In Vitro Anti-Oxidant, In Vivo Anti-Hyperglycemic, and Untargeted Metabolomics-Aided-In Silico Screening of Macroalgae Lipophilic Extracts for Anti-Diabetes Mellitus and Anti-COVID-19 Potential Metabolites

COVID-19 patients with comorbid DM face more severe outcomes, indicating that hyperglycemic conditions exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Negative side effects from existing hyperglycemia treatments have urged the need for safer compounds. Therefore, sourcing potential compounds from marine resources becomes a new potential approach. Algal lipids are known to possess beneficial activities for human health. However, due to limitations in analyzing large amounts of potential anti-hyperglycemic and anti-COVID-19-related marine metabolites, there is an increasing need for new approaches to reduce risks and costs. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify potential compounds in macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium, Tricleocarpa cylindrica, and Ulva lactuca lipophilic extracts for treating DM and COVID-19 by an integrated approach utilizing in vitro anti-oxidant, in vivo anti-hyperglycemic, and metabolomic-integrated in silico approaches. Among them, S. cristaefolium and T. cylindrica showed potential anti-hyperglycemic activity, with S. cristaefolium showing the highest anti-oxidant activity. A GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomic analysis was used to profile the lipophilic compounds in the extracts followed by an in silico molecular docking analysis to examine the binding affinity of the compounds to anti-DM and anti-COVID-19 targets, e.g., α-amylase, α-glucosidase, ACE2, and TMPRSS2. Notably, this study reveals for the first time that steroid-derived compounds in the macroalgae T. cylindrica had higher binding activity than known ligands for all the targets mentioned. Studies on drug likeliness indicate that these compounds possess favorable drug properties. These findings suggest the potential for these compounds to be further developed to treat COVID-19 patients with comorbid DM. The information in this study would be a basis for further in vitro and in vivo analysis. It would also be useful for the development of these candidate compounds into drug formulations.

Brown Macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium Extract Inhibits Melanin Production and Cellular Oxygen Stress in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

The brown macroalgae Sargassum has been reported for its anti-UV and photoprotective potential for industrial applications. This study evaluated the melanin inhibition activity of Sargassum cristaefolium (SCE) ethanol extract. Melanogenesis inhibition by SCE was assessed in vitro with B16-F10 melanoma cell models and in silico against melanin regulatory proteins Tyrosinase (TYR) and Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R). The regulatory properties evaluated were the melanin content, intracellular tyrosinase activity and cellular antioxidant activities. In addition, the bioactive compounds detected in SCE were subjected to molecular docking against TYR and MC1R. Based on the results, 150 µg/mL SCE effectively inhibited the production of melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity. Cellular tyrosinase activity was reduced by SCE-treated cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results were comparable to the standard tyrosinase inhibitor kojic acid. In addition, SCE effectively decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16-F10 cells. The antioxidant properties may also contribute to the inhibition of melanogenesis. In addition, LCMS UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS profiling detected 33 major compounds. The results based on in silico study revealed that the bioactive compound putative kaurenoic acid showed a strong binding affinity against TYR (-6.5 kcal/mol) and MC1R (-8.6 kcal/mol). However, further molecular analyses are needed to confirm the mechanism of SCE on melanin inhibition. Nevertheless, SCE is proposed as an anti-melanogenic and antioxidant agent, which could be further developed into cosmetic skin care products.

Multivariate Analysis Revealed Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Improves Anti-Melanoma Activity of Non-Flavonoid Compounds in Indonesian Brown Algae Ethanol Extract

Indonesia has high biodiversity of algae that are under-utilised due to limitations in the processing techniques. Here, we observed the effect of two different extraction methods (cold maceration and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE)) on multiple variables of Indonesian brown algae ethanol extracts (Sargassum polycystum, Sargassum cristaefolium, Sargassum aquifolium and Turbinaria ornata). The variables observed included metabolites screening by untargeted metabolomics liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), observation of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-oxidant and B16-F10 melanoma cells cytotoxicity. UAE extracts had higher extraction yield and TPC, but no TFC difference was observed. UAE extract had more lipophilic compounds, such as fatty acids (Palmitic acid, Oleamide, Palmitoleic acid, Eicosapentaenoic acid, α-Linolenic acid, Arachidonic acid), lipid-derived mediators (11,12-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid ((±)11(12)-EET)), steroid derivatives (Ergosterol peroxide), lipophilic metabolite (Fucoxanthin), and lipid-soluble vitamins (all-trans-retinol). Principle component analysis (PCA) revealed that TPC, not TFC, in the UAE extracts was correlated with the anti-oxidant activities and cytotoxicity of the extracts towards B16-F10 melanoma cells. This means other non-flavonoid phenolic and lipophilic compounds may have contributed to its bioactivity. These results suggest that out of the two methods investigated, UAE could be a chosen method to extract natural anti-melanogenic agents from brown algae.

COVID-19, emergency remote teaching evaluation: the case of Indonesia

The global crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged educational institutions worldwide to rapidly shift to an online mode of teaching. In this paper, we discuss the concept of emergency remote teaching (ERT), including its implementation and evaluation, in the context of higher education in Indonesia. The Context, Input, Process, and Product framework was used to evaluate the implementation of ERT based on the experiences of 45 faculty members and 82 students from seven universities and colleges in three provinces in Indonesia. This study revealed several points of view. First, the shift to the ERT process depends on various aspects: internal organizational resources (curriculum, staff development, and technology), and external challenges (lack of access to a fast, affordable, and reliable Internet connection and the socioeconomic problems of the participants). Second, the ERT learning design needs to be framed using three principles: simplicity, flexibility, and empathy. The schools/administrators understand that this is not a normal situation in which learning competency standards must be rigorously met. In a crisis, given the facts that show disparities in technology and Internet networks, curriculum fulfillment is not the sole issue; it is also important to care for and support learners during this difficult time. This study provides recommendations that will serve as input for future strategies and educational policies in Indonesia, and developing countries in general. Additionally, this study can also be used as a benchmark for evaluating learning in similar situations in other countries.

The Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Effects of the Red Macroalgae Gelidium latifolium Extract against Melanoma Cells

The red macroalga Gelidium latifolium is widely distributed in the coastal areas of Indonesia. However, current knowledge on its potential biological activities is still limited. In this study, we investigated the potential bioactive compounds in Gelidium latifolium ethanol extract (GLE), and its cytotoxic effects against the murine B16-F10 melanoma cell line. GLE shows high total phenolic content (107.06 ± 17.42 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (151.77 ± 3.45 mg QE/g), which potentially contribute to its potential antioxidant activity (DPPH = 650.42 ± 2.01 µg/mL; ABTS = 557.01 ± 1.94 µg/mL). ESI-HR-TOF-MS analysis revealed large absorption in the [M-H]^- of 327.2339 m/z, corresponding to the monoisotopic molecular mass of brassicolene. The presence of this compound potentially contributes to GLE's cytotoxic activity (IC₅₀ = 84.29 ± 1.93 µg/mL). Furthermore, GLE significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells (66.83 ± 3.06%) compared to controls (18.83 ± 3.76%). Apoptosis was also confirmed by changes in the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (i.e., p53, Bax, Bak, and Bcl2). Downregulated expression of Bcl2 indicates an intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Current results suggest that components of Gelidium latifolium should be further investigated as possible sources of novel antitumor drugs.

Macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium Extract Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression in BALB/C Mice

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which could induce skin damage and skin disease is a growing concern due to the increase in global warming. Brown macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium has been recognized to exhibit UV protective activities. However, the mechanism of its photoprotective activity remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism of S. cristaefolium's photoprotective activity against UV radiation. Phytochemical analyses revealed valuable bioactive compounds in SCE, such as fucoxanthin which is widely known as an anti-inflammatory carotenoid. Treatment with SCE before UV-A radiation show reduced levels of wrinkles and desquamation. Interestingly, SCE treatment induces the skin healing process after UV radiation. SCE effectively inhibited proinflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 expression while increasing IL-10 production in the BALB/c mice skin. Current results suggest that SCE potentially protects the skin by attenuation of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, SCE demonstrates promising antibacterial activity (MIC = 1.302 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, SCE could be a source of an effective anti-inflammatory agent protecting against UV irradiation-induced skin damages.

Perilaku Partisipasi Penasun dalam Program Harm Reduction di Puskesmas Kecamatan Cengkareng

Berdasarkan hasil data sebelumnya diperoleh Perilaku keikutsertaan penasun di Puskesmas Kecamatan Cengkareng dalam program Harm Reduction dari tahun 2012 sampai dengan tahun 2013 mengalami kenaikan sebesar 24,5 %. Pada bulan Januari sampai Desember Tahun 2014 yang mengikuti program Harm Reduction sebanyak 159 orang. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa Hubungan Pengetahuan, Sikap, Lingkungan Sosial dan Dukungan Keluarga Terhadap Perilaku Partisipasi Penasun dalam Program Harm Reduction  di Puskesmas Kecamatan Cengkareng Tahun 2014. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kuantitatif dengan cross sectional menggunakan analisis uji chi square. Dengan Populasi 159 dan pengambilan sampel dengan metode Slovine sebanyak 60 responden. Alat pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner dalam bentuk angket. analisa data digunakan analisa univariat dan analisa bivariat. Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa mayoritas responden Hasil penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa terdapat hubungan Pengetahuan dan perilaku penasun dalam program Harm Reduction  P Value (0,009), hubungan sikap dan Perilaku Penasun dalam Program Harm Reduction di Puskesmas Kecamatan Cengkareng dengan P Value    (0,002), Hubungan lingkungan Sosial dan Perilaku Penasun dalam Program Harm Reduction di Puskesmas Kecamatan Cengkareng dengan P Value (0,002), Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga dan Perilaku Penasun dalam Program Harm Reduction dengan P Value (0,000). Dari hasil penelitian terdapat hubungan tingkat pengetahuan, sikap, lingkungan sosial dan dukungan keluarga terhadap program Harm Reduction  di karenakan kurang pahamnya responden terhadap program Harm Reduction tersebut.

Memperkuat Loyalitas Melalui Kepercayaan, Kepuasan Dan Komitmen Studi Pada Nasabah PT. Bank Cimb Niaga

Customer loyalty is ‘suspected’not been able to optimizationrepetition of transactions, customer recommendation and durability with the establishment relationship quality of the trust, customer satisfaction and commitment. Therefore, research conducted on Bank CIMB Niaga aims to determine the extent of the trust, and commitment to customer satisfaction can increase X-tra and TabunganKU savings customer loyalty. This research is verification and the method of research is explanatory survey method, the sample is 160 customer X-tra and tabunganKU savings in the branch office Bank CIMB Niaga Bintaro. The analytical method used is structural equation model. The results showed loyalty can be achieved with relationship quality for customers through the establishment of trust, and commitment to customer satisfaction, which all three have a positive influence. Therefore, the management of Bank CIMB Niaga need to improve their ability in trust, satisfactionand commitmentwith the bank's customers to become increasingly favored customers.

Identification of regions responsible for the function of the plant K+ channels KAT1 and AKT2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Xenopus laevis oocytes

The Arabidopsis K⁺ channel KAT1 complements in K⁺-limited medium the growth of the K⁺ uptake defective Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant strain CY162, while another K⁺ channel, AKT2, does not. To gain insight into the structural basis for this difference, we constructed 12 recombinant chimeric channels from these two genes. When expressed in CY162, only three of these chimeras fully rescued the growth of CY162 under K⁺-limited conditions. We conclude that the transmembrane core region of KAT1 is important for its activity in S. cerevisiae. This involves not only the pore region but also parts of its voltage-sensor domain.