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Beyond Amyloid: Investigating the Role of Tau Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Progression in Medan, Indonesia Sony Sanjaya; Brenda Jaleel; Cindy Susanti; Yi-Fen Huang; Husin Sastranagara; Agnes Mariska
Sriwijaya Journal of Neurology Vol. 1 No. 2 (2023): Sriwijaya Journal of Neurology
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjn.v1i1.26

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment. While amyloid plaques have been a central focus of AD research, increasing evidence suggests that tau oligomers play a crucial role in disease progression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between tau oligomers, cognitive function, and disease severity in AD patients in Medan, Indonesia. Methods: An observasional case series study was conducted involving 50 AD patients diagnosed according to the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) criteria. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected and analyzed for tau oligomers using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale. Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between tau oligomer levels, cognitive performance, and disease severity. Results: The mean tau oligomer level in AD patients was 120.5 ± 35.2 pg/mL. A significant negative correlation was observed between tau oligomer levels and MMSE scores (r = -0.65, p < 0.001), indicating that higher tau oligomer levels were associated with poorer cognitive performance. Furthermore, tau oligomer levels were positively correlated with CDR scores (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), suggesting a link between tau oligomers and disease severity. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the involvement of tau oligomers in AD progression in the Indonesian population. Elevated CSF tau oligomer levels are associated with cognitive decline and disease severity in AD patients. These findings highlight the potential of tau oligomers as a therapeutic target and emphasize the need for further research to develop effective interventions.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal Mortality Rates in Indonesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study Imanuel Simbolon; Louisa Istarini; Desiree Montesinos; Habiburrahman Said; Yi-Fen Huang
Sriwijaya Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 1 No. 2 (2023): Sriwijaya Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjog.v1i1.21

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Early reports have indicated an increase in maternal mortality rates (MMR) in various settings. This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MMR in Indonesia, a populous country in Southeast Asia with a high MMR. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health's Maternal Mortality Surveillance System (MMSS). The study population included all pregnant women who delivered in Indonesia between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2022. Women were categorized into two groups: those who delivered before the pandemic (January 1st, 2018, to February 29th, 2020) and those who delivered during the pandemic (March 1st, 2020, to December 31st 2022). The primary outcome was maternal death. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between the pandemic period and maternal mortality, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 1,250,480 deliveries were included in the study. The MMR during the pandemic period was 155 per 100,000 live births, compared to 118 per 100,000 live births pre-pandemic. After adjusting for confounders such as maternal age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare, the pandemic period was independently associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-1.39). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in MMR in Indonesia. This highlights the need for continued efforts to strengthen maternal healthcare systems and ensure access to quality care, especially during public health emergencies.
Prenatal Exposure to Maternal Stress and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children: A Longitudinal Study with Epigenetic Analysis in Jakarta, Indonesia Fatimah Mursyid; Akmal Hasan; Tomiola Owkwulu; Maximillian Wilson; Yi-Fen Huang; Husin Sastranagara
Sriwijaya Journal of Neurology Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): Sriwijaya Journal of Neurology
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjn.v1i2.81

Abstract

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to maternal stress has been identified as a potential risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. This study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal maternal stress and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children in Jakarta, Indonesia, and to explore the potential mediating role of epigenetic modifications. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted involving 300 pregnant women recruited from antenatal clinics in Jakarta. Maternal stress was assessed during the second trimester of pregnancy using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children were evaluated at 12 and 24 months of age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III). Epigenetic analysis of cord blood DNA methylation was performed using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Results: Higher maternal stress scores during pregnancy were significantly associated with lower cognitive, language, and motor scores in children at 12 and 24 months of age. Epigenetic analysis revealed differential methylation patterns in genes related to neurodevelopment in children exposed to high prenatal maternal stress. Mediation analysis indicated that DNA methylation partially mediated the association between prenatal maternal stress and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to maternal stress is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, and epigenetic modifications may play a mediating role in this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of addressing maternal stress during pregnancy to promote optimal child neurodevelopment.
Early Childhood Feeding Practices and the Development of Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC): A Prospective Cohort Study in Medan, Indonesia Andhika Kurnianta Kusuma; Muhammad Ashraf; Yi-Fen Huang; Aprilia Sari; Firman Hadi; Sohyuk Kim
Scientific Journal of Pediatrics Vol. 3 No. 1 (2025): Scientific Journal of Pediatrics
Publisher : Phlox Institute: Indonesian Medical Research Organization

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.59345/sjped.v2i2.175

Abstract

Introduction: Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a significant public health problem, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. Early childhood feeding practices are recognized as major risk factors, but prospective data from specific regions like Medan, Indonesia, are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between various feeding practices and the development of S-ECC in a cohort of children in Medan. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 450 mother-child dyads recruited from Posyandu (integrated health posts) in Medan, Indonesia. Baseline data on maternal demographics, socioeconomic status, oral health knowledge, and infant feeding practices were collected via questionnaires and interviews. Children were followed up at 6-month intervals for 36 months. Dental examinations were performed by calibrated dentists using the dmft index (decayed, missing, filled teeth) to diagnose S-ECC. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the association between feeding practices and S-ECC development, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The incidence of S-ECC at 36 months was 38.2% (n=172). Prolonged bottle feeding (beyond 12 months) (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.15; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.55-2.98; p<0.001), nocturnal bottle feeding with sweetened liquids (HR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.01-4.03; p<0.001), and frequent consumption of sugary snacks/drinks (≥3 times/day) (HR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.38-2.67; p<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of S-ECC. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months showed a protective effect (HR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.45-0.86; p=0.004), even after adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal oral health knowledge. Conclusion: This study confirms the significant impact of early childhood feeding practices on S-ECC development in Medan, Indonesia. Prolonged and nocturnal bottle feeding, particularly with sweetened liquids, and frequent consumption of sugary snacks/drinks were key risk factors. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and educating mothers about appropriate feeding practices are crucial for S-ECC prevention in this population.