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Introduction: The diagnosis of malaria is still limited according to the gold standard microscopy, so Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) examination is needed. This study evaluated the RDT diagnostic value compared to microscopic examination and PCR as the gold standard. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Regional Public Hospital of Merauke, Indonesia. Each specimen was examined by RDT using Standard Q Pf/Pv and Pan/Pf, and the gold standard by microscopic malaria using the Giemsa stain test and Nested PCR. Results: RDT Standard Q Pf/Pv compared to microscopy for detecting P. vivax was Sn:96.8%, Sp:97.6%, PPV:96.8%, and NPV:97.6% (Kappa:0.944), and for P. falciparum was Sn:88.9%, Sp:96.4%, PPV: 88.9%, and NPV: 96.4% (Kappa:0.853). RDT Standard Q Pf/Pan compared to microscopy for detecting P. falciparum was Sn:88.9%, Sp:96.4%, PPV: 88.9%, and NPV:96.4% (Kappa:0.853), and for non P. falciparum was Sn:90.5%, Sp:97.6%, PPV:96.6%, and NPV:93.1% (Kappa:0.887). Morever, RDT Standard Q Pf/Pv compared to Nested PCR for detecting P. vivax was Sn:92.5%, Sp:98.7%, PPV:98.4%, and NPV:94.0% (Kappa:0.917), and for P. falciparum was Sn:66.7%, Sp:97.9%, PPV: 94.4%, and NPV: 84.5% (Kappa:0.693). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the RDT Standard Q Pf/Pan compared to Nested PCR for detecting of P. falciparum infection were 66.7%, 97.9%, 94.4%, and 84.5%, respectively (Kappa:0.693). Whereas, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting non-P. falciparum infection were 86.6% and 98.7%, respectively, with PPV 98.3% and NPV 89.7% (Kappa:0.861). Conclusion: RDT showed good overall performance for detecting P. vivax but lower regarding sensitivity for detecting P. falciparum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt causes losses to tomato crops, in Bali - Indonesia. This disease is caused by a pathogenic fungi. Research on the morphology and molecular pathogen of the fungi is very important to ensure the causes of plant diseases. Certainty about the causes of plant diseases is closely related to controlling the disease. Koch's postulate is done to confirm the agent of the disease. Based on observations of macroscopic, microscopic, and 18S rDNA characteristics, it can be identified that the cause of wilt in tomato plants in Bali is the Fusarium equiseti. This paper is the first report on one of the causes of wilt in tomato plants in Bali, Fusarium equiseti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cordia sebestena L. belongs to family Boraginaceae is commonly known as "Geiger Tree" in Indonesia, it is generally found in Indonesia included Jakarta, and many other countries. Some researchers have revealed the presence of several pharmacology activities. Thus this study is an attempt to present an overview of pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation reported on this plant. Objective: In the present investigation, various pharmacognostic standards have been investigated to prove the authenticity of the plant for the claimed traditional uses. This will help in the identification of powder drug prior to using in medicine. Methods: Macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical evaluation, of the drug was performed using standardized procedures as mentioned in the WHO and Indonesian Herb Pharmacopoeia guidelines. Thin layer chromatography profile was done using some different mobile phase system to the identification of the drug. Results: The physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ethanol- and water-soluble extractive, total ash, acidinsoluble ash value, were determined. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, steroids, terpenoids in the ethanolic extracts of leaf of this plant. The TLC profile of n-hexane, dichloromethane and methanol extract were carried out 5, 7 and 2 spots respectively. Conclusion: The present study on pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical standards could be useful information for authentication and preparation monograph for C.sebestena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]