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The Rising Incidence of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents: Lifestyle Factors and Preventive Strategies in Bangladesh Prakesh, Utter; Mahmood Abbas
Scientific Journal of Dermatology and Venereology Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Scientific Journal of Dermatology and Venereology
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjdv.v2i2.160

Abstract

Introduction: Acne vulgaris, a common skin condition, significantly impacts adolescents' quality of life. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of acne vulgaris has been increasing, particularly among urban adolescents. This study aims to investigate the lifestyle factors associated with acne vulgaris and explore potential preventive strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents (aged 12-18 years) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, including sociodemographic information, dietary habits, sleep patterns, stress levels, and skincare practices. Acne severity was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between lifestyle factors and acne severity. Results: The prevalence of acne vulgaris was 68.5%. A significant association was found between acne severity and high glycemic index (GI) diets (p<0.01), irregular sleep patterns (p<0.05), and high stress levels (p<0.001). Inadequate skincare practices, such as infrequent face washing and the use of comedogenic cosmetics, were also associated with increased acne severity (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant impact of lifestyle factors on acne vulgaris in Bangladeshi adolescents. Interventions targeting dietary habits, sleep patterns, stress management, and skincare practices may be effective in preventing and managing acne vulgaris in this population.
Metatranscriptomic Profiling of the Subgingival Microbiome in Peri-implantitis versus Healthy Implants: Identifying Key Dysbiotic Pathways Rheina Weisch Fedre; Ramakhrisnand Ramakhrisnand; Firman Hadi; Mahmood Abbas
Crown: Journal of Dentistry and Health Research Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Crown: Journal of Dentistry and Health Research
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/crown.v3i1.237

Abstract

Introduction: Peri-implantitis is a primary cause of dental implant failure, characterized by inflammatory destruction of supporting tissues. While microbial dysbiosis is implicated, the functional activities of the subgingival microbiome that drive disease pathogenesis remain poorly understood. This study aimed to elucidate the key functional and metabolic shifts in the subgingival microbiome associated with peri-implantitis using metatranscriptomic analysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved twenty patients, ten with healthy implants (HI) and ten diagnosed with peri-implantitis (PI). Subgingival biofilm samples were collected from the deepest peri-implant sulcus of each subject. Total RNA was extracted, followed by library preparation and sequencing on an Illumina NovaSeq platform. Bioinformatic analysis included quality control, taxonomic profiling using Kraken2, and functional annotation against the KEGG and Gene Ontology databases. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using DESeq2 to identify microbial transcriptional signatures distinguishing the PI and HI groups. Results: The metatranscriptome of the PI group exhibited significantly higher microbial diversity and a distinct taxonomic composition, with a notable enrichment of transcripts from species such as Porphyrononas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In contrast, the HI group was dominated by transcripts from commensal streptococci. Functional analysis revealed a significant upregulation of pathways related to bacterial virulence, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis, bacterial secretion systems (Type IV), and iron acquisition in the PI group. Furthermore, pathways associated with amino acid metabolism, particularly arginine and tryptophan degradation, were highly active, suggesting a proteolytic environment. Conversely, the HI metatranscriptome showed enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism and fermentation pathways. Conclusions: The subgingival microbiome in peri-implantitis is not only taxonomically distinct but also functionally primed for pathogenicity. The active transcription of genes related to virulence, inflammation induction, and proteolytic metabolism highlights the key dysbiotic pathways that likely contribute to tissue destruction. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the functional gene expression profile in peri-implantitis and suggest potential targets for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating microbial activity rather than merely eliminating specific taxa.
The ‘Untreatable’ Fear: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Psychosocial Burden and Catastrophic Cognition in Patients Diagnosed with Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae Felicia Sari; Muhammad Yusuf; Mahmood Abbas; Nadia Khoirina; Wisnu Wardhana Putra; Abdullah Assagaf
Scientia Psychiatrica Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): Scientia Psychiatrica
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/scipsy.v6i2.195

Abstract

Introduction: The global emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae threatens a return to the pre-antibiotic era. While the microbiological resistance mechanisms are well-documented, the psychopathological sequelae of being diagnosed with a potentially incurable sexually transmitted infection remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the psychosocial burden and catastrophic cognition in patients with MDR N. gonorrhoeae compared to those with drug-susceptible strains. Methods: We employed a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. A sample of 200 patients (100 MDR vs. 100 Susceptible) was recruited based on an a priori power analysis to ensure sufficient sensitivity for detecting medium effect sizes. Participants completed the adapted Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Subsequently, 20 MDR-positive participants underwent in-depth semi-structured interviews analyzed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: The MDR group exhibited significantly higher mean scores for catastrophic thinking (PCS: 38.4 versus 14.2, p<0.001), anxiety (GAD-7: 16.5 versus 8.1, p<0.001), and depression (PHQ-9: 14.8 versus 6.5, p<0.001). The adapted PCS showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s a= 0.94). Qualitative analysis revealed core themes of stigma ("The Leper of the Modern Age") and systemic fear ("The Ticking Time Bomb"). Conclusion: A diagnosis of MDR N. gonorrhoeae precipitates a unique and severe psychological syndrome characterized by high catastrophizing and psychosocial distress. Integrated psychiatric care and cognitive behavioral interventions are essential components of the clinical management for this demographic.
Elevated IL-6 and TNF-α Associated with Treatment-Resistant Depression in Virally Suppressed HIV Patients: A Cross-Sectional Biomarker Study Wisnu Wardhana Putra; Muhammad Yusuf; Mahmood Abbas; Nadia Khoirina; Felicia Sari; Abdullah Assagaf
Scientia Psychiatrica Vol. 6 No. 3 (2025): Scientia Psychiatrica
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/scipsy.v6i3.196

Abstract

Introduction: Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), major depressive disorder (MDD) remains highly prevalent in people living with HIV (PLWH). A subset of these patients develops treatment-resistant depression (TRD), creating a significant clinical burden. The "cytokine hypothesis" proposes that residual immune activation drives this resistance. This study aimed to evaluate whether serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) constitute a distinct biological signature of TRD, independent of viral load and smoking status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study (N=120) between January 2023 and June 2025. Participants were virally suppressed HIV-positive individuals stratified into three groups (n=40 each): (1) TRD (non-response > 2 antidepressants); (2) Treatment-responsive depression (T-Resp); and (3) Non-depressed controls (NDC). Smoking status (pack-years) was quantified. Cytokines were measured via high-sensitivity ELISA. Data were normalized using Log-10 transformation. We employed ANCOVA (adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking) and multivariate logistic regression to assess associations. Results: The TRD group exhibited significantly higher serum IL-6 and TNF-α compared to the T-Resp and NDC groups (p < 0.001). Although smoking prevalence was higher in the TRD group (45%), ANCOVA confirmed that depression status remained significantly associated with elevated cytokines after adjusting for smoking (F(2,116) = 42.5, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified IL-6 as a robust correlate of TRD (Adjusted OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.45–3.18) with no multicollinearity (VIF=1.32). ROC analysis indicated high diagnostic accuracy for IL-6 (AUC=0.88). Conclusion: Elevated proinflammatory cytokines are strongly associated with TRD in PLWH, independent of viral replication and nicotine use. These findings support the potential utility of IL-6 as a stratification biomarker for immunomodulatory adjunctive therapies.