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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 524 Documents
Challenges on tuberculosis care in health care facilities during COVID-19 pandemic: Indonesian perspective Wira Winardi; Hendra Wahyuni; Moulid Hidayat; Aditya Wirawan; Fariz Nurwidya; Mohammad N. Uddin; Mohamad Yusup
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): August 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i2.80

Abstract

Indonesia is among the top three countries globally with the highest tuberculosis  burden. During the past decades, Indonesian health authorities have struggled to improve tuberculosis care quality in health care facilities by optimizing the regulation and strengthening the private sector contributions. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has hardly affected the Indonesian health care system, including the National Tuberculosis Control Program. While the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is uncertain, the measure to control tuberculosis must not be weakened. Early identification and measurement of the problem size are essential to decide the most appropriate approach to maintain the sustainability of National Tuberculosis Control Program, particularly in health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article points out the possible threats to the sustainability of TB care in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic, including some approaches to overcome those problems.
Giant bronchopleural fistula and empyema in a tuberculosis patient with diabetes mellitus: Vista from a high tuberculosis burden country in Southeast Asia Budi Yanti; Saiful Hadi; Fenny Harrika; Aamir Shehzad
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): August 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i2.81

Abstract

Bronchopleural fistula is a pathological tract between the bronchial tree and the pleural space, which can be life-threatening due to tension pneumothorax. It is a rare complication in tuberculosis cases with highly variable in clinical manifestations and persistent air leaks which might lead to complications such as empyema. Herein, we present a tuberculosis and diabetic patient complicated with giant bronchopleural fistula and empyema. A 48-year-old man presented with shortness of breath for two weeks and cough with phlegm for two months. The patient was a smoker with severe Brinkman Index and diabetes. Physical examination revealed hyper resonant percussion and vesicular diminished on the left hemithorax. Laboratory results indicated the patient had anemia, leukocytosis, and hypoalbuminemia. GeneXpert sputum confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and chest X-ray indicated a collapsed left lung. The patient was diagnosed with left secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, pulmonary tuberculosis, and diabetes. The patient was treated with chest tube drainage and anti-tuberculosis drugs. There was no improvement based on serial chest X-ray, and empyema appeared from the chest tube. CT-scan showed tuberculosis lesion, the collapsed of the left lung and fistula in segments 7-8 inferior lobe. Exploratory thoracostomy was performed, in which a giant bronchopleural fistula was detected and then repaired with BioGlue surgical adhesive. Unfortunately, the thoracostomy led to extensive subcutaneous emphysema and was treated by cervical mediastinotomy. The drainage was unable to be removed, and the patient was discharged with Heimlich-type drainage valves on day 28 of treatment. The empyema fluid was cultured and revealed Staphylococcus haemolyticus. This case highlights that tuberculosis could cause a bronchopleural fistula and empyema may occur secondary to late diagnosis that needs immediate surgery.
Human albumin solution utilization patterns prior and during COVID-19 pandemic in United Arab Emirates: Time to develop and implement national guideline on prescribing and utilization Mohammed Sallam; Johan Snygg
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): August 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i2.82

Abstract

The human albumin solution (HAS) has limited but important indications in clinical practice. However, the inappropriate use of HAS can be costly. Thus, it is imperative to establish a practical protocol to use albumin products and rationalize its usage. The aim of this study was to identify albumin utilization patterns in a multi-specialty private hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), before and during the COVID-19 epidemic in the country. In addition, the objectives were to demonstrate the importance of reconsidering the prescribing strategies for albumin administration. All data on 20% HAS administration in Mediclinic Welcare Hospital were retrieved during January 2019–May 2021, including the total quantities administered and data on primary diagnosis. A total of 579 patient admissions with several diagnoses were included in the study. The percentage of clinically indicated 20% HAS administration decreased from 13.0% in the pre-COVID-19 phase to 1.5% in the COVID-19 phase (P<0.001). An increase in the administration of 20% HAS not backed by agreed clinical evidence followed the increase in new number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE. The current study showed a large proportion of administered HAS, that drastically increased during COVID-19 with lack of clear evidence of its benefit. This pilot study should be followed by refining of the institutional guidelines of HAS use, frequent audits and interactive educational interventions. In turn, the refinement of HAS administration guidelines can help to reduce the unjustified cost of inappropriate HAS use.
Pharmaceutical quality evaluation of marketed vildagliptin tablets in Bangladesh based on the United States Pharmacopeia specifications Md. Rabiul Islam; Sohel Daria; Arjina A. Ankhi; Sharmin Sultana; Md. Ashrafur Rahman
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): August 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i2.84

Abstract

Continuous monitoring of pharmaceutical products is vital because it matters to human health. Here we aimed to assess the quality parameters of commercially available vildagliptin tablets in Bangladesh. We tested the tablets for the content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration, dissolution, and potency. Then, we fitted the dissolution data with kinetic models to investigate the release pattern of the studied brands. Moreover, we applied a mathematical model-independent approach to compare the dissolution profiles of the brands. The interchangeability was determined using difference and similarity factors. Weight variation, friability, and hardness were between 150.35±1.26 to 230.8±1.98 mg, 0 to 0.88%, and 47.3±5.09 to 108.1±1.92 N, respectively. All tablets disintegrated within 0.54±2.85 to 7.69±2.14 min in distilled water. The potency of tablets in 0.1 N HCl and PBS (pH 6.8) were between 97.67±2.58 to 105±0.95% and 99±4.63 to 105±1.65%, respectively. The drug release (%) in 0.1 N HCl and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 6.8) after 60 min were between 99.37±1.80 to 111.09±0.64% and 96.59±3.52 to 109.57±0.53%, respectively. All the brands complied with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specification for physicochemical properties. Also, we observed the drug release patterns of vildagliptin tablets matched with different kinetic models. We found only one substitutable brand with the standard product regardless of the dissolution medium. In-vitro chemical equivalence is not always consistent with bioequivalence. Therefore, continuous evaluation of marketed products is essential to ensure the desired quality.
Acceptance and willingness to purchase a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine in a region under Shariah law: A cross-sectional study in Aceh, Indonesia Muhammad A. Rayhan; Mudatsir Mudatsir; Nurjannah Nurjannah; Ichsan Ichsan; Mehrdad Amir-Behghadami; Yousef S. Khader; Ai Koyanagi; Ranjit Sah; Sandro G. Viveiros-Rosa; Mohammed A. Mamun; Yohannes K. Lemu; Assarag Bouchra; Laure SG. Linguissi; Aamer Ikram; Dina E. Sallam; Konstantinos Parperis; Uwe Wollina; Marius Rademaker; Sandro Vento; Said Usman
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): August 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i2.85

Abstract

Vaccines are urgently needed to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptance of and willingness to purchase a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine in the general population of Aceh, a holistic Shariah law implementation province in Indonesia. An online cross-sectional study was conducted using a quota sampling technique between 1 to 24 September 2021. To determine hypothetical vaccine acceptance, respondents were asked if they were willing to accept vaccines with combinations of either 50% or 95% effectiveness and either 5% or 20% risk of adverse effects. Willingness to purchase was assessed by asking whether the participants would pay for such vaccines at certain price points. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associated determinants. Out of 377 respondents included in the final analysis, 86.5% were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine with 95% effectiveness and 5% adverse effects. The acceptance rate dropped to 45.1% if the risk of adverse effects was 20%. Vaccines with 50% effectiveness and 5% adverse effects were acceptable to 42.2% but the acceptance went down to 17.2% if the risk of adverse effects increased to 20%. Multivariate analysis found that men were twice as likely to accept a vaccine with 95% effectiveness and 5% adverse effects compared to females (aOR: 2.01; 95% CI 1.05–3.86). We found that 156/377 (41.3%) of respondents were willing to purchase a COVID-19 vaccine and of these participants 71.1% were willing to pay between Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 50,000–150,000 (US$ 3.33–10.00). In conclusion, the acceptance rate of a hypothetical COVID-19 vaccine varied based on effectiveness and the risk of adverse effects.
Fast-food and obesity: Status among the younger population in Bangladesh Abu M. Tareq; Md. Hasan Mahmud; Md. Motashen Billah; Md. Nazmul Hasan; Shamima Jahan; Md. Mohotasin Hossain; Farhana J. Chy; Md. Giash Uddin; Talha B. Emran; Mohammed A. Sayeed
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022): December 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.86

Abstract

Increasing rate of fast-food consumption has been associated with different health related concerns (e.g., obesity, heart disease). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fast-food consumption among young adult students in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and to assess the correlation of fast-food consumption with obesity. A total of 440 youth was included using a systemic random sampling from universities and colleges in Chittagong in order to perform a cross-sectional analysis. The students who reported frequent fast-food consumption (1–3 times per week) accounted for 30.5% (n=134) of the sample, while 32.5% (n=143) of participants reported consuming fast-food 8–15 times per month. There was a significant (p=0.030) difference between students who consumed and did not consume fast-food. Youth who reported consuming fast-food and soft drinks more than 4 times per week constituted 35.0% (n=154), followed by approximately 27.7% (n=122) who consumed these items 1–3 times per week. In addition, an obesity epidemic was observed among those who reported low levels of physical exercise or lack of sleep. The study illustrates that Bangladeshi youth face an increasing risk of becoming overweight and obese. Prevention is regarded as the most effective way to reduce the prevalence of obesity.
The race for clinical trials on Omicron-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates: Updates from global databases Sandro G. Viveiros-Rosa; Cristina DS. Mendes; Galo G Farfán-Cano; Mohamed El-Shazly
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022): December 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.88

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused more than 6.5 million deaths globally as of June 10, 2022. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has the greatest transmission rate and can cause hospitalization in vaccinated individuals. It has been the most distinct SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern to date. The existing inactivated vaccines made with the wild-type strain are less efficient to prevent disease and/or hospitalization associated with the Omicron variant, even after a booster dose. Hence, it is crucial to develop new vaccines that are effective against this variant. The objective of this study was to summarize the data on existing clinical trials for new COVID-19 vaccines formulated against Omicron variant. Clinical trials from the international clinical trials registry platforms were searched and analyzed. As of June 10, 2022, a total of 15 clinical trials are available consisting of six and nine clinical trials of inactivated and messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccine candidates containing the Omicron variant, respectively. Those trials are evaluating four inactivated and four mRNA-based vaccine candidates. Although Omicron-specific vaccines are highly desired, their development is challenging since the SARS-CoV-2 variant formation is still unpredictable. Although two vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been approved for emergency use in the US and the UK for Omicron variant, the Asian pharmaceutical companies such as CNBG (Sinopharm), Sinovac, and Shifa Pharmed also have Phase 3 clinical trials under development and almost all clinical trials are expected to be completed in 2023. These results should help guide academics and policymakers in the COVID-19 vaccine field regarding investments in updated booster doses against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.
Monkeypox: Immune response, vaccination and preventive efforts Youdiil Ophinni; Andri Frediansyah; Salin Sirinam; Dewi Megawati; Ana M. Stoian; Seyi S. Enitan; Richard Y. Akele; Ranjit Sah; Krit Pongpirul; Ziad Abdeen; Sevda Aghayeva; Aamer Ikram; Yohannes Kebede; Uwe Wollina; Kannan Subbaram; Ai Koyanagi; Abdulwahed Al Serouri; H. Blaise Nguendo-Yongsi; Jeffrey Edwards; Dina E. Sallam; Yousef Khader; Sandro G. Viveiros-Rosa; Ziad A. Memish; Mehrdad Amir-Behghadami; Sandro Vento; Marius Rademaker; Malik Sallam
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022): December 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.90

Abstract

Infectious threats to humans are continuously emerging. The 2022 worldwide monkeypox outbreak is the latest of these threats with the virus rapidly spreading to 106 countries by the end of September 2022. The burden of the ongoing monkeypox outbreak is manifested by 68,000 cumulative confirmed cases and 26 deaths. Although monkeypox is usually a self-limited disease, patients can suffer from extremely painful skin lesions and complications can occur with reported mortalities. The antigenic similarity between the smallpox virus (variola virus) and monkeypox virus can be utilized to prevent monkeypox using smallpox vaccines; treatment is also based on antivirals initially designed to treat smallpox. However, further studies are needed to fully decipher the immune response to monkeypox virus and the immune evasion mechanisms. In this review we provide an up-to-date discussion of the current state of knowledge regarding monkeypox virus with a special focus on innate immune response, immune evasion mechanisms and vaccination against the virus.
A comprehensive review on pharmacologic agents, immunotherapies and supportive therapeutics for COVID-19 Khan Sharun; Ruchi Tiwari; Mohd I. Yatoo; Senthilkumar Natesan; Dewi Megawati; Karam P. Singh; Izabela Michalak; Kuldeep Dhama
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022): December 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.92

Abstract

The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has affected many countries throughout the world. As urgency is a necessity, most efforts have focused on identifying small molecule drugs that can be repurposed for use as anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Although several drug candidates have been identified using in silico method and in vitro studies, most of these drugs require the support of in vivo data before they can be considered for clinical trials. Several drugs are considered promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. In addition to the direct-acting antiviral drugs, supportive therapies including traditional Chinese medicine, immunotherapies, immunomodulators, and nutritional therapy could contribute a major role in treating COVID-19 patients. Some of these drugs have already been included in the treatment guidelines, recommendations, and standard operating procedures. In this article, we comprehensively review the approved and potential therapeutic drugs, immune cells-based therapies, immunomodulatory agents/drugs, herbs and plant metabolites, nutritional and dietary for COVID-19.
A comparison study of headache characteristics and headache-associated quality-of-life of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients Endang Mutiawati; Hendrix Indra Kusuma; Raisha Fathima; Syahrul Syahrul; Nasrul Musadir
Narra J Vol. 2 No. 3 (2022): December 2022
Publisher : Narra Sains Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.52225/narra.v2i3.93

Abstract

Headache is prevalent in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. The main objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of COVID-19-associated headache to non-COVID-19 headache. The quality-of-life (QoL) and its associated determinants between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were also compared. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Headache and QoL were assessed using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, version 3 (ICHD-3), and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), respectively. Factors associated with poor QoL in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were examined using logistic regression. A total of 356 headache patients were included: 215 COVID-19 and 141 non-COVID-19 patients. Our data suggested that the headache in COVID-19 patients was bilateral; pain centered on one specific area with a pulsating or pressing sensation; pain intensity ranging from moderate to severe; and the frequency ranging from more than twice per week to every day. Non-COVID-19 headache was bilateral; pain centered on one side of the head resembling a migraine with pulsating or pressing sensation; mild to moderate pain intensity; and the frequency of one or two times per month. In COVID-19, low QoL was associated with unemployment status, having non-health-related jobs, having used painkillers to reduce the pain, having long duration of headache, having more frequency of attacks, and having headaches that were worsened by activities or light, and having additional symptom during a headache attach. In non-COVID-19 patients, poor QoL was associated with the use of painkillers, long duration of headache, and having conditions that aggravate the headache. To prevent long-term effects of headache associated with COVID-19, studies exploring the photobiology of headache are  needed, along with the necessity of having standardised guideline on headache prevention.

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