The effects of the ethanolic extract of mahogany seeds (Swietenia macrophylla King) on the renal function of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes-associated oxidative stress causes glomerular hypertrophy, decrease ofglomerular filtration rate and inhibits cell proliferation that lead to the decrease of renalfunction as indiated by the increase of serum creatinine level and the presence ofprotein in urine. Mahogany seed (Swietenia macrophylla King) has been proven to haveantidiabetic activity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the ethanolicextract of mahogany seeds on the renal function of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Six normal rats as control (Group I) and 24 diabetic rats were used in this study. Thediabetic rats were randomized allocated into four groups with six rats in each group.Group II was considered as diabetic rats control and received aquadest. Group III-V wereconsidered as extract administered diabetic group and received ethanolic extract of S.macrophylla seed for 21 days at a dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW, respectively.Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum creatinine, and urine protein levels were monitored,before and after the ethanolic extract of S. macrophylla seed administration. Serum MDA,serum creatinine and urine protein levels of all rats after STZ induction (Group II-V) weresignificantly higher than without STZ induction (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in theserum MDA and serum creatinine as well as urine protein levels were observed after thetreatment with ethanolic extract of S. macrophylla seed compared to before treatment(p < 0.05). In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of S. macrophylla seed is able to correctrenal dysfunction of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Penggunaan Gadget terhadap Kelainan Refraksi pada Siswa-Siswi

This study aims to identify the effect of using gadgets on refractive errors. The method used is cross-sectional. The results showed that there was no effect on the duration of using the gadget, the intensity of light, the position of using the gadget on refractive errors, but there was an effect of visibility and genetics on refractive errors. In conclusion, visibility and genetics are factors that affect refraction.&nbsp; Keywords: Gadgets, Refractive Disorders, Myopi

High caseload of childhood tuberculosis in hospitals on Java Island, Indonesia: a cross sectional study

Background Childhood tuberculosis (TB) has been neglected in the fight against TB. Despite implementation of Directly Observed Treatment Shortcourse (DOTS) program in public and private hospitals in Indonesia since 2000, the burden of childhood TB in hospitals was largely unknown. The goals of this study were to document the caseload and types of childhood TB in the 0-4 and 5-14 year age groups diagnosed in DOTS hospitals on Java Island, Indonesia. Methods Cross-sectional study of TB cases recorded in inpatient and outpatient registers of 32 hospitals. Cases were analyzed by hospital characteristics, age groups, and types of TB. The number of cases reported in the outpatient unit was compared with that recorded in the TB register. Results Of 5,877 TB cases in the inpatient unit and 15,694 in the outpatient unit, 11% (648) and 27% (4,173) respectively were children. Most of the childhood TB cases were under five years old (56% and 53% in the inpatient and outpatient clinics respectively). The proportion of smear positive TB was twice as high in the inpatient compared to the outpatient units (15.6% vs 8.1%). Extra-pulmonary TB accounted for 15% and 6% of TB cases in inpatient and outpatient clinics respectively. Among children recorded in hospitals only 1.6% were reported to the National TB Program. Conclusion In response to the high caseload and gross under-reporting of childhood TB cases, the National TB Program should give higher priority for childhood TB case management in designated DOTS hospitals. In addition, an international guidance on childhood TB recording and reporting and improved diagnostics and standardized classification is require

Bioactive Compounds of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)

Rambutan, a widely popular tropical fruit encompasses rich amount of bioactive compounds. All parts of this plant (leaves, bark, root, fruits, fruit skin, pulp and seeds) finds traditional usage, and are linked with high therapeutic values. Rambutan fruits parts like that of peel, pulp and seeds have been scientifically investigated in-depth and is reported to encompass high amounts of bioactive compounds (such as polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, essential mineral, dietary fiber). These compounds contribute towards antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities. However, literature pertaining towards potential industrial applications (food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical) of rambutan fruits are limited. In the present chapter, it is intended to document some of the interesting research themes published on rambutan fruits, and identify the existing gaps to open up arena for future research work.This chapter theme is based on our ongoing project—VALORTECH, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 810630

Opportunities and challenges for an Indonesian forest monitoring network

© 2019, INRA and Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature. Key message: Permanent sampling plots (PSPs) are a powerful and reliable methodology to help our understanding of the diversity and dynamics of tropical forests. Based on the current inventory of PSPs in Indonesia, there is high potential to establish a long-term collaborative forest monitoring network. Whilst there are challenges to initiating such a network, there are also innumerable benefits to help us understand and better conserve these exceptionally diverse ecosystems