A Promising Potential of Brown Algae Sargassum polycystum as Irreversible Hydrocolloid Impression Material.

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of brown algae Sargassum polycystum as irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) impression material. Potassium alginate extracted from Sargassum polycystum was prepared in three different compositions (14%, 15%, and 16%) and mixed with other standard components to form an alginate impression material. Prior to that, the purity of potassium alginate was quantified with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. As a control material, the alginate impression material from a commercially available product was used. All alginate impression materials were then applied to a die stone model. Dimensional accuracy was measured by calculating the mesiodistal width of incisors in the generated dental cast using a digital caliper 0.01 accuracy (five replications). In addition, to evaluate the dimensional stability, the impression results were poured at four different periods (immediately, 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min). An independent t-test was performed to compare the measurement results with p < 0.05 considered significant. Analytical results confirm that the impression material containing 15% potassium alginate gives the best dimensional accuracy similar to control (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, the optimal dimensional stability was produced in the impression material containing 16% potassium alginate. Our study suggested that brown algae Sargassum polycystum has a promising potential to be used as an alginate impression material in clinical application.

Molecular modeling and phenoloxidase inhibitory activity of arbutin and arbutin undecylenic acid ester.

Excessive melanin formation has been linked to various skin disorders such as hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. Tyrosinase is the most prominent target for inhibitors of melanin production. In this study, we investigated whether arbutin and its prodrug, arbutin undecylenic acid ester, might inhibit phenoloxidase (PO), a tyrosinase-like enzyme. Molecular docking simulation results suggested that arbutin and arbutin undecylenic acid ester can bind to the substrate-binding pocket of PO. Arbutin undecylenic acid ester with an IC50 6.34 mM was effective to inhibit PO compared to arbutin (IC50 29.42 mM). In addition, arbutin undecylenic acid ester showed low cytotoxicity in Drosophila S2 cells and the compound inhibited the melanization reaction. Therefore, the results of this study have demonstrated that arbutin undecylenic acid ester as a potential inhibitor of PO. We successfully designed a new platform utilizing Drosophila melanogaster and Bombyx mori as animal models propounding fast, cheap, and high effectiveness in method to screen tyrosinase inhibitors.

Integrative taxonomic approach of trypanosomes in the blood of rodents and soricids in Asian countries, with the description of three new species.

Trypanosoma lewisi (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) with a cosmopolitan distribution is the type species of the subgenus Herpetosoma, which includes ca. 50 nominal species isolated mainly from rodents. Since members of Herpetosoma in different host species have an almost identical morphology of bloodstream forms, these trypanosomes are referred to as 'T. lewisi-like', and the molecular genetic characterization of each species is necessary to verify their taxonomy. In the present study, we collected blood samples from 89 murid rodents of 15 species and 11 soricids of four species in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, and mainland China for the detection of hemoprotozoan infection. T. lewisi and T. lewisi-like trypanosomes were found in the blood smears of 10 murid animals, which included Bandicota indica (two rats), Rattus argentiventer (one rat), and Rattus tiomanicus (two rats) in Indonesia; Rattus rattus (one rat) in the Philippines; and Niviventer confucianus (four rats) in mainland China. Furthermore, large- or medium-sized non-T. lewisi-like trypanosomes were detected in two soricids, Crocidura dracula in Vietnam and Anourosorex yamashinai in Taiwan, respectively. Molecular genetic characterization of the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and glycosomal glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH) gene indicated that the trypanosomes from all the murid hosts had identical SSU rDNA or gGAPDH gene nucleotide sequences except for those in N. confucianus in mainland China. These N. confucianus-infecting trypanosomes also showed several unique morphological features such as smaller bodies, anteriorly positioned nuclei, and larger rod-shaped kinetoplasts when compared with T. lewisi trypomastigotes. Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) niviventerae n. sp. is erected for this new species. Similarly, based on morphological and molecular genetic characterization, Trypanosoma sapaensis n. sp. and Trypanosoma anourosoricis n. sp. are proposed for the trypanosomes in C. dracula in Vietnam and A. yamashinai in Taiwan, respectively. More effort directed toward the morphological and molecular genetic characterization of the trypanosomes of rodents and soricids is required to fully understand the real biodiversity of their hemoflagellates.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Second-Degree Burn Healing: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The wound healing process includes inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling phases, the main features of which are inflammation, neoangiogenesis, and epithelialization. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one modality postulated to improve wound healing. The objective of this study was to determine whether HBOT could improve selected features of burn wound healing in an experimental rabbit model. METHODS: Researchers conducted an experimental study with 36 rabbits given second-degree burns. Subjects were separated into two groups: a control group (n = 18) and an intervention group that was given HBOT at 2.4 atmospheres absolute for 6 days (n = 18). The main outcome measure was wound healing. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the HBOT group showed more robust inflammatory cells (P = .025) and epithelialization (P = .024), but no significant difference in angiogenesis (P = .442). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that HBOT may improve second-degree burn healing by increasing inflammatory cell migration and re-epithelialization.

Allogeneic islet cells implant on poly-l-lactide matrix to reduce hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effects of allogeneic islet cell matrix implants for glycaemic control in rats with induced diabetes. METHOD: Sprague-Dawley rats were used as allogeneic donors of islet cells. Cells were seeded on three-dimensional proprietary poly-(l-lactide) matrices. Animals were rendered diabetic and a week later a matrix seeded with islet cells (IMI group) or a control matrix (placebo group) was implanted in the small bowel mesentery. Blood glucose levels were measured weekly for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, implant sections were Gomori stained for beta-cells and immuno-stained for insulin 3, 4, 5, and 6 months post implantation. RESULTS: 82% of seeded islet cells attached to the matrices. In the IMI group blood glucose levels were significantly reduced after implantation compared with before implantation across several time points. In the IMI group beta-cells and insulin-positive cells were identified at the implant site. CONCLUSION: The islet cell matrix implant reduced the blood glucose levels although complete normo-glycaemia was not established. The islet cell matrix implant may serve as an additional option for islet cell transplantation using 3D scaffold platforms for better survival and function of the islet cells.

Interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 plasma levels and mRNA expression in polytrauma patients.

PURPOSE: Host response to polytrauma occasionally has unpredictable outcomes. Immune response is a major factor influencing patient's outcome. This study evaluated the interaction of two main cytokines in immune response after major trauma, specifically interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Plasma level of these cytokines is determined by mRNA expression of these cytokines genes which may decide the outcome of polytrauma patients. METHODS: This prospective multicenter trial held at four trauma centers enrolled 54 polytrauma patients [Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16]. Plasma levels and mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured for 5 days after trauma. Clinical evaluation was conducted to observe whether patients endured multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death. MODS evaluation was performed using sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA). Trauma load which in this study is represented with ISS, plasma level, expression of cytokine genes and patient's outcome were examined with correlation test and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The elevated IL-6/IL-10 ratio indicated increased activity of systemic inflammation response, especially pro-inflammation response which bears higher probability of progressing to MODS and death. The decline of IL-6/IL-10 ratio with heavy trauma load (ISS > 30) showed that compensatory anti-inflammation response syndrome (CARS) state was more dominant than systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), indicating that malfunction and failure of immune system eventually lead to MODS and deaths. The statistical significance in plasma level of cytokines was found in the outcome group which was defined as bearing a low trauma load but mortality. CONCLUSION: The pattern of cytokine levels in inflammation response has great impact on the outcome of polytrauma patients. Further study at the genetic level is needed to investigate inflammation process which may influence patient's outcome.

Analysis of interleukin 7 and platelet-derived growth factor-BB mRNA expression as potential markers in erythema nodosum leprosum.

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an immunological complication of leprosy characterized by acute inflammation of the skin, nerves, and other organs. Identifying laboratory parameters is important for early diagnosis of leprosy reactions. Various cytokine biomarkers have been examined and only a few studies have reported on angiogenesis in leprosy. This study aims to understand the pathomechanism of ENL by examining IL-7 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB mRNA expression that can be the development and consideration of new effective therapies to prevent reactions, recurrences, and defects in leprosy. The study used a cross-sectional analytic design. Sampling was done by peripheral blood from the patient and measuring mRNA expression with specific primers RT-PCR. The expression of mRNA IL-7 and PDGF-BB was significantly different between multibasilar patients without reaction and with ENL reaction, where there was an increased expression in ENL patients. This could be used as the development of potential biomarkers in ENL and development of new therapeutic intervention pathways in ENL.

Hypnotherapy influence on maternal psychological, breastfeeding, mRNA-OXTR expression, and OXTR protein.

Hypnotherapy has emerged as a potential alternative to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly in countries like Indonesia where they are below optimal levels. This study aims to evaluate the impact of audio hypnotherapy on the psychological, exclusive breastfeeding behavior, the OXTR protein and mRNA expression gene OXTR in mothers of infants aged 0-6 months. This study employed a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial design, conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 in 11 primary health centers. The study population included breastfeeding mothers with infants aged 0-6 months, with a total sample size of 70 respondents who were randomly divided into intervention (received audio hypnotherapy) and control groups (received standard care). The psychological condition was measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Exclusive breastfeeding behavior was assessed based on both quality and quantity. Genetic factors were evaluated through mRNA OXTR expression using real-time PCR and protein OXTR levels using ELISA. Analyzing data using linear and logistic regression models. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant differences in psychological condition (p < .0001). There were big differences in the exclusive breastfeeding behavior (p < .0001), as well as in the amounts of protein OXTR and mRNA expression of the OXTR gene (p < .0001). We recommend the implementation of audio hypnotherapy as an effective complementary therapeutic approach to manage the psychological well-being, exclusive breastfeeding behavior, the mRNA expression of the OXTR gene and levels of OXTR protein in mothers of infants aged 0-6 months.

Interactive pregnancy education on stress, cortisol, and epinephrine level in primigravida of trimester III pregnant: a quasi-experimental.

Infant mortality is caused by various health problems, especially since the gestation period, even starting before the gestation period. Stress during pregnancy affects the motor, cognitive, and emotional development of the baby. This study aims to determine the effect of interactive pregnancy education (IPE) on decreasing levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and its relationship with stress levels in third-trimester primigravida pregnant women. This research is a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group design, which has two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. The authors compared the experimental group that was given the intervention with the control group that was not given any treatment. This research was conducted in the three Community Health Centers in Indonesia from June 2022 until December 2022. The samples were 30 third-trimester primigravida pregnant women for the intervention and control groups. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests with SPSS 22 software. The results of this study indicate that IPE has a good impact on pregnant women, where there is a significant relationship in the post-test cortisol and epinephrine levels in the intervention group. This indicates that IPE contributed to the difference in post-test scores in the intervention group. The IPE method is effective in reducing stress levels and cortisol levels in pregnant women, especially in pregnant women with high levels of stress.

Brucellosis seroprevalence in Bali cattle with reproductive failure in South Sulawesi and Brucella abortus biovar 1 genotypes in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a major cause of infertility and reproductive failure in livestock. While cattle in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago suffers from reproductive problems information on bovine brucellosis in the region is fragmentary. The control of brucellosis requires a major and prolonged effort and confirmation of the infection by isolation with detailed knowledge of the spread of the infection is essential when planning a control program. RESULTS: Serological investigation of Brucella infection in beef cattle tended under extensive farming conditions revealed a high seroprevalence (19.3%; 95% CI, 17-22) in the compliment fixation tests. The results of a rapid and simple field test correlated well with the Rose Bengal test (kappa, 0.917) and indicated an acceptable sensitivity (87.5%) and specificity (98.1%) compared with the complement fixation test. Reproductive failure was reported for 39.0% of the cows with a loss of calves due to abortion or early death amounting to 19.3%. Past reproductive failure did not, however, correlate with seropositivity in the complement fixation test (RP = 1.21; P = 0.847). B. abortus biovar 1 was freshly isolated from the hygromas of two cows and together with thirty banked isolates collected since 1990 from different parts of Sulawesi and Timor eight related genotypes could be distinguished with one genotype being identical to that of an isolate (BfR91) from Switzerland. The Indonesian genotypes formed together with BfR91 and one African and one North American isolate a distinct branch on the B. abortus biovar 1 dendogram. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine brucellosis appears to be widespread in the Eastern Indonesian archipelago and calls for urgent intervention. The fresh isolation of the pathogen together with the observed high seroprevalence demonstrates the presence and frequent exposure of cattle in the area to the pathogen. The application of a rapid and simple field test for brucellosis could be very useful for the quick screening of cattle at the pen side.

Double membrane platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) - Synovium succeeds in regenerating cartilage defect at the knee: An experimental study on rabbit.

Background: This study aims to prove the healing results (regeneration) in cartilage defects using a combination treatment of microfractures and transplantation synovium-platelet rich fibrin (S-PRF). Methods: A cartilage defect was made in the trochlear groove of the knee of adult New Zealand white rabbits, and was classified into three treatment groups. The group 1 was cartilage defect without treatment, 2 with microfracture treatment, and 3 with microfracture covered with a synovium-platelet rich fibrin (S-PRF) membrane. Twelve weeks after the intervention, the animals were macroscopically and histologically examined, and evaluated by the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). Additionally, the expression of aggrecan and type 2 collagen was examined by real-time-PCR. Results: The ICSR scores for macroscopic were significantly higher in the microfracture and S-PRF transplant group than in the other groups. Also, the ICSR scores for histology were significantly higher in this group. The expression of aggrecan and type 2 collagen was higher in the group that received complete treatment. Conclusions: Microfractures and transplantation of synovium-platelet rich fibrin (S-PRF) can regenerate knee cartilage defects which have been shown to increase the expression of mRNA aggrecan and mRNA type 2 collagen resulting in excellent repair.

Anti-inflammatory effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract on acne vulgaris: In vivo and in silico study.

Objective: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common problem with a relatively high incidence rate among Asian people. The potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of banana peels have been demonstrated in previous studies but have not been studied in cases of AV. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the protective effects of banana (Musa balbisiana) peel extract (MBPE) against AV. Methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 rats per group): an AV group, AV group treated with 0.15% MBPE, AV group administered 0.30% MBPE, AV group administered 0.60% MBPE, and AV group administered clindamycin (the standard drug treatment). We assessed nodule size, bacterial count, histopathology, and cytokine levels (IL-1α, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-8). Enzyme linked immunoassays were used to measure the cytokine levels. In addition, we performed molecular docking studies to determine the interactions between phytochemicals (trigonelline, vanillin, ferulic acid, isovanillic acid, rutin, and salsolinol) via the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Results: All MBPE treatment groups, compared with the AV group, showed suppression of both bacterial growth and proinflammatory cytokine production, as well as resolved tissue inflammation. The nodule size was significantly suppressed in the groups receiving the two highest doses of MBPE, compared with the AV group. However, the pharmacological action of MBPE remained inferior to that of clindamycin. Docking studies demonstrated that rutin was the phytocompound with the most negative interaction energy with TLR2 or NF-κB. Conclusions: Our results indicated that MBPE has anti-inflammatory effects against AV, by suppressing nodule formation, inhibiting bacterial growth, and decreasing proinflammatory cytokine production.

Molecular identification of mycobacterial infections in nonsputum specimens.

Background: Mycobacterial infections can manifest in various anatomical sites, necessitating the analysis of nonsputum specimens for accurate diagnosis. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular cases of mycobacterial infections in nonsputum specimens using polymerase chain reaction based assays and gene sequencing methods. Methods: This observational study examined 161 nonsputum samples that have been stored in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Hasanuddin University Hospital. Samples were analyzed by microscopy and molecular detection methods according to the standard methods at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of Hasanuddin University. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize patient demographics, infection characteristics, and outcomes. Results: The samples were collected from patients with an average age of 39.82 years. The anatomical sites of specimen collection varied, with musculoskeletal organs and eyes being the most common. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of Gram positive bacteria, with polymicrobial morphology observed. Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently isolated organisms. Acid fast bacilli were detected in 8.1% of samples. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, revealed similarities between the samples and known mycobacterial species, including Mycobacterium parmense, Mycobacterium lacus, and Mycobacterium dioxanotrophicus. Conclusions: The findings highlight the microbial diversity observed in these infections. The study advocates for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and targeted testing strategies based on both clinical and laboratory findings. This knowledge can contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and optimized treatment strategies for mycobacterial infections.

Correlation expression Toll-like receptor 4 with multidrugs resistant tuberculosis in diabetes mellitus condition.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor (TLR) are ligand homologous protein in the APC cell membrane that has functions as a receptor to triger leukocytes and innate immune responses. When there is a Microbacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection enters from droplets to the lungs, the alveolar macrophages perform a phagocytic function. The interaction between M. tuberculosis and the TLR macrophage receptors produces chemokines which induce migration of monocytes and dendrite cells for destruction. Diabetes militus (DM) has become risk factor for developing tuberculosis. DM condition will reduce immunity and the ability of immune cell phagocytes bactery and triger severe infections. The consequences of more severe infection and metabolic disorders that occur make a person more likely to experience Multidrugs resistant MTB. Not much data that reports on the expression of TLR4 as a ligand that triggers an immune response in conditions of MDR and DM. We try to find out correlation between TLR-4 in MDR MTB, diabetes and level of MTB bacteria in experimental animals. METHODS: We conducted an experimental study on 30 experimental mice weighing 25 grams consisting of negative control grub, infected with MTB, infected with MDR MTB, negative control diabetes, MTB DM, MDR MTB DM. DM animals were induced by streptozosin to experience DM, then in the treatment of infection, intraperitoneal MTB and MDR MTB bacterial injections were given. Termination was carried out on day 14. We count number of bacteria level in the lungs and perform evaluation TLR4 from blood sampel. RESULTS: The negative control group had mean TLR value of 1.47 (± 0.46) while the MTB group showed an increase in TLR 9.22 (± 0.39) followed by MDR MTB 9.50 (± 0.29), DM negative control 9, 21 (± 0.24) and more increasing in conditions of DM MTB 13.36 (± 0.32) and DM MDR MTB 13.35 (± 0.34). ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference (P = 0.00). pearson correlation analysis find strong correlation TLR4 in MTB and MDR MTB with diabetes. CONCLUSION: there were a significant difference level TLR4 between MTB and MDR TB infection with diabetes. higher TLR4 level higher in DM MTB, DM MDR MTB. TLR 4 strong correlates with an increase in the number of MTB bacteria.

Serum BMP-2 and osteocalcin levels, and CT Hounsfield unit post hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with cleft lip and palate post alveolar bone graft: A case study.

Background: This study investigated the levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), osteocalcin, and 3D CT Hounsfield units following hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) undergoing alveolar bone grafts to provide a pilot evaluation of the role of HBOT in osteogenesis. Methods: This prospective, quasi-experimental, pre-post-intervention study evaluated seven patients with CLP receiving HBOT after single-stage reconstructions with alveolar bone grafts. The outcomes included the serum levels of BMP-2 and osteocalcin and the 3D CT Hounsfield units obtained before and after the surgery, and after the five HBOT sessions, to a total of 12 measurements. The data were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models using the intervention stage (pre-surgery, pre-HBOT, first to fifth HBOT sessions) as covariates and adjusting for several baseline factors. Results: A significant difference was found in outcome measures across time (ANOVA p < 0.001 for BMP-2 and osteocalcin, p = 0.01 for Hounsfield units), with mean values appearing to steadily increase once HBOT began. Regression analyses indicated that the effect of HBOT was evident in serum osteocalcin after the 1st HBOT session (adjusted b = 1.32; 95% CI 0.39, 2.25) and in serum BMP-2 after the third session (adjusted b = 6.61; 95% CI 1.93, 11.28). After the fifth session, the HBOT effect was fairly pronounced on the two outcomes: the adjusted increase compared to the baseline was 28.06 ng/mL for BMP-2 and 6.27 ng/mL for osteocalcin. Our mixed-effect models also showed a post-HBOT increase in Hounsfield units. Conclusion: We found an increase of BMP-2, osteocalcin, and Hounsfield units following the HBOT intervention. These may suggest an effect of HBOT on osteogenesis.

Eosinophil values in exacerbation and stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its relationship to maintenance therapy in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent and progressive airflow limitations. The study aimed to determine the relationship between eosinophil values in patients with stable and exacerbated COPD, and the relationship of eosinophil values with two drug regimens used as maintenance therapy in stable COPD. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study and the variables used in this study were eosinophil counts in stable and exacerbated COPD patients. Results: Eighty-three patients with stable and exacerbated COPD were included. Stable COPD (63.9%) was predominant, with the highest degree of symptoms in group A 18 patients (34%) and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2; 35 patients (66%). The degree of COPD exacerbation was dominated by Type II COPD 15 patients (50%). Eosinophil counts in patients with stable COPD were less than 100 cells/mm3 37 patients (44.6%), while in patients with COPD exacerbation, it was greater than 100 cells/mm3 with a total of 30 patients (36.1%). Long acting muscarinic antagonist class of drugs was the most used treatment as maintenance therapy in stable COPD 34 patients (64.2%). Conclusion: The eosinophil counts in patients with COPD exacerbation were significantly higher than those in patients with stable COPD. The provision of maintenance therapy in the long acting ß-2 agonist + inhaled glucocorticosteroid group of stable COPD patients was generally provided to COPD patients with eosinophil values greater than 100 cells/mm3, and the provision of long-term maintenance therapy in stable COPD patients was generally given to COPD patients with eosinophil values less than 100 cells/mm3.

A potential mechanism of miana (Coleus scutellariodes) and quercetin via NF-κB in Salmonella typhi infection.

Purpose: To prove the effect of Miana (M), Quercetin (Q), and the combination as an anti-inflammatory agent and Cefixime (C) as an antibiotic in Balb/c mice infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and related to the dynamics of NF-κB mRNA expression and NF-κB protein levels. Methods: A cohort study on male Balb/c mice with subjects consisted of 8 groups with 5 each group by administration of M, Q, M + Q, M + C, Q + C, M + Q + C, C only and sterile distilled water group as negative control. The statistical significance of the difference group was defined as P values less than 0.05. Results: Decreased mRNA expression of NF-κB, NF-κB protein levels, and bacterial load after administration of M + C, Q + C, or M + Q + C showed significant differences when compared to the negative control. The decline in NF-κB was stronger when M + Q + C was given compared to M, Q, M + Q, or C only. Conclusion: The effects of NF-κB suppression appear to be the same between the administration of M, Q and the M + Q when C added. However, the suppression of NF-κB was not significant without adding C.

Analysis of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein-1 (NRAMP-1) level based on death, comorbidities and severity of COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

An accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is essential for pandemic control and for establishing adequate therapeutic strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 infection replicates in macrophage cells and affects the immune system. Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein-1 (NRAMP-1) carries cation ions, such as Fe2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+, and plays an essential role in the immune system to infection with micro-organisms. In addition, the function of NRAMP-1 is to limit the replication of pathogens by changing the phagosomal environment. Levels of NRAMP-1 protein are based on death, comorbidities and clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients and it is possible for the soluble protein NRAMP-1 level to be used as an additional biomarker for forensic and medicolegal related COVID-19 cases and prosecutions from patients and families. Methods: Determination of NRAMP-1 protein levels using the enzyme link-immunosorbent assay technique in death, had comorbidities and severity of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients. Results: Of the 62 patients who received treatment, 10 patients died with an average NRAMP-1 level of 650 ng/ml and 52 patients who survive with an average NRAMP-1 level of 1065.26 ng/ml. The results of the study also found that 34 patients had comorbidities with an average NRAMP-1 level of 838.82 ng/ml and 28 patients without comorbidities with an average NRAMP-1 level of 1191.92 ng/ml. Based on the severity of clinical symptoms in survive patients, 10 patients with mild were found with an average NRAMP-1 level of 984.31 ng/ml, with moderate in 31 patients with an average NRAMP-1 level of 1104.71 ng/ml and severe in 11 patients with an average NRAMP-1 level of 1027.71 ng/ml. Conclusions: NRAMP-1 protein levels were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients who died and had comorbidities.

Decreasing mRNA HMGB1 expression in Klebsiella pneumoniae infection treated by Miana (Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth): a cohort experimental study.

Pneumonia is one of the most common infections caused by the bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. During the initiation of an infection, the immune system recognizes the pathogen through the release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), thereby triggering the inflammation process. Miana has demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on the inflammatory process during infection in animal models. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Miana leaf extract on mRNA HMGB1 expression in Balb/c mice infected with K. pneumoniae. Methods: This study comprised a cohort experiment using 20 Balb/c mice divided into four groups. Balb/c mice in each group were intraperitoneally injected with K. pneumoniae. Group 1 was given a placebo; Group 2 was given Miana; Group 3 was given levofloxacin; and Group 4 was given both levofloxacin and Miana. The levels of mRNA HMGB1 expression were measured using real-time PCR before, during, and after the infection as well as after the treatments. Results: The initial examination results showed that the average level of mRNA HMGB1 expression was 5.51 fc. The mRNA HMGB1 expression in mice after being challenged with K. pneumoniae was 9.64 fc. Group 1 that was given a placebo had a mean mRNA HMGB1 expression level of 14.99 fc. Group 2 that was given Miana had a mean mRNA HMGB1 expression level of 13.95 fc. Group 3 that was given levofloxacin had an average mRNA HMGB1 expression level of 6.45 fc, and Group 4 that was given levofloxacin and Miana together had an average mRNA HMGB1 expression level of 5.59 fc. Conclusion: Miana (Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth) increased mRNA HMGB1 expression at the initial administration via regulation of the immune system. Administration of Miana following K. pneumoniae infection inhibited the increase in mRNA HMGB1 expression. Treatment with levofloxacin reduced the level of mRNA HMGB1 expression, and the effect was optimized by the administration of Miana leaf extract as a supplement.

Serum concentration and mRNA expression of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-ß1) in stunted and non- stunted toddlers.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: West Nusa Tenggara Province has the fifth-highest prevalence of stunting cases in Indonesia. So far, limited research is available to understand the likelihood of stunting in this region. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 (TGF-ß1), an immunoregulatory cytokine, may affect the stunting progression. Knowledge of messenger mRNA expression in the TGF-ß1 gene in stunted toddlers could help to determine therapeutic targets to catch up on their growth. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the expression of TGF- ß1 mRNA and TGF-ß1 concentrations in the stunted and the non-stunted toddlers. The nutritional status of all participants was also gathered and linked to the stunting issue. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 toddlers aged 12-36 months. The stunting case was defined as a Z-Score of less than -2 of length/height for age according to WHO. The serum TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß1 gene mRNA were measured using ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. The nutritional status data were collected through interviewer-administered structured questionnaire to the toddlers' parents and 48-h food recalls. Descriptive analyses were applied to determine the distribution of participants' macronutrient and micronutrient levels. RESULTS: Results show that there were significant differences in expressions of the TGF- ß1 gene mRNA of the stunted and the non-stunted toddlers. The expression of the TGF- ß1 mRNA gene in the non-stunted toddlers was also higher with 13.7 ± 0.859 fold change than those of the stunted toddlers with 9.01 ± 1.76 fold change with a p-value <0.001. The serum TGF-ß1 concentrations in the stunted toddler (6.20 ± 3.60 pg/ml) were significantly lower than the ones in the non-stunted toddlers (14.3 ± 1.05 pg/ml) with p-value <0.001. However, there was no clear relationship between the likelihood of stunting and the nutritional status from the obtained data. CONCLUSION: Overall findings demonstrate the significantly lower both the TGF-ß1 gene mRNA expression and serum TGF-ß1 for the stunted toddlers than the non-stunted toddlers, impacting bone formation and resorption. The outcomes of this study encourage the development of interventional therapy for stunted toddlers by increasing the serum TGF-ß1 concentrations.