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INDONESIA
Narra J
ISSN : -     EISSN : 28072618     DOI : https://doi.org/10.52225/narraj
Core Subject : Health, Science,
Narra J is a multidisciplinary journal and it is published three times (April, August, December) a year. The objective is to promote articles on infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. Narra J publishes original research work across all disciplines of medicine and allied sciences, related to infection, public health, global health, tropical infection, one health and diseases in tropics. The journal publishes Original articles, Short Report, Review articles, and Letters to the Editor. All articles published in Narra J are peer-reviewed and published online for immediate access and citation. Narra J publishes the primary research papers, review articles, short communications and letters on topics but not limited to: Public health Global health Infection Tropical diseases One health Biomedical sciences Epidemiology and clinical epidemiology Molecular biology Environmental health Microbiology Pharmacological sciences Diseases in tropics
Articles 86 Documents
Search results for , issue "Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024" : 86 Documents clear
Low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer effects on lung function of myasthenia gravis patients: A randomized controlled trial Amalina, Nabila; Poerwandari, Dewi; Handajani, Noor I.; Sudibyo, Devi A.; Melaniani, Soenarnatalina
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.844

Abstract

Patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) often show restrictive spirometry results. Although regular exercise and physical fitness are linked to better respiratory function, there is limited research assessing the effects of aerobic exercise on lung function in MG patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low-intensity aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer on lung function parameters in MG patients. A randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-test was conducted at the Medical Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, in 2023. MG patients classified as I−IIb based on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification were recruited and randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group was given low-intensity aerobic exercise using a cycle ergometer, education on lifestyle changes, and breathing exercises (deep and pursed lip breathing). Lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced expiratory volume ratio (FEVR), were then measured. Measurements were conducted before and after eight weeks of low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer exercise and compared with those of a control group. A total of 17 MG patients were included in this study. The results showed a significant increase in FVC in the treatment group (p=0.003), whereas no significant change in the control group (p=0.068). A significant increase in FEV1 was observed both in the treatment (p=0.029) and the control group (p=0.016). There was no improvement in FEVR in either group. After the intervention, significant differences were observed in FVC (p=0.009) and FEV1 (p=0.029) between the treatment and control groups. There was no significant difference in FEVR values after the intervention between both groups (p=0.491). In conclusion, eight weeks of low-intensity aerobic cycle ergometer exercise led to significant improvements in FVC and FEV1 among MG patients.
Inhibition of B-cell activating factor activity using active compounds from Physalis angulata in the mechanism of nephrotic syndrome improvement: A computational approach Kardani, Astrid K.; Fitri, Loeki E.; Samsu , Nur; Subandiyah , Krisni; Endharti, Agustina T.; Nugrahenny, Dian; Wibowo, Syahputra
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.859

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome, a multifaceted medical condition characterized by significant proteinuria, has recently prompted a reorientation of research efforts toward B-cell-mediated mechanisms. This shift underscores the pivotal role played by B-cells in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore potential therapeutic pathways, with specific attention given to compounds found in Physalis angulata, including withanolides, such as physalins, which constitute one of the five distinct withanolide subgroups identified in Physalis angulata. Furthermore, the study assessed the monoclonal antibody belimumab, designed to target B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and its associated receptors (TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R). Various research techniques were employed, encompassing data mining, bioactivity analysis, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profiling, molecular modeling, and docking studies. Withanolide was demonstrated as a potential inhibitor for the protein BAFF, showing a binding energy of -7.1 kcal/mol. Physalin F emerged as the leading candidate inhibitor for the protein TACI, with a binding energy of -8.3 kcal/mol. Similarly, withanolide was identified as the top inhibitor candidate for the protein BCMA, exhibiting a binding energy of -7.0 kcal/mol. The most favorable interaction with BAFF-R was physalin F, which displayed a binding energy of -8.0 kcal/mol. Moreover, molecular dynamic simulation suggested that physalin F was able to maintain protein stability, hence being a good inhibitor candidate for BAFF-R and TACI proteins. The results of this investigation demonstrated substantial promise, indicating that these withanolides and withaphysalin A compounds derived from Physalis angulata offer alternative avenues for B-cell targeting. Consequently, this study presents opportunities for pioneering treatments in the management of nephrotic syndrome.
Evaluation of phenolic compounds as cross-linkers to improve the qualities of halal gelatin from milkfish scales (Chanos chanos) Hamzah, Nursalam; Ibrahim, Slamet; Tjahjono, Daryono H.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.907

Abstract

Gelatin is a versatile substance extensively used in medical and pharmaceutical industries for many applications, including capsule shells, X-ray film, infusion for plasma substitute, and the fabricating of artificial tissue. Fish scale gelatin is a profitable alternative source as a halal material despite its inferior quality. An addition of phenolic cross-linker may enhance the qualities of fish scale gelatin. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of phenolics to act as cross-linkers for fish scale gelatin and to identify the factors affecting this process. Gelatin production from fish scales (Chanos chanos) was carried out through basic pre-extraction and acidic pre-extraction. Thereafter, the gelatin was reacted with 10 different phenolics (phenol, pyrocatechol, resorcinol, α-naphthol, vanillin, L-tyrosine, curcumin, gallic acid, quercetin, and tannic acid). The resultant gelatins were characterized by infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction pattern, swelling index, degree of cross-linking, viscosity, gel strength, mechanical profile, thermal profile, and water vapor permeability. Gelatin with the most favorable characteristics was further investigated for the effects of acidity (pH 4, 7, and 10) and cross-linker concentrations (2.5–10%). The findings revealed the formation of cross-linkage through shifted vibrational peaks of amide A, amide B, and amide II in the infrared spectrum. Shifted X-ray diffraction peaks in the gelatin with phenol addition also indicated the formation of cross-linkage. Significant improvement in the gelatin characteristics, such as swelling index, degree of cross-linking, viscosity, gel strength, mechanical profile, thermal profile, and water vapor permeability, could be attributed to the addition of phenolics cross-linkers. The highest improvement was observed in gelatin added with basic tannic acid 10%. Gelatin cross-linked with basic tannic acid 10% had a moisture content of 9.24±0.14%, swelling index of 323±17%, degree of cross-linking of 69.99±0.84%, viscosity of 8.48±0.23 cP, gel strength of 151.5±6.9 Bloom, melting temperature of 213.5°C, tensile strength of 7.00±0.54 N.cm-2, elongation at the break of 114.08±14.63%, elastic modulus of 58.45±8.20 N.cm-2 and water vapor permeability of 0.57±0.07 g.mm.m-2.h-1. kPa-1. The qualities of tannic acid-cross-linked gelatin films and film-forming gel increased when manufactured under basic conditions in comparison to acidic or neutral conditions. Furthermore, increasing the quantity of tannic acid to 10% improved the overall characteristics as compared to non-cross-linked gelatin. In conclusion, tannic acid has the ability to cross-link the fish gelatin, thereby enhancing its qualities.
Effects of decursinol angelate on viability and apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells: In vitro study Rahman, Zakaria A.; Hidayatullah, Furqan; Pratama, Putu KD.; Andhika, Dimas P.; Hakim, Lukman
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.948

Abstract

Prostate cancer represents the predominant malignant neoplasm observed in the male population and ranks second in terms of mortality attributable to malignant neoplasm among men. Decursinol angelate (DA), derived from the plant Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN), has demonstrated anti-cancer effectiveness through the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, having anti-neovascularization, anti-inflammatory anti-oxidative activities and stimulating the immune process. The aim of this study was to determine the IC50 dose of DA on human prostate cancer cell line PC-3, as well as to assess its effects on cell viability and apoptosis. PC-3 cells were utilized in this study due to its hormonal therapy resistance characteristics. The treatment commenced with the determination of the IC50 of DA and cell viability using the CCK-8 method as a baseline dose. A combination with abiraterone acetate (AA) was performed using an escalated dose based on its IC50 to identify whether DA has a synergy with AA in decreasing PC-3 cell viability. Apoptosis levels were measured using flow cytometry. The research includes a control group (C) and three treatment groups: AA group, DA group, and DA+AA group. GraphPad Prism, SPSS version 25 and CompuSyn software were used for statistical analysis. This study reveals that the IC50 dose of DA is 13.63 µM. The decrease of PC-3 cell viability exposed to DA occurs in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PC-3 cell apoptosis is significantly increased in both the DA group and DA+AA compared to the control. Moreover, no difference in apoptosis level is noted between the DA and AA groups. Notably, there is a synergy between DA and AA, where a specific dose equal to one-fourth of the IC50 dose results in greater efficacy in reducing PC-3 cell viability compared to individual treatments of either DA or AA at the IC50 doses. This study demonstrates the potential of decursinol angelate as a single drug or combined with abiraterone acetate to reduce viability and increase apoptosis of castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells.
Global prevalence and potential factors influencing willingness for renal transplantation in end-stage renal disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis Tamara, Fredo; Fajar, Jonny K.; Susanto, Agung; Enggriani, Yesica T.; Beluan, Maria IS.; Mirino, Reychell; Farida, Lia D.; Hastutya, Diana V.; Puspitasari, Dewi A.; Putri, Yama S.; Susanto, Jefri P.; Dzhyvak, Volodymyr
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.964

Abstract

The prevalence of willingness to undergo renal transplantation and its potentially associated factors have been documented in multiple prior studies across different regions, yet certain findings are conflicting. The aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of willingness for renal transplantation and identify its associated factors through meta-analysis methods. Databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Embase were utilized for the search strategy, covering the period from April to May 2024. Data collection focused on gathering information regarding the prevalence and potential contributing factors of renal transplantation. Statistical analysis involved examining the cumulative prevalence of willingness for renal transplantation using single-arm meta-analysis. Factors associated with willingness for renal transplantation were analyzed using the Mantel–Haenszel test for categorical variables and the inverse variance method for numerical variables. A total of nine articles, covering 3935 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were included. The pooled estimates revealed that the overall prevalence of willingness to undergo renal transplantation among ESRD patients was 57% (95%CI: 0.46–0.67). Furthermore, we observed a higher likelihood of willingness among men and those of younger age, attainment of at least a bachelor's degree or higher in education, employment status, higher income levels, and a shorter duration of hemodialysis (<5 years). Our study has documented the global prevalence and potential associated factors of willingness to undergo renal transplantation, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance the acceptance of renal transplantation.
Aerobic exercise improves spatial memory in a rat model of meningitis Zaidah, Lailatuz; Soetrisno, Soetrisno; Purwanto, Bambang; Kristiyanto, Agus; Wasita, Brian; Widyaningsih, Vitri
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.977

Abstract

Infections of the nervous system, such as acute bacterial meningitis, pose serious health problems that require immediate intervention. In experimental animals, exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to induce meningitis. Aside from drug intervention to reduce inflammation in meningitis, aerobic exercise helps to maintain the regulatory mechanisms of brain homeostasis through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise on malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), apoptosis, and spatial memory. A four-week experimental study was conducted using 18 rats, which were randomly divided into three different groups (six rats per group): healthy rats as negative controls (non-meningitis), a treatment group treated with antibiotic treatment (meningitis group), and a third group (aerobic exercise group) treated with antibiotics and aerobic exercise following LPS-induced meningitis. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and the comparison between groups used the Bonferroni post-hoc test. The results showed that aerobic exercise significantly reduced MDA (p<0.001), NF-κB (p=0.035), and apoptosis (p=0.020) while increasing the serum levels of IGF-1 (p<0.001), eNOS (p=0.011), and BDNF (p=0.001) levels. Improvement in spatial memory was significant in the aerobic exercise group (p<0.001). This study suggested that aerobic exercise could be a promising adjunct therapy in meningitis management strategies, particularly due to its effect on improving spatial memory. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings for clinical use.
The ethanol extract of Sargassum duplicatum as an ovicidal agent against Aedes aegypti Giyantolin, Giyantolin; Subiakto, Yuli; Poerwanto, Soenarwan H.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.990

Abstract

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a major health concern in tropical and subtropical countries. Indonesia has DHF cases perennially every year. On the other hand, Indonesia is abundant with seaweed (Sargassum duplicatum), which can be found across its seashore. The macroalgae contains secondary metabolites with ovicidal activity; hence, it has the potential to be utilized in suppressing the Aedes aegypti. The aim of this study was to determine the ovicidal activity of S. duplicatum against the Ae. aegypti eggs. The algae were macerated with ethanol 70% before being subjected to qualitative phytochemical screenings. The ovicidal tests were conducted with an extract concentration of 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, and 1500 ppm, while distilled water was used as the control. The hatchability of Ae. aegypti was observed 24 hours a day for 4 days and the larval development was investigated under a microscope. Phytochemical screenings revealed that the extract was positive containing alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, and phenols. The hatchability of Ae. aegypti eggs were significantly reduced following the S. duplicatum extract exposure for four days (p=0.000). The extract had LC50 of 828.653 ppm and LC50 of 1786.09 ppm for the ovicidal activity against Ae. aegypti eggs. The concentration of ethanol extract of S. duplicatum did not affect the mosquito development from larvae to adult stage (p=0.263). Further research is needed to explore the effect of specific compounds contained in the S. duplicatum and investigate their ovicidal potential.
Impacts of Phyllanthus niruri extract on biomarker levels, macrophage count, and lesion area in an endometriotic rat model Wulandari, Eka T.; Soetrisno, Soetrisno; Purwanto, Bambang; Reviono, Reviono; Wasita, Brian; Laqif, Abdurrahman
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1002

Abstract

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by chronic inflammation, anatomical changes, prolonged pain, and infertility. On the other hand, Phyllanthus niruri is recognized for its pharmacological effects, which might be beneficial in managing endometriosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the pharmacological effects of P. niruri as a potential therapy for endometriosis by using an animal model. An experimental laboratory study with randomized, controlled trial, pre-test, and post-test design using 40 female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) was conducted at the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT) of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from February to June 2023. Endometriosis was induced in female Wistar rats by suturing a 0.5 cm2 flap from the uterine horn to the peritoneal cavity. Changes in serum interleukin 1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), before and after the treatment, were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate lesion size and macrophage quantity. The results suggested that the P. niruri extract with a dose of 196 mg/200 g body weight (BW) could significantly attenuate serum IL-1β (p=0.004), MMP-9 (p=0.021), and MDA (p=0.021). Rats receiving the P. niruri extract (196 mg/200 g BW) had significantly higher macrophage counts (p=0.003), but similar lesion area (p=0.093) as compared with the negative control. In conclusion, P. niruri demonstrated promising therapeutical effects on endometriosis by modulating IL-1β, MDA, and MMP-9 levels, although the effect was not pronounced on macrophage counts and lesion area.
Factors associated with awareness of and undergoing Pap smear tests among Jordanian women Annab, Abeer; Lataifeh, Lujain; Lataifeh, Isam; Al-Rabadi, Diala; Alkouri, Osama; Khader, Yousef S.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1018

Abstract

Several screening methods are used to detect cervical cancer, with Pap smear test is considered as one of the most reliable screening methods to diagnose cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with awareness of undergoing Pap smear tests among Jordanian women. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 525 Jordanian women attending the outpatient maternity hospital consecutively from February to July 2023. Data encompassed demographic characteristics (age, occupation, and education), awareness of Pap smears, beliefs regarding their importance, sources of information, and the history of undergoing Pap smear tests were collected using a structured questionnaire. Of the total 525 Jordanian women, 87.6% were aware of Pap smears. The awareness varied significantly depending on age and education level. Women aged 41–50 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.0; 95%CI: 2.3–15.3) and with a university education (AOR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.4–4.8) were associated with increased odds of being aware of Pap smears. Among the women who were aware of Pap smears, the majority (94.1%) expressed belief in the importance of undergoing Pap smear tests and 61.7% reported having undergone the procedure at least once in their lives. In the multivariate analysis, women aged 30–40 years (AOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.8), 41–50 years (AOR: 4.1; 95%CI: 2.3–7.3), and older than 50 years (AOR: 9.8; 95%CI: 4.2–23.0) had a higher likelihood of undergoing Pap smear tests than those of under 30 years old. Being a housewife (AOR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1–2.7) and those who believed in the importance of Pap smear testing (AOR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.1–6.0) were also more likely to have a Pap smear test. Nearly half of the women who had undergone Pap smears reported doing so every 2–3 years, while 25.7% indicated annual screening. Importantly, the overwhelming majority (97.9%) preferred the procedure to be performed by a gynecologist. In conclusion, the majority of women were aware of Pap smears. Two-thirds of women reported having undergone the procedure at least once. Prevention programs targeting cervical cancer and Pap smear tests should be tailored to women with low education, younger than 30 years, and those employed to maximize screening uptake for cervical cancer.
Comparison of success rates in early stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with and without endometriosis Haque, Arinil; Primariawan, Relly Y.; Hendarto, Hendy
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 3 (2024): December 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i3.1019

Abstract

Endometriosis remains a significant challenge for reproductive-aged women and is frequently associated with infertility. Although in vitro fertilization (IVF) is used to address infertility in women with endometriosis, its effectiveness in this context is still debated, particularly in developing countries such as Indonesia, where IVF remains a major challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the success rates of early stages of IVF in women with and without endometriosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Graha Amerta Fertility Clinic, located within Dr. Soetomo Academic General Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia.  The quantity and quality of oocytes (the number of oocytes obtained by ovum pick-up (OPU) and the number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes), fertilization quality (the number of two-pronuclei oocytes and fertilization rate), embryo development quality (cleavage rate and blastocyst rate), biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rate were collected from IVF patients between 2017−2022. Independent Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney test was used accordingly for comparison analysis. A total of 410 IVF patients were included in the study; 93 had endometriosis, while 317 had no endometriosis. Oocyte quantity obtained by OPU (p=0.016) and oocyte quality (p=0.045), as measured by the number of MII oocytes, were significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared to the non-endometriosis group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the number of two-pronuclei oocytes (p=0.105), fertilization rate (p=0.987), cleavage rate (p=0.467), blastocyst rate (p=0.128), biological pregnancy rates (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.60–1.60; p=0.940), clinical pregnancy rate (OR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.39–1.24, p=0.219), or live birth rate (p=0.609). These findings suggest that while endometriosis may reduce oocyte quantity and quality, it does not significantly impact the success rates of IVF.