SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating during the first wave of the pandemic in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Objectives: To determine the lineage distribution of the virus during the first wave of the pandemic in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Methods: A total of 20 samples with positive results based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were selected for virus culture and then performed whole-genome sequence analysis using next-generation sequencing which was applied by the Illumina MiSeq instrument. Results: Whole-genome sequence analysis revealed that the majority of our samples belong to lineages B.1.468 (n = 10), B.1 (n = 5), B.1.1 (n = 2), B.1.1.398 (n = 2), and B.6 (n = 1). Other unique amino acid mutations found in our samples were present in A58T on non-structural protein (NSP3) (70%), P323L on NSP12 (95%), Q57H on NS3 protein (75%), and D614G on S (100%). Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.468 may be the main virus variant circulating in North Sumatra at the beginning of the emergence of COVID-19 cases in this province.

Organizational agility, dynamic managerial capability, stakeholder management, discretion, and project success: Evidence from the upstream oil and gas sectors.

Today's organizations are dealing with a turbulent and unpredictable business environment. In these uncertain times, it is critical that managers at all levels have a deep understanding of discretion as part of the decision-making process. This study investigated the relationship between perceived managerial discretion and project success in the upstream oil and gas sectors. A total of 108 project managers participated in this study. We analyzed data using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) to construct a framework that highlights the importance of dynamic managerial capabilities and organizational agility on perceived managerial discretion. The results confirm and emphasize the direct role of perceived managerial discretion on project success. The study notes the essential roles of strategic management literacy in mediating the relationship between perceived managerial discretion and project success in Indonesia and provides insights for middle managers seeking to foster the success of projects by considering strategic management literacy.

How to link organizational resilience to transformational entrepreneurship behavior as theoretical framework gap - A systematic literature review.

Background: Numerous enterprises face great challenges during uncertain economic conditions. This is particularly true for micro, small, and medium-scale companies, which are slumped against disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic-owing to lockdowns, decreased demand, and a disrupted supply chain. This has impacted the economy worldwide but also the social community and the environment that forms its ecosystem. Organizational resilience allows for socio-economic growth and enterprises to build environmental sustainability and balanced community development. Therefore, the behavior of companies must be transformed in building entrepreneurship to encourage socio-economic growth. Methods: We conducted an advanced search on Business Source Premier, ABI/INFORM (ProQuest), Emerald Insight, and Web of Science database between March and June 2022. We screened the bibliographies of the articles from the database search using a set of inclusion criteria such as studies with quantitative design with unit analysis population sample based microfinance institutions and cooperative-based microfinance institutions, MSEs, and MSMEs as well as other industries such as travel agents, property, restaurants, food and beverages, manufacturing and plantations; exploration of transformational entrepreneurship behavior and organizational resilience determinant factors and conceptual manuscripts written in English; and published between 2005 till 2019 for transformational entrepreneurship and 1997 till 2000 for organizational resilience.   Results: This study reviewed 22 articles focusing on the role and influence of organizational resilience on transformational entrepreneurship behavior from a lens that posits the importance of organizational resilience in the face of uncertain economic turbulence. The orientation of entrepreneurship behavior has been neglected in research so far. This systematic literature review study reveals important research gaps, such as the influence of organizational resilience in promoting the development of transformational entrepreneurship behavior and the determinants that build organizational resilience. Conclusions: Research related to a company's transformational entrepreneurship behavior offers a broad area of ​​scientific research; hence, encouraging further investigation is necessary.

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 +49A/G polymorphism in Down syndrome children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Thyroid dysfunction is the most common endocrine disorder in Down syndrome (DS) children. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is one of the immune regulatory genes that correlates with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). However, studies on CTLA-4 +49A/G in DS children with HT are still limited. We aimed to evaluate CTLA-4 +49A/G gene polymorphism in DS children with HT. This case-control study, conducted from February 2020 to February 2022 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, enrolled 40 DS children with HT and 50 healthy children. The DNA sequencing was performed to identify the polymorphism (Sanger sequencing). Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean age of DS children with HT was 1.78 years. Males predominated in the study population. Subjects with GG genotype were diagnosed earliest with hypothyroidism (8 months) compared with other studies. The most common thyroid dysfunction was central hypothyroidism, with TgAb positivity present in all patients. The AA genotype (odds ratio [OR] 0.265, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.094-0.746; P = 0.012) and A allele (OR 0.472, 95% CI 0.309-0.721; P = 0.0002) were significantly more frequent in the control group. The AG genotype (OR 2.65, 95% CI 0.094-0.746; P = 0.003) and G allele (OR 2.116, 95% CI 1.386-3.23; P = 0.003) were more frequent in the DS with HT group. The age of the subjects in this study was younger than in previous studies. The AG genotype and the G allele were more prevalent in the DS with HT group and may be a risk factor in HT development in DS children. Furthermore, the AA genotype may act as a protective factor against HT in DS children.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 C1858T gene polymorphism in children with down syndrome and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AIT) is a frequent comorbidity in Down Syndrome (DS). Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non- Receptor Type 22 C1858T (PTPN-22 C1858T) gene polymorphisms have a role in the progression of AIT. The study on PTPN- 22 C1858T gene polymorphism as the risk factor of AIT in DS children is still limited. This study aims to evaluate PTPN-22 C1858T polymorphism in Indonesian DS children. A cross-sectional study involving 31 DS children with hypothyroidism (19 boys/12 girls) was conducted for ten months from February to November 2020 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya. The PTPN-22 C1858T gene polymorphism was analyzed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction-Fragment-Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase (Anti- TPO) and Anti-Thyroglobulin (Anti-TG), FT4, T3, and TSH levels were analyzed using Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA). The mean age of the subjects was 19.45±17.3 months. The CT variant of PTPN-22 C1858T was observed in all subjects. The mean level of T3, FT4, and TSH were 1.59±0.45 ng/mL, 0.81±0.57 ng/mL, 0.22±0.21 µU/mL, respectively. Around 83.9% of patients suffered from central hypothyroidism, 12.9% from primary hypothyroidism, and 3.2% from subclinical hypothyroidism. The positive anti-TG and anti-TPO were observed in 96.8% and 58.1%, respectively. CT variant was observed in Indonesian DS children who suffered from hypothyroidism.

How Effective is Angiotensin II in Decreasing Mortality of Vasodilatory Shock? A Systematic Review.

Background: Patients with severe vasodilation accompanied by refractory hypotension despite high doses of vasopressors were associated with a high mortality rate. The Ang-2 for the Treatment of High-Output Shock (ATHOS) 3 trial demonstrated that angiotensin 2 (Ang-2) could effectively increase MAP and blood pressure in vasodilatory shock patients. This systematic review aims to summarize the impact of Ang-2 for the treatment of vasodilatory shock on clinical outcomes, including length of stay, MAP level (before and after), and mortality also Ang-2 dose needed. Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Sage, ScienceDirect, Scopus and Gray literature was conducted to obtain studies about the use of Ang-2 in vasodilatory shock patients. Results: In all of the studies that we obtained, there were different results regarding mortality in patients with vasodilatory shock with Ang-2. Mortality was significantly lower when Ang-2 was administered to patients with elevated renin. The initial dose of Ang-2 can be started at 10-20 ng/kg/min, but there is no agreement on the maximum dose. Ang-2 may be considered a third-line vasopressor if the targeted MAP has not been achieved after administration of norepinephrine >200 ng/kg/min for more than 6 hours. Although not statistically significant, the use of Ang-2 can reduce the length of stay in the ICU and in the hospital when compared to patients without Ang-2 therapy, in addition to reducing the dose of vasopressor. Conclusion: Overall, the use of Ang-2 has potential to be a regimen for patients with vasodilatory shock. Further study is needed to obtain more data.

The Correlations of Human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide on Cardiac Function and Hemodynamics in Pediatric Septic Shock.

Purpose: We aimed to determine the correlations of human Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) on cardiac function and hemodynamics in pediatric septic shock. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational and prospective study on 30 children with septic shock. Measurement of the level of human atrial natriuretic peptide was determined in the serum of patients. Cardiac power (CP) is a cardiac function parameter measured with cardiac output (cardiovascular flow) and mean arterial (intravascular) pressure. Cardiac output and mean arterial pressure were monitored using pressure recording analytical methods (PRAM). Hemodynamic status was represented by a vasoactive inotropic score. Results: Thirty pediatric septic shock patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The human ANP level was not significantly different in pediatric septic shock on three days of examination. Cardiac power was significantly different in pediatric septic shock on three days of examination. There was a correlation between human ANP and cardiac power on day 3 and human ANP and VIS on day 2. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between human ANP level and cardiac power on day 3 and ANP level and VIS on day 2. The cardiac power on day 3 and VIS on 48 hours can be alternatives to evaluate the hemodynamic status and cardiac function concerning human ANP in pediatric septic shock.

Transformational entrepreneurship and its effect on readiness for change, psychological capital, and employee performance: evidence from an Indonesian bank.

Continuing failures of financial capitalism across borders have led corporation to develop a more balanced economic growth model of transformational entrepreneurship that emphasises both short-term economic and longer-term social impacts. The model encourages entrepreneurial activities that bring major changes in the related markets and industries, as well as changes in society and culture. At the corporate level, transformational entrepreneurship prepares employees for any potential changes induced by a dynamic environment; it also improves the psychological capital of individual employees, and effective transformational entrepreneurship can eventually accelerate performance. The purpose of this study is to investigate (1) the direct and indirect effects of transformational entrepreneurship on readiness for change, psychological capital and employee performance, and (2) how the effects to readiness for change and psychological capital influence employee performance. The study data were collected using questionnaires completed by employees in 257 branches of a state-owned bank with locations throughout Indonesia. The data were analysed using the structural equation model. The results show that transformational entrepreneurship significantly and positively influences readiness for change, psychological capital, and employee performance and that readiness for change and psychological capital significantly and positively influences employee performance. Additionally, the effect of transformational entrepreneurship on employee performance is more significant if it is related to psychological capital than to readiness for change or to aspects of employee performance unrelated to transformational entrepreneurship. These findings enrich our understanding of transformational entrepreneurship and its value related to the direct and indirect effects on variables such as readiness for change, psychological capital and employee performance.

Osteoblast iron genes: real time PCR and microarray hybridization approach under hyperoxia.

OBJECTIVES: Iron is essential for cell growth, differentiation, electron transfer, and oxygen transport. Hyperoxia may increase the turnover of bone matrix components with a net effect of accelerated bone growth. Although hyperoxia was claimed could increase osteoblast activity, but expression level in possible genes which play role in proliferation is still unclear. This research aims to prove the differences of expression level of transferrin receptor gene and iron regulated transporter and other genes of 7F2 under 24 h normoxia, 24 h hyperoxia, and 48 h hyperoxia and the effect of hyperoxia by using osteoblast cell culture 7F2. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase, real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and microarray is used to qualitatively detect gene expression. The computer softwares such as National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) data base, Software Affymetrix, DNA Strider program, Genomatix - DiAlign program, Oligo 5.0 program (Software primer design) from Wojciech & Piotr Rychlik, and Genetyx-Mac version 8.0 have been used to analyze the PCR result. RESULTS: Under 24 h hyperoxia, there were 3,884 copies of transferrin receptor mRNA per 1,000,000 copies of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA. After 24 h hyperoxia, 8,325 copies of transferrin receptor mRNA per 1,000,000 GAPDH mRNA copies were found showing 2.1-fold up regulation. After 48 h hyperoxia, there was no significant increase at the level of expression of transferrin receptor mRNA, 8,079 mRNA copies per 1,000,000 copies of mRNA were found (2.0-fold up regulation compared with 24 h normoxia). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that hyperoxia might have an effect on upregulating the expression of some osteoblast genes which might have an impact on osteoblast activity.

Impact of age to ferritin and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as biomarkers for intensive care requirement and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients in Makassar, Indonesia.

Inflammation plays a substantial role in COVID-19 pathophysiology. Ferritin and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are significant prognostic biomarkers used in COVID-19 patients, although they are affected by other factors such as comorbidities and age. Aging changes the immune system through immunosenescence and inflammaging; however, there are limited number of studies evaluating its effect on ferritin and NLR as part of the complete assessment for intensive care requirement and mortality risk. A single-center retrospective cohort study of 295 COVID-19 patients was performed at the Siloam Hospitals Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia from April to August 2020. After admission, all patients were followed up for clinical outcomes. Patients were grouped into strata based on age (<50 years vs. ≥50 years) and risk groups (low-risk ferritin vs. high-risk ferritin; low-risk NLR vs. high-risk NLR). The endpoints of the study were the intensive care requirements and mortality. Among the 295 COVID-19 patients, 264 survived and 31 deceased. Ferritin and NLR had higher area under curve (AUC) values than other inflammatory parameters and had significantly different outcomes in both mortality and intensive care requirement groups. The combination of ferritin and NLR showed higher AUC values for intensive care requirement and mortality (AUC, 0.783; 95% confidence interval, 0.703-0.864). Multivariate analysis showed that both endpoints were strongly affected by age, ferritin level, and NLR. Age significantly multiplied clinical endpoints in low-risk group patients but not in high-risk group patients. The combination of ferritin and NLR had a better predictive value for intensive care requirement and mortality risk. However, age strongly affects clinical outcome in low-risk groups of both ferritin and NLR groups; hence, it should be considered as an early predictive factor of COVID-19 disease progression.

Meta-analysis: Association between hepatitis B virus preS mutation and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

Previous observational studies suggested that hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS mutation plays an important role in the existence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the results are still debatable. With an increasing number of studies about this topic, this study employed a meta-analysis to identify the association between HBV preS mutation and HCC risk. We searched for eligible studies from PubMed, ProQuest, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Springer databases to assess the association between HBV mutation and HCC risk. This meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 to provide pooled estimate for odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Twenty-one clinical studies were included in this meta-analysis study which consisted of 1738 participants with HBV-related HCC and 3740 HBsAg-positive patients without HCC. All studies used samples of Asian population. PreS deletion was the most common mutation found in all studies. We found that ORs of HBV overall preS deletion was associated with HCC (OR = 3.28; 95% CI = 2.32-4.65; P < .00001; random-effects model). Each preS1 and preS2 deletion was associated with increased risk of HCC, with OR 2.42 (95% CI = 1.25-4.68, P = .008) and 3.36 (95% CI = 2.04-5.55, P < .00001), respectively. PreS2 start codon mutation was also significantly associated with HCC risk (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.15-5.27; P = .02; random-effect model). The result of this meta-analysis suggested that HBV preS deletion (all, preS1 and preS2) and preS2 start codon mutation might contribute to the increased risk of HBV-related HCC.

Predicting factors of organizational citizenship behavior in Indonesian nurses.

This present study investigates the relationship between transformational leadership, learning culture, job satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, it also examines the mediating role of learning culture and job satisfaction on transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. This study utilized online questionnaires to collect data from nurses in a public hospital in Indonesia. Partial least square (PLS) was used as an analysis tool for 205 collected data. The findings indicated that transformational leadership did not significantly affect organizational citizenship behavior, but this has substantial implications for learning culture and job satisfaction. Both learning culture and job satisfaction significantly and positively predict organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, learning culture and job satisfaction act as perfect mediators between transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behavior. This study suggests leaders to maximize a systematic learning program and to pay attention to the nurses' job satisfaction rate to improve organizational citizenship behavior. The findings also provide learning culture and job satisfaction as critical factors, directly and indirectly, in motivating employees to perform organizational citizenship behavior.

Sucrose, Lactose, and Xylitol Exposures Affect Biofilm Formation of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract Objective: To determine the level of biofilm formation of S. mutans after being exposed to 5% sucrose, 8% lactose, or 1% xylitol. Material and Methods: This research was a laboratory-based experimental study with post-test only control group design. S. mutans was grown in test tubes containing tryptose soy broth (TSB) medium supplemented with 1% glucose. They were incubated at 37° C for 24 hours to grow the biofilms. The culture was then exposed to 5% sucrose, 8% lactose or 1% xylitol, incubated for 24 hours at 37° C, and examined using ELISA at a wavelength of 625 nm. The statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by the least significant difference test (a=0.05). Results: There were some differences in the biofilm formation of S. mutans after exposure to 5% sucrose, 8% lactose, or 1% xylitol (p<0.05). An LSD test indicated significant differences among the biofilm formations after exposure to 5% sucrose and 8% lactose and between 5% sucrose and 1% xylitol. In comparison, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between 8% lactose and 1% xylitol. Conclusion: Sucrose, lactose and xylitol can form biofilms and the formation of lactose biofilms is the same as xylitol.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate pulmonary inflammation and lung damage caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 virus in BALB/c mice.

BACKGROUND: The highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 virus is one of the causative agents of acute lung injury (ALI) with high mortality rate. Studies on therapeutic administration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ALI caused by the viral infection have been limited in number and have shown conflicting results. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSC administration in A/H5N1-caused ALI, using a mouse model. METHODS: MSCs were prepared from the bone marrow of 9 to 12 week-old BALB/c mice. An H5N1 virus of A/turkey/East Java/Av154/2013 was intranasally inoculated into BALB/c mice. On days 2, 4, and 6 after virus inoculation, MSCs were intravenously administered into the mice. To evaluate effects of the treatment, we examined for lung alveolar protein as an indicator for lung injury, PaO2/FiO2 ratio for lung functioning, and lung histopathology. Expressions of NF-κB, RAGE (transmembrane receptor for damage associated molecular patterns), TNFα, IL-1ß, Sftpc (alveolar cell type II marker), and Aqp5+ (alveolar cell type I marker) were examined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, body weight, virus growth in lung and brain, and duration of survival were measured. RESULTS: The administration of MSCs lowered the level of lung damage in the virus-infected mice, as shown by measuring lung alveolar protein, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and histopathological score. In the MSC-treated group, the expressions of NF-κB, RAGE, TNFα, and IL-1ß were significantly suppressed in comparison with a mock-treated group, while those of Sftpc and Aqp5+ were enhanced. Body weight, virus growth, and survival period were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: The administration of MSCs prevented further lung injury and inflammation, and enhanced alveolar cell type II and I regeneration, while it did not significantly affect viral proliferation and mouse morbidity and mortality. The results suggested that MSC administration was a promissing strategy for treatment of acute lung injuries caused by the highly pathogenic avian influenza A/H5N1 virus, although further optimization and combination use of anti-viral drugs will be obviously required to achieve the goal of reducing mortality.

Does entrepreneurship education promote vocational students' entrepreneurial mindset?

This paper aims to explore how entrepreneurship education determines students' entrepreneurial intentions as well as examine the emerging role of the entrepreneurial mindset in supporting this relationship. A quantitative method was applied to gain a better understanding of the relationship between variables utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based variance Partial Least Square (PLS). The participants of this study were recruited from several vocational students in East Java of Indonesia by using an online survey. The findings indicate that entrepreneurship education positively influences both students' entrepreneurial intentions and an entrepreneurial mindset. It also reveals a robust correlation between entrepreneurship mindset and students' entrepreneurship intentions. Lastly, this study's finding shows that the entrepreneurship mindset has successfully mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial education and students' entrepreneurial intention.

Isolation and identification of a flavonoid compound and in vivo lipid-lowering properties of Imperata cylindrica.

Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica/I. cylindrica) of the Gramineae family is found abundantly in nature, and the roots of this plant possess several beneficial biological properties. The present study aimed to isolate and identify flavonoid compounds from cogon grass roots and examine their potential as hypocholesterolemic agents. The flavonoid compound was isolated using a maceration method, followed by gravity column chromatography until a pure compound was obtained. The molecular structure of the isolated compound was determined using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. An in vivo lipid-lowering test used a randomized post-test only control group experimental design in rats with hypercholesterolemia. The animals were divided into four groups: K0, negative control; K1, positive control; K2, ethanol extract treated group; and K3, ethyl acetate fraction treated group, and the lipid profiles were examined at the end of the study. The isolated compound, 7,3',5'-trimethoxyflavonol, was collected in yellow powder form; was shown to be a flavonoids and was comprised of 18 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms. In vivo tests demonstrated that 15 mg/200 g body weight (BW) of an ethanol extract significantly lowered total cholesterol levels (P=0.001) but did not lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P=0.109) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P=0.003). The fraction of ethyl acetate administered at 15 mg/200 g BW was capable of lowering the total cholesterol levels significantly (P=0.002) and lowered LDL levels (P=0.006) but was unable to increase HDL levels (P=0.190). The in vivo tests showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of I. cylindrica reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels more effectively than the ethanol extract, but did not affect HDL levels in rats with hypercholesterolemia.

A new dataset on plant occurrences on small islands, including species abundances and functional traits across different spatial scales.

BACKGROUND: We introduce a new dataset of woody plants on 60 small tropical islands located in the Raja Ampat archipelago in Indonesia. The dataset includes incidence, abundance and functional trait data for 57 species. All islands were sampled using a standardised transect and plot design providing detailed information on plant occurrences at different spatial scales ranging from the local (plot and transect scale) to the island scale. In addition, the dataset includes information on key plant functional traits linked to species dispersal, resource acquisition and competitive strategies. The dataset can be used to address ecological questions connected to the species-area relationship and community assembly processes on small islands and in isolated habitats. NEW INFORMATION: The dataset yields detailed information on plant community structure and links incidence, abundance and functional trait data at different spatial scales. Furthermore, this is the first plant-island dataset for the Raja Ampat archipelago, a remote and poorly studied region, and provides important new information on species occurrences.

The role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex species on apoptosis and necroptosis state of macrophages derived from active pulmonary tuberculosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: The role of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) species in tuberculosis (TB) infection in human is still questioned. The aim of this study was to determine whether M. tuberculosis and M. bovis is associated with apoptosis and necroptosis by measuring the expression of specific signaling pathways components (Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) and receptor interacting protein 3 (RIP3)), and the level of apoptosis. RESULTS: We recruited 30 patients with pulmonary TB; 24 patients were infected with M. tuberculosis Beijing strain and six patients with M. bovis BCG strain. M. tuberculosis-infected patients were more likely to have severe lung damage compared to those infected with M. bovis (odds ratio [OR] 7.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-54.09). M. tuberculosis infection was associated with lower expression of FADD and lower apoptosis level of macrophages compared to M. bovis. No significant different of RIP3 between MTBC species groups. In conclusion, M. tuberculosis Beijing strain was associated with severe pulmonary damage, inhibited FADD expression and reduced apoptosis level of macrophages derived from pulmonary TB patients. This suggests that the M. tuberculosis Beijing strain is potentially to be used as determinant of disease progressivity and tissue damage in TB cases.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis A outbreaks in two districts in Indonesia in 2018: Same subtype, but different strains.

The present study aimed to analyse molecular epidemiological data from hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks in two affected areas. The association between the knowledge of hepatitis A and incidence of infection was also determined. Serum samples were obtained from 88 individuals with clinical manifestations of acute hepatitis in Lamongan (n=54) in January 2018 and Bangkalan (n=34) in March 2018. The outbreak investigation was started one day after the outbreaks were reported by the Public Health Offices in Lamongan and Bangkalan. Anti-HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and PCR amplification products of the VP1 capsid protein-P2A protease and VP1-VP3 junctions were analysed. Positive PCR products were sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis X software. The control group comprised healthy students and staff members from the two affected areas. Thus, 172 responses from the control and hepatitis A case groups were analysed to assess the association between the students' knowledge level and the incidence of HAV infection. A total of 32 (59.25%) of the 54 individuals from Lamongan and 19 (55.9%) of the 34 participants from Bangkalan were positive for anti-HAV IgM; 26 PCR tests were positive in the VP3-VP1 and/or VP1-P2A junction, which were identified as HAV subgenotype IA. The subtype of HAV in the two areas was IA, similar to those identified previously, but the viruses did not originate from the same strain, as identified by multiple alignment. The knowledge level of the students and staff members in Lamongan studying and working at a half-day school exhibited a significant association with the incidence; however, no association was observed among the students in Bangkalan studying at a full-day school with a dormitory.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis B virus among migrant workers in Lombok Island, Indonesia

To examine the potential risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) spread in Indonesia by migrant workers, based on the molecular characteristics of HBV strains. Methods: Sera collected from migrant workers traveling to their destination countries (pre-migrant workers) and those returning to Indonesia (post-migrant workers) were screened for HBsAg by ELISA, followed by HBV DNA detection by PCR and (sub) genotype/subtype determination according to surface region and whole genome sequencing. Results: Of 87 pre-migrant workers, 15 (17.24%) were HBsAgpositive, whereas 15 (12.10%) of 124 post-migrant workers were HBsAg seropositive. HBV genotype analysis based on the S region showed that HBV-B3/adw2 was predominant (96.15%, 25/26) whereas 3.85% (1/26) of isolates were HBV-C3/adrq+. Whole genome sequencing of selected strains and phylogenetic tree analysis identified subgenotype B7 in three samples previously categorized as subgenotype B3 based on S region analysis, supporting a recent argument that subgenotypes B5/B7/B8/B9 could be considered as a quasi-subgenotype of B3. Conclusions: A high prevalence of HBsAg carriers was detected among migrant workers from Lombok Island, with no significant difference in prevalence between before and after returning to Indonesia. All strains were classified into genotypes common in Indonesia, and the results suggested that migrant workers are not a risk factor for HBV transmission into Indonesia.