Narra J (Journal)
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Comparative analysis of short-chain fatty acid levels in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rat model: Impact of high-fat high-fructose (HFHF), high fat, and Western diets
Get PDFThe evidence on the role of diets in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was limited. The aim of this study was to assess the potential effects of high-fat high-fructose (HFHF), high-fat, and Western diets on the levels of SCFA. A research experiment employing a post-test-only control group design was carried out from January to April 2022. A total of 27 rats were randomly allocated to each study group. SCFA was measured two weeks after diet administration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to analyze the differences among groups, and the effect estimate of each group was analyzed using post hoc Tukey. The concentrations of SCFAs post HFHF diets were recorded as follows: acetic acid at 54.60±10.58 mmol/g, propionic acid at 28.03±8.81 mmol/g, and butyric acid at 4.23±1.68 mmol/g. Following the high-fat diet, acetic acid measured 61.85±14.25 mmol/gr, propionic acid measured 25.19±5.55 mmol/gr, and butyric acid measured 6.10±2.93 mmol/gr. After the administration of Western diet, the levels of SCFA were 68.18±25.73, 29.69±12.76, and 7.48±5.51 mmol/g for acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, respectively. The level of butyric acid was significantly lower in HFHF diet group compared to the normal diet (mean difference (MD) 6.34; 95%CI: 0.61, 12.04; p=0.026). The levels of acetic acid (p=0.419) and propionic acid (p=0.316) were not statistically different among diet types (HFHF, high-fat, and Western diet). In conclusion, HFHF diet is associated with a lower level of butyric acid than the normal diet in a rat model
Comparison of efficacy and safety of open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFDespite advances in non-invasive and minimally invasive techniques, some proximal ureteral stones with impaction require open or laparoscopic surgery. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses have compared the efficacy and safety of open proximal ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety between open and laparoscopic proximal ureterolithotomy for ureteral stone management. Following the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ProQuest) to identify articles comparing those two surgical approaches. Operative time, blood loss, pain score, hospital stay, recovery time, and complications were collected and compared. Heterogeneity-based meta-analysis with random-effects or fixed-effects models were conducted. Two randomized controlled trials and four observational cohort studies with 386 participants met the criteria. Open surgery had significantly less time than laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (mean difference (MD): 26.63 minutes, 95%CI: 14.32, 38.94; p<0.0001). Intraoperative blood loss (MD: -1.27 ml; 95%CI: -6.64, 4.09; p=0.64) and overall complications (OR: 0.68; 95%CI: 0.41, 1.15; p=0.16) were not significantly different between two approaches. Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores (MD: -2.53; 95%CI: -3.47, -2.03; p<0.00001), hospital stays (MD: -2.40 days; 95%CI: -3.42 to -1.38 days; p=0.03), and recovery time (MD: -9.67 days; 95%CI: -10.81 to -8.53 days; p<0.00001). In conclusion, open proximal ureterolithotomy had less time, but laparoscopic surgery reduced postoperative pain, hospital stay, and recovery time. Both methods had comparable intraoperative bleeding and complications
Curcumin-mediated alleviation of dextran-induced leaky gut in Drosophila melanogaster
Get PDFAging is commonly characterized by a decline in the physiological functioning of the body organs, with one hallmark being the impairment of intestinal function, leading to increased intestinal permeability known as leaky gut. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of curcumin to prevent the development of leaky gut in Drosophila melanogaster utilizing the smurf fly method. In this study, flies aged 3–5 days underwent a 10-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment to induce intestinal permeability, followed by a smurf assay using brilliant blue dye and locomotor testing the next day. Flies displaying the smurf phenotype were divided into four groups: untreated control and curcumin-treated (10 µM, 50 µM, and 250 µM). After 21 days of treatment, flies were reassessed for the smurf phenotype and underwent locomotor testing. On day 23, flies were subjected to RT-qPCR analysis. By inducing increased intestinal permeability through the administration of DSS, a higher proportion of flies exhibiting the smurf phenotype and a reduced survival rate in the DSS-treated group were observed. Such phenotypes were reversed, decreased number of flies displaying the smurf phenotype and improved fly survival, upon the incorporation of curcumin in the fly food at concentrations of 10, 50, and 250 µM. Subsequent molecular analysis revealed upregulated expression of sod1, cat, and pepck genes, while no significant changes were observed in the expression of sod2, indy, and srl genes following treatment with curcumin at high concentration. Overall, our findings provide insight into the potential effect of curcumin to alleviate the phenotypical features associated with DSS-induced leaky gut, possibly via the selective regulation of aging-related genes
Low-FODMAP diet on postprandial distress syndrome type of functional dyspepsia with mixed type of irritable bowel syndrome patient: A case report
Get PDFFunctional 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
Urban children at risk of violence: A qualitative study of experiences of parents, teachers, and service providers of collaborative support
Get PDFChildren who are at risk of involvement in violence need assistance from multisector agencies such as social services, law enforcement, health, and education. The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions and experiences of parents, teachers, and service providers (i.e., counselors, psychologists, paralegals, and social workers) on collaborative support for children at risk of violence in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Twenty-four structured interviews were conducted with ten parents whose children were victims of sexual or physical abuse or were involved in substance abuse and theft and have received support from the Integrated Service Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children in Banda Aceh, Indonesia; ten service providers; and four teachers who either worked with the concerned children or knew them. Using a thematic analysis approach, the data was systematically coded and analyzed to identify important themes. Most parents who sought help or support from governmental agencies were referred by other service providers or recommended by relatives or friends. Parents hesitated to discuss their children’s problems with the teachers, worrying about stigma, particularly for sexual abuse victims. The school’s lack of collaboration with external agencies was consistent with the teacher’s claim that they seldom work with other agencies outside of school, resulting in a siloed system of care. It can be concluded that the biggest barrier to communication and coordination among parents, teachers, and service providers is the parents’ and service providers’ lack of willingness and confidence to work with teachers. Clear policies are needed to establish a cross-institutional linkage structure that promotes shared responsibilities
Factors related to first COVID-19 booster vaccine acceptance in Indonesia: A cross-sectional multi-center study
Get PDFA positive community perception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is crucial for increasing vaccination coverage and achieving herd immunity. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the acceptance of a COVID-19 booster vaccine in Indonesia. It was conducted as a cross-sectional, multicenter study using a validated questionnaire distributed online to Indonesian participants aged 18 years and older. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions of both the participants and their closest contacts, the Health Belief Model (HBM) domain, and preferences for the location of receiving a booster vaccine, as well as reasons for declining a booster vaccine. Of 1550 respondents, 78.6% had received the first COVID-19 booster dose. Sociodemographic factors influencing first booster vaccine acceptance in Indonesia included age (OR36–45 vs 18–25 years: 2.43; 95%CI: 1.13–5.24; OR>45 vs 18–25 years: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.96–6.52), length of education (OR13–16 vs <12 years: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.00–1.80; OR>16 vs <12 years: 4.15, 95%CI: 2.12–8.09), monthly income (ORIDR3,500,000 vs 1,500,000: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.19–2.49), and occupation (ORHealth workers vs not-working: 1.81; 95%CI: 1.00–3.29). Clinical aspects and HBM domains associated with booster vaccine acceptance were the presence of chronic disease (OR: 1.94; 95%CI: 1.03–3.66), previously tested positive for COVID-19 (OR: 1.90; 95%CI: 1.24–2.89), having a family member or friend who was hospitalized due to COVID-19 (OR: 1.86; 95%CI: 1.32–2.62), perceived susceptibility (OR: 1.20; 95%CI: 1.02–1.41), perceived access barriers to COVID-19 vaccination (OR: 0.52; 95%CI: 0.44–0.61), and perceived benefits of COVID-19 vaccination (OR: 1.67; 95%CI: 1.41–1.97). In conclusion, factors influencing the first COVID-19 booster vaccine acceptance in Indonesia ranged from demographic and clinical characteristics as well as HBM domains. Effective strategies to expand COVID-19 booster vaccine coverage should consider these factors to encourage participation in the vaccination program
Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene and their implications for susceptibility and severity of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Get PDFThe insertion or deletion polymorphisms of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE I/D) have been the subject of significant research related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite this, the findings have remained uncertain and debatable. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the ACE I/D polymorphisms and the susceptibility as well as the severity of COVID-19. A meta-analysis study (PROSPERO: CRD42022384562) was conducted by searching the articles published on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase as of May 15, 2023. Information regarding the impact of ACE I/D variant on the susceptibility to COVID-19 and its severity was collected and analyzed utilizing the Mantel-Haenszel method with a random effects model or fixed effects model, depending on the presence or absence of heterogeneity. Out of 3,335 articles, 21 articles were included, of which 13 investigated the association between ACE I/D and the risk of COVID-19 infection and 18 of them examined its influence on disease severity. The D allele of ACE increased risk of COVID-19 infection (OR: 1.41; 95%CI: 1.08–1.85; p-Egger: 0.0676; p-Heterogeneity: <0.001; p=0.0120), while ACE I allele (OR: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.54–0.93; p-Egger: 0.0676; p-Heterogeneity: <0.001; p=0.012) and II genotype (OR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.34–0.87; p-Egger: 0.200; p-Heterogeneity: <0.001; p=0.011) decreased the risk of infection. Additionally, there was a notable association between the ACE ID genotype and an elevated likelihood of experiencing severe COVID-19 within the Asian population (OR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.15–1.84; p-Egger: 0.092; p-Heterogeneity: 0.116; p=0.002). The presence of ACE I/D polymorphisms significantly influences the likelihood of being susceptible to and experiencing the severity of COVID-19
Probiotic-rich fermented milk from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IIA-1A5: Effects on pregnancy health in the animal model
Get PDFPrevious studies of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IIA-1A5 have shown its potential as a probiotic in modulating gut microbiota and providing health benefits; however, its effects during pregnancy remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of fermented milk enriched with L. plantarum IIA-IA5 in pregnant mice. An experimental study was conducted at Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia. Two groups of pregnant mice (Mus musculus L.) were used, each with six mice. The control group received sterilized milk (10 mL/kg body weight (BW)), while the intervention group was given fermented milk containing L. plantarum IIA-1A5 (107 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL). The evaluated outcomes included maternal weight changes, fetal counts and measurements, and assessments of fetal morphology and skeletal development. Results indicated that the morphology of fetuses showed no significant differences between the control and intervention groups; both groups demonstrated normal development with no detected resorption sites, growth retardation, or hemorrhage. For skeletal development, both groups had the same bone counts, including frontal, parietal, intraparietal, exoccipital, supraoccipital, nasal, pre-maxilla, mandibular, thoracal, lumbar, sternum, and extremities. This study highlights that L. plantarum IIA-1A5-enriched fermented milk was safe, as no significant morphological or bone developmental abnormalities were observed, indicating its potential as a dietary supplement to support pregnancy health. However, further studies involving larger sample sizes may be needed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of its outcomes and safety
HUVECs-derived exosomes increase neovascularization and decrease limb necrosis in hindlimb ischemia
Get PDFChronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the most severe manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and imposes a significantly high burden due to its high risk of mortality and amputation. Revascularization is the first-line treatment for CLTI; however, the amputation rate remains high, and approximately one-third of patients are not eligible for this treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)-derived exosomes on neovascularization and the degree of necrosis in a hindlimb ischemia model and to study the biological processes underlying their mechanisms. This is an in vivo experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. Forty BALB/c mice were randomized to receive injections of exosomes, conditioned media, and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) one day after unilateral double ligation. A sham-operated group was also included as a control. Capillary density, arteriole lumen diameter, and histopathological necrosis were measured after seven days, while clinical necrosis was observed daily. MicroRNA profiling, in silico analysis, and transcriptomic analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression were performed to determine the possible biological processes. No amputation was found in the exosome group, as well as in the conditioned media and sham-operated groups, compared to three out of seven mice (43%) in the PBS group. The capillary density was higher in the exosome than in the PBS group (p=0.026). The arteriole lumen diameter in the exosome group was larger than in the PBS (p=0.033) and sham-operated (p=0.034) groups. The scores of clinical necrosis and histopathological necrosis in the exosome group were lower than the PBS group (p=0.005), while the histopathological necrosis scores were also lower but statistically insignificant. In silico analysis showed improvement in neovascularization and necrosis, possibly through energy regulation, PI3K/AKT and TGF-β activation, the ubiquitin-proteasome system, and tyrosine kinases receptors. HUVEC exosomes were associated with lower VEGF mRNA expression, which may indicate a more effective compensatory mechanism under ischemic conditions. The exosome group had the lowest VEGF mRNA expression compared to other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant. This study highlights that HUVECs-derived exosomes improve neovascularization and decrease necrosis in a hindlimb ischemia mice model, potentially by modulating several possible mechanisms
Global prevalence and determinants associated with the acceptance of monkeypox vaccination
Get PDFAssessing the acceptance of the monkeypox vaccine is crucial for the success of vaccination programs, yet the prevalence reports remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of monkeypox vaccine acceptance and identify its associated factors. A meta-analysis was conducted with a comprehensive search strategy on the following databases, including Scopus, Embase, and PubMed, for articles published up to April 5, 2024. This study utilizes a single-arm meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence of monkeypox vaccine acceptance. A Z-test was employed to identify factors associated with the vaccine acceptance. Our study analyzed 51 articles encompassing 98,746 participants, revealing an overall monkeypox vaccine acceptance rate of 65%. Notably, the highest acceptance rates were observed among men who have sex with men (MSMs), while healthcare workers (HCWs) showed the lowest acceptance rates. Additionally, our findings indicated an increased acceptance in individuals with educational attainment beyond a bachelor’s degree, a history of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination, homosexual orientation, and HIV-positive status. Conversely, lower acceptance risk was associated with those with educational attainment below a bachelor's degree, heterosexual orientation, and bisexual orientation. In conclusion, our current study has determined the rate of monkeypox vaccine acceptance and identified its associated factors. These findings offer valuable insights as the foundation for targeted policies to manage and increase acceptance rates