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Althea Medical Journal
Published by Universitas Padjadjaran
ISSN : -     EISSN : 23374330     DOI : 10.15850/amj
Core Subject : Health,
Medicine & Pharmacology
Althea Medical Journal (AMJ) is a peer reviewed electronic scientific publication journal which is published every 3 months (March, June, September, and December). Althea Medical Journal publishes articles related to research in biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, family-community medicine, and public health.
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Search results for , issue "Vol 11, No 4 (2024)" : 10 Documents clear
Var Gene Encoding Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) 1α- Plasmodium Falciparum Erythrocyte Membrane Protein 1 (PfEMP1) as Diagnostic Marker and Clinical Predictor Candidates for Falciparum Malaria Dewi, Rosita; Sulistyaningsih, Erma; Aprilia, Annisa Nadya; Kusuma, Irawan Fajar; Sillehu, Sahrir
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.2396

Abstract

Background: The pathogenesis of severe malaria involves the antigenic protein Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1), encoded by the var gene. One of the important domains in PfEMP1 is Duffy Binding Like 1α (DBL1α). To diagnose malaria, microscopic examination has low sensitivity and specificity, therefore, the development of molecular-based methods is needed. This study aimed to determine the potential of DBL1α-PfEMP1 as a diagnostic marker and clinical predictor for falciparum malaria.Methods: An exploratory descriptive study was conducted in 2019 on malaria patients at the Tiakur public health center, Southwest Maluku, Indonesia. Blood samples of patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria were collected on filter paper for DNA isolation. Amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method used primers αAF [5'-GCA CG(A/C) AGT TTT GC-3'] and αBR [5'-GCC CAT TC(G/C) TCG AAC CA-3'] with cycles of denaturation 95oC 1-minute, annealing 42oC 1-minute, elongation 60oC 1-minute. PCR products were electrophoresed using 1% agarose gel. Amplicons were sequenced directly and analyzed using nucleotide BLAST-NCBI. Results: All patients showed mild malaria symptoms. PCR amplification yielded bands of 370 bp in all samples and 600 bp in 8 out of 10 samples, and 1 sample had a different pattern. Sequencing results confirmed that the amplicon was DBL1α, a var gene that had similarities to sequences from other regions.Conclusion: Positive amplification and sequencing results confirm the sensitivity of DBL1α-PfEMP1 as a diagnostic marker. The sequence variability of PCR product implies the presence of DBL1α variations, indicating a correlation with clinical outcomes and making it a clinical predictor.
Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rtPA) Affects Extremity Motor Progress in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Ramadhani, Dhianty; Amalia, Nuri; Putri, Mirasari
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3364

Abstract

Background: Decreased motor function is the most common disorder caused by stroke, leading to disability. Early recanalization is the potential therapy for acute ischemic stroke, by using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of rtPA therapy on the motor progression of extremities in acute ischemic stroke patients.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from medical records of 45 patients with acute ischemic stroke who received rtPA therapy in Al Islam Bandung Hospital, Indonesia in 2022. The limb motor progress was designated as an increase in strength motoric function skills of the left and right arms, as well as the left and right legs which were influenced by the neuroplasticity process. Marginal homogeneity test was used with significance at p<0.05.Results: Therapy of rtPA improved affected limb motor progress in patients (p=0.000). Before the administration of rtPA, all patients experienced muscle weakness. After 24 hours of rtPA therapy, patients experienced a decrease in muscle strength (9.5%), a steady state (28.6%), and increased in muscle strength (61.9%). After 72 hours, it was found that patients experienced a decrease in muscle strength (9.5%), a steady state (16.7%), and  increased in muscle strength (76.2%).Conclusion: Administration of rtPA significantly affects the progress of limb motor improvement in acute ischemic stroke patients. This study supports rtPA as a? primary therapeutic option for acute ischemic stroke patients and is expected to contribute to improving the management and recovery of stroke, a critical illness associated with aging.
Development and Optimization of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Primers for Accurate Diagnosis: A Case Study in West Sumatra - Indonesia Aulia, Ony Nattasha; Putri, Dwi Hilda; Faizal, Irvan
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3348

Abstract

Background: In 2022, new cases of Covid-19 emerged, including the Omicron variant which is classified as a variant of concern (VOC). West Sumatra is one of the top ten provinces with the highest number of cases in Indonesia. This study aimed to design specific primers and optimize the PCR method that can be used for accurate detection, specifically for SARS-CoV-2 circulating in West Sumatra.Methods: This study used an in silico approach, using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data available at the global initiative on sharing avian influenza data (GISAID), and employing the Geneious Prime application which confirmed samples collected from Padang, West Sumatra, and from Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi (Jabodetabek) serving as comparative sample tests. Technology development was supported by bioinformatics testing, laboratory testing, and validation methods, involving gene mining, sequence alignment, and primer design. Laboratory tests and validation included viral genomes extraction and cDNA synthesis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and results analysis. Results: Three sets of optimal primer candidates amplified the coveted target gene was discovered, specifically, the S gene of the receptor binding domain (RBD) region.Conclusions: The primers designed through a consensus between the complete genome of the SARS-CoV-2 isolate Wuhan-Hu-1 and the WGS of the Omicron variant in Padang, West Sumatra, have successfully detected the SARS-CoV-2 virus variant in the region. The most effective temperature optimization results were achieved by testing three primer products on samples from Padang and Jabodetabek. It has significance as a valuable diagnostic tool in the primer form.
Relationship between Emotional Distress and Workplace Influence on Depressive Symptoms among Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Merijanti, Lie Tanu; Hairunisa, Nany; Ridwan, Alvin Muhamad; Pusparini, Pusparini; Meiyanti, Meiyanti; Tjahjadi, Muljadi; Isahak, Marzuki bin
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3417

Abstract

Background: The rise of online motorcycle taxi services, driven by the demand for transportation and new technologies, has created a new landscape for drivers. However, despite the benefits, these drivers are not considered employees and are therefore vulnerable to psychosocial risks. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial hazards and depressive symptoms among online motorcycle taxi drivers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 218 online motorcycle taxi drivers in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, and Tangerang from September to December 2022. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire version III was used to assess psychosocial hazards in the workplace and the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms. A multiple linear regression test was used, with a significance level set of p < 0.05.Results: Most respondents were male, and many had worked for over five years, with the majority working more than 8 hours a day. Emotional burden and workplace influences were positively correlated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.017; β = 0.154; and p = 0.002; β = 0.166, respectively). In contrast, the meaning of work and clarity of roles were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.009; β = -0.161; and p = 0.024; β = -0.195, respectively).Conclusion: This study highlights that emotional stress and workplace influence can exacerbate depressive symptoms, while a clear and meaningful work environment have a positive impact. Healthy lifestyle habits are one of the stress management solutions to improve emotional wellness.
Concordance between Isothermal Amplification-Real Time Fluorescence Assay and Reverse Transcriptase Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting SARS-CoV-2 Irawati, Indri; Turbawaty, Dewi Kartika; Suraya, Nida
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3441

Abstract

Background: There are various nucleic-acid-based diagnostic tests used to detect SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and isothermal amplification real time fluorescence assay (IARTFA), with the first-mentioned is considered as the gold standard. The IARTFA is an alternative method using cross priming amplification (CPA) technique under constant temperature, with a simpler procedure and faster result. This study aimed to determine the concordance between IARTFA and RT-PCR in detecting SARS-CoV-2.Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with a random sampling method, conducted from August-October 2021 in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung. Data on patients was obtained from medical records. Cohen's kappa test was used to determine concordance between both methods.Results: A total of 30 subjects were collected, including subjects with positive result on RT-PCR and IARTFA (n=15), negative result on both methods (n=5), and with positive result on RT-PCR but negative on IARTFA (n=10). There were discrepancies between both methods in subjects with cycle threshold (CT) values ≥35. However, there was a significant concordance between both methods (Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 1, p = 0.006).Conclusion: In addition to RT-PCR, IARTFA is an alternative method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 with advantages and excellent concordance. In communicable diseases such as COVID-19, along with healthy lifestyles such as isolation and wearing masks, early diagnosis is important to prevent and manage the spread of the disease.
Blood Pressure Reduction in Patients with Hypertension Through Soursop Leaf Tea Consumption Siagian, Masryna; Hulu, Victor Trismanjaya; Ginting, Rapael; Manalu, Putranto; Sijabat, Vina Helsa Laora; Tarigan, Nita Kastrina
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3342

Abstract

Background: Controlling hypertension through pharmacological treatment is effective but can potentially lead to long-term side effects. Thus, more patients with hypertension have turned to herbal plants for treatment. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of soursop leaf tea in reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension.Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental approach with a non-randomized pretest-posttest control group design, involving 30 participants in the intervention group and 30 participants in the control group. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon test to assess the disparity in mean blood pressure levels before and after consumption of soursop leaf tea. The Mann-Whitney test was used to examine the distinction in mean blood pressure between the intervention group and the control group.Results: In the intervention and control groups, most respondents were aged 56–65 years (60% and 66.7%), male (70% and 56.7%) and had suffered from hypertension for more than 5 years (70% and 56.7%). There was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001) before and after the administration of soursop leaf tea. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group decreased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001).Conclusions: Consumption of soursop leaf tea can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, suggesting that this local herb has a potential effect on individuals diagnosed with hypertension.
Characteristics of Extraneural Tuberculosis in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis Hospitalized at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia in 2017–2021 Grazielle, Grazielle; Ganiem, Ahmad Rizal; Sobaryati, Sobaryati; Dian, Sofiati; Santoso, Prayudi
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3205

Abstract

Background: Tuberculous (TB) meningitis is the most severe manifestation of extrapulmonary TB and contributes to a high mortality rate. The presence of extraneural TB may raise suspicion of TB meningitis (TBM). This study aimed to explore the characteristics of extraneural TB in TBM patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using secondary data from medical records of TBM patients admitted at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung, Indonesia from 2017 to 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including HIV status. TBM cases were classified into grades I, II, and III using Medical Research Counsil (MRC) criteria that were based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and the presence of focal neurological deficits. The clinical classification diagnosis of TBM was made based on the Marais diagnostic criteria which included several diagnostic items and corresponding scoring which further divides TBM into three classes. Extraneural TB is defined as the finding of TB outside the nervous system. Disseminated TB was diagnosed based on the finding of ≥2 infected locations.Results: During the study period, 497 medical records were analyzed. Most TBM patients experienced Grade II (76.9%) and extraneural TB site was found in 65.4%, with pulmonary TB as the common site (77%). The highest mortality rate was in disseminated TB (50%). The finding of extraneural TB did not differ between HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients (67.8% vs. 67.9%; p=0.101).Conclusion:  The presence of extraneural TB is common in patients with TBM. Therefore, extraneural TB evaluation is important to ensure TBM diagnosis. Further studies are needed to explore factors related to TBM diagnosis to ensure TBM patient’s wellbeing.
Significant Relationship between Hypertension and Obesity among Female Patients at A Hospital in Kupang, Indonesia Wijaya, Darlene Monica; Indriarini, Desi; Wungouw, Herman Pieter Louis; Artawan, I Made
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3196

Abstract

Background: Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common non-communicable diseases found nowadays, affecting 1.28 billion people worldwide and causing about 7.5 million deaths annually. Many factors contribute to hypertension, one of which is obesity. This study aimed to explore further the relationship between hypertension and obesity, especially in female patients in Kupang, Indonesia.Methods: This study was an analytical observational with a cross-sectional approach, including female patients visited the outpatient’s clinic of internal medicine at a hospital in Kupang, Indonesia from July to August 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used. Data collection used an aneroid sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, and health scale. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test. The strength of the correlation was tested with the coefficient of contingency.Results: Of the 100 female patients, 28% had hypertension and 41% were obese. The majority were housewives, aged 46–66 years. Chi square test results showed a significant relationship between obesity and hypertension (p=0.006). However, the correlation test with the contingency coefficient showed a positive correlation with weak correlation (r = 0.283).Conclusions: There is a relationship between hypertension and obesity in female patients at a hospital in Kupang, Indonesia. This finding highlights the need for effective management and prevention strategies, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles.
Difference of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin Lymphoma Jones, Frenky; Mersiana, Lusi; Oehadian, Amaylia; Marthoenis, Marthoenis
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3335

Abstract

Background: Malignancy and inflammation are strongly connected. The inflammatory processes play a significant part in the development of lymphoma. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used as potential biomarkers of inflammation in lymphoma. This study aimed to discover the differences between NLR, MLR, and PLR in patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Methods: This study employed a retrospective design using data from the lymphoma registry at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia from 2020 to 2023. Sampling was carried out consecutively. Hematological data of patients with NHL and HL before chemotherapy were collected. The variance between the two groups was examined utilizing the Mann-Whitney U test.Results: In total, 122 data of patients were included, consisting of 75% NHL patients and 25% HL patients with a median age of 54 years (IQR 43–62). The overall NLR, MLR, and PLR tended to be lower in nHL than in HL patients although the differences were not statistically significant; with NLR 2.7 (0.7 – 12.2) vs. 3.2 (1.1 – 10.8)  p=0.287, MLR 0.36 (0.04 – 1.86) vs. 0.46 (0.09 – 1.78) p=0.150, and PLR was 160.6 (20.2 – 1533.3) vs. 211.2 (50.6–1156.3) p=0.189, for NHL and HL, respectively.Conclusion: The lower values of NLR, MLR, and PLR in NHL indicate lower systemic inflammatory status in NHL than HL patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate dynamic changes of these biomarkers during treatment.
Severity of White Matter Lesions Correlate with Small Vessel Ischemic Stroke Zahirah, Mutiara; Fatmawati, Heni; Wiryaning Putri, Komang Yunita
Althea Medical Journal Vol 11, No 4 (2024)
Publisher : Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.15850/amj.v11n4.3338

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the third leading cause of death globally. White matter lesions (WMLs) are often observed on brain imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in healthy elders and are considered as stroke predictors. Increased WMLs volume also affects small vessel stroke with worse disability. This study aimed to explore the correlation between WMLs severity and small vessel stroke subtype in acute ischemic stroke patients.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using medical record data from June 2018 to October 2022. Simple randomized sampling was used, including stroke patients at Siloam Hospital, Jember. The Fazekas scale categorized WMLs, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) confirmed small vessel stroke etiology-based subtype. Two-tailed Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation Coefficient test was employed to describe the relationship between WMLs severity and small vessel stroke subtype. Results: From a total of 65 acute ischemic stroke patients, 39 patients were included, predominantly females (62%), aged less than 55 years old (44%) with a history of hypertension (54%) and diabetes mellitus (59%). Small vessel stroke subtype was found in 64% of patients. There was a positive correlation between WMLs and the small vessel stroke subtype in acute ischemic stroke patients (p=0.02), suggesting that a higher Fazekas scale correlated with the small vessel subtype.Conclusion: The higher the severity of WMLs, the greater the correlation with small vessel stroke subtype. Early detection of small vessel ischemic stroke in patients with severe WML may contribute to early diagnosis and prompt treatment of ischemic stroke. 

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