Publications of the Indonesian Scholars' Alliance
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Strengthening Laboratory Capabilities in Improving HIV/AIDS and Other Diseases Support in Zimbabwe
Full text linkBackground: Laboratory services are always overlooked by the governments when it comes to funding, and they are mostly left behind in terms of newer testing technologies, however, in Zimbabwe, there has been a tremendous improvement in laboratory support through the partners and donors.
Aims: The objective of the study was to review the progress made in strengthening laboratory capabilities in improving HIV/AIDS and other disease support in Zimbabwe.
Methods: This study adopted a qualitative research method based on secondary data collected from laboratory documentation, including websites such as SADCAS. The study focused mainly on laboratories scattered around Zimbabwe, on the improvements made in support of HIV care in Zimbabwe.
Results: The results show that there has been a great improvement in terms of laboratory performance and management through support from various donors interested in HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. Furthermore, the results show that there are currently 13 public health laboratories accredited to SADCAS, several improvements in employee support, and new technologies are being employed throughout the Zimbabwean laboratories for both HIV and TB care. Additionally, the laboratory information system is functional and now helps to send laboratory results to clinics and patients for patient management by all the clinics and hospitals.
Conclusion: However, concerns regarding reliance on and the sustainability of these partnerships remain a challenge if they sever ties with the laboratory services, as the funding from the government is not adequate to support the laboratory’s full independence. As for the policy makers, they can help to improve the funding gaps to enable sustainability in the long run so that the gains acquired will not go to waste if the donors and partners decide otherwise, as is happening with USAID and PEPFAR funding.
Exploring the Antioxidant and Anti-proliferative Effects of Murraya koenigii (L.) Leaves Methanol Extract on T47D Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Full text linkBackground: Murraya koenigii (Curry) leaves are herbal plants that have bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids that function as antioxidants and anti-cancers.
Aims: This study aimed to quantitatively determine the bioactive compounds in curry leaves by calculating phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid content. Its potential as an antioxidant and anti-proliferative compound in T47D breast cancer cell lines was also analyzed.
Methods: Murraya koenigii leaves extract was obtained by maceration using 80% methanol (1:5 w/v), then the antioxidant and anti-proliferative test was carried out using the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Pycrylhidracyl (DPPH) and MTT (-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, respectively, followed by flow cytometry to determine the apoptotic activity of the extract on T47D breast cancer cell lines.
Results: The results for the bioactive compounds in the methanol extract of Murraya koenigii leaves were 156.62±1.49 mg/g phenolics, 99.19±0.25 mg/g flavonoids, and 2.90±0.01 mg/g alkaloids. The IC50 value for antioxidant activity was 25.058±2.2 μg/ml and showed an anti-proliferative effect on T47D cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 74.71±5.45 μg/ml for cytotoxicity. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed that a concentration of 1/16 IC50 has the best results for apoptosis.
Conclusion: The methanol extract of Murraya koenigii leaves has the potential as an antioxidant and anti-proliferative agent and can induce apoptosis of T47D cells
Beyond Tradition: Time to Reform Peer Review
Full text linkPeer review is a cornerstone of research practice and scientific publishing, serving as a bridge between new proven science and presumably false scientific findings. However, the process often experiences delays, inconsistencies, bias, and deficiencies in the availability of qualified reviewers, so consequently fails to meet the needs of both the authors and the journals. This perspective outlines core challenges associated with peer review and proposes recommendations to enhance the efficacy of the process and improve the overall quality of reviews. Recommendations include providing different types of incentives to reviewers, developing a structured and guidelines-based reviewing system, and greater rigor over reviewer selection. Additionally, the incorporation of artificial intelligence now needs to be considered
Strengthening HIV Education and Health Promotion in Schools: A Case Study of ‘Aisyiyah Junior High School Bantul, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Adolescents are a strategic target in preventing HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. The number of incidences of HIV among children aged 1–14 years has reached 14,150 cases. This number is increased by 700–1,000 each year. In the future, teenagers have the potential to spread information and conducive change, leading society toward a healthier paradigm dealing with HIV/AIDS and drugs.
Aims: This recent study is to conduct an assessment of the HIV risks and preventions of HIV at ‘Aisyiyah Junior High School Bantul in order to strengthening HIV education and health promotion in schools.
Methods: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with all the students of Aisyiyah Junior High School Bantul. Focused interviews were conducted to analyze the promotion and prevention of HIV, facilities and infrastructure, access to HIV information, and HIV advocacy in schools.
Results: This study highlights several challenges in HIV education at ‘Aisyiyah Junior High School Bantul, Indonesia. Students mostly rely on limited sources like internet articles and school activities for HIV information, but there's a noticeable lack of accessible, comprehensive resources. The school has adequate facilities, including a health unit, but these aren’t being fully utilized for HIV education. While there are some efforts in advocacy, both internal and external, they aren’t as effective as they could be. Overall, the school’s prevention initiatives need more focus and direct engagement with HIV topics, alongside better access to information to truly make a difference.
Conclusion: The primary factor in preventing HIV among adolescents is knowledge. Therefore, providing access facilitates infrastructure and makes teenagers the agents of prevention of HIV. In addition, advocacy in the form of promotion and prevention can be conducted.
Received: 04 November 2024 | Reviewed: 20 November 2024 |
Revised: 15 December 2024 | Accepted: 02 January 2025
Phytochemical Screening and Potency of Mango Peel Extract (Mangifera indica L.) var. Gedong Gincu in Inhibiting the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Full text linkBackground: Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen most of which develop into Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. To prevent bacterial resistance, herbal medicine is needed. Mango plants have secondary metabolite compounds that can inhibit bacterial growth. Gedong gincu mango is a specific mango variety that grows widely in Cirebon district. There has been no research that knows the secondary metabolite content and its potential as an antibacterial, especially the peel part which only becomes waste.
Aims: To find out the chemical compounds contained and determine the potential of mango peel extract (Mangifera indica L.) var. gedong gincu in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.
Methods: This research is an experimental with a posttest only control group design. Phytochemical screening test employed a qualitative method. The extract was made using the maceration method with 70% ethanol solvent. Antibacterial testing with well diffusion method, and given four treatment concentrations (W/V), namely 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%. The measurement on the inhibitory zone after 24 hours at temperature of 370C.
Results: Gedong gincu mango peel extract contains secondary metabolite compounds flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The inhibitory activity of gedong gincu mango peel extract with a concentration of 25% gedong gincu mango peel extract has an average inhibition zone of 11,55 mm, 50% average inhibition zone 13,55 mm, 75% average inhibition zone 14,88 mm, and 100% average inhibition zone 16,22 mm in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus p(<0.05).
Conclusion: Mango peel extract var. gedong gincu with a concentration of 25% has the potential to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
Factors Influencing Quality of Life among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) at Waled General Hospital, Cirebon, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that requires long-term management and carries the risk of leading to other health conditions, which can result in decrease of quality of life.
Aims: To find the quality of life of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and the factors affecting it at Waled General Hospital (RSUD Waled), Cirebon, Indonesia.
Methods: It was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The study took place at RSUD Waled, Cirebon Regency, and used 96 (T2DM) patients as research samples that were chosen with simple random sampling. The source of data was primary through a questionnaire and secondary from the patient’s medical record. The questionnaire used for the quality of life’s variable in this research was WHOQOL-BREF. The analytical statistics used were Spearman’s correlation test for the bivariate analytics, and binary logistics regression for the multivariate analytic.
Results: There were 54.2% of T2DM patients that fell into bad quality of life category and 45.8% of T2DM patients had good quality of life. Analytic statistics showed a significant relationship between glycemic control (p = 0.003 and r = 0.304), family support (p = 0.000 and r = 0.502), and self-acceptance with quality of life of T2DM patients (p = 0.000 and r = 0.606). Meanwhile types of therapy, comorbidities, and complication didn’t show a significant correlation with quality of life of T2DM patients. Multivariate analysis showed the most correlated factor for quality of life of patients T2DM was self-acceptance (OR=30).
Conclusion: There were some factors that had significant correlation with quality of life of T2DM patients. Self-acceptance was the most correlated factor with quality of life of T2DM patients. Healthcare providers can incorporate educational intervention programs into routine diabetes care, emphasizing patients' psychological health, especially with regard to self-acceptance and family support techniques. In order to improve knowledge, motivation, and efficient self-management, this program may incorporate counselling, education, and the creation of support groups
The Effectiveness of the Combination of Bay Leaf Extract (Syzygium polyanthum) and Celery Leaf Extract (Apium graveolans L.) on Lowering Blood Sugar Level in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Full text linkBackground: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder marked by high blood glucose levels. According to the WHO, approximately 422 million people worldwide were living with diabetes in 2023, with 1.5 million diabetes-related deaths reported annually. Based on the RISKESDAS data, the prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia was 8.5% in 2018, affecting approximately 20.4 million individuals, and the increase is closely linked to rising obesity rates. Diabetes treatment involves both medication and lifestyle changes. Indonesia has many herbal plants, such as bay and celery leaves, which contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins believed to have antihyperglycemic properties.
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of bay leaf extract (Syzygium polyanthum) and celery leaf extracts (Apium graveolans L.) against lowering blood sugar levels in white male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).
Methods: This research is an experimental study using a pre- and post-test control group design. A total of 25 male Wistar white rats (Rattus norvegicus) were induced with alloxan and then divided into five groups: Group 1 (G1) as the negative control; Group 2 (G2) as the positive control, treated with the drug glibenclamide; Group 3 (G3) received bay leaf extract at a dose of 300 mg/kgBW; Group 4 (G4) received celery leaf extract at a dose of 300 mg/kgBW; and Group 5 (G5) received a combination of bay leaf and celery leaf extracts at a dose of 300 mg/kgBW. The post-test was conducted twice : Post-test 1 was carried out 60th minutes after treatment, and Post-test 2 was conducted 120th minutes after treatment. Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer.
Results: At 60th minutes post-treatment, blood sugar levels decreased by 40 mg/dL in G1, 100 mg/dL in G2, 44 mg/dL in G3, 57.4 mg/dL in G4, and 70.8 mg/dL in G5. At 120th minutes, the decreases were 45 mg/dL (G1), 104.6 mg/dL (G2), 49.2 mg/dL (G3), 62 mg/dL (G4), and 77.6 mg/dL (G5). The Post Hoc LSD test showed a statistically significant average decrease of 5 mg/dL between post-test 1 and post-test 2 (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The combination of bay leaf extract and celery leaf extract at a dose of 300 mg/kgBW is most effective in reducing blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic Wistar rats
Inhibition Test of Cassava Leaves (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Flavonoid Nicotiflorin on Replication of Dengue Virus Serotype 1 in Vitro
Full text linkBackground: Dengue fever is a disease caused by the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus. Dengue virus infection can lead to hemorrhagic fever and even death. Currently, treatment for dengue infection is supportive, as there are no commercially available antiviral drugs. Nicotiflorin, a compound found in cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz), has shown potential as an antiviral agent against dengue.
Aims: This study aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of the flavonoid nicotiflorin, derived from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) leaves, as an antiviral agent against dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) in vitro.
Methods: A post-test-only control group design was utilized in this experimental research, comprising one control group alongside thirteen treatment groups. For the cytotoxicity assessment, the treatment groups were exposed to seven varying concentrations (1.25 µg/mL, 2.5 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 20 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL), while six different concentration levels (1.5 µg/mL, 3.125 µg/mL, 6.25 µg/mL, 12.5 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 50 µg/mL) were employed in the inhibition assay. The control group received 0.2% DMSO as a negative control. Antiviral inhibition was assessed using the Focus Forming Unit (FFU) Assay, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Microtiter Tetrazolium Assay (MTT Assay). Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, the Kruskal-Wallis test for hypothesis testing, and post-hoc analysis to assess significant differences among treatment groups.
Results: The CC₅₀ and IC₅₀ values of nicotiflorin from cassava leaves were determined to be 19.24 μg/mL and 0.9550 μg/mL, respectively, yielding a Selectivity Index (SI) of 20.14. These findings indicate that the flavonoid nicotiflorin from cassava leaves exhibits selective antiviral activity against DENV-1 replication. Statistical analysis revealed a non-normal data distribution (P < 0.05), a significant difference among groups based on the Kruskal-Wallis test (P < 0.05), and no statistically significant differences among specific concentrations in the post-hoc test.
Conclusion: Nicotiflorin from cassava leaf (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has inhibitory activity on the replication of dengue virus serotype 1 strain in vitro
The Influence of Internal Factors on the Success of Leprosy Treatment at Cibuaya Health Center, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Indonesia still has a significant number of leprosy cases; there was an increase in cases to 12,441 compared to the previous year, which was 10,976 (WHO, 2023). At the national level, the target percentage of leprosy treatment has not been reached; 87% achievement was obtained, while the national indicator target is 90%. Age, gender, marital status, education level, occupation, and leprosy type are among the internal characteristics that contribute to the effectiveness of leprosy therapy. The most leprosy cases in Karawang Regency are found in Cibuaya Health Center, Indonesia.
Aims: This study aims to determine the influence of internal factors (age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, and leprosy type) on the success of leprosy treatment at the Cibuaya Health Center.
Methods: Observational analysis with cross-sectional design was used in this study with a sample size of 110 respondents at the Cibuaya Health Center. Medical records from patients receiving leprosy treatment at the Cibuaya Health Center served as the sample. Total sampling, a non-probability sampling technique, has been used. The study was conducted in June 2024.
Results: Leprosy treatment success was found to be influenced by age (p=0.09), gender (p=0.001), marital status (p=0.012), education level (p=0.001), and leprosy type (p=0.001) in the bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test. However, the occupation factor did not show a significant effect on treatment success (p=0.275). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, Leprosy type was the most dominant factor influencing treatment success (Exp(B) = 38.863). The limitation of this study is that it did not investigate internal factors in the success of leprosy treatment by using laboratory results (such as BTA testing) after treatment.
Conclusion: The success of leprosy treatment at the Cibuaya Health Center is influenced by age, gender, marital status, education level, and leprosy type. The most influential factor on the success of leprosy treatment is the type of leprosy. However, the occupation factor did not show a significant effect on treatment success. These findings can inform targeted strategies to improve treatment outcomes, especially among high-risk groups such as Multibacillary (MB) patients and the elderly
Correlation between Head Midline Shift CT-Scan with Glasgow Coma Scale in Head Injury Patient at Waled General Hospital, Cirebon, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Findings on a head CT scan could use the midline shift (MLS) parameter to assess the severity of head injury. Midline shift was also known to serve as an indicator that was frequently associated with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in head injury patients. A greater degree of midline shift (> 5 mm) indicated a severe head injury that was significantly associated with a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score. The measurement could be performed quickly, although most of the findings that appeared when patients first arrived at the emergency department were generally mild.
Aims: This study aims to determine the correlation between midline shift on CT-Scan head and Glasgow coma scale in head injury patients at Waled General Hospital.
Methods: This research is analytical observational with a cross-sectional design. The total sampling technique took samples from the medical records of 38 patients out of 81 samples that had been excluded. The study was conducted at Waled General Hospital in June-July 2024 and analyzed using the Spearman correlation test.
Results: The results showed that most samples did not show a midline shift with 30 patients (78.9%) and had a GCS score of 13-15 with 22 patients (57.9%). A significant relationship exists between the midline shift on head CT-Scan with the GCS (p = 0.001, r = -0.770) in head injury patients at Waled General Hospital.
Conclusion: Most samples did not show a midline shift picture and had a GCS score of 13-15. There was a significant relationship between the midline shift on head CT scans and the GCS in head injury patients at Waled General Hospital. These findings had important implications in clinical practice, particularly in determining triage priorities, predicting the need for surgical intervention, and monitoring patients intensively