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Background: Signs of feeding intolerance, such as gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, are frequently observed in otherwise healthy formula-fed infants in the first months of life. The primary objective of this observational study was to examine GI tolerance in formula-fed infants (FFI) vs. breastfed infants (BFI) in a real-world setting with a secondary objective being the comparison of infants fed formula with pre- and/or probiotics (FFI_PP) and those fed formula without any pre- and/or probiotics (FFI_noPP) as well as BFI. Methods: A six-country, cross-sectional study in full-term exclusively/predominantly FFI (n = 2036) and BFI (n = 760) aged 6–16 weeks was conducted using the validated Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire (IGSQ) and a Feeding Practice and Gut Comfort Questionnaire. Results: The IGSQ composite score in FFI was non-inferior compared to BFI (mean difference [95%CI]: 0.17 [-0.34, 0.67]; non-inferiority p-value < 0.0001) and scores for BFI and FFI were below the threshold of 23, indicating no GI discomfort. Adjusted mean IGSQ scores ± SE were similar in FFI_PP (22.1 ± 0.2) and BFI (22.3 ± 0.3) while FFI_noPP (23.4 ± 0.3) was significantly higher and above 23 indicating some GI discomfort (mean differences [95%CI] FFI_noPP minus FFI_PP and FFI_noPP minus BFI were 1.28 [0.57, 1.98] and 1.09 [0.38, 1.80], respectively; both p < 0.01). Hard stools and difficulty in passing stool were more common in FFI compared to BFI (p < 0.01) but were less common in FFI_PP compared to FFI_noPP (p < 0.01). FFI_PP showed significantly less crying than FFI_noPP and was similar to BFI. Significantly fewer physician-confirmed colic episodes (Rome IV criteria) were reported in FFI_PP compared with FFI_noPP or BFI. Conclusions: In this real-world observational study, FFI had non-inferior overall GI tolerance compared to BFI. Within FFI, infants receiving formulas with pre- and/or probiotics had a better GI tolerance, improved stooling and less infantile colic compared to those receiving formula without any pre- and/or probiotics and were more similar to BFI. Trial registration: NCT03703583, 12/10/2018 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03703583). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron fortification is one of potential way to overcome anemia. Probiotics can maintain digestive tract health while prebiotics can improve the absorption of minerals. Tempeh is rich in nutrients required for hemoglobin synthesis, such as protein, vitamin B12, vitamin C, zinc, iron, and copper. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tempeh extract fortified with iron and synbiotic in increasing the hemoglobin concentration (Hb). Fermented synbiotic tempeh extract was made using Lactobacillus plantarum Dad13 and fructo-oligosaccharides. A total of 24 male and female Wistar rats underwent the iron depletion phase to induce anemia, then divided into 3 groups, given: 1) Fermented synbiotic tempeh extract with 50 ppm Fe/ FeSO4 (Fe), 2) Fermented synbiotic tempeh extract (St), and 3) not receive any interventions (Co). The rats were fed with interventional diet AIN-93 free Fe during intervention. Body weight and Hb were measured before and after intervention for 17 days. There was a significant increase in body weight on Fe and St groups after intervention respectively, 31 g and 32 g, as well as for Hb, from 6.41 ± 0.14 to 11.48 ± 0.31 and 6.47 ± 0.23 to 11.03 ± 0.35 mg/dl (p <0.05). Group without intervention (Co) did not show significant increase both in body weight and hemoglobin. This can be a good opportunity to combat anemia using Indonesian local food, tempeh which fortified with iron and synbiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the ingestion effect of chocolate probiotic containing Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 in undernourished children. A 100-day observation was conducted on undernourished children in Lombok, who were divided into probiotic ( n = 28) and placebo ( n = 28) groups. Fecal sampling was performed on the 10 th and 100 th days and further analyzed for gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), and fecal pH. A significant difference was found in the diversity index, fecal pH, and several microbiotas at the phylum and genus levels. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in the probiotic group, and a higher relative abundance (RA) of Firmicutes was found in the placebo group. At the genus level, significant differences were observed in some bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella . Therefore, it can be concluded that the probiotic intervention in this study resulted in changes of gut microbiota diversity and fecal pH. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry identifier: TCTR20220425001., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Endang S. Rahayu et al.)

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) can be associated with parasitic infections, atopic drug reactions, or atopic diseases, such as asthma. This report describes 25-year-old and 27-year-old sisters with a family history of asthma who presented with abdominal pain due to EG. CASE REPORT Case 1: A 25-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of chronic left upper quadrant abdominal pain that did not improve with proton pump inhibitor and sucralfate therapy. She has a history of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Endoscopic pathology revealed pangastritis, with eosinophilic infiltration >25 per 1 high power field. Case 2: Her 27-year-old sister was admitted with chronic abdominal discomfort in the form of vomiting and recurrent abdominal pain for the past 2 years. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors and sucralfate did not lead to improvement. She also had intermittent asthma. Pathological findings on her endoscopy showed chronic inflammation of the fundus and antrum, with eosinophilic infiltration >40 per 1 high power field. Association of eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in siblings has not been reported previously. CONCLUSIONS This report has highlighted that atopic disease, such as asthma, is often familial, and can be associated with generalized eosinophilia, including EG. In these 2 sisters, the clinical history and histological findings on colonic biopsy were important to confirm the diagnosis.

Several pathways link type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus to the gut microbiome. By modifying the gut microbiota (GM), probiotics may be useful in the treatment of T2D. Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 is an indigenous Indonesian probiotic strain that has colonized the digestive tracts of healthy Indonesian adults. Furthermore, the GM of Indonesians is dominated by L. plantarum . The probiotic L. plantarum Dad-13 is likely suitable for Indonesians. This study aimed to assess the effect of the probiotic L. plantarum Dad-13 on metabolic profiles and GM of women with T2D in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Twenty women from each group of forty T2D patients received either a probiotic or a placebo. The probiotic group consumed 1 g skim milk powder containing 10 10 CFU/g L. plantarum daily for 11 weeks. The placebo group received 1 g skim milk powder only daily for 11 weeks. At the start and end of the experiment, anthropometric measures, dietary intake surveys, blood samples, and fecal samples were obtained. The GM analysis of all samples was performed using polymerase chain reaction, and Illumina Novaseq was applied to the selected samples from each group at the beginning and end of the trial. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed with gas chromatography. The level of HbA1c in the probiotic group (n:10) significantly decreased from 9.34 ± 2.79% to 8.32 ± 2.04%. However, in comparison with the placebo (n:8), L. plantarum Dad-13 supplementation did not significantly decrease the HbA1c level. No significant change was observed in the fasting blood sugar and total cholesterol levels in either group. The GM analysis showed that L. plantarum Dad-13 supplementation resulted in a considerable increase in the L. plantarum number. No significant changes were observed in the Bifidobacterium and Prevotella populations. In addition, no significant change was observed in the fecal pH and SCFA (e.g., acetic acid, propionate, butyrate, and total SCFA) after supplementation with L. plantarum Dad-13.

Undernutrition is associated with gut microbiota unbalance, and probiotics are believed to restore it and improve gut integrity. A randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of gummy L. plantarum Dad-13 (10 8-9 CFU/3 g) to prevent the progression of severe undernutrition. Two groups of moderate undernutrition infants were involved in this study, namely the placebo ( n = 15) and probiotics ( n = 15) groups, and were required to consume the product for 50 days. 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR were used for gut microbiota analysis, and gas chromatography was used to analyze Short-Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA). The daily food intake of both groups was recorded using food records. Our results revealed that the probiotic group had better improvements regarding the anthropometry and nutritional status. In addition, L. plantarum Dad-13 modulated the butyric acid-producing bacteria to increase and inhibit the growth of Enterobacteriaceae. This gut modulation was associated with the increment in SCFA, especially total SCFA, propionic, and butyric acid. The number of L. plantarum was increased after the probiotic intervention. However, L. plantarum Dad-13 was not able to change the alpha and beta diversity. Therefore, L. plantarum Dad-13 has been proven to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Background: Hyperuricemia induces nephropathy through the mediation of oxidative stress, tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. The high uric acid level is associated with the reduction of vitamin D levels. However, the reno-protective effects of this vitamin in hyperuricemia condition remain unknown. This study aimed to elucidate calcitriol treatment in a uric acid-induced hyperuricemia mice model., Methods: : Uric acid (125 mg/kg body weight [BW]) was administered intraperitoneally for 7 (UA7) and 14 (UA14) days. Calcitriol (0.5 g/kg BW) was intraperitoneally injected for the following seven days, after 14 days of uric acid induction (UA14VD7 group). The control group received NaCl 0.9%, by the same route. Serum creatinine was measured using calorimetric method, and uric acid levels were assessed using enzymatic calorimetric assay. Tubular injury and fibrosis were assessed using PAS and Sirius red staining. RT-PCR and real-time reverse transcription PCR were carried out for the analyses of SOD-1, Collagen-1, and TGF-1 mRNA expression in the kidney. Immunostaining of super oxide dismutase type 1 (SOD-1) was performed to detect its expression in the kidney., Results: Uric acid and creatinine levels markedly increased in UA14 groups, followed by an exacerbation of tubular injury. RT-PCR revealed the upregulation of Collagen-1 and TGF-1, along with the downregulation of SOD-1. Calcitriol treatment attenuated the injury with reducing uric acid and creatinine levels, as well as tubular injury. This was associated with lower Collagen-1 and TGF-1 mRNA expression compared to the UA7 and UA14 groups. SOD-1 was upregulated in epithelial cells in the UA14VD7 group., Conclusion: Calcitriol treatment after uric acid induction may attenuate kidney injury through upregulation of SOD-1 and downregulation of Collagen-1 and TGF-1 gene expression.

Objectives: Soy-based formula has evolved in usage and processing technology since its introduction in 1909, and has been used as substitute formula for infants or children with cow milk allergy since 1929. At present, personal opinions, religious background, availability, palatability, and cost are part of the reasons soy-based formula is chosen. Technology in processing soy-based formula has evolved from using soy flour to soy protein isolate, which provides advantages. However, concerns remain regarding the impact of its use on the growth and development of children., Methods: An expert meeting, attended by 12 experts, was initiated in Jakarta, Indonesia, to obtain an evidence-based consensus on the role of soy protein isolate formula, as well as its nutritional value to support growth and development., Results: Ensuring that plant-based formula (i.e., soy protein isolate formula) is fortified with key nutrients, such as calcium, iron, and dietary fiber is important., Conclusions: Consensus was achieved, concluding that soy protein isolate formula is safe, affordable, and an alternative option for cow's milk-based formula for term infants., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Malnutrition has been associated with the gut microbiota composition and the gastrointestinal environment. This study aimed to evaluate whether there is a difference in the gut microbiota profile between the normal and undernutrition (considered moderate malnutrition) children and evaluate the gastrointestinal environment observed from the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile. Ten days' observations were done between normal ( n :13) and undernutrition ( n :15) children. The subject's diet was recorded using a food record. Analysis of the gut microbiota was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing targeting the V3-V4 variables region, while the SCFA profile was analyzed using gas chromatography. The result shows that the undernutrition group's energy intake was lower than in the normal group. Although there was no difference in diversity index and overall gut composition, overexpression of the genera Methanobrevibacter , Anaerococcus , Eubacterium , and Succinivibrio was observed in the undernutrition group. Meanwhile, in the normal group, Ruminococcus and Fusobacterium were found. In both groups, there was also the dominant of Prevotella enterotype. Gastrointestinal conditions in the normal group tended to be more acidic compared to the undernutrition group. It occurs due to the high concentration of propionate and butyric acids.

Background: Shifting on lifestyle, diet, and physical activity contributed on increasing number of obese people around the world. Multiple factors influence the development of obesity. Some research suggested that gut microbiota (GM) plays an important role in nutrient absorption and energy regulation of individuals, thus affecting their nutritional status. Report of Indonesia Basic Health Research showed that the prevalence of obesity in every province tended to increase. Although the root cause of obesity is excessive calorie intake compared with expenditure, the differences in gut microbial ecology between healthy and obese humans may affect energy homeostasis. GM affect body weight, especially obesity. Probiotics that are consumed while alive and able to colonize in the intestine are expected to increase the population of good bacteria, especially Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and suppress pathogens such as Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus . The strain of L. plantarum Dad-13 has been demonstrated to survive and colonize in the gastrointestinal tract of healthy Indonesian adults who consume fermented milk containing L. plantarum Dad-13. The consumption of probiotic L. plantarum Dad-13 powder decreased E. coli and non- E. coli coliform bacteria in school-aged children in Indonesia. L. plantarum is a dominant bacterium in the average Indonesian's GM. For this reason, this bacterium is probably a more suitable probiotic for Indonesians., Aim: To determine the effect of the consumption of indigenous probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 powder in overweight adults in Yogyakarta (Indonesia)., Methods: Sixty overweight volunteers with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 25 consume indigenous probiotic powder L. plantarum Dad-13 (2 × 10 9 CFU/gram/sachet) for 90 d. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The volunteers filled in a diary on a daily basis, which consisted of questions on study product intake (only during ingestion period), other food intake, number of bowel movements, fecal quality (consistency and color), any medications received, and any symptom of discomfort, such as diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, gassing, sensation of illness, etc. Fecal samples and the subjects' diaries were collected on the morning of day 10 + 1, which was marked as the end of the baseline period and the start of the ingestion period. During the ingestion period (from day 11 to day 101), several parameters to measure and analyze the results included body weight and height (once a month), the lipid profile, GM analysis using MiSeq, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis using gas chromatography, and the measurement of fecal pH using a pH meter., Results: The consumption of indigenous probiotic powder L. plantarum Dad-13 caused the average body weight and BMI of the probiotic group to decrease from 84.54 ± 17.64 kg to 83.14 ± 14.71 kg and 33.10 ± 6.15 kg/m 2 to 32.57 ± 5.01 kg/m 2 , respectively. No significant reduction of body weight and BMI in the placebo group was observed. An analysis of the microbiota showed that the number of Bacteroidetes , specifically Prevotella , increased significantly, while that of Firmicutes significantly decreased. No significant change in lipid profile in both groups was found. Also, no significant change in SCFAs ( e.g. , butyrate, propionate, acetic acid) and pH level was found after the consumption of the probiotic., Conclusion: No significant differences in pH before and after ingestion were observed in both the probiotic and placebo groups as well as in the lipid profile of both cholesterol and triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and the LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, no significant changes in the concentration of SCFAs ( e.g. , acetic acid, propionate, and butyrate) were found after con-sumption. Interestingly, a significant decrease in body weight and BMI ( P < 0.05) was determined in the treatment group. An analysis of GM shows that L. plantarum Dad-13 caused the Firmicutes population to decrease and the Bacteroidetes population (especially Prevotella ) to increase., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this manuscript., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Several studies have shown that oral sucrose reduces pain in newborns. However, sucrose has no efficacy in eliminating pain and long-term effects remain unclear. Breast milk may be useful as an alternative, safe sweet solution. Sensorial saturation (SS) is a multisensory analgesic non-pharmacological treatment, which includes touch and sounds as distractors. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of SS with sucrose (SSS), SS with breast milk (SSB), and oral sucrose alone (S24%) in neonates undergoing venipuncture., Design and Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 108 neonates who underwent venipuncture at neonatology wards. All babies were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two intervention groups and one control group. Pain response was assessed using the premature infant pain profile-revised (PIPP-R). Data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test., Results: SSB and SSS were more effective than S24% (p = 0.001). No difference was observed between SSB and SSS (p = 0.669)., Conclusion: Multisensory stimulation is more effective in reducing pain than unimodal (oral sucrose) analgesia. Breast milk can be used as a sensory gustatory stimulus in multisensory stimulation to reduce pain intensity in neonates, and demonstrates a similar analgesic effect to sucrose., Practice Implications: The study findings suggest that neonatal nurses could use SSB for management of pain. This intervention could serve as an effective, inexpensive, and safe non-pharmacological analgesic. Additional testing of this intervention is warranted to support its use as an evidence-based pain reduction approach., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Nutritional anemia in Indonesian children and adolescents is generally regarded and treated as iron-deficient anemia, as it is in individuals in other age groups., Objectives: Yet, it remains a public health threat without comprehensive management or a sustained solution., Methods: This review seeks to improve understanding of impediments to its resolution. Relevant studies reported in the past 5 years were identified in PubMed, Science Direct, Crossreff, Google Scholar, and Directory of Open Access Journals databases., Results: In all, 12 studies in several Indonesian cities provided the basis for the review. Most were conducted in schools, indicating the potential of these institutions as targets for intervention but pointing to serious deficiencies in identification of the problem across the archipelago and in remote and rural areas. No study has evaluated coexistent anemia and malnutrition, which likely would have revealed the multi-factoriality of nutritional anemia. Data regarding nutrition education, food-based innovation, and supplementation, which may alleviate anemia in children and adolescents, are available, although study lengths and sample sizes have limited interpretation and comparison., Conclusions: Broadly, three intervention approaches to nutritional anemia have been undertaken, namely food-based interventions, nutrient supplementation, and nutrition education. Some progress has been made with these approaches, presumably through increases in iron intake. More information is needed regarding the underlying causality and pathogenesis, suboptimal food patterns, and comorbidities, any of which might limit the effectiveness of programs designed to resolve childhood and adolescent anemia in Indonesia.

This critical review is intended to analyse the existing studies on the consumption patterns of sweetened condensed milk in the diet of young Indonesian children and its potential nutritional health consequences. Considering its limited nutritional value and high sugar content, sweetened condensed milk (SCM) should not be administered to young children (1-3 years old) with the goal of promoting their growth and development. However, such false practice has been reported in mostly urban studies among the underprivileged population. Conclusive scientific evidence is also still lacking regarding the health risks of long-term SCM consumption by young Indonesian children at early ages, as no study has focused on this specific topic. Nevertheless, inadequate understanding of SCM, its consumption patterns, and its long-term effects on health among young Indonesian children have been implicated in public confusion on the topic. Ongoing disparities that exist between regulation, industrial practices, and product advertisement have led to poor understanding in communities, which, to a considerable extent, has contributed to difficulties in segregating data on the consumption of SCM and its related products. Analogous to sugar-sweetened beverages, limited SCM consumption can be recommended when appropriately implemented with active monitoring and evaluation of product advertisements and product labeling, enforcement of regulations, and provision of effective customer education.

Background and Objectives: Inflammation in the intestine causes diarrhea due to an increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. These are triggered by the exposure of E. coli -LPS to epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa as well as low concentration of zinc in plasma such as in infants or children who are experiencing diarrhea. This paper aims to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) in mice with E. coli -LPS-induced diarrhea., Materials and Methods: This study used a controlled trial experimental design in the laboratory. A sample size of 20 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) Control group was given standard foods, 2) Trial group was given E. coli -LPS 2.5 mg/kg/oral once on day1, 3) Prevention group was given E. coli -LPS + 30 mg/kg/oral of zinc once daily for 12 days, 4) Therapeutic group was given E. coli -LPS, and were then given 30 mg/kg/oral of zinc once daily for 12 days if diarrhea occurred. Blood samples of mice were taken through the orbital sinus on the 0, 5 th , 10 th hour, and on the 4 th , 8 th and 12 th days., Results: Positive effects of zinc supplementation on levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed, in which the higher levels of zinc were present, the lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially TNF-α were observed. However, there was an increase of IL-1 and IL-6 levels on the 8 th day in the prevention and therapeutic groups., Conclusion: Oral zinc supplementation had a significant positive effect on the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Where there were higher levels of zinc, lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α were present., (Copyright© 2019 Iranian Neuroscience Society.)

Context: The term pain in neonates is emerged in recent decades. However, studies on pain in neonates are still limited and have various indicators. In addition, the term pain still often overlaps with stress in various studies and clinical circumstances. The concepts of pain and stress in the neonates need to be clarified to be better understood and then applied to improve neonates' quality of life. Therefore, the current study aimed at clarifying the concept of pain in neonates., Evidence Acquisition: The current study employed the concept analysis approach developed by Walker and Avant. The authors reviewed articles from JSTOR, ScienceDirect, Proquest, Sage, Cochrane, and Springer databases from 1980 to 2016 using keywords pain, stress, neonatal, neonates, and quality of life., Results: Pain had attributes such as tissue damage, physiological changes, metabolic changes, and behavioral changes. Stress had attributes such as physiological changes, metabolic changes, and behavioral changes., Conclusions: Attributes of pain and stress have similarities and differences. The main difference is the stimulus that induces a response. Pain has an attribute of tissue damage, whereas stress is not always due to tissue damage. The attributes of physical, metabolic, and behavioral changes between pain and stress are similar., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019, Author(s).)

Purpose: Pain assessment is a key component of good pain management in hospitalized infants. This study aimed to translate and adapt a version of pain measurement in infants, the Premature Infant Pain Profile Revised (PIPP-R) into Indonesian., Method: The adaptation process of the measuring instrument used a modified Brislin method which included forward translation, back translation 1, group discussion 1, back translation 2, group discussion 2, and pilot testing on neonatal nurses: feasibility test, inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC), and internal consistency using Cronbach's α coefficient., Results: The PIPP-R version in English has been translated into Indonesian. In general, nurses assessed this measuring instrument as feasible. The inter-rater reliability showed a high agreement (ICC = 0.968, P  = 0.001) and this measuring instrument had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.856)., Conclusion: The Indonesian version of PIPP-R is easy to use and shows good psychometric properties. The use of this measuring instrument will help nurses and researchers obtain accurate infant pain intensity measurement values., (© 2019 Chinese Nursing Association. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

The Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is the condition of a lack of carbohydrate and protein stores in the body that trigger chronic failure nutrient intake and body maintenance function caused to impact the heart functions. The NT-pro-BNP and Hs- Troponin I proteins were found as the indicator of cardiac dysfunction. The sixty subjects of PEM, analyzed by standard of Indonesia Healt Ministry as well as nutritional status. The blood electrolytes examined by laboratory assay and the levels of Hs-Troponin 1 and NT-Pro-BNP were analyzed by Immune-Chromatography method. Assessing of the ventricular mass with the seeing the peak of the diastolic flow rate of left ventricular that estimated by the curve of the receiver operating characteristic and the area under the curve (P<0.05). The result has shown that the PEM decreased in the left ventricular mass for impaired heart function and systolic disorder. The Hs- Troponin I (90.9%) has better sensitivity than NT-pro-BNP (85.5%) if the merger of those markers possesses the lowest sensitivity (81.8%). These proteins have good biomarkers in heart function, mainly in cases where PEM is present., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Background: Recently, gut microbiota has been associated with various diseases other than intestinal disease. Thus, there has been rapid growth in the study of gut microbiota. Considering the numerous factors influencing gut microbiota such as age, diet, etc ., area-based research is required. Indonesia has numerous different tribes and each of these tribes have different lifestyles. Hence, it is expected that each tribe has a specific gut microbiota. A deeper insight into the composition of gut microbiota can be used to determine the condition of gut microbiota in Indonesians and to consider which treatment may be suitable and effective to improve health status., Aim: To investigate the gut microbiota of Indonesian subjects represented by Javanese and Balinese tribes by analyzing fecal samples., Methods: Fecal samples were collected from a total of 80 individuals with 20 in each of the young groups ranging from 25-45 years and the elderly group aged 70 years or more from two different regions, Yogyakarta and Bali. Fecal sample collection was performed at the end of the assessment period (day 14 ± 1 d) during which time the subjects were not allowed to consume probiotic or antibiotic products. The quantification of various Clostridium subgroups, Lactobacillus subgroups, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus , Bacteroides fragilis group and Prevotella , Bifidobacterium and Atopobium cluster, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas was performed using the Yakult intestinal flora-scan (YIF-SCAN)., Results: The bacterial population in younger subjects' feces was higher than that in the elderly population, with a total of approximately 10.0 - 10.6 log 10 bacterial cells/g feces. The most abundant bacteria in all groups were Clostridium , followed by Prevotella, Atopobium, Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides . In the elderly, an increase in Enterobacteriaceae , Coliform and Escherichia coli was found. In terms of bacterial counts in Yogyakarta, total bacteria, Clostridium coccoides ( C. coccoides ) group, Bifidobacterium , Prevotella , Lactobacillus plantarum subgroup, and Streptococcus were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in younger than elderly subjects, while the Lactobacillus gasseri subgroup, Lactobacillus casei subgroup, and Lactobacillus reuteri subgroup counts were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in younger subjects. In Balinese subjects, total bacteria, C. coccoides group, Clostridium leptum subgroup, Bacteroides fragilis group, and Prevotella were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in younger compared to elderly individuals, while the Lactobacillus ruminis subgroup, and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in younger subjects. The results also revealed that, besides the C. coccoides group and Clostridium leptum group being the most abundant gut microbiota in both Yogyakarta and Balinese people, the latter was indicated by a higher Clostridium perfringens count, which was almost 10 times that of Yogyakarta subjects. This may be a response to different lifestyles in the different tribes; however, this phenomenon requires further extensive study., Conclusion: Bacterial populations were higher in younger than in elderly subjects. Most abundant bacterial groups were Clostridium, Prevotella, Atopobium, Bifidobacterium , and Bacteroides . The level of Clostridium perfringens in Yogyakarta subjects was lower than that in Balinese subjects.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the minimally meaningful dosage of inulin leading to a prebiotic effect in Indonesian infants., Methods: In a randomized controlled double-blinded, parallel, 3-arm intervention study, 164 healthy formula-fed infants aged 3 to 5 months first obtained formula-A (without inulin) during a 4-week adaptation period. Subsequently, 142 subjects were subjected to a 4-week feeding period by administering either formula-A (no inulin), formula-B (0.2 g/100 mL inulin) or formula-C (0.4 g/100 mL inulin). The primary outcome parameter was %-bifidobacteria in faecal samples determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Secondary outcome parameters were faecal %-lactobacilli, pH and stool frequency, and consistency. Growth and tolerance/adverse effects were recorded as safety parameters., Results: Typical %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli at the end of the adaptation period in the study population were 14% and 2%, respectively. For faecal pH, significant differences between formula groups A vs. C and A vs. B were found at the end of the intervention period. Testing for differences in faecal %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli between groups was hampered by non-normal data set distributions; no statistically significant differences were obtained. Comparisons within groups revealed that only in formula group C, all the three relevant parameters exhibited a significant effect with an increase in faecal %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli and a decrease in pH., Conclusion: A consistent prebiotic effect along with a decrease in pH and increase in %-bifidobacteria and %-lactobacilli was found only in the group administered 0.4 g inulin/100 mL.

Obesity in adolescents has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Several factors have been proposed to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents including dietary habit, physical activity and genetic. This study was aimed to evaluate the interaction between genetic variation and dietary intake on cardiovascular metabolic risk factors in obese and normal weight adolescents. The UCP2 gene was chosen because it was previously correlated with dietary intake and cardiovascular risk factors. This study is a case control study done in 10 senior high school in Yogyakarta. Subjects were obese and normal weight adolescents taken from an obesity screening with age ranged between 16 and 18 years old. Dyslipidemia was observed by measuring total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL dan HDL level while insulin resistance was determined by calculating fasting glucose and insulin level. Lipid profile, glucose and insulin level were measured after 8 hours of fasting. UCP2 -866G/A gene polymorphism were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The results show that obese adolescents had significantly higher blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, insulin level and lower HDL level than their normal weight counterparts (all p<0.001). In obese adolescents, UCP2 -866G/A was associated with blood pressure (p=0.025), total cholesterol level (p=0.025), LDL (p=0.024) level and HOMA IR (p<0.001) but not with dietary fat intake (p=0.386). Additionally, subjects with UCP2 -866G/A gene polymorphism and high dietary fat intake had lower risk on obesity compared to those without UCP2 -866G/A gene polymorphism and low dietary fat intake. We conclude that the UCP2 -866G/A was associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance in obese adolescents. Additionally, we also observed the interaction between UCP2 -866G/A gene polymorphism and dietary intake on the risk of obesity.

Despite their universal character, the ethical principles governing clinical research need to be translated into procedures and practices, which will vary among countries and regions because of differences in local cultural norms and in the available resources. Double ethical review, by which a research protocol is submitted for ethical clearance both in the country or countries where the research takes place and in the country of the sponsor or funding agency, will then help ensure that all relevant perspectives are taken into account. In addition, a geographically and culturally close ethics committee can do a much better informed and comprehensive assessment of the respective skills of the clinical sites and of the sponsor. But the practical implementation of double ethical review can bring significant difficulties and delays, especially in multi-site and multi-country researches. Currently, most ethics committees do not proactively seek communication with others evaluating the same research protocol in different socio-economical and cultural contexts, so in practice there is no mutual learning process. Proactive communication would help to build collaborative partnership among ethical bodies, promoting common practices and resolving conflicting opinions., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

A study of epidemic transmission of Chikungunya virus (CHIK) was initiated in April 1999 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Three hundred seventeen volunteers from three kelurahans (sub-districts) were recruited. Anti-CHIK IgG antibodies were detected in 68% to 74% of cases and 28% to 32% of controls. In the kelurahan with no reported CHIK illness, 29% of cases and 28% of controls had anti-CHIK IgG antibodies. None of these cases demonstrated anti-CHIK IgM antibodies. In the two kelurahans with disease activity, anti-CHIK IgM antibodies were detected in 3% to 36% of cases, with the highest percentage from the kelurahan with recently reported cases. Ten percent of controls from Gowok had anti-CHIK IgM detected in their serum. Twelve acutely ill volunteers were later included from the kelurahan Pilahan for virus identification. Samples from two volunteers were culture- and RT-PCR-positive for CHIK. This is the first documentation of epidemic transmission of CHIK in Indonesia since 1982.

To assess the potential role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the pathogenesis of dengue virus infection, levels of this cytokine were measured in children with dengue virus infection on admission to the hospital. As presumed surrogate markers of IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) were measured. Three groups were studied: 33 apparently healthy children as negative controls, 11 children with bacterial infections as positive controls, and 186 children with serologically documented dengue virus infection. One-hundred and fifteen patients had dengue fever (DF) and 71 had dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Compared with healthy controls, dengue shock syndrome (DSS) patients had significantly higher levels of IL-6 on admission (P < 0.05), comparable with those in positive controls. Dengue patients with shock had significantly higher levels of IL-6 than normotensive patients (P < 0.001) and higher levels of IL-6 were associated with a higher incidence of ascites. C-reactive protein concentrations in dengue patients and in healthy children were not different, but lower than in children with bacterial infections (P = 0.008). Secretory phospholipase A2 levels were higher in dengue patients than in apparently healthy children (P < or = 0.05) and similar to those in children with bacterial infection. Dengue shock syndrome patients had significantly higher sPLA2 concentrations than normotensive patients (P = 0.02). These data indicate that IL-6 and sPLA2 may have a pathogenetic role only in the most severe forms of dengue virus infection.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) cause an acute inflammation of the liver. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) cause chickenpox (varicella) and herpes zoster. Effective vaccines against hepatitis A and varicella are available for children, adolescents and adults. In order to implement an appropriate vaccination policy, a baseline to assess the potential benefits and sections of the population who would benefit most are required. We investigated seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus and varicella zoster antibodies in a Javanese community. A total of 1,103 subjects were studied. The 600 subjects aged 4 to 9 years were sampled between 23 October and 2 November, 1995. The other subjects were sampled between 12 October and 1 November, 1996. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV in cohort was 28.7%. Anti-HAV seroprevalence rates were below 30% until the age of 15 and below 40% until the age of 25. The anti-varicella seroprevalence showed only in two thirds of seropositive population at the age of 15. The results of the study have implications for vaccination strategies for both hepatitis A and varicella zoster.

A prospective study on dengue (DEN) viruses was initiated in October 1995 in Gondokusuman kecamatan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This report presents data from the first year of the study. The studied cohort included all children 4-9 years of age living in the kecamatan. Blood samples for serology were collected from 1,837 children in October 1995 and again in October 1996. Blood samples for virus isolation and serology were collected from cohort children who were seen in municipal health clinics with febrile syndromes or admitted to hospitals with a provisional diagnosis of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue serotype antibody prevalence and 1995-1996 infection rates were calculated using a single dilution (1:60) 70% plaque reduction endpoint neutralization test. Prevalence of dengue antibody at the beginning of the study was DEN 1 = 12%, DEN 2 = 16%, DEN 3 = 2%, DEN 4 = 4%, and two or more dengue infections = 22%. Total dengue antibody prevalence increased from 38% in 4-year-old children to 69% in 9-year-old children. During the observation period, primary dengue infection rates were DEN 1 = 4.8%, DEN 2 = 7.7%, DEN 3 = 4.2%, and DEN 4 = 3.4%, while two or more dengue infections occurred in 6.7% of the study population. The secondary dengue infection rate was 19.0%. From febrile cases, all four dengue viruses were isolated with DEN 3 predominating. Seven children were hospitalized, including one fatal case with a hospital diagnosis of dengue shock syndrome. Based upon presence of antibody in the initial cohort bleeding and the serologic response both weeks and several months following illness, all had secondary dengue infections. Neutralizing antibody patterns in the initial cohort bleeding and in late convalescent serum samples permitted recognition of dengue infection sequence in five patients: DEN 2-DEN 1 (3), DEN 2-DEN 4 (1), DEN 1-DEN 3 (1), and none in the sequence DEN 1-DEN 2. In the total cohort 6.5% of the observed secondary infections were of the sequence DEN 2-DEN 1, while 4.9% were DEN 1-DEN 2, a highly pathogenic sequence in previous studies. Reduced pathogenic expression of secondary DEN 2 with enhanced pathogenic expression of secondary DEN 1 infections was an unexpected finding. Further studies will be required to understand the respective contributions to pathogenicity of antibody from initial dengue infections versus the biological attributes of the second infecting dengue viruses.