Folia Medica Indonesiana

Detection of Serotypes and Knockdown-resistance Mutations in Dengue and Other Flavivirus Samples Collected from Mengare Island, East Java, Indonesia

Tasya Amalia Dwiyanti — 2025-05-14

Highlights:
1. By investigating knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutations associated with insecticide resistance, this research addresses a critical gap in understanding how these mutations may affect vector control strategies on Mengare Island, Gresik, Indonesia.
2. This study provides essential data on the current status of dengue virus serotypes and resistance mutations in mosquito populations across the region, guiding local health authorities in developing targeted vector control strategies.

Abstract
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in tropical regions. This study aimed to detect flavivirus presence, DENV serotypes, and knockdown-resistance (kdr) mutations in mosquito samples collected from Mengare Island, Gresik, Indonesia. A cross-sectional experimental design was employed, utilizing reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for flavivirus detection and serotyping, as well as for identifying kdr mutations. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction was performed using the Quick-RNA™ Miniprep Plus Kit (Zymo Research, Irvine, CA, USA), followed by RT-PCR with specific primers for DENV serotypes 1–4 and kdr mutations (V1016G and F1534C). Six adult female Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were analyzed in this study. The results revealed no evidence of flavivirus infection or DENV serotypes in the mosquito samples, as no complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) bands corresponding to expected base pair sizes were observed on the agarose gels. Similarly, the analysis of kdr mutations showed that all samples were homozygous wildtype, with no mutations detected at the V1016G or F1534C loci. In conclusion, these findings suggest the absence of active dengue virus transmission or notable insecticide resistance in the studied mosquito population from Mengare Island. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of flavivirus presence and resistance mutations. The variability in kdr mutation frequencies across regions underscores the need for sustained surveillance and effective control measures to mitigate potential outbreaks in high-risk areas such as Mengare Island.

Assessment and Identification of Bacteria in Sagu Lempeng Sold in Ambon City, Indonesia

Dilya Maghfirah Taher — 2025-05-14

Highlights:
1. This study is the first to analyze the microbiological quality of sagu lempeng in traditional markets around Ambon, Indonesia, providing a new reference for the food safety assessment of regional traditional foods.
2. The research identified Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus arlettae as bacterial contaminants, highlighting potential risks from both environmental and human-related sources.
3. The findings emphasize the role of packaging materials and market hygiene in bacterial contamination, offering practical recommendations for safer food handling and storage.

Abstract
Maluku Province in Indonesia is known for its diverse traditional foods, including sagu lempeng, which is widely consumed across different social groups. However, poor hygiene during its preparation, packaging, and sale in traditional markets can serve as a medium for microbial contamination, posing potential health risks. In Ambon City, the capital of Maluku, no research had been conducted concerning the total plate count (TPC) analysis and identification of food-contaminating bacteria in sagu lempeng, which are crucial for ensuring its microbiological safety. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of sagu lempeng according to Indonesian National Standards (INS 7388:2009) and to identify any presence of food-contaminating bacteria. This research employed a quantitative descriptive methodology with a true experimental laboratory approach. The samples used were sagu lempeng collected from three traditional markets in Ambon, Indonesia. The TPC analysis was conducted to estimate the number of bacterial colonies per gram of samples, while Gram staining and biochemical testing were carried out for macroscopic and microscopic bacterial identification. The results showed that the highest TPC was found in sagu lempeng from Waiheru Market at 8.1 × 10⁵ CFU/g, while the lowest was from Mardika Market at 5.95 × 10³ CFU/g. The identified bacteria included Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus arlettae. Although bacterial contamination was detected, the TPC of sagu lempeng from all sampled markets remained under the maximum allowable limit set by Indonesian National Standards (1 × 10⁶ CFU/g). In conclusion, sagu lempeng sold in traditional markets around Ambon complies with microbiological safety standards and is considered safe for consumption.

The Differences between Pre- and Post-Therapy Levels of Platelet Count and Platelet Indices in Children with Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura

Regina Rania Cahya Kusumaningrum - — 2024-12-11

Highlights:
1. This study was the first to analyze the therapeutic response in children with ITP at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya.
2. This study analyzed the response of platelet count and indices, including MPV, PDW, P-LCR, and PCT to therapy, which provides a more comprehensive perspective on therapy response in children with ITP.
3. This study explored the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches based on ITP categories, offering new insights into the most effective treatment options for children with ITP.

Abstract
Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder triggered by antiplatelet autoantibodies. Clinically, ITP is classified into three phases including Newly-Diagnosed ITP, Persistent ITP, and Chronic ITP, each with distinct durations and therapy implications. Patients with ITP who do not receive appropriate or optimal treatment are at a heightened risk of morbidity and mortality related to bleeding complications, the condition could worsen, potentially resulting in fatal consequences. In ITP patients, platelet counts decrease, accompanied by abnormal shifts in platelet indices, including Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR), and Plateletcrit (PCT). Thus, therapeutic response in ITP patients can be evaluated through increased platelet counts and normalization of platelet indices. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic response of platelet counts and platelet indices in pediatric ITP patients by comparing pre- and post- therapy levels overall by category, across all medication types administered, and according to the specific medication used within each category. The result of this study are expected to provide an overview of the most effective treatments across all ITP categories in order to prevent severe complications and reduce the risk of mortality. This retrospective study included ITP patients under 18 years old at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, conducted from September 2023 to March 2024. Platelet count and platelet indices pre- and post-therapy levels were analyzed using the Paired T-test for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon test for non-normally distributed data, with significance set at p < 0.05. In summary, there were notable changes in the pre- and post-therapy levels of platelet, MPV, PDW, P-LCR, and PCT in each ITP category and for all therapies. Platelet count and PCT increased, while MPV, PDW, and P-LCR decreased. Patients treated with prednisone exhibited the best therapeutic response. Among the categories, Newly Diagnosed ITP demonstrated the most optimal therapeutic response. Overall, ITP therapy led to significant differences between pre- and post-therapy levels, marked by an increase in platelet counts and normalization of platelet indices.

The Tubarial Glands: Key Anatomical Features and Clinical Significance

Dwi Martha Nur Aditya — 2024-12-11

Medical technological advancements have revealed previously unknown anatomical features in the nasal cavity known as tubarial glands. However, many questions remain unanswered concerning these glands. Through this systematic review, we sought to analyze the tubarial glands, including their major discovery, anatomical and histological features, and clinical significance. Articles were identified according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, with data collected from Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and PubMed until September 2024. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were utilized with various terminology: "tubarial gland*", "tubarial salivary gland*", and "radiotherapy”. The inclusion criteria were: (1) resources categorized as original research reports, case reports, case studies, letters to the editor, brief communications, commentaries, editorials, and news; (2) publications with accessible full text; and (3) articles providing information on the tubarial glands. The exclusion criteria were: (1) papers categorized as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or bibliometric analyses; and (2) articles not published in English. The identification yielded 37 resources from around the world, including 19 original research reports (51.3%), 3 case reports (8.1%), 6 letters to the editor (16.2%), 2 brief communications (5.4%), 7 commentaries (18.9%), 1 editorial (2.7%), and 1 news article (2.7%). The research subjects comprised 1 healthy patient (2.7%) out of 26 subjects, 12 prostate cancer patients (32.4%) out of 612 subjects, 3 head and neck cancer patients (8.1%) out of 38 subjects, 1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient (2.7%) out of 240 subjects, 1 Sjögren's syndrome patient (2.7%) out of 29 subjects, 1 patient with oncocytic papillary cystadenoma (2.7%), and 20 patients with other conditions (54.0%). This systematic review suggests that the newly discovered glands exhibit similar morphological, histological, and physiological properties to salivary glands and may have a function in the lubrication and maintenance of the upper airway.

Efficacy and Safety of Ozoralizumab vs. Moxibustion for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Luthfiana Rofhani Susanti — 2024-12-11

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that symmetrically damages the synovial membrane, affecting approximately 13% of the global population. Systemic complications and substantial declines in quality of life may result from untreated rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of moxibustion and ozoralizumab in reducing disease activity scores in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Between July 2023 and February 2025, we conducted a thorough search on four online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and ProQuest) using keywords, reference searches, and other methods following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The obtained randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) tool. MetaInsight version 5.2.1 was utilized to perform the indirect network meta-analysis, using mean difference (MD) as the summary statistics. The measurement of the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) indicated that ozoralizumab had a more significant effect on rheumatoid arthritis compared to placebo (MD=-1.88, 95% CI=-2.24-(-1.52)) and moxibustion (MD=-0.69, 95% CI=-1.07-0.31). Ozoralizumab demonstrated mild, moderate, and severe side effects, whereas moxibustion displayed modest side effects in comparison to placebo. In summary, both ozoralizumab and moxibustion reduced DAS28 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with ozoralizumab proving to be the more effective treatment. However, the adverse effects of ozoralizumab were more varied than those of moxibustion.