Digital Commons Network^™

Berberine - A Natural Supplement Review, Emily Tackett, Hannah Blake, Kaitlyn Kirby, Abigail Carter, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Kelly Shields

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Berberine (BBR) is a chemical found in plants that has been used in medicine for generations across many cultures. Early uses of BBR included maladies such as colds, infections, and jaundice. As technology and understanding have progressed, BBR has been developed into oral formulations to promote better absorption and is being evaluated for use in various disease states. Due to its actions as a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, BBR is being evaluated for its potential use in the management of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Multiple studies support claims of BBR’s lipid-lowering effects, with stronger evidence when given …

An In Vitro Assay Reveals The Anti-Aging Properties Of Temulawak Extract (Curcuma Xanthorrhiza L.), Teresa Liliana Wargasetia, Wahyu Widowati, Anis Syabani Muthmainnah, Rizal

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Highlights: 1. This study investigated the potential of temulawak extract as a cost-effective option for cosmeceutical applications in the treatment of aging. 2. Temulawak extract was found to have the ability to inhibit elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase activities, thus making it a suitable option for cosmeceutical applications. Abstract Aging is the gradual loss of a tissue's capacity to heal and maintain normal or physiological form and function. Elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase are the enzymes that contribute to the process of skin aging. The anti-aging effect is connected to the inhibition of these enzymes' activities. Numerous medicinal plants with active metabolites …

Embracing Digital Mindsets To Ensure A Sustainable Future, Chengjun Li, Riqing Yu, Wenjing Ning, Huan Zhong, Christian Sonne

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The 19th Asian Games astounded global audiences with an opening spectacle that showcased stunning digital fireworks (International Olympic Committee, 2021; Zhe, 2023). The groundbreaking display was brought to life through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. It sets a pioneering example to replace conventional fireworks in major international events as well as in other large-scale entertainment activities, marking a historic milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future.

The Ppp1r15 Family Of Eif2-Alpha Phosphatase Targeting Subunits (Gadd34 And Crep), Danielle Hicks, Krithika Giresh, Lisa A. Wrischnik, Douglas C. Weiser

Pacific Faculty Work

The vertebrate PPP1R15 family consists of the proteins GADD34 (growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34, the product of the PPP1R15A gene) and CReP (constitutive repressor of eIF2α phosphorylation, the product of the PPP1R15B gene), both of which function as targeting/regulatory subunits for protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) by regulating subcellular localization, modulating substrate specificity and assembling complexes with target proteins. The primary cellular function of these proteins is to facilitate the dephosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2α) by PP1 during cell stress. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the cellular function, biochemistry and pharmacology of …

The Potential Of Endophytic Bacteria As The Biocontrol Agents Of Fusarium Proliferatum, Rima Ernia, Nisa Rachmania Mubarik, Lisdar Idwan Sudirman

Makara Journal of Science

Fusarium proliferatum decreases the productivity of shallot (Allium cepa L.). Endophytic bacteria are potential biocontrol agents in controlling the growth of F. proliferatum. This study aimed to select and characterize endophytic bacteria producing bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of F. proliferatum. The endophytic bacteria used were isolated from the roots, stems, leaves, and soil of shallot plants from healthy and diseased shallot farming fields. The endophytic bacteria were selected using the dual culture method and extracted using ethyl acetate solvent. The results of the 16S rRNA identification suggested that isolate ABP5.2 is similar to Pseudomonas …

Assessment Of Seasonal Variation In Heavy Metal Status Of A Lotic Ecosystem In Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, North Central Nigeria, Aminu Ja’Afar Adano, Nengak Danjuma Marcus, Joshua Ibrahim Magaji, Obaje Daniel Opaluwa

Makara Journal of Science

The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Cd, Co, Cr, and Mn and their seasonal variations in water samples from the Wupa River, Abuja, Nigeria, were studied through the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method to determine the suitability of the water for domestic usage and identify potential sources of contamination. Sixty samples were collected during both dry and wet seasons. The respective metal concentrations (in mg/dm³) in the dry and wet seasons were as follows: Cu (0.023 ± 0.022, 0.023 ± 0.026), Zn (0.104 ± 0.039, 0.158 ± 0.085), Fe (0.350 ± 0.097, 0.3630.103), Cd (not detectable), Co (not detectable), …

Relation Of Salivary Alpha-Amylase (Saa) Concentration To Fatigue Biomarkers In Palm Oil Office Workers In Jambi Province: Preliminary Study, David Kusmawan, Willia Novita Eka Rini, Wahyu Indah Dewi Aurora

Makara Journal of Science

The salivary α-amylase (sAA) concentration has a potential role as a biological indicator of occupational fatigue. This study aimed to determine the levels of sAA and its influencing factors. This research used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 40 office staff respondents at PT. X (Persero). Mental workload (MWL), sleep quality, and occupational fatigue were measured using the NASA-Total Load Index (TLX), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Industrial Fatigue Research Committee, respectively. Meanwhile, the basic sAA levels was measured through the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method using the Bioenzy® Kit Assay. Descriptive analysis showed that the workers were mostly …

Free-Radical Scavenging Activity And Total Phenolic Compounds Of Red And Green Poinsettia Leaves (Euphorbia Pulcherrima Willd.) From Lombok Island, Handa Muliasari, Baiq Sopiah, Emmy Yuanita, Baiq Nila Sari Ningsih

Makara Journal of Science

To determine the free-radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content of the ethanol extract of Poinsettia leaves (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.) from Lombok Island, we used the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method and expressed the total phenolic content as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of ethanol extract. The results show the strong antioxidant activity (79.77 ppm) of the ethanol extract of red Poinsettia leaves and the moderate antioxidant activity of green Poinsettia leaves (118.350 ppm). The ethanol extracts of red and green Poinsettia leaves possessed an average of 63.276 ± 0.228 and 22.715 ± 0.090 mg GAE/g extract total phenolic contents, respectively. …

An Inkjet-Printed Graphene Oxide–Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) Poly(Styrene Sulfonate) Electrode For Nitrite Detection In Water, Budi Riza Putra, Weni Anindya, Mohamad Rafi, Ika Kartika, Yudi Nugraha Thaha, Aga Ridhova, Wulan Tri Wahyuni

Makara Journal of Science

In this study, a screen-printed electrode (SPE) for nitrite (NO₂⁻) sensing was fabricated through an inkjet printing technique using a commercial printer machine and preparing an ink composite solution containing graphene oxide (GO) and poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as conductive materials. The optimum ink materials for SPE fabrication comprised GO and PEDOT:PSS with binders that resemble the viscosity of commercial ink. The surface topography of the fabricated SPE, which was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, showed a smoother surface compared to the commercial screen-printed carbon electrode, with conductive ink materials deposited primarily …

Revolutionizing Attention Training In Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pioneering Virtual Reality And Artificial Intelligence, Bhavya Sri Sanku, Selena He, Joy Li

Master of Science in Computer Science Theses

In the realm of educational technology, attention training plays a critical role in tailoring learning experiences to individual needs, especially for learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study presents an advanced framework that provides insights into the efficacy of reinforcement strategies by predicting their impact on attention enhancement in educational virtual reality (VR) settings, utilizing physiological biomarkers such as eye-tracking (ET), heart rate (HR), and electrodermal activity (EDA). A comprehensive comparative analysis was undertaken to evaluate the performance metrics of various machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms. The results showcased the robustness of gradient boosting (GB) and …

Elevidys: A Novel Gene Therapy For The Treatment Of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Reese Weissenfluh, Joshua Boggs, Elizabeth Sartschev, Allison Provenzale, Marisa Petrunich, Brianna Lu, Joshua Honaker, Claire Marasco

Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a severe muscle-wasting disease caused by dystrophin gene mutations. DMD occurs in one of 3,500 male live-born infants and has one of the highest prevalence of severe congenital myopathies. Two ongoing clinical trials have contributed to the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) accelerated approval of Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec), a promising drug to treat DMD. Elevidys, a recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAA V) vector-based gene therapy, gained FDA approval based on findings from the ENDEA VOR trial (NCT04626674) and EMBARK trial (NCT05096221). The phase 1 ENDEA VOR trial focused on evaluating changes in dystrophin …

Detection Of Prions In The Urine Of Patients Affected By Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, M Talke

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective

Currently, it is unknown whether infectious prions are present in peripheral tissues and biological fluids of patients affected by sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD), the most common prion disorder in humans. This represents a potential risk for inter‐individual prion infection. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the presence of prions in urine of patients suffering from the major subtypes of sCJD.

Methods

Urine samples from sCJD patients spanning the six major subtypes were tested. As controls, we used urine samples from people affected by other neurological or neurodegenerative diseases as well as healthy controls. These samples were …

Front Matter Vol.59 No.4 [12/2023], Folia Medica Indonesiana

Folia Medica Indonesiana

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Maternal Mid-Upper Arm Circumference As A Screening Tool To Predict Infant Birth Weight, Muhammad Rais Fathurrachman, Sri Umijati, Eighty Mardiyan Kurniawati, Bagus Setyoboedi

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Highlights: 1. This study investigated the correlation between maternal mid-upper arm circumference and infant birth weight, aiming to present a different outcome compared to previous research. 2. The study's findings offer data suggesting that mid-upper arm circumference can serve as a screening tool for predicting infant birth weight. Abstract Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) is commonly used for assessing chronic energy deficiency in women of childbearing age. The measurement of MUAC during pregnancy mainly serves as early detection of potential low birth weight. However, certain studies have indicated no significant correlation between maternal MUAC and birth weight. Therefore, this study aimed …

Expression Of Melanoma Antigen Genes A11 And A12 In Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Gondo Mastutik, Alphania Rahniayu, Isnin Anang Marhana, Mochamad Amin, Heru Fajar Trianto, Reny I'Tishom

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Highlights: 1. In this study, new primers designed using the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method were utilized to identify MAGE-A11 and MAGE-A12 expressions in specimens collected from core biopsy, forcep biopsy, and bronchoalveolar lavage. 2. The histopathological analysis revealed positive expressions of MAGE-A11 and MAGE-A12 in specimens diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as in specimens with no malignant cells. 3. This study provides evidence indicating that the detection of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of MAGE-A11 and MAGE-A12 by nested reverse transcription PCR can improve the accuracy of lung cancer diagnosis. Abstract The melanoma antigen gene …

Histological Study Of The Restorative Effect Of Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa Linn.) Tea On The Digestive Organs Of Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Mice (Mus Musculus Linn.), Kanigara Anupama Sistra, Ngurah Intan Wiratmini, A. A.S.A. Sukmaningsih

Folia Medica Indonesiana

Highlights: • This original study examined the antioxidant compounds derived from naturally sourced Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx. • The findings demonstrated that roselle tea offers a viable and cost-effective solution for repairing histological damage to the digestive organs induced by monosodium glutamate. Abstract Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a commonly used synthetic additive for enhancing food flavor. Excessive use of MSG can cause cytotoxic effects, which disrupt the balance of oxidative stress and free radicals in the body, particularly in the human digestive system. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a plant with red petals renowned for its abundance of beneficial compounds, including polyphenols, …

Ascorbate And Alpha-Tocopherol Mitigate Toxic Pathological Changes In Adult Wistar Rats Exposed To Cypermethrin, Temidayo Daniel Adeniyi, Akinpelu Moronkeji, Osetohanmen Flourish Ralph-Okhiria

Folia Medica Indonesiana

The excessive and uncontrolled use of pyrethroids, such as cypermethrin (CP), for pest control in Nigeria could adversely affect humans. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress response to cypermethrin exposure, focusing on measuring the parameters (i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT)) and the potential therapeutic effects of single and co-administration of ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol. The lungs and hearts of the animals were histologically examined for cypermethrin-induced cytopathic changes. Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 180–200 g were randomly assigned to five groups, each consisting of five animals. Group I was the control …

Back Matter Vol.59 No.4 [12/2023], Folia Medica Indonesiana

Folia Medica Indonesiana

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Trends In Neotropical Migrant Populations: Report On A Symposium, John C. Kricher

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

The Wild Turkey: An Update, James E. Cardoza

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Lighthouse Point Park, Arnold Devine, Dwight G. Smith

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Recolonization Of The Common Raven In Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Timothy J. Flanagan

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Book Review: A Shadow And A Song By Mark Jerome Walters, John Kricher

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

The Piper's Progress, Scott Hecker

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Birding Vermont's Northeast Kingdom: An Overview, Walter G. Ellison

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Bicknell's Thrush: A Northeastern Songbird In Trouble, Christopher C. Rimmer, Jonathan L. Atwood, Laura R. Nagy

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Book Review: The Macmillan Field To Bird Identification, Robert Hilton

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Ludlow Griscom: The Birdwatcher's Guru, William E. Davis Jr.

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Is Winter Bird Feeding Good For Birds?, Erica H. Dunn

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.

Birding Boston: The Common To The Fens, Kenneth Hudson

Bird Observer

No abstract provided.