The Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Symptoms During Work From Home Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background@#Online teaching and learning extend the duration of using gadgets such as mobile phones and tablets. A prolonged usage of these gadgets in a static position can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Therefore, this study aims to identify the risk factors related to musculoskeletal symptoms while using gadgets during work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodA cross-sectional survey with online-based questionnaires was collected from the University of Indonesia, consisting of lecturers, students, and managerial staff. The minimum number of respondents was 1,080 and was defined by stratified random sampling. Furthermore, the dependent variable was musculoskeletal symptoms, while the independent were age, gender, job position, duration, activity when using gadgets, and how to hold them.ResultMost of the respondents had mobile phones but only 16% had tablets. Furthermore, about 56.7% have used a mobile phone for more than 10 years, while about 89.7% have used a tablet for less than 10 years. A multivariate analysis found factors that were significantly associated with MSD symptoms while using a mobile phone, such as age, gender, web browsing activity, work, or college activities. These activities include doing assignments and holding the phone with two hands with two thumbs actively operating. The factors that were significantly associated with MSD symptoms when using tablets were gender, academic position, social media activity, and placing the tablet on a table with two actively working index fingers. @*Conclusion@#Therefore, from the results of this study it is necessary to have WFH and e-learning policies to reduce MSD symptoms and enhance productivity at work.

Inhibition Effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract on Streptococcus sanguinis Biofilm Formation Involving Bacterial Motility Mechanism

@#Introduction: Streptococcus sanguinis is a primary colonizer in oral biofilm formation, often implicated in infective endocarditis. Methods to control oral biofilm formation are yet to be developed. Garlic (Allium sativum) has shown antimicrobial activities against many pathogen species. We sought to observe the potential of garlic extract to inhibit bacterial adherence to hydroxyapatite (HA) discs as a model of the tooth surface. Methods: Susceptibility of S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 to garlic extract was examined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test using broth microdilution method. For bacterial adherence assay, saliva-coated HA discs were incubated with various concentrations of extract then stimulated with S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 suspension. Adherent bacteria were stained with 0.1% crystal violet and measured at 595 nm using a microplate reader. A qualitative method to test bacterial motility was performed using Motility Indole Ornithine (MIO) medium. Results: The result of minimum inhibitory concentration test showed that MIC value for garlic ethanolic extract was at a concentration of 625 μg/ml. Moreover, garlic extract inhibited bacterial adherence to HA discs starting at concentration of 62.5 μg/ml. The inhibition of bacterial motility can be observed, indicated as limited the diffused growth of bacteria closer to the inoculating line. Observation using SEM confirmed these results. Conclusion: This present study suggest that garlic extract has the ability to inhibit S. sanguinis adherence to HA discs involving inhibition of bacterial motility, with the optimal concentration being 500 µg/ml.

Peer education prevents premarital sexuality in adolescents

Background: The problem often experienced by adolescents today is around sexuality, especially premarital sex. There is a need to increase knowledge of premarital sex among adolescents by providing health education through peer education. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of peer education on the knowledge and attitudes of premarital sexuality in adolescents. Materials and Methods: The present study is a quasi-experimental pre-post-test with a control group. The total sample of 90 adolescents aged 14–18 years was recruited from two senior high schools in Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. They were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received peer education about premarital sexuality conducted by peer educators in eight sessions. Researchers conducted peer education training on 10 peer educators and 2 research assistants and then conducted a pre-test of premarital sexuality knowledge and attitudes in both groups before intervention. Researchers were conducted deep interviewed with six respondents. Post-test knowledge and attitudes in both groups were done 4 weeks after intervention. Quantitative statistical analysis used Wilcoxon test and stages according to Colaizi for qualitative. Results: There was an increase of 3.55 in the mean knowledge score and 2.37 in the mean attitude score from pre- to post-intervention using peer education. Peer education method was affected the knowledge of premarital sexuality indicated by P = 0.002 (P < 0.05) and attitudes of premarital sexuality indicated by P = 0.021 (P < 0.05). Qualitative analysis identified uncertainty as a significant them for both knowledge and attitude of premarital sexuality, then evaluate feelings after participating in peer education. Conclusions: The result revealed that peer education significantly improved adolescents’ knowledge and attitude of premarital sexuality.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with falls among community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults in Indonesia

@#Objective: To assess the prevalence and social and health correlates of falls and fall risk in a sample of community-dwelling and institutionalized older Indonesians. Methods: Tis cross-sectional study was conducted July–August 2018 in three regions in Indonesia. Adults aged 60 years and above (n=427) were recruited via random sampling from community clinics and public and private elderly homes. Tey responded to interview-administered questions and provided measurements on sociodemographics and various health variables, including falls and fall risk. Fall risk was assessed with the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & Injuries) screen. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to estimate associations with fall and fall risk. Results: In the year immediately preceding the study, 29.0% of participants had sufered a fall. Approximately one-third of women (31.1%) and one-ffth of men (20.4%) reported a fall in the past year, and 25.4% of community dwellers and 32.7% of institutionalized older adults had fallen. Te overall proportion of fall risk was 45.4%, 49.0% among women, 38.0% among men, 50.5% in the institutionalized setting, and 40.4% in the community setting. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (OR: 1.89, CI: 1.06, 3.37), private elderly home setting (OR:2.04, CI: 1.10, 3.78), and being female (OR: 0.49, CI: 0.30, 0.82) were associated with falls in the preceding 12 months. Older age (80-102 years) (OR: 2.55, CI: 1.46, 4.46), private elderly home residence (OR: 2.24, CI: 1.19, 4.21), lack of education (OR: 0.51, CI: 0.28, 0.93), memory problems (OR: 1.81, CI: 1.09, 2.99), and arthritis (OR: 2.97, CI: 1.26, 7.00) were associated with fall risk by the STEADI screen. In stratifed analysis by setting, being female (OR: 0.49, CI: 0.25, 0.95) and living in urban areas (OR: 1.97, CI: 1.03, 3.76) were associated with falls in the institutionalized setting, and having near vision problems (OR: 2.32, CI: 1.09, 4.93) was associated with falls in the community setting. Older age (OR: 2.87, CI: 1.36, 6.07) was associated with fall risk in the institutionalized setting, and rural residence (OR: 0.37, CI: 0.15, 0.93) and having a joint disorder or arthritis (OR: 4.82, CI: 1.28, 16.61) were associated with fall risk in the community setting. Conclusion: A high proportion of older adults in community and institutional care in Indonesia have fallen or were at risk of falling in the preceding 12 months. Health variables for fall and fall risk were identifed for the population overall and for specifc populations in the home care and community setting that could help in designing fall-prevention strategies.

Cytotoxicity of Calcium Hydroxide on Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract Objective: To examine the cytotoxicity of calcium hydroxide on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSC) to understand the characteristics for use in regenerative dentistry procedures especially regenerative endodontics. Material and Methods: HUCMSC was isolated, cultured, and confirmed by flow cytometry. The biological characteristics, such as cell morphology, proliferation, and protein expression, were screened. To check the cytotoxicity, HUCMSC was cultured and divided into two groups, the control group (cultured in minimum essential medium (MEM) alpha) and calcium hydroxide group (cultured in MEM alpha and calcium hydroxide). Methyl-thiazole-tetrazolium (MTT) assay was done on different concentrations of calcium hydroxide (0.39 to 25 µg/mL) and the cells were observed and counted. One-way ANOVA test was used with a significance level set at 5%. Results: Flow cytometric analysis confirmed positive of CD73, CD90, CD105, negative of CD45 and CD34. A significant difference was found between the concentration of 6.25 and 3.125 µg/mL (p=0.004). There was no significant difference among 6.25, 12.5 and 25 µg/mL concentrations. There was also no significant difference among 0.39, 0.78, 1.56, and 3.125 µg/mL concentrations. Conclusion: Even though calcium hydroxide is a medicament of choice in clinical endodontics, it decreases the viability of HUCMSC. The lower the concentration of calcium hydroxide, the higher the viability of HUCMSC.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Dental Age in 8-15-Year-Old Orthodontic Patients

Abstract Objective: To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and dental age in 8-15-year-old orthodontic patients. Material and Methods: Forty-eight children (25 males, 23 females) aged 8-15 years requiring orthodontic treatment participated in this retrospective study. The dental development ages were determined using the Demirjian method and panoramic radiographs. Afterwards, chronological age, height, and weight were recorded. Using the standard equation developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, BMI value was calculated and grouped according to BMI percentile classification according to age and gender. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Dental age was significantly accelerated in subjects with increased BMI percentile after adjusting for age and gender (p<0.05). The mean dental age among all subjects was 10.58 ± 2.40. The correlation coefficient (r) showed a strong correlation with a positive direction, which means that the dental age also accelerated by 44.6% in the subjects with increased BMI. Conclusion: There was a linear correlation between increased BMI with accelerated dental age. BMI value and dental age can be considered in determining orthodontic treatment time.

Nickel and Chromium Ion Levels in Hair and Gingival Crevicular Fluid with the Corrosion of Brackets in Orthodontic Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: To assess the levels of nickel and chromium ions in hair and Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) of orthodontic patients and to evaluate the corrosion of orthodontic bracket surfaces. Material and Methods: Nickel and chromium ion concentrations were measured in hair and GCF of 15 patients (9 females and 6 males, aged 16-28 years old) who had fixed orthodontic treatment using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The samples were taken before treatment (baseline), 4, 8, and 16 months later during treatment. Along with ionic sampling, microscopic sampling was done. One of each patient brackets was removed to get 15 brackets per group. Five brackets were taken randomly from each group to be examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data obtained were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results: After 16 months, compared with the baseline, average hair nickel level changed from 0.125 µg/g to 0.956 µg/g with statistically significant difference (p=0.00); average chromium level changed from 0.090 µg/g to 0.295 µg/g but no significant difference (p>0.05); average GCF nickel level changed from 3.335 µg/g to 10.410 µg/g; average chromium level changed from 1.859 µg/g to 9.818 µg/g. Both of these increases were significant (p=0.000). SEM examinations showed that the corrosion on brackets was seen in the fourth month, and more severely visible after 8 and 16 months of uses. Conclusion: After 16 months of treatment, compared with the baseline, the hair nickel level was increased by 7.7 times; while for chromium was by 3.3 times. Gingival crevicular fluid nickel level was increased by 3.1 times and chromium level was by 5.3 times. The longer time of treatment, the more ions released and the more corrosion of brackets will be.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Biopsychosocial with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Indonesian Pre-School Children

Objective: To describe the Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in Indonesian preschool children based on biopsychosocial risk factors. Material and Methods: This research is an analytic observational with a cross sectional design toward 506 preschool children aged 2-6 years at East Luwu Regency, Indonesia. The biopsychosocial data studied were gender, ethnicity, personal hygiene, child psychology, age, nutritional status, and dental and oral health behavior. These data were obtained through a questionnaire and clinical examination (nutritional status). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed. The statistical tests were performed at the significance level of 0.05. Results: Characteristics of respondents based on parents' origin, found that the majority of respondents were parents from Bugis tribes (68.4%) with ECC frequency of 72.2%. Regarding the visit to the dentist, 12.6% were afraid of the dentist, with ECC frequency of 71.9%. Most children had normal nutritional status (67%) with ECC frequency of 69.3%. Biopsychosocial factors, which significantly affect the Early Childhood Caries, were parents' tribe (p=0.022) and age (p=0.011). There was an association between ECC with brushing teeth before going to bed (p=0.049), use of mouthwash (p=0.002) and consumption of snacks (p<0.001). Conclusion: Biopsychosocial factor indicators are affect the Early Childhood Caries towards Indonesian preschool children.

Regeneration of Salivary Gland Defects of Diabetic Wistar Rats Post Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Intraglandular Transplantation on Acinar Cell Vacuolization and Interleukin-10 Serum Level

Abstract Objective: To investigate the regeneration of rat's salivary gland diabetic defect after intraglandular transplantation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (HDPSCs) on acinar cell vacuolization and Interleukin-10 (IL-10). Material and Methods: HDPSCs isolated from the dental pulp of first premolars #34. HDPSCs from the 3rd passage was characterized by immunocytochemistry of CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD45. Twenty-four male Wistar rats, 3-month-old, 250-300 grams induced with Streptozotocin 30 mg/kg body weight to create diabetes mellitus (DM) divided into 4 groups (n=6); positive control group on Day-7; positive control group on Day-14; treatment group Day-7 (DM+5.105HDPSCs); treatment group on Day-14. On Day-7 and Day-14, rats were sacrificed. Histopathological examination performed to analyze acinar cells vacuolization while Enzyme-linked Immunoabsorbent Assay to measure IL-10 serum level. Data obtained were analyzed statistically using multiple comparisons Bonferroni test, Kruskal Wallis, Shapiro-Wilk and Levene's test result Results: The highest acinar cell vacuolization found in control group Day 14 (0.239 ± 0.132), meanwhile the lowest acinar cell vacuolization found in treatment group Day 7 (0.019 ± 0.035) with significant difference (p=0.003). The highest IL-10 serum level found in treatment group Day 14 (175.583 ± 120.075) with significant difference (p=0.001) Conclusion: Transplantation of HDPSC was able to regenerate submandibular salivary gland defects in diabetic rats by decreasing acinar cell vacuolization and slightly increase IL-10 serum level.

The role of polysaccharide peptide of Ganoderma lucidum as a potent antioxidant against atherosclerosis in high risk and stable angina patients

Objectives Antioxidants can reduce oxidative radicals that affect the early phase of atherogenesis, that is endothelial dysfunction. Polysaccharide Peptide (PsP) derived from Ganoderma lucidum has an active substance in the form of β-glucan. Previous studies have proven the PsP of Ganoderma lucidum as an effective antioxidant in atherosclerotic rats and shows no toxicity in animal model. This study aims to prove the effect of PsP as potent antioxidant in high risk and stable angina patients. Method This is a clinical trial conducted to 37 high risk and 34 stable angina patients, which were determined based on ESC Stable CAD Guidelines and Framingham risk score, with pre and post test design without control group. The parameters are superoxide dimustase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, circulating endothelial cell (CEC) and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) counts. The patients were given PsP 750 mg/day in 3 divided dose for 90 days. Paired t-test was performed for normally distributed data, and Wilcoxon test for not normally distributed data, and significant level of p ≤ 0,05. Results SOD level in high risk patients slightly increased but not statistically significant with p = 0,22. Level of SOD in stable angina group significantly increased with p = 0,001. MDA concentration significantly reduced in high risk and stable angina patients with p = 0.000. CEC significantly reduced both in high risk and stable angina patients, with p = 0.000 in both groups. EPC count significantly reduced in high risk and stable angina with p = 0.000. Conclusion PsP of Ganoderma lucidum is a potent antioxidant against pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in stable angina and high risk patients

Comparison Between Nickel and Chromium Levels in Serum and Urine in Patients Treated with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Longitudinal Study

Objective: To compare levels of nickel and chromium in serum and urine in orthodontic patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Material and Methods: Nickel and chromium ion concentration were measured in serum and urine of twenty patients (12 females and 8 males, aged 17-28 years old) who had fixed orthodontic treatment using Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. The samples were taken before treatment (Baseline), two months, and six months later during treatment. Data were analyzed using repeated ANOVA, Bonferroni post-hoc test, and paired t-tests. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Average serum nickel level changed from 6.420 ppb to 6.855 ppb. Average serum chromium level changed from 5.305 ppb to 5.505 ppb in 6 months. Average urinary nickel level changed from 5.320 ppb to 5.610 ppb. Average urinary chromium level changed from 5.370 ppb to 5.520 ppb in 6 months. There was a statistically significant difference in serum (p<0.001) and urinary chromium (p=0.007) levels between observation times. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment might raise both urinary and serum nickel levels, but the differences were not statistically significant; the alterations in chromium levels were not consistent; nickel levels were higher in serum than in urine; chromium levels were higher in urine than in serum.

Influence of Acrylic Resin Denture Base Soaking Length in Siwak Extract Solution (Salvadora persica) on the Growth of Candida albicans

Objective: To know the influence of immersion length of denture base of acrylic resin in Siwak solution (Salvadora persica) on Candida albicans growth. Material and Methods: This type of research is laboratory experimental. The Siwak plant (Salvadora persica) was extracted and 1% solution was formed. The media used were Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Candida albicans was cultured as 1 dose in 100 ml of SDB medium, and then incubated at shaker rotation for 1x24 hours. The concentration chosen to test the effectiveness of siwak extract solution was 1%, 10%, 15% and 25%. Data were presented as mean ± SD. Results: Zone of 6 hours Siwak extract immersion inhibitor by 43.47 ± 0.35, 8 hours to know the influence of immersion length of denture base of acrylic resin in Siwak solution (Salvadora persica) on candida albicans growth 44.42 ± 0.02, 10 hours of 52.79 ± 0.03. Conclusion: There is a difference of immersion length of denture base of acrylic resin on Candida albicans growth in Siwak extract solution (Salvadora persica).

Prevalence Rate of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Results of School-based Screening in Surabaya, Indonesia

Introduction: Scoliosis is a lateral spinal deformity of 10 degrees or more, resulting in a C-shaped or S-shaped curve of the spine. Information about adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) prevalence rate is important not only for paediatric health care planning strategy but also for parent's awareness. This study aims to find the suitable inclination cut-off angle and the prevalence rate of AIS in Surabaya, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive crosssectional study conducted in 2010. We performed stratified random sampling of 784 Elementary and Junior High School students in Surabaya between 9-16 years of age. Scoliosis screening was performed by the Adam's forward bending test (FBT). The students with positive FBT were measured for the inclination angle with scoliometer, and then subjected to radiologic examination. Prevalence rate, gender ratio, and the cut-off point value of inclination angle were determined by a descriptive statistics analysis. Results: Adam's forward bending test was positive in 50 students (6,37%). Among them, 23 students (2,93%) four males and 19 females had Cobb angle of ≥10°. The 5° cutoff point value of inclination angle had a 95.6% sensitivity, an 18.5% specificity, a 50% positive predictive value (PPV), and a 83.33% negative predictive value (NPV); while the 7° cut-off point had a 78.26% sensitivity, a 88.88% specificity, a 85.7% PPV, and a 82.7% NPV. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of AIS in Surabaya is 2.93% and the 7° cut-off point of inclination angle is suitable for school-based screening.

Biochemical Characterization, 16S rRNA Sequence Analysis and Multiple Sequence Alignment of Bacteria Isolated from Fermented and Unfermented Coconut.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a tropical and subtropical plant which has great versatility due to many benefits of its different parts. Appropriate methods such as biochemical, morphological, serological, physiological and molecular techniques are required to clearly differentiate beneficial from harmful bacteria that are found in coconut. The objectives of this research were to characterize bacterial diversity in coconut based on biochemical tests and molecular techniques, to study the evolutionary relationship among the bacteria isolates based on 16S rRNA BLAST analysis and Multiple Sequence Alignment. Eight bacteria isolates, 3 from fermented and 5 from non-fermented coconut were identified. Biochemical characterization, polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rRNA using universal primers (63f-1387r), BLAST analysis and multiple sequence analysis were performed. The result indicated that the bacteria were detected as Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter aggromerans, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia pickettii and Burkholderia. The first two were carbohydrate fermenting while the last three were non-fermenting bacteria. All these species are related to human pathogenicity. This can be related to hygiene in food process and handling procedures. Therefore, to favour the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, appropriate environmental hygiene is required.

Gastroprotective effects of combination of hot water extracts of turmeric (Curcuma domestica L.), cardamom pods (Ammomum compactum S.) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera DC.) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of the combination of turmeric (Curcuma domestica), cardamom pods (Amomum compactum) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera) on gastric mucosa in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model rats.Methods:were administered with the hot water extracts combination consisted of cardamom pods 36.6 mg/200 g body weight and sembung leaf 91.5 mg/200 g body weight (fixed doses). The herbal extracts combination were also consisted of turmeric in various doses i.e. 10 mg/200 g body weight in the second group, 30 mg/200 g body weight in the first and third groups, and 50 mg/200 g body weight in the fourth group. The fifth group rats received sucralfate 72 mg /200 g body weight. Ten minutes after receiving herbal extracts combinations or sucralfate, the rats were induced with aspirin 90 mg/200 g body weight except the first group. Another group (sixth group) only received aspirin without any protective agent. All treatments were adsministered orally for seven days. The number and area of the gastric ulcers were counted and measured macroscopically. Score of mucosal damage and the number of eosinophils as well as the number of mast cells were observed in paraffin sections stained with hematoxylin eosin and toluidine blue, respectively.Results:Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 6 groups. Four groups of gastric ulcers as well as smaller score of mucosal damage in comparison to those of aspirin group (P<0.05). The number of mast cells and eosinophil of herbal groups were also smaller than that of aspirin group.Conclusions:The herbal extracts combination of turmeric (Curcuma domestica), cardamom pods The groups receiving herbal infuse combination exhibited less number and smaller area (Amomum compactum) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera) has potential gastroprotective effects.

Gastroprotective effects of combination of hot water extracts of turmeric (Curcuma domestica L.), cardamom pods (Ammomum compactum S.) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera DC.) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effect of the combination of turmeric (Curcuma domestica), cardamom pods (Amomum compactum) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera) on gastric mucosa in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer model rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were divided into 6 groups. Four groups were administered with the hot water extracts combination consisted of cardamom pods 36.6 mg/200 g body weight and sembung leaf 91.5 mg/200 g body weight (fixed doses). The herbal extracts combination were also consisted of turmeric in various doses i.e. 10 mg/200 g body weight in the second group, 30 mg/200 g body weight in the first and third groups, and 50 mg/200 g body weight in the fourth group. The fifth group rats received sucralfate 72 mg /200 g body weight. Ten minutes after receiving herbal extracts combinations or sucralfate, the rats were induced with aspirin 90 mg/200 g body weight except the first group. Another group (sixth group) only received aspirin without any protective agent. All treatments were adsministered orally for seven days. The number and area of the gastric ulcers were counted and measured macroscopically. Score of mucosal damage and the number of eosinophils as well as the number of mast cells were observed in paraffin sections stained with hematoxylin eosin and toluidine blue, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The groups receiving herbal infuse combination exhibited less number and smaller area of gastric ulcers as well as smaller score of mucosal damage in comparison to those of aspirin group (P<0.05). The number of mast cells and eosinophil of herbal groups were also smaller than that of aspirin group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The herbal extracts combination of turmeric (Curcuma domestica), cardamom pods (Amomum compactum) and sembung leaf (Blumea balsamifera) has potential gastroprotective effects.</p>

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats / 中西医结合学报

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor coordination and the estimate of the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol.

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The present study aimed at investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor coordination and the estimate of the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing (P< 0.01). No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.</p>

dynamics of gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase-8 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 on removable orthodontic appliance wearers

The teeth will move if subjected to pressure through orthodontic appliances which causes a remodeling of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. MMP-8 plays an important role in the remodeling process during orthodontic movement. The expression of MMP-8 gene is regulated by a natural inhibitor namely TMP-1. The purpose of this study was to observe the MMP-8 and TIMP-1 gene expressions in the gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] of patients with removable orthodontic appliance. A sample of 8 patients wearing orthodontic appliances was obtained. The finger springs were activated with 75 grams of force to produce canine distalization. GCF samples were collected from the distal side of upper canines before force application, 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4 weeks after application consecutively. The samples were analyzed by using RT-PCR. Statistical univariate analysis was used to show the distribution and percentages of the gene expressions. The gene expression of MMP-8 at t[0] was 28.1% but the force application elevated its expression to 62.5% at t[1], and then decreased continuously at t[2] [37.5%], t[3] [34.4%], and t[4] [31.3%]. The gene expression of TIMP-1 at t[0] was 40, 6% but the force application elevated its expression to 59,4% at t[1], and then decreased continuously at t[2] [43,8%], t[3] [40.6%], and t[4] [37.5%]. In conclusion, there was a dynamic gene expressions of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 before and after force application and the pattern was similar, i.e. the highest level happened on the first week, but it declined continuously in the following weeks

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-8 [MMP-8] gene in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

Orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance produces structural and biochemical changes and breaking the balance between the synthesis and the breakdown of the collagen in the periodontium. MMP-8 plays an important role in the remodeling of periodontal ligament during orthodontic movement. The purpose of this study was to observe the expression of MMP-8 gene in the gingival crevicular fluid [GCF] of fixed orthodontic patients. It is expected that the result can be used as a reference to decide the proper time for elastomeric chain to be reactivated. Orthodontic fixed appliances were placed on 8 patients and elastomeric chains exerting a force of 75 grams were attached to produce canine distalization. GCF samples were collected from the distal side of upper canines before force application, 1-, 2-, 3-and 4 weeks after application consecutively. The samples were analyzed by using RT-PCR. Statistical analyses used were univariate analysis and Mann-Whitney U test. The expression of MMP-8 in the GCF at t0 was 31.3% but the force application elevated its expression of 65.6% at t1, and then decreased continuously at t2, t3, and t4. There was no statistically difference of MMP-8 gene expression between to and t3. The highest level of MMP-8 gene expression due to orthodontic forces happened in the first week, but it declined continuously in the following weeks. The proper time to reactivate an elastomeric chain was 3 weeks after application