cover
Contact Name
-
Contact Email
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Phone
+62895600103060052
Journal Mail Official
harapan@unsyiah.ac.id
Editorial Address
School of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
Location
Kota banda aceh,
Aceh
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
Low-FODMAP diet on postprandial distress syndrome type of functional dyspepsia with mixed type of irritable bowel syndrome patient: A case report Djatioetomo, Anastasia K.; Maharani, Andi RK.; Djatioetomo, Yovita CED.; Nurrochmawati, Zidny; 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.v4i2.759

Abstract

Functional dyspepsia is a complex collection of symptoms from the gastroduodenal, while irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that chronically weakens gastrointestinal. The occurrences of both of these diseases are common; however, the new approach therapy introducing the low-FODMAP diet (low fructose, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) is rarely discussed. The aim of this case report was to present a case of functional dyspepsia with IBS mixed type treated with a low-FODMAP diet. A female 37 years old reported complaints of heartburn worsening over the last seven months. Based on IBS-symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) assessment, the patient had 75% scale on belly pain and 50% abdominal distention, which interfered the daily activity significantly. The patient was diagnosed with functional dyspepsia subtype postprandial distress syndrome with IBS mixed type. In addition, the low-FODMAP diet was started immediately, together with pharmacological therapy (oral omeprazole and domperidone), and followed up each week. On the first week of evaluation, the patient was feeling much better as IBS-SSS assessment scores decreased, and the pharmacological therapy was stopped. On the second week of evaluation, the patient had no more complaints with IB-SSS assessment markedly decreased. This case highlights that low-FODMAP diet could be a new approach therapy for IBS that could improve the IBS symptoms.
Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in diagnosing neonatal sepsis Hasibuan, Beby S.; Dasatjipta, Guslihan; Lubis, Bugis M.; Sanny, Sanny
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.v4i2.763

Abstract

Clinical manifestations of neonatal sepsis are often unspecified. Therefore, sepsis biomarkers could be used to support diagnosis while waiting for blood culture results, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of NLR and PLR as diagnostic markers in neonatal sepsis. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from April to October 2019. This study included neonates aged less than 28 days, diagnosed with suspected sepsis, and had no previous history of antibiotics administration. Patients underwent clinical assessment, laboratory examination, and blood culture. Patients were grouped into sepsis and non-sepsis based on the blood culture results. The median hematological examination and the range of NLR and PLR in both the sepsis and non-sepsis groups were subjected to analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test to assess differences. NLR and PLR optimal cut-off values were determined using a receiver operator curve (ROC) with a confidence interval of 95%. A total of 137 neonates were enrolled, of which 49 were classified as sepsis and 89 as non-sepsis based on blood culture results. The optimal cutoff values for NLR and PLR were 2.75 and 11.73. Using those cutoff values, NLR and PLR could predict neonatal sepsis with sensitivities of 52.1% and 47.9%, specificities of 50.6% and 47.2%, area under the curve (AUC) of 0.46 and 0.47, with p=0.525 and p=0.662, respectively. Further investigation is warranted to refine the NLR and PLR utility and enhance diagnostic accuracy in clinical practices.
Comparison of RT-PCR cycle threshold values between individual and pooled SARS-CoV-2 infected nasopharyngeal swab specimens Yani, Handa; Yuan, Toh D.; Lubis, Aridamuriany D.; Iswara, Lia K.; Lubis, Inke ND.
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.v4i2.765

Abstract

The molecular reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of respiratory tract swabs has become mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, RT-PCR tests are expensive, require standardized equipment, and relatively long testing times, and the sample pooling method has been introduced to solve this issue. The aim of this study was to compare the cycle threshold (Ct) values of the individual sample and pooled sample methods to assess how accurate the pooling method was. Repeat RT-PCR examinations were initially performed to confirm the Ct values for each sample before running the pooled test procedure. Sample extraction and amplification were performed in both assays to detect ORF1ab, N, and E genes with a cut-off point value of Ct <38. Overall, there was no difference in Ct values between individual sample and pooled sample groups at all concentrations (p=0.259) and for all pooled sizes. Only pooled size of five could detect the Ct value in the pooled samples for all concentration samples, including low-concentration sample (Ct values 36 to 38). This study highlighted that pooled RT-PCR testing strategy did not reduce the quality of individually measured RT-PCR Ct values. A pool size of five could provide a practical technique to expand the screening capacity of RT-PCR.
Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pus wound isolate using a polymerase chain reaction targeting 16S rRNA and gyrB genes: A case from Indonesia Jamaluddin, Indra P.; Musa, Susan H.; Ethica, Stalis N.; Ansori, Arif NM.; Yosephi, Valensa; Atmaja, Peter Y.; Murtadlo, Ahmad AA.; Sahadewa, Sukma; Durry, Fara D.; Rebezov, Maksim; Derkho, Marina; Naw, Sin W.; Zainul, Rahadian; Rachmawati, Kadek
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.v4i2.774

Abstract

Infectious wounds on the skin surface are easily colonized by bacteria from pyogenic group that manifest as inflammation, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen known for causing invasive state in critically ill and immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to detect the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes in P. aeruginosa using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The sample in this study was pus isolate from a 5-year-old boy with leg wounds. The bacteria were isolated on brain heart infusion broth (BHIB) media and identified with molecular identification. Sequencing and BLAST analysis were carried out to determine the similarity of gene identity by comparing sample sequence with other isolate sequences on the Gene Bank. The results of molecular identification showed amplification DNA band of around 934 base pairs (bp) for 16S rRNA and 225 bp for gyrB gene. The BLAST program demonstrated that the sample had 99.89% similarity with P. aeruginosa strain XC4 (accession code ON795960.1) for the 16S rRNA gene. Meanwhile, the gyrB gene exhibited 99.10% similarity with the P. aeruginosa strain PSA-1.2 (accession code KP172300.1).
Molecular interaction analysis of ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) as main bioactive compound from palm oil waste against MCF-7 receptors: An in silico study Herdiansyah, Mochammad A.; Rizaldy, Rafli; Alifiansyah, Mochamad RT.; Fetty, Amelia JT.; Anggraini, Dhea; Agustina, Niken; Alfian, Fariz R.; Setianingsih, Primanita NM.; Elfianah, Verah; Aulia, Halimatus S.; Putra, Justitia ERP.; Ansori, Arif NM.; Kharisma, Viol D.; Jakhmola, Vikash; Purnobasuki, Hery; Pratiwi, Intan A.; Rebezov, Maksim; Shmeleva, Svetlana; Bonkalo, Tatyana; Kovalchuk, Dmitriy F.; Zainul, Rahadian
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.v4i2.775

Abstract

Ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid) is a phytochemical compound that is commonly found in conjugated forms within mono-, di-, polysaccharides and other organic compounds in cell walls of grain, fruits, and vegetables. This compound is highly abundant in the palm oil waste. The aim of the study was to predict the anticancer activity of ferulic acid against the breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) receptors through a computational analysis. MCF-7 receptors with PDB IDs of 1R5K, 2IOG, 4IV2, 4IW6, 5DUE, 5T92, and 5U2B were selected based on the SMILE similarity of the native ligand. Thereafter, the protein was prepared on Chimera 1.16 and docked with ferulic acid on Autodock Vina 1.2.5. The ligand-protein complex interaction was validated by computing the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) and radius of gyration (Rg) through molecular dynamic simulation. In addition, an absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) prediction was performed on ferulic acid using the pkCSM platform. The molecular docking revealed that the ferulic acid could interact with all receptors as indicated by the affinity energy <-5 kcal/mol. The compound had the most optimum interaction with receptor 2IOG (affinity energy=-6.96 kcal/mol), involving hydrophobic interaction (n=12) and polar hydrogen interaction (n=4). The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that the complex had an RMSF of 1.713 Å with a fluctuation of Rg value around 1.000 Å. The ADMET properties of ferulic acid suggested that the compound is an ideal drug candidate. In conclusion, this study suggested that ferulic acid, which can be isolated from palm oil waste, has the potential to interact with MCF-7 receptors.
Determinants of mortality in relationship between clinical and laboratory characteristics with the outcomes of children with diphtheria: A cross-sectional study at a national hospital of Sumatra region in 2020–2023 Dinanti, Shinta P.; Ramayani, Oke R.; Pasaribu, Ayodhia P.
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.v4i2.776

Abstract

In 2017, diphtheria outbreaks occurred in several provinces in Indonesia; however, the epidemiological data in the country is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the association between clinical findings and laboratory parameters associated with mortality of children with diphtheria. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, covering diphtheria patients from January 2020 to December 2023. All patients aged 1–18 years clinically diagnosed with diphtheria were considered eligible. The associations between demographic characteristics, clinical features, immunization status, complications, and laboratory profiles with mortality were determined using Fisher's exact test, and the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated. Our data indicated that the clinical characteristics of myocarditis (p=0.005) and airway obstruction (p=0.003) were associated with mortality. There was also a significant association between thrombocytopenia (p=0.020) and mortality in diphtheria patients. Patients with airway obstruction were 13 times more likely to have an increase in mortality compared to patients without airway obstruction. This study highlights that clinical and laboratory characteristics could be associated with in-hospital mortality of diphtheria cases, and therefore, pediatricians should be aware of the presence of those characteristics to prevent the mortality of the patients.
Role of pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM IV) score at 24 and 72 hours of hospitalization in predicting mortality among critically ill pediatric patients treated in PICU Lubis, Aridamuriany D.; Nasution, Badai B.; Lubis, Andriamuri P.; Supriami, Kelvin
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.v4i2.780

Abstract

Pediatric patients with multiple organ failures in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at a higher risk of mortality. Assessing the mortality risk when patients are admitted to PICU is important to allocate treatment and care properly. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the PRISM IV score within the first 24 and 72 hours to predict mortality in the PICU. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected to compute the PRISM IV in the first 24 and 72 hours among critically ill pediatric patients in the PICU at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from April 2021 to February 2022. The comparison of the PRISM IV scores and its components within the first 24 and 72 hours was analyzed using the Wilcoxon test, Student’s independent t-test or McNemar test.  The role of PRISM IV score in predicting mortality was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Out of 35 pediatric patients, 17 (48.6%) of them died. Platelet count (p=0.022), pCO2 (p=0.026), HCO3 (p=0.009), total CO2 (p=0.015), and base excess (p=0.001) were statistically different between 24 and 72 hours groups. The area under curve (AUC) for the first 24 hours using PRISM IV scores was 47.4% with p=0.792 (95%CI, 27.7%–67.1%). Meanwhile, the AUC of 72 hours group was 65.4%, p=0.121 (95%CI, 47.1%–83.6%). This study suggested that PRISM IV scores in the first 24 and 72 hours may not be a reliable screening tool for predicting mortality. However, further studies are suggested to validate these findings.
Impacts of digital social media detox for mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ramadhan, Roy N.; Rampengan, Derren D.; Yumnanisha, Defin A.; Setiono, Sabrina BV.; Tjandra, Kevin C.; Ariyanto, Melissa V.; Idrisov, Bulat; Empitu, Maulana
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.v4i2.786

Abstract

The impact of social media has been significant on various aspects of life, particularly mental health. Growing concerns about the adverse effects of social media use have prompted the exploration of experimental interventions, defined as digital detox interventions. However, it remains unclear whether digital detox interventions are effective for mental health outcomes. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of digital detox interventions on various mental health outcomes, including depression, life satisfaction, stress, and mental well-being. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out in online databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, within the publication range of 2013 and 2023. A total of 2578 titles and abstracts were screened, and 10 studies were included in the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using RoB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, while statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1. Our data indicated a significant effect of digital detox in mitigating depression with the standardized mean difference (SMD: -0.29; 95%CI: -0.51, -0.07, p=0.01). No statistically significant effects were discerned in terms of life satisfaction (SMD: 0.20; 95%CI: -0.12, 0.52, p=0.23), stress (SMD: -0.31; 95%CI: -0.83, 0.21, p=0.24), and overall mental well-being (SMD: 0.04; 95%CI: -0.54, 0.62, p=0.90). These data underscore the nuanced and selective influence of digital detox on distinct facets of mental health. In conclusion, digital detox interventions significantly reduce depressive symptoms, suggesting that intentional reduction or cessation of digital engagement may help alleviate contributing factors. However, no statistically significant effects were observed in mental well-being, life satisfaction, and stress. This discrepancy may be due to the complex nature of these constructs, involving various factors beyond the scope of digital detox interventions.
Role of antioxidants in reducing oxidative stress and seizure frequency in drug-resistant epileptic patients Ismy, Jufitriani; Soebadi, Amanda; Mangunatmadja, Irawan; Monica, Merci; Sari, Teny T.; Yuliarti, Klara
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.v4i2.790

Abstract

Drug-resistant epilepsy presents significant challenges in treating epileptic patients, leading to recurrent seizures and necessitating the use of polypharmacy with anti-epileptic drugs. Both of these conditions contribute to increased oxidative stress, which is detrimental to the brain. The aim of this study was to determine the role of vitamins C and E in reducing oxidative stress and seizure frequency in drug-resistant epileptic patients. This was a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial with a placebo, parallel design, and block randomization. The subjects were drug-resistant epileptic patients aged 1–18 years who received routine treatment. Randomization was performed on 100 patients who were divided into the treatment or placebo groups. The patients received a combination of vitamin C (100 mg/day) and vitamin E (200 IU/day for those <5 years or 400 IU/day for those ≥5 years) or a placebo for eight weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and seizure frequency were measured prior to and after the intervention. A total of 42 and 46 patients were followed till the end of the study in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Our data indicated that the MDA levels prior to treatment were not significantly different between the treatment and placebo groups (0.901 vs 0.890 mmol/mL, p=0.920) and were significantly reduced after the treatment in both the treatment group (p<0.001) and placebo group (p=0.028). The changes in MDA levels (between post- and pre-treatment) were also not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.181). Our per-protocol analysis indicated that the reduction in seizure frequency was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (95% vs 35%, p<0.001), with 92% and 60% relative and absolute risk reduction, respectively. The intention-to-treat analysis also indicated that the reduction in seizure frequency was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (80% vs 32%, p<0.001), with relative and absolute risk reduction of 70% and 48%, respectively. There was no significant relationship between changes in MDA levels and seizure frequency in either group. In conclusion, vitamins C and E could reduce seizure frequency and, therefore, could be considered as adjuvant therapy in drug-resistant epileptic patients.
Acute toxicity, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity of Macaranga tanarius from post-coal mining and non-mining areas in East Kalimantan, Indonesia Fikriah, Ika; Masruhin, Muhammad A.; Paramita, Swandari; Marliana, Eva; Panggabean, Aman S.; Ismail, Sjarif; Kusuma, Irawan W.; Kim, Yong-ung; Kim, Soo-Ya
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.v4i2.791

Abstract

Coal plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s foreign exchange and East Kalimantan’s revenue sharing, yet its environmental impacts, including soil acidification, raises concerns. Reclamation measures involve revegetation with pioneer plants such as Macaranga sp., known for their medicinal properties. However, the pharmacological properties of these plants are influenced by secondary metabolites, which depend on soil parameters such as pH and nutrient levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activities of Macaranga tanarius leaf extracts from post-coal mining area (MTPCMA) and non-mining area (MTNMA) alongside soil parameters. Acute toxicity of M. tanarius leaf extracts and soils were assessed using the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). Phytochemical screening was done using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), determining total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC). The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess the antioxidant activity. A comparative analysis between MTPCMA and MTNMA was conducted using Student t-test. The data showed no significant difference in toxicity between MTPCMA and MTNMA leaf extracts (LC50 of 100–1000 µg/mL) (p=0.062), and soils from both areas were non-toxic (LC50 of >1000 µg/mL). Although heavy metal concentrations were higher in PCMA than in NMA soil (p<0.001), secondary metabolite compounds and TFC in both extracts were not significantly different (p=0.076). Both extracts contained flavonoids and polyphenols with antioxidant activity and terpenoids without antioxidant activities. The DPPH radical scavenging test suggested insignificant antioxidant activity between MTPCMA and MTNMA extracts (p=0.237). In conclusion, non-toxic soils in post-mining land and insignificant differences between MTPCMA and MTNMA extracts suggest good soil nutrient availability, highlighting the success of land recovery after 10 years of revegetation with M. tanarius.