Althea Medical Journal
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Effectiveness of Cadaver Compared to Plastination as Anatomy Learning Media: Medical Student Perspective
Full text linkBackground: Anatomy is a fundamental component of medical education, playing a pivotal role in understanding the structure and function of the human body. Cadaver-based anatomy learning remains widely used in many medical faculties; meanwhile, plastination as an alternative method, offering efficiency and practicality. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cadaver and plastination learning media in improving anatomical understanding among first-year medical students.Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study with a pretest-posttest control group design conducted in November-December 2023. The study included 69 first-semester medical students from the Universitas Pertahanan, Republic of Indonesia who had not previously received musculoskeletal anatomy lectures. Participants were divided into cadaver and plastination groups. A questionnaire was distributed before and after the anatomy class. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and paired sample t-test.Results: Both cadaver and plastination groups showed a significant increase in post-test scores (p<0.05), indicating that each method effectively improved students’ anatomical understanding. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p-value=0.253), suggesting comparable effectiveness between cadaveric and plastinated teaching media.Conclusions: Cadaveric and plastinated learning media are equally effective in improving anatomical knowledge among first-semester medical students. A thorough understanding of human anatomy is essential not only for clinical competency but also for advancing knowledge related to wellness, healthy aging, and the management of degenerative diseases.
Overnutrition Status Is Associated with Elevated Blood Pressure among Adolescents in Central Jakarta, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Overweight and obesity are rising among Indonesian adolescents and are known risk factors for hypertension. This study aimed to examine the relationship between overnutrition status and blood pressure among adolescents.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2024, among overweight and obese adolescents aged 12–16 years in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index (BMI) Z-scores based on CDC growth charts, adjusted for sex and age. Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer and classified according to the 2017 AAP guidelines. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: A total of 98 adolescents participated (67.3% male; mean age 13 years). Overweight (49%) and obesity (51%) were almost equally distributed, with the highest BMI recorded at 46.7 kg/m². More than half (58.2%) had elevated blood pressure, with one case reaching grade 2 hypertension (143/84 mmHg). Overnutrition status was significantly associated with elevated blood pressure (p=0.044). Stratified analysis showed a strong association among males (p=0.005), where 42.4% of obese males exhibited elevated blood pressure, but no significant association was observed among females (p=0.58).Conclusion: Overnutrition is significantly associated with elevated blood pressure among adolescents, particularly in males. Early interventions promoting balanced nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits are critical to reducing the long-term cardiovascular risk in this age group
Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract on FGF21 mRNA Expression in Male Wistar Rats’ Skeletal Muscle Under Sedentary Condition
Full text linkBackground : Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a muscle-derived myokine whose expression changes in response to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), primarily generated by cytochrome c oxidase complex IV (COX IV) in skeletal muscle. Moringa oleifera (MO) is known for its antioxidant potential, which may influence FGF21 expression and oxidative stress pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MO leaf extract on FGF21 mRNA expression and mitochondrial oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle under sedentary conditions. Methods: This semiquantitative analytic study used 10 sedentary male Wistar rats, divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment group was administered 200 mg/kg of MO leaf extract, while the control group was given a standard diet and water for 12 weeks. COX IV and FGF21 mRNA levels in the soleus muscle were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene’s homogeneity test, independent t-test, or Mann–Whitney test, with significance set at p<0.05.Results: The treatment group exhibited lower COX IV (0.6414 vs 0.7388) and higher FGF21 (0.9414 vs 0.7157) mRNA levels compared to the control group; however, the differences were not significant (p=0.354 and p=0.170, respectively). Conclusions: Although FGF21 may act as a therapeutic response to decreased mitochondrial activity, MO supplementation in sedentary conditions shows no significant effect on mitochondrial oxidative function or FGF21 expression. Nonetheless, these findings contribute to understanding metabolic regulation and highlight the potential role of antioxidants and active lifestyle interventions in promoting wellness and preventing muscle decline due to aging.
Correlation between Hemoglobin Concentration and Oxygen Saturation Post-Exercise with Cardiorespiratory Fitness: Early Indicators for Cardiovascular Health in Young Adults
Full text linkBackground: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important indicator of cardiorespiratory health and a strong predictor of mortality. Several factors affect CRF, including arterial oxygen content (CaO2), which is influenced by hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and oxygen saturation. However, the correlation between CRF and Hb remains inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the correlation between Hb concentration and oxygen saturation post-exercise with CRF, especially in young adults.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2024, involving 68 medical students from a university in Jakarta, Indonesia. Consecutive stratified sampling was applied based on gender. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) were used as screening tools. Hb concentration and oxygens saturation were measured using a digital hemoglobinometer and pulse oximetry, while CRF was evaluated using a 20-meter multistage test. Additional measurements included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and heart rate. Data were analyzed with correlation and multiple linear regression tests.Results: The most participants were female (57.4%). Normal Hb concentration was found in 80.9% with mean Hb levels of 14.15±1.54 g/dL in males and 12.9±1.37 g/dL in females. CRF correlated positively with Hb concentration (p=0.005; r=1.13), and negatively with oxygen saturation post-exercise (p=0.005; r=-0.4). These correlations were significant in males and not in females. Conclusion: Hb concentration and oxygen saturation post-exercise significantly correlate with CRF in males, whereas BMI and physical activity play stronger roles in females. Maintaining optimal Hb levels, preventing anemia, and promoting active lifestyles are essential strategies to support CRF, cardiovascular health, and long-term wellness
Occurrence of Gastritis Is Related to Stress among Health Science Students
Full text linkBackground: Gastritis is among the top 10 health issues in Indonesia, with stress as the primary factor. Stress can put students at risk, leading to stress management neglect. This study aimed to find the relationship between stress and the occurrence of gastritis among students, especially those majoring in Health Sciences.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in October 2022–March 2023 on 273 Health Science students at the University of Jember, Indonesia, using a simple random sampling method. Data on suspected gastritis occurrence with stress was analysed, using the Spearman's rank correlation test.Results: The majority of respondents were female (84.2%) aged 22 years (50.2%) and were at the post-proposal seminar stage (55.7%). Stress level was moderate (41.8–46.9%). There was a relationship between the type of stress and the suspected gastritis occurrence (p<0.05). The type of stress that was strongly associated with suspected occurrence of gastritis was social-related stressor (r= 0.316).Conclusions: The study highlights the impact of stress on physical health and encourages the use of mental health services on campus to prevent and address related issues. Further studies are needed to explore other contributing factors. A better healthy lifestyle among students with health sciences background is recommende
Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index as a Potential Indicator of COVID-19 Severity in a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: The progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to severe stages is strongly influenced by host immunity and inflammatory. The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) is a novel biomarker reflecting both immunity and inflammation. This study aimed to analyze differences in SII according to COVID-19 severity.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using medical records of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, between March 2020 and August 2021. SII was calculated as the absolute neutrophil count and platelet count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count obtained from peripheral blood samples. COVID-19 severity was classified based on oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the discriminatory ability of SII. Results: Of the 1,192 patients included, 410 (34.3%) had severe symptoms and 782 (65.7%) had mild to moderate symptoms. The median SII at admission was significantly higher in severe symptoms [1779 x 109 /L (IQR 46-40416)] compared with mild to moderate symptoms [880 x 109 /L (IQR 14.5-23280)]; p<0.001. ROC analysis showed an SII cut-off of 1244 with an AUC of 0.695 (95% CI 0.668–0.721), sensitivity 65.9%, and specificity 66.2%.Conclusions: SII may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting COVID 19 severity. Its simplicity and availability from routine blood counts make it particularly valuable for early risk stratification, especially in resource-limited settings. Moreover, early recognition of elevated SII could support timely interventions, prevent disease progression, and improve clinical outcomes
Serum Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Severity in Acne Vulgaris: Implications for Metabolic Health
Full text linkBackground: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit with varying degrees of severity. Increasing evidence suggests that metabolic disturbances, including dsylipidemia, may contribute to its inflammatory progression. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid profiles and AV severity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 patients with AV aged 25–40 years at a tertiary hospital in Manado, Indonesia. Serum triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol levels were measured. Association between lipid parameters and AV severity were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Group differences were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc analysis.Results: Participants were predominantly Minahasa (66.7%) and female (60.0%). Total cholesterol and LDL levels demonstrated strong positive correlations with AV severity (r=0.696 and 0.654, respectively; p<0.001). Patients with severe AV had significantly higher total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to those with mild and moderate AV (F= 13.275; p<0.001 for total cholesterol; H= 12.496; p=0.002 for LDL). Triglycerides levels showed a weak correlation with AV severity (r= 0.375; p=0.041) but no significant intergroup difference (p= 0.112). HDL levels were not significantly associated with AV severity (p= 0.198).Conclusions: Dyslipidemia, specifically elevated total cholesterol and LDL, is strongly associated with severe AV. These findings underscore the importance of metabolic evaluation and lifestyle-based interventions as part of comprehensive management to reduce inflammation and promote long-term metabolic health
Assessment of Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate and Metformin Hydrochloride as Independent Agents on Human Dermal Fibroblast Viability: Findings from MTT Assay
Full text linkBackground: Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) and metformin hydrochloride have been tested as anti-aging compounds at various concentrations. This study aimed to identify the most effective concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate and metformin hydrochloride in promoting the viability of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), a primary cell type in skin aging research.Methods: HDFs were isolated using a mechanical isolation method and cultured under standard conditions. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of alpha-tocopheryl acetate and metformin hydrochloride as independents agents. After 48 hours of incubation, cell viability was measured using the MTT assay.Results: Alpha-tocopheryl acetate had the highest HDF cell viability (107%) at a concentration of 50 μM. Metformin hydrochloride had the maximum HDF cell viability (158%) at 5 μM. However, the viability response varied across different concentrations for both agents, indicating that optimal dosing was essential for maximizing their effectiveness.Conclusions: Alpha-tocopheryl acetate at 50 μM and metformin hydrochloride at 50 μM yield the highest viability of HDFs in vitro. These findings suggest potential roles for both agents in anti-aging skin therapies. Further research is recommended to explore their mechanisms of action and to optimize dosing strategies for clinical applications
Prevalence of Hypertension and Its Relationship with Stress Levels among Medical Students in Jakarta, Indonesia
Full text linkBackground: Stress can occur in all groups, including late adolescents and university students. Repetitive and persistent exposure to stress can induce many other conditions, one of which is hypertension. Aging and the presence of risk factors could increase the prevalence of hypertension. This study aimed to determine the relationship between stress levels and the prevalence of hypertension in pre-clinical medical students.Method: This study used an analytical observational study design with a cross-sectional approach and simple random sampling of 212 pre-clinical medical students at the Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia. The measuring instrument used was the K10 questionnaire, followed by blood pressure screening. The Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS facilitated the univariate and bivariate data analysis.Results: The majority of the 212 respondents were female (61.8%), aged ranging from 18–21 years. Stress was identified in 49.1% of respondents, with mild stress (20.3%), moderate stress (15.6%), and severe stress (13.2%). Hypertension was detected in 11.8% of respondents, with 9.4% and 2.4% as grade 1 and 2 hypertension, respectively. High-normal blood pressure was detected in 20%. There was no significant relationship between stress levels and prevalence of hypertension among these pre-medical students (p-value for systolic pressure = 0.1318 and p-value for diastolic pressure = 0.8314). Conclusion: Although there is no relationship between stress levels and hypertension in medical students, however, concerns need to be emphasized regarding prevalence of hypertension stress. Further thorough evaluation and intervention are needed to prevent future complications in future medical doctors. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is encouraged
Effect of Yoga on Depression Levels in Older People Living in Nursing Home
Full text linkBackground: Older people, especially those living in nursing homes, have a higher risk of experiencing depressive disorders. This condition may lead to decreased physical health, decreased social and cognitive function, and increased risk of suicide attempts. One intervention to help the older people overcome depression is yoga. This study aimed to assess the effect of yoga on depression level in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: This study applied a one-group pre-and post-test design. The Geriatric Depression Scale–15 (GDS-15) was used to measure depression levels. Participants were recruited from one of the nursing homes in Jakarta, Indonesia. Yoga intervention was performed directly in the nursing home 3 times a week for 9 weeks with each practice duration of 40 minutes. The paired t-test was used to evaluate the statistical difference in depression scores between pre-and post-intervention. Result: There were 29 out of a total of 68 residents were interviewed after the inclusion and exclusion study was conducted, resulting in 18 respondents who experienced depression and participated in yoga intervention. The majority respondents had mild depression (10 of 12). There was a significant difference in depression scores before and after doing yoga activities (t=11; p<0.001).Conclusion: Yoga can be an effective intervention to reduce depression among older people in nursing homes and yoga as a form of physical activity for the elderly may improve their wellness and enhance quality of life