Asian Journal of Healthy and Science

Formulation and Characterization of Mucolytic Nanosuspension of Iler Leaf Extract (Coleus atropurpureus L. benth.) with Sodium Alginate as a Suspending Agent

Akhmad Fadhil Samara, Noval Noval, Mia Audina, Setia Budi — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Iter leaves (Coleus atropurpureus L. Benth.) are known for their mucolytic properties, which help to thin phlegm. However, poor absorption and bioavailability of some active components in herbal extracts, due to their large molecular size and inability to penetrate lipid membranes, limit their therapeutic potential. This research aimed to develop a nanosuspension formulation with fine particles to improve dissolution rate and bioavailability. An experimental method with a Non-Equivalent Control Group Design was used. Nanosuspensions were formulated using iler leaf extract with sodium alginate as the suspending agent. Characterization tests included organoleptic evaluation, pH, density, viscosity, redispersion, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and sedimentation volume. The results showed that all formulations met the required quality standards. pH ranged from 6.06 to 6.14 (p < 0.001), density ranged from 1.015 to 1.044 g/ml (p < 0.01), viscosity ranged from 38.2 to 93.8 cPs (p < 0.001), and redispersion testing confirmed 100% redispersion without clumping after three treatments. Particle size distribution ranged from 69.2 to 898.8 nm (p < 0.001), zeta potential ranged from -33.15 to -37.38 mV (p = 0.35), and sedimentation volume ranged from 0.95 to 0.98 ml. This research has implications implying that nanosuspensions of iler leaves, optimized with varying concentrations of sodium alginate, offer a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of mucolytic herbal preparations. These results open up opportunities for further research regarding in vivo evaluation, development of combination therapies, and production scale-up to enable industrial application and commercialization in the pharmaceutical market.

The Monopoly Game and its Influence on Knowledge, Attitude, and Anemia Prevention Behavior of Pregnant Women

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) remains a global problem, with a rate of 223 per 100,000 live births by 2020. Anemia, especially among pregnant women, contributes significantly to this problem. In 2023, there were 43 cases of anemia among pregnant women at the Puskesmas Martapura Timur. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of Smart Monopoly, an innovative health education medium, on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of pregnant women with anemia. This quantitative research used a Pre-Experimental design using a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The research population was pregnant women with anemia at Puskesmas Martapura Timur, with purposive sampling technique used to select 15 respondents who met the research criteria. Data were collected through questionnaires to assess knowledge and attitude and observation to measure behavior. The results showed statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed rank test showed significant improvement in knowledge (p=0.001), attitude (p=0.003), and behavior (p=0.001) after the intervention. These findings highlight the effectiveness of Smart Monopoly as an interactive and engaging educational tool in addressing anemia in pregnant women, with potential applications for broader health education initiatives. This research thus has implications for the development of more innovative and effective health education media to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to anemia prevention, not only in pregnant women but also in other vulnerable groups.

Relationship of Leukocyte Count, Platelet Count and Hematocrit Value to Length of Hospitalization of Adult Dengue Fever Patients

Asrina Rery Kahowi, Rahel Rara Woda, Veny Vicy Vidy Mandang — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment of Severe Chromoblastomycosis Non Responsive with Itraconazole : A Case Report

Indah Wardani, Muhammad Wahyu Riyanto — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues caused by pigmented (dematiaceous) fungi. Itraconazole is widely used as a first-line antifungal therapy due to its availability and effectiveness. However, in certain cases, patients may not respond to itraconazole, necessitating alternative treatments. This research aimed to analyze the clinical response to alternative antifungal therapy in a case of chromoblastomycosis unresponsive to itraconazole. This case report involves a 52-year-old male patient presenting with progressively growing, itchy, blackened lesions on the plantar surface extending to the left ankle for 10 years. The condition was preceded by a history of untreated clavus and thorn trauma from sharp twigs or grass. Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining confirmed the presence of Medlar bodies, establishing the diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. The patient received itraconazole 200 mg twice daily for 6 months without clinical improvement. Treatment was subsequently switched to fluconazole 150 mg once daily for 4 months, resulting in significant clinical improvement. This case demonstrates that while itraconazole is the standard treatment for chromoblastomycosis, alternative antifungal agents such as fluconazole can be effective in cases of itraconazole resistance or non-responsiveness. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored therapy based on clinical response and suggest that fluconazole may be considered as a viable alternative in such cases.

Mechanisms of Insulin Secretion and Islet Function Regulation

Rehan Haider, Asghar Mehdi, Geetha Kumari Das, Zameer Ahmed, Sambreen Zameer — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The islets of Langerhans, discovered by Paul Langerhans in 1869, are a group of endocrine cells in the pancreas that regulate glucose homeostasis through insulin secretion. This research aims to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of islet function, focusing on insulin secretion and its role in glucose metabolism. The research utilized pancreatic islets derived from experimental models, which were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through a combination of in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, incorporating cellular and molecular analysis. Advanced analytical methods were used to examine the physiological and biochemical pathways involved in insulin secretion, with statistical analysis used to identify key regulatory patterns. The findings revealed that glucose acts as the primary stimulus for insulin secretion, triggering a series of metabolic and signaling events. Feedback mechanisms were found to play an important role in modulating insulin release, aligning it with metabolic needs and preventing imbalances. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of the cellular processes underlying insulin secretion and its dysregulation in diabetes. This research has significant implications for understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes and developing targeted therapies. By increasing insulin secretion and improving glycemic control, these findings contribute to advancing more effective diabetes management strategies.