Quorum Quenching as an Ecological Modulator of Periodontal Biofilms

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Background: Periodontal disease is driven by dysbiotic biofilms characterized by altered microbial functions rather than mere pathogen overgrowth. Quorum sensing (QS) enables coordinated microbial behavior that sustains dysbiosis, while quorum quenching (QQ) has emerged as a strategy to disrupt microbial communication without bactericidal effects. Existing reviews primarily address QS inhibition broadly or focus on cariogenic biofilms, leaving a critical gap regarding the ecological implications of QQ in periodontal biofilms.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to map current evidence on quorum quenching strategies targeting periodontal bacteria, with a specific focus on their role in modulating biofilm ecology and restoring microbial balance.

Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA ScR guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2016 and 2025 investigating quorum quenching mechanisms in periodontal bacteria or periodontal biofilm models. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively.

Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Quorum quenching strategies included enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, inhibition of signal synthesis or reception, and natural compound based inhibitors. Most studies targeted interspecies signaling pathways and demonstrated reduced biofilm maturation, attenuation of virulence-associated functions, and partial restoration of symbiotic microbial behavior without eliminating commensals.

Conclusion: Quorum quenching represents a novel ecology based approach for periodontal biofilm management by reprogramming microbial communication rather than eradicating bacteria. This perspective highlights quorum quenching as a promising adjunctive strategy for restoring periodontal biofilm homeostasis

Analysis of Financial Performance on State-Owned Banks to Stock Prices on the Indonesian Stock Exchange

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This study analyzes the impact of the financial performance of State-Owned Banks (BUMN) on stock prices on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during the 2020–2024 period, a dynamic timeframe influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations. Given the vital role of BUMN banks as a cornerstone of the economy, this research aims to examine how financial ratios, namely Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), Non-Performing Loan (NPL), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), and Return on Assets (ROA), affect stock prices. Employing a quantitative approach with secondary data from the IDX and bank financial reports, the study sampled four prominent BUMN banks: PT Bank Mandiri, PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia, PT Bank Negara Indonesia, and PT Bank Tabungan Negara. The findings indicate that, partially NPL and ROA do not significantly influence stock prices, whereas CAR and LDR shows a significant partial influence. Importantly, simultaneously, all four ratios (CAR, NPL, LDR, and ROA) significantly affect BUMN bank stock prices, with the model explaining 69.1% of the stock price variation during the period, highlighting a strong relationship between financial performance and stock price movements.

Interleukin-1β–Mediated Orofacial Bone Defects and Alveolar Bone Loss in Periodontal Disease: A Scoping Review

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Orofacial bone defects, particularly alveolar bone loss, are hallmark features of periodontal disease and represent a significant clinical challenge affecting oral function and quality of life. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has emerged as a key pro-inflammatory cytokine mediating the link between periodontal inflammation and osteoclastic bone resorption. This scoping review using keywords related to orofacial bone defects, alveolar bone loss, and IL-1β, published between 2016 and 2026. The studies included experimental models, animal studies, and clinical observations. Results consistently indicate that ligature induced periodontitis and microbial dysbiosis upregulate IL-1β expression, correlating with enhanced alveolar bone resorption. Interventions such as desipramine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), curcumin, and four-day fermented milk kefir demonstrated reductions in IL-1β levels alongside attenuated alveolar bone loss, highlighting the functional role of IL-1β in periodontal bone destruction. Immune modulation studies, including TLR-activated B10 cell transfer and Ifi204-deficient mouse models, further suggest that IL-1β–mediated osteoclast activity contributes directly to alveolar bone resorption independently of certain bone marrow–derived immune cell responses. Mechanistically, IL-1β promotes osteoclastogenesis via upregulation of RANKL and matrix metalloproteinases while downregulating tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Collectively, the findings underscore IL-1β as a pivotal mediator in periodontitis-related bone loss and as a promising therapeutic target. Understanding these IL-1β mediated pathways informs the development of novel anti-inflammatory and regenerative strategies to improve oral and dental health outcomes.

The Relationship Between Agility Score and Ankle Flexibility and the Risk of Ankle Injury Among Basketball Players at Giovanni Catholic Senior High School Kupang

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Background: Ankle injuries are the most common type of injury experienced by basketball players, mainly due to pressure or rapid twisting forces upon landing after jumping. Agility scores and ankle flexibility are frequently associated with ankle injury risk, however research focused on high school students in Indonesia remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between agility scores and ankle flexibility with ankle injury risk among basketball players at SMA Katolik Giovanni Kupang.

Methods: This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional design involving 43 active basketball players. Agility score was assessed using the Illinois Agility Run Test, ankle flexibility using the Weight Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), and ankle injury risk using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Data were analyzed using Spearman Rank correlation.

Results: Most participants demonstrated poor agility scores (60.5%) and normal ankle flexibility ≥10 cm (88.4%). The mean FAOS was 80.03, indicating low injury risk. No significant relationship was found between agility score and ankle injury risk (p = 0.954; r = 0.009) or between ankle flexibility and injury risk (p = 0.794; r = −0.041).

Conclusion: Agility score and ankle flexibility were not associated with ankle injury risk in this population. Further research is recommended to assess proprioception and prior injury history.

Institutional Capacity and the Productivity of R&D: Evidence from Patent Outcomes Across Countries

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Innovation is a key driver of economic growth. However, countries with similar research and development spending show very different patent outputs. This raises questions about what makes innovation efficient. This study examines whether government effectiveness affects the relationship between R&D spending and patent production in different countries. Using panel data from 111 countries from 2000 to 2020, we use two-way fixed effects models and System Generalized Method of Moments estimation to address potential issues of innovation persistence and reverse causality. The main variable we are looking at is the natural logarithm of one plus resident patent applications. The main independent variables are R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP and the government effectiveness index, both measured two years earlier. The results show that R&D investment significantly increases patent activity. Specifically, a one percentage point increase in R&D intensity is associated with about a 39% increase in patent output. Conversely, the relationship between research and development (R&D) and governmental efficacy is both negative and statistically significant, suggesting that the incremental impact of R&D on patent output decreases as the quality of governance improves. This unexpected result probably reflects technological catch-up processes; nations with less robust institutions tend to experience swift patent expansion during periods of capacity building, whereas advanced economies characterized by strong governance increasingly prioritize quality over sheer volume. Dynamic models demonstrate considerable persistence in patenting behavior, as evidenced by a lagged dependent variable coefficient of 0.623, thereby validating path-dependent innovation processes. These observations imply that effective innovation policy requires aligning research investments with institutional capacities and the prevailing developmental context, rather than prioritizing either independently. This research provides empirical support for the influence of governance capacity on national innovation systems.

The Relationship Between Worm Infection and Nutritional Status of Elementary School Students in the Working Area of the Nulle Public Health Center

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Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a neglected public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. These infections predominantly affect school-aged children and may contribute to impaired nutritional status. The working area of the Nulle Public Health Center is located in South Central Timor Regency, an area known to have a high prevalence of chronic malnutrition, highlighting the need to evaluate factors associated with nutritional problems.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of worm infection, nutritional status, and the association between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 263 elementary school students were selected using cluster random sampling. Data collection included a risk-factor questionnaire, microscopic stool examination using 1% Lugol solution and eosin, and anthropometric assessment for nutritional status. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. Fisher’s exact test was applied with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of worm infection was 4.6% (12 out of 263 students). The most common helminth species identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (83.3%), followed by Trichuris trichiura and mixed infections (8.3% each). Nutritional status was predominantly normal (61.6%), followed by undernutrition (21.3%), severe malnutrition (13.3%), and overnutrition (3.8%). Among students with positive worm infection, the majority were classified as severely malnourished. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between worm infection and nutritional status (p<0.05).

Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between worm infection and nutritional status among elementary school students in the working area of the Nulle Public Health Center.

Effect of Black Garlic Extract on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

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Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, are widely used but are associated with gastric mucosal injury through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and oxidative stress mechanisms. Black garlic, a processed form of Allium sativum, has been reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may provide gastroprotective effects. Objective: To evaluate the effect of black garlic extract on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). Methods: This experimental laboratory study used a posttest-only control group design. Male Wistar rats were allocated into a negative control group, a positive control group receiving aspirin, and three treatment groups administered black garlic extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg body weight. Aspirin was administered orally at 104 mg/kg body weight for seven days to induce gastric mucosal injury, followed by seven days of black garlic extract administration in the treatment groups. Gastric tissues were collected for histopathological examination, and epithelial injury was assessed using the Barthel Manja scoring system. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests.

Results: Histopathological evaluation demonstrated gastric mucosal epithelial injury in the positive control group, predominantly in the form of desquamation and erosion. Administration of black garlic extract was associated with reduced severity of mucosal injury, with progressive improvement observed at higher doses. The group receiving 200 mg/kg body weight showed no detectable gastric mucosal lesions. A significant difference in gastric mucosal injury was observed among groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Black garlic extract exhibited a protective effect against aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats, with the highest dose demonstrating the most favorable histopathological outcome.

Study on the Utilization of Nickel (Ni) on the Growth and Yield of Mutant Sugarcane

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Enhancing national sugar productivity through the development of mutant sugarcane varieties necessitates precise nutrient management, particularly regarding the efficiency of nitrogen metabolism. Nickel (Ni) plays a vital role as an essential cofactor for the urease enzyme in hydrolyzing urea; however, its requirement thresholds in mutant genotypes require in-depth investigation to mitigate phytotoxicity risks. This study aims to evaluate the interactive effects of Nickel micronutrient on growth parameters, physiological responses, and yield components in the Bululawang sugarcane genotype and its mutant clones. The research employed a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD), testing four sugarcane genotypes (M1: Bululawang, M2, M3, and M4) against four Nickel concentration levels (0 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 1 ppm). Observed parameters included vegetative growth, total tissue nitrogen, and yield components such as pol, sugar recovery rateand cane yield. Results indicated that Nickel application at 0.25 ppm elicited the most optimal response across nearly all parameters. Physiologically, this concentration stimulated urease activity, ensuring nitrogen availability for chlorophyll biosynthesis and vegetative growth. The M2 genotype treated with 0.25 ppm Nickel recorded superior production performance, yielding a cane weight of 117.64 tons/ha. Conversely, increasing the concentration to 1 ppm triggered oxidative stress mechanisms and impaired nutrient assimilation, leading to a drastic decline in all agronomic parameters. It is concluded that low-dose Nickel supplementation (0.25 ppm) effectively enhances mutant sugarcane productivity via the optimization of nitrogen metabolism, whereas excessive doses prove destructive to the plant.

The Effect of Moringa Leaf Soup (Moringa oleifera) on Total Cholesterol Levels among Overweight Employees at Nusa Cendana University

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Background: Overweight and obesity remain major global health problems and are closely associated with metabolic disorders, including hypercholesterolemia. Elevated total cholesterol levels contribute significantly to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In Indonesia, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is relatively high among employees. Moringa oleifera, a locally available plant widely consumed as food, contains dietary fiber and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that may influence lipid metabolism.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of moringa leaf soup consumption on changes in total cholesterol levels among overweight employees at Nusa Cendana University.

Methods: A pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-test–post-test design was conducted among 27 employees selected using purposive sampling. Participants received moringa leaf soup as an intervention for seven consecutive days. Total cholesterol levels were measured before and after the intervention using capillary blood samples analyzed with a point-of-care testing device. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test.

Results: The mean total cholesterol level before the intervention was 190.18 mg/dL, which decreased to 179.22 mg/dL after the intervention. The mean reduction in total cholesterol level was 10.96 mg/dL. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in total cholesterol levels following seven days of moringa leaf soup consumption (p = 0.012).

Conclusion: Consumption of moringa leaf soup was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels among overweight employees at Nusa Cendana University.

Sentiment Analysis Based on Questionnaires: A Case Study on the Use of Induction Stove

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Indonesia’s reliance on subsidized Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for household cooking places a significant burden on the national energy subsidy budget and increases dependence on imported fossil fuels. As part of the clean energy transition strategy, the Indonesian government has promoted the conversion from LPG stoves to electric induction stoves. However, public acceptance and actual post-use experiences at the household level remain diverse and insufficiently examined empirically. This study aims to analyze public sentiment toward induction stove use based on post-adoption user reviews to identify factors that encourage interest and reveal existing adoption barriers.

This study employs a machine learning–based sentiment analysis approach using primary data collected through open-ended questionnaires distributed to induction stove users. A total of 265 valid textual responses were analyzed. Text preprocessing was conducted using Python with the NLTK and Sastrawi libraries, including data cleaning, case folding, tokenization, stopword removal, stemming, and duplicate removal. Sentiment classification was performed using the Term Frequency–Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) method and the Naive Bayes algorithm, while WordCloud visualization was applied to identify dominant keywords.

The results indicate a relatively balanced sentiment distribution, with positive sentiment accounting for 33.6%, neutral sentiment 32.5%, and negative sentiment 34.0%. Positive sentiment is mainly associated with energy efficiency, safety, and ease of use, whereas negative sentiment is driven by concerns regarding initial costs and electricity dependence. Neutral sentiment reflects an evaluative phase among users. These findings provide empirical insights to support user-oriented policies and strategies for accelerating the sustainable adoption of induction stove technology in Indonesia’s clean energy transition.