bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis TiO2 -SiO2 Composites Using The Method Sol-Gel-Hydrothermal
Authors: Milawati Sri , Syahbanu Intan , Sasri Risya
Published: February 2021

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a transition metal oxide material which has been researched extensively and can be used for various applications. In this research, synthesis of TiO2 -SiO2 using TTIP and TEOS precursor. Research aims to determine the characteristics of composite materials generated based on the influence of hydrothermal time and precursor composition. Synthesis is done by variation of hydrothermal time (4 hours, 8 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours and without hydrothermal) and TEOS precursor composition variation (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). Synthesis is made by dissolving the two precursors through the sol-gel-hydrothermal method and continued with the calcination process. Characterization using FT-IR showed a bonding Ti-O-Si at a wavelength of 950 cm-1 . This bond is formed from the interaction between TiO2 and SiO2 which indicates the success of the synthesis. The XRD characterization results show formed of a peak at 2θ° the range 25° for all composites. The results of the dr-uv characterization on the TiO2 -SiO2 composite comparison of 2:1 showed absorption at 387 nm and obtained band gap energy of 3,20 eV. Based on the data obtained it can be concluded that synthesis of TiO2-SiO2 hydrothermally obtained the optimum time 24 hours and the best comparison is contained in the composition 2:1, which produces an anatase structure with a crystal size of 15,899 nm, so that the resulting composite can be used as a photocatalyst. Keywords: Hydrothermal, Sol-gel, TiO2 -SiO2.
Increased Interleukin-4 in Farmers With Ascariasis in Rural Jember
Authors: Armiyanti Yunita , Rahmadhan Adiz Dwiputra , Hermansyah Bagus , Helianti Dina , Nurdian Yudha
Published: February 2021

Ascaris lumbricoides is nematode which often infest human in the world. The infestation of A. lumbricoides in the human will trigger the formation of Th2 immune responses through increased interleukin-4 released by innate immune cells. Th2 immune response generates B lymphocyte cells to produce IgE antibodies to eliminate A. lumbricoides. Therefore, IL-4 is a marker of Th2 immune response. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ascariasis and an increase of IL-4 in planters infested with A. lumbricoides as a marker of Th2 immune response. Our study was observational analytic with cross sectional design. 230 planters who were willing to be involved in the study gave stool samples for the diagnosis of ascariasis. 20 people who were positive for ascariasis and 20 people who were negative selected randomly for blood plasma samples. IL-4 levels in blood plasma were measured using ELISA. Differences in IL4 levels between positive and negative ascariasis were analyzed by the Mann Whitney statistical test with p value ≤ 0.05. The prevalence of ascariasis among planters in rural area of Jember was 16,52% which was included low prevalence. Univariate analysis showed that the mean and median levels of IL-4 ascariasis were greater than those of healthy planters. Mann Whitney test results showed that there were differences in levels of IL-4 between ascariasis and healthy planters (p≤0.05). Increased levels of IL-4 in planters with ascariasis indicate that A. lumbricoides infection triggers the formation of Th2 immune response as a mechanism for eliminating A. lumbricoides. Keywords: Interleukin-4, A. lumbricoides, Th2 immune response.
Classification of Underdeveloped Areas in Indonesia Using the SVM and k-NN Algorithms
Authors: Al Azies Harun , Anuraga Gangga
Published: February 2021

The determination or classification of underdeveloped areas essentially consists of classifying several observations taking into account existing indicators. The classification method used is K-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and Support Vector Machines (SVM). This study aims to analyze the accuracy of the classification between SVM and k-NN algorithms in the classification of underdeveloped areas in Indonesia. The data source used in this study is secondary data obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS). The data used are 514 districs and municipalities of Indonesia. After analysis, the conclusion is that there are 122 districs and municipalities that are left behind out of a total of 514 districs and municipalities in Indonesia. The most underdeveloped areas are on the island of Papua, followed by the areas of the islands of Bali and Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi. Based on the results of the classification of underdeveloped areas using the method SVM with the kernel RBF has the best results with the parameters C = 1 and γ = 0.05 while the results of the classification of underdeveloped areas using the method k-NN obtains the best results with k = 15 Based on the results of classification of underdeveloped areas using the SVM and the k-NN method, including the level of classification is very good. The two methods compared have the same precision value of 92.2% and can be used to determine the classification of underdeveloped areas. Keywords: classification, machine learning, supervised learning, underdeveloped areas.
Evaluation Treatment Planning for Breast Cancer Based on Dose-Response Model
Authors: Aisyah Siti , Hariyanto Aditya Prayugo , Endarko Endarko , Rubiyanto Agus , Nasori Nasori , Haekal Mohammad , Nainggolan Andreas
Published: February 2021

The delivery of radiation therapy to patients requires prior planning made by medical physicists to achieve radiotherapy goals. Radiotherapy has a plan to eradicate the growth of cancer cells by giving high doses and minimizing the radiation dose to normal tissue. Evaluation of planning is generally done based on dosimetric parameters, such as minimum dose, maximum dose, and means dose obtained from the DVHs data. Based on the same DVHs, data were evaluate dinterms of biological effects to determine the highest possible toxicity in normal tissue after the tumor had been treated with radiation using the NTCP model. The evaluation was conducted by selecting three DICOM-RT data of post-mastectomy right breast cancer patients who had been prescribed a dose of 50 Gy obtained from the Hospital MRCCC Siloam Semanggi database. All data were processed using open-source software DICOManTX to get the DVH and isodose information. Matlab-based CERR software was used to calculate the NTCP model. The results show that the three patients' DVH and isodose treatment planning result in a homogeneous dose distribution result because the PTV area obtains adose limit of ≥ 95%. Moreover, normalt issue still gets adose below the tolerance limit based on the standard from RTOG 1005 and ICRU 83. Analysis of NTCP shows a complication probability below 1% for each organ, suggesting that any organ which has been irradiated has a low likelihood of complications. Therefore, it can be concluded that the treatment planning which has been made in the three patients using the IMRT technique has achieved the objectives of radiotherapy, which is to minimize toxicity to healthy organs. |Keywords: DVH, isodose, NTCP, radiotherapy.
Calcium Channels in Retinal Function and Disease
Authors: Williams Brittany , Maddox Wesley , Lee Amy
Published: February 2021

Voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels play pivotal roles in regulating gene transcription, neuronal excitability, and neurotransmitter release. In order to meet the spatial and temporal demands of visual signaling, Cav channels exhibit unusual properties in the retina compared to their counterparts in other areas of the nervous system. Here, we review current concepts regarding the specific subtypes of Cav channels expressed in the retina, their intrinsic properties and forms of modulation, and how their dysregulation could lead to retinal disease.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy as First-Line Therapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the United States
Authors: Liu Qiao , Luo Xia , Peng Liubao , Yi Lidan , Wan Xiaomin , Li Jianhe , Zeng Xiaohui , Tan Chongqing
Published: February 2021

Background: The phase III KEYNOTE-604 study confirmed the benefit of pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer(ES-SCLC). Intergrated the clinical benefits of pembrolizumab and its high cost into account, this study aim to assess the cost-effectiveness of adding pembrolizumab to standard first-line etoposide-platinum (EP) for patients with ES-SCLC from the the US payer perspective. Methods: A Markov model was developed to compared the costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of pembrolizumab plus EP and placebo plus EP over a 10-year time horizon. Clinical efficacy, treatment utilization and safety data were pooled from the KEYNOTE-604 trial. Utilities were obtained from published resources. Costs were mainly collected from Medicare in 2020. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examined the robustness of our model. Results: Adding pembrolizumab to standard first-line EP, resulted in better effectiveness than the use of EP alone for ES-SCLC by 0.22 QALYs. Pembrolizumab plus EP was dominated economically by placebo plus EP, leading to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) of $334,373/ QALY. Deterministic sensitivity analyses indicated that the uncertainty in model parameters exerts no substantial effect on our results. Probability sensitivity analysis indicated that probabilities for pembrolizumab plus EP being cost-effective within a wide rang of willingness to pay were modest. Conclusion: From the US payer perspective, the first-line treatment for ES-SCLC with pembrolizumab plus EP was not cost-effective compare with placebo plus EP. Although pembrolizumab combination chemotherapy was beneficial to the survival of ES-SCLC, price reduction may be the necessary measure to improve its cost-effectiveness.
Paradigm Shift in Critical Speed Application and Modification for Shuttle Running: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kramer Mark , Piatrikova Eva
Published: February 2021

The overarching purpose of this review was to highlight the utility of different aerobic field tests in terms of the parameters they provide, with a specific focus on shuttle running and all-out testing. Various field tests are discussed in detail and are categorised according to linear continuous running tests (e.g. 12-minute Cooper Test, University of Montreal Track Test [UMTT], 1200/1600 m time trials, 3-minute all-out test for running [3MT]), intermittent shuttle running tests (e.g. yo-yo inter-mittent recovery test level 1 [YYIR1], 30-15 intermittent fitness test [IFT], and the intermittent all-out shuttle test [IAOST]), and continuous shuttle running tests (e.g. 1.2 km shuttle run test [1.2SRT], maximal multi-stage 20-m shuttle test [MSR], 25-m, 30 m and 50-m 3-minute all-out shuttle test [AOST]). Readers will be guided through the theoretical and practical underpinnings of the 3MT methodology, where the all-out testing methodology is stationed within the testing paradigm, and how to practically implement and interpret the results thereof.
PENGARUH INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN PADA BANK GO PUBLIC YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA (BEI) TAHUN 2009-2012
Authors: Hamidah Hamidah , Sari Dian Puspita , Mardiyati Umi
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to know the effect of intellectual capital on financial performance on bank go public listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2009-2012. The sampel are several bank go public. The research method in this study uses correlation study. The research model in this study employs panel data analysis with random effect approach on model 1a and fixed effect approach on model 1b. The empirical results show that intellectual capital that proxy with Value Added Capital Employed (VACA), Value Added Human Capital (VAHU) have positive significant effect on Earning per Share (EPS) but Structural Capital Value Added (STVA) has negative and  no significant effect on Earning per Share (EPS). While, Value Added Capital Employed (VACA), Value Added Human Capital (VAHU) and Structural Capital Value Added (STVA) have positive significant effect on Return On Assets (ROA).

 Keywords:       Intellectual Capital, Value Added Capital Employed (VACA), Value Added Human Capital (VAHU), Structural Capital Value Added (STVA), Earning per Share (EPS), Return On Assets (ROA)
MINAT PENGGUNAAN CASHLESS PAYMENT SYSTEM – DOMPET DIGITAL PADA MAHASISWA DI FE UNJ
Authors: Ika Febrilia  , Shela Puspita Pratiwi  , Irianto Djatikusumo
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh: a) self-efficacy terhadap perceived ease of use; b) self-efficacy terhadap perceived usefulness; c) perceived risk terhadap perceived usefulness; d) perceived risk terhadap intention to use; e) perceived usefulness terhadap intention to use; f) perceived ease of use terhadap intention to use; g) perceived ease of use terhadap perceived usefulness; untuk produk dompet digital pada mahasiswa di FE UNJ. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode survei, yaitu dengan membagikan kuesioner. Setelah data terkumpul akan dilakukan pengujian terhadap validitas dan reliabilitas instrumen, yang dilanjutkan dengan uji hipotesis menggunakan SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) dengan bantuan program Amos 20.0. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan: a) self-efficacy terhadap perceived ease of use, b) perceived risk terhadap perceived usefulness, c) perceived risk terhadap intention to use, serta d) perceived ease of use terhadap perceived usefulness.

Kata kunci: self-efficacy, perceived risk, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention to use, mahasiswa, FE UNJ
PERCEIVED SERVICE QUALITY DAN INTENTION MAHASISWA DI SURABAYA: STUDI EMPIRIS PADA APLIKASI MOBILE DENGAN LAYANAN FREEMIUM
Authors: Suryawirawan Okto Aditya
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara service quality dan intention pada penggunaan aplikasi mobile yang memiliki layanan freemium oleh mahasiswa di Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling terhadap 149 mahasiswa. Kriteria sampel adalah mahasiswa yang menggunakan aplikasi dengan layanan freemium di smartphone yang mereka miliki. Penelitian ini menggunakan alat analisis statistic partial least square dengan software SMART PLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: (1) perceived service quality berpengaruh positif signifkan terhadap usage intention dan purchase intention (2) assurance, empathy, reliability dan responsiveness berpengaruh positif namun hanya responsiveness yang pengaruhnya signifikan terhadap usage intention (3) assurance, empathy, reliability dan responsiveness berpengaruh positif namun hanya assurance yang pengaruhnya signifikan terhadap purchase intention (4) usage intention berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap purchase intention.
PENGARUH PELATIHAN, MOTIVASI, KOMPETENSI TERHADAP KINERJA SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA
Authors: Nugroho Marno Nugroho , Paradifa Renjana
Published: February 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu mendeskripsikan keterkaitan pelatihan,kompetensi, dan motivasi aktualisasi diri terhadap kinerja SDM serta meyusun model peningkatan kinerja SDM yang optimal. Variabel independen dalam penelitian yaitu pelatihan, kompetensi, dan motivasi aktualisasi diri.Variabel dependennya adalah kinerja SDM.Serta variabel interveningnya adalah kompetensi. Populasi dalam penelitian yaitu karyawan tetap yang terdapat di PDAM Tirta Kencana Kota Samarinda.Sampel dihitung memakai rumus slovin dan hasilnya 177 responden. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, dokumentasi, beberapa jurnal terdahulu, wawancara, dan kuesioner yang disebarkan langsung. Metode analisis yaitu deskriptif dan statistik. Hasil menunjukkan variabel pelatihan, kompetensi, dan motivasi berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja SDM dan pelatihan berpengaruh secara tidak langsung terhadap kinerja SDM melalui variabel intervening kompetensi.
PENGARUH RENTABILITAS, NON PERFORMING LOAN (NPL), LIKUIDITAS DAN INFLASI TERHADAP RASIO KECUKUPAN MODAL (CAR) (Pada Bank Pembangunan Daerah Periode 2016-2019)
Authors: Sorongan Fangky A
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh Return On Equity, Biaya Operasional Pendapatan Operasional, Non Performing Loan dan Loan to Deposit Ratio serta Inflasi terhadap Capital Adequacy Ratio. Data yang digunakan diperoleh dari laporan keuangan tahunan bank pembangunan daerah periode 2016-2019. Metode pemilihan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode purposive sampling dan data analisis menggunakan model analisis regresi data panel dengan fixed Effect. Total sampel dalam penelitian sebanyak 21 perusahaan. Pengolahan data penelitian ini menggunakan aplikasi Eviews versi 8. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ROE, BOPO, NPL, LDR dan Inflasi secara simultan memiliki pengaruh terhadap Capital Adequacy Ratio. Selain itu penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa secara parsial ROE, BOPO dan Inflasi berpengaruh terhadap Capital Adequacy Ratio, sedangkan NPL dan LDR secara parsial tidak berpengaruh terhadap Capital Adequacy Ratio.
PERAN DUKUNGAN ORGANISASI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN RETENSI KARYAWAN BANK X
Authors: Dwi Rizky Intan
Published: February 2021

Retensi karyawan perlu dilakukan agar organisasi tidak mengalami kerugian akibat biaya rekruitmen yang tinggi. Retensi karyawan dapat dilakukan salah satunya dengan menggunakan program pengembangan karir yang juga merupakan salah satu dukungan organisasi bagi karyawan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian korelasional kuantitatif yang bertujuan menentukan dan menjelaskan peran mediasi dukungan organisasi (POS) terhadap hubungan Program Pengembangan Karir (CDP) dengan retensi karyawan pada Bank X. Seratus enam puluh lima orang karyawan dari berberapa kantor cabang yang telah bekerja minimal 1 tahun berpartisipasi pada penelitian ini. Data dianalisa dengan menggunakan metode analisa korelasi dan regresi. Hasil menunjukkan adanya hubungan tidak langsung yang signifikan antara Program CDP terhadap retensi karyawan melalui peran dukungan organisasi (POS). Dapat disimpulkan bahwa Program CDP bermanfaat untuk mempertahankan karyawan karena merupakan dukungan organisasi yang cukup nyata dirasakan karyawan secara langsung.
PERAN CITRA DESTINASI, E-WOM, DAN TRAVEL CONSTRAINTS PADA NIAT BERKUNJUNG WISATA PANTAI DI KOTA SURABAYA, JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Novita Eka Indriyani  , Yessy Artanti
Published: February 2021

Kawasan Pantai Kenjeran merupakan wisata alam yang berupa pantai di dekat pusat Kota Surabaya. Pantai Kenjeran telah lama dibuka untuk umum dan melakukan berbagai pengembangan destinasi wisata, namun jumlah pengunjung wisata Pantai Kenjeran mengalami penurunan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan membahas pengaruh citra destinasi, e-WOM, dan travel constraints terhadap niat berkunjung calon pengunjung Pantai Kenjeran Kota Surabaya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Sampel berjumlah 200 responden dengan teknik nonprobability sampling dan metode yang digunakan adalah judgmental sampling. Data diolah menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya pengaruh positif pada variabel citra destinasi terhadap niat berkunjung, kemudian variabel e-WOM tidak berpengaruh terhadap niat berkunjung calon pengunjung, serta variabel travel constraints berpengaruh negatif terhadap niat berkunjung ke Pantai Kenjeran.
CREATIVE PERFORMANCE: DAMPAK WORK ENVIRONMENT DAN CREATIVE SELF-EFFICACY (Studi Kasus di PT. Putra Mojo Maju Jaya Abadi
Authors: Kempa Sesilya , Eric Stephen
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dampak work environment (WE) terhadap creative performance (CP) melalui mediasi creative self-efficacy (CSE) karyawan PT. Putra Mojo Maju Jaya Abadi. Jenis penelitian ini termasuk dalam jenis penelitian kuantitatif. Sampel yang digunakan adalah sebanyak 67 responden dengan teknik purposive sampling. Proses perhitungan dan analisis penelitian menggunakan progam aplikasi software Partial Least Square (PLS). Metode pengumpulan data penelitian dilakukan dengan penyebaran kuisioner dengan menggunakan skala likert lima poin sebagai alat ukur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas lingkungan kerja akan mempengaruhi tingginya efikasi diri kreatif yang selanjutnya akan mempengaruhi kreativitas seseorang dalam bekerja. Namun kualitas lingkungan kerja tidak mempengaruhi langsung creative performance seseorang.
SIKAP KEWIRAUSAHAAN, BUDAYA ORGANISASI, DAN KOMITMEN TERHADAP KINERJA PENYULUH INDUSTRI IKM INDONESIA
Authors: Busharmaidi
Published: February 2021

Industri Kecil dan Menengah memiliki peran penting dalam meningkatkan penyerapan tenaga kerja di sektor industri. Pembinaan dan pendampingan kelompok usaha ini merupakan bagian penting dari Kementerian Perindustrian, termasuk keterlibatan Pejabat Fungsional Penyuluh Industri (PFPP). PFPP, adalah pejabat fungsional yang bertugas melakukan penyuluhan terhadap industri khususnya industri kecil dan menengah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) PFPP dilihat dari sikap kewirausahaan, budaya organisasi dan komitmen organisasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survei dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian ini adalah 191 responden PFPP yang tersebar di seluruh wilayah yang dipilih dengan menggunakan simple random sampling. Data yang terkumpul dianalisis menggunakan perangkat lunak SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) PLS yang sebelumnya telah diuji dengan model. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan sikap kewirausahaan terhadap komitmen dan OCB. Ditemukan juga pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan, sikap kewirausahaan, budaya organisasi dan komitmen terhadap OCB, serta pengaruh budaya organisasi terhadap OCB melalui komitmen. Sedangkan pengaruh sikap kewirausahaan terhadap OCB melalui komitmen ditemukan berhubungan negatif. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa sikap kewirausahaan tidak mendukung OCB melalui komitmen. Penelitian selanjutnya diharapkan memiliki beberapa variabel yang lebih luas, dengan tetap memperhatikan sikap kewirausahaan sebagai variabel bebas.

Kata kunci: Sikap kewirausahaan, budaya organisasi, komitmen organisasi dan OCB
COMMODITY PRICE AND INFLATION DYNAMICS: EVIDENCE FROM BRIICS
Authors: Rizvi Syed Aun R. , Sahminan Sahminan
Published: February 2021

In this study, we use a commodity augmented Phillips curve to investigate the impact of global commodity prices on domestic inflation in Brazil, Russia, India, Indonesia, China, and South Africa. Oil and energy prices cause inflationary pressures in all countries, except Russia, where they cause deflationary pressures. In Indiaand Indonesia, global food prices are highly significant and positively related to inflation, while in South Africa precious metal prices impact inflation negatively. For policymakers, this study provides insights on the domestic adjustments required for inflation targeting in response to global commodity price volatility.
M2 macrophage-derived exosomal microRNAs inhibit cell migration and invasion in gliomas through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Yao Jie , Wang Ze-Fen , Cheng Yong , Lan Tian , Ma Chao , Zhong Ya-Hua , Xiao Yi-Lei , Gao Xu , Li Zhi-Qiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Glioma, the most common primary brain tumor, account Preparing figures s for 30% to 40% of all intracranial tumors. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of M2 macrophage-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) on glioma cells. Methods: First, we identified seven differentially expressed miRNAs in infiltrating macrophages and detected the expression of these seven miRNAs in M2 macrophages. We then selected hsa-miR-15a-5p (miR-15a) and hsa-miR-92a-3p (miR-92a) for follow-up studies, and confirmed that miR-15a and miR-92a were under-expressed in M2 macrophage exosomes. Subsequently, we demonstrated that M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promoted migration and invasion of glioma cells, while exosomal miR-15a and miR-92a had the opposite effects on glioma cells. Next, we performed the target gene prediction in four databases and conducted target gene validation by qRT-PCR, western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Results: The results revealed that miR-15a and miR-92a were bound to CCND1 and RAP1B, respectively. Western blot assays demonstrated that interference with the expression of CCND1 or RAP1B reduced the phosphorylation level of AKT and mTOR, indicating that both CCND1 and RAP1B can activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that M2 macrophage-derived exosomal miR-15a and miR-92a inhibit cell migration and invasion of glioma cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Transcriptome-based analysis of the effects of salicylic acid and high light on lipid and astaxanthin accumulation in Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Hu Qunju , Huang Danqiong , Li Anguo , Hu Zhangli , Gao Zhengquan , Yang Yongli , Wang Chaogang
Published: February 2021

Background: The unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis has achieved considerable interests for its capacity to accumulate large amounts of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin under various environmental stresses. To our knowledge, studies focusing on transcriptome research of H. pluvialis under exogenous hormones together with physical stresses are rare. In the present study, the change patterns at transcriptome level were analyzed to distinguish the multiple defensive systems of astaxanthin and fatty acid metabolism against exogenous salicylic acid and high light (SAHL) stresses. Results: Based on RNA-seq data, a total of 112,463 unigenes and 61,191 genes were annotated in six databases, including NR, KEGG, Swiss-Prot, PFAM, COG and GO. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KEGG identified many transcripts that associated with the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, photosynthesis, and immune system responses. Furthermore, 705 unigenes predicted as putative transcription factors (TFs) were identified, and the most abundant TFs families were likely to be associated with the biosynthesis of astaxanthin and fatty acid in H. pluvialis upon exposure to SAHL stresses. Additionally, majority of the fifteen key genes involved in astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways presented the same expression pattern, resulting in increased accumulation of astaxanthin and fatty acids in single celled H. pluvialis, in which astaxanthin content increased from 0.56±0.05 mg·L-1 at stage Control to 0.89±0.12 mg·L-1 at stage SAHL_48. And positive correlations were observed among these studied genes by Pearson Correlation (PC) analysis, indicating the coordination between astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis. In addition, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis also demonstrated that this coordination might be at transcriptional level.Conclusion: The results in this study provided valuable information to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of coordinate relations between astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis. And salicylic acid might play a role in self-protection processes of cells, helping adaption of H. pluvialis to high light stress.
An association between visceral or subcutaneous fat accumulation and diabetes mellitus among Japanese subjects
Authors: Yokokawa Hirohide , Fukuda Hiroshi , Saita Mizue , Goto Kento , Kaku Tengen , Miyagami Taiju , Takahashi Yuichi , Hamada Chieko , Hisaoka Teruhiko , Naito Toshio
Published: February 2021

Background: The impact of subcutaneous fat accumulation remains controversial. This study assessed the association between visceral or subcutaneous fat area (VFA and SFA, respectively) and diabetes mellitus (DM) among Japanese subjects.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1,907 eligible participants (men, 1,050; women, 857) who participated in a voluntary health check-up conducted at Juntendo University Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018, in Tokyo, Japan. Associations between VFA or SFA quartiles and DM were identified using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess appropriate cut-off values of VFA or SFA.Results: Multivariate analyses showed that Q4 (≥125 cm2) of VFA was significantly positively associated with DM compared to Q1 (<65 cm2) (AOR=1.94, 95% CI=1.02-3.71), whereas there was no association between SFA and DM in men. Among women, Q4 (≥85 cm2) of VFA was significantly positively associated with DM compared to Q1 (< 30 cm2) (Q4, AOR=6.15, 95% CI=1.65-22.99). Also, Q3 and Q4 (≥135 cm2) of SFA were significantly positively associated with DM compared to Q1 (<90 cm2) (Q3, AOR=5.64, 95% CI=1.21-26.25; Q4, AOR=7.81, 95% CI=1.71-35.65). The appropriate cut-off value of VFA in men was 101.5 cm2. Those of VFA and SFA in women were 72.5 cm2 and 165.3 cm2, respectively.Conclusion: Our results suggest the importance of considering SFA as well as VFA, especially in women, for primary and secondary prevention of DM.
Silencing of Vangl2 attenuates the inflammation promoted by Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway in chondrocytes.
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Zhuoying , Lu Yunyang , Xiang Linyi , Sun Jiadong , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2021

Background: The Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is implicated in osteoarthritis (OA) both in animals and in humans. Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) is a key PCP protein that is required for the orientation and alignment of chondrocytes in the growth plate. However, its functional roles in OA still remain undefined. Here, we explored the effects of Vangl2 on OA chondrocyte in vitro, and further elucidated the molecular mechanism of silencing Vangl2 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes.Methods: Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to simulate the inflammatory microenvironment of OA. The expression levels of Vangl2, Wnt5a, MMPs, and related proinflammatory cytokines were measured by RT-qPCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of Vangl2 and the plasmid targeting Wnt5a were constructed and transfected into ATDC5 cells. Then the functional roles of silencing Vangl2 in the OA chondrocytes were investigated by Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and immunocytochemistry (ICC). Transfected OA chondrocytes were subjected to Western blotting to analyze the relationship between Vangl2 and related signaling pathways. Results: IL-1β induced the production of Vangl2, Wnt5a and MMPs in a time-dependent manner and the significantly increased expression of Vangl2. Vangl2 silencing effectively suppressed the expression of MMP3, MMP9, MMP13 and IL-6 at both gene and protein levels, and upregulated the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan. Moreover, knockdown of Vangl2 inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules (P38, ERK, and JNK) and P65 in Wnt5a-overexpressing OA chondrocytes.Conclusions: For the first time, we demonstrate that Vangl2 is involved in the OA process. Vangl2 silencing can notably alleviate OA progression in vitro by inhibiting the expression of MMPs and increasing the formation of the cartilage matrix, and can inhibit the proinflammatory effects of Wnt5a via MAPK and NF-κB pathway. This study provides new insight into the mechanism of cartilage inflammation.
Vestibular dose correlates with dizziness after radiosurgery for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Ermiş Ekin , Anschuetz Lukas , Leiser Dominic , Poel Robert , Raabe Andreas , Manser Peter , Aebersold Daniel M , Caversaccio Marco , Mantokoudis Georgios , Abu-Isa Janine , Wagner Franca , Herrmann Evelyn
Published: February 2021

BackgroundStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been recognized as a first-line treatment option for small to moderate sized vestibular schwannoma (VS). Our aim is to evaluate the impact of SRS doses and other patient and disease characteristics on vestibular function in patients with VS.MethodsData on VS patients treated with single-fraction SRS to 12 Gy were retrospectively reviewed. No dose constraints were given to the vestibule during optimization in treatment planning. Patient and tumor characteristics, pre- and post-SRS vestibular examination results and patient-reported dizziness were assessed from patient records. ResultsFifty-three patients were analyzed. Median follow-up was 32 months (range, 6–79). The median minimum, mean and maximum vestibular doses were 2.6 ± 1.6 Gy, 6.7 ± 2.8 Gy, and 11 ± 3.6 Gy, respectively. On univariate analysis, Koos grade (p=0.04; OR: 3.45; 95% CI: 1.01–11.81), tumor volume (median 6.1 cm³; range, 0.8–38; p=0.01; OR: 4.85; 95% CI: 1.43–16.49), presence of pre-SRS dizziness (p=0.02; OR: 3.98; 95% CI; 1.19–13.24) and minimum vestibular dose (p=0.033; OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.03–2.32) showed a significant association with patient-reported dizziness. On multivariate analysis, minimum vestibular dose remained significant (p=0.02; OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.05–2.89). Patients with improved caloric function had received significantly lower mean (1.5 ± 0.7 Gy, p=0.01) and maximum doses (4 ± 1.5 Gy, p=0.01) to the vestibule.ConclusionsOur results reveal that 5 Gy and above minimum vestibular doses significantly worsened dizziness. Additionally, mean and maximum doses received by the vestibule were significantly lower in patients who had improved caloric function. Further investigations are needed to determine dose-volume parameters and their effects on vestibular toxicity.
Therapeutic Effects of Manual Therapy, Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation, and Forearm Brace on Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rachold Wolfgang , Berger Christoph , Reis Olaf , Buchmann Johannes
Published: February 2021

Background: Epicondylopathia humeri radialis is often diagnosed by general practitioners. Usually, the therapy comprises transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and the application of a forearm brace. Manual therapy is prescribed beyond transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and forearm brace, and it is performed by specialized physiotherapists. However, data comparing the effectiveness of all methods are scarce. In this study, the therapeutic effects of manual therapy were compared to those of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and forearm brace along with a combination of all three. Methods: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with epicondylopathia humeri radialis by a general practitioner were randomized into three treatment arms: 19 patients received a combination of manual therapy, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, and forearm brace; 18 patients received manual therapy only; and 15 patients wore a forearm brace and received transcutaneous nerve stimulation. The primary outcomes included the range of motion and pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were elbow function and psychological well-being. Primary and secondary outcomes were measured before treatment (0), and 4- and 8-weeks post-treatment using the Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation Questionnaire and the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire. Results: The range of motion and pain intensity did not differ between the intervention groups.Conclusions: Manual therapy alone is as effective as combination therapy with transcutaneous nerve stimulation and the use of a forearm brace for epicondylopathia humeri radialis. Hence, there is evidence supporting the inclusion of manual therapy in the guidelines for treating patients with epicondylopathia humeri radialis. Trial registration: German Clinical Trial Register: DRKS, trial registration number: 00021137, date of registration: 24/03/2020 (retrospectively registered)
Effects of compound probiotics and aflatoxin-degradation enzyme on alleviating aflatoxin-induced cytotoxicity in chicken embryo primary intestinal epithelium, liver and kidney cells
Authors: Guo Hongwei , Chang Juan , Wang Ping , Yin Qingqiang , Liu Chaoqi , Xu Xiaoxiang , Dang Xiaowei , Hu Xiaofei , Wang Quanliang
Published: February 2021

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most dangerous mycotoxins for humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of compound probiotics (CP), CP supernatant (CPS), AFB1-degradation enzyme (ADE) on chicken embryo primary intestinal epithelium, liver and kidney cell viabilities, and to determine the functions of CP + ADE (CPADE) or CPS + ADE (CPSADE) for alleviating cytotoxicity induced by AFB1. The results showed that AFB1 decreased cell viabilities in dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The optimal AFB1 concentrations and reactive time for establishing cell damage models were 200 µg/L AFB1 and 12 h for intestinal epithelium cells, 40 µg/L and 12 h for liver and kidney cells. Cell viabilities reached 231.58% (p < 0.05) for intestinal epithelium cells with CP addition, 105.29% and 115.84% (p < 0.05) for kidney and liver cells with CPS additions. The further results showed that intestinal epithelium, liver and kidney cell viabilities were significantly decreased to 87.12%, 88.7% and 84.19% (p < 0.05) when the cells were exposed to AFB1; however, they were increased to 93.49% by CPADE addition, 102.33% and 94.71% by CPSADE additions (p < 0.05). The relative mRNA abundances of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, iNOS, NF-κB, NOD1 (except liver cell) and TLR2 in three kinds of primary cells were significantly down-regulated by CPADE or CPSADE addition, compared with single AFB1 group (p < 0.05), indicating that CPADE or CPSADE addition could alleviate cell cytotoxicity and inflammation induced by AFB1 exposure through suppressing the activations of NF-κB, NOD1 and TLR2 pathways.
Subpicosecond metamagnetic phase transition driven by non-equilibrium electron dynamics
Authors: Pressacco Federico , Sangalli Davide , Uhlíř Vojtěch , Kutnyakhov Dmytro , Arregi Jon Ander , Agustsson Steinn Ymir , Brenner Günter , Redlin Harald , Heber Michael , Vasilyev Dmitry , Demsar Jure , Schönhense Gerd , Gatti Matteo , Marini Andrea , Wurth Wilfried , Sirotti Fausto
Published: February 2021

Femtosecond light-induced phase transitions between different macroscopic orders provide the possibility to tune the functional properties of condensed matter on ultrafast timescales. In first-order phase transitions, transient non-equilibrium phases and inherent phase coexistence often preclude non-ambiguous detection of transition precursors and their temporal onset. Here, we present a study combining time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and ab-initio electron dynamics calculations elucidating the transient subpicosecond processes governing the photoinduced generation of ferromagnetic order in antiferromagnetic FeRh. The transient photoemission spectra are accounted for by assuming that not only the occupation of electronic states is modified during the photoexcitation process. Instead, the photo-generated non-thermal distribution of electrons modifies the electronic band structure. The ferromagnetic phase of FeRh, characterized by a minority band near the Fermi energy, is established 350 ± 30 fs after the laser excitation. Ab-initio calculations indicate that the phase transition is initiated by a photoinduced Rh-to-Fe charge transfer.
Disorders of sex development in Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: a genotype-phenotype correlation and MSX1 as candidate gene
Authors: Rjiba khouloud , Ayech Hedia , Slimani wafa , KRAIEM Olfa , Jelloul Afef , Hmida Imen Ben Hadj , Mahdhaoui Nabiha , Saad Ali , Mougou-Zerelli soumaya
Published: February 2021

Background: Wolf-Hirschhorn (WHS) is a set of congenital physical anomalies and mental retardation associated with a partial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4.To establish a genotype-phenotype correlation; we carried out a molecular cytogenetic analysis on two Tunisian WHS patients. Patient 1 was a boy of one-year-old, presented a typical WHS phenotype while patient 2, is a boy of two days presented an hypospadias, a micropenis and a cryptorchidie in addition to the typical WHS phenotype. Both the array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) techniques were used.Results: Results of the analysis showed that patient 2 had a greater deletion size (4,8Mb) of chromosome 4 than patient 1 (3,4 Mb). Here, we notice that the larger the deletion, the more genes are likely to be involved, and the more severe the phenotype is likely to be. If we analyze the uncommon deleted region between patient1 and patient 2 we found that the Muscle Segment Homeobox (MSX1) gene is included in this region. MSX1 is a critical transcriptional repressor factor, expressed in the ventral side of the developing anterior pituitary and implicated in gonadotrope differentiation. Msx1 acts as a negative regulatory pituitary development by repressing the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) genes during embryogenesis. We hypothesized that the deletion of MSX1 in our patient may deregulate the androgen synthesis. Conclusion: Based on the MSX1 gene function, its absence might be indirectly responsible for the hypospadias phenotype by contributing to the spatiotemporal regulation of GnRH transcription during development.
Prognostic significance of diabetes mellitus in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S , Kartas Anastasios , Samaras Athanasios , Akrivos Evangelos , Vouloagkas Ioannis , Vrana Eleni , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Kotzampasis Georgios , Baroutidou Amalia , Papanastasiou Anastasios , Liampas Evangelos , Botis Michail , Karagiannidis Efstratios , Stalikas Nikolaos , Karvounis Haralambos , Tzikas Apostolos , Giannakoulas George
Published: February 2021

Background: There are limited data on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were recently hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from December 2015 through June 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and for the secondary outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and the composite outcome of CV death or hospitalization. Competing-risk regression analyses were performed to calculate the cumulative risk of stroke, major bleeding, AF- or HF-hospitalizations adjusted for the competing risk of all-cause death. Spline curve models were fitted to investigate associations of HbA1c values and mortality among patients with AF and DM.Results: In total 1140 AF patients were included, of whom 373 (32.7%) had DM. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 414 (37.3%) patients died. The presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR=1.40 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.11-1.75), CV mortality (aHR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.81), sudden cardiac death (aHR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.19-2.52), stroke (aHR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.01-3.45) and the composite outcome of hospitalization or CV death (aHR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.53). In AF patients with comorbid DM, the spline curves showed a positive linear association between HbA1c levels and outcomes, with values 7.6-8.2% being independent predictors of increased all-cause mortality, and values <6.2% predicting significantly decreased all-cause and CV mortality.Conclusions: The presence of DM on top of AF was associated with substantially increased risk for all-cause or CV mortality, sudden cardiac death and excess morbidity. HbA1c levels lower than 6.2% were independently related to better survival rates suggesting that optimal DM control could be associated with better clinical outcomes in AF patients with DM.
Analysis of Characteristics and Risk Factors of Unintentional Injuries in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Liang LiJuan , Wang KeWei , Hu NanFei , Gong ShuaiZheng , Liu Li , Qiu Jun
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the incidence of accidental injuries among disabled children increased, including children with cerebral palsy(CP). However, there are few reports on the characteristics and risk factors of unintentional injuries in children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, we collected 117 children with CP as the research objects, and analyzed the characteristics and influencing factors of unintentional injuries of them to provide effective preventive measures and reduce the incidence of accidental injuries in children with CP. Results reveal that the incidence of once unintentional injuries in children with CP in the past 3 months was 32.47%, and the incidence of re-injury was 3.4%, which was lower than that of normal or disabled children. In addition, our research also found that the causes of unintentional injuries of children with CP were mainly fall. The injured parts were mainly lower limbs and head and neck. The injuries mainly occured indoors, and most unintentional injuries occurred during when resting, sleeping or relaxing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of this study found that girls, low family income and less time with their parents were risk factors for unintentional injuries in children with CP.
Comparisons of Disease Cluster Patterns, Prevalence and Health Factors in the USA, Canada, England and Ireland.
Authors: Hernandez Belinda , Voll MA Stacey , Lewis MA Nathan , McCrory Cathal , White Arthur , Stirland MBChB Lucy , Kenny Rose Anne , Reilly Richard , Hutton Craig P. , Griffith Lauren E. , Kirkland Susan , Terrera Graciela Muñiz , Hofer Scott
Published: February 2021

Background Identification of those who are most at risk of developing specific patterns of disease across different populations is required for directing public health policy. Here, we contrast prevalence and patterns of cross-national disease incidence, co-occurrence and related risk factors across population samples from the U.S., Canada, England and Ireland. Methods Participants (n=62,111) were drawn from the US Health and Retirement Study (n=10,858); the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Ageing (n=36,647); the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (n=7,938) and The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (n=6,668). Self-reported lifetime prevalence of 10 medical conditions, predominant clusters of multimorbidity and their specific risk factors were compared across countries using latent class analysis. Results The U.S. had significantly higher prevalence of multimorbid disease patterns and nearly all diseases when compared to the three other countries, even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, income, employment status, education, alcohol consumption and smoking history. For the U.S. the most at-risk group were younger on average compared to Canada, England and Ireland. Socioeconomic gradients for specific disease combinations were more pronounced for the U.S., Canada and England than they were for Ireland. The rates of obesity trends over the last 50 years align with the prevalence of eight of the ten diseases examined. While patterns of disease clusters and the risk factors related to each of the disease clusters were similar, the probabilities of the diseases within each cluster differed across countries. Conclusions This information can be used to better understand the complex nature of multimorbidity and identify appropriate prevention and management strategies for treating multimorbidity across countries.