Prevalence and factors associated with celiac disease in high-risk patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine triggered by the consumption of gluten-containing foods in individuals with a genetic predisposition. CD was a rare disease until 20 years ago, when the prevalence increased. Currently, there is no data on the prevalence of CD in high-risk adult populations in Indonesia, even though there is a trend of increasing gluten consumption. Therefore, basic research is needed to determine the magnitude of CD in high-risk adult patients in Indonesia while identifying clinical signs/symptoms, illness history, and lifestyle to determine factors associated with CD in Indonesia. This study is an observational study with a cross-sectional method.Two hundred eighty-three patients who fulfilled the selection and signed the informed consent were recruited from the gastroenterology clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. Patients were asked to fill out a celiac disease-related questionnaire and then given anthropometry measurement and blood test for serologic examination with ELISA, consisting of IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-TTG) and IgG anti-deaminated gliadin peptide (anti-DGP). Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Multivariate logistic regression tests with SPSS software ver. 26. Statistical test differences were considered significant if the p-values were < 0.05. Eight of 283 patients are serologically confirmed with CD (2,83%). On bivariate analysis, the significant variables are age (p < 0,05), constipation (p < 0,05) and history of autoimmune disease (p < 0,05). On multivariate analysis, the only significant variable is the history of autoimmune disease (p < 0,05). This study concluded that the prevalence of CD in high-risk patients with functional gastrointestinal disorder at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital is relatively high (2.83%). CD-associated factors are age, constipation, and history of autoimmune disease in patients. On simultaneous interaction between these factors, autoimmune is the only significant variable associated with CD.

Antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of compound isolated from Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L) Vahl. leaves.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis is one of the folk medicines used for the treatment of diabetes in Ambon, Indonesia, but there are limited studies on the bioactivities of its constituents. This study aims to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of four extracts of S. jamaicensis leaves extracted using several solvents. Bioassay guided fractionation on each extract establishes for exploring S. jamaicensis leaves active compounds. The antioxidant was evaluated using the DPPH and ABTS methods, while the α-glucosidase inhibitory was carried out in vitro assay. The results showed that the methanol extract of S. jamaicensis leaves displays inhibition of DPPH, ABTS and α-glucosidase activity compared to other solvent extracts. Furthermore, 6ß-hydroxyipolamiide was successfully isolated from the methanol extract of S. jamicensis leaves which was reported to have α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 539.17 µg/mL. Based on the results, S. jamaicensis could be recommended as an antioxidant and antidiabetic agent.

Brazilin from Caesalpinia sappan L. as a Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) Inhibitor: Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening, In Silico Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Studies.

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a crucial regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels, as it binds to and degrades the LDL receptor (LDLR) in the lysosome of hepatocytes. Elevated levels of PCSK9 have been linked to an increased LDL-c plasma levels, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it an attractive target for therapeutic interventions. As a way to inhibit PCSK9 action, we searched for naturally derived small molecules which can block the binding of PCSK9 to the LDLR. Methods: In this study, we carried out in silico studies which consist of virtual screening using an optimized pharmacophore model and molecular docking studies using Pyrx 0.98. Effects of the candidate compounds were evaluated using in vitro PCSK9-LDLR binding assays kit. Results: Eleven natural compounds that bind to PCSK9 were virtually screened form HerbalDB database, including brazilin. Next, molecular docking studies using Pyrx 0.98 showed that brazilin had the highest binding affinity with PCSK9 at -9.0 (Kcal/mol), which was higher than that of the other ten compounds. Subsequent in vitro PCSK9-LDLR binding assays established that brazilin decreased the binding of PCSK9 to the EGF-A fragment of the LDLR in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 2.19 µM. Conclusion: We have identified brazilin, which is derived from the Caesalpinia sappan herb, which can act as a small molecule inhibitor of PCSK9. Our findings suggest that screening for small molecules that can block the interaction between PCSK9 and the LDLR in silico and in vitro may be a promising approach for developing novel lipid-lowering therapy.

Evaluation of renal disturbance in animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease characterized by hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia, followed by luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone deficiency. PCOS conditions cause metabolic disorders that increase uric acid levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Animal models of PCOS have been used extensively in research to study the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and treatment of PCOS. Aim: This study aimed to identify the pathological mechanisms underlying renal dysfunction in PCOS by observing several parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, uric acid, and renal MDA levels. Methods: This research was an experimentally designed study using a Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) as an animal model of PCOS which were divided into three groups: negative control group (n = 6), Testosterone propionate (TP) induction group (n = 6), and estradiol valerate (EV) induction group (n = 6). Results: According to statistical analysis it indicated that induction of TP and EV can increase blood uric acid levels in PCOS model rats (p < 0.05), TP induction can increase kidney BUN and MDA levels significantly (p < 0.05), However, the observation of creatinine levels did not show significant differences in all treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the induction of animal models with TP can trigger significant renal damage compared to EV.

A Systematic Review of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea L.): Extraction and Application as a Food Freshness pH-Indicator for Polymer-Based Intelligent Packaging.

The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) (BPF) has a high anthocyanin content, which can be incorporated into polymer-based films to produce intelligent packaging for real-time food freshness indicators. The objective of this work was to systematically review the polymer characteristics used as BPF extract carriers and their application on various food products as intelligent packaging systems. This systematic review was developed based on scientific reports accessible on the databases provided by PSAS, UPM, and Google Scholar between 2010 and 2023. It covers the morphology, anthocyanin extraction, and applications of anthocyanin-rich colourants from butterfly pea flower (BPF) and as pH indicators in intelligent packaging systems. Probe ultrasonication extraction was successfully employed to extract a higher yield, which showed a 246.48% better extraction of anthocyanins from BPFs for food applications. In comparison to anthocyanins from other natural sources, BPFs have a major benefit in food packaging due to their unique colour spectrum throughout a wide range of pH values. Several studies reported that the immobilisation of BPF in different polymeric film matrixes could affect their physicochemical properties, but they could still effectively monitor the quality of perishable food in real-time. In conclusion, the development of intelligent films employing BPF's anthocyanins is a potential strategy for the future of food packaging systems.

Decision Tree of Materials: A Model of Halal Control Point (HCP) Identification in Small-Scale Bakery to Support Halal Certification.

A bakery is a business that bakes flour-based foods, including bread, cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies, and sells them. Some bakeries are also categorized as large scale, medium scale, and small scale. Halal embraces all food category; bakery product can satisfy the challenge and opportunity of halal food segment market. The small-scale bakery will benefit from creating a halal certification to attract new customers. The first stage of submission for halal certification is identifying Halal Control Points (HCP) of materials and production. The material tracing uses a decision tree. The purpose of this study is to identify HCP in materials and production processes and provide alternative improvements. Identification of HCP in material decision trees to determine contains non-HCP (halal) material, HCP material, and haram (forbidden) material. Happy Cake bakery uses 75% non-HCP (halal) materials and 25% HCP (noncertified halal) materials from 80 ingredients. Bakery Canggi Fully has 83.3% halal materials and 16.6% noncertified halal materials from 24 ingredients. Bakery MacCheese has 79% of halal materials and 21% of noncertified halal materials from 43 ingredients. The decision tree makes it very easy to identify the halal status of ingredients. The HCP ingredients need to be replaced with clearly halal ingredients. Substitution of HCP material to halal-certified ingredients may affect production costs, product quality, and profit. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a suitable halal material. Halal certification requires a high commitment of small-scale bakery businesses.

DNA barcoding detects resurrected taxon Giuris laglaizei (Sauvage 1880) in Sulawesi, Indonesia: Bolano Sau Lake payangka phylogeny, phenotypic characters and implications for Giuris spp. conservation.

Background: The freshwater ichthyofauna of Wallacea is diverse and understudied. A baseline survey of Bolano Sau Lake in Parigi Moutong District, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia in 2019 found an eleotrid goby (local name payangka) with characters conforming to the genus Giuris, long considered monophyletic as G. margaritacea/G. margaritaceus but recently found to comprise at least eight species. This study focused on the molecular (DNA barcoding) identification and phenotypic characters of the payangka. Methods: Payangka samples were collected from August to December 2019 in collaboration with local fishermen, weighed and measured, and preserved in 75% ethanol. Length, weight, sex (n=111) and seventeen morphometric characters/six meristic counts (n=42) were recorded. DNA barcoding was performed on a fin clipping preserved in 96% ethanol. Homologous nucleotide sequences were obtained from public (GenBank and BOLD) databases, analysis conducted in MEGA X, and phylogenetic trees edited in the Interactive Tree of Life (iToL). Results: Within the polyphyletic Giuris clade, the payangka sequence resolved into a sub-clade identified as Giuris laglaizei (Sauvage 1880), a recently resurrected taxon, based on a sequence provided by Philippe Keith. The length-weight relationship (L = 0.0087∙W3.162) indicated mildly allometric positive growth. Size distribution differed significantly between male and female fish with significantly larger mean size of males (13.56 cm) than females (11.62 cm). The meristic formula was: D VI-I,8 A I,8 P 13 V I,5 C15. Phylogenic analysis indicated four Giuris species in wetlands around Tomini Bay and five in Sulawesi. Conclusions: This first record of G. laglaizei in Indonesia advances knowledge of Wallacean and Indo-Pacific gobioid biogeography and highlights the need for a revision of the conservation status of the taxa currently grouped under Giuris margaritacea/G. margaritaceus in the IUCN Red List and FishBase databases. The data will inform biodiversity and fisheries management at local and regional levels.

The climate comfort assessment for tourism purposes in Borobudur Temple Indonesia.

Included on the World Heritage List in 1991, the Borobudur Temple Compounds have been attracting vast numbers of tourists. To increase the number of incoming tourists even further, tourism climate comfort is one of the key elements that must be considered, as it can affect tourist visiting patterns, as well as tourists' preferences. This study analyzes the level of tourism climate comfort using three different methods, i.e., Tourism Climate Index (TCI), Temperature Humidity Index (THI) and Holiday Climate Index (HCI). It further assesses their sensitivities to observe tourist visitation in Borobudur Temple. The climate data for the timeframe 2010-2019 is obtained from the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Borobudur. Based on the TCI, we notice that the comfortable months were June to August. By comparison, the THI results showed that the comfortable period began in July and ended in August. Meanwhile, the HCI results showed that the comfortable months were July to October. All monthly indexes obtained by means of the three methods are then evaluated in view of the monthly visitation data. This optimized HCI index demonstrates a high correlation with tourist visitation at Borobudur Temple, especially foreign tourist that more sensitive to the climate. Hence, relative humidity and rainfall have high correlation with the HCI climatic comfort level at Borobudur Temple. This study improves our understanding of the climatic index correlation with the number of visitors at Borobudur Temple and can help advertisers and local authorities make pre-trip climate comfort information and more informed decisions in terms of tourism policies.

An analysis of learner outputs in problem posing as sentence-integration in arithmetic word problems.

Achieving practical implementation of learning by problem posing faces the issue of inefficiency due to the time needed for assessment and giving feedback to students' posed problems. As a solution of this problem, we have developed a tablet PC-based software for learning by posing arithmetic word problems named Monsakun. The software is based on Triplet Structure Model of arithmetic word problem. In this research, we investigated problems posed by elementary school students in Monsakun to understand whether Monsakun encourages them to think about the structure of arithmetic word problems. The result shows that students did not pose problems randomly but considered things first. We also found that the frequent errors are actually meaningful errors, and students tried to pose problems satisfying as many constraints as possible, which means they actually think about the structure to pose required problems in the assignments. The process of understanding assignment requirements and relating them to suitable sentence cards is an important point especially for young learners to reach deep understanding of the structure of arithmetic word problems.