Unlocking Nature's Potential: A Comparative Study of Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Tropical Microalgae.

To promote the use of marine microalgae for nutraceuticals, we aimed to characterize extracts of Nannochloropsis oculata, Porphyridium cruentum, and Skeletonema costatum, all of which harbor numerous bioactive substances. Chlorophylls and carotenoids were identified as the primary pigments in N. oculata and S. costatum extracts. Furthermore, the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the three microalgae ranged 20.32-21.96 mg GAE/g and 0.3-2.1 mg QE/g, respectively. Notably, the extract of N. oculata exhibited the most significant radical scavenging activity in both 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, with flavonoids and pigments identified as the main contributors to antioxidant activities. Our results revealed variations in metabolite profiles among the microalgal extracts: N. oculata extract (43 types), P. cruentum (13 types), and S. costatum (21 types). Hexadecanamide emerged as the major metabolite detected in all microalgae. Collectively, the results of the present study may open new avenues of microalgae for various applications.

The prognostic value of COX-2 in predicting metastasis of patients with colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta analysis.

Introduction: COX-2 is overexpressed in colorectal tumour tissue relative to the healthy colonic mucosa, thus we investigated the prognostic significance of COX-2 in determining the metastasis of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched using the following terms colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal carcinoma, Cyclooxygenase-2, and prognosis to identify articles providing information on the prognostic importance of COX-2 in adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Review papers, non-research letters, comments, case reports, animal studies, original research with sample sizes of fewer than 20, case reports and series, non-English language articles, and pediatric studies (those under the age of 17) were excluded. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the credibility of the included studies. The full texts were evaluated and this study complied with the terms of the local protocol and the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Eight relevant studies were included in this review involving 937 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node invasion (RR 1.85 [1.21, 2.83], P = 0.005, I2 = 88 %) and liver metastasis (RR 4.90 [1.12, 21.57], P = 0.04, I2 = 42 %), but not with venous dissemination (RR 1.48 [0.72, 3.03], P = 0.28, I2 = 87 %). Conclusion: COX-2 expression is associated with lymph node invasion in colorectal cancer but further studies are required to determine the prognostic significance of COX-2 expression in determining metastasis status for colorectal cancer patients.

Facile fabrication of chitosan Schiff bases from giant tiger prawn shells (Penaeus monodon) via solvent-free mechanochemical grafting.

Fabrication of chitosan Schiff bases (ChSB) from giant tiger prawn shells (Penaeus monodon) using an environmentally friendly method has been conducted successfully. Transformation of Prawn Shells (PS) as raw material into chitin then chitosan was executed under ambient temperature. Later, three Ch Schiff bases (ChSB-A, ChSB-S, and ChSB-V) were successfully synthesized for the first time via solvent-free mechanochemical grafting with 2-hydroxy benzaldehyde, 4-methoxy benzaldehyde, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy benzaldehyde, respectively. Synthesis was carried out with Shaker Mill-Ultimate Gravity equipped with a Teflon jar with zirconia balls; then the product was characterized. FTIR analysis proved the conversion of free amine to imine groups. The degree of substitution (DS) and crystallinity index (CrI) were determined by elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The DS values obtained were about 0.343, 0.795, and 0.055 for ChSB-A, ChSB-S, and ChSB-V, respectively. The CrI of ChSB-A, ChSB-S, and ChSB-V was 53.3, 51.7, and 46.9 %, respectively. The thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the mechanochemical grafting of Ch improves the thermal stability of ChSB. This developed method provides a novel potential technique to convert PS into ChSB products by solvent-free mechanochemical grafting.

Genotype Profiles of Rotavirus Strains in Children under 5-year-old Outpatients with Diarrhea in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia.

Introduction: Diarrhea is a global leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five, with rotaviruses being the most common cause. This study aimed to determine the genotypes of rotavirus in children under 5 years with diarrhea in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2014 to 2018 on 450 children under five with acute diarrhea in primary health centers in Bandung, Indonesia. Fecal samples were examined for rotavirus antigen using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, and genotype was determined through sequencing using polymerase chain reaction. Results were statistically analyzed using Pearson Chi-square in Epi Info version 3.5.4, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Rotavirus was identified in 8.9% of the subjects, slightly higher in boys (n = 24, 9.8%) than girls (n = 16, 7.8%). We found that the most rotavirus positive in age group is >12-24 months and >24-59 months, while the highest percentage is at the age of ≤6 months (11.8%). Moderate malnutrition was observed in more subjects (12.8%). Vomiting was more frequent in patients positive (55%, P = 0.013) and fever was seen in 32.5% (P = 0.645). No signs of dehydration were seen in most subjects (75%), P = 0.227. Rotavirus genotypes identified were G1P[8] (18, 45%), G3P[8] (14, 35%), G3P[6] (4, 10%), G3P[9] (2, 5%), G2P[4] (1, 2.5%), and nontypeable (NT) (1, 2.5%). Conclusions: The dominant rotavirus genotype is G1P[8], followed by G3P[8], G3P[6], G3P[9], G2P[4], and NT. The most common rotavirus positive in age group is >12-24 months and >24-59 months, while the highest percentage is at the age of ≤6 months.

The High Prevalence of Negative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs) among Pregnant Women in Bandung, Indonesia: A Community-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a disease that creates a high global burden by affecting approximately 3.5% of the total world population. The main transmission of this disease is from mother to child (MTCT). HBV vaccination program was already initiated in Indonesia in 1987. However, after three decades, the HBV infection prevalence stays stagnant. This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of HBV markers and the attributable risk factors of pregnant women at risk of transmitting HBV to their offspring. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women from primary midwifery and obstetric clinics across Bandung, Indonesia, to assess the HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs serological markers. Questionnaire-based interviews were used to obtain the sociodemographic determinants. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association of each determinant factor to positive HBsAg or negative anti-HBs as a dependent variable, which was then reported as odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: A total of 196 subjects were recruited with 12/196 (6.1%) of them were positive HBsAg. After exclusions of those with positive HBsAg and anti-HBc, 24/175 (13.7%) women were isolated as positive anti-HBs, leaving 151/175 (86.3%) women with negative anti-HBs who were susceptible to HBV infection. Low body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2 was a risk factor for positive HBsAg with OR = 5.850 (95% CI 1.466-23.34), p = 0.012. Nevertheless, no significant determinant factor was associated with negative anti-HBs. CONCLUSION: Most pregnant women in Bandung, Indonesia, are susceptible to HBV infection, as marked by the negative anti-HBs status.

Effect of Supplementation of Zinc, Glutamine, Fiber, and Prebiotics in Presumed Healthy Indonesian Children Aged 1-3 Years.

PURPOSE: Impaired intestinal mucosal integrity may affect the gastrointestinal function, especially in relation to nutrition, absorption, and barrier function. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in presumed healthy children aged 1-3 years and assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation in them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 children aged 1-3 years in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. A randomized double-blind parallel group method clinical trial was then performed to assess the effects of zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotic supplementation. RESULTS: Elevated calprotectin was found in 91/200 subjects (45.5%) at the onset of the study. After 10 months, 144 subjects completed the study: 72 subjects received the trial formula, whereas the other 72 received the standard formula. A transitory decrease in fecal calprotectin (FC) was observed after 6 months in the subgroup with normal FC levels, who were fed the test formula (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of impaired intestinal mucosal integrity in this group of Indonesian children aged 1-3 years was high. Supplementation with zinc, glutamine, fiber, and prebiotics during 6 months reduced FC only in those who had low levels at baseline but not in those with impaired integrity.

Immunogenicity and safety of Quadrivalent Influenza HA vaccine in Indonesian children: An open-labeled, bridging, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Influenza B (Yamagata/Victoria lineage) can cause severe forms of respiratory infection among the pediatric population as well as influenza A strains (H3N2/H1N1). Vaccination against all four strains is required to prevent infection and severe outcome. This study is the first study to assess the immunogenicity of Quadrivalent Influenza HA vaccine (QIV) and ascertain safety among children in Indonesia. METHODS: This is an open labeled, single arm, bridging clinical study involving unprimed healthy children 6-35 months of age (Group I) and 3-8 years of age (Group II). Subjects on both groups receiving two doses of QIV with a 28 days interval. Serology tests were performed on baseline and 28 days post-vaccination. Hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers were analyzed for Geometric Mean Titer (GMT), seroprotection, and seroconversion rates. Solicited reactions, unsolicited adverse events, and serious adverse events were observed up to 28 days post-vaccination. RESULTS: Out of 270 subjects enrolled, 269 subjects completed the study. Immunogenicity analysis were evaluated on 254 subjects. Seroprotection rates were ≥85% for all vaccine strains in both groups. Seroconversion of more than 4 folds for all strains occurred in both groups post-vaccination. In Group I, the increase of GMT for A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Texas, and B/Phuket was 12.5, 14.5, 8.2, and 6.4 folds, respectively. In Group II the increase of GMT for A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Texas, and B/Phuket was 14, 17, 10, and 8 folds, respectively. The majority of local adverse events (AEs) after the first and second immunizations were immediate injection-site pain (10.4% and 12.6%). The majority of systemic AEs after the first and second immunizations were delayed unsolicited AEs (14.8% and 14.9%). No vaccine-related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: The investigational QIV was immunogenic with an acceptable safety profile in children 6 months to 8 years of age. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03336593.

Diarrhea among hospitalized children under five: A call for inclusion of rotavirus vaccine to the national immunization program in Indonesia.

CONTEXT: Rotavirus diarrhea is a common disease worldwide which mostly affects children under five years old. Rotavirus infection causes severe diarrhea and leads to substantial health care costs. In Indonesia the rotavirus vaccine has been available since 2011, however it has not been included into the National Immunization Program. This study aims to describe the proportion of rotavirus in children under 5 in Indonesia, the clinical characteristics of rotavirus infections, and the rotavirus strains circulating in the country during 2010-2015. METHODS: Children under five years of age with acute watery diarrhea were prospectively identified and enrolled through the active diarrhea surveillance system in 5 sites in four provinces in Indonesia during 2010-2015. The rotavirus specimens were tested using Enzyme Immunoassay. Bivariate logistic regression tests were performed to compare rotavirus positive and negative results with respect to the collected demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: From January 2010 to December 2015, the average annual rotavirus prevalence among children hospitalized with acute watery diarrhea in four provinces in Indonesia was 47.5%. Rotavirus diarrhea occurred mostly in children under 2 years of age. Of all age groups, children aged 6-11 and 12-23 months had the highest prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea in all years (54.2% and 50.6%, respectively). This study found that the most prevalent of G and P genotypes were G1P8 in 2010 (63.2%), 2011 (64.1%) and 2012 (74.6%) and G3P8 in 2013 (49.7%), 2014 (82.5%) and 2015 (84.4%) CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhea in hospitalized children in Indonesia. These findings highlight the need for inclusion of the rotavirus vaccine to the National Immunization Program in Indonesia.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in malnourished children and those with persistent diarrhoeae.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Persistent diarrhoea, a serious health problem, is closely related to malnutrition. Children with severe malnutrition have a 9-fold risk of death, and children with severe stunting have a 4-fold risk of death. Prolonged mucosal injury from diarrhoea causes reduced secretin and cholecystokinin secretion, which decreases stimulation to the pancreas, and is indicated by faecal elastase-1 levels. This further aggravates persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition because of the low levels of digestive enzyme production. This study evaluated the exocrine function of the pancreas in children with persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional design to compare exocrine pancreatic function among children with persistent diarrhoea, children with malnutrition, and apparently healthy children as reference Children aged 6-60 months were selected from the inpatient and outpatient units of various general hospitals in Jakarta. Faecal elastase- 1 levels were used to determine exocrine pancreatic function. RESULTS: The median values of faecal elastase- 1 in children with persistent diarrhoea, children with malnutrition, and reference children were 743 (1-1503) mcg/g, 861 (17-2909) mcg/g, and 1210 (26-3000) mcg/g, respectively. A significant difference was observed in the faecal elastase-1 levels between reference children and those with persistent diarrhoea (p<0.001). However, no differences in the faecal elastase-1 levels were noted between malnourished and reference children (p>0.05). Children with both persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition showed mean FE-1 392.3±206.9 and median 419 (125- 593). CONCLUSIONS: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is found in children with persistent diarrhoea. Children with combined persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition have the lowest FE-1, to which persistent diarrhea has the most significant contribution.

Association between Severe Dehydration in Rotavirus Diarrhea and Exclusive Breastfeeding among Infants at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia.

Background. Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe acute diarrhea in children. Infants who are exclusively breastfed develop fewer infections and have less severe illnesses. This study aimed to determine association between severe dehydration in rotavirus diarrhea and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study in infants ≤ 6 months old with acute diarrhea in Dr. Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Results. From 134 infants ≤ 6 months old with acute diarrhea enrolled from April 2009 to December 2012, there were 88 (65.6%) boys and 46 (34.4%) girls in this study. Rotavirus was detected in 60 (44.8 %), 32 (53.3%) of whom were exclusively breastfed. From rotavirus positive subjects, severe dehydration occurred in 4 (12.6%) exclusively breastfed infants and 6 (21.5%) not exclusively breastfed infants. No significant association was found between severe dehydration and exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.491) in rotavirus diarrhea. Conclusions. In rotavirus diarrhea, there was no significant association between exclusive breastfeeding and severe dehydration.

Burden of severe rotavirus diarrhea in indonesia.

Globally, rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea-related hospitalizations and deaths among young children, but the burden of rotavirus disease in Indonesia is poorly documented. From January through December 2006, we conducted prospective surveillance (inpatient and outpatient) among children aged <5 years at 6 hospitals in 6 provinces of Indonesia, using standardized methodology. Of 2240 enrolled children hospitalized for diarrhea, 1345 (60%) were rotavirus positive. Of 176 children enrolled in outpatient clinics in 3 hospitals, 73 (41%) were rotavirus positive. Among children hospitalized for diarrhea, dehydration was more common among those who tested positive for rotavirus than among those who did not (91% vs 82%; P < .05), as was vomiting (86% vs 67%; P < .05). Children aged 6-23 months experienced 72% of all rotavirus episodes. Rotavirus prevalence increased slightly in the cool, dry season. The most commonly detected genotypes were G9 (30%) and P[6] (56%). G1P[6] and G9P[6] accounted for 34% and 21% of strains, respectively. A high proportion of genotype P[6] was detected, in combination with the common G types G1 and G9. Available rotavirus vaccines would likely be efficacious against the most common circulating strains, but continued monitoring of uncommon genotypes is needed.