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+62895600103060052
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School of Medicine Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111 Indonesia
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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
A fruit fly-based approach to unraveling enteropathy-causing pharmaceuticals Pratama, Muhammad R.; Wahyudin, Elly; Putri, Tenri ZAD.; Hardiyanti, Widya; Fatiah, Dewita; Chaeratunnisa, Rizkya; Bapulo, Nurdewi N.; Latada, Nadila P.; Mudjahid, Mukarram; Nainu, Firzan
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.v4i2.898

Abstract

Enteropathy is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation in the small intestine and one of the causes of enteropathy is the side effects of certain drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The mechanism of NSAIDs, such as indomethacin, could inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, leading to a decrease in mucus production and small intestine integrity. To test the effects of a drug, it is necessary to undergo preclinical testing using animal models. Commonly used animal models such as mice and rats have several drawbacks including high cost, ethical issues, and long lifespan. Therefore, alternatives such as using invertebrate animals like Drosophila melanogaster as a more economical in vivo platform with genetic similarity to mammals and devoid of ethical concerns are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate Drosophila melanogaster as an in vivo model organism in testing the side effects of pharmaceuticals that cause enteropathy. In this study, flies aged 3–5 days were starved and then placed into treatment vials comprising untreated control and indomethacin-treated (3.75 mM, 7.5 mM, and 15 mM). Survival analysis was conducted during the treatment period, followed by a Smurf assay test after seven days of treatment. Subsequently, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes (drs and totA), mitochondria stability-related genes (tom40), and endogenous antioxidant-related genes (sod1, sod2, and cat) was performed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Our data indicated that indomethacin did not impact lifespan or cause intestinal damage. However, we observed increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine-related genes, including drs, and a twofold increase in totA gene expression. Furthermore, there was a significant upregulation of mitochondrial stability gene tom40, endogenous antioxidant genes sod1 and cat, and a threefold increase in sod2 at 15 mM indomethacin. Although no phenotypical changes in gut integrity were detected, the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes suggests the occurrence of inflammation in the indomethacin-treated flies.
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.
Prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in taeniasis endemic area of North Sumatera, Indonesia Yulfi, Hemma; Darlan, Dewi M.; Panggabean, Merina; Andriyani, Yunilda; Rozi, Muhammad F.; Wandra, Toni
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.v4i2.912

Abstract

A group of helminthic and intestinal protozoa causes intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs), affecting more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. IPIs are diseases closely associated with poor hygiene and sanitation, concentrated in underdeveloped regions and among populations with low socioeconomic status. Consequently, most prevalence is in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, with local habits or risk factors that could affect its prevalence. The aim of this study was to determine how hygienic practices, sanitation, and local behavior of eating raw meat (hinasumba) contributed to the prevalence of IPI. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Simalungun District of North Sumatera Province, involving 428 people of Batak Simalungun. There were 15 villages randomly selected across the district based on the local registry, which consequently, non-purposive sampling was conducted. Face-to-face interviews assessed various risk factors, such as demographic characteristics, water source, traditional raw meat consumption, or hinasumba as local risk factors, hygienic practices, and sanitation. The findings indicated that an overall prevalence rate of IPI was 42.9%, consisting of 87.5% with helminthic infection and 12.5% with protozoal infection. More than half of IPI cases were associated with Taenia sp. infections (21.8%), followed by hookworms’ infections with a 6.1% positivity rate. Based on multivariate analysis, farming and consuming traditional delicacies, namely hinasumba, increased the likelihood of IPI occurrence among the population by 1.7 and 3 times, respectively. It can be concluded that the high prevalence of taeniasis in the study area was associated with local behavior and hinasumba consumption, which may contribute to determining the dominance of specific IPI species.
Study of knee pain, fear of falling, and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, Northern Thailand Silangirn , Pongsaton; Chaichana, Keng; Thummayot, Sarinthorn; Srisuttha, Phanit; Sadjapong, Uratcha; Chaipin, Eakasit; Sapbamrer, Ratana; Thongtip, Sakesun
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.v4i2.915

Abstract

Fall is the leading cause of disability and mortality due to unintentional injury in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with knee pain, fear of falling, and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults in Northern Thailand. A cross-sectional study was conducted among older adults aged 60 and over. A total of 369 participants were enrolled from April to May 2024. Oxford knee score, a short version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) and World Health Organization quality of life-BREF-Thai, was measured. The results showed that the mean age was 69.4 years and 47 (12.7%) had a history of falls in the previous year. The prevalence of fear of falling was 39.3% for low, 22.5% for moderate, and 38.2% for high concern. Age, marital status, alcohol, history of falls, hypertension, arthritis, and osteoporosis were associated with fear of falling. After adjusting to age, gender, body mass index, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol, history of falls, and chronic disease, osteoarthritis of the knee was positively associated with increasing fear of falling (β: 0.361; p<0.001), while quality of life was negatively associated with fear of falling (β: -0.064; p<0.011). In conclusion, the identified determinants of fear of falling among the elderly indicated the need for fear of falling prevention programs targeting not only individual lifestyles but also chronic diseases. This study provides useful information that might help to develop and adopt effective policies for fear of falling control in Thailand.
Bibliometric top ten healthcare-related ChatGPT publications in the first ChatGPT anniversary Sallam, Malik
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.v4i2.917

Abstract

Since its public release on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT has shown promising potential in diverse healthcare applications despite ethical challenges, privacy issues, and possible biases. The aim of this study was to identify and assess the most influential publications in the field of ChatGPT utility in healthcare using bibliometric analysis. The study employed an advanced search on three databases, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to identify ChatGPT-related records in healthcare education, research, and practice between November 27 and 30, 2023. The ranking was based on the retrieved citation count in each database. The additional alternative metrics that were evaluated included (1) Semantic Scholar highly influential citations, (2) PlumX captures, (3) PlumX mentions, (4) PlumX social media and (5) Altmetric Attention Scores (AASs). A total of 22 unique records published in 17 different scientific journals from 14 different publishers were identified in the three databases. Only two publications were in the top 10 list across the three databases. Variable publication types were identified, with the most common being editorial/commentary publications (n=8/22, 36.4%). Nine of the 22 records had corresponding authors affiliated with institutions in the United States (40.9%). The range of citation count varied per database, with the highest range identified in Google Scholar (1019–121), followed by Scopus (242–88), and Web of Science (171–23). Google Scholar citations were correlated significantly with the following metrics: Semantic Scholar highly influential citations (Spearman’s correlation coefficient ρ=0.840, p<0.001), PlumX captures (ρ=0.831, p<0.001), PlumX mentions (ρ=0.609, p=0.004), and AASs (ρ=0.542, p=0.009). In conclusion, despite several acknowledged limitations, this study showed the evolving landscape of ChatGPT utility in healthcare. There is an urgent need for collaborative initiatives by all stakeholders involved to establish guidelines for ethical, transparent, and responsible use of ChatGPT in healthcare. The study revealed the correlation between citations and alternative metrics, highlighting its usefulness as a supplement to gauge the impact of publications, even in a rapidly growing research field.
Role of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 polymorphisms on COVID-19 outcome and disease severity in adult patients: A prospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital, Indonesia Yunita, Rina; Wahyuni, Arlinda S.; Sinaga, Bintang YM.; Yamamoto, Zulham; Soebandrio, Amin; Kusumawati, R. Lia; Sembiring, Rosita J.; Pandia, Pandiaman
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.v4i2.919

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a significant number of infections and deaths worldwide, yet its pathogenesis and severity remain incompletely understood. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2), play crucial roles as receptors and molecules responsible for the virus's entry into host cells, initiating the infection process. Their polymorphisms have been extensively studied in relation to COVID-19 severity. The aim of this study was to examine the association of ACE2 (rs2074192) and TMPRSS2 (rs12329760) polymorphisms with COVID-19 outcome and severity. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2022 at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. We randomly recruited hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19, confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The baseline demographic data, disease severity, underlying disease, comorbidities, and COVID-19 vaccination status were collected. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was assessed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay, and the levels of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 proteins were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 151 COVID-19 patients were recruited and there were significant associations between age and severity with mortality outcomes. The age, kidney and lung diseases, and vaccination status were associated with severity levels. The results showed the CC genotype of ACE2 had the highest proportion, followed by TT and CT genotypes among patients, while CT was the most prevalent genotype, followed by CC and TT for TMPRSS2. This study did not find a significant association between ACE2 and TMPRSS2 genetic variants with disease severity and outcome but highlighted a specific association of TMPRSS2 SNP with mortality within the group. In addition, ACE2 concentration was significant different between mild-moderate and severe-critical COVID-19 groups (p=0.033).
Diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert in the diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis Biakto, Karya T.; Kusmawan, I GPY.; Massi, Muhammad N.; Usman, Muhammad A.; Arifin, Jainal
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.v4i2.925

Abstract

Tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, with spinal tuberculosis being a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Despite the high morbidity associated with spinal tuberculosis, effective and rapid diagnostic methods are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the GeneXpert compared to other microbiological methods in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central) were searched for relevant studies as of August 31, 2023. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, focusing on patients diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis and comparing GeneXpert to microbiological culture, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two authors independently performed data extraction and quality assessment, and the meta-analysis was conducted using Meta-DiSc 2.0. Fourteen studies comprising retrospective cohort, prospective cohort, and cross-sectional designs were included. GeneXpert demonstrated a pooled sensitivity of 92% (85–96%) and specificity of 71% (51–86%) compared to culture. AFB smear had the highest specificity at 80% (70–88%) but the lowest sensitivity at 27% (20–35%). The PCR had sensitivity and specificity of 83% (67–92%) and 58% (31–81%), respectively. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across the studies. This study highlighted that GeneXpert had high sensitivity and moderate specificity in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis, making it an alternative to conventional methods. However, further validation through larger, interventional studies is necessary to standardize its use in clinical practice.
Risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in Indonesia: A case-control study in a high disease prevalence region Fahdhienie, Farrah; Mudatsir, Mudatsir; Abidin, Taufik F.; Nurjannah, Nurjannah
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.v4i2.943

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world, with high mortality and morbidity rates, contributing to a significant disease burden, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of TB among the population aged 17 years (late adolescent) and above in one of the high TB prevalence countries, Indonesia. A case-control study was conducted in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, involving newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients who visited one of the eleven community health centers in Banda Aceh. The controls were individuals matched by age and sex who lived near the cases and had no TB infection. A total of 16 risk factors were assessed. Hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between the risk factors and the occurrence of TB. A total of 196 cases and 196 controls were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified 11 independent predictors for the occurrence of TB after controlling possible confounders. Patients who lived in houses with insufficient light exposure were 77 times more likely to develop TB compared to those living in houses with sufficient light exposure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 77.69; 95%CI: 27.09, 222.79). The study also showed that people who had close contact with TB patients (AOR: 25.39; 95%CI: 2.10, 306.52), had poor knowledge of TB  (AOR: 24.2; 95%CI: 6.89, 85.17), had comorbidities (AOR: 4.49; 95%CI: 1.35, 14.89), insufficient food utilization (AOR: 3.41; 95%CI: 1.51, 7.71), negative preventive behavior (AOR: 3.39; 95%CI: 1.49, 7.72), low education level (AOR: 3.08; 95%CI: 1.26, 7.55), and insufficient housing humidity (AOR: 2.89; 95%CI: 1.18, 7.12) were associated with increased the odds of having TB. Being employed, having income above minimum wage, and having good nutritional intake were protective factors for developing TB. In conclusion, the determinants of TB among people aged 17 years and older are a clear indication of the need for TB prevention programs targeting not only individual risk factors but also environmental risk factors, particularly providing adequate housing conditions. This study provided useful information that might help to develop and adopt effective policies for TB control in Indonesia.
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.
More severe comorbidities, advanced age, and incomplete vaccination increase the risk of COVID-19 mortality Pradhevi, Lukita; Soegiarto, Gatot; Wulandari, Laksmi; Lusida, Michael AP.; Saefudin, Rendra P.; Vincent, Agustinus
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.v4i2.949

Abstract

Numerous studies have stated that comorbidities are risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mortality, but few have considered the severity or stage of these comorbidities. The aim of this study was to determine the association between the severity of comorbidity, age, and number of COVID-19 vaccinations with COVID-19 mortality. This case-control study was conducted from July 2021 until December 2022 at the Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. The patients were divided into non-survived patients (case group) and survived patients (control group). The inclusion criteria for cases were adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19, based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swabs. Using total sampling, 1,046 confirmed COVID-19 patients, which consisted of 450 (43%) non-survived patients and 596 (57%) survived patients, were included. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (DM) (82.7%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (43%), hypertension (25.7%), and obesity (23.6%). Our multivariate analysis indicated that older age (aOR: 1.03; 95%CI: 1.02–1.04, p<0.001), male sex (aOR: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.11–2.00, p=0.007), severe COVID-19 at first admission (aOR: 3.13; 95%CI: 2.08–4.73, p<0.001), having pneumonia (aOR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.21–3.33, p=0.005), poorly controlled DM with HbA1c≥9% (aOR: 2.90; 95%CI: 1.72–4.89, p<0.001), severe obesity with body mass index (BMI)≥30 (OR: 2.90; 95%CI: 1.72–4.89, p<0.001), hypertension stage 2 (aOR: 1.99; 95%CI: 1.12–3.53, p=0.019) or stage 3 (aOR: 6.59; 95%CI: 2.39–18.17, p<0.001), CKD stage 3 (aOR: 2.50; 95%CI: 1.36–4.59, p=0.003), stage 4 (aOR: 5.47; 95%CI: 2.18–13.69, p<0.001) or stage 5 (aOR: 1.71; 95%CI: 1.04–2.81, p=0.036), and having chronic lung disease (aOR: 3.08; 95%CI: 1.22–7.77, p=0.017) significantly increased the risk of COVID-19 mortality. In contrast, COVID-19 vaccination reduced the risk of COVID-19-associated death. This study highlights that more severe comorbidities, advanced age, and incomplete vaccination were associated with COVID-19 mortality.