Background: Acrylic resin, commonly used as a denture base material, has the disadvantage of being prone to fracture during use. Therefore, reinforcement with natural fibers such as ramie and banana stem fibers is required to improve its mechanical strength. However, potential color changes resulting from fiber addition must be considered, as they may affect the aesthetic quality of the denture. Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of adding natural fibers at different concentrations as reinforcement for acrylic dentures based on discoloration. Method: A total of 42 acrylic resin samples were prepared in accordance with ISO 20795-1:2013 standards. The samples were divided into seven groups: control, addition of ramie fibers 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, and banana stem fibers 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%. The natural fibers underwent alkalization using 5% NaOH. Color change was evaluated using the CIELab system with a VITA shade guide. Color change value formula [(ΔL*)2+(Δa*)2+(Δb*)2]½. Data were analyzed using Two-Way ANOVA (p-value < 0.05). Result: The highest mean ΔE value was observed in the group with 2.5% banana stem fiber addition, while the control group had the lowest value. Increasing fiber concentration resulted in greater color change. Both fiber type and fiber concentration significantly influenced color change values. Additionally, a significant interaction between fiber type and concentration was observed. Conclusion: The color change value in the ramie fiber 0.5% group was still considered stable and did not affect aesthetics because ΔE value was below the standard value (3.7). Higher fiber concentrations resulted in greater color changes. The type and concentration of fiber influence the color change.
Background: Acute heart disease is among the ten most common non-communicable diseases in Indonesia. Diagnosis of acute heart disease is commonly confirmed using electrocardiography (ECG) or troponin measurement; however, these diagnostic tools are not available in all healthcare facilities. The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) is a readily accessible laboratory parameter that can be assessed in patients presenting with chest pain. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the relationship between NLR and High-Sensitivity Troponin I (hs-TnI) levels in patients with acute heart disease who need rapid treatment. Method: This descriptive quantitative study used secondary data obtained from Husada Utama Hospital, Surabaya, covering the period from January 2023 to March 2024. A total of 52 patient records that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test. Result: The findings of this study demonstrated a positive correlation between NLR and hs-TnI levels in patients with acute heart disease at RSUD Husada Utama Surabaya, indicating that an increase in troponin I levels was accompanied by an increase in NLR levels. The majority of patients with acute heart disease are 16 men with a range of ages 46 - 55 years. Data analysis using the Spearman test obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.279, indicating the level of strength of the relationship between variables and a significance value of 0.045 <0.05. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between NLR and hs-TnI levels in acute heart disease at Husada Utama Hospital, Surabaya.
Background: Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia. Various factors contribute to chronic malnutrition, with one significant factor being infection from opportunistic intestinal protozoa. This pathogen can exacerbate chronic malnutrition by damaging the intestinal lining, which leads to inadequate nutrient absorption. Transmission of this disease occurs due to environmental sanitation and personal hygiene. Purpose: To determine the relationship between personal hygiene habits and the occurrence of opportunistic intestinal protozoan infections in stunted children in Sukorambi Village, Jember. Method: The subjects were 37 children diagnosed with stunting. Information on personal hygiene habits was collected through a questionnaire. Intestinal infections caused by opportunistic protozoa were detected using a microscope. Fisher's exact test was used to examine whether there was a significant relationship between these variables. Result: The prevalence of intestinal protozoan infections in stunted children was 18.9%. The most prevalent species was Blastocystis hominis (16.2%), followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (2.7%). No cases of Cyclospora sp. or Isospora belli were detected. A statistically significant relationship was found between personal hygiene and protozoan infection (p-value = 0.027). Conclusion: Poor personal hygiene is strongly associated with intestinal protozoan infections. Therefore, teaching caregivers, especially mothers, proper hygiene is crucial to preventing the spread of parasites among children. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the importance of health policies that focus on improving hygiene in more at-risk communities to reduce infections and stunting.
Background: The textile production process relies on machinery that generates continuous noise exposure. In the weaving area of PT X, noise levels reach up to 98.4 dBA, making the use of earplugs necessary. However, many workers do not use earplugs due to lack of knowledge about earplugs. This is proven by the results of survey of 10 respondents which stated that 80% of respondents were found to have poor knowledge of earplug utilization. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of educational videos on earplug utilization knowledge in weaving workers of PT X. Method: The design of this study was quasi-experimental, comprising a pretest and posttest control group design. A simple random sampling technique was employed to choose research sample of 82 weaving workers. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test were used to assess the data. Result: Following the posttest, the distribution of educational video on the usage of earplugs significantly enhanced knowledge in the intervention group (p-value 0.001) than the control group (p-value 0.239) as measured by the Wilcoxon test. Conclusion: The provision of educational videos has a significant effect on improving weaving workers’ knowledge of earplug use at PT X.
Background: Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacterium naturally commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract, and can be identified through its DNA detection. However, to ensure the accuracy and purity of the sample, repeated testing is required so that the results demonstrate consistent stability. Purpose: This study aims to determine the optimum temperature and incubation time of the sonication extraction method and to increase the purity and concentration of E. coli DNA. Method: The method used was quasi-experimental. This study used samples of pure isolates of E. coli DNA from patients who were positive for gastrointestinal infections. Result: It was obtained that the concentration of E. coli DNA samples at 50⁰C for 10 minutes had the largest average of 87 ng/μL, compared to the concentration of E. coli DNA samples at 50⁰C for 20 minutes of 30.8 ng/μL.The purity of E. coli DNA samples at 30⁰C for 20 minutes has the greatest average of 1.9, compared to the purity of E. coli DNA samples at 60⁰C for 15 minutes by 1.6. The data obtained was then analyzed with Microsoft excel. Conclusion: The optimum incubation temperatures for the sonication extraction method are 30⁰C and 50⁰C, while the optimum incubation times for the sonication extraction method are 20 minutes and 10 minutes.
Background: Tooth extraction induces trauma to the tissue and triggers an inflammatory response as part of the wound healing process. The early inflammatory phase is characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages at the wound site. A prolonged inflammatory phase can result in excessive tissue damage. The purple leaf (Graptophyllum pictum L.Griff) extract (PLE) has been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effect of PLE on the number of neutrophils and macrophages in tooth extraction wounds. Method: This study employed a laboratory experimental design using a Post-Test-Only Control Group Design. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four control groups receiving distilled water and four treatment groups receiving 10% PLE administered by nasogastric on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Following euthanasia, tissue samples were processed and stained using Haematoxylin-eosin. Neutrophils and macrophages were observed and quantified. The data were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Result: There was a significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between the control group and the treatment group. The 10% PLE treatment group showed a lower mean number of neutrophils and a higher mean number of macrophages than the control group on days 1,3,5, and 7. Conclusion: PLE affects the number of neutrophils and macrophages in tooth extraction wounds.
Background: Patients with knee osteoarthritis experience postural changes that impair balance control due to frequent shifts in the Center of Gravity (COG). Individuals who experience knee osteoarthritis tend to experience a decrease in stride length. A decrease in stride length is also one of the factors that influences the occurrence of balance disorders in the elderly. Purpose: To examine the association between stride length and dynamic balance in patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Method: This research used an observational cross-sectional study evaluating the correlations between dynamic balance and stride length in knee osteoarthritis patients. Forty-two elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis were assessed using spatial-temporal stride length and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for dynamic balance tests. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to find the data distribution, followed by Spearman correlation coefficients for the correlation test between variables. Result: The study included 42 elderly participants with medically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis (35 females, 7 males. The reported mean age of the respondents is 69 years old, with an average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 25.97 kg/m2. The results were obtained with a Spearman correlation coefficient of r = 0.501 and p-value = 0.001, indicating a statistically significant correlation between stride length and dynamic balance in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis. Conclusion: Stride length is significantly associated with dynamic balance in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis. These findings suggest that stride length may serve as a simple and accessible clinical indicator to screen for reduced dynamic balance in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Background: Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection caused by melanized or brown-pigmented fungi, most commonly Fonsecaea pedrosoi. Purpose: This case report describes an unusual instance of chromoblastomycosis caused by F. pedrosoi in a woman from South Kerala with a preceding history of a leech bite, highlighting the importance of combining clinical examination, histopathology, fungal culture, and molecular sequencing for accurate diagnosis and effective management of this rare and chronic fungal infection. Case: A 54-year-old housewife presented with a 3 × 2 cm erythematous plaque on the dorsal aspect of left hand at the site of anatomical snuffbox. She reported a history of leech bite four years back at the same site. Dark pigmented colonies were isolated on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Skin biopsy for histological analysis, revealed sclerotic bodies, and Sanger sequencing. The patient was treated with oral itraconazole for two months. Result: The diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis was confirmed through fungal culture, histopathological examination revealing sclerotic bodies, and Sanger sequencing identifying F. pedrosoi. The patient responded well to two months of oral itraconazole over two months, with no recurrence of lesions noted on follow-up. Conclusion: Accurate identification of chromoblastomycosis is crucial due to its resistance to treatment and varied clinical manifestations, which often lead to misdiagnosis. However, combining systemic antifungal therapy with physical and surgical modalities has been shown to improve outcomes such an atypical mode of transmission underscores the need for heightened clinical awareness, especially in endemic areas or among patients with unusual environmental exposures.
Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common occupational health problem among workers, especially in formal industries such as the tofu industry; to prevent serious health impacts, it is necessary to apply appropriate ergonomic behavior. Purpose: This research aims to determine ergonomic behavior in the prevention of LBP in tofu industry workers. Method: This research used a cross-sectional design. The research was conducted in the tofu industry in Jambi City from May to June 2024. A total of 88 tofu industry workers were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with ergonomic behavior. Result: The finding showed that 47.7% of respondents had poor behavior, 50.0% of respondents had poor knowledge, 26.1% of respondents had poor attitudes, 19.3% of respondents had inadequate experience, and 33.0% of respondents had poor perceptions regarding ergonomics. The results of bivariate analysis found that ergonomic behavior was related to knowledge (p-value = 0.019), experience (p-value = 0.001), and perception (p-value = 0.034). No significant association was found between attitude and ergonomic behavior (p-value = 0.800). Multivariate analysis indicated that workers with inadequate experience were approximately seven times more likely to exhibit poor ergonomic behavior after controlling for knowledge and perception (PR = 7.703; 95% CI: 1.537 – 39.619; p = 0.013). Experience was identified as the most dominant factor influencing ergonomic behavior. Conclusion: Ergonomic behavior is significantly associated with knowledge, experience, and perception. The most dominant factor in ergonomic behavior is experience after controlling for knowledge and perception.
Background: Toluene is a chemical widely used in industry as a solvent or a mixture of other chemicals. Occupational toluene exposure can occur in painting, laboratories, car repair shops, and other industrial workplaces. Toluene exposure may cause epigenetic alterations and DNA methylation, which can lead to gene inactivation and may contribute to cancer development and other adverse health outcomes. Purpose: This systematic review aims to determine the effect of toluene on DNA methylation in workers. Review: The method of this research was a systematic review of the databases PubMed and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were studies involving workers exposed to toluene and employing experimental or observational studies published in English and within the last ten years. A total of five articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Result: Toluene exposure may cause epigenetic alterations and DNA methylation. The impact of toluene exposure on DNA methylation included gene inactivation, placental dysfunction, miscarriage, and increased risk of cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of reducing occupational exposure to toluene. Industries should consider replacing toluene with more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as ethyl acetate, ethylcyclohexane, n-butyl acetate, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether, to minimize health risks to workers.
Background: Vaginal discharge or fluor albus is a disorder of the reproductive tract, particularly affecting the vaginal area. Pathological vaginal discharge requires prompt treatment because its complications may include ovarian infection and may eventually lead to infertility. Based on the above, researchers seek to conduct research to overcome pathological fluor albus by utilizing natural ingredients that are believed to be easily obtained in the community, specifically bay leaves (Syzygium polyanthum) which are mixed into traditional ingredients. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of bay leaf decoction for the healing of pathological fluor albus. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The sample included 56 respondents. Data were analyzed using a Paired T-test. A pretest was carried out before the intervention, followed by a demonstration of how to prepare the bay leaf decoction. For seven days, respondents were monitored twice a day and asked to complete a checklist as evidence that they had performed the rinsing, then submit a photo of the checklist via whatsapp. After the seven-day intervention period, a home visit was conducted to administer the posttest. Result: The results showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores (Z = -4.895; p-value = 0.000), with 30 respondents experiencing a reduction in symptoms. The intervention proved effective in reducing pathological vaginal discharge. Conclusion: Bay leaf decoction is effective in alleviating symptoms of pathological vaginal discharge, making it a promising herbal alternative for managing cases of pathological vaginal discharge.
Background: The Jaffe method is still applied with semi-automated analyzers based on picric acid reaction in many laboratories, whereas the enzymatic method is more frequently used as a reference in primary laboratories and hospitals. Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of the Jaffe method in comparison with the enzymatic method and to assess its precision in measuring normal and abnormally high serum creatinine levels under routine laboratory conditions. Method: The study employed an analytical observational manner at the East Java Province Hajj Hospital and Bakti Analysa Laboratory. Serum samples were obtained from 30 patients with normal creatinine levels and 25 pre-dialysis patients with abnormally high creatinine levels. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results of the Jaffe method with those obtained using the enzymatic method, while precision was assessed by repeating the measurements 10 times for each sample. Result: The inaccuracy of the Jaffe method for normal creatinine levels was 19.20%, while for abnormally high creatinine levels, it was -9.33%. The precision value (coefficient of variation) for normal creatinine levels was 5.86%, whereas for abnormally high creatinine levels, it was 1.13%. Conclusion: The Jaffe method for measuring normal creatinine levels demonstrated poor accuracy because the inaccuracy value exceeded the ±10% limit. In contrast, the measurement of abnormally high creatinine levels showed good accuracy because the inaccuracy value remained within the ±10% range. Both normal and abnormally high creatinine measurements using the Jaffe method demonstrated good precision, as the coefficient of variation values were lower than the maximum CV limit of 6%.
Background: Antibiotic resistance has become a major global health concern, including in periodontal therapy. Therefore, alternative antimicrobial approaches that do not rely on antibiotics are required. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect of the diode laser on Porphyromonas gingivalis associated with periodontitis. Method: This study employed an in vitro experimental design with a control group and a treatment group. A diode laser with a wavelength of 660 - 900 nm was applied to the P. gingivalis cultures with exposure times of 5, 10, and 15 seconds. The bacterial growth was assessed by measuring the inhibition zone diameter. Result: The results demonstrated a significant reduction in P. gingivalis growth following diode laser irradiation, with longer exposure times producing larger inhibition zones. Conclusion: Diode laser irradiation exhibited significant in vitro antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis. These findings indicate that diode lasers have potential as an alternative antimicrobial modality in periodontal therapy and warrant further investigation through in vivo and clinical studies.
Background: Noise is a common occupational physical hazard that, when esposure exceeds threshold limits, can elevate blood pressure. Work-related hypertension may affect workers’ productivity. Purpose: To conduct meta-analysis of the association between occupational noise exposure and the risk of high blood pressure. Review: The authors performed meta-analysis of 10 articles published between 2018-2023 from different sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The terms "noise exposure" or "occupational noise" and "hypertension" and "multivariate analysis" were used to search for papers, which were then chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 was used to analyze this study. Result: According to the findings of a meta-analysis of 10 publications, being exposed to noise at work raised one's risk of developing hypertension by a factor of 1.83 in comparison to not being exposed to it (aOR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.49-2.24; p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Working in a noisy environment increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Background: Working in hot climates can also lead to health problems such as dehydration. Dehydration is the excessive loss of fluid from body tissues. Dehydration can be caused by fluid loss and bleeding. Dehydration can also occur due to increased fluid requirements, such as fever, high environmental temperatures, and extreme activity. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationship between individual characteristics and work climate with hydration status in workers in the production department of PT X. Method: This study used a cross-sectional design, with analytical observation methods, and a sample size of 57 workers in the production department. The relationship between the research variables was examined using the contingency coefficient statistical test. Result: The results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between hydration status and age (p value = 0.003), Body Mass Index (BMI) (p value = 0.038), drinking water intake (p value = 0.000), and work climate conditions (p value = 0.020). Conclusion: This study indicates that some production workers are not well hydrated. This is based on the analysis of four variables: age, body mass index, water consumption, and work environment. These variables were found to have a significant correlation with workers' hydration status, with the strength of the relationship ranging from moderate to strong.
Background: Across several continents, school-aged children, especially females, are frequently afflicted with pediculosis, an infectious disease caused by the parasite Pediculus sp., which feeds on human blood. Purpose: To identify the species and frequency of Pediculus sp. among pupils at boarding schools in Palangka Raya City. Method: This study used a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional design using a questionnaire as the main research instrument. Using a fine-toothed comb and ocular inspection, samples of Pediculus sp. were gathered. Five boarding schools in Palangka Raya City's Pahandut, Jekan Raya, and Sebangau subdistricts participated in the study. Data on pediculosis were described descriptively, and SPSS-16 was used to analyze the questionnaire responses. Result: Of the 121 students who participated in the survey, 39.6% had pediculosis and 60.4% did not. Compared to just 0.8% of male students, 38.8% of female students had the infection. Conclusion: Pediculus humanus capitis was the species of head lice found at Palangka Raya City's boarding schools. It was discovered that female pupils were more susceptible to pediculosis than male students. The Pediculus humanus capitis species' eggs, nymphs, and adult lice were found during inspection and identification. Notably, the sick students had stable socioeconomic circumstances, regularly bought toiletries, washed their hair properly, had decent personal hygiene, and showed sufficient understanding of pediculosis.
Background: Mechanical failure, age and poor quality of machines, and heavy equipment can cause mining accidents or disasters. Accidents in mining can be caused by equipment and handling of heavy loads, mechanical failure, safety management, poor leadership and work environment, unsafe actions, inexperienced workers, and lack of rules, regulations, training and safety education. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse risk opportunities for enhancing heavy equipment employee protection performance. Method: This study used a qualitative method, by using Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Opportunities (HIRARO) methods to identify work hazards in mining areas and opportunities to control them to improve safety performance. Result: The risk management that has been carried out by the company does not use a hierarchy of controls, but goes directly to preventive measures with moderate status. Conclusion: Risk management in in East Kalimantan heavy equipment companies still needs to be improved in terms of preventing accidents and occupational health by adding risk level after initial controls, to obtain post-initial control risk levels, as well as proper additional controls and take into account the opportunities to enhance OSH performance or reduce risks.
Background: Occupational accidents can result in financial losses for the company and decreased worker productivity. These incidents are often caused by unsafe actions and conditions. At PT X, several work activities pose a high hazard, including being struck by heavy loads, falls from heights, entrapment by machinery, vehicle-related accidents, and fires. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effect of Behavior-Based Safety implementation on unsafe actions in workers at PT X. Method: This quasi-experimental study using a pre-test and post-test approach with a control group design. In this research, a total of 70 workers will be divided into two groups, namely the intervention group with the application of BBS and the control group. The implementation of BBS consisted of four stages: (1) Define, (2) Observe, (3) Intervention Program, and (4) Test. The study data were processed and analyzed using the SPSS application. Result: The study demonstrated that the implementation of Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) successfully reduced unsafe actions, as reflected in the Mann-whitney Test results showing a ρ-value = 0.043 (ρ-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The application of BBS serve as an effective effort to reduce unsafe worker actions and therebyminimize occupational accidents.
