The Potential of Sugarcane Bagasse (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) as a Basic Ingredient for Making Cosmetics and Its Effectiveness as an Exfoliator and Skin Moisturizer

Sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) contains most of the phenolic compounds including gallic acid, ferulic acid, epicatechin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Various phenolic compounds contained in sugarcane bagasse, especially phenolic acids, have important bioactivity for the cosmetics industry. The aim of this research is to determine the potential of sugarcane bagasse as an active ingredient in cosmetics and its effectiveness as an exfoliator and skin moisturizer. This research method is experimental, using sugarcane bagasse samples with concentrations of 1%, 3% and 5%. The results of phytochemical screening showed that sugarcane bagasse contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids and phytosterols. Based on the research results, sugarcane bagasse exfoliating gel at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% increased skin tone respectively, namely 1.00 ± 0.67; 0.40±0.49; and 0.30 ± 0.39. Sugarcane bagasse moisturizing gel at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% had a percent increase in skin water content, respectively, namely 6.92 ± 11.094; 2.72±10.21; and 3.36 ± 6.49. Based on SPSS analysis, it is known that variations in the concentration of bagasse extract and the time of use have a significant effect on increasing skin tone. Meanwhile, variations in the concentration of bagasse extract did not have a significant effect on increasing skin water content. However, the time of use has a significant effect on the increase in skin water content. So, it can be concluded that sugarcane bagasse extract has the potential to be an active ingredient in making cosmetics and is effective as an exfoliator and skin moisturizer

Identification of Biomarker for Stunting Through Prioritization of Gene-Assosiated Variants

Stunting is a condition of impaired growth and development in children due to chronic nutritional disorders or infections. The risk factor for stunting is dominated by disease during 1000 days of life. The incidence of stunting in Indonesia is 21.6%, according to the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) results. This study aimed to identify stunting biomarkers based on the priority scoring of gene variants. Identification of stunting risk genes used the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) approach and Haploreg v4.1. We found 33 genes that identifies as stunting risk gene. And then, we prioritize based on two functional annotation categories: missense-nonsense and cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL). Our analysis found 4 genes as biological stunting risk genes: MTRR, TTF1, CASP1, and CARD17. This research demonstrates the integration of genomic variants and bioinformatics approaches to reveal biological insights for stunting

In Silico Study of the Potency of Purple Yam Anthocyanin Compounds (Dioscorea alata L.) As MAO-B and COMT Inhibitors in Parkinson's Disease

The purple yam plant (Dioscorea alata L.) is an economically important staple food for millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Dioscorea spp. anthocyanin chemicals have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the potency of anthocyanin compounds in purple yam as antiparkinsonian agents via the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) receptor (pdb: 2V5Z) and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) receptor (pdb: 6I3C) using a molecular docking technique. The study was divided into four stages: (1) pharmacokinetic and Lipinski Rule evaluation, (2) protein (receptor) and ligand preparation, (3) docking method validation, and (4) molecular docking for MAO-B and COMT proteins. Pharmacokinetic prediction and Lipinski rule evaluation revealed that cyanidin, delphinidin, and delphinidin-3-glucoside had an ADMED profile and met Lipinski’s rule. The docking results showed that the binding energy (G) of the compounds cyanidin, delphinidin, and delphinidin-3-glucoside to the MAO-B receptor was lower (-9.50 kcal/mol) than that of the natural ligands ((-4.79 kcal/mol). The Cys172, Leu 171, Ile198, Phe168, Pro104, Trp119 and the 'gatekeeper' residue Ile199 are the amino acids that are majoring involved in MAO-B inhibitors. At the COMT receptor, all the tested compounds had a higher binding energy than native ligands (> -4.79 kcal/mol) except for Cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside (-4.64 kcal/mol). The amino acids Trp143 and Pro174, ensure correct substrate orientation, Mg2+ ions, and cofactor SAM, as well as residues Lys144 and Glu199. In conclusion, this study showed that based on the molecular docking approach, the active compounds of purple yam namely cyanidin, delphinidin, and delphinidin-3-glucoside have the potential to be developed as anti-parkinsonian agents through MAO-B and COMT

The relationship level of community's knowledge and attitude toward the use of antibiotics in Gandaria, South Jakarta

Antibiotics will be beneficial and have the anticipated therapeutic effect if prescribed and administered as instructed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate community attitudes and knowledge levels regarding the use of antibiotics, as well as the relationship between these two variables. The sample size for this descriptive-analytic study was 95 respondents, and a cross-sectional design was used. The sampling technique utilized was purposeful sampling. Women made up the bulk of responses (65.3%), and their age range was 36 to 45 (44.2%). The latest educational levels indicated were high school (61.1%), antibiotic use in the past or present (100%), and housewife (38.1%). The respondent received scores of 62.1% for "excellent" knowledge, 3.5% for "adequate" learning, and 7.4% for "poor" expertise. In contrast, there were 0.0% of participants in a horrible disposition, 52.6% with an acceptable attitude, and 47.4% with an excellent attitude. The Chi-Square test findings showed a significant value of 0.097, or more significant than 0.05, between the variable amount of knowledge and attitudes against antibiotics. The p-value (> 0.05) indicates no correlation between the level of competence and perspectives regarding the use of antibiotics. Education, knowledge, and attitudes toward antibiotics were found to be correlated, with a p-value of (0.05). It was determined that the local population had a good and insightful understanding of antibiotics. 

Mapping rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility through integrative bioinformatics and genomics

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that influences several organs and tissues, especially the synovial joints, and is associated with multiple genetic and environmental factors. Numerous databases provide information on the relationship between a specific gene and the disease pathogenesis. However, it is important to further prioritize biological risk genes for downstream development and validation.  This study aims to map RA-association genetic variation using genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases and prioritize influential genes in RA pathogenesis based on functional annotations. These functional annotations include missense/nonsense mutations, cis-expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL), overlap knockout mouse phenotype (KMP), protein-protein interaction (PPI), molecular pathway analysis (MPA), and primary immunodeficiency (PID). 119 genetic variants mapped had a potential high risk for RA based on functional scoring. The top eight risk genes of RA are TYK2 and IFNGR2, followed by TNFRSF1A, IL12RB1 and CD40, C5, NCF2, and IL6R. These candidate genes are potential biomarkers for RA that can aid drug discovery and disease diagnosis

The potential of Sumbawa Honey (Apis dorsata) As a Natural Antioxidant

Honey is a natural ingredient that Indonesian people widely use to maintain a healthy body. One of the benefits of honey is as an antioxidant. This antioxidant activity is influenced by the producing bee, the source plant, and the producing area. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of Sumbawa honey originating from NTT. Honey samples were collected and dried using the freeze-drying method and then macerated with 70% ethanol. The viscous extract obtained was then fractionated using a liquid-liquid extraction method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol-water as solvents so that the n-hexane (NF), ethyl acetate (EF) and water (WF) fractions were obtained. Each sample was tested for its antioxidant activity using the ABTS method with Trolox as a comparison. The results obtained were ethanol extract, NF, EF and AF had IC50 values respectively 96.054; 106,953; 70,206; and 101,649 g/ml. That indicates that the ethyl acetate fraction has a higher antioxidant activity than other solvents.

Antibacterial activity of Sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.) wood methanol extract against Staphylococcus epidermidis

The entry and proliferation of microorganisms, such as bacteria, cause skin infections. One of the bacteria that causes skin infections is Staphylococcus epidermidis. Sappan (Caesalpinia sappan L.) wood has been known to have various pharmacology activities, one of which is antibacterial, so its activities need to be developed and improved. This study aimed to determine the activity of the methanol extract of Sappan (C. sappan L.) wood as an antibacterial against S. epidermidis. This research was conducted by extracting Sappan wood powder with 96% methanol as solvent using the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) method and testing for antibacterial activity with concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% using the disc method. Results showed that the methanol extract of Sappan wood had an antibacterial activity; the highest inhibition zone at a concentration of 75% was 29.25 mm. Sappan wood was expected to be a promising alternative therapy for overcoming acne problems and can increase economic value for the wider community.

Evaluation of the use of Antibiotics Quantitatively and Qualitatively in Pharyngitis Patients at Banda Sakti Public Health Center Lhokseumawe

Pharyngitis is inflammation that occurs in the pharynx and often spreads to surrounding tissues which is one of the causes is a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are the main drug of choice for bacterial infection. Evaluation of the use of antibiotics can be done quantitatively and qualitatively. The importance of evaluating the use of antibiotics in pharyngitis patients can reduce drug side effects and prevent resistance. This study's objective was to evaluate if giving antibiotics to pharyngitis patients at Banda Sakti Public Health Lhokseumawe was appropriate, quantitatively using the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) method and qualitatively using the Gyssens method. This research is descriptive. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a time-limited sampling method. The result showed that the use of antibiotics quantitatively using the DDD method found the highest total DDD was amoxicillin of 10,35 DDD/1000 patients, while the qualitative evaluation using the gyssens method for amoxicillin was classified as category IIIB because the gift was too short, cefadroxil was classified as category IVB because other antibiotics were safer, ciprofloxacin was classified as category V because it is not indicated. This study concludes that the use of antibiotics quantitatively using the DDD method found the highest total DDD was amoxicillin, while the evaluation of the use of antibiotics qualitatively classified inappropriate

Online Learning Evaluation of Drug Information Service Lectures in The Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the need for new adaptations in the learning process, namely by implementing an online learning system. This method remains a trend in the future, so it is necessary to conduct research to evaluate the online lectures. The evaluation process evaluates at the microlevel, namely the process, learning outcomes, and student perceptions of the Drug Information Services course.This research is evaluative and descriptive, with a cross-sectional design and quantitative and qualitative approaches. Research was conducted at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Sanata Dharma University. The respondents were 124 USD Pharmacy S-1 students who took the Drug Information Services course in the odd semester of 2020–2021. Student learning outcomes and perceptions were obtained using validated assessment rubrics and reflection questionnaires.The results showed that the implementation of Drug Information Services lectures went according to the semester learning plan; there were minor revisions to improve the dynamics of student discussions. Students learning outcomes are in the "very good" category, except for the OSCE examination, which is relatively sufficient. Student have a positive perception of this online lecture. In conclusion, this online lecture can be maintained for the future with a slight modification to the oral exam, which uses the offline method by implementing strict health protocols

The level of community knowledge about the use of antibiotics

Knowledge and use of antibiotics play a large and important role in the success of treatment, so that they do not cause negative effects, such as the cause of antibiotic resistance. The purpose of this study was to determine the profile and level of knowledge of the community regarding the use of antibiotics in Banyior Village, Sepulu District, Bangkalan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. This research is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The measurement is a closed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. The survey was conducted from October 2021 to December 2022 on 325 residents of Banyior Village. The result is that the antibiotic most often used by respondents is amoxicillin with a percentage of 47%. The majority of respondents, 45 percent, get antibiotics from drugstores or stalls. The knowledge level of the general public shows a good level of knowledge of 6.82%, an average level of knowledge of 19.60% and a low level of knowledge of 73.57%. The most widely used antibiotic by respondents in this study was amoxicillin, where the most common way to obtain it was through drug stores/stalls and public knowledge of the use of antibiotics was still low