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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mobile phone electromagnetic radiation (MP-EMR) on the thyroid glands and hormones in Rattus norvegicus brain in term of thyroid function, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) concentration. Forty rats were divided into different groups: control (without EMR exposure), EMR1 (120-min/day exposure), EMR2 (150-min), and EMR3 (180-min). The levels of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and brain and MCT8 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One-way analysis of variance followed by the Duncan test was used to analyze the data. Our data indicated that the levels of serum TSH and T4 in all the EMR groups were lower significant postexposure compared to the control with P < 0.01 (EMR1 and EMR2) and P < 0.001 (EMR3), suggesting hypothyroidism due to MP-EMR exposure. Increased MDA and decreased MCT8 levels were also observed following the intervention; however, the changes in both concentrations were notably significant after being subjected to 150-min and 180-min of exposure. In conclusion, a significant reduction in TSH, T4, and MCT8 levels indicated thyroid dysfunction due to MP-EMR exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ciplukan (Physalis angulata L.) leaf ethanol extract on L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats. We randomly divided twenty-five Wistar rats into five groups. The sham group was given a PBS injection. The hypertensive group was injected with L-NAME on days 1 to 28. Three groups of hypertensive rats were given the extract on days 4 to 28. Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method on days 0, 4, 10, and 27. The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the blood were measured by flow cytometry as a percentage of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs, CD34+/CD309+/CD45+) and endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs, CD34+/CD309+/CD45-). Serum NO and MDA levels, as well as serum SOD activity, were measured colorimetrically. Serum TNF-a levels were measured by the ELISA method. The ciplukan leaf extract reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduced the percentage of EPCs in the blood, increased serum NO levels, reduced MDA levels, increased serum SOD activity, and reduced serum TNF-a levels in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. It is concluded that ciplukan ethanol leaf extract exerts protective effects on L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. These study results can strengthen the scientific basis of using ciplukan leaf ethanol extract to treat hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study evaluated the protective effect of Physalis angulata leaf extract on L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced preeclampsia rats. Methods Twenty-five pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Preeclampsia rats were injected with L-NAME on the 5th to 17th day of gestation (G5-G17), while sham rats were injected with the same vehicle volume. Preeclampsia rats were administered with Physalis angulata leaf methanol extract at 500, 1500, or 2500 mg/kg body weight/day on G1-G17. The systolic blood pressure measurement was performed by the tail-cuff method. Placental VEGFR2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. The serum sFlt-1 level was evaluated using ELISA. Serum MDA level, SOD activity, and total nitrite level were measured by colorimetry. Results The L-NAME injection increased systolic blood pressure (1.44-fold), serum sFlt-1 level (1.22-fold), and serum MDA level (2.03-fold). It also decreased placental VEGFR2 expression (1.18-fold), serum SOD activity (2.11-fold), and serum nitrite level (1.25-fold) compared to the Sham group. The extract supplementation prevented the rise in systolic blood pressure and serum sFlt-1 level. It also tended to inhibit the reduction in the placental VEGFR2 expression. It prevented the increase in serum MDA level. It also prevented the decrease in serum SOD activity and nitrite level. Conclusions We concluded that Physalis angulata leaf methanol extract inhibits oxidative stress and an antiangiogenic factor in the rat preeclampsia model. These findings support that the extract has the potential to prevent preeclampsia development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory capacity of goat kefir on pulmonary fibrosis rat model. Material and Methods: Twenty-five male rats were randomly divided into five groups: one group only received induction with bleomycin (0.3 mg/rat) to induce pulmonary fibrosis; three groups were treated with different doses (2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 mL/200 g BW) of goat kefir, following the induction with bleomycin, for 30 days; and one group served as negative control, did not receive bleomycin induction as well as kefir. On day 30, all the animals were sacrificed. Plasma levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IFN-y were measured using the ELISA method, and the expression of α-SMA in myofibroblast cells was examined with the help of immunohistochemistry assay. Results: Induction with bleomycin significantly elevated the expressions of TGF-β, IL-4, and IFN-y in comparison to the control group. Following the administration of kefir (3.5 and 4.5 mL/200 g BW), the concentration of TGF-β was significantly decreased (p<0.05); whereas, the concentration of IFN-y increased slightly (p<0.05) only in the group that received the 4.5 mL/200 g BW dose of kefir. In contrast, IL-4 exhibited increasing levels with higher doses of kefir (p<0.05). The expression of α-SMA in myofibroblasts showed a tendency to decline following the administration of kefir, although this decline was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Goat kefir caused a reduction in the TGF-β levels in fibrosis conditions; however, the kefir elicited an immunosuppressive effect during the progression of the pulmonary fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a medical emergency that the patients of it ideally should have received stroke management <3 hours since the attack. Emergency situations can occur at anytime, thus the health cadres participation in minimizing pre-hospital delay through FAST method is needed. In order to make the cadres have knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices about FAST, the rational model-based training was conducted. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of rational model-based training on the health cadres' changes on knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the stroke symptoms detection using FAST. This study used quasi-experimental research design through pretest-posttest control group design. 50 respondents were divided into intervention and control groups. Data analysis used independent sample t-test and mann whitney test. The results show that there were differences in attitude and practices changes between the intervention and the control groups after training, with p values 0.009 and 0.000. There was no any difference in the retention of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in both groups, the p value was 0.849; 0.626;0.456. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac arrest is one of the main health problems in the world with high mortality rate. The problem requires quality and comprehensive treatment at the hospital especially in the process of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Quality and comprehensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be performed by nurses with adequate knowledge about cardiac arrest. This knowledge may be obtained through simulation‑based and technology‑based training such a video‑assisted teaching. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of training using video‑assisted teaching and simulation on nurses’ knowledge of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study used quasi‑experimental design and pretest‑posttest with control group approach. There were 42 respondents who were divided into 2 groups. Knowledge was measured before and after trainings. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests. Result of the study indicated that there was difference in nurses’ knowledge between before and after training using video‑assisted teaching and simulation with p‑value of 0.000. However, there was no difference in nurses’ knowledge after training using video‑assisted teaching and simulation with p‑value of 0.372. Thus, training using video‑assisted teaching and simulation may increase knowledge about performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation although there was no difference in knowledge score between the video‑assisted teaching group and the simulation group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melastoma malabathricum L. flowers are part of a plant that contains quercetin and kaempferol. Quercetin and kaempferol are useful for their antioxidant and anticancer properties. The flowering phase affects levels of quercetin and kaempferol. There are four phases of flower blooming: 1st bud phase (K1), 2nd bud phase (K2), 3rd bud phase (K3), and flower bloom (M). It remains to be determined which phase of Melastoma malabathricum L. flowering shows the highest levels of quercetin and kaempferol. Quercetin and kaempferol levels were measured using HPLC MS/MS. The measured quercetin levels of K1, K2, K3, and M phases, respectively, were: 19.47 μg/g, 17.78 μg/g, 31.2 μg/g, and 94.32 μg/g. Levels of kaempferol during K1, K2, K3, and M, respectively, were: 140.99 μg/g, 57.28 μg/g, 95.32 μg/g, and 349.37 μg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Stress increases CRH level in the blood, which then affects the mast cell's number and function. This study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between the lengths of exposure and changes in the level of CRH and the existence and the activity of the mast cells in the area of amygdale, thalamus and hippocampus in rats exposed to acute stress. Methods: Sixteen rats were divided randomly; 4 in the control group and 12 in the exploratory group. The latter were then equally divided into 3 experimental groups, each consisting of 4 subjects. Each of the 12 rats that belonged to the 3 experimental groups was exposed to stress using the psychological stress device for three different lengths of time; 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The CRH plasma was then examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mast cells in amygdale, thalamus and hippocampus using the light microscope. Results: There was no significant difference in the number of mast cells, but the ones in the thalamus tended to increase (p = 0.092), compared to the amygdale (p = 0.269) and hippocampus (p = 0.117), in line with the length of the treatment, amygdale (r=0,291, P=0,274), hippocampus (r=-0.250, p=0.350), thalamus (r=0.619, p=0.11) in the response to stress level. Conclusions: There was a significant correlation between the lengths of exposure, the level of CRH with the number of mast cells in the thalamus, but there was no correlation both in amygdale or hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Stress triggers and causes psychiatric disorders. This study compared stress generated by different stressors: a cat as the predator of rats and a Psychological Stress Device (PSD) which was developed and modified by the researchers based on the model by Xu and Rocher. Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar rats were simple randomly divided into one control group and six treatment groups, each consisting of 4 rats. Each treatment group was individually exposed to stressor for 30, 60, and 90 minutes. The first three treatment groups were treated using the PSD while the other three treatment groups were treated exposed to the cat. Plasma CRH level was measured using the ELISA (Cusabio) method. Result: Plasma CRH levels in the rat exposed to stressor using the PSD ranged from 9.89 to 50.22 ng/mL, higher than plasma CRH level in the groups exposed to cat ranged from 0.22 to 23.44 ng/mL with significance level (p<0,05). The average of plasma CRH level in the rats exposed to the PSD for 30, 60, and 90 minutes were 14.83, 28.19, and 36 respectively. 14 ng/mL while in the groups exposed to cats were 11.53, 7.81, and 4.97 ng/mL respectively. The increase of plasma CRH level had positive correlation with the length of exposure to stressor in the group treated with the PSD (r=0.895, p of <0.05) while plasma CRH level in the group exposed to cat did not correlate with the length of exposure (r=-0.043, p>0.05). Conclusion: Plasma CRH level of the rats exposed to stressor using the PSD was higher and positively correlate with the length of exposure compared to those exposed to cat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Find upregulation markers (i.e., mRNA expression, protein kinase C [PKC]-alpha enzyme level, prostate calcium level, and prostate contractility) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with a history of long-term alpha-1 blocker (tamsulosin) therapy. Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from prostate chips in 30 BPH patients, which were divided into three groups: Without therapy, history of tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for 1 month, and >6 months, respectively. This study used organ baths to measure the prostate smooth muscle isometrical contractility and real-time polymerase chain reaction to count the number of mRNA a1-adrenergic receptors. Calcium levels were measured using confocal laser scanning; PKC-alpha enzymes were measured using ELISA. Results: Tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for 1 month decrease mRNA expression, PKC-alpha enzyme, prostate calcium level, and prostate contractility (significant in mRNA expression and PKC-alpha enzyme) compared to no therapy. Meanwhile, usage of tamsulosin 0.4 for >6 months significantly increased mRNA expression, PKC-alpha enzyme, prostate calcium level, and prostate contractility compared to therapy with tamsulosin 0.4 mg for a month. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression, PKC-alpha enzyme, prostate calcium level, and prostate contractility in the group using tamsulosin therapy for >6 months compared to the group without therapy. Conclusions: Tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for >6 months cause upregulation, shown by significant increases in mRNA expression, PKC-alpha enzyme, prostate calcium level, and prostate contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common degenerative disease in elderly men, with the alpha-1 blocker as the primary treatment. Long-term use of alpha-1 blocker, however, commonly leads to upregulation of alpha receptors and reduces the efficacy of treatment. Aim: This study aimed to find mRNA expression markers of upregulation and prostate contractility in BPH patients with a history of long-term alpha-1 blocker therapy. Methods: Prostate chips were obtained from 30 BPH patients with either no history of tamsulosin therapy, a history of tamsulosin 0.4 mg treatment therapy for 1 month and a history of tamsulosin 0.4 mg treatment therapy for >6 months with a histopathology result showing BPH. Organ bath instruments were used to measure isometric contractions of prostate smooth muscle, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the number of adrenergic-a1 receptors. Results: Tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for 1 month decreased prostate smooth muscle contractility and significantly decreased mRNA expression compared to the group with no therapy. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for >6 months significantly increased mRNA expression and prostate smooth muscle contractility compared to the group with tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for 1 month. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression and prostate contractility in a group with 6 months of tamsulosin therapy compared to the group without tamsulosin therapy. Conclusion: Tamsulosin 0.4 mg therapy for >6 months led to upregulation marked by significantly increased in mRNA expression and prostate smooth muscle contractility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-abdominal adhesion (IAA) is the most significant complication after surgery. This study explores the active compound from Eleutherine americana Merr. as a regulator of mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in IAA. This study aimed to evaluate computationally the potential of E. americana Merr. extract as a mitochondrial calcium activator in IAA cases. Materials and Methods: The sample was 14 active compounds from E. americana Merr. extract that was collected from the PubChem database. Prediction as a calcium channel activator was conducted using Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances SERVER. Human intestinal absorption (HIA) and lethal dose 50 (LD50) were evaluated using SERVER. Protein target and pathway were evaluated using STITCH, and computational analysis was done using Cytoscape. Results: The results showed that 10 bioactives from E. americana Merr. extract have potential as calcium activators (Pa >0.3). The active compound of E. americana Merr. can be easily absorbed in the intestine based on its HIA+ score (HIA >0.9). Conclusion: The application of this extract was possible due to LD50 evaluation that showed that it was less toxic (LD50 <3 mol/kg-BW). E. americana Merr. extract regulates mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, by modulation of two types of the mitochondrial calcium channels, VDAC1 and MARCK (mRyR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin-10 is a cytokine that has a pleiotropic effect on the immune system and inflammation. IL-10 can contribute to the anti-tumour immune response by increasing HLA-G expression., Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of IL-10 induction on membrane HLA-G expression and soluble HLA-G production of HeLa CCL-2 cells., Methods: HeLa CCL-2 cells were cultured in the well plate and divided into 4 groups consist of 1 control group that was not induced by IL-10 and 3 treatment groups that were induced by IL-10 500 ng/ml, 1000 ng/ml and 2000 ng/ml respectively. All groups were incubated for 48 hours in a 37°C incubator at 5% CO2 atmospheric pressure. HLA-G measurements were carried out both in cell lysate and cell culture supernatant using ELISA and in membrane-bound using immunofluorescence method. The expression of HLA-G in membrane-bound calculated using the ImageJ application. Data obtained were analysed by ANOVA and LSD test., Results: In the control group, the HLA-G level in the culture supernatant was higher than in cell lysate (p = 0.000), as well as in all treatment groups (p = 0.000). There were significant differences between the treatment group (p = 0.000) and within the treatment group (p = 0.000) at HLA levels. The highest expression of HLA-G in HeLa cell membranes found in cell culture induced by IL-10 concentrations of 500 ng/ml, i.e., 59.28 AU in view. HLA-G membrane expression in the IL-10 1000 ng/ml induced group was significantly different from all treatment groups (p = 0.000)., Conclusion: HeLa CCL-2 cells express HLA-G on the membrane and release dissolved HLA-G without induction of IL-10 although IL-10 induction augments the presence and the production of HLA-G in HeLa CCl-2 cells., (Copyright: © 2019 Nurul Hasanah, Karyono Mintaroem, Loeki Enggar Fitri, Noorhamdani Noorhamdani.)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have various biological effects and they are non-linear in characteristic. In high oxidative stress, they may cause cytotoxicity, inhibit cell proliferation, and induce cell death in the form of apoptosis/necrosis; while in low or medium oxidative stress, ROS may cause DNA damage, cell mutation, inflammation, cell proliferation, and eventually they may induce carcinogenesis. Antioxidants are compounds with the ability to reduce ROS. Cell line MCF-7 is one of the breast cancer cell lines that is known to have small amount of antioxidant MnSOD compared to the other cell lines. Low antioxidant MnSOD level in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 leads to low concentration of hydrogen peroxide, because antioxidant MnSOD will convert radical superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. The aim of this research was to analyze oxidants and antioxidants profile in breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and their relationship with cell number. Observations were conducted for 5 days. The cell number was counted with tryphan blue method and haematometer. The concentration of radical superoxide was measured with DHE staining using LSCM tipe Olympus Fluoview FV 1000-Ver 1.7. MnSOD activity, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and catalase activity were measured with ELISA. The results showed that the longer of observation, the greater concentration of oxidants and MnSOD activity, but there was no change in catalase activity. Conclusion the increase in cancer cells number is influenced by radical superoxide., (Creative Commons Attribution License)

Introduction: Renal damage is a consequence of severe malaria, and is generally caused by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum -infected erythrocytes in the renal microcirculation, which leads to obstruction, hypoxia, and ischemia. This triggers high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) to send a danger signal through toll-like receptors 2 and 4. This signal up-regulates inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and nitrotyrosine to re-perfuse the tissue, and also increases heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression. As no study has examined the involvement of intracellular secondary molecules in this setting, the present study compared the renal expressions of HSP70, HMGB1, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine between mice suffered from severe malaria and normal mice., Methods: C57BL/6 mice were divided into an infected group (intraperitoneal injection of 10 6 P. berghei ANKA) and a non-infected group. Renal damage was evaluated using hematoxylin eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expressions of HSP70, HMGB1, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine., Results: Significant inter-group differences were observed in the renal expressions of HSP70, HMGB1, and iNOS (p=0.000, Mann-Whitney test), as well as nitrotyrosine (p=0.000, independent t test). The expressions of HSP70 and HMGB1 were strongly correlated (p=0.000, R=1.000). No correlations were observed between iNOS and HMGB, HMGB1 and nitrotyrosine, HSP70 and nitrotyrosine, or iNOS and nitrotyrosine., Conclusions: It appears that HMGB1, HSP70, iNOS, and nitrotyrosine play roles in the renal damage that is observed in mice with severe malaria. Only HSP70 expression is strongly correlated with the expression of HMGB1.