Clinico-microbiological and Risk Factor Analysis of Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in South India

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted nematode infection. It is implicated in causing hyper infection syndrome in immunosuppressed patients. This infection can also present without symptoms. The study aims to analyze the demographic data and risk factors associated with acquiring this infection and detectStrongyloides stercoralis in the stool sample by microscopy and modified agar plate culture. Combining microscopy and culture can facilitate detecting the infection in cases of low worm burden. Evaluation of socio-demographic information and risk factors will help in implementing control measures. A total of 986 stool samples were received. All the samples were examined by saline and Iodine mount examination. All the stool samples were cultured by the modified agar plate method. The risk factors, patient demographic details and clinical features were analyzed for significant association using the Chi-square test and a p-value < 0.05 was considered significant) by quick calls graph pad software. The overall prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection was 22(1.23%), and all these cases were diagnosed on stool examination by the demonstration of rhabditiform larva ofStrongyloides stercoralis and adult females by modified agar plate culture. The positivity for Strongyloides larva was high among males, patients from rural areas and individuals working in agricultural settings. There was a significant association between walking barefoot and the demonstration of the larva. Patients presenting from endemic regions, even with vague, nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, especially with risk factors like Diabetes mellitus, should be screened for this infection and treated. Awareness, proper hygiene practices, and appropriate treatment are necessary to prevent this soil-transmitted helminthic infection

Bioactivity Examination of Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb on In Vitro Human Sperm Motility

Globally, 48 million couples experience infertility, where male infertility factors contribute to 50% of cases. Spermatozoa motility is a crucial parameter in assessing male fertility. Antioxidants act as the body's defence against excessive ROS and can be used as a treatment for male infertility. One of the local plants in Central Kalimantan that is potentially rich in antioxidants is Bajakah Kalalawit (Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb. However, there is limited research on the bioactivity of Bajakah Kalalawit on spermatozoa in vitro. This study aims to determine the effect of ethanol extract of Uncaria gambir (W. Hunter) Roxb on spermatozoa motility in vitro. Bajakah Kalalawit stems were extracted using a 3x24-hour maceration technique with 96% ethanol. After obtaining the concentrated extract, the secondary metabolite compound content was analyzed through a phytochemical screening. The sample used was in vitro human spermatozoa that were washed and added to Bigger Whitten Whittingham medium, then incubated at 37°C for 1 hour with a 96% ethanol extract of Bajakah Kalalawit at doses of 50ng/ml, 100ng/ml, 500ng/ml, and 1000ng/ml, as well as a control group (Bigger, Whitten & Whittingham medium only). The results showed that the compounds contained in the ethanol extract of Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb were terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins. Spermatozoa motility significantly increased in the treatment groups starting from doses of 50ng/ml, 100ng/ml, 500ng/ml, and 1000ng/ml compared to the control group. Ethanol extract of Uncaria gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb could increase spermatozoa motility in vitro and succeeded in improving reproductive technology

Effectiveness of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica Nanoemulsions Against Caspase 3 Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Expression

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is closely related to oxidative stress conditions in insulin resistance conditions that increase Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) against the body's defense antioxidant mechanism. Chronic complications due to hyperglycemia in patients with GDM increase BAX / BCL2 levels which then activates the change of procaspase 3 to caspase 3, an activator of apoptosis. This study aims to determine the effect of the combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsions on caspase 3 expressions in zebrafish models of gestational diabetes mellitus, with a posttest-only controlled group design. The samples were divided into five groups, namely K- (EM), K+(EM+3% Glucose), P1, P2 and P3 (3% Glucose + Combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica 2.5μg/ml, 5μg/ml and 10μg/ml), which will be tested for PEPCK and Caspase expression at the age of 3dpf using Real Time-PCR. The results of the correlation test of the group with caspase 3 obtained (p = 0.045) negative direction. These results show that the combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsion decreased Caspase 3 expression in zebrafish models of gestational diabetes mellitus. The combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsion has the potential to reduce blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of apoptosis in gestational diabetes mellitus patients

Analysıs of Urınary Albumın and Urınary Synaptopodın Levels in Type 2 Dıabetes Mellıtus Subjects

Hyperglycemia from diabetes mellitus affects many body organs and interferes with normal function. Kidney function decreased in approximately one-third of patients with diabetes mellitus before the development of albuminuria. The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in urine albumin and urine synaptopodin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-DM subjects, differences in urine synaptopodin levels in T2DM subjects with and without nephropathy, to analyze the correlation between urine albumin and urine synaptopodin in T2DM subjects and the cut-off analysis of sensitivity and specificity of urinary synaptopodin in diagnosing diabetic nephropathy. A sample of 60 subjects comprised 40 T2DM subjects and 20 non-DM subjects. Urinary synaptopodin levels were examined using the ELISA method, and albuminuria levels using the immunoturbidimetric method. Based on statistical analysis, the results showed that there were differences in urine albumin levels in T2DM and non-DM subjects (p*= < 0.001), there were differences in urine synaptopodin levels in T2DM and non-DM subjects (p*= < 0.001), there were no differences in urine synaptopodin levels with and without nephropathy in T2DM subjects (p*= 0.090), a relationship was found between urine albumin and urinary synaptopodin in T2DM subjects (p*= 0.048, r= 0.314) and the cut off of urinary synaptopodin in diagnosing nephropathy was ³0.39 ng/mL, sensitivity 64.7% and specificity 56.5%. We recommend further prospective studies with larger sample sizes to compare urinary synaptopodin levels and microalbuminuria (MAU) as markers for early detection of DN in T2DM subjects

The Emergence of Mupirocin Resistance among Staphylococcus aureus in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India: The Necessity for Routine Susceptibility Testing

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is difficult to treat, causing considerable morbidity and mortality. Nasal carriage of MRSA can occur both in healthcare workers and patients. Mupirocin is used as a topical agent for the eradication of such isolates. The present study aims to study the prevalence of mupirocin resistance among the MRSA and MSSA (Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) isolates. A total of 148 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method for amoxicillin, penicillin, cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, mupirocin(5 µg and 200 µg discs for low and high-level resistance), erythromycin, gentamicin and linezolid. MRSA isolates were detected by cefoxitin disc diffusion and Mec A detection by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). MRSA was detected among 44 (29.7%) of the isolates. Among MSSA, good susceptibility was observed for cotrimoxazole 89 (85.5%) and clindamycin 92 (88.4%). An overall mupirocin resistance of 12(8.1%) was observed, with high-level resistance at 4 (2.7%) and low-level resistance at 8 (5.4%).The mupirocin resistance pattern between MRSA and MSSA was not statistically significant (p=0.1833). The emergence of mupirocin resistance highlights the necessity for creating cognizance among clinicians before prescribing mupirocin. In eradicating nasal carriage of MRSA, all the isolates should always be tested for mupirocin susceptibility to prevent the selection and spread of drug-resistant isolates

Fibrinolytic Protease-Producing Bacteria with Varied Hemolysis Pattern Associated with Marine Algae Dictyota sp.

The main death factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus). Thrombus is formed by the action of fibrin, playing a role as a blood coagulation agent. Administration of fibrinolytic enzymes can degrade fibrin through the fibrinolysis process. Therefore, searching for new sources of fibrinolytic enzymes becomes critical in eradicating diseases by fibrinolysis of thrombus. This study aims to isolate fibrinolytic protease-producing bacteria associated with fermented brown algae products Dictyota sp, of Awur Bay, Jepara, Indonesia, and to observe their hemolysis pattern. As many as 14 unique bacterial colonies previously isolated from fermented Dictyota sp. were sub-cultured using Zobell Agar (ZA) medium. Skim Milk Agar (SMA) and Fibrin Agar (FA) were then used as selective media to detect the presence of fibrinolytic protease-producing bacteria, which was indicated by their ability to form a clear proteolytic and fibrinolytic zone simultaneously around bacterial colonies. Hemolysis characteristics of fibrinolytic bacteria were determined using Blood Agar Plate (BAP) to test their ability to produce hemolysin toxin. As a result, of these 14 isolates, 3 of them, namely FD-09, FD-13, and FD-14 (FD= Fermented Dictyota), could produce both proteolytic and fibrinolytic zone with a fibrinolytic index range of 2.0–2.9. Isolate FD-09 is the least pathogenic (g-hemolytic) compared to other fibrinolytic isolates, FD-13 (b-hemolytic) and FD-14 (a-hemolytic), in terms of hemolysin toxicity. In conclusion, fermented Dictyota sp. is a potential source of bacteria-producing fibrin-degrading protease with varied hemolysis patterns. It is necessary to identify bacteria-producing fibrinolytic protease isolates Dictyota sp. and further characterization regarding the specificity and activity of the resulting protease to develop its potential as an antithrombotic agent

Identification of Acute Respiratory Infection Patients Using RP2 Nested Multiplex PCR Test in Jakarta, Indonesia

Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is an acute respiratory disease caused by infectious organisms transmitted between humans. Viruses and bacteria generally cause the cause of ARI infection. Other viruses that can also cause ARI are Influenza, Adenovirus, Enterovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This study aims to determine the causes of bacterial or viral ARI infection with RP2 Nested Multiplex RT-PCR. The research methodology is cross-sectional. The sample used was 50 people with purposive sampling technique in patients with ARI who examined bacteria and viruses using RP2 Nested Multiplex RT-PCR. The research was located at the Laboratory of the United States Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The results showed that 26 (52%) men suffered more from ARI patients than 24 women (46%), with the most age group being children, 28 people (56%). The three symptoms that many patients in this study felt were that 40 patients (80%) experienced nasal congestion, 38 patients (76%) experienced fever, and 32 patients (64%) coughed. The results of the organisms in the RP2 nested multiplex RT-PCR examination showed that 100% of the causes of ARI were viruses with the highest prevalence (40%) originating from the Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus. The reason for ARI in this research is from a virus (100%), so antibiotics are not needed for this patient

Effect of Soybean Extract on sFlt-1 LEVELS in Huvecs Cultures Induced by Preeclampsia Plasma

Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy issue that causes hypertension at ≥20 weeks of gestation. Oxidative stress is known to play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia by raising the activity of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and causing endothelial dysfunction. As a result, antioxidants are utilized as a therapy in preeclampsia to protect the body from the impacts of free radicals. This study aims to determine the effect of soybean extract on sFlt-1 levels in HUVECs cultures exposed to preeclamptic plasma. The benefit of this study is the consideration for clinicians to provide soybean ethanol extract supplements (Glycine max) to increase the potential of antihypertensive therapy. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures (HUVECs) were used in the study, which was conducted in vitro. HUVECs cultures were exposed to preeclampsia plasma and subsequently treated for 24 hours with various dosages of soybean extract. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured the sFlt-1 levels in each observation group. The hypothesis was tested using One-Way ANOVA analysis with SPSS version 25 software. This study found a significant difference (p <0,05) between the mean value of the positive control group and the negative control group. A significant difference was also found (p <0,05) in the mean value of sFlt-1 between the positive control group and the treatment group that was given soybean extract at doses of 17,5 ppm. Soybean extract had a significant effect on decreasing sFlt-1 levels in HUVECs cultures exposed to preeclamptic plasma. Thus, soybeans isoflavones have the potential to treat preeclampsia by reducing anti-angiogenic factors

Profile and Role of Serum Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular-Axis Hormones on Sexual Function of Older Men with Type-2 Diabetes

Little information is available on the complex endocrinology of sexual dysfunction, which is frequently associated with ageing and diabetes. We wanted to examine the serum profile of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular-axis (HPTA) hormones and how they relate to sexual function in older men with type-2 diabetes. This study included 74 participants (44 type-2 diabetics and 30 healthy controls). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to measure serum levels of total testosterone (Te), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL). Compared to controls, diabetic patients had significantly higher FSH and PRL levels but lower Te levels. Testosterone was found to be significantly correlated with sexual intercourse frequency (p<0.01), erectile function, and libido (p< 0.001). We discovered significant (p < 0.001) relationships between libido, penile erection, and FSH, as well as between PRL and libido (p< 0.05). When compared to the other hormones, testosterone had the strongest associations with the frequency of sexual intercourse (p< 0.05), libido (p< 0.05), and penile erection (p< 0.01). Our findings indicated that HPTA hormones might have a significant influence on sexual functions in type-2 diabetic patients, with Te being the most important HPTA hormone influencing sexual functions in diabetic patients. This study, therefore, helps to clarify the complex endocrinology and physiology of the sexual dysfunction frequently observed in older men with type-2 diabetes and also supports the use of testosterone replacement therapy in older diabetic adults

Identıfıcatıon of KRAS Mutatıons in Colorectal Carcınoma Patıents at Dr. M. Djamıl Hospıtal, West Sumatra-Indonesıa

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) gene mutations lead to abnormal activation of the RAS signalling pathway and have been associated with poor prognosis and resistance to some therapeutics. This study aimed to identify mutation characteristics of the KRAS genes codon 12 and 13 in colorectal cancer patients in West Sumatra. KRAS mutations were analyzed in 20 DNA of colorectal cancer patients' tissue samples by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primer and direct sequencing analysis. Our findings showed five samples (25%) with mutated KRAS at codons 12 and 13 (including three samples with GGT→GAT, one sample with GGT→GTT in codon 12, and one sample with GGC→GAC in codon 13). In conclusion, we found two variations of amino acid changes at codon 12 (G12D and G12V) and one at codon 13 (G13D). More research with many samples is required to obtain conclusive data on the relationship between these gene mutations and colorectal cancer response to therapy and prognosis