Background:Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health issue, particularly among children in TB-endemic regions. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc and selenium, may influence TB treatment outcomes. However, the relationship between these micronutrients and TB outcomes in children is not well-established in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the mean difference of zinc and selenium levels on TB treatment outcomes in children receiving treatment in Padang, Indonesia. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at the district level hospitals in Padang City, Indonesia, from April to October 2024. The study included children aged 1-14 years diagnosed with TB and receiving treatment. Serum zinc and selenium levels were measured using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA). The treatment outcomes were categorized as success (cured and completed treatment) or failure (death, treatment failure, or default). Results:Zinc levels were significantly lower in the failure group (71.61±8.18 ng/mL) compared to the success group (79.72±8.12 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Similarly, selenium levels were lower in the failure group (89.56±23.47 ng/mL) compared to the success group (115.09±17.86 ng/mL) (P<0.05). Conclusion:The study found a significant association between lower zinc and selenium levels and unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes in children. These findings suggest that addressing micronutrient deficiencies may play an important role in improving TB treatment outcomes in pediatric populations. Further research is needed to explore potential interventions to improve micronutrient status in TB patients.
Background:COVID-19 has aggravated antimicrobial use owing to limited treatment options, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which was previously estimated to potentially cause 10 million global deaths within 30 years. This study evaluated the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance in referral hospitals. Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre analyzed clinical bacterial samples from pre-COVID-19 (2018) and during COVID-19 (2020, 2023). Two hundred isolates from 2018 and 2020, and 121 samples from 2023, were examined. Bacterial isolates were identified using API 20E for Enterobacteriaceae (bioMérieux) and standard biochemical tests, while antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Results:During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic resistance among bacteria has increased significantly. Resistance to ampicillin 113 (95.8%, p=0.018), ceftriaxone 102 (74.5%, p=0.043), and ciprofloxacin 119 (68.8%, p=0.003) increased. Conversely, resistance to chloramphenicol 19 (16.1%, p=0.021) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid decreased to 62 (52.5 %, p = 0.007). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed decreased resistance to chloramphenicol 11(20.8%, p=0.004) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 27(50.9%, p=0.034). Acinetobacter species also showed a significant increase in ceftriaxone resistance 18(94.7%, p=0.018). Among the 233 isolates, ESBL-producing bacteria were identified in 101 (43.4%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli showed the highest frequencies at 40 (39.6%) and 54 (53.5%), respectively. Conclusion:During COVID-19, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone resistance significantly increased, whereas restricted antibiotics, such as meropenem, showed lower resistance. The extensive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics during the pandemic has aggravated antimicrobial resistance, necessitating intensified and coordinated efforts to combat it.
Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Diurnal intermittent fasting (DIF), a fasting pattern synchronized with circadian rhythms, has been proposed as a potential strategy to alleviate metabolic disturbances, but evidence from controlled animal studies remains limited. Materials and Methods:This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design using thirty-six male Wistar rats. T2DM was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). Animals were randomized into four groups: diabetic control (G1), and three DIF-treated groups fasting two (G2), three (G3), and six (G4) days per week. Blood glucose was measured weekly. On day 28, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:DIF significantly reduced blood glucose levels in all intervention groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). The G4 group showed the highest SOD activity and the greatest IL-6 reduction (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant glucose difference between G3 and G4, suggesting a plateau in glycemic improvement. Conclusion:DIF improves glycemic control, enhances antioxidant defense through increased SOD activity, and reduces systemic inflammation via IL-6 suppression in a T2DM rat model. These findings support the potential of DIF as a complementary therapeutic approach for T2DM, although further research is needed to determine the optimal fasting regimen and its applicability in humans.
Background:The plant species identified as Uvaria chamae, a member of Annonaceae has exhibited notable anti-trypanosomal effect in in-vivo studies, demonstrating potential therapeutic benefits in animal models. However, a comprehensive toxicity profile is essential to assess the safety of U. chamae for potential therapeutic applications. This study investigated the toxicity of U. chamae leaves (n-hexane fraction) in order to identify any potential adverse effects and establish a safer dosage threshold for prolonged use. Methods:The n-hexane partitioned fraction obtained from U. chamae leaves was subjected to acute and sub-chronic toxicity evaluations. The short-term toxicity assessment followed established procedures. For the sub-chronic study, a total of 30 animals received the fraction continuously for 35 days. Biochemical analyses were performed on serum and liver homogenates to assess key parameters, including Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Triglycerides (TRIG) and Total cholesterol (TC). Also, histopathological examinations were performed on selected tissue samples. Results:The acute toxicity assessment showed an LD50 value exceeding 5000 mg/kg. For the repeated dose toxicity study, results showed statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) variations in AST and ALT levels within both liver and serum homogenates in relation to dosage. Additionally, histopathological analysis identified morphological alterations that distinct are from the control group and consistent with those typically observed in damaged tissues. Conclusion:At high doses, the n-hexane fraction of U. chamae showed no acute toxicity. However, prolonged use caused notable biochemical and morphological changes. A dose below 200 mg/kg is recommended for extended use.
Background:The variations in behavioral health issues by sex and age among adolescents in Indonesia have not been comprehensively explored. This study aimed to describe age and gender based differences in alcohol consumption, tobacco and substance use, reproductive health knowledge, and awareness of sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention among high school students in Bukittinggi, Indonesia. Materials and Methods:This study employed a school-based cross-sectional design conducted in Bukittinggi Municipality, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, with a sample size of 254 secondary school students. We used multi-stage stratified clustered sampling technique to select the students, and asked the students to complete self-administered questionnaires during class on a regular school day. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test. Results:The study revealed that while the majority had never used alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and substances, there were still some former drinkers and smokers, as well as current smokers and electronic cigarette users, especially among males aged 14-15 years. A small percentage also reported using analgesics and energy drinks. The participants generally received education about AIDS or HIV at school, but there were some misconceptions and stigmatizing attitudes toward HIV-positive individuals. Health education regarding birth control was not universal. Awareness of safe sex or STD prevention methods varied by age and gender, with varying levels of knowledge about abstinence and condom use. Conclusion:We found slight variations among male and female students. The study findings suggested the need for sex-specific targeted interventions to improve behavioral health issues.
