Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Four Different Concentrations of Ant Nest (Myrmecodia pendens) Collagen Membranes with Potential for Medical Applications.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to synthesize and structurally characterize four ant nest membranes in four different concentrations and determine the best concentration that could potentially be used as an alternative material for the production of new collagen barrier membranes. Materials and Methods: Membranes were created by mixing ant nest extracts at various concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, as well as collagen, chitosan, and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) using a film casting. A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to evaluate mechanical properties including elastic modulus, tensile strength, maximum elongation, elongation at break, and maximum force. Water absorption was performed, FTIR was used for functional group identification, and morphology was examined using SEM. Additionally, EDS was used to identify the composition and distribution of elements in membranes. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and post hoc testing with a significance level of p <0.01 for quantitative data. Results: The results showed that the mechanical properties produced the following mean (standard deviation): elastic modulus 0.87 Mpa (0.11), tensile strength 16.32 N/mm2 (2.46), maximum elongation 4.96% (1.72), elongation at break 5.23% (1.87), and maximum force 22.50 N (5.06). The average water absorption capacity of all four membranes had a p-value <0.01. FTIR spectrum showed various peaks corresponding to functional groups, while SEM results indicated a homogeneous mixture. EDS analysis confirmed that the addition of ant plant extract at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% resulted in the presence of elements C, O, and Ca. Meanwhile, membranes prepared with 2% concentration had a different composition, namely C, O, Ca, and Na. Conclusion: Increasing the concentration of ant nest affects the values of the membrane's mechanical properties parameters, including the elastic modulus (0.87 Mpa), tensile strength (16.32 N/mm2), maximum elongation (4.96%), elongation at break (5.23%), and maximum force (22.50 N). The average membrane absorption of water (p value <0.01) was also affected. SEM images showed homogeneous mixing, and membrane EDS results consisted of C, O, and Ca composition. However, there was no effect on FTIR functional groups. The anthill membrane with a 1% concentration has the potential to serve as an alternative membrane in guided tissue regeneration.

The Role of Twice-Daily N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2400 mg in Smoking Cessation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION:  Tobacco smoking remains a health concern, especially in developing countries. Nicotine is significantly linked to many cancers and even second-hand exposure. Hence, smoking can increase the risk of lung and heart disease. This makes quitting smoking important and challenging. Success tends to rise by achieving abstinence with assisted pharmacology. These treatments aim to reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This is a preclinical trial on glutamate modulator in N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a new potential treatment for smoking cessation. It is based on the administration of NAC related to elevated levels of dopamine in the central nervous system to accomplish successful smoking cessation. AIM: This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of NAC for smoking cessation. The primary outcome was abstinence rate and the secondary outcomes of the study were to assess carbon monoxide exhalation value (COexh), the withdrawal symptoms, craving score, safety, and tolerability associated with the administration of NAC. METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial. Eligible smokers were treated with NAC 2400 mg twice daily (BID) or placebo to obtain a potential effective abstinence rate. Subjects recruited from the smoking cessation clinic were screened for eligibility and were randomized to either the NAC or placebo group. The trial consisted of a four-week treatment phase and participants were evaluated each week with a brief counseling. Intention to treat data analysis was performed from 2018 to 2019. Smoking cessation status was verified by measuring the amount of carbon monoxide exhaled and by documenting their smoking habits. Adverse events (AEs) have also been observed on each visit. RESULTS: A total of 90 male smokers with a mean (SD) age of 38.7 (11) years were randomized into two groups to receive NAC (n=45) and placebo (n=45). The primary outcome revealed that the abstinence rate was significantly higher for the NAC group than the placebo group (37.7% vs 6.6%; p=0.02). These findings were supported by data comparison between the NAC group and placebo group of COexh (ppm) (9.59 ±7.4 vs 13,4 ±6.1; p=0.04) and cigarette consumption/week (10 vs 46; p <0.001), which were statistically significant. Comparison of withdrawal with the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Score between the NAC group and the placebo group showed lower values (8 (1-31) vs 11 (0-43); p=0.178), respectively, even though not statistically significant. Compared to the placebo group, the craving score (6 (2-29) vs 12 (6-31); p=0.04) in the NAC group was significantly lower. The most common adverse event was mild gastrointestinal effects (28.9%) and arthralgia (2.2%). No serious adverse events were detected. CONCLUSIONS:  Despite a small sample size, the data demonstrate the potential benefits of NAC that may help elevate abstinence rates and promote successful smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. Comprehensive treatment combining pharmacologic therapy and counseling increases smoking cessation success rates. It is essential to conduct a randomized multicenter study with a large population to support a sustained abstinence rate using NAC.

Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis program: examination for certification during 2008-2020.

This study examined physicians' participation and performance in the examinations administered by the Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis (AIR Pneumo) program from 2008 to 2020 and compared radiograph readings of physicians who passed with those who failed the examinations. Demography of the participants, participation trends, pass/fail rates, and proficiency scores were summarized; differences in reading the radiographs for pneumoconiosis of physicians who passed the examinations and those who failed were evaluated. By December 2020, 555 physicians from 20 countries had taken certification examinations; the number of participants increased in recent years. Reported background specialty training and work experience varied widely. Passing rate and mean proficiency score for participants who passed were 83.4% and 77.6 ± 9.4 in certification, and 76.8% and 88.1 ± 4.5 in recertification examinations. Compared with physicians who passed the examinations, physicians who failed tended to classify test radiographs as positive for pneumoconiosis and read a higher profusion; they likely missed large opacities and pleural plaques and had a lower accuracy in recognizing the shape of small opacities. Findings suggest that physicians who failed the examination tend to over-diagnose radiographs as positive for pneumoconiosis with higher profusion and have difficulty in correctly identifying small opacity shape.

Effects of Modified Diaphragmatic Training on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire Score, Diaphragmatic Excursion, and Maximum Inspiratory Pressure in Adults with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease After COVID-19: A Single-Blinded Randomized Control.

BACKGROUND: Although diaphragmatic training has been shown to improve gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, its effectiveness in adults with GERD after COVID-19 has not been evaluated. This study examined the effectiveness of modified diaphragmatic training (MDT) on GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) score, diaphragmatic excursion, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) in adults with GERD after COVID-19. METHODS: This single-blinded randomized control trial was conducted at Persahabatan Hospital from February to April 2023. The medical records of 364 patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated; among these potential participants, 302 had symptoms before, and 62 after, COVID-19 infection. Fifty of these patients fulfilled the study inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 25) or control (n = 25) groups. Four weeks of diaphragmatic training were followed by MDT or standard diaphragmatic training. A follow-up assessment was conducted 30 days after the beginning of the training. RESULTS: The GERDQ score was significantly decreased in the pre-post-intervention group (10.44 ± 2.00 vs 1.84 ± 2.17) and the control group (8.64 ± 0.57 vs 3.32 ± 1.49), with p < 0.001. The intervention group showed significant improvements in the right diaphragmatic excursion (RDE) (44% vs 11.87%), left diaphragmatic excursion (LDE) (46.61% vs 13.62%), and MIP (75.26% vs 23.97%) compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: MDT in adults after COVID-19 with GERD enhanced diaphragmatic excursion and MIP and decreased symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux by 8.60 points of GERDQ. Respiratory symptoms and other side effects were comparable between the groups.

High Proportion of Arsenic Detected in Bronchoalveolar Fluid among Newly Diagnosed Lung Cancer in Jakarta Indonesia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to measure arsenic concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid  (BALF ) of newly diagnosed lung cancer and its corelation with clinical profiles. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study to identify arsenic levels in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was taken during the bronchoscopy. Arsenic concentration was measured using an ICP-EOS spectrometer. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects who met inclusion criteria were recruited in this study. Arsenic metals were detected among 40% of subjects with mean, highest, and lowest values are 0.38 µg/L, 0.5 µg/L, and 0.3 µg/L, respectively. There is no significant difference between arsenic level and patients' demographic and clinical data. CONCLUSION: Arsenic was detected in BALF in majority of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Despite the insignificant relationship between arsenic level and patients characteristic, this results is evidence of which arsenic metal exposure in lung cancer during their lifetime and should raise public health awareness regarding mitigating the source of exposure and its potential as lung carcinogenic agent.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 antibody response after Moderna vaccine booster on healthcare providers.

INTRODUCTION: As an endeavor to control SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Moderna vaccine booster was given to healthcare workers to prevent reinfection and reduce the risk of complications from COVID-19. A heterologous booster vaccine is also thought to provide better protection against the current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. However, research that evaluates the effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine booster and the resulting SARS-CoV-2 antibody concentration is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the Moderna vaccine booster and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection before and after the Moderna vaccine booster. RESULTS: A total of 93 healthcare providers who received Moderna vaccine booster were included in the study. Examination of antibody concentration 3 months after the booster showed an average concentration of 10081.65 U/mL. There was an increase in antibody concentration before the booster and 3 months after, from a median of 1.7 U/mL to 9540 U/mL. Every subject showed a statistically significant increment of antibody concentration 3 months after the booster (p < 0.01). Thirty-seven (39.8%) subjects received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine and were confirmed to have COVID-19 with the Delta variant. After the booster, 26 (28%) subjects were infected with the Omicron Variant. Among the subjects who received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine and were confirmed with COVID-19, 36 (30.1%) had mild symptoms, and 1 (1.1%) was asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Heterologous Moderna vaccine booster effectively increases antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 variants and shows mild symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

Determination of the Sterilization Dose of Gamma-Ray Irradiation for Polyvinyl Alcohol-Collagen-Chitosan Composite Membrane as a Material for Periodontal Regenerative Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Membrane sterility is very necessary considering its function as an implant material. Therefore, this research aims to determine the dose of gamma-ray irradiation for the sterilization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-collagen-chitosan composite membranes used as regenerative surgery materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 pieces of the composite membranes were prepared in a size of 2.0 × 1.5 cm by mixing 7.5% PVA, 3% collagen, and 2% chitosan using the film casting method in three batches. Furthermore, the bioburden test was performed to determine the initial microbial count in the sample by following ISO 11737-1. The results were used to ascertain the dose of gamma-ray irradiation on the sample according to ISO 11137-2. The dose verification test was then performed at the sterility assurance level 10-6. RESULTS: The average result of the bioburden test from three batches was 6.6 colony forming unit; hence, the verification dose was 4.8 kGy. In the verification dose test, since there was only one contaminated sample, the sterility dose test was continued. CONCLUSION: The sterile gamma-ray irradiation dose for PVA-collagen-chitosan composite membrane was 17.1 kGy.

Correlation expression Toll-like receptor 4 with multidrugs resistant tuberculosis in diabetes mellitus condition.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor (TLR) are ligand homologous protein in the APC cell membrane that has functions as a receptor to triger leukocytes and innate immune responses. When there is a Microbacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection enters from droplets to the lungs, the alveolar macrophages perform a phagocytic function. The interaction between M. tuberculosis and the TLR macrophage receptors produces chemokines which induce migration of monocytes and dendrite cells for destruction. Diabetes militus (DM) has become risk factor for developing tuberculosis. DM condition will reduce immunity and the ability of immune cell phagocytes bactery and triger severe infections. The consequences of more severe infection and metabolic disorders that occur make a person more likely to experience Multidrugs resistant MTB. Not much data that reports on the expression of TLR4 as a ligand that triggers an immune response in conditions of MDR and DM. We try to find out correlation between TLR-4 in MDR MTB, diabetes and level of MTB bacteria in experimental animals. METHODS: We conducted an experimental study on 30 experimental mice weighing 25 grams consisting of negative control grub, infected with MTB, infected with MDR MTB, negative control diabetes, MTB DM, MDR MTB DM. DM animals were induced by streptozosin to experience DM, then in the treatment of infection, intraperitoneal MTB and MDR MTB bacterial injections were given. Termination was carried out on day 14. We count number of bacteria level in the lungs and perform evaluation TLR4 from blood sampel. RESULTS: The negative control group had mean TLR value of 1.47 (± 0.46) while the MTB group showed an increase in TLR 9.22 (± 0.39) followed by MDR MTB 9.50 (± 0.29), DM negative control 9, 21 (± 0.24) and more increasing in conditions of DM MTB 13.36 (± 0.32) and DM MDR MTB 13.35 (± 0.34). ANOVA analysis showed a significant difference (P = 0.00). pearson correlation analysis find strong correlation TLR4 in MTB and MDR MTB with diabetes. CONCLUSION: there were a significant difference level TLR4 between MTB and MDR TB infection with diabetes. higher TLR4 level higher in DM MTB, DM MDR MTB. TLR 4 strong correlates with an increase in the number of MTB bacteria.

Colorectal cancer screening in Semarang, Indonesia: A multicenter primary health care based study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem in Indonesia. It ranks among the top four cancers with high mortality rates. CRC screening is expected to improve early diagnosis that can reduce mortality and morbidity rate. Primary health care-based CRC screening in Indonesia has not yet been performed. This study was conducted to obtain information about prevalence, adenoma detection rate and public compliance for CRC screening in Semarang, Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was done across 10 primary health care centers in Semarang during April-October 2021. The screening method used Immunochromatography Faecal Occult Blood Tests (I-FOBT) as the primary test. Patients with positive I-FOBT result would be referred to Kariadi hospital for colonoscopy and histology examination. A total of 221 patients were included, 66.1% were female, mean age was 59.38 ± 7.48 years. Participation rate was 63%, 37 patients (16.7%) were I-FOBT positive, 26 patients (70.27%) underwent colonoscopy. Colonoscopy compliance rate was 70.27%. The colonoscopy results were haemorrhoid (30.8%), polyps (30.8%), malignancy (19.2%), colitis (7.7%), diverticulosis (7.7%), and normal (3.8%). The adenoma detection rate was 26.9%. BMI abnormality (overweight and obese) (OR 10.968; 95% CI 2.33-51.55) and family history of malignancy (OR 18.800; 95% CI 5.13-68.85) increased the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma and respectively. The prevalence of I-FOBT positive in primary health care centers is high. The CRC screening program based on primary care should be considered. Public awareness education should be considered to increase colonoscopy compliance.

Lacrimal Gland Histopathology and Secretory Function in Sjögren's Syndrome Mice Model Treated with Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaf Extract.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome involves the activation of NF- κB, producing proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL- 1ß, IL-6, IL-17, and interferon-γ. Through oxidative stress, they will cause necrosis and apoptosis of lacrimal gland cells, resulting in impaired secretory function or reduced tear production. Moringa oleifera leaf extract is known to have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on lacrimal gland histopathology and secretory function in Sjögren's syndrome mice model. METHODS: The experimental study had a post-test only control group design with 32 eight-week-old male mice of the BALB/c strain divided into four groups, negative control (C-), which was not induced by SS, positive control (C+), treatment 1 (T1), and treatment 2 (T2) induced by Sjögren's syndrome by immunizing with the 60-kD Ro antigen (SSA) as much as 100 µg. After 42 days, the T1 group was given dexamethasone 1.23 mg/kg BW/day orally for 14 days, whereas T2 was given dexamethasone 1.23 mg/kg BW/day and Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract 200 mg/kg BW/day orally for 14 days. At the end of the study, lacrimal gland histopathology and secretory function (tear production) were examined. Statistical analysis using F ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis was followed by partial difference test with the Least Significant Difference post hoc test/Mann-Whitney. Significant if p < 0.05. RESULTS: The comparison of lacrimal gland histopathology in T1 (p = 0.044) and T2 groups (p = 0.020) obtained significant results (p < 0.05) when compared to C+. However, the comparison of tear production in T1 (p = 0.127) and T2 groups (p = 0.206) was not significant (p > 0.05) when compared to the C+ group. CONCLUSION: The administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract 200 mg/kg BW for 14 days could significantly improve lacrimal gland histopathology but was not effective in increasing tear production in Sjögren's syndrome mice model.

The Effect of Gamma-Ray Irradiation on the Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Characteristics of PVA-Collagen-Chitosan as a Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) Membrane Material.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the physical, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-collagen-chitosan membranes as a guided tissue regeneration membrane material. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The membrane was fabricated by mixing PVA, collagen, and chitosan using the film casting method. PVA-collagen-chitosan membranes were irradiated with various radiation dose (0, 15, and 25 kGy). Furthermore, it is characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) for functional group identification, morphological test was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties (i.e., tensile strength and elongation) were evaluated using universal testing machine and swelling studies. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed based on analysis of variance and post hoc with p-value < 0.05. RESULT: The FTIR spectrum shows various peaks of functional groups from the PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane. The result of the statistical analysis show changes in tensile strength (p = 0.0004) and membrane elongation (p = 0.000451) at different radiation doses of 0, 15, and 25 kGy. The membrane absorption obtains p-value of 0.0193, while the SEM results show that the PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane homogeneously mixed. CONCLUSION: There is an effect of gamma-ray irradiation on tensile strength, elongation, and water absorption of the membranes. Increasing the radiation dose increases the value of tensile strength, while elongation and absorption of the membrane decrease. The PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane has the potential to develop as an alternative membrane for guided tissue regeneration.

Clinical characteristics and quality of life of persistent symptoms of COVID-19 syndrome in Indonesia.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) manifests in a broad clinical spectrum. COVID-19 survivors report various symptoms up to several months after being infected. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of persistent COVID-19 syndrome in Indonesia, the factors that influence the incidence, and the quality of life. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire conducted in January 2021. Inclusion criteria were: adult Indonesian citizens who had recovered from COVID-19, and were confirmed negative by RT-PCR of nasal swabs or had undergone an isolation period for a minimum of 14 days. Data analysis was performed by the Chi-square test, followed by multivariate analysis with the backward likelihood ratio method. Results: From a total of 385 respondents, 256 (66.5%) experienced persistent COVID-19 syndrome. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (29.4%), cough (15.5%), and muscle pain (11.2%). Of the five aspects of quality of life, the most commonly reported aspects were pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. The risk of persistent COVID-19 syndrome was significantly higher in subjects with older age, comorbidities, higher clinical severity, previous treatment in hospital, presence of pneumonia, and those who had required oxygen therapy. In the multivariate analysis, the most influential factor for the incidence of persistent COVID-19 syndrome was pneumonia (aOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.29-4.11, p<0.002). Conclusions: The prevalence of the persistent COVID-19 syndrome in Indonesia was high, which affects the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors. Pneumonia was the main factor that influenced the incidence of persistent COVID-19 syndrome. Further research with a larger sample size and a longer study time is recommended to control COVID-19 and its impact on the health and quality of life of COVID-19 survivors.

Interspecific Mating Effect of Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera dorsalis on its Fecundity, Survival and Morphologies.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Worldwide, <i>Bactrocera carambolae</i> and <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> are important pests in horticultural commodities. Based on the trapping with methyl eugenol attractant, it was found that the intermediate morphology between <i>B. carambolae</i> and <i>B. dorsalis</i>. This study observed the comparative biology and survivability of the interspecific and intraspecific hybrids <i>B. carambolae</i> and <i>B. dorsalis</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This study was conducted at the Indonesian Center of Forecasting Plant Pest Organisms (BBPOPT) and Plant Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia. The method is an experimental method with a randomized block design that involves parental fecundity and survival test (four treatments and six replications) and fecundity and fertility tests (eight treatments and four replications). <b>Results:</b> The results showed a bigger reduction in the fecundity of hybrid parents of <i>B. carambolae</i> and <i>B. dorsalis</i> on interspecific rather than an intraspecific hybrid. The longevity of survival and development of eggs and larvae stages hybrid <i>B. carambolae</i> (♂). Moreover, the fecundity of F1 hybrids was increased compared to the hybrid parents and the fertility was in the range of 79.00-96.75%. <b>Conclusion:</b> Interspecific mating of <i>B. carambolae</i> and <i>B. dorsalis</i> have the potential to survive in nature.

Potential of Fruit Extracts as Attractants of Female Oriental Fruit Flies.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The oriental fruit fly <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> (Hendel) is one of the most important insect pest species of fruit and vegetable crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the attraction of female and male <i>B. dorsalis</i> fruit flies to the aroma of fruit juice from the host plants as well as their attraction to methanol extract, ethyl acetate extract and distillate water of selected host fruits. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The attractiveness of the juice and extract/distillate water of the host fruits to <i>B. dorsalis</i> fruit flies was carried out in an experimental cage measuring 200×200×200 cm that was placed in the laboratory. The volatile compounds in the juice, methanol extract, ethyl acetate extract and distillate water of the selected fruits were analyzed using GCMS-Pyrolysis. <b>Results:</b> The results show that among the eight fruit juice aromas tested, the ones that significantly affected the number of trapped female <i>B. dorsalis</i> were the aromas of banana juice, papaya juice and chilli juice. The results of the analysis by GCMS-Pyrolysis showed that the methanol extract of banana fruit contains one volatile compound that was previously reported to have the ability to attract female <i>B. dorsalis</i> fruit flies. Two volatile compounds in the banana distillate water were also reported to have the ability to attract female <i>B. dorsalis</i> and other fruit flies. <b>Conclusion:</b> From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the methanol extract and distillate water of the green <i>Ambon lumut</i> banana fruit of <i>Musa acuminata</i> Colla has the potential to be developed as an attractant of female <i>B. dorsalis</i>.

The Quality Characteristics of Ready-to-Eat Empal Gentong Affected by Meat Pre-Cooking.

The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of pre-cooking treatments on the quality characteristics of ready-to-eat (RTE) empal gentong. Raw beef meat was pre-cooked in water bath at 90°C for 0 min (C), 10 min (T1), 20 min (T2), and 30 min (T3) prior to retorting process at 121°C and pressure at 70,000 Pa. Results showed that pre-cooking treatments in all treated samples could reduce fat contents in empal gentong's meat by 0.02% (T1), 0.28% (T2), and 1.13% (T3) respectively. Highest precooking time tends to increase the pH and CIE a* values. However, CIE b* values, water holding capacity, and sensory analysis were not affected by pre-cooking duration which must have been affected by sterilization process after pre-cooking. In conclusion, pre-cooking treatment before sterilization in producing empal gentong is a probable technique to reduce its fat content and improve its physical quality. A specific treatment at 90°C for 10 min is recommended to achieve optimum quality of RTE empal gentong's meat.

Effect of various depths of pupation on adult emergence of interspecific hybrid of Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera dorsalis.

The depth of the pupation is one of the important factors in the success of fruit flies to become imago. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil depth on survival, normality dan development time of adult interspecific hybrids of Bactrocera carambolae (Drew & Hancock) and B. dorsalis (Hendel). The experiments were carried out in a laboratory consisting of seven depths of pupation treatments (4 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, and 60 cm) with four replications. Soil depth had a significant, negative effect on the survival of the emergence and development time of B. dorsalis and B. carambolae hybrids. The emergence rate was found to decrease with the increase in pupation depth. The higher survival of the emergence of the hybrid occurred at a depth of 4 cm (95% ± 1.91) and 10 cm (86% ± 2.58), while the lower survival occurred at a depth of 50 cm (12% ± 1.63) and 60 cm (5% ± 3.79). Normal imagoes were found in all soil depths except in 60 cm depth, where all imagoes had abnormal morphology. Means of development time ranged from 8.88 to 10.63 days. The depth of pupation influences the duration of pupae development. The means of development time at a depth of 4-40 cm was similar, but at a depth of 50 cm and 60 cm, a significantly longer time of development were observed. for more effective fruit fly control, this study suggests burying rotten fruit in the soil at a depth of 50 cm or more as a preventive measure for the development of fruit flies.

Inter-observer agreement and accuracy in classifying radiographs for pneumoconiosis among Asian physicians taking AIR Pneumo certification examination.

This study examined inter-observer agreement and diagnostic accuracy in classifying radiographs for pneumoconiosis among Asian physicians taking the AIR Pneumo examination. We compared agreement and diagnostic accuracy for parenchymal and pleural lesions across residing countries, specialty training, and work experience using data on 93 physicians. Physicians demonstrated fair to good agreement with kappa values 0.30 (95% CI: 0.20-0.40), 0.29 (95% CI: 0.23-0.36), 0.59 (95% CI: 0.52-0.67), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.55-0.74) in classifying pleural plaques, small opacity shapes, small opacity profusion, and large opacities, respectively. Kappa values among Asian countries ranging from 0.25 to 0.55 (pleural plaques), 0.47 to 0.73 (small opacity profusion), and 0.55 to 0.69 (large opacity size). The median Youden's J index (interquartile range) for classifying pleural plaque, small opacity, and large opacity was 61.1 (25.5), 76.8 (29.3), and 88.9 (23.3), respectively. Radiologists and recent graduates showed superior performance than other groups regarding agreement and accuracy in classifying all types of lesions. In conclusion, Asian physicians taking the AIR Pneumo examination were better at classifying parenchymal lesions than pleural plaques using the ILO classification. The degree of agreement and accuracy was different among countries and was associated with background specialty training.

Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea): Activity on Oil Palm Flower in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Elaeidobius kamerunicus </i>Faust (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) is a weevil pollinator oil palm flower, <i>Elaeis guineensis</i> Jacq. (Arecales: Arecaceae) Jacq. Male and female inflorescences attracted the weevil, male inflorescences appeared to provides nectar and pollen but female inflorescences seemed provides the weevils with nectar. The objective of this research was to determine the dynamics of<i> E. kamerunicus </i>activity in pollinating oil palm flowers in Kumai, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The population of <i>E. kamerunicus </i>that visited male flowers was calculated by taking a sample of 9 spikelets from male inflorescences, while the number of <i>E. kamerunicus </i>that come to female inflorescence was calculated by counting the weevil around the flower. <b>Results:</b> The results of this study showed that peak activity of <i>E. kamerunicus</i> on oil palm flowers<i> </i>occurred between 11.00-12.45. The male flowers blossomed occurred for 6-7 days to complete their inflorescence, while those of the females completed their cycle for 4-5 days. The oviposition of <i>E. kamerunicus </i>females fluctuated from 05.00-18.00. The number of females oviposits in the flower peaked at 09.00. Temperature and maximum light intensity had a positive correlation with the overall density of <i>E. kamerunicus</i> and oviposition by female weevils. The Minimum light intensity affects the abundance and visitation of <i>E. kamerunicus</i> on oil palm flowers. <b>Conclusion:</b> The abundance of <i>E. kamerunicus</i> population in Kumai was established and could give possibility resulting in the better fruit set of oil palm. Conservation efforts can be conducted by maintaining the abundance of the population, especially on the days and hrs of peak abundance of weevils.

COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries.

BACKGROUND: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.

Analysis of CD4 and CD8 expression in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis infection with diabetes mellitus: An experimental study in mice.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem, in the top 10 causes of death. As a regulator of the immune response, T-helper (Th) cells activate other lymphocytes from the immune system, such as B cells, to destroy the TB pathogen by releasing CD4 and CD8 Th cells. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known cause of developing active pulmonary TB. Few studies have examined the biomolecular expression affecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) MTB, which are associated with low immunity represented by TB in diabetes and CD4 and CD8 levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This animal study used a post-test control group design. We performed an experimental study using 30 BALB/c mice, each weighing 25 g. It included six experimental animal groups, of which three had a diabetes condition induced using intraperitoneal streptozotocin, and all were infected with MTB or MDR TB. We evaluated the CD4 and CD8 levels in each group and analyzed the differences. RESULTS: We found a significant difference in CD4 and CD8 levels in MTB and MDR TB conditions. CONCLUSION: This study shows that acute infection in experimental mice with MTB and MDR TB with or without diabetes had the highest levels of both CD4 and CD8 cells, which can be a sign of increased cellular immunity in a mice model.