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Background Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). With the increasing use of hormonal contraceptives, it is becoming increasingly important to investigate the role of hormonal contraceptives on the occurrence of VVC. This study aims to explore the association between hormonal contraceptive use and VVC. Methods This retrospective unmatched case-control study enrolled patients from the STI outpatient clinic of the the Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital Surabaya in 2017-2020. Results A total of 308 patients presented to the clinic, 132 (42.9%) of whom had VVC, and 84 (27.3%) of whom used hormonal contraceptives. Hormonal contraceptive use may increase the odds of developing VVC by 3.4-folds (95% CI: 1.97-5.89; p<0.001), independent of STI history and immunodeficiency disorders. In addition, oral contraceptive pills may increase the odds by 2.3- folds (95% CI: 1.25-4.34; p=0.008), while other hormonal contraceptives such as injectable or implants may increase the odds by 8.7-folds (95% CI: 3.13-24.28; p<0.001). Patients using hormonal contraceptives had a probability of suffering from VVC of 58.8%, while those of patients using OCPs and other hormonal contraceptives were 49.5% and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusion This study proves that hormonal contraceptives is a risk factor to the occurrence of VVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin wrinkles are generated as a result of the aging process. Dermal thickness underneath a wrinkle decreases absolutely. Approximately 20% of dermal thickness disappears as people become elderly. In recent times, people have attempted to reduce wrinkles using various procedures. Currently, available picosecond lasers in dermatology can create mechanical stress and the energy can be fractionated via diffractive lens arrays (DLA). An emerging indication for the picosecond laser includes photorejuvenation. Non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation therapy demonstrates the dermis can be safely reconstructed by only irradiating the skin surface with a laser. The clinical effects of picosecond pulse laser have been frequently reported, but few studies have included histological investigation. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate wrinkle and dermal thickness in the forearm before and after picosecond laser therapy. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy male and female subjects between 36 and 55 years old with wrinkles in the forearm who met the sample requirements and were willing to participate were recruited in this study. Clinical examination and biopsy for histopathological examination were carried out before and 4 weeks after therapy, then treatment was carried out using a picosecond laser. Results: At 1-month follow-up, a significant improvement was noted in wrinkle and dermal thickness (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser with DLA was found to be very effective in treating wrinkles, which was confirmed by a dermatologic assessment from forearm photographic assessment scaled and dermal thickness improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer. This carcinoma has slow progress, is locally invasive but rarely metastasizes. The incidence of basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 50% of all cancers in America, around 55% in Europe, and continues to increase by around 5% annually in the UK. Risk factors for basal cell carcinoma include exposure to ultraviolet light, skin phototype, gender, certain drugs, radiation therapy, family history of skin tumors, chronic arsenic exposure, immunosuppressive conditions, and other genetic syndromes. Recently, nicotinamide has become a topic of much discussion as a chemoprophylaxis against basal cell carcinoma, whereas nicotinamide (NAM; also known as niacinamide) is a water-soluble vitamin B3 (niacin) that exhibits minimal side effects and is reversible under routine use. Long-term protective effect with more than one mechanism of action. Biologically, NAM can affect the process of oxidation and reduction of co-enzymes that play a role in energy metabolism in DNA repair mechanisms. Nicotinamide can replenish ATP energy after damage to keratinocytes due to ultraviolet radiation and can increase the repair of skin cells after experiencing radiation. The efficacy of nicotinamide as a chemoprophylactic agent against nonmelanoma skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma, has been described in several studies. Oral administration of nicotinamide at a dose of 750-1500 mg per day results in an improvement in the condition of actinic keratosis which is a precancerous lesion, and reduces the incidence of basal cell carcinoma. Currently, the use of nicotinamide as a chemopreventive agent for basal cell carcinoma is recommended for administration twice daily 500 mg orally for at least 12 months in both immunocompetent patients and organ transplant recipients, although the recommended level of oral nicotinamide is still weak. However, taking into account the efficacy, level of safety, affordable price, and easy access on the market, nicotinamide can be used as a tertiary prevention of skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wound healing shows a unique interaction of several cells, growth factors and cytokines. The healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy is influenced by various factors, one of which is the concentration of growth factors and cytokines related to the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing. Growth factors and cytokines can be found in the secretome of adipose mesenchymal stem cells. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium and framycetin gauze dressing only on the healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy. Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, 32 patients with chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy were recruited. After detailed clinical and initial debridement, patients were randomised to two groups to receive either topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (n = 16) or framycetin gauze dressing only (n = 16) applied every three days for up to eight weeks, following which the ulcer size, adverse reactions and complications if any were monitored weekly. Results: Healing percentage increased each week in all groups. Statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) were observed from week 2 onwards for ulcer mean size reduction and from week 3 onwards for ulcer mean depth reduction. There were no adverse reactions or complications. Limitations: Off-loading on subjects were not performed. Conclusion: Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium is a potential therapeutic agent in the management of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Benign fibroproliferative scars that are larger than the initial lesion are called keloids. Keloids treatment in clinical practice is still difficult. Although there are various therapy choices, none is embraced by everyone or is relapse-free. Various treatment modalities such as intralesional corticosteroid injection with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), fractional Er:YAG laser, pulsed dye laser (PDL), and others can be used either as monotherapies or combined therapies. Therefore, efforts should be made to select the treatment that will provide the best results. Case Presentation: A 6-year-old boy with keloids on the lower lips extending to the chin was successfully treated with a 2940-nm fractional Er:YAG laser alternated with a 595-nm long-PDL followed by the combined intralesional injection of corticosteroid and 5-FU. The patient was followed up for 1 year with no lesion recurrence. Conclusion: Our case supports a combined therapy to successfully treat a patient with a keloid on the chin. Therapy using a combination of these four modalities seems safe and effective and may have a synergistic effect with minimal downtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The increasing of human life expectancy may cause aging problems, including photoaging. Photoaging raises new problems in community, because its influence in human selfesteem and quality of life. Studies about photoaging have been extensively performed to enhance the basic mechanism of photoaging. Mouse skin is usually used as cutaneous aging model, because it is genetically similar to human skin. Methods This study was true experimental study, post test only-control group design that was aimed to evaluate the role of ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation to produce photoaging mouse model. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided randomly allocation into 2 groups, namely non-UV irradiated group and UV irradiated group. Ultraviolet B irradiation were performed for 5 weeks until reaching the total dose 3100 mJ/cm2. Dermal collagen density and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) level were evaluated after the intervention. Results Dermal collagen density in non-UV irradiated group and UV irradiated group were 38.21±2.67% and 27.73±0.77%. TEWL level in non-UV irradiated group and UV irradiated group were 7.55±0.89 g/m2/h and 17.53±3.94 g/m2/h. There was significant difference between the groups in dermal collagen density and TEWL level (p<0.05). Conclusion Wistar rat in UV irradiated group that were given total dose 3100 mJ/cm2 of UV B for 5 weeks has been proven to become photoaging mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aims to investigate the relationship between coping sources, coping strategies, and psychological well-being through leprosy stress. Methods: This research instrument uses a stress perception scale, coping sources, coping strategies, and psychological well-being scale to collect data from 125 participants consisting of women (33.60%) and men 66.40%. The test analysis in this study uses SmartPLS through structural equation modeling to prove the correlation. Results: The results of the SEM test indicate that there is a negative relationship between coping resources and leprosy stress, with a coefficient value of (− 0.380), p-value of (0.000) < 0.05, and a positive relationship is obtained with psychological well-being with the coefficient value of (0.427), p-value of (0.000) < 0.05. Meanwhile, the SEM test shows a negative relationship between coping strategies and stress of leprosy, with the coefficient of (− 0.566), p-value of (0.000) < 0.05, and a positive relationship is obtained with psychological well-being (0.355), p-value of (0.000) < 0.05. Furthermore, on psychological well-being, stress shows a negative relationship, with the coefficient of (− 0.212), p-value of (0.002). Discussion: Exploration of important coping sources is done to weaken the power of leprosy as a stressor and the use of effective coping strategies is needed to solve physical, psychological, and social problems for "People Affected by Leprosy", and simultaneously these two attributes are used to achieve prosperity. psychological. better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every product from the food and agriculture industry produces waste that can cause environmental pollution when carelessly discarded. Coffee husk and pulp are the main wastes generated by coffee processing. The secondary metabolites in these wastes can still be utilized, but their level can be affected by long storage. This research aims to determine the differences in the compounds obtained from old and fresh Gayo Arabica coffee pulp and husk. Coffee husk and pulp samples from Gayo Arabica coffee are extracted for GC-MS analysis to determine similarities between fresh and long-term stored Gayo Arabica coffee husk and pulp. Results show differences in level and type among the secondary metabolites. Among various compounds, caffeine is found in all the samples. The compounds obtained from Gayo Arabica coffee husk and pulp, such as caffeine, (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and palmitic acid, can be used in health and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Leprosy occurs due to primary M. leprae infection that attacks the peripheral nerves. Limited resources directly links the bacterial index (BI) with the grade of disability in leprosy patients in Indonesia, even though the problem of disability greatly affects quality of life of patients. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study approach was conducted. Total sampling technique was performed from medical records of patients with diagnosis of PB or MB leprosy, accompanied by grade 0, 1 or 2 disability. Correlation analysis test was performed to determine the correlation between BI and grade of disability in leprosy patients. Results A total of 278 patients were included in this study, divided into 13 patients (4.7%) of PB leprosy and 265 patients (95.3%) of MB leprosy. Significant results were obtained in 5 out of 9 groups: (a) hand group in PB+MB leprosy (p value: 0.047); (b) foot group in PB+MB leprosy (p value: 0.002); (c) foot group in PB leprosy (p value: 0.000); (d) hand group in MB leprosy (p value: 0.021); and (e) foot group in MB leprosy (p value: 0.006). Conclusion Positive correlations between BI and grade of disability were found in 56% of the analysis groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family involvement in overcoming the severity of leprosy is very important in the life of leprosy sufferers in communities who experience the clinical and, psychological, social and behavioral consequences of the disease. However, this need, psychosocial, is felt to be not optimal. This study is to identify how the experiences of family members as caregivers provide assistance to lepers in improving healing and maintaining patterns of interaction in the family. Methods: The design uses qualitative research with in-depth, face-to-face interviews with family members in a semi-structured manner with the hope of obtaining complete data. Using purposive sampling with Participatory Interpretative Phenomenology analysis, there are 12 families with 15 family members consisting of 4 men and 11 women. Results: This study produced a family theme that tried to follow what would happen to lepers, with four sub-categories: 1) Using various coping alternatives to recognize the disease, 2) Family members in the shadow of leprosy, 3) Trying to empathize with other family members. sick, 4) Caring for the emotional response of the family and seeking support. Conclusions: This analysis shows that deficiency in cognitive aspects can be closed by maintaining a lifestyle in the family through efforts to understand, support, establish communication, increase maximum involvement in restoring self-confidence, especially in lepers with psychosocial problems in the family. The results of this study can be used as psychosocial support in maintaining communication between family members to support treatment programs and accelerate the recovery of leprosy. Author summary: Although families have high empathy for the physical, psychological, and social problems faced by lepers, they are rarely involved in the personal affairs of lepers, and there are indications that they left them to cure their disease. Meanwhile, overcoming problems in their own way without involving other family members, becomes the main choice for people with leprosy to avoid conflicts between family members, because they realize that leprosy is a disgrace in their family. However, the interaction between family members is an Indonesian culture that continues to be preserved. And for whatever reason, the culture of interaction between family members cannot be abandoned, even though there are obstacles that must be faced because this is a tool to strengthen kinship. The writer found that the family tried to help in healing leprosy suffered by their family members, even though they were in the shadow of leprosy. Through various coping strategies implemented, families try to help the healing process of their illness, with the hope that they will rise from adversity and have high motivation to recover. And restoring the confidence of people with leprosy is important to support a definitive treatment program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aging process in the skin naturally happens over time, affected by several factors, of which ultraviolet irradiation is a major factor, and this leads to the appearance of wrinkles, pigmentations, and textural irregularities. Lasers for facial rejuvenation are very popular in Asian patients, but melanin rick skin types like Asians are more susceptible to pigmentary alterations. Most Indonesians have brown skin, and just a few have light skin. The purpose of this study was to know the efficacy and safety of the picosecond 755 nm laser in facial rejuvenation in Indonesian skin. Methods: This is an analysis of 20 healthy patients with Fitzpatrick skin type III-V with facial photoaging from 36 to 55 years. Examinations were evaluated before therapy and 4 weeks after the second therapy. The front and side of both cheeks were photographed and analyzed by using VISIA. Clinical improvement was categorized as excellent-mild. The patients were also asked and examined about the presence of adverse events. Results: The patients were predominantly female with an average age of 44 years. Sixty percent of the patients had a good improvement and 40% of the patients had a moderate improvement. The VISIA analysis showed a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigments, and textures (P < 0.001). Only mild anticipated adverse events were observed, and there was no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Conclusion: the picosecond 755 nm laser is effective and safe for facial rejuvenation in the skin of Indonesian patients without significant adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cutaneous wound healing, a type of soft tissue injury, needs the interaction between multiple growth factors (epidermal growth factor [EGF], transforming growth factor [TGF], platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF], and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) in order to attain physiological healing. Nevertheless, in certain conditions, i.e., chronic wound, certain growth factors might be insufficient. VEGF is among the most significant pro-angiogenic mediators during wound healing to increase migration and invasion of endothelial cells. Conditioned medium adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CM-AdMSCs) are a new hope to ameliorate impaired healing. Resveratrol (RV), a small molecule that can increase the effect of CM-AdMSCs, is needed to help stimulates growth factors from stem cells for culture. This study aims to evaluate growth factors in CM-AdMSCs with resveratrol. Methods: Isolated and characterized MSCs from CM-AdMSCs treated with RV supplemented Serum Deprived Medium (SDM) were used in this study. Growth factors level were measured using ELISA. Results: A decrease of mean were noted in EGF (290.19±53.19 VS 271.64±52.58) and VEGF (788.76±204.82 VS 117.92±49.22), while an increase of mean in TGF (633.14±11.38 VS 824.73±121.15) and PDGF (2999.00±203.54 VS 3961.40±378.68) between CM-AdMSCs without resveratrol and with resveratrol group, respectively. PDGF and VEGF were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, RV promotes PDGF secretion and decreases VEGF in CM-AdMSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leprosy is chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Endemic areas still existed with stable number of new cases including new cases of pediatric leprosy and female leprosy cases. Close contact and women’s role in household increase the risk of transmission of leprosy to their children. Population lived in endemic areas are prone to contract leprosy due to dysregulation of immune system. This study aims to analyze correlation of hematological parameters and immunity ration in maternal and pediatric leprosy in endemic areas. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in endemic areas in Tuban Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The blood sample was taken from the subjects and underwent complete hematological parameter test (hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hematocrit) and measurement of T cells activityratio(Th1/Th2 ratio and Th17/Treg ratio) by ELISA. Correlation test was done between blood test resultsand the immunity ratio of maternal and pediatric leprosy in endemic areas. Results: 33 pairs of maternal and pediatric leprosy cases were analyzed. This study found correlation between RBC (p value= 0.029) and HCT (p value= 0.038) with Th17/Treg ratio in children population. No significant results observed in mothers population. Conclusion: The result of this study shows that hematological paramaters (HB and HCT) related to the Th17/Treg ratio and could play roles in the incidence of dysregulation of immune system in children leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leprosy remains endemic in several country, where the disease is still considered as a health burden. The development of the disease is determined by several factors, amongst which that play significant role are close household contact and impaired immunity. Maternal index case significantly associated with leprosy case in children and nutritional status plays a pivotal role in shaping the immune response against the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Thus, this paper aims to evaluatethe association between nutritional status and leprosy, especially in maternal and child leprosy. The study was conducted in Tuban, Indonesia. We foundsignificant difference in haemoglobin, red blood cells, and haematocrit levels in subject with maternal leprosy in the group of child without leprosy and leprous mother compared to the control group. The difference in haemoglobin and haematocrit level are also associated with child leprosy in the group of child with leprosy and mother with leprosy. In addition, although no significant association on BMI were observed, we found that the child whose mother contracted leprosy has a lower BMI compared to the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae. In endemic locations, children become vulnerable as a result of being continuously exposed to foci of active transmission from a very young age, especially from their mothers. This study aims to find association between environmental risk factors and leprosy in mothers and children in endemic areas. Methods: This study is a case-control study in endemic areas in Tuban Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. Retrieval of data was done using structured questionnaire and direct measurement. Chi-square was used to assess the association between environmental factors and leprosy in mothers and children groups. Results: 22 pairs of cases and 57 pairs of controls were examined. It is found that access to clean water is associated with leprosy in mothers in endemic areas (p value = 0.047, OR 3.080, CI 95% 2.232-4.251). Environmental factors are not associated with pediatric leprosy in endemic areas. Conclusion: The results of our study show that environmental factors are not associated with pediatric leprosy in endemic areas. Access to clean water is associated with leprosy in mothers in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leprosy is a chronic infection which is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy has long been considered a complex disease, in which host and environmental characteristics are as important as the pathogen to determine disease outcome. Leprosy is an excellent model for examining the immunoregulatory functions. Children are believed to be the most vulnerable group to leprosy infection due to their immature immunity. This review is aimed to summarize the findings of previous studies about immune dysregulation in childhood leprosy. This study highlighted the plausible maternal-fetal connection which are related in immune dysregulation in childhood leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leprosy, a chronic infection caused by M. leprae, has a complex transmission problem that makes eradication programs difficult. New cases and ongoing transmission of leprosy in endemic areas make individuals living in endemic environments vulnerable to leprosy. This can be caused by the dysregulation of immune system in individuals living in leprosy-endemic areas. Although the number of male leprosy patients is higher, female leprosy patients have more impact on the family health status due to close contact with family members, roles in the household, and parenting. This could cause the increased number of children leprosy patients. We investigated the dysregulation of immune system by comparing IL-17 and FOXP3+ levels occurring in maternal and child leprosy patients in endemic and nonendemic areas. The results of the study found a statistically significant difference in IL-17 levels between the MB leprosy patient group and the control group (p = 0.048), where higher levels of IL-17 are observed in the control group. A significant difference also was found in FOXP3+ levels between the group of healthy children living in endemic and those living in nonendemic areas (p = 0.047), where higher FOXP3+ is observed in the healthy children living in endemic areas group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral Candidiasis (OC) still mainly oportunistic infection problem in HIV/AIDS Patients. Due to increasing report of fluconazole resistant as common antifungal drugs nowadays, there have been many studies focusing on natural substances and its antifungal properties. In this study, a form of green tea extract, named Epigallocathechingallate (EGCG) 1,25% were examined for their in vitro antifungal activity against Candida sp in comparison to fluconazole (2 mg/ml) as standard antifungal agents.Objective: To evaluate the antifungal activity of EGCG in compare with fluconazole against Candida isolates taken from HIV / AIDS patients with OC. Methods: Fourty Candida sp. isolates taken from HIV / AIDS patients with OC in the Outpatient Unit and Inpatient Installation of the Infectious Disease Intermediate Care Unit (UPIPI) Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya. Antifungal activity were evaluated by using microdilution tests. Results: The microdilution test revealed the MIC of EGCG for all Candida sp. was 0.625%, while the MIC of fluconazole was 100% for all Candida sp. There was significant difference (p <0.05) between the MIC values for Candida sp. by fluconazole and EGCG. The MFC values of EGCG was 50%, while value of fluconazole MFC was 100%. Conclusion: Antifungal activity of EGCG with fungistatic and fungicidal effect is better than fluconazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Candida sp. is the most common opportunistic pathogen found during the development of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) disease. The clinical severity of oral candidiasis and the prevalence profile of Candida species reflect immunological changes in HIV / AIDS patients. Objective: Evaluating the relationship between CD4 T lymphocyte cells counts and the number of Candida species. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia. For identification of Candida species, culture was carried out on Chromagar media followed by culture with vitek 2. Results: There were 114 study subjects who were divided into three groups based on the number of CD4 T lymphocyte cells, with 158 isolates of Candida species growing in culture. The highest number of Candida species was Candida albicans with a total of 107 isolates (67.7%). Candida non-albicans were 51 isolates (32.3%). Statistical test results showed a significant correlation between the number of CD4 T lymphocyte cells and the number of Candida species (p <0.001). Conclusion: The decrease in CD4 lymphocyte cell counts is influenced by various types of Candida sp. in oral candidiasis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the psychological burden of leprosy women and their adaptive strategies. Leprosy has a destructive character and is opportunistic in nature, so that it becomes a burden for women because of the defects in the body and the resulting beauty crown. The study was conducted at the Center for Public Health in Eastern Indonesia with a purposive sampling method on 17 leprosy women. The interview became the most dominant instrument, and the results were analyzed by Phenomenological Analytical Interpretation. The result: mental stress is part of everyday life; physical conditions that are far from aesthetic value; guarantee of happiness that is difficult to obtain by sufferers; it is necessary to find a method to surrender to the trials received. The final conclusion shows that the psycho-emotional suffering caused by leprosy can be reduced through efforts to surrender to the trials received, to obey God's commands in any situation and to His servants to always try and pray and remain steadfast in maintaining the role, function and duty as a woman even though constrained by leprosy that accompanies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leprosy, also known as morbus Hansenʼs disease, is a chronic disease caused by M. leprae. Leprosy attacks various parts of the body including nerves and skin. The most important factor in the occurrence of leprosy is the sources of transmission and contact, both from patients and the environment. Household conditions where the person lives and the nutritional status of the individual can be a risk factor for leprosy. Household hygiene and sanitation can be seen from several aspects, like the physical environment of the house, clean water facilities, personal hygiene, availability of latrines, waste disposal facilities, and garbage disposal. This study was aimed to determine the correlation between household hygiene sanitation and nutritional status with females with leprosy in Gresik Regency. This case-control study was conducted in December 2019 in Gresik Regency. The subjects of this study were 74 respondents taken by consecutive sampling techniques. Retrieval of data was carried out using observations from the healthy house component questionnaire, personal hygiene questionnaire, and direct measurement. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed significant correlation between physical environment of the house (p = 0.001 , OR = 0.104), clean water facilities (p = 0.008 , OR = 0.261), availability of latrines (p = 0.018 , OR = 0.209), waste disposal facilities (p = 0.015 , OR = 0.291), and personal hygiene (p = 0.001 , OR = 2.850) and female leprosy in Gresik Regency. There is no correlation between nutritional status (p = 0.085 , OR = 0.422) and wastewater disposal waste (p = 0.183 , OR = 0.486) and female leprosy in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral candidiasis is the main symptom that often appears in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Syndrome (AIDS). Recent studies reported that some bacteria causing oral candidiasis are resistant to antifungal drugs. Describing nystatin profile against candida species in HIV / AIDS patients with oral candidiasis. Twenty-nine subjects were divided into 2 groups based on sex (23 male subjects and 6 female subjects). Subjects carried out tissue culture procedure and were tested for sensitivity to fluconazole and nystatin. The analysis was conducted by comparing sex and type of infecting bacteria. Statistical analysis used chi-square test, fisher, or ANOVA with 95% CI with p <0.05. The average age of male and female subjects was 43.15 ± 3.67 years and 40.02 ± 10.23 years, respectively, with age range of 18-65 years. Recurrent oral candidiasis in male and female patients was 65.22% and 83.33%, respectively (p = 0.079). Subjects were resistant to fluconazole as much as 77.50% in men and 61.54% in women (p = 0.823). On the other hand, subjects sensitive to nystatin were 92.50% in men and 92.31% in women (p = 0.167). Fluconazole was resistant to Candida albicans (68.00%) and non-Candida albicans (78.57%) (p = 0.048), while nystatin was sensitive to Candida albicans (92.00%) and non-Candida albicans (92.86%) (p = 0.791). Most subjects were resistant to fluconazole, while the majority of subjects were sensitive to nystatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subclinical leprosy is an infectious disease in which the immune system remains infected with Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). The progress of subclinical leprosy to clinical cases within 1 year of infection is 1.5%, with an increase to 6% in the following 4 years. Rifampicin is frequently used for prevention of leprosy, and clarithromycin has a bactericidal effect on M. leprae. Thus, the combination of both is expected to improve disease control in patients with subclinical leprosy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a chemoprophylactic treatment involving rifampicin and clarithromycin against subclinical leprosy in elementary school children from endemic areas of East Java over a 5-year period. The study was performed between 2011 and 2015. Samples were collected from 2,548 healthy elementary school children in Nguling (Pasuruan) and Raas (Sumenep), and analysed using ELISA for anti-PGL (phenolic glycolipid)-1 IgM antibodies. Children who were seropositive for anti-PGL-1 IgM antibodies received a chemoprophylactic regimen consisting of rifampicin (300 mg/day) and clarithromycin (250 mg/day) daily for the initial 10 days, followed by the same regimen every 2 weeks for 3 months. Clinical and serological evaluations were performed annually for 5 years. Amongst the 2,548 healthy elementary school children, 200 were seropositive. The anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels significantly decreased between 2011 and 2015 in Nguling (from 1,066.7 to 137.4 U/ml) and Raas (from 773.1 to 563.4 U/ml), the levels decreased every year. In addition, the proportion of patients with decreased anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels was consistently higher than patients with increased anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels in all periods, except during 2013-2014, in Nguling and Raas. Chemoprophylactic treatment involving rifampicin and clarithromycin may thus be effective against subclinical leprosy amongst elementary school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Skin aging, particularly photoaging, is a widely experienced problem. The therapies for photoaging are continuously evolving. For example, the application of topical antioxidants, such as vitamin C, has been widely used with satisfactory outcomes. Stem cell therapy, including amniotic membrane stem cell-conditioned medium (AMSC-CM), is a promising alternative because it contains growth factors and cytokines that aid wound healing and skin rejuvenation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of AMSC-CM and vitamin C combination therapy following CO2 fractional laser as laser-assisted drug delivery for photoaging treatment. Methods: This was an analytical experimental study conducted on 30 patients with photoaged skin treated with AMSC-CM and vitamin C. The treatment was repeated three times with an interval of 4 weeks. The final evaluation included Janus skin analysis to assess wrinkles, pores, spots, and skin tone. Results: Among the 30 participants with photoaged skin who met the inclusion criteria, the mean age was 50.53 (± 5.39) years and the mean Glogau score was 2.77 (± 0.43). The treatment resulted in significant improvements (P <.05) on wrinkles from evaluation I to evaluations II and evaluation I to evaluations III, pores from evaluation I to evaluation II, and spots from evaluation I to evaluation II. Conclusion: Clinical improvements were observed on the participants' photoaged skin in terms of wrinkles, pores, and spots after the combined topical therapy of AMSC-CM and vitamin C following CO2 fractional laser therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The elderly population wants to improve skin function and maintain a youthful appearance without wrinkles. Laser is one of the highly developed and widely used therapeutic modalities of skin aging by stimulating dermal collagen formation. Picosecond laser therapy is performed on skin with wrinkles to determine the mechanism of wrinkle improvement with a picosecond laser through an increasing in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and a decrease in matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), which was confirmed by collagen density. Methods: The study was started from March 2021 to July 2021 at URJ Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya and Surabaya Skin Centre. Twenty patients meeting the inclusion criteria of being 36-55 years of age and having a wrinkle in the forearm were enrolled by random sampling. Each sample data was recorded, the average TIMP-1, MMP-1, collagen density, and clinical wrinkles were calculated, and the laser was performed by using a picosecond 755 nm laser. Results: All patients showed a moderate pre-test wrinkle scale. The figure for TIMP-1 and MMP-1 after therapy was higher. The MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio in wrinkles treated by using a picosecond laser was lower but insignificant than before. The picture of collagen density indicates that collagen density after laser therapy was higher than before. Conclusion: The result of clinical examination, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry in this research explained that a picosecond 755 nm laser with DLA is an effective therapy for wrinkles in Indonesian patients without any adverse effects., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 J Lasers Med Sci.)

Background Wound healing shows a unique interaction of several cells, growth factors and cytokines. The healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy is influenced by various factors, one of which is the concentration of growth factors and cytokines related to the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing. Growth factors and cytokines can be found in the secretome of adipose mesenchymal stem cells. Aim To compare the effectiveness of topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium and framycetin gauze dressing only on the healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy. Methods In this randomised controlled trial, 32 patients with chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy were recruited. After detailed clinical and initial debridement, patients were randomised to two groups to receive either topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (n = 16) or framycetin gauze dressing only (n = 16) applied every three days for up to eight weeks, following which the ulcer size, adverse reactions and complications if any were monitored weekly. Results Healing percentage increased each week in all groups. Statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) were observed from week 2 onwards for ulcer mean size reduction and from week 3 onwards for ulcer mean depth reduction. There were no adverse reactions or complications. Limitations Off-loading on subjects were not performed. Conclusion Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium is a potential therapeutic agent in the management of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy.

Background: Leprosy is a disease that causes social, psychological, and economic issues. Failure to treat the causes of the immune system dysregulation in endemic areas of leprosy conditions makes the transmission of the bacteria easier. This paper aims to analyze the comparison of family income, occupation types of mothers and fathers, number of children, access to health facilities, and education of mothers, fathers, and children in mothers and children with leprosy in endemic and non-endemic areas., Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study by survey was done in both an endemic and a non-endemic area of leprosy in Tuban Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Retrieval of research data was done using interview techniques. Respondents who participated in this study were 106 pairs of mother and child respondents who met the research restriction criteria. Subjects were divided into 5groups based on diagnosis of leprosy and area of living. Bivariate analysis was performed by comparing the independent variables in each group A, B, C, and D with group E., Results: It was found that the variables that differed significantly between the endemic and non-endemic areas were the variable number of children with a p-value=0.004, family income with a p-value=0.049 and the variable mother's education with a p-value=0.016. Meanwhile, other variables do not have significant difference., Conclusions: We found significant difference on the number of children, father's education, mother's education, and family income. These variables can be a risk factor for leprosy. To make efforts to prevent the transmission of leprosy, stakeholders should consider these factors., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest associated with this study., (Copyright: © 2021 Afr. J. Infect. Diseases.)

Introduction: Lucio phenomenon is a rare type of reaction in untreated, diffusely infiltrative form of lepromatous leprosy type, characterised with ulcerative type of skin lesions., Case: A 29 year old Indonesian female, 7th months primigravida with a four-month history of painful scarlet spots that darken and ulcerate on both of her hands and legs. The patient was experiencing fever. The patient’s eyebrows were lost and her earlobes were thickened 3 years ago. Slit-skin smear: BI 6þ,MI 7%. Histopathology: Lucio phenomenon. PCR detecting M. leprae DNA on skin lesion and amniotic fluid: positive; umbilical cord membrane and umbilical cord: negative. Anti-PGL-1 IgM and IgG: patient: 4,854 U/mL and 1,061 U/mL, respectively; 5 month-old baby: 5 U/mL and 1,724 U/mL, respectively; 1 year-old baby: 0 U/mL and 3 U/mL, respectively., Conclusion: Placenta is considered a protective barrier toward feto-maternal transmission of M. leprae. The baby had the passive antibody to M. leprae from the mother’s blood transmitted through the umbilical cord as demonstrated by the presence of anti-PGL-1 IgG antibody.