bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KINERJA UMKM DI INDONESIA
Authors: Hendratmoko Hendratmoko
Published: March 2021

Produktivitas Usaha Mikro masih jauh lebih rendah daripada Usaha Kecil maupun Menengah dan membuatnya rapuh dan sulit untuk bertahan apalagi berkembang. Sudah 10 tahun belakangan ini komposisi jumlah Usaha Mikro diangka 98,7%, berarti bisa diasumsikan bahwa hampir tidak ada Usaha Mikro yang mampu naik kelas. Masih rendahnya kinerja dan produktivitas UMKM terutama Usaha Mikro tentunya disebabkan beberapa faktor. Hal ini yang menjadi fokus perhatian peneliti untuk mengangkat tema ini.Metode penelitian ini menggunakan Quantitative research, dengan obyek dari penelitian ini adalah UMKM binaan Yayasan Rumah Insan 37 yang berjumlah 86 UMKM dan tersebar pada 10 provinsi di seluruh wilayah Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan untuk penarikan sampel ialah metode Purposive random Sampling, dimana pengambilan sampel secara acak, namun terdapat kriteria-kriteria tertentu yang membatasi terkait dengan kesesuaian tujuan penelitian dan hanya terbatas pada UMKM binaan Yayasan Rumah Insan 37. Jumlah sampel yang diambil seluruh dari jumlah populasi yang ada atau dikenal dengan teknik sampling jenuh.Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa variabel Individual Characterristic berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Perfomance dan variabel External Factor berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan terhadap Performance.
IDENTIFIKASI FAKTOR RISIKO TERJADINYA KOLONISASI SPESIES CANDIDA DI RONGGA MULUT PADA INDIVIDU SEHAT (PENELITIAN PADA MAHASISWA & MAHASISWI FKG UI)
Authors: Audiawati Audiawati , Aliyah Pradono Siti , Rahmayanti Febrina
Published: March 2021

Introduction : Cases of oral candidiasis are commonly found, both in healthy individuals and immunecompromise patients, however publications of Candida carrier in the oral cavity of healthy population and risk factors for colonization in Indonesia are hardly available. Objective : This study was aimed to analyze the type and number of Candida colonies and identify risk factors in the oral cavity of apparenthly health FKG UI students. Material and methods : the specimens were taken from 195 subjects with oral rinse technique for identification using culture medium CHROMagar® and Sabaraoud dextrose agar. Results and discussion : Candida species were found in the 107 subjects oral cavity (54.87%), being Candida albicans was is the predominant species (52.33%). Some 88 subjects (82.24%) was dominant in the number of colonies less than 400 CFU/ml, while the rest had colony of more than 400 CFU/ml (17.76%). Candida colony grew dominantly in single colony (90.65%), and the others showed multi-species colonies (9.34%). Risk factors identified included age; gender; hormonal; blood type O; denture; orthodontic appliances; unstimulated salivary flow; pH of saliva; smoking, alcohol and oral cleaning habit; and oral health status. By using a statistical Pearson chi-square test, no  significant relationship was found between risk factors and number of Candida colonies in the oral cavity p less than 0.05. Conclusion : there was no one single risk factor for Candida colonization, but  combination of various risk factors for demographis, local and systemic was observed
KORELASI KADAR LAKTAT DARAH DENGAN DERAJAT FUNGSIONAL BERDASARKAN NIHSS PADA PASIEN STROKE TROMBOTIK AKUT
Authors: Indriarti Werda , Wijoto Wijoto
Published: March 2021

Recently, lactate has been recognized as energy resources for neuron metabolism. According to ANLS hypothesis, glucose being particularly uptaken by astrocyte is eventually metabolized via glycolisis. Lactate produced in astrocyte is then released into extracelluler matrix and uptaken by neuron then converted into pyruvate that used in oxydative metabolism. That proccess is resulted more ATP than that of conventional theory. A few in vitro studies has demonstrated that there is an increased of ATP in neuron at hypoxic condition, agreed with ANLS hypothesis. This study was aimed to learn the correlation between plasma lactate level and functional scale in acute thrombotic stroke patients. Forty patients with acute thrombotic stroke were admitted to neurology ward, dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya in May until July 2013. Those patients had been examined for plasma lactate level using lactate-oxydase colorimetric method and functional scale by NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale). The results showed that mean of age was 58,98 plus-minus 11,91 years old, plasma lactate level was 1,51 plus-minus 0,47 mmol/L, and mean of NIHSS was 6,83 plus-minus 2,978. There was negative correlation between plasma lactate level and functional scale measured by NIHSS in acute thrombotic stroke patients, which was statistically significant (r value -0,366 and p value 0,020).
Analisis Penerapan PSAK No.24 (Revisi 2013) tentang Imbalan Kerja pada PT. XYZ
Authors: Challen Auliffi Ermian
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine the difference between SFAS 24 revision 2013 and SFAS no 24 revised 2010, as well as the impact of the application of SFAS no 24 revision 2013 on the Company's Financial Statement of PT XYZ with the difference calculation by independent actuaries. The research was conducted by descriptive method through case study approach at PT XYZ with data collection method, and analysis of document obtained from company. The results of this study indicate that there is a difference between PSAK No. 24 revised 2010 and PSAK no 24 revision 2013. The difference is the acknowledgment of actuarial gains/losses, the components of the post-employment benefits expenses, and the components of the post-employment liabilities obligations (liabilities). Thus, the adoption of PSAK No. 24 revision 2013, provides an impact on the need to reevaluate the post-employment benefits and post-employment benefits obligations (liabilities) benefits by an independent actuaries. This application leads to a restatement of the post-employment benefits fee and post-employment liability (liabilities) obligations. The balance of post-employment benefits expense decreased and post-employment liabilities liabilities increased significantly.
Efektivitas, Pemanfaatan Teknologi dan Kemudahan Dalam Penerapan Sistem Informasi Akuntansi (Studi Pada Rumah Sakit Islam Jakarta)
Authors: Karima Nurul , Asaari Masagus
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of effectiveness, use of technology and ease in the application of accounting information systems on employee performance at Jakarta Islamic Hospital. This type of quantitative research, data collection techniques using a questionnaire, the study sample was 43 employees of the accounting information system division, sampling techniques using saturated samples. Data analysis techniques used multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination, hypothesis testing partially and simultaneously. The results showed that the effectiveness, utilization and ease in the application of accounting information systems had partially and simultaneously a positive effect partially and simultaneously, and also this positive effect was significantly on the performance of employees of Jakarta Islamic Hospital. The coefficient of determination obtained 93.2%, this result means the magnitude of the effectivity of effectiveness (X1), utilization (X2) and ease (X3) in the application of accounting information systems simultaneously on the performance of employees of the Islamic Hospital of Jakarta (Y) is 93.2%, while the rest is 6.8% is influenced by other factors.
Implementasi Clinical Pathway Tahun 2018 dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Mutu Pelayanan di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Koja
Authors: Wardhana Arroyan , Rahayu Sri , Triguno Ahdun
Published: March 2021

Improving the quality of patient services in hospitals is an important program implemented in hospitals. One indicator of improving hospital quality is the application of Clinical Pathway (CP) as an evaluation of hospital accreditation. Benefits of CP as a means of quality control and costs in improving hospital services. The general objective of this research is the preparation of a Clinical Pathway implementation plan in improving the quality of hospital services.This research method is qualitative with data collection techniques conducting in-depth interviews, observation and document review. The selection of informants in qualitative research, based on suitability and adequacy as many as 17 people. Analysis of CP implementation consists of inputs; which constitute human resources, processes; implementation of monitoring and evaluation, output; service quality after CP. The results of the study are based on inputs, processes and outputs that indicate implementation has been implemented in accordance with hospital accreditation, but needs optimization. Input factors analyzed will support the implementation of CP but need to uniformize the Clinical Pathway format, the evaluation monitoring process has not run optimally while the quality of service output is in accordance with the Clinical Pathway. Suggestions for Hospital Director to carry out Clinical Pathway understanding by holding workshops for all related parties and increasing the guidance and supervision of the implementation of Clinical Pathway, all units involved to coordinate with each other and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SPO) of CP for patient safety.
Pengetahuan dan Sikap mengenai Infertilitas pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran dan Fakultas Non Kedokteran Universitas YARSI
Authors: Khaerunnisa Annisha Jehan , Mirfat Mirfat
Published: March 2021

Infertility is a disease characterized by the failure to establish a pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. As the incidence of infertility increases, knowledge and attitude about infertility on students may decrease the incidence of infertility in the future. The aim of this study is to determine and compare the knowledge and attitude regarding infertility among YARSI University students based on their faculty and gender. This was an analytic study with cross-sectional design, which conducted on September until November 2016. The samples were using bachelor’s degree students from 2013 classes of YARSI University in total 86 respondents. Data were obtained by using questionnaire that has been validated. This study used univariate and bivariate analysis method.The results of this study showed that majority of students have moderate level of knowledge regarding infertility (46,5%) and good attitude towards infertility (97%). Significant difference was found in knowledge about infertility between faculties (p value 0,000; less than 0,05). While there was no significant difference in knowledge about infertility between genders with (p  value 0,471; more than 0,05). Significant differences were also not found in attitudes regarding infertility between faculties with (p value 0,399; more than 0.05) and genders with (p value 0,083; more than 0.05). Based on the research results medical students have a better knowledge about infertility than non-medical student. Faculty affect the knowledge about infertility, but do not affect the attitude towards infertility. Meanwhile, genders do not affect both knowledge and attitude towards infertility. Thus, it is important to improve student’s knowledge and attitude regarding infertility
Gambaran Klinis Stomatitis Aftosa Rekuren pada Pasien dengan Infeksi Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Laporan Kasus)
Authors: Nurfianti Nurfianti , Pradono Siti Aliyah
Published: March 2021

Recurrent oral ulceration usually induced pain and influence patient’s quality of life. Reccurent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a common disorder with recurring ulcers, affecting the oral mucosa, painful and no other signs of systemic disease. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is considered as a predisposing factor for RAS. Lesion of RAS associated with HIV, usually more severe, longer lasting to healing and non specific clinical features. This case report describe clinical features of recurrent oral ulceration in HIV patient.  A 23 year old female came with complaint oral ulceration in soft palate and tongue since 2 months ago. Patient was diagnosis HIV since seven years ago. Several examinations were done to explore possibility of opportunist infection in HIV patient. Intra oral examination showed regular ulcer, with yellowish base, surrounding erythematous halo. The locations of ulcer were in labial mucosa, dorsum and ventral of the tongue, and soft palate. Ulceration in keratinized mucosa and non keratinized mucosa, gives un-specific features mimicking Tuberculous oral ulcer but in this case there was no indurations on all ulcer. Based on anamnesis and clinical examination, the diagnosis of this case is RAS with differential diagnosis of Tuberculous oral ulcer. The therapy given was gold standard of RAS, the outcome was successful without TB therapy. RAS on HIV Patient can give unspecific clinical features, mimicking oral manifestation of opportunist infection commonly occurred in HIV patient.
Korelasi Derajat Leukoaraiosis dengan Faktor-faktor Risiko Stroke dan Keparahan Stroke Berdasarkan Derajat Klinis pada Pasien Stroke Iskemik
Authors: Irsandy Yohanes , Asriyani Sri , Murtala Bachtiar , Bahar Burhanuddin , Bahar Ashari , Idris Nurlaily
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui korelasi derajat leukoaraiosis berdasarkan CT-Scan kepala dengan faktor-faktor risiko stroke dan keparahan stroke berdasarkan derajat klinis pada pasien stroke iskemik. Metode yang digunakan adalah cross sectional, dilakukan secara retrospektif pada penderita stroke iskemik yang menjalani pemeriksaan CT-Scan kepala di Bagian Radiologi RSUP dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar periode Januari 2020 sampai Juli 2020. Sampel sebanyak 46 orang dengan usia lebih dari 40 tahun yang mengalami serangan stroke pertama dengan onset kurang dari 1 bulan. Derajat leukoaraiosis dinilai dengan menggunakan skala Van Swieten dan derajat klinis dinilai dengan menggunakan National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji korelasi Spearman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada korelasi bermakna yang sedang dan searah antara derajat leukoaraiosis dan kelompok umur dengan nilai p sebesar 0,004 (kurang dari 0,05) dan nilai r sebesar 0,415. Tidak ada korelasi bermakna antara derajat leukoaraiosis dengan jenis kelamin, hipertensi, diabetes melitus, dislipidemia dan derajat klinis dengan nilai p masing-masing secara berurutan sebesar 0,146; 0,520; 0,779; 0,185; dan 0,537 (lebih dari 0,05). Namun tampak kecenderungan bahwa pasien dengan hipertensi tidak terkontrol memiliki derajat leukoaraiosis yang lebih berat.
Multi Modal Gender Recognition for Gender-Based Marketing Using Depth Camera
Authors: Setyonugroho Adityo , Purnama James , Galinium Maulahikmah
Published: March 2021

This research is conducted to prove that gender recognition by computer which can be done in real time by using depth camera. Gender recognition can be used on many industries, such as security, marketing, and other sectors. The purpose of this research is to detect gender by using images of user (RGB image) and voice. Furthermore, gender-based marketing is used for the implementation of this system. By using multi modalities, the result is more accurate than only using one factor. Image processing algorithm is used on processing facial image, which is Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) algorithm. Furthermore, gender can also be detected by special frequency of each gender speech. Autocorrelation is one of the methods that is able to detect pitch from detected audio. Kinect for Windows v2 was carried out as visual and audio sensor. This research proved that gender can be detected by using those modalities with right algorithm. Several problems are also found during the experiments, such as input data problem, not matching algorithm, and small percentage of accuracy. In conclusion, detecting gender can be done by computer (real time or not) and several ideal conditions must be made to get proper and high accuracy result, such as person distances from camera, lighting, image size.
Privacy in Social Media
Authors: Hirawan Jeffry , Rasyid Itmam Al
Published: March 2021

Nowadays social networks become very common. People use social media to keep people in touch, businesses, organizations, and many more. The information you share with your friends in the social media allows them easily to keep in touch with you. However beside friends, colleges, relatives, there are many people that are interested in the private information on social media.  Identity thieves, scam artists, debt collectors, stalkers, companies use social networks to gather information. Companies that use social networks for getting information about people are intended to personalize their services for the users and to sell to advertisement. In this paper we will discuss the advantage and disadvantage of using social media and what kind of information is safe to post and how to protect it.
Effects of Social Responsibility and Corporate Image on Online Word of Mouth in Cultural and Creative MICE industry
Authors: HUNG Kun-Yao , LIN Ming-Hung , WU Su-Ming
Published: March 2021

The emergence of global cultural and creative industry in past years has the exhibition appear diverse function and complicated styles. It would test the decision making of curators or curating teams extending the influence of exhibition and creating new value with smart curating, loan, or renewal. In this case, it becomes a primary issue for curators or curating teams mastering points in the planning and conducting, deepening experience, and matching audience’s needs to advance MICE events and drive innovative economic development. Aiming at consumers of cultural and creative MICE industry in Kaohsiung City, as the research objects, total 400 copies of questionnaire are distributed, and 284 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 71%. The concept of corporate social responsibility is gradually emphasized in past years. Under the environmental trend, owners in the world realize the importance of corporate social responsibility and the irresistibility of the trend. The participation in corporate social responsibility of cultural and creative MICE industry indeed could enhance consumers’ image of cultural and creative MICE industry. According to the result to propose suggestions, it is expected to help domestic cultural and creative MICE industry build good corporate image through social responsibility to effectively master online word of mouth.
Use of Social Media for Political Purposes: The Case of Diyarbakir
Authors: ERDEM Remziye , OZEJDER Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

The use of social media, which has turned into a different area of communication with the developments in technology, creates a participatory, free and democratic space according to some approaches, and can turn into an easily controlled surveillance and pressure area according to some approaches. The main point in these different approaches is whether social media creates an alternative space that increases the opportunities for political participation, provides freedom of expression to opposing views and contributes to the advancement of democracy. In this study, individuals' political preferences and identities of social media political-based use of the axis, effect, inhibiting factors of the use of social media what is happening has been aimed to examine regarding the current discussions in Turkey, in Diyarbakir where ethnic identity is the focus and in this sense having an identity opposing to the widespread political say. Questionnaire technique was used as data collection tool in the study. The survey was conducted face-to-face to 618 people with the method of “random sampling”. Survey forms of 540 social media users out of 618 people were included in the evaluation. The data obtained from the field study were analysed by using descriptive statistical techniques. In terms of the level of political participation, the percentages of the participants towards the behaviours of political participation in the axis of both political identities and political preferences were found to be relatively different from each other.
The Crisis in the Rise of Representative Liberal Democracy to Populist Authoritarianism with Post-Truth Politics
Authors: UMAR Nihal , SAYLAN Gencay
Published: March 2021

In this century, representative liberal democracy is universally considered as the most perfect political regime. However, it is emphasized that the same political regime is exposed to a major crisis for the last 10-20 years as well as looking for ways out. Pursuant to many political scientists, the representative liberal democracy has the authoritarianism tendency that is defined as populism, and they relate it post-truth politics. It is also underlined that due to the politics with such negative elements, democracy contains paradox in terms of practice and discourse. Political regimes become functional within a certain social structure and it is obvious that democracy as a type of political system becomes functional within global world order, namely capitalism. In the research, political methodology, which studies the quantitative and qualitative methods, has been. This study aims to clarify how global capitalism throws representative liberal democracy into major functionality crisis, and the political and administrative rise of populist authoritarianism through post-trust. The sample of the study consists of academics working as lecturers in universities in Northern Cyprus. The results show that, there is a difference between demographic charecteristics of the participants responses to representative liberal democracy, know about populist authoritarianism and post truth politics. There is also a relationship between the political scientists’ authoritarianism tendency and authoritaritarianism defined as populism, as well as between liberal democracy role over the major crisis and role of global capitalism throws representative liberal democracy into major functionality crisis.
Intervention of a Physical Movement Program “Body Management in Safe Ranges” Enhances Self-Management in Aging
Authors: CASPI Dafna , COJOCARU Daniela
Published: March 2021

Active aging is a broad concept in the sociology of aging. It emphasizes the links between health and activity and aging healthily (WHO, 2001a). As a strategy, active aging is to maximize everyone’s potential to improve their individual quality of life. Self-management is a concept to which the idea of active aging is applied. This theory is used in many intervention. Self-management in aging relates to people’s involvement in initiating progressive actions that will prepare them for aging. The Body Management in Safe Ranges (BMSR) program is a self-management program for aging. BMSR uses functional task (FT) movement as a means for managing aging, strengthens participants’ self-efficacy, supports cognitive-motor strategies and movement in safe ranges. We use quasi experiment 2x2x2 design: intervention (experiment – control) X time (before-after) X group (community-retirement residence). For collecting data were used self-management questionnaire (SMAS-30), general self-efficacy questionnaire, BMSR questionnaire (BMSR-21) created for the current study. A significant improvement was found in the intervention group compared to the control group. No difference was found between social networks. Significant improvements were seen in program participants’ reports about their physical abilities and condition, as well as their perceptions of the program, self-efficacy and additional factors encouraging them to improve their day-to-day functional abilities. The higher the final BMSR score given, the better their self-management abilities and self-efficacy. It was found that positive change to managing their bodies in safe ranges correlated to positive changes in self-management and self-efficacy ranges. BMSR is an independent factor that does not depend on social networks and environment or on participants’ starting condition (age, amount of physical exercise, pain levels), can be carried out in varied framework, physical conditions, and abilities for which further research is needed. Changes seen in self-management and self-efficacy measurements in the intervention groups indicate that the BMSR program can serve as a self-management program in old age using movement as a means.
Ethical Issues, Discrimination and Social Responsibility Related to HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: MURARIU Alice , HANGANU Carmen , BOBU Livia , STAFIE Celina Silvia , SAVIN Carmen , EDLIBI AL HAGE Walid , ROSU Sorana
Published: March 2021

The aim of the present study was to assess the attitude of students attending 4th and 6th year of the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi towards HIV-seropositive patients. A questionnaire was elaborated, containing 14 ethic statements related to some aspects they may encounter in their future career: the observance of confidentiality and the rights of HIV/AIDS infected patients, the refusal of dedicated treatment and the appreciation of discrimination in this situation. The results have identified some negative aspects regarding the above mentioned issues, mainly in terms of the refusal of specialized treatment. A percentage between 47.4% and 38.4% of the students strongly agreed to the affirmations according to which the risk of cross-infection and the lack of some safety conditions at work may be a reason for the refusal to provide dental treatment. The responses referring to discrimination suggest that there is a negative attitude towards the following aspects: the treatment of HIV-infected patients in different offices, the refusal to continue treatment after confirmation of the diagnosis, the refusal to cooperate with an infected colleague. Only 57.8% of the subjects considered the refusal of treatment as discrimination, with no statistical differences between the years of study. The results suggest both the need to modify the academic curriculum by introducing some ethics and medical legislation courses, and the adoption of a strategy for the increase of empathy and social responsibility in relation to this group of discriminated persons.
Occupants’ Interaction With an Occupant Voting System for Thermal and Indoor Air Quality Feedback – Case Studies in Office Spaces
Authors: Sheikh Khan Donya , Kolarik Jakub , Weitzmann Peter
Published: March 2021

Occupants can provide valuable feedback on the indoor environmental quality of buildings. Research on occupant voting systems (OVS) has demonstrated that apps or electronic devices can act as viable tools for collecting long-term feedback from occupants. However, previous research has only to a limited extent explored occupants’ interaction with OVS and the impact it might have on the reliability of the collected feedback. The present paper presents three case studies on applying a tangible OVS, denoted TiAQ, to collect feedback on thermal and indoor air quality (IAQ) in office spaces. The main objective of the present study was first to explore occupants’ interaction with TiAQ and their motivation. Second, identifying whether feedback collected with TiAQ could represent occupants’ comfort and discomfort with the thermal environment and IAQ. Thirdly, identifying challenges related to occupants’ interaction with TiAQ that might affect the representativeness of collected feedback. The present study was conducted at three office buildings in up to 7 months and demonstrated that TiAQ was suitable for collecting long-term feedback on occupants’ comfort and discomfort with the thermal environment. On average, one vote was cast per day per occupant. Additionally, in one of the office buildings, 60% of occupants reported to have interacted with TiAQ daily or weekly when, e.g., passing the device going to/from the office spaces. Occupants’ expectations of TiAQ and getting “feedback on feedback” need to be further addressed to identify ways to sustain occupants’ long-term use of the device and reduce “ill-willed” interactions.
Identification of Biomarkers Related to CD8+ T Cell Infiltration With Gene Co-expression Network in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Min , Li Yukun , Luo Xianyu , Xiao Jiao , Wang Juan , Zeng Xin , Hu Qihao , Chen Xiaoyan , Tan Si-jie , Hu Jun
Published: March 2021

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common types of lung cancer in adults worldwide. With the development of modern medicine, cancer treatment that harnesses the power of the immune system might be particularly effective for treating LSCC. In this research, LSCC expression data, which quantify the cellular composition of immune cells, were analyzed by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and a deconvolution algorithm based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the results indicated a close relationship between LSCC and CD8+ T cells. Six hub genes (SYT3, METTL8, HSPB3, GFM1, ERLIN2, and CLCN2) were verified by gene–gene network and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. We found that the six hub genes were increased in cancer tissues and were closely correlated with cancer development and progression. After immune correlation analysis, METTL8 was selected as a prognostic biomarker. Finally, we found that the METTL8 levels were increased in multiple lung cancer cell lines and LSCC tissues. METTL8 inhibition could clearly induce G1 cell cycle arrest and suppress proliferation. Therefore, METTL8, which is related to CD8+ T cell infiltration, might be identified as a potential biomarker and gene therapy target in LSCC.
N-Acetylcysteine Combined With Dexamethasone Treatment Improves Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Attenuates Hair Cell Death Caused by ROS Stress
Authors: Bai Xue , Chen Sen , Xu Kai , Jin Yuan , Niu Xun , Xie Le , Qiu Yue , Liu Xiao-Zhou , Sun Yu
Published: March 2021

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common emergency in the world. Increasing evidence of imbalance of oxidant–antioxidant were found in SSNHL patients. Steroids combined with antioxidants may be a potential strategy for the treatment of SSNHL. In cochlear explant experiment, we found that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) combined with dexamethasone can effectively protect hair cells from oxidative stress when they were both at ineffective concentrations alone. A clinic trial was designed to explore whether oral NAC combined with intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) as a salvage treatment has a better therapeutic effect. 41 patients with SSNHL were randomized to two groups. 23 patients in control group received ITD therapy alone, while 18 patient s in NAC group were treated with oral NAC and ITD. The patients were followed-up on day 1st (initiation of treatment) and day 14th. Overall, there was no statistical difference in final pure-tone threshold average (PTA) improvement between those two groups. However, a significant hearing gain at 8,000 Hz was observed in NAC group. Moreover, the hearing recovery rates of NAC group is much higher than that in control group. These results demonstrated that oral NAC in combination with ITD therapy is a more effective therapy for SSNHL than ITD alone.
Structural Characterization of Natural Yeast Phosphatidylcholine and Bacterial Phosphatidylglycerol Lipid Multilayers by Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Luchini Alessandra , Corucci Giacomo , Chaithanya Batchu Krishna , Laux Valerie , Haertlein Michael , Cristiglio Viviana , Fragneto Giovanna
Published: March 2021

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes are difficult to characterize directly with biophysical methods. Membrane model systems, that include fewer molecular species, are therefore often used to reproduce their fundamental chemical and physical properties. In this context, natural lipid mixtures directly extracted from cells are a valuable resource to produce advanced models of biological membranes for biophysical investigations and for the development of drug testing platforms. In this study we focused on single phospholipid classes, i.e. Pichia pastoris phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Escherichia coli phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipids. These lipids were characterized by a different distribution of their respective acyl chain lengths and number of unsaturations. We produced both hydrogenous and deuterated lipid mixtures. Neutron diffraction experiments at different relative humidities were performed to characterize multilayers from these lipids and investigate the impact of the acyl chain composition on the structural organization. The novelty of this work resides in the use of natural extracts with a single class head-group and a mixture of chain compositions coming from yeast or bacterial cells. The characterization of the PC and PG multilayers showed that, as a consequence of the heterogeneity of their acyl chain composition, different lamellar phases are formed.
Screening for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection Using Beijing/K Strain-Specific Peptides in a School Outbreak Cohort
Authors: Hong Ji Young , Kim Ahreum , Park So Yeong , Cho Sang-Nae , Dockrell Hazel M. , Hur Yun-Gyoung
Published: March 2021

Background

The Beijing strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) has been most frequently isolated from TB patients in South Korea, and the hyper-virulent Beijing/K genotype is associated with TB outbreaks. To examine the diagnostic potential of Beijing/K-specific peptides, we performed IFN-γ release assays (IGRA) using a MTBK antigen tube containing Beijing/K MTBK_24800, ESAT-6, and CFP-10 peptides in a cohort studied during a school TB outbreak.

Methods

A total of 758 contacts were investigated for M. tb infection, and 43 contacts with latent TB infection (LTBI) and 25 active TB patients were enrolled based on serial screening with QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube tests followed by clinical examinations. Blood collected in MTBK antigen tubes was utilized for IGRA and multiplex cytokine bead arrays. Immune responses were retested in 24 patients after TB treatment, and disease progression was investigated in subjects with LTBI.

Results

Total proportions of active disease and LTBI during the outbreak were 3.7% (28/758) and 9.2% (70/758), respectively. All clinical isolates had a Beijing/K M. tb genotype. IFN-γ responses to the MTBK antigen identified M. tb infection and distinguished between active disease and LTBI. After anti-TB treatment, IFN-γ responses to the MTBK antigen were significantly reduced, and strong TNF-α responses at diagnosis were dramatically decreased.

Conclusions

MTBK antigen-specific IFN-γ has diagnostic potential for differentiating M. tb infection from healthy controls, and between active TB and LTBI as well. In addition, TNF-α is a promising marker for monitoring therapeutic responses. These data provide informative readouts for TB diagnostics and vaccine studies in regions where the Beijing/K strain is endemic.
Salmonella Effector SpvB Inhibits NF-κB Activity via KEAP1-Mediated Downregulation of IKKβ
Authors: Yang Sidi , Deng Qifeng , Sun Lanqing , Zhu Yuan , Dong Kedi , Wu Shuyan , Huang Rui , Li Yuanyuan
Published: March 2021

Bacterial pathogens have a broad arsenal of genes that are tightly regulated and coordinated to facilitate adaptation to alter host inflammatory response and prolong intracellular bacterial survival. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to deliver effector molecules into host cells and regulate signal transduction pathways such as NF-κB, thereby resulting in salmonellosis. SpvB, a pSLT-encoded cytotoxic protein secreted by Salmonella pathogenicity island-2 T3SS, is associated with enhanced Salmonella survival and intracellular replication. In this report, we characterized the effects of SpvB on NF-κB signaling pathway. We showed that SpvB has a potent and specific ability to prevent NF-κB activation by targeting IκB kinase β (IKKβ). Previous studies from our laboratory showed that SpvB decreases Nrf2 through its C-terminal domain. Here we further demonstrated that KEAP1, a cytoplasmic protein that interacts with Nrf2 and mediates its proteasomal degradation, is involved in SpvB-induced downregulation of IKKβ expression and phosphorylation. Reduction of KEAP1 by small-interfering RNA prevented the suppression of IKKβ and its phosphorylation mediated by SpvB. These findings revealed a novel mechanism by which Salmonella modulates NF-κB activity to ultimately facilitate intracellular bacterial survival and proliferation and delay host immune response to establish infection.
Sound-Symbolic Semantics of Written Japanese Vowels in a Paper-Based Survey Study
Authors: Ando Misa , Liu Xinyi , Yan Yan , Yang Yutao , Namba Shushi , Abe Kazuaki , Kambara Toshimune
Published: March 2021

Verbal sounds can be associated with specific meanings, a phenomenon called sound symbolism. Previous findings of sound symbolism have shown that words including specific consonants or vowels or mouth shapes to pronounce specific vowels associate with specific and subjective physical and emotional evaluations. The purpose of this study was to examine whether each written vowel in a given language was individually associated with specific subjective evaluations. Six hundred and thirteen participants used five-point semantic differential scales for 10 features (size, closeness, thickness, width, weight, height, depth, affection, excitement and familiarity) to rate written Japanese vowels (a, i, u, e, and o). The results showed that the size, closeness, thickness and width of a, u and o were significantly higher than those of i and e, whereas the affection and familiarity of a were higher than the others. These results were consistent with previous findings in which vowels in sound-symbolic words have been associated with physical (i.e., size, closeness, thickness and width) and emotional (i.e., affection) evaluations. Our findings suggest that each written Japanese vowel itself, with its individual characteristics, could individually contribute to specific and subjective physical and emotional evaluations. These findings provide insights on how we could better use letters for communicative relationships among writers and readers.
NT3/TrkC Pathway Modulates the Expression of UCP-1 and Adipocyte Size in Human and Rodent Adipose Tissue
Authors: Bové María , Monto Fermi , Guillem-Llobat Paloma , Ivorra M Dolores , Noguera M Antonia , Zambrano Andrea , Sirerol-Piquer M Salome , Requena Ana Cristina , García-Alonso Mauricio , Tejerina Teresa , Real José T. , Fariñas Isabel , D’Ocon Pilar
Published: March 2021

Neurotrophin-3 (NT3), through activation of its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor C (TrkC), modulates neuronal survival and neural stem cell differentiation. It is widely distributed in peripheral tissues (especially vessels and pancreas) and this ubiquitous pattern suggests a role for NT3, outside the nervous system and related to metabolic functions. The presence of the NT3/TrkC pathway in the adipose tissue (AT) has never been investigated. Present work studies in human and murine adipose tissue (AT) the presence of elements of the NT3/TrkC pathway and its role on lipolysis and adipocyte differentiation. qRT-PCR and immunoblot indicate that NT3 (encoded by NTF3) was present in human retroperitoneal AT and decreases with age. NT3 was also present in rat isolated adipocytes and retroperitoneal, interscapular, perivascular, and perirenal AT. Histological analysis evidences that NT3 was mainly present in vessels irrigating AT close associated to sympathetic fibers. Similar mRNA levels of TrkC (encoded by NTRK3) and β-adrenoceptors were found in all ATs assayed and in isolated adipocytes. NT3, through TrkC activation, exert a mild effect in lipolysis. Addition of NT3 during the differentiation process of human pre-adipocytes resulted in smaller adipocytes and increased uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) without changes in β-adrenoceptors. Similarly, transgenic mice with reduced expression of NT3 (Ntf3 knock-in lacZ reporter mice) or lacking endothelial NT3 expression (Ntf3flox1/flox2;Tie2-Cre+/0) displayed enlarged white and brown adipocytes and lower UCP-1 expression.

Conclusions

NT3, mainly released by blood vessels, activates TrkC and regulates adipocyte differentiation and browning. Disruption of NT3/TrkC signaling conducts to hypertrophied white and brown adipocytes with reduced expression of the thermogenesis marker UCP-1.
Resilience Meets the Water–Energy–Food Nexus: Mapping the Research Landscape
Authors: Hogeboom Rick J. , Borsje Bas W. , Deribe Mekdelawit M. , van der Meer Freek D. , Mehvar Seyedabdolhossein , Meyer Markus A. , Özerol Gül , Hoekstra Arjen Y. , Nelson Andy D.
Published: March 2021

Resilience thinking is increasingly promoted to address some of the grand challenges of the 21st century: providing water, energy, and food to all, while staying within the limits of the Earth system that is undergoing (climate) change. Concurrently, a partially overlapping body of literature on the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus has emerged through the realization that water, energy, and food systems are intricately linked—and should therefore be understood and managed in conjunction. This paper reviews recent scientific publications at the intersection of both concepts in order to i) examine the status quo on resilience thinking as it is applied in WEF nexus studies; ii) map the research landscape along major research foci and conceptualizations; iii) and propose a research agenda of topics distilled from gaps in the current research landscape. We identify key conceptualizations of both resilience and nexus framings that are used across studies, as we observe pronounced differences regarding the nexus’ nature, scope, emphasis and level of integration, and resilience’s scope, type, methodological and thematic foci. Promising research avenues include i) improving the understanding of resilience in the WEF nexus across scales, sectors, domains, and disciplines; ii) developing tools and indicators to measure and assess resilience of WEF systems; iii) bridging the implementation gap brought about by (governing) complexity; iv) integrating or reconciling resilience and nexus thinking; v) and considering other development principles and frameworks toward solving WEF challenges beside and beyond resilience, including control, efficiency, sustainability, and equity.
Diurnal Changes in Hypoxia Shape Predator-Prey Interaction in a Bird-Fish System
Authors: Lukas Juliane , Auer Felix , Goldhammer Tobias , Krause Jens , Romanczuk Pawel , Klamser Pascal , Arias-Rodriguez Lenin , Bierbach David
Published: March 2021

Animals often face changing environments, and behavioral flexibility allows them to rapidly and adaptively respond to abiotic factors that vary more or less regularly. However, abiotic factors that affect prey species do not necessarily affect their predators. Still, the prey’s response might affect the predator indirectly, yet evidence from the wild for such a classical bottom-up effect of abiotic factors shaping several trophic levels remains sparse. In many aquatic environments, daily changes in oxygen concentrations occur frequently. When oxygen levels drop to hypoxic levels, many fishes respond with aquatic surface respiration (ASR), during which they obtain oxygen by skimming the upper, oxygenated surface layer. By increasing time at the surface, fish become more vulnerable to fish-eating birds. We explored these cascading effects in a sulfidic spring system that harbors the endemic sulphur molly (Poecilia sulphuraria) as prey species and several fish-eating bird species. Sulfide-rich springs pose harsh conditions as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is lethal to most metazoans and reduces dissolved oxygen (DO). Field sampling during three daytimes indicated that water temperatures rose from morning to (after)noon, resulting in the already low DO levels to decrease further, while H2S levels showed no diurnal changes. The drop in DO levels was associated with a decrease in time spent diving in sulphur mollies, which corresponded with an increase in ASR. Interestingly, the laboratory-estimated threshold at which the majority of sulphur mollies initiate ASR (ASR50: <1.7 mg/L DO) was independent of temperature and this value was exceeded daily when hypoxic stress became more severe toward noon. As fish performed ASR, large aggregations built up at the water surface over the course of the day. As a possible consequence of fish spending more time at the surface, we found high activity levels of fish-eating birds at noon and in the afternoon. Our study reveals that daily fluctuations in water’s oxygen levels have the potential to alter predator-prey interactions profoundly and thus highlights the joined actions of abiotic and biotic factors shaping the evolution of a prey species.
Invasion Success of Bunias orientalis (Warty Cabbage) in Grasslands: A Mesocosm Experiment on the Role of Hydrological Stress and Disturbance
Authors: Corli Anna , Walter Julia , Sheppard Christine S.
Published: March 2021

Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, with higher frequency and magnitude of extreme events. Specifically, longer and more pronounced waterlogged conditions are predicted after rain spells as well as more frequent droughts, especially in Central Europe. Such hydrological changes can severely affect species performance and alter the function of ecosystems, as well as favor plant invasions. Competition with native communities may change depending on water stress. Bunias orientalis is an invasive plant that may benefit from disturbance or precipitation changes. We conducted a 3-year mesocosm experiment in a common garden to investigate how invasion success of B. orientalis in native German grassland communities is affected by varying hydrological conditions (from very dry to waterlogged). We measured the establishment and growth of B. orientalis in varying water table depths in bare soil (simulating disturbance) vs. in the community. Establishment and biomass of B. orientalis was generally highest under non-stress conditions. The species was also highly tolerant to dry conditions, but only when growing in bare soil. However, performance of B. orientalis was generally low, whereby interspecific competition in communities greatly limited invasion success. This might be due to the low competitive ability of the species in conditions of hydrological stress and the near-natural grassland communities with an extensive mowing regime used in our experiment. Our results suggest that invasion success of B. orientalis in grasslands will not increase if precipitation patterns change toward more extreme events. However, disturbance that creates bare soil patches might favor B. orientalis under drought conditions.