MENENGAH PASAR EKSPOR
Authors: B Heatubun Adolf , Gamot Malau Albert
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to analyze the factors have influenced the increasing of investment, technology improvement, labor absorption, production and export of the exporting small and medium enterprises. An econometric model using simultaneous equations of the economic sectoral pooled data has resulted that the technology of exporting small and medium enterprises was weakness, so that the government could to improve the technology by improving human capital and by expanding its expenditures.
ANALISIS EFISIENSI USAHATANI PADI DI JAWA TENGAH (PENERAPAN ANALISIS FRONTIER)
Authors: Darwanto Darwanto
Published: June 2022

Agriculture development very supposed can to give larger ones contribution in order to increase citizen alive standard. Development opportunity of usahatani padi very depending from efeciency of usahatani. This research tries to see efeciency usahatani padi central java. Research use model frontier to know efeciency. Research result show usahatani padi that run at research region presents in condition increasing returrn to scale (IRS) so that can be said that this condition is proper to be developed. This research also show that usahatani padi inefficient if seen from price efficiency (eh) and economy efficiency (ee).
ORGANISASI PEMBERDAYAAN DAN KESEJAHTERAAN KELUARGA SEBAGAI SARANA PEMBERDAYAAN PEREMPUAN
Authors: Aslichati Lilik
Published: June 2022

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of PKK as a means of empowering women to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG's). Research sites are the PKK of Pasar Minggu district, South Jakarta and the PKK of Ciputat district, South Tangerang city. The results showed that PKK is an organization that is potentially a means of empowerment and equal participation of women in development effectively. All of work programs are oriented to the empowerment of women, although implementation is still in top down orientation, not bottom up as expected. The PKK is also only able to empower female members only, not to have an impact on the empowerment of women non-members. Nevertheless the benefits are felt by the surroundings community, especially the Posyandu programs for the toddlers and the elderlies. The targeted, measurable, and intensive trainings as well as support from the local governments are still required in order to empower women through the PKK.
PERANAN TENAGA KERJA PEREMPUAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN NILAI TAMBAH DAN KESEJAHTERAAN NELAYAN TRADISIONAL DI MALUKU
Authors: Latuconsina Asmaria
Published: June 2022

In Maluku there were small scale traditional food processing activities for fisheries product such as curing and drying, which has a great potential to be developed. This study aims to identify the determinants of food processed, and the role of female labor in increasing family welfare of traditional fishermen. This descriptive study was done in four districts, namely: Leihitu, Banda, West Seram, and East Seram. A business unit was used for analysis with purposive and random sampling. The results showed that processed output was determined mainly by the husbands catches and purchased fish. Business scale in all districts was economically rational decisions and could be improved because it shows the increasing return to scale. Processing jobs are mostly done by woman. Value added created could be used to cover most of the monthly household expenses, and improve the family welfare, which were characterized by permanent and semi-permanent houses occupied, and increasing level of education of family members. However, the fishermen welfare could be increased more by incorporating fish cage system in their aquaculture to increase inputs and improving marketing strategy.
ANALISIS POLA MIGRASI DAN KONSUMSI RUMAH TANGGA DI DAERAH ASAL MIGRASI TERKAIT KEMISKINAN DAN KERENTANAN PANGAN (STUDI KASUS INDRAMAYU)
Authors: Saptanto Subhechanis , Lindawati Lindawati , Zulham Armen
Published: June 2022

Migration is one of the phenomena related social welfare. People tend to migrate to increase their income for better life. This research aims to observe the migration type in coastal area related to poverty and food security, to identify its determinant, to identify the impact of migration activities, and to research the relationship between dynamics of urban-rural labor and capital flow from two areas (urban and rural) and to study the effect of migration to income re-distribution and push the economic growth in coastal areas that caused reducing poverty and gaining better food quality. This research used descriptive statistics method and the primary data was collected by interviewing respondents in Indramayu sampling areas (Eretan Wetan. Eretan Kulon, Dadap and Ilir village). The result shows that in the origin area of migration, type of migration was monthly migration. The cause of migration were resource accessibility, productive asset ownerships, and rural economic growth. In general, by this type of migration, social welfare condition of people in Indramayu sampling areas was in better condition.
WHAT DOES EXISTING RESEARCH TELL US (AND NOT TELL US) ABOUT DOWNSIZING AS A HUMAN RESOURCE STRATEGY?
Authors: Wardini Amalia Kusuma
Published: June 2022

Pengurangan karyawan adalah salah satu strategi yang kerapkali dilakukan oleh organisasi karena alasan tertentu. Studi ini merupakan studi literatur dari beberapa penelitian yang dilakukan selama 30 tahun terakhir mengenai pengurangan karyawan sebagai salah satu strategi. Pada masa resesi pengurangan karyawan dimaksudkan untuk mengurangi biaya sedangkan setelah masa ekonomi global dimana terjadi resesi ekonomi global pengurangan karyawan seringkali ditujukan agar organisasi mampu bertahan hidup. Dalam beberapa penelitian disebutkan bahwa pengurangan karyawan sebagai strategi yang seringkali digunakan organisasi untuk tujuan meningkatkan efisiensi dan efektivitas organisasi justru seringkali tidak berhasil mencapai tujuan. Berbagai alasan mengapa suatu organisasi melakukan pengurangan karyawan serta berbagai dampak pengurangan karyawan akan dipaparkan termasuk pada kinerja keuangan organisasi, pengetahuan organisasi, fungsi dan produktivitas organisasi dan pada tenaga kerja baik yang meninggalkan organisasi dan mereka yang bertahan. Banyak penelitian yang telah dilakukan namun tidak menyebutkan mengenai pengurangan karyawan sebagai strategi sumber daya manusia. Penelitian lebih lanjut mengenai pengurangan karyawan patut dipertimbangkan terutama mengenai dampaknya terhadap fleksibilitas di tempat kerja dimana struktur ketenagakerjaan di beberapa sektor dan industri bergeser kearah tenaga kerja kontrak.
DAMPAK TENAGA KERJA SEKTOR INDUSTRI TERHADAP PRODUK DOMESTIK REGIONAL BRUTO,PAJAK, INVESTASI, DAN UPAH DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Gamot Malau Albert
Published: June 2022

Labor becomes problem without the availability of jobs. Batam is a city with high employment rate, especially in industrial sector. The purpose of this article was to observed factors that affect the employment sector, labor supply, and regional minimum wage. The model allegedly using the method of Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS). Overall the results indicated that the level of minimum wage make a significant contribution to the formation of labor supply compared to the productive population. The level of investment was very responsive in affecting labor demand sector in both the short and long term. If there is governments policy of raising the minimum wage by 20%, the impact on the labor supply will be increased by 2.1036%, the opposite will decrease the demand for labor by 0.5898% and a decrease in the minimum wage for the city of Batam by 0. 2753%.

 

Tenaga kerja menjadi suatu masalah apabila tidak dibarengi dengan ketersediaan lapangan kerja. Salah satu kota dengan penyerapan tenaga kerja sangat tinggi adalah kota Batam, terutama pada sektor industri. Tujuan artikel ini untuk melihat faktor yang mempengaruhi penyerapan tenaga kerja sektor industri, penawaran tenaga kerja sektor industri, dan upah minimum regional Kota Batam. Model diduga dengan mengunakan metode Two Stage Least Squares (2SLS). Secara keseluruhan hasil menunjukkan bahwa tingkat upah minimum kota Batam memberikan kontribusi cukup besar kepada pembentukan penawaran tenaga kerja dibanding jumlah penduduk produktif. Tingkat investasi sangat responsif mempengaruhi permintaan tenaga kerja sektor industri baik untuk jangka pendek maupun jangka panjang. Bila pemerintah membuat kebijakan dengan menaikkan upah minimum regional sebesar 20%, hal ini akan berdampak pada peningkatan penawaran tenaga kerja sebesar 2,1036%, sebaliknya akan menurunkan tingkat permintaan tenaga kerja sebesar 0,5898 % dan berdampak pada penurunan upah minimum kota Batam sebesar 0,2753%.
PENGARUH DESENTRALISASI FISKAL TERHADAP DISPARITAS PENDAPATAN REGIONAL DI INDONESIA TAHUN 2001-200
Authors: Muhammad Andry Nurman
Published: June 2022

Studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimanakah pengaruh desentralisasi fiskal terhadap disparitas pendapatan regional di Indonesia selama periode 2001-2008. Studi dilakukan terhadap Kabupaten/Kota di Indonesia yang merupakan titik tolak dari desentralisasi di Indonesia. Sampel yang diteliti sebanyak 253 Kabupaten/Kota. Variabel yang digunakan sebagai proxy dari desentralisasi fiskal adalah: belanja langsung (desentralisasi pengeluaran), serta PAD, DAU dan Dana Bagi Hasil (desentralisasi penerimaan). Studi menggunakan pendekatan data panel dan alat analisis Least Square Dummy Variables (LSDV) atau juga dikenal sebagai Fixed Effect Model (FEM) dan Newey West Method atau juga dikenal sebagai HAC (heteroscedasticity-and autocorrelation-consistent) untuk menghilangkan heteroskedastisitas dan autokorelasi. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa variabel belanja langsung telah mampu untuk mengurangi disparitas pendapatan regional, sebaliknya DAU justru mengakibatkan meningkatnya disparitas pendapatan regional. Terdapat indikasi bahwa penyebab utamanya adalah adanya missallocated di dalam mekanisme alokasi DAU. Sementara itu variabel PAD dan Dana Bagi Hasil tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap disparitas pendapatan regional.

 

This study aims to analyze how the influence of fiscal decentralization on regional income disparity in Indonesia during the period 2001-2008. Studies conducted on municipalities in Indonesia. 253 municipalities are used as samples. The variables used as proxies of fiscal decentralization are: direct expenditure (expenditure decentralization), and PAD, DAU and DBH (revenue decentralization). The study is using panel data approach and Least Square Dummy Variables (LSDV) as an analytical tool or also known as the Fixed Effect Modeland Newey West method or also known as HAC (heteroscedasticity-and Autocorrelation-consistent) to remove heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation. The study shows that direct expenditure variable has been able to reduce regional income disparities, on the contrary DAU has increased regional income disparity. There are indications that the main cause is the presence missallocated in DAU allocation mechanism. Meanwhile, PAD and DBH have no significant effect on regional income disparities.
ANALISIS PENGARUH KEMAKMURAN, UKURAN PEMERINTAH DAERAH, INFLASI, INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE DAN KEMISKINAN TERHADAP PEMBANGUNAN MANUSIA DAN PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI
Authors: Tumpal Manik
Published: June 2022

This research is to examines the effect of direct and indirect significantly exogenous wealth, provincial government size, inflation, intergovernmental revenue and poverty population on economic growth through the endogenous variable of human development index, the number of sample used this research is one hundred thirty two during 2008-2011 in 32 Province of Indonesia. Analysis of the research model was tested through path analysis 1) the classical assumption test, 2) correlation coefficient, regression coefficient and the residual path coefficient value and 3) analysis of interpretation through F-test and T-test. Interpretation of the results of the first-line modeling research showed that the significant direct effect on human development is wealth 41,2%, the governments size 76,7% and poverty population -92,8%. While the model both indirect paths, there is no effec of variable to economic growth through on human development. Simultaneous effect 86,6% to economic growth with residual coefficient (p?1) 0,810 and p?2 0,366

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti pengaruh langsung dan pengaruh tidak langsung secara signifikan variabel eksogen kemakmuran, ukuran pemerintah daerah, inflasi, intergovernmental revenue dan kemiskinan penduduk terhadap variabel endogen pertumbuhan ekonomi melalui indeks pembangunan manusia, dengan data sekunder sebanyak 132 data tahun 2008-2011 di 32 Propinsi Indonesia. Analisis penelitian melalui model analisis jalur diuji melalui 1) uji asumsi klasik, 2) nilai koefisien korelasi, koefisien regresi, koefisien jalur dengan residual, 3) analisis interpretasi melalui uji-F dan uji-T. Hasil interpretasi penelitian model jalur pertama menunjukkan bahwa yang berpengaruh signifikan secara langsung terhadap pembangunan manusia adalah kemakmuran 41,2%; ukuran pemerintah daerah 76,7% dan kemiskinan penduduk -92,8%. Sedangkan model jalur kedua secara tidak langsung, tidak ada varibel yang berperpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi melalui pembangunan manusia. Secara simultan berpengaruh sebesar 86,6% terhadap pertumbuhan ekonomi dengan nilai koefisien residual (p?1) sebesar 0,810 dan nilai p?2 sebesar 0,366
PENGEMBANGAN PROGRAM TUTORIAL VIA MEDIA TEKNOLOGI VIDEO CONFERENCE DALAM SISTEM PENDIDIKAN JARAK JAUH (SPJJ)
Authors: Pribadi Benny Agus
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research is to develop a model of tutorial delivered through video conference. A formative evaluation model of Dick, Carey and Carey was implemented in this developmental research. This model of formative consists of some systematic phases such as: need analysis, designing a prototype of the program, one-to-one try out with individual student and small group evaluation. The result of the study reveals that the video conference learning materials should be designed and developed based on several factors instructional objectives, potential of the video conference as a delivery system, course characterstics and instructional media support.

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan model tutorial disampaikan melalui video conference. Sebuah model evaluasi formatif dari Dick, Carey dan Carey dilaksanakan dalam penelitian perkembangan ini. Model formatif terdiri dari beberapa tahap sistematis seperti: analisis kebutuhan, merancang prototipe program, satu-ke-satu mencoba dengan individu siswa dan evaluasi kelompok kecil. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bahan pembelajaran video conference harus dirancang dan dikembangkan berdasarkan beberapa faktor - tujuan instruksional, potensi konferensi video sebagai sistem pengiriman, tentu saja characterstics dan instruksional dukungan media.
Crop Rotations in California Rice Systems: Assessment of Barriers and Opportunities
Authors: Rosenberg Sara , Crump Amanda , Brim-DeForest Whitney , Linquist Bruce , Espino Luis , Al-Khatib Kassim , Leinfelder-Miles Michelle M. , Pittelkow Cameron M.
Published: June 2022

Flooded rice soils are unique in terms of maintaining soil fertility and long-term productivity, allowing continuous rice systems to contribute greatly to global food supply. Yet increasing herbicide resistant weed pressure, water scarcity, and other sustainability challenges suggest a need to explore options for cropping system diversification. However, little research has evaluated the current obstacles limiting diversification of rice systems in different contexts. During summer and fall of 2020 we interviewed 42 rice growers to (i) assess the perceived benefits and challenges of crop rotation in the context of California rice systems and (ii) identify the factors influencing decision-making and barriers to adoption. Rice-based cropping systems ranged from high to low diversity across three different categories of growers (conventional rotations > organic > continuous rice). Key factors influencing the feasibility of rotations were soil limitations, production costs and productivity level of alternative crops, water and equipment requirements, market access, and regional differences. Generally, growers agreed that weed control and reduced reliance on herbicides were benefits of rotation. Similarly, growers who rotated described soil health as a primary benefit that decreases the need for fertilizer and pesticide inputs. However, there were many challenges to implementing rotations including heavy clay soils with poor drainage, lack of available contracts and markets for other crops, financial barriers such as land ownership and farm infrastructure (size of operation and available labor and equipment), and limited experience and knowledge of other viable crops. In terms of economic feasibility, those who only grow rice believed that other crops are less profitable, while those who rotate said that rotations increased profitability. Our research indicates that soil conditions are an important limitation, but other economic, social, and cultural barriers also strongly influence the potential for the diversification of rice systems.
A Commentary on Salmonella From a Pre-Harvest Perspective
Authors: Edrington Tom S. , Brown Tyson R.
Published: June 2022

Salmonella occurs in all the major meat producing livestock species (ruminants, swine and poultry), most often residing within the gastrointestinal tract asymptomatically. While considerable success has been achieved post-harvest, the design of effective pre-harvest interventions to control Salmonella has lagged. A simplistic view of the extremely complex host/pathogen interaction suggests that the pathogen has a vested interest in not causing illness or death to the host. The former would initiate an immune response from the host and/or the application of therapeutic antibacterial agents, while the latter would require finding another suitable host. Due to the widespread prevalence of Salmonella within livestock and poultry, and the relatively few salmonellosis cases in comparison, it appears, and is supported by new research, that Salmonella has developed methods to avoid detection by the animal’s immune system and live essentially as a commensal organism within the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. Yet, for reasons that are not fully understood, this “commensal” Salmonella does on occasion become virulent, in young and mature animals alike. Indeed, these researchers have documented Salmonella carriage throughout the year in cattle, but only rarely, if at all, was salmonellosis observed. Further, evaluation of Salmonella isolates (serotype and antimicrobial resistance patterns) from sick and healthy cattle failed to explain that while Salmonella was present in the majority of cattle sampled on that farm, only a few developed salmonellosis. Virulence, as well as multi-drug resistance, in both livestock and humans appears to cluster within a few serotypes. As a result, petitions are circulating calling for the labeling of some Salmonella serotypes as adulterants, as was done with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains. Regulators are considering approaching the Salmonella problem by serotype, such as focusing specifically on the top 10 reported serotypes causing human illness. Herein, the authors will discuss the many challenges of controlling Salmonella pre-harvest, reflecting on the significant research portfolio that has been generated over the last 25 years, as well as challenging existing paradigms surrounding this pathogen and the experimental methods used to further our understanding of Salmonella and/or evaluate methods of control.
p53 Related Protein Kinase is Required for Arp2/3-Dependent Actin Dynamics of Hemocytes in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Molina Emiliano , Cataldo Vicente F. , Eggers Cristián , Muñoz-Madrid Valentina , Glavic Álvaro
Published: June 2022

Cells extend membrane protrusions like lamellipodia and filopodia from the leading edge to sense, to move and to form new contacts. The Arp2/3 complex sustains lamellipodia formation, and in conjunction with the actomyosin contractile system, provides mechanical strength to the cell. Drosophila p53-related protein kinase (Prpk), a Tsc5p ortholog, has been described as essential for cell growth and proliferation. In addition, Prpk interacts with proteins associated to actin filament dynamics such as α-spectrin and the Arp2/3 complex subunit Arpc4. Here, we investigated the role of Prpk in cell shape changes, specifically regarding actin filament dynamics and membrane protrusion formation. We found that reductions in Prpk alter cell shape and the structure of lamellipodia, mimicking the phenotypes evoked by Arp2/3 complex deficiencies. Prpk co-localize and co-immunoprecipitates with the Arp2/3 complex subunit Arpc1 and with the small GTPase Rab35. Importantly, expression of Rab35, known by its ability to recruit upstream regulators of the Arp2/3 complex, could rescue the Prpk knockdown phenotypes. Finally, we evaluated the requirement of Prpk in different developmental contexts, where it was shown to be essential for correct Arp2/3 complex distribution and actin dynamics required for hemocytes migration, recruitment, and phagocytosis during immune response.
Orally Administered Plasmalogens Alleviate Negative Mood States and Enhance Mental Concentration: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fujino Minoru , Fukuda Jun , Isogai Hirohisa , Ogaki Tetsuro , Mawatari Shiro , Takaki Atsushi , Wakana Chikako , Fujino Takehiko
Published: June 2022

Background: Plasmalogens have been shown to improve neurodegenerative pathology and cognitive function. We hypothesized that plasmalogens work in small amounts as a kind of hormone interacting with a G protein-coupled receptor, and then explored the effects of scallop-derived purified plasmalogens on psychobehavioral conditions in a randomized placebo-controlled trial of college athletes in Japan.

Methods and materials: Eligible participants were male students aged 18–22 years who belonged to university athletic clubs. They were randomly allocated to either plasmalogen (2 mg per day) or placebo treatment of 4 weeks’ duration. The primary outcome was the T-score of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) 2–Adult Short, and the secondary outcomes included the seven individual scales of the POMS 2, other psychobehavioral measures, physical performance, and laboratory measurements. The trial was registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs071190028).

Results: Forty participants (20 in the plasmalogen group and 20 in the placebo group) completed the 4-week treatment. The Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score of the plasmalogen group showed a greater decrease at 4 weeks than that of the placebo group while the between-group difference was marginally significant (p = 0.07). The anger-hostility and fatigue-inertia scores of the POMS 2 decreased significantly in the plasmalogen group, but not in the placebo group, at 4 weeks. Between-group differences in those scores were highly significant (p = 0.003 for anger-hostility and p = 0.005 for fatigue-inertia). The plasmalogen group showed a slight decrease in the Athens Insomnia Scale at 2 weeks, and the between-group difference was near-significant (p = 0.07). The elapsed time in minute patterns on the Uchida-Kraepelin test, which is a marker of mental concentration, revealed significantly greater performance in the plasmalogen group than in the placebo group. There were no between-group differences in physical and laboratory measurements.

Conclusion: It is suggested that orally administered plasmalogens alleviate negative mood states and sleep problems, and also enhance mental concentration.
m6A Modification Involves in Enriched Environment-Induced Neurogenesis and Cognition Enhancement
Authors: Qu Wenzheng , Li Qian , Wang Mengxuan , Zhao Xingsen , Wu Jiangdong , Liu Diwen , Hong Shenghui , Yang Ying , Shu Qiang , Li Xuekun
Published: June 2022

Although previous studies have shown that an enriched environment (EE) promotes neurogenesis and alters DNA and histone modifications, it remains largely unknown whether an EE affects epitranscriptome in the context of neuronal development. Here, we showed that EE exposure enhanced the pool of adult neural stem/progenitor cells (aNSPCs) and promoted neuronal differentiation of aNSPCs. EE exposure also improved cognitive capabilities and altered the expression of genes relating to neuronal development, neurogenesis, and memory. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) immunoprecipitation combined with deep sequencing (MeRIP-seq) data analysis revealed that EE exposure increased the global level of m6A and led to differential m6A mRNA modification. Differential m6A modification-associated genes are involved in neuronal development, neurogenesis, and so on. Notably, EE exposure decreased the protein level of m6A eraser Fto, but did not affect the protein level of m6A writers METTL3 and METTL14. Taken together, our results suggest that enriched environment exposure induces differential m6A mRNA modification and adds a novel layer to the interaction between the environment and epigenetics in the context of postnatal neuronal development.
CENP-A Regulation and Cancer
Authors: Renaud-Pageot Charlène , Quivy Jean-Pierre , Lochhead Marina , Almouzni Geneviève
Published: June 2022

In mammals, CENP-A, a histone H3 variant found in the centromeric chromatin, is critical for faithful chromosome segregation and genome integrity maintenance through cell divisions. Specifically, it has dual functions, enabling to define epigenetically the centromere position and providing the foundation for building up the kinetochore. Regulation of its dynamics of synthesis and deposition ensures to propagate proper centromeres on each chromosome across mitosis and meiosis. However, CENP-A overexpression is a feature identified in many cancers. Importantly, high levels of CENP-A lead to its mislocalization outside the centromere. Recent studies in mammals have begun to uncover how CENP-A overexpression can affect genome integrity, reprogram cell fate and impact 3D nuclear organization in cancer. Here, we summarize the mechanisms that orchestrate CENP-A regulation. Then we review how, beyond its centromeric function, CENP-A overexpression is linked to cancer state in mammalian cells, with a focus on the perturbations that ensue at the level of chromatin organization. Finally, we review the clinical interest for CENP-A in cancer treatment.
Fabrication of Cocatalyst NiO-Modified BiVO4 Composites for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performances
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Wang HongJun
Published: June 2022

In this work, NiO modified BiVO4 (BiVO4/NiO) nanocomposite was synthesized using hydrothermal and calcination method. The composite of BiVO4/NiO, further employed as a low-overpotential photoanode, was consisted of BiVO4 nanoparticles and NiO nanosheets, in which the BiVO4 nanoelectrode served as the matrix for the attachment of NiO nanosheets. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) tests show that BiVO4/NiO displayed improved PEC performance compared with pure BiVO4. The BiVO4/NiO photoanode delivers a photocurrent density of 1.2 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE in a Na2SO4 electrolyte under an AM 1.5G solar simulator, which is 0.3 mA/cm2 higher than pure BiVO4 photoanode. Meanwhile, the onset potential also generates a 350 mV cathodic shift. The enhanced performance of the BiVO4/NiO nanocomposite is attributed to NiO unique lamellar structure capable of providing a large number of active sites. Measurements of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and the incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) illustrate that the enhanced PEC activities are ascribed to the improved charge carrier separation/transport and the promoted water oxidation kinetics furnished by the decoration of NiO cocatalyst.
Identification of Liver and Plasma microRNAs in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infection
Authors: Loukachov Vladimir V. , van Dort Karel A. , Maurer Irma , Takkenberg R. Bart , de Niet Anniki , Reesink Henk W. , Willemse Sophie B. , Kootstra Neeltje A.
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

With current standard of care a functional cure for Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) is only achieved in 1-3% of patients and therefore novel therapies are needed. Disease activity during CHB can be determined by a broad range of virological biomarkers, however these biomarkers are also targets for novel treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to identify novel miRNAs that are differentially expressed in plasma and liver in CHB, and determine whether these miRNAs may serve as biomarkers of disease stage or treatment outcome.

Methods

miRNA Next-Generation-Sequencing of plasma and liver samples from CHB patient and controls was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. The identified candidate miRNAs were validated by qPCR in additional plasma and liver samples from two CHB cohorts.

Results

Several miRNAs in plasma and liver were found to be differentially expressed between CHB patients and controls. Of the identified miRNAs expression levels of miR-122-5p in plasma were associated with plasma HBsAg, and plasma and liver HBV-DNA levels. Expression levels of miR-223-3p, miR-144-5p and miR-133a-3p in liver were associated with plasma alanine aminotransferase levels. No correlation was observed between miRNA expression levels at baseline and treatment outcome.

Conclusions

Limited overlap between plasma and liver miRNAs was found, indicating that plasma miRNAs could be useful as biomarkers for treatment outcome or viral activity during treatment. Whereas liver miRNAs are more likely to be regulated by HBV and could be potential therapeutic targets to control viral activity in liver.
GSK-J4, a Specific Histone Lysine Demethylase 6A Inhibitor, Ameliorates Lipotoxicity to Cardiomyocytes via Preserving H3K27 Methylation and Reducing Ferroptosis
Authors: Xu Kai , Liu Xiang , Wen Bin , Liu Yazhou , Zhang Wei , Hu Xiaolin , Chen Ling , Hang Weijian , Chen Juan
Published: June 2022

Changes in modern lifestyle provoke a series of metabolic stresses such as hyperlipidemia. Excessive free fatty acids induce cardiomyocyte metabolic reprogramming and rearrangement of the lipid content of cardiomyocyte and promote oxidative stress. As a newly defined lipid peroxidation-related cell death pathway, the role of ferroptosis in metabolic stress-induced cardiomyocyte injury is poorly revealed. Our work indicates that GSK-J4, a histone lysine demethylase 6A/6B dual inhibitor, can alleviate palmitic acid (PA)-induced hypersensitivity to ferroptosis by suppressing H3K27 demethylation. Mechanistically, PA stimulation reduces the H3K27me3 level and hence promotes the expression of ACSL4, a key lipid modulator of ferroptosis. GSK-J4 pretreatment significantly preserves the H3K27me3 level and reduces the ACSL4 level. GSK-J4 also reduces reactive oxygen species to alleviate oxidative stress, which further decreases lipid peroxidation. Taken together, our data suggest that cardiomyocyte undergoes epigenetic reprogramming under metabolic challenges, rearranging lipid content, and sensitizing to ferroptosis. GSK-J4 can be a potential drug for treating hyperlipidemia-induced cardiomyocyte injury by targeting epigenetic modulations.
Interaction Between Brackish Water Intermittent Infiltration and Cultivated Soil Environment: A Case Study From Arid Piedmont Plain of Northwest China
Authors: Leilei Guo , Zaimin Wang
Published: June 2022

Brackish groundwater was widely used in arid areas which may cause soil salinization and groundwater environmental declines. To ensure the sustainable development of agriculture in arid areas, brackish water intermittent infiltration experiments were conducted in Southern Xinjiang, Northwest China between June to September 2018, and Hydrus-2D numerical simulation was used to analyze the underground pipe drainage systems. The field experiments were carried out during cotton growth stages after the first freshwater flood infiltration and salt washing. Two control experiments were, respectively, designed as freshwater (0.68 g/L) and brackish water (1.66 g/L) with water amount of 1.0 Q = 572 mm. Other eight groups (1.05–1.40 Q) were compared to analyze the effect of soil salt leaching by increasing the brackish water amount. The results showed that the soil moisture content was almost less than the field capacity of 0.203 at depth of 0–60 cm before each infiltration due to roots water uptake, and the soil water holding capacity rate was lower than 0.2 after 5 days under 1.20–1.40 Q brackish water treatments. Variation of EC1:5 at depth of 0–30 cm was less than 0.5 dS/m. Salt mainly accumulated at the depth of 40–60 cm whether the water amount was excessive or insufficient even under the fresh water infiltration. The optimal brackish water amount was 1.15 Q = 657.8 mm, and the soil total salinity was less than 0.55 dS/m (EC1:5) and reached mild salinization degree. Numerical simulations were used based on the 2018 field experimental results and extended by another 10 years. The soil salt accumulated to 1.10–2.99 dS/m (EC1:5) at the depth of 40–60 cm during 0–30 days. The no salinization area expanded to depth of 40–45 cm after 120 days and reduced during non-infiltration period due to evaporation effect. The soil salt was gradually leached and less than 0.55 dS/m (EC1:5) after 10 years. The optimized leaching–drainage system could not only provide a low salinity soil condition for cotton growth and realize sustainable cultivation but also greatly protect the soil and groundwater environment.
Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment, the Catalyst to Amplify the Effect of Maternal Infertility on Preterm Birth
Authors: Zhang Youzhen , Zhou Wei , Feng Wanbing , Hu Jingmei , Hu Kuona , Cui Linlin , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: June 2022

Objective

To identify the influence of different infertility causes and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment on perinatal outcomes and clarify the relationship between the maternal pathophysiological changes and artificial interventions.

Methods

A total of 1,629 fertile women and 27,112 infertile women with sole infertility causes were prospectively recruited from July 2014 to December 2017, and 9,894 singletons were finally enrolled into the study. Pregnancies with more than one cause of infertility and/or multiple births were excluded. According to the causes of infertility and the exposure of ART treatment, the participants were divided into four groups, namely, fertile naturally conceived (NC) group, infertile NC group, female factor ART group, and male factor ART group. Perinatal outcomes, including gestational age of delivery (GA), birth weight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA), were compared among groups. Logistic regression was performed for the adjustment of several covariates.

Result(s)

The birth outcomes of the infertile NC group and fertile NC group, female factor ART group, and infertile NC group were comparable. Compared to the fertile NC group, the female factor ART group had a shorter GA (39.0 ± 1.6 vs. 39.3 ± 1.5 weeks, BW: P < 0.05). An interaction test showed that ART treatment had an interaction on the effect of female infertility on GA (P = 0.023). The female factor ART group also had a higher risk of PTB (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.18–2.07) and LGA (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47) compared to the fertile NC group. The risk of PTB was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.12–2.00), ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.29–2.72), and unexplained infertility ART (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.11–3.17). The risk of LGA was increased for tubal factor ART (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.48) and ovulatory dysfunction ART (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57).

Conclusion(s)

Our findings indicated that ART treatment could amplify the adverse effect of female infertility on neonates. Women with tubal factor infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, and unexplained infertility have a higher risk of PTB after ART treatment. Thus, clinicians should be vigilant in such patients and provide corresponding prevention strategies before and during pregnancy.
The Role of Thyroglobulin in Preoperative and Postoperative Evaluation of Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Li Sha , Ren Chutong , Gong Yi , Ye Fei , Tang Yulong , Xu Jiangyue , Guo Can , Huang Jiangsheng
Published: June 2022

Thyroglobulin (Tg) is secreted by thyroid follicular cells and stored in the thyroid follicular lumen as a component of thyroid hormone. It is known that both benign and well-differentiated malignant thyroid tissue can secrete Tg. In recent years, growing lines of evidence have shown that Tg plays an important role in the diagnosis and metastasis of preoperative differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The levels of Tg, whether in the serum or in a fine-needle aspiration washout fluid, are usually viewed as an excellent indicator in the monitoring of postoperative DTC, including the guidance and evaluation of radioactive iodine ablation. Nevertheless, some factors limit the application of Tg, such as the method used to measure Tg and the presence of Tg antibodies. This review aimed to summarize the role of Tg in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of patients with DTC, and the factors influencing Tg. This review could provide a reference for a more accurate application of Tg in patients with DTC.
Adrenalectomy Improves Blood Pressure and Metabolic Control in Patients With Possible Autonomous Cortisol Secretion: Results of a RCT
Authors: Morelli Valentina , Frigerio Sofia , Aresta Carmen , Passeri Elena , Pugliese Flavia , Copetti Massimilano , Barbieri Anna Maria , Fustinoni Silvia , Polledri Elisa , Corbetta Sabrina , Arosio Maura , Scillitani Alfredo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: June 2022

Objective

The best approach to patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) and possible autonomous cortisol secretion (PACS) is debated. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic effect of adrenalectomy in AI patients with PACS in relation to cortisol secretion parameters, peripheral activation, and glucocorticoid sensitivity.

Design

This is a multicenter randomized study (NCT number: NCT04860180).

Methods

Sixty-two AI outpatients (40–75 years) with AI >1 cm and cortisol after overnight dexamethasone suppression test (F-1mgDST) between 50 and 138 nmol/L were randomized to adrenalectomy (Arm A) or a conservative approach (Arm B). Fifty-five patients completed the 6-month follow-up, 25 patients in Arm A (17 female patients, aged 62.5 ± 10.4 years) and 30 patients in Arm B (24 female patients, 66.1 ± 9.1 years). Plasma adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH), 24-h urinary free cortisol, 24-h urinary free cortisone, F-1mgDST, glucose, lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, blood pressure (BP), body weight, and treatment variations were assessed. The 24-h urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio (an 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity marker), BclI, and the N363S variants of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) polymorphisms were also evaluated.

Results

BP control improved in 68% and 13% of the subjects in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (p = 0.001), and the glycometabolic control improved in 28% and 3.3% of the subjects in Arm A and Arm B patients, respectively (p = 0.02). Arm A subjects more rarely showed the BP and/or glycometabolic control worsening than Arm B patients (12% and 40%, respectively, p = 0.03). The surgical approach was independently associated with BP amelioration (OR 3.0, 95% CI 3.8–108.3, p < 0.001) but not with age, F-1mgDST levels, BMI, and hypertension and diabetes mellitus presence at baseline. The 24-h urinary free cortisol/cortisone ratio and the presence of sensitizing GR polymorphisms were not associated with the surgical outcome. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the BP control amelioration was associated with F-1mgDST [area under the curve (AUC), 0.82 ± 0.09 p = 0.012]. The F-1mgDST cutoff with the best compromise in predicting the BP amelioration was set at 75 nmol/L (sensitivity 77%, specificity 75%).

Conclusions

AI patients with PACS benefit from surgery in terms of BP and glycometabolic control.
Energetics and Water Flux in the Subterranean Rodent Family Bathyergidae
Authors: Hart Daniel W. , Bennett Nigel C. , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Waterman Jane M. , Hambly Catherine , Scantlebury David M.
Published: June 2022

The doubly labeled water (DLW) technique and indirect calorimetry enable measurement of an animal’s daily energy expenditure (DEE, kJ/day), resting metabolic rate (RMR, kJ/d), sustained metabolic scope (SusMS), body fat content (BF, %) as well as water turnover (WTO, ml/day), and water economy index (ml/kJ). Small mammals have been the primary focus of many of the DLW studies to date. From large multi-species analyses of the energetics and water flux of aboveground small mammals, well-defined trends have been observed. These trends mainly refer to an adaptive advantage for lower RMR, DEE, SusMS, WTO and WEI in more ariddwelling animals to increase water and energy savings under low and unpredictable resource availability. The study of the subterranean rodent family Bathyergidae (African mole-rats) has been of particular interest with regards to field metabolic rate and metabolic studies. Although a great deal of research has been conducted on the Bathyergidae, a complete overview and multi-species analysis of the energetics and water flux of this family is lacking. Consequently, we assessed DEE, RMR, SusMS, BF, WTO and WEI across several different species of bathyergids from various climatic regions, and compared these to the established patterns of energetics and water flux for aboveground rodents. There was notable variation across the Bathyergidae inhabiting areas with different aridities, often contrary to the variations observed in above-ground species. These include increased DEE and WEI in arid-dwelling bathyergid species. While the climate was not a clear factor when predicting the SusMS of a bathyergid species, rather the degree of group living was a strong driver of SusMS, with solitary species possessing the highest SusMS compared to the socially living species. We conclude that the constraints of the underground lifestyle and the consequent spectrum of social behaviors possessed by the family Bathyergidae are most likely to be more crucial to their energetics and water flux than their habitat; however other important unstudied factors may still be at play. More so, this study provides evidence that often unreported parameters, measured through use of the DLW technique (such as BF and WEI) can enable species to be identified that might be at particular risk to climate change.
A Novel Defined Hypoxia-Related Gene Signature for Prognostic Prediction of Patients With Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Jiang Runyi , Hu Jinbo , Zhou Hongfei , Wei Haifeng , He Shaohui , Xiao Jianru
Published: June 2022

The therapeutic strategy of Ewing sarcoma (EWS) remains largely unchanged over the past few decades. Hypoxia is reported to have an impact on tumor cell progression and is regarded as a novel potential therapeutic target in tumor treatment. This study aimed at developing a prognostic gene signature based on hypoxia-related genes (HRGs). EWS patients from GSE17674 in the GEO database were analyzed as a training cohort, and differently expressed HRGs between tumor and normal samples were identified. The univariate Cox regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used in this study. A total of 57 EWS patients from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database were set as the validation cohort. A total of 506 differently expressed HRGs between tumor and normal tissues were identified, among which 52 were associated with the prognoses of EWS patients. Based on 52 HRGs, EWS patients were divided into two molecular subgroups with different survival statuses. In addition, a prognostic signature based on 4 HRGs (WSB1, RXYLT1, GLCE and RORA) was constructed, dividing EWS patients into low- and high-risk groups. The 2-, 3- and 5-years area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of this signature was 0.913, 0.97 and 0.985, respectively. It was found that the survival rates of patients in the high-risk group were significantly lower than those in the low-risk group (p < 0.001). The risk level based on the risk score could serve as an independent clinical factor for predicting the survival probabilities of EWS patients. Additionally, antigen-presenting cell (APC) related pathways and T cell co-inhibition were differently activated in two risk groups, which may result in different prognoses. CTLA4 may be an effective immune checkpoint inhibitor to treat EWS patients. All results were verified in the validation cohort. This study constructed 4-HRGs as a novel prognostic marker for predicting survival in EWS patients.