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harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
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+62895600103060052
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harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
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School of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
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Kota banda aceh,
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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 565 Documents
Determinants of chronic energy deficiency (CED) incidence in pregnant women: A cross-sectional study in Banyumas, Indonesia Wati, Erna K.; Murwani, Retno; Kartasurya, Martha I.; Sulistiyani, Sulistiyani
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.742

Abstract

Chronic energy deficiency (CED) in pregnant women is a condition of energy and protein deficiency that lasts for years and causes problems in the mother and fetus. Due to its significant consequences, determining the determinants associated with CED incidence is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to determine the determinants of the incidence of CED in pregnant women in Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia, in 2022. Plausible determinants included maternal age, pregnancy interval, parity, educational attainment, nutritional knowledge, employment, frequency of antenatal care (ANC), and nutritional intake. The Chi-squared test followed by multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the factors associated with the incidence of CED. Our data indicated that 32% of the pregnant women had CED. Univariate analysis found that maternal age (p=0.022), pregnancy interval (p=0.009), educational attainment (p=0.012), knowledge of nutrition and CED (p=0.023), frequency of utilization of ANC services (p=0.028), energy intake (p=0.002), protein intake (p=0.006), vitamin C intake (p=0.016), folate intake (p=0.011), and calcium intake (p=0.004) were significantly associated with CED incidence in the pregnant women. Multivariate analysis indicated that extreme maternal age (OR; 3.49; 95%CI: 1.10–11.05), low educational attainment (OR: 4.12; 95%CI: 1.37–12.33), short pregnancy interval (OR; 7.30; 95%CI: 1.84–28.99), low frequency of ANC (OR: 3.06; 95%CI: 1.01–9.19) and low protein intake (OR: 6.80; 95%CI: 1.62–28.59) were associated with CED incidence. This study underscores the importance of increasing nutritional intake, frequency of ANC, and pregnancy interval among pregnant women to reduce the risk of CED and its adverse health outcomes.
Curcumin-mediated alleviation of dextran-induced leaky gut in Drosophila melanogaster Khaerani, Mufliha; Chaeratunnisa, Rizkya; Salsabila, Annisa; Asbah, Asbah; Asri, Rangga M.; Shiratsuchi, Akiko; Nainu, Firzan
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.743

Abstract

Aging is commonly characterized by a decline in the physiological functioning of the body organs, with one hallmark being the impairment of intestinal function, leading to increased intestinal permeability known as leaky gut. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of curcumin to prevent the development of leaky gut in Drosophila melanogaster utilizing the smurf fly method. In this study, flies aged 3–5 days underwent a 10-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment to induce intestinal permeability, followed by a smurf assay using brilliant blue dye and locomotor testing the next day. Flies displaying the smurf phenotype were divided into four groups: untreated control and curcumin-treated (10 µM, 50 µM, and 250 µM). After 21 days of treatment, flies were reassessed for the smurf phenotype and underwent locomotor testing. On day 23, flies were subjected to RT-qPCR analysis. By inducing increased intestinal permeability through the administration of DSS, a higher proportion of flies exhibiting the smurf phenotype and a reduced survival rate in the DSS-treated group were observed. Such phenotypes were reversed, decreased number of flies displaying the smurf phenotype and improved fly survival, upon the incorporation of curcumin in the fly food at concentrations of 10, 50, and 250 µM. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed upregulated expression of sod1, cat, and pepck genes, while no significant changes were observed in the expression of sod2, indy, and srl genes following treatment with curcumin at high concentration. Overall, our findings provide insight into the potential effect of curcumin to alleviate the phenotypical features associated with DSS-induced leaky gut, possibly via the selective regulation of aging-related genes.
Comparison of leptin and estrone levels between normal body mass index and obese menopausal women Siregar, Muhammad FG.; Terauchi, Masakazu; Sari, Rizka A.; Adella, Cut A.; Prabudi, Muhammad O.; Barus, Melvin NG.; Rivany, Riza; Tobing, Immanuel DL.; Azmeila, Selly
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.745

Abstract

Postmenopausal women often experience hormonal changes and shifts in fat composition, affecting weight gain and obesity. Understanding the link between hormones, especially estrogen and leptin, is key to managing weight and lowering disease risk in menopausal women. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of leptin and estrone in menopausal women with normal weight and obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted on menopausal women, either normal body mass index (BMI) or obese, at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. Blood samples were collected to measure leptin and estrone levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The differences in leptin levels between groups were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, while the correlation between BMI and leptin was examined using the Pearson correlation test. The disparity in estrone levels in both groups was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and the correlations between variables were assessed using the Spearman or Pearson correlation tests as appropriate. The mean leptin levels in normal BMI and obesity groups were 17.73±4.96 and 25.46±12.95 ng/mL, respectively, and were statistically different (p=0.006). The mean estrone levels in menopausal women with normal BMI and obesity were 943.23±391.79 and 851.38±282.23 ng/mol, respectively and were not statistically different (p=0.564). A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and leptin level (r=0.59; p<0.001), while  BMI and estrone were not significantly correlated (r=0.083; p=0.559). In conclusion, leptin level was significantly different between BMI groups and had a strong positive correlation with BMI. This finding could be an important insight in body weight management and disease risk prevention in menopausal women.
Perindopril decreases angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in human adipocytes exposed to SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein Harsoyo, Primasitha M.; Ardiana, Meity; Hermawan, Hanestya O.; Purnamasari, Yeni; Anandita, Faizal A.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.746

Abstract

The expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the adipose tissues of obese patients needs further study, as it may aid infection and serve as a viral reservoir. There has been controversy over whether to use ACE inhibitors to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Perindopril, an ACE2 inhibitor, has been proposed; however, its relationship with COVID-19 has not yet been clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of perindopril to reduce the expression of ACE2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine in adipocytes exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Enzymatic isolation of adipose tissues was performed from obese male donor patients aged 30–50 years, then exposed it with SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein. This study also included human recombinant ACE2 (hrsACE2) as a comparison to perindopril. The expression of ACE2 was evaluated using ELISA. Our data indicated that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein exposure increased ACE2 expression significantly. Administration of perindopril decreased ACE2 expression (43.37 µg/mL) significantly compared to the positive group (80.31 µg/mL) (p<0.001). Perindopril administration also decreased IL-6 levels significantly compared to positive group(p<0.001).  This study highlights that perindopril could reduce the ACE2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in adipocytes exposed to SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein.
Role of serum estradiol and C-telopeptide on musculoskeletal pain in menopausal women Siregar, Muhammad FG.; Terauchi, Masakazu; Lumbantobing, Jonathan T.; Pasaribu, Hotma P.; Prabudi, Muhammad O.; Ardiansyah, Edy; Effendi, Iman H.; Tobing, Immanuel DL.; Azmeila, Selly; Nabila, Nabila
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.747

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain is one of the common symptoms of menopause syndrome throughout the world. Estradiol is the most potent and abundant derivative of estrogen and is associated with musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and depressed mood during the menopausal transition. C-telopeptide is a molecule released during osteoclastic bone resorption and degradation of type I collagen, which is reported to have higher levels in individuals with musculoskeletal pain. An observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design was used in this research. Estradiol and C-telopeptide levels were measured in this study using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Musculoskeletal pain was determined if the participant answered “yes” on questions number 12, 14 and 25 on the MENQOL. Data analysis was performed using the independent Student t-test for normally distributed data and the Mann-Whitney test for non-normally distributed data. A correlation test was performed using the Pearson correlation test for normally distributed data and the Spearman correlation test for non-normally distributed data. The results showed a non-significant relationship between estradiol and C-telopeptide levels with musculoskeletal pain assessed using the NMQ or MENQOL questionnaires. The correlation test also showed no correlation between estradiol and C-telopeptide levels in women with and without musculoskeletal pain.
Comparison of pre- and post-implantation of Indonesian-made plates in fracture patients: Functional, radiological, biomechanical and chemical analyses Lisan, Rizal A.; Mahyudin, Ferdiansyah; Mubarok, Fahmi
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.752

Abstract

Bone implants are important in the recovery of fractures and degenerative diseases. Although many implants have been marketed, study on Indonesian-made plates is still limited. The aim of this study was to assess the patients’ functional and radiological improvements and biomechanical and chemical changes of Indonesian-made plates used in long bone fractures. retrospective study was conducted at Semen Gresik Hospital, Gresik, Indonesia. This study included adult patients with long bone fractures who had surgeries with Indonesian plates. Functional improvement (assessed using disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) or lower extremity functional scale (LEFS)) and radiological data (assessed using radiographic union score (RUS)) were assessed in week 4 and month 6, 12, and 15 after surgery. Biomechanical changes (hardness and roughness test) and chemical analysis were assessed after 15 months of use. The normality of the data was tested with Shapiro-Wilk while data analysis was conducted using paired Student t-test or Friedman test as appropriate with type of data. Our data indicated that the DASH and LEFS functional scores had significant improvement over the follow-ups indicating functional recovery. RUS scores also improved over time, indicating a good healing process. Hardness tests on post-surgery implants showed a decrease in hardness of 7.3% and an increase of 3.3% in roughness. Chemical analysis showed a reduction in chemical levels in the implant of 7.8%, indicating durability and minimal toxicity. This study highlights that Indonesian implants have been proven safe to use in fractures. Further examinations with a larger sample and a longer duration of monitoring are recommended for stronger validity.
Effects of tobacco smoke on the expression of virulence genes in Escherichia coli Shiratsuchi, Akiko; Kidoura, Yuto; Toriba, Akira; Nakanishi, Yoshinobu; Nainu, Firzan
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.754

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that smoking exacerbates the severity of infectious diseases. A presumed mechanism involves the damage inflicted by tobacco smoke on the organs of host organisms. In this study, an alternative hypothesis was explored: smoking enhances the virulence of bacteria. This possibility was investigated using Escherichia coli as the bacterial agent and Drosophila as the host organism. Our inquiry focused on the potential gene expression changes in E. coli subsequent to exposure to tobacco smoke. Analysis of the transcription promoter activity of genes encoding proteins within the E. coli two-component system, a regulatory machinery governing gene expression, revealed the activation of twelve out of 50 promoters in response to tobacco smoke. Subsequently, Drosophila was infected with E. coli exposed to tobacco smoke or left untreated. Interestingly, there were no significant differences observed in the survival periods of Drosophila following infection with E. coli, whether treated or untreated with tobacco smoke. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the findings suggest that while tobacco smoke alters gene expression in E. coli, these changes do not appear to impact bacterial virulence. Although this study has illuminated the influence of tobacco smoke on the gene expression of E. coli, further analyses are necessary to elucidate the implications of these changes. Nevertheless, the results imply that smoking affects not only host organisms but may also exert influence on invading bacteria.
Comprehensive management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome management: A case report Mishra, Sanskar; Sapkale, Bhagyesh; Singh, Shreya; Jha, Asha; Chaudhari, Kamlesh
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.755

Abstract

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, also known as Müllerian aplasia, is a congenital condition characterized by uterine and upper vaginal aplasia. It affects females with a normal female karyotype and typical secondary sex characteristics. The aim of this case report was to highlight the multidisciplinary management approach for MRKH syndrome, focusing on tailored interventions to address physical and psychological challenges and improve reproductive prospects. A 26-year-old married female presented to Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital (AVBRH), Sawangi, Wardha, India in January 2023 with primary amenorrhea. Physical examination revealed a blind vagina and a hypoplastic uterus, indicative of MRKH syndrome. Further evaluation, including pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), confirmed Müllerian duct abnormalities and bilateral ovarian anomalies. The absence of a functional vagina significantly impacted the patient's quality of life, leading to difficulties with sexual intercourse and emotional distress related to infertility. A collaborative approach involving a gynecologist and a psychiatrist at AVBRH was initiated to address these challenges. The patient underwent vaginoplasty to create a neovagina, enhancing the sexual function and intimate relationship with the spouse. However, due to the hypoplastic uterus, achieving motherhood through traditional means was not possible. Therefore, assisted reproductive techniques, in particular surrogacy, were explored. Normal, functional ovaries were harvested from the patient for use in surrogacy procedures. This comprehensive management strategy exemplifies the challenges associated with MRKH syndrome and underscores the importance of tailored interventions and long-term follow-up. The case highlights the significance of collaborative care in improving the quality of life and reproductive prospects for individuals with MRKH syndrome.
Role of preservation methods using deep-freezing and liquid nitrogen in bone allograft characteristics: An in vitro study Lisan, Rizal A.; Mahyudin, Ferdiansyah; Edward, Mouli; Buwana, Dewan S.
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): April 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.757

Abstract

Bone grafting has emerged as a key solution in bone defect management such as allograft, graft of bone from another individual. However, bone allografts usually undergo rigorous preparation to eliminate immune-triggering elements. The deep-freezing methods may delay graft use, while cryopreservation using liquid nitrogen allows rapid freezing but may alter graft characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the post-preservation changes in bone allograft characteristics and to compare the effectiveness of deep-freezing and liquid nitrogen methods using animal model. An experimental study using a post-test only control group design was conducted. Fresh-frozen femoral cortical bone was obtained from male New Zealand white rabbits. Preservation by deep-freezing involved placing bone samples in a -80°C freezer for 30 days. For liquid nitrogen preservation, bone grafts were immersed in liquid nitrogen for 20 min, followed by a 15-min rest at room temperature and a final immersion in 0.9% sodium chloride at 30°C for 15 min. Bone samples then underwent evaluation of cell viability, compression, and bending tests. Cell viability test employed the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the compression and bending tests used the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Independent Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the methods as appropriate. Our study found that the use of deep-freezing and liquid nitrogen resulted in similar outcomes for cell viability, compression, and bending tests, with p-values of 0.302, 0.745, and 0.512, respectively. Further exploration with larger sample sizes may help to optimize the methods for specific applications.
Aspirin-clopidogrel combination therapy for ischemic stroke patients: Clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness analyses in low-resource setting Fitria, Najmiatul; Febiana, Dian; Akram, Muhammad; Yosmar, Rahmi
Narra J Vol. 4 No. 2 (2024): August 2024
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i2.758

Abstract

Understanding the cost-effectiveness of aspirin-clopidogrel combination therapy is crucial in determining its influence on coagulation parameters, specifically prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness and clinical impact of using the aspirin-clopidogrel combination compared to aspirin alone in managing ischemic stroke. Employing an observational research design, inpatient ischemic stroke cases receiving the aspirin-clopidogrel combination were compared to those treated with aspirin alone. Focusing on the hospital's perspective on costs, the research specifically analyzed medical expenses without discounting costs or effects. The analysis involved comparing the direct medical costs and coagulation parameters between the two treatment groups. Our data revealed that the aspirin-clopidogrel combination demonstrated superior cost-effectiveness over aspirin alone, indicated by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) values for PT (IDR -246,930/second) and APTT (IDR -119,270/second). This indicated that the combination therapy was associated with lower costs while yielding better clinical parameter values. The ICER analysis placed the aspirin-clopidogrel combination in the southeast quadrant, marking its dominance over aspirin monotherapy by demonstrating higher effectiveness at lower costs. These results suggest that combination therapy might be a favorable alternative for managing ischemic stroke, presenting a viable option for consideration in clinical practice. The findings underscore the potential economic and clinical advantages of employing the aspirin-clopidogrel combination in routine stroke management protocols.