SVĀSTHYA: Trends in General Medicine and Public Health
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The Isolation of mercury-resistant bacteria in the Brantas River, Malang, Indonesia
No full textMercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal that can originate from various sources, such as gold mining, the industrial sector, atmospheric deposition, and natural activities. Mercury contamination can cause liver, kidney, and enzyme system damage, as well as DNA damage. Because microorganisms are more sensitive to heavy metal stress than are animals and plants, the characteristics of microorganisms can be potential indicators of environmental health. This study aimed to isolate and identify mercury-resistant bacteria in the Brantas River, Malang as potential indicators of Hg pollution. Samples were isolated on nutrient agar (NA) media supplemented with 0.01 ppm HgCl₂ as a selective medium. The growing bacterial colonies were purified, and further resistance tests were carried out by adding HgCl₂ at concentrations of 0.03 ppm, 0.05 ppm, and 0.1 ppm. Bacterial isolates that survived at a concentration of 0.1 ppm HgCl₂ were then tested for sensitivity to concentrations of 0.15 ppm and 0.2 ppm HgCl₂. Bacterial isolation via HgCl₂ 0.01 ppm selective media produced 28 bacterial isolates. Further testing revealed that 19 isolates were resistant to 0.03 ppm HgCl₂, 13 isolates (0.05 ppm), and five isolates (0.1 ppm. Sensitivity tests on five bacterial isolates revealed that at a HgCl₂ concentration of 0.15 ppm, isolates RS118, RS1221, and RS1323 showed no growth inhibition, whereas at a concentration of 0.2 ppm, an inhibition zone formed for all five isolates. Although mercury-resistant bacteria were detected, this finding does not directly indicate the presence of mercury pollution in the river because bacterial resistance can be caused by various factors, including horizontal gene transfer between bacterial communities. Comprehensive testing of Hg concentrations in rivers is required to accurately determine the status of Hg pollution. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple biomarkers and environmental parameters alongside bacterial resistance patterns when assessing Hg contamination in riverine ecosystems
Frequency, clinical presentation, and management of Bartholin’s abscess: A case study at Rabia Balkhi Hospital, Afghanistan in 2022
Get PDFBartholin gland abscesses represent a significant gynecological condition requiring proper clinical management to prevent complications. These abscesses develop from ductal obstruction or infection of the bartholin glands, manifesting as localized pain, swelling, and erythema. Understanding their clinical presentation and management is crucial for optimal patient care in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation, management strategies, and treatment outcomes of bartholin gland abscesses at Rabia Balkhi Hospital, Afghanistan, in 2022. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the hospital records of women diagnosed with Bartholin's gland abscesses. The study identified 23 cases (n = 23), representing 0.6% of all gynecological admissions. The data collected included demographic information, clinical presentations, treatment approaches, and outcome measures. Among the 4,140 gynecological admissions, 23 cases (0.6%) of Bartholin gland abscesses were identified. The majority of cases (52%) occurred in women aged 25-35 years, with predominant clinical manifestations, including severe localized pain (96%), erythema (96%), and swelling (87%). This study employed three primary treatment modalities: incision and drainage (74%), marsupialization (17%), and drainage tube insertion (9%). Treatment outcomes demonstrated favorable results, with pain resolution achieved in 87% of patients within 48 hours postintervention. The overall recurrence rate was 13%, with no major complications observed during the study period. Bartholin gland abscesses predominantly affect women aged 25-35 years, and incisions and drainage are the most effective treatments. These findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment selection on the basis of patient characteristic
Behavioral, environmental, and climatic factors associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever incidence in Limboto District, Gorontalo, Indonesia
Get PDFDengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) remains endemic in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia reporting more than 131,000 cases and 1,135 deaths in 2022. In 2019, Gorontalo Province ranked fourth nationally in terms of incidence rate (101.53 per 100,000 population), with Gorontalo Regency accounting for 31.4% of the provincial cases in 2021. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the incidence of dengue fever in the Limboto Health Center Working Area, Gorontalo Regency, in 2022. A cross-sectional research design was used. The research was conducted from April to July 2022 in the working area of the Limboto Health Center. The population and sample were people who lived in Limboto District, with 124 respondents. Simple random sampling was used. The independent variables were knowledge, attitude, action, water reservoir, air temperature, air humidity, and occupancy density. The dependent variable was the incidence of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The research instruments used were questionnaires, observation sheets, and hygrometers. The data were processed using univariate and bivariate analyses with SPSS at the 95% confidence level (p<0.05). Among the 124 participants, 33.1% (n=41) reported DHF infection during the study period. Chi-square analyses revealed no statistically significant associations between DHF incidence and knowledge (p=0.499, χ²=0.456), attitudes (p=0.526, χ²=0.401), preventive actions (p=1.000, χ²=0.000), water storage practices (p=0.763, χ²=0.091), ambient temperature (p=0.688, χ²=0.161), humidity (p=1.000, χ²=0.000), or household density (p=0.788, χ²=0.072). All p-values exceeded the 0.05 significance threshold, indicating insufficient evidence to reject the null hypotheses. No factors were significantly associated with DHF incidence in this cross-sectional analysis
Prevalence and associated risk factors of bruise in the bovine carcass slaughtered Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia
Get PDFBruising bovine carcasses is a significant concern in the meat industry and affects both animal welfare and economic outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for bruises in bovine carcasses in the Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to May 2023; 384 randomly selected cattle were examined during ante- and postmortem inspections. Data on potential risk factors, including age, sex, breed, body condition, and causes of bruising, were collected. Visual inspection, palpation, and incision techniques were employed during the postmortem examination to identify and record the prevalence, anatomical location, and severity of bruises. Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS version 16.00, with nominal regression used to determine bruise rates and chi-square tests used to assess the associations between risk factors and bruise occurrence. A 95% confidence interval was applied, and differences were considered statistically significant at p<0.05. The study revealed a 24.48% prevalence of bruising, with stick beating (8.9%) being the most common cause. The anatomical distribution of the bruises varied, with the highest condemnation rates observed in the back and loin (6.25%). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in bruise incidence based on age, sex, and body condition (p<0.05). A high prevalence of bruising has a substantial economic impact on the local meat industry. Factors such as improper handling during transportation significantly contribute to this issue. Recommendations include implementing awareness programs for stakeholders and enhancing animal welfare measures to mitigate economic losses and improve carcass quality
Effectiveness of olive oil administration on stretch mark reduction in postpartum women
Get PDFStretch marks manifest as hyperpigmented dermal lesions that commonly occur during pregnancy. These cutaneous changes frequently cause physical discomfort and psychological distress among postpartum women, leading to diminished self-esteem and social withdrawal. Nonpharmacological interventions, particularly olive oil application, are potentially effective management approaches. This study evaluated the efficacy of topical olive oil in reducing stretch mark visibility among postpartum women in the Karang Mulya Community Health Center service area in 2024. This quantitative investigation employed a quasi-experimental design with pre- and posttest assessments. The participants included 45 postpartum women on postpartum day 6 residing within the Karang Mulya Health Center catchment area in March 2024. A total sampling technique was used, and data collection relied on standardized observational assessment tools. Statistical analysis was performed via the Mann‒Whitney test (p<0.05). The baseline assessment revealed a mean stretch mark severity score of 3.87 (SD=1.407) before olive oil application, which decreased significantly to 1.07 (SD=0.799) after the intervention. The experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared with the control group (p<0.001), confirming marked differences in the visibility of stretch marks following olive oil treatment. Topical olive oil application significantly reduces stretch mark visibility in postpartum women. These findings support the implementation of this technique as a safe and accessible nonpharmacological intervention in postpartum care protocols for stretch mark management
Emergency response and recovery management in the 2023 Turkey earthquake: Lessons learned from AFAD's systematic approach and international EMT coordination
Get PDFThe February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey (7.8 Mw) created unprecedented challenges for emergency response systems. This study examines Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority's (AFAD) systematic approach and coordination with international emergency medical teams (EMTs), with a particular focus on the contributions of the Indonesian Aceh EMT. This intrinsic descriptive case study employed qualitative methodologies, including in-depth interviews with 20 participants involved in humanitarian response. Document analyses of AFAD, WHO, and UN OCHA reports complemented primary data collection. Purposive sampling ensured that the participants had relevant disaster response experience. The data were subjected to thematic analysis via NVivo software to identify recurring patterns. AFAD demonstrated preparedness through comprehensive disaster response frameworks, mobilizing over 300,000 volunteers despite initial delays in some cases. GIS mapping technology facilitated the real-time identification of affected regions, reducing response times by 25%. The Indonesian Aceh EMTs arrived on day nine and provided medical services to more than 5,000 individuals within their first operational week. More than 100,000 displaced individuals received immediate aid within 48 h of the earthquake through the AFAD's prepositioning of medical supplies. Response effectiveness is influenced by several factors, including technological integration, volunteer mobilization, and international coordination. The 2023 Turkey earthquake underscores the importance of systematic preparedness and international collaboration in disaster management in Turkey. Recommendations include improving logistical systems for rapid deployment, increasing the utilization of advanced technologies, enhancing multilingual training, and continuously evaluating disaster management frameworks
Front and Back Matter for Volume 2 Issue 2, March 2025
No full textVolume 2 Issue 2, March 2025This issue consists of 5 articles contributed by 15 authors affiliated with 12 affiliations from four countries, including Indonesia (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, K.R.M.T. Wongsonegoro Hospital, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Universitas Sawerigading, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Universitas Sriwijaya, Universitas Negeri Manado), Afghanistan (Rabia Balkhi Hospital), India (B. J. Medical College, Civil Hospital Campus, Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) India, Narayan Consultancy on Veterinary Public Health and Microbiology), and Ethiopia (Sebeta Sub-City Agricultural Office)
Assessment of fly density, temperature, and humidity in the port areas of the Banyuwangi Regency: Implications for disease vector control
Get PDFFly density is a critical indicator of environmental sanitation quality and potential risk of disease transmission in port environments. This study assessed fly density levels, temperature, and humidity in port areas of the Banyuwangi Regency to understand vector distribution patterns and inform disease prevention strategies. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at three port locations in Banyuwangi: Ketapang Port, Tanjung Wangi Port (perimeter area), and landing craft machine ports (buffer areas). Fly density was measured via the fly grill method, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Health guidelines. The temperature and humidity measurements were recorded simultaneously at each location. The Kruskal‒Wallis test was used to compare fly density levels between locations. The mean fly densities at waste disposal sites in Ketapang Port, food stalls in Tanjung Wangi Port, and the open dumping area at LCM Port were 9, 9, and 2 flies per block grill, respectively. The average temperatures at the three locations ranged from 29.76°C to 35.53°C, with humidity levels between 62.82% and 77.35%. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in fly density among the three locations (p<0.05), with the highest mean ranks observed at food stalls in Tanjung Wangi Port. The perimeter areas presented high fly density levels that pose substantial public health risks, whereas the buffer area maintained an acceptable fly density. The environmental conditions recorded at all the sites provided optimal breeding conditions for the disease vectors. The implementation of targeted waste management strategies and environmental sanitation interventions is necessary at perimeter locations to mitigate disease transmission risk and protect public health in these transportation hubs
A Decade of KDIGO updates (2012–2025): What’s new in the evaluation and management of anemia in chronic kidney disease?
Get PDFAnemia is a prevalent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that leads to adverse clinical outcomes, increased rates of morbidity and mortality, and increased healthcare costs. The recently updated KDIGO 2025 Anemia in CKD Guideline substantially updates the 2012 version, incorporating the latest clinical evidence and expert consensus to improve patient care in CKD patients. This review examines the updates in the KDIGO 2025 Anemia in CKD Guideline compared with the 2012 version, highlighting advancements in diagnosis, evaluation, and management to improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive analysis of the published literature, guideline updates, and clinical studies was conducted to assess changes in the diagnostic and evaluation criteria, treatment approaches, and therapeutic recommendations for anemia in CKD patients. The diagnosis and evaluation of anemia in CKD emphasize a more individualized, risk-based approach that considers the patient’s stage of CKD. Optimizing iron status and addressing inflammation before initiating ESA therapy should be prioritized to minimize the risk of complications. HIF-PHIs are alternative therapies for patients with ESA resistance or an increased risk of ESA-related complications. A structured framework for managing ESA hyporesponsiveness can classify high-risk patients and promote alternative interventions, such as iron optimization and HIF-PHIs, instead of ESA dose escalation. The updated guidelines largely maintain unchanged transfusion practices. The KDIGO 2025 guidelines represent a major evolution in the evaluation and management of anemia in CKD patients, building on the 2012 recommendations with more precise and individualized treatment strategies. These updates optimize treatment efficacy, reduce complications, and enhance patient outcomes
Translating tuberculosis control policy into practice: Planning and budgeting challenges at a primary healthcare center
Get PDFTuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most prevalent communicable diseases in Indonesia, with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in urban areas such as Makassar city. This study aimed to examine the planning and budgeting processes of the TB control program at the Tarakan Public Health Center (PHC) in Makassar city. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted via document analysis, direct observations, and in-depth interviews with four key informants (TB program managers, healthcare workers, and community health volunteers involved in TB control). Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns related to program planning, budgeting, implementation, and barriers to program implementation. The TB control program at Tarakan PHC followed national guidelines but faced local challenges, including insufficient early case detection, limited community awareness, and strong social stigma. Budget allocations fluctuate yearly, with IDR 12,800,000 allocated in 2023 and increasing to IDR 25,000,000 in 2024, affecting the program’s sustainability. Patient nonadherence to treatment, often due to perceived recovery, economic hardship, and stigma, was a major barrier. In response, the PHC implemented activities such as active case finding, contact tracing, default tracing, treatment supervision, and preventive therapy, supported by community engagement. Between 2020 and 2024, 226 TB cases were identified. Although national policy supports TB control efforts, local implementation is hindered by behavioral, operational, and financial constraints. Consistent budget allocation, targeted health education, and stronger community involvement are essential for improving treatment outcomes and supporting TB elimination strategies at the primary care level