Journal of Vocational Health Studies

A CASE REPORT OF SUCCESSFUL STEROID TREATMENT IN INFANT WITH EXTRAHEPATIC CHOLESTASIS

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cholestatic jaundice in infants is a significant healthcare challenge, particularly in regions where access to surgical intervention and liver transplantation is limited. An immunologic mechanism underlies the pathogenesis of biliary atresia leading to fibro-obliteration of the bile ducts. However, the successful management of biliary atresia is often difficult because treatment typically occurs at an advanced stage. Therefore, alternative therapies that can suppress bile duct inflammation are urgently needed. Administering anti-inflammatory drugs such as methylprednisolone to infants in the early stages of cholestasis may provide opportunities to improve outcomes in the limited capacity to perform Kasai surgery and liver transplantation. Purpose: This case report describes the clinical improvement of extrahepatic cholestasis following steroid administration. Case analysis: We report a case of a 24-day-old male infant presenting with clinical symptoms of jaundice and pale stool. Liver biopsy revealed features consistent with extrahepatic obstructive cholestasis characteristic of biliary atresia. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid) and ursodeoxycholic acid without surgical intervention. Result: The combination of methylprednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid normalized liver function tests and led to significant clinical improvement. Both jaundice and pale stools completely resolved within two months of treatment. Conclusion: Steroid therapy may provide clinical benefits for infants with extrahepatic cholestasis, particularly in settings with limited healthcare resources. Steroid administration may play a role in the suppression of the inflammatory process that causes fibrosis and bile duct obliteration in the early stages of the disease.

SERUM ELECTROLYTE LEVELS IN HEART FAILURE PATIENTS WITH A HYPERTENSION HISTORY

Suharno Usman, Christha Zenithy Tamburian, Imelda Sirait, Muhamad Nurmansyah — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Knowing the description of serum electrolytes in those with a history of hypertension and congestive heart failure is critical. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to look into the estimation of serum electrolytes, the correlation between serum electrolytes (sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chlorine (Cl^-)) levels with blood pressure, and the demographic characteristics of heart failure patients with a history of hypertension. Method: A retrospective design was used in this study, which used progress records (e.g., participant demographic data, medical history, and clinical laboratory tests such as serum electrolytes and blood chemistry) from patients with hypertension and Heart Failure (HF) who were hospitalized. Result: The present study established no correlation between serum electrolyte levels and blood pressure. The highest of Na⁺ levels were 169 mEq/L, K⁺ 6.4 mEq/L, and Cl^- 119 mEq/L. Most participants had the habit of not smoking (87 people, 79.8%) and not consuming alcohol (91 people, 83.5%). Demographic characteristics such as gender, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption had no significant impact on serum electrolyte levels, except for a history of alcohol consumption on sodium levels, which had a significant effect (p-value = 0.014). Furthermore, an absence of correlation was observed between demographic factors and blood pressure. Conclusion: A lack of relationship between serum electrolyte levels and blood pressure. Similarly, demographic characteristics were not correlated with blood pressure. HF patients with a history of hypertension show normal serum electrolyte levels, but a significant relationship between alcohol consumption habits and sodium levels was found.

CORRELATION BETWEEN THROMBOCYTOPENIA DEGREE AND PARASITE DENSITY IN CONFIRMED CASES OF Plasmodium falciparum AND Plasmodium vivax MALARIA

Nina Difla Muflikhah — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count, is the most prevalent hematological abnormality observed in acute malaria patients. Malaria remains a major global public health problem, with more than 200 million clinical cases reported annually. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the degree of thrombocytopenia and the parasite density in confirmed cases of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Method: This research was a descriptive observational study using a cross-sectional design. Clinical hematological examinations and peripheral blood smear preparations were performed on malaria patients, followed by analysis of platelet count, hemoglobin levels, and leukocyte count. Result: Thrombocytopenia, commonly found in acute malaria, was observed in 63.4% of cases, underscoring its key role as a diagnostic biomarker. This study showed significant association between hemoglobin levels and thrombocytopenia severity (p-value < 0.05), whereas leukocyte counts did not show a significant association with thrombocytopenia severity (p-value > 0.05). The degree of thrombocytopenia differed between the two types of malaria, assisting the differentiation of infections. Anemia, another detailed hematological indicator, frequently found in P. falciparum cases. Conclusion: Understanding hematological indicator as key-role of malaria diagnosis is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective management of malaria, especially in endemic regions. Continued research and routine hematological surveillance are crucial to improving malaria control and treatment outcomes.

COMBINATION OF VESTIBULAR STIMULATION AND PERCEPTUAL MOTOR PROGRAM COULD IMPROVE BALANCE IN CHILDREN WITH FLAT FOOT

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Flat foot is a common lower extremity deformity in children. Underdeveloped arches can lead to complaints such as fatigue during prolonged walking, impaired balance, frequent injuries, and pain. Several interventions can be employed to address these issues, including arch muscle strength exercises, toe curls exercises, calf stretches, and plantar fascia stretches. Purpose: This study aims to prove the effectiveness of a combination of heel raises exercise and vestibular stimulation versus a combination of heel raises exercise and perceptual motor program in increasing lower extremity muscle strength and standing balance in children with flat foot. Method: This research is a quasi-experimental study that utilized a pre-test and post-test two-group design with a purposive sampling method. A total of 30 subjects were put into 2 groups. Group 1 received a combination of heel raise exercises and vestibular stimulation. Group 2 received a combination of heel raise exercise and perceptual motor program. Lower extremity muscle strength was assessed using the Manual Muscle Test (MMT), and standing balance was evaluated using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Result: Both groups showed differences in the measurement aspects of MMT and PBS (p-value < 0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the groups in the MMT score. In contrast, a significant difference was observed in PBS scores, with Group 2 demonstrating greater improvement (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of heel raises exercise and a perceptual motor program is more effective in improving balance in children with flat foot compared to the combination with vestibular stimulation.

THE INFLUENCE OF BLOOD VOLUME AND STORAGE DURATION ON THE ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE (ESR) VALUE USING THE WESTERGREN METHOD

Inna Marlina, Eem Hayati; Adang Durachim; Zuri Rismiarti, Ganjar Noviar — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Hematological examination is conducted to determine the condition of blood and its components, which are used to establish a diagnosis, support a diagnosis, make a differential diagnosis, monitor disease progression, assess the severity of an illness, and determine the initial prognosis of a disease. Phlebotomy procedures in the pre-analytical stage are not always successful and sometimes encounter failure. Inappropriate anticoagulant administration can lead to erroneous hematological examination results, including Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) examination results. Purpose: This research aims to examine the influence of blood volume and storage duration on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) value using the Westergren method. Method: The Westergren method utilizes 5 venous blood samples with a ratio of blood volume to 3.8% anticoagulant at 4 : 1, 3 : 1, and 2 : 1, with sample storage durations of 0 and 3 hours at room temperature. Result: The average ESR values with a ratio of 4 : 1, at 0 hours, were 5.20 mm/hour and at 3 hours were 3.60 mm/hour. The average ESR values with a ratio of 3 : 1, at 0 hours, were 6.20 mm/hour and at 3 hours were 4.40 mm/hour. The average ESR values with a ratio of 2 : 1, at 0 hours, were 7.60 mm/hour and at 3 hours were 5.60 mm/hour. Conclusion: There is a significant influence of blood volume (p-value < 0.05) and storage duration (p-value = 0.05) on the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) value using the Westergren method.

SEQUESTRATION OF ERYTHROCYTE INFECTED BY Plasmodium berghei ANKA IN MICE LIVER TREATED WITH ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PEARL GRASS (Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lamk)

Nabilla Feirizky Chairunnisa, Jelita Aprisano Putri, Heny Arwati — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by the Plasmodium genus. Certain Plasmodium species can evade the immune system by sequestering internal organs, including the liver. The ethanolic extract of pearl grass (Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lamk) (EEPG) has been reported to have an antimalarial activity in reducing parasitemia and hepatomegaly in Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected mice. Purpose: To analyze the effect of EEPG administration on the sequestration of P. berghei ANKA-infected erythrocytes in the livers of BALB/c mice. Method: P. berghei ANKA-infected mice were treated with EEPG at doses of 250, 300, and 350 mg/kg BW. The positive and negative control groups received dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) 187.2 mg/kgBW and 1% CMCNa, respectively. The treatments were administered for four consecutive days, followed by observation of parasitemia on Giemsa-stained tail blood smears. On day five, mice were sacrificed for liver removal. Sequestrations were observed on HE-stained slides of mouse livers. The differences in sequestration between treatment groups were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Games-howell post-hoc analysis. The correlation between parasitemia and sequestration was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test. Result: The percentage reduction of the number of infected erythrocyte sequestration in EEPG-treated groups was 81.74%, 77.72%, and 77.70%, respectively, while the positive control group was 91.14%. Parasitemia was correlated with the number of erythrocytes sequestration (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: EEPG was able to decrease parasitemia along with the decrease in the number of infected erythrocytes sequestration in the liver. These results indicated that EEPG is

THE EFFECT OF PREHEATING AT 39o AND 60o ON COMPRESSION STRENGTH OF BULK-FILL COMPOSITE RESIN

Rinawati Satrio, Ryana Budi Purnama, Arwin Diva Nafida — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The incremental placement technique for composite resin may lead to bond failures and air entrapment between resin layers. Bulk-fill composite resin, which can be applied to cavities depths of up to 4 - 5 mm, is expected to have good compressive strength so that it can resemble natural tooth structures. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preheating on the compression strength of bulk-fill composite resins at 39^oC and 60^oC. Method: This research type was a laboratory experiment employing a post-test control group design. A total of 27 cylindrical bulk-fill composite resin specimens were divided into three groups: group 1 was preheated at 39^oC, group 2 at 60^oC, and group 3 served as the control group. The samples were then immersed in distilled water and stored in an incubator at 37^oC for 48 hours. Compressive strength test was measured using a Universal Testing Machine. Result: One-way ANOVA statistical test showed that there were significant differences in the three groups (p-value < 0.05). A post-hoc Bonferroni test was carried out to compare between groups and indicated a significant difference between the 600 preheated group and the control group. Conclusion: Preheating at 39^oC and 60^oC affects the compression strength of bulk-fill composite resin.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BANNER AND LEAFLET EDUCATION IN STUDENTS' ORAL HEALTH KNOWLEDGE: CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The prevalence of dental caries in children in Banyumas Regency is increasing. Karanglewas Public Health Centre is the only Health Center in Banyumas Regency that regularly performs periodic examinations in nearby primary schools. However, some schools still report a high prevalence of dental caries, reaching approximately 91.3% at SDN 1 and 2 Tamansari. Improving knowledge through oral health counseling is essential, banners and leaflets provide engaging educational overviews, which are suitable for children aged 7 to 8 years old. Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of banner-based and leaflet-based counseling in improving oral health knowledge among second-grade students at SDN 1 and 2 Tamansari. Method: This cross-sectional study used a pre-experimental, pre-post test design. This research used total sampling. 71 students participated classified into 32 in the banner counseling group and 39 in the leaflet counseling group. The Wilcoxon test analyzed knowledge score changes in the leaflet group and the Paired-T test in the banner group. An Independent-T test compared both media. Result: Knowledge improved significantly from pre-to post-counseling in both groups (p-value < 0.05). The increase in knowledge scores also differed significantly between the two media (p-value < 0.05), with the leaflet group showing a greater increase (37.54 ± 17.35) than the banner group (12.13 ± 6.22). Conclusion: Both media improved students’ oral health knowledge, but leaflets were more effective than banners.

MANDIBULAR RADIOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS FOR GENDER DETERMINATION OF DOWN SYNDROME SUFFERERS

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Natural disasters frequently occur in Indonesia, creating a need for effective victim identification. Gender identification is a crucial initial step, as it can narrow the search space by 50% during individual identification. The corpus and ramus mandible are an organ that plays an important role in gender prediction with a high predictive accuracy. However, the Down syndrome mandibular size is different from that of normal people. Purpose: To analyze the difference in corpus length and total height of the mandibular ramus between individuals with down syndrome and those without, as a step to gender determination. Method: This observational cross-sectional study involved 12 individuals with down syndrome and 12 individuals without, aged 10 – 17 years. The mandibular corpus length was measured through panoramic radiography from the gonion to the menton point. The mandibular ramus was measured from the apex of the condyle to the gonion point using the Clinicview application. Data were analyzed using the T-test with SPSS Ver. 26 software. Result: The length of the mandibular corpus differs significantly (p-value = 0.000) between Down syndrome with normal people. The length of the mandibular corpus in down syndrome does not differ significantly (p-value > 0.000) between males and females. The total height of the mandibular ramus does not differ significantly between down syndrome and non-down syndrome groups, both in males and females. Conclusion: The corpus length and the mandibular ramus's total height cannot be used as indicators of gender determination in down syndrome.

Back Matter Vol. 9 No. 2 2025

JVHS — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Back Matter Vol. 9 No. 2 2025

Front Matter Vol. 9 No. 2 2025

JVHS — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Front Matter Vol. 9 No. 2 2025

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY SAFETY: EXAMINING CONTROL STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ELECTRICAL RISKS BASED ON OSHA AND BLS (2011-2021) REPORTS

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: One essential component of contemporary society is the use of electricity in a variety of industrial sectors. However, its vital role brings inherent risks that demand strict adherence to safety precautions. Purpose: This literature review investigates and evaluates control measures implemented in the electrical industry to reduce risks and lower the incidence of electrical fatalities. The analysis focuses on the effectiveness of these control strategies and their alignment with the hierarchy of control framework. Review: This literature review employs a descriptive quantitative analysis. This study analyzes data from 2011 to 2021. During this period, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 1.653 work-related electrical fatalities, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported 1.201. Result: 118 vocations were linked to electrical fatalities during this time. Of these, 31% of deaths occurred in electrical-related jobs, while 69% happened in non-electrical jobs. This finding highlights the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures and effective control strategies to mitigate electrical hazards. Conclusion: This literature review highlights the importance of applying the Hierarchy of Controls (HOC) in managing electrical risks in the workplace. It calls for proactive interventions and a cultural shift toward prioritizing safety, integrating human awareness with strict regulations to reduce electricity-related fatalities.