Low Allelic Variation of Plasmodium falciparum msp-1 and msp-2 among Gold Miners in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

Background: We aimed to find out the allelic variation of Pfmsp-1 and Pfmsp-2 among gold miners in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia using parasites' DNA isolated from archived RDT and GSBS. Methods: This study was done using the samples collected between 2017-2020 from health centers in Subdistrict of Mihing Raya, Danau Rawah, and Bukit Hindu as well as Kapuas District Health Laboratory in Central Kalimantan Province, Surabaya, Indonesia. Parasites DNA were isolated from RDT cartridges and GSBS of local and migrant gold miners. Species of Plasmodium were confirmed by single step PCR. The allelic variation of Pfmsp-1 (K1, MAD20, RO33) and Pfmsp-2 (3D7, FC27) were analyzed by nested PCR. Results: Pfmsp-1 gene was found in only two (22.22%) out of 9 local samples, and 3 (27.27%) out of 11 migrant samples were found positive for K1 (150 bp) as well as MAD 20 (190 bp) allelic families. Pfmsp-2 gene were found in each one sample of 550 bp fragment in local (11.11%) and migrant samples (9.09%) for 3D7, and 2 samples of 300 bp fragments in local (22.22%) and 3 samples of 300 bp in migrant samples (27.27%). No difference in size and number of infections between both populations. The RO33 allelic family Alhamdulillah was not found in any sample. Conclusion: Low allelic variation of Pfmsp-1 and Pfmsp-2 genes with monogenotype indicated the low intensity of malaria transmission among gold miners in the studied areas. Further, the transmission may occur locally in the mining sites.

Wistar Rats Hippocampal Neurons Response to Blood Low-Density Polyethylene Microplastics: A Pathway Analysis of SOD, CAT, MDA, 8-OHdG Expression in Hippocampal Neurons and Blood Serum Aß42 Levels.

Purpose: Low-density polyethylene microplastics are ingested into the bloodstream and distributed to all the organ tissue, including the hippocampus, causing toxic effects. This research aimed to elucidate the responses of hippocampal neurons to microplastic in the blood based on the expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in hippocampal neurons, and blood serum amyloid beta 1-42 (Aß42) levels using SMART PLS pathway analysis. Methods: This was a pure experimental research on Wistar rats with a post-test control group design. Five experimental groups (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5) were given 0.0375 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.6 mg of low-density polyethylene microplastics mixed in 2cc distilled water, respectively. Furthermore, except for control (C), the groups received microplastics an oral probe for 90 days. Results: The molecular response of hippocampal neurons of Wistar rats to microplastics in the blood significantly decreased SOD enzyme expression, while CAT enzyme was unaffected. It considerably increased neuronal membrane damage (expression of MDA), increased considerably neuronal deoxyribonucleic acid damage (expression of 8-OHdG), and decreased blood serum Aß42 levels (pathway analysis, all t-value >1.96). Conclusion: The pathway analysis showed that hippocampal neurons were significantly affected by microplastic particles in the blood.

THE USE OF ARCHIVED GIEMSA-STAINED BLOOD SMEARS AND RDT FOR PCR-BASED GENOTYPING OF Plasmodium vivax MEROZOITE SURFACE PROTEIN-1 IN CENTRAL KALIMANTAN PROVINCE, INDONESIA.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is transmitted most across the country of Indonesia. The country has set out a malaria elimination program by 2030. The information on genetic diversity of malarial parasites relates to malaria transmission in an endemic area may provide the information that can help the malaria control program to achieve the target. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of the Pvmsp-1 gene in Central Kalimantan Province. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were 140 of archived Giemsa-stained blood smear and rapid detection test. Samples were divided into the indigenous and migrant populations. After confirmation by single-step PCR, only P. vivax and mixed infection samples were amplified to nested PCR for genotyping of Pvmsp-1 allelic variation in segments F1, F2, and F3. RESULTS: Genotyping of 23 PCR positive samples resulted in 13 genotypes. In segment F1, three allelic variants type A containing subtype A1 (1,050 bp), A2 (350 bp), A3 (150 bp), and type B (100 bp). In segment F2, mono genotypes were detected as variant type A (1,050 bp) and type B3 (150 bp), multiple genotypes were detected as type B containing subtype B1 (250 bp), B2 (200 bp), and B3 (150bp). In segment F3, three allelic variants generated from four mono genotypes were type A (350 bp), type B (300 bp), and two type C (250 bp). CONCLUSION: The low allelic variation of Pvmsp-1 gene may reflect the actual situation of the low malaria endemic status of the study sites.

Analysis of health risk and respiratory complaints on footwear craftsman exposed to Toluene vapour.

Background: The primary effect of toluene on the respiratory tract following inhalation is irritation. This study was conducted to analyze the level of health risks and respiratory complaints due to toluene exposure by footwear craftsmen, in order to get scientific reference for Maximum Contaminant Level and working tenure restriction. Design and Methods: A total of 51 footwear craftsmen from eight factories participated in this study. The toluene concentration in the work environment was measured according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health 1501. Moreover, data were collected using an American Thoracic Society standardized questionnaire to assess respiratory health effects. A characterization of risk model was to analyze the toluene exposure risk and suggest improvements. Results: The results showed toluene levels were over the Threshold Limit Value 20 ppm (138.88 ppm). The most commonly observed respiratory symptoms included coughing by 81.3% and cold by 85.7%, Symptoms of respiratory irritation by 72.7%, higher among workers who were highly exposed to toluene above the median. This is observed from the opportunity value (P-value) of toluene exposure with the characteristics the workers of each variable which was less than 0.05 work station and working tenure. Maximum Contaminant Level of toluene is 4.59 ppm, a safe working tenure restriction for toluene exposure is maximum 25 years. Conclusions: The recommended risk control measures include ventilation improvements, personal hygiene and protection of workers through periodic physical examinations.