Journal of Medicinal and Chemical Sciences
Volume:7 Issue: 10, Oct 2024

Pulpitis, a painful condition, often occurs in children. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by pulp fibroblasts, which play a crucial role in pulpitis. Eugenol is one of the anti-inflammatory agents that can inhibit IL-6. Eugenol has been clinically applied to pulpitis anodyne agents, but eugenol might irritate periapical tissues if used excessively for a long time. This study investigated how eugenol volume, exposure time, and their interaction affected IL-6 expression in pulpitis in Sprague-Dawley rats. The posttest-only control group consisted of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were presented with 0.1 µL, 0.08 µL, and 0.02 µL eugenol and a negative control for 1 hour, 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days. rats were decapitated, histological preparations were prepared, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed. On a 400-magnification microscope, ImageJ was used to calculate the average IL-6 expression area %. Data analysis was done through two-way ANOVA. The 0.08 µL eugenol volume exposure group had low IL-6 expression after 3 days, with 25,149 ± 0,82. IL-6 expression increased at 0,1 µL, 0,08 µL, and 0,02 µL volumes after 7 days compared to the negative control. The results of the present study showed that two-way ANOVA test shows significant variations (p < 0.05) in IL-6 expression based on eugenol volume and exposure time, with an interaction between the two variables. Low IL-6 expression was seen with a 0.08 µL amount of eugenol and 3-day exposure duration.

Dental caries is a prevalent global health issue, causing tooth damage due to bacterial activity in dental plaque. Despite the availability of fluoride-containing products, it remains a significant challenge, especially in developing countries. This study aims to develop and test a mouthwash formulation containing sappan wood extract (Caesalpinia sappan L.) as a preventive agent for dental caries. Dental caries is caused by the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria that form plaque on the teeth. Sappan wood is known to contain brasilin which has antimicrobial activity. This study used a laboratory experimental design to test the antibacterial activity of the mouthwash formulation. The main ingredient, secang wood, was obtained from a traditional market in Surabaya, Indonesia. Extraction was carried out by maceration method using 70% ethanol. Formulation of the mouthwash involved a mixture of secang extract with glycerin, sorbitol, ethanol, methyl paraben, flavouring agents, and distilled water. Antibacterial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method on agar media inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. The results showed that secang wood extract effectively inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans with a significant inhibition zone. This study also showed that sappan wood extract has antibiofilm activity which is important in the prevention of dental caries. In addition, sappan wood also has anti-inflammatory activity that is beneficial in the treatment of periodontal disease. These results support the potential use of sappan wood extract in oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and mouth gel to support dental health and prevent periodontal disease. However, further research is needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of these formulations through human clinical trials. This study also highlights the importance of developing natural-based oral care products as a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals.

The purpose of the current study is to design and optimize Rosuvastatin calcium orally fast disintegrating tablet (OFDT) with the assistance of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP) model. Rosuvastatin calcium is commonly employed as a cholesterol-lowering agent. In our previous work established literature raw material data of OFDTs were collected from 92 research articles, which contain compositional and evaluation parameters and the data trained with Machine learning techniques (ML) to evaluate the optimal ingredients which helps further to develop and optimize Rosuvastatin calcium OFDTs using ANN based MLP. Rosuvastatin calcium OFDTs were formulated according to a 32-factorial design (randomized Box-Behnken method), and formulations were compressed using the direct compression method with varying compositions of superdisintegrant (Crospovidone) 2-4% binder microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 5-20%, Mannitol as a diluent, magnesium stearate (Mg st) as a lubricant, and talc (1-3%) as a glidant. The developed formulations were assessed to determine their thickness, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and drug content. ANN was used for optimization, and the MLP model was trained using experimental data until a satisfactory R2 of 0.99 and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) of 0.024 was reached. The compressed tablets (F19) exceeded the desired criteria in terms of thickness (2.6mm), hardness (2.8 kg), friability (0.6%), drug content (99%), and disintegration time (36 sec). The potential use of ANN in pharmaceutical formulation optimization to achieve desired performance characteristics is demonstrated by this work. This study shows the efficacy of ANN with MLP in the development of Rosuvastatin calcium OFDTs.

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are the most common causes of foodborne illness. Candida tropicalis is also found in the faeces of chronic diarrhoea patients. Biofilms can form on the surfaces of living or inanimate objects. Biofilm formation contributes to various infections and makes their eradication difficult. The Nephelium mutabile plant is known to have active substances that are antibacterial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Nephelium mutabile leaf extract in inhibiting biofilms formed by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida tropicalis. This study used a Completely Randomized Design [CRD] with two sample groups: the sample group with the addition of Nephelium mutabile extract before biofilm formation and the group sample without any treatment. The concentration of Nephelium mutabileleaf extract for the biofilm inhibition test was 25%. Distilled water is used for negative control. Nephelium mutabile extract was most effective in inhibiting the formation of a Candida tropicalis biofilm [92.24%], and the lowest effectiveness inhibited the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm [35.76%]. Nephelium mutabile leaf extract has the potential to be an antibiofilm for bacteria and fungi [Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida tropicalis].

The COVID-19 pandemic that occurred in the late of 2019, has significantly impacted various sectors, including health, the economy, and education. Despite extensive research globally, there is limited literature on the psychological effects of the pandemic in East Asia, particularly in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among Indonesian communities during the pandemic, and how these conditions relate to demographic characteristics. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the study employed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses using the DASS 42 questionnaire. The sample comprised 389 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Analysis through SPSS software, including Chi-Square and multivariate logistic regression tests, revealed that the majority of respondents did not experience significant anxiety (53.7%), while 21.7% and 11.9% experienced moderate and mild anxiety, respectively. Depression was absent in 74% of respondents, though 3.6% to 10% reported mild to extreme levels. Stress was reported by 28.3% of respondents, with 1.5% to 13.6% experiencing extremely severe to mild stress. Significant correlations were found between anxiety, depression, and stress with factors such as sex, age, residential area, and occupation. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological and financial support, along with collaborative programs aimed at addressing economic, health, and educational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

The dengue virus is a prevalent viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that is widespread across the globe. It results in 390 million infections each year, with over 25% of these being clinically evident and causing an illness. The severity of dengue illness is believed to be associated with the occurrence of secondary infection and high viral load. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) patients exhibit a greater viral load compared to Dengue Fever (DF) patients. There is currently lack of sufficient data on the projected viral load's impact on the severity of dengue infection. In the region of East Java, specifically in Jember, which is known for having high prevalence of dengue fever, there has been a lack of research conducted on the viral load of individuals infected with dengue. The objective of this study is to establish the correlation between viral load and the level of severity of dengue infection in Jember Regency. A cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted. The study included a total sample of 48 individuals, ranging in age from 1 to 65 years, who matched the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bivariate analysis using the Spearman correlation test. According to the 2011 WHO-SEARO diagnostic criteria, the majority of the samples (52.1%) fell into the DF group, followed by 11 people (22.9%) in the DHF grade I group, 7 people (14.6%) in the undifferentiated fever group, and 5 people (10.4%) in the DHF grade III group. This study did not include a representative sample of individuals with DHF grade II, DHF grade IV, and expanded dengue. The Spearman correlation test revealed p-value of 0.645. The results of this bivariate study were determined to be insignificant due to the p-value was > 0.05. The severity of patients' dengue virus infection did not significantly correlate with their viral load.

As scholars and practitioners endeavour to comprehend the intricate interplay between mental health conditions during this unprecedented time, a growing body of research underscores the profound implications of anxiety, stress, and depression on students' educational trajectories. While epidemiological studies have begun to assess the impacts of anxiety, stress, and depression, there is limited literature specifically addressing the effects on medical students in East Asia, particularly in Indonesia. This study aims to analyse the levels of anxiety, stress, depression, and their impact on the academic performance of undergraduate medical students. This study employs a quantitative, observational, and analytical cross-sectional design. The sample size is 405 respondents, selected using purposive sampling. Data collection involves the DASS 42 questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using Chi-Square tests and multivariate analysis with SPSS software. The study reveals a significant correlation between anxiety and academic performance, with a p-value < 0.05 (OR=1.815). Stress also affects academic performance, with a p-value < 0.25 (OR=1.757). In addition, depression significantly impacts academic performance with a p-value < 0.05 (OR=2.009). Collectively, anxiety, stress, and depression significantly influence academic performance, with a combined p-value < 0.05 (OR=5.136). Anxiety, stress, and depression significantly affect the academic performance of students. Implementing targeted programs to reduce these mental health issues can enhance students' quality of life and academic success.

Epilepsy is a prevalent chronic neurological disorder in children, often requiring long term antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy. These medications can have cardiovascular side effects, including the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Such effects have been reported to impact the thickness of the carotid intima-media and the ejection fraction of the heart. This study aims to compare the carotid artery intima-media thickness and ejection fraction in children with epilepsy undergoing monotherapy versus polytherapy. This cross-sectional study collected primary data from pediatric epilepsy patients at the Child Neurology Outpatient and Inpatient Installation, Department of Pediatrics, RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya, from June to August 2023. Patients who met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate were included through consecutive sampling. Data analysis was performed using the paired t-test, and data processing was conducted using SPSS. The study included 30 patients, predominantly male (53.3%). The mean age was 9.33 ± 5 years in the monotherapy group and 7.29 ± 4.59 years in the polytherapy group. In the polytherapy group, the mean carotid intima-media thickness was 0.073 ± 0.13 cm, compared to 0.06 ± 0.08 cm in the monotherapy group. The mean ejection fraction was 58 ± 1.76% in the polytherapy group and 71.05 ± 3.9% in the monotherapy group. The comparison of carotid intima-media thickness showed no significant difference (p > 0.05), while the ejection fraction comparison was significantly different (p < 0.05). Polytherapy in pediatric epilepsy is associated with a significantly lower ejection fraction, indicating potential cardiovascular risks, while differences in carotid intima-media thickness were not statistically significant.

Cupping therapy is a commonly used complementary approach that has found extensive application, including in stroke. The impact of wet cupping therapy and physical exercise were expressed in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and in motor function of stroke animal models. Twenty-four Wistar rats with 3-month-old were divided into four groups: sham (n=6), stroke (n=6), stroke + exercise group (n=6), and stroke + cupping group (n=6). Animal models of stroke were created. Wet cupping therapy was performed twice a week for three weeks. BDNF expression varied significantly among groups. Mann-Whitney tests revealed significant differences between stroke and stroke + exercise (p=0.037) and stroke and stroke + cupping groups (p=0.004). Significant pre- to post-treatment improvements were observed in the stroke + exercise and stroke + cupping groups (p<0.05). Post-treatment, no substantial discrepancies were observed between the stroke + exercise and stroke + cupping groups. Research revealed that both high-intensity exercise and wet cupping increase BDNF expression, crucial for neuroplasticity. BDNF plays a significant role in neural health, protecting against various neurological conditions. However, the methodological limitations of this study suggest cautious interpretation of its findings. Both exercise and wet cupping therapy showed significant differences in BDNF expression when compared to stroke alone, suggesting their potential as beneficial interventions for stroke recovery in the studied animal models.

Allergic rhinitis significantly affects children's quality of life by causing persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities and sleep, while also exacerbating related conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between skin prick test (SPT) induration size and the severity of allergic rhinitis in pediatric patients, using the Combined Symptom Medication Score (CSMS) as a measure of disease severity. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 45 children aged 1-18 years with clinically confirmed allergic rhinitis due to house dust mites (HDM). Bivariate analysis revealed no significant correlation between SPT induration size and CSMS scores (r = 0.18, p = 0.121). However, multivariate analysis identified a weak positive correlation between disease severity and factors such as family history of atopy (r = 0.779, p = 0.006) and the presence of atopic comorbidities (r = 0.286, p = 0.007). These findings suggest that while SPT alone may not reliably predict disease severity, combining SPT results with patient-specific factors provides better insights. The study highlights the need for a multifactorial approach to assessing pediatric allergic rhinitis, integrating objective and subjective measures. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive scoring systems that incorporate clinical and biomarker data to enhance diagnostic accuracy and individualized treatment strategies. This holistic approach could improve outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients.

The importance of point-of-care testing (POCT) has increased due to its ability to reduce the turnaround time (TAT), allowing faster patient management and health care. The Prufen Hemoglobin (Hb) Meter, a POCT test strip, measures the blood’s hemoglobin levels. This study aimed to analyze the comparison between the POCT Prufen Hb Meter and a hematology analyzer using the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) method. This study was conducted at the Dr. Soetomo Hospital from December 2022 to February 2023. A total of 92 EDTA venous samples from the Sysmex XN 1000 hematology analyzer were divided into three hemoglobin levels: low (<12 g/dL), 30 samples; normal (12-16 g/dL), 32 samples; and high (>16 g/dL), 30 samples. All samples were re-examined using the POCT Prufen Hemoglobin Meter. The t-test analysis showed a significant difference between the two methods (p < 0.05). The Bland-Altmann test indicated a good agreement between the two devices. In conclusion, the Prufen Hb Meter POCT device consistently measured lower hemoglobin values than the Sysmex® XN 1000 across all hemoglobin levels. Therefore, caution is needed when using the POCT device for hemoglobin detection for the purpose of initiating and monitoring therapy. Measurement of hemoglobin levels with a hematology analyzer is recommended for more accurate results.

Dengue fever control using chemical methods is often performed by the community due to its immediate and effective results. Control is applied through thermal fogging. Continuous use of chemicals beyond the recommended dose leads to resistance. Methods to determine mosquito resistance include the World Health Organization (WHO) Susceptibility tests using impregnated paper, non-specific esterase enzyme biochemistry using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA reader), and VGSC gene identification (Voltage Gated Sodium Channel) using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Kediri Regency has been using Cypermethrin insecticide for one year to prevent resistance. This study aims to predict the resistance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to Cypermethrin 0.05% insecticide. This is an observational laboratory study and efficacy test with a cross-sectional design. Third-generation (F3) Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were used as research subjects, with Cypermethrin 0.05% as the insecticide. The study variable is the percentage of mosquitoes that die within 60 minutes and 24 hours post thermal fogging application. Efficacy tests and VGSC gene identification results show that up to the 6th generation (R3), mosquitoes remain susceptible to Cypermethrin 0.05%. The mortality percentage is ≥ 98%, and the non-esterase absorbance value increases from 0.276 (R0) to 0.488 (R3). Further resistance testing using ELISA, PCR, and chromosome examination with the Sanger method continues until mosquitoes show resistance to Cypermethrin 0.05%.

Stroke-induced acute brain injury is a major cause of disability and mortality. Stem cell therapy has the ability to treat the neurological damage due to stroke worldwide. In vitro, Neural Stem Cell (NSC) stimulates axon growth and exhibit protective effects through the secretion of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). The current study aims to determine the NGF levels in rats with hypoxic ischemia given neural stem cells. An animal experimental study was used. Sixteen healthy rats were divided into two groups, namely the hypoxia group and the hypoxia-treatment group. Both groups underwent the stroke model procedure. Hypoxia group was categorized as control group that received no intervention. The hypoxia-treatment group received Neural Stem Cell (NSC) intra-ventricularly. NSC was derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) adipose rat tissue. In the next 48 hours, the rats were then slowly sacrificed. The clinical proven stroke was assessed with neurological score. NGF levels were measured from blood serum and determined by ELISA examination. Positive expression of MSC was validated from CD 105, CD 90, and CD 29. Negative expressions of MSC were validated from CD 45. NSC was categorized by the Nestin expression. All rats in both groups suffered from hemiparesis with different levels based on neurology score evaluated on a six-point scale at 24 hours. There was statistically significant different NGF levels between groups after NSC procedure (p<0.05). The administered NSCs in stroke rat model produced higher levels of NGF.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating and chronic age-related pulmonary disease with a poor prognosis and inadequate treatment choices. Nintedanib, a high-profile receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is one of the only two listed drugs for treating IPF. Researchers have innovatively engineered a spectrum of nanocarriers for the oral administration of 6-mercaptopurine, driven by progress in pioneering methods for delivering drugs. Of these myriad drug delivery modalities, nanostructured lipid carriers have emerged as a particularly promising vehicle for oral drug delivery, owing to their superior drug loading capacity, augmented bioavailability, and remarkable biocompatibility and biodegradability. Human nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) has been previously documented to modulate mesenchymal cell activity and attenuate fibrogenic signalling. To mitigate the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-β, NR4A1 recruits a repressor complex that includes transcription factor SP1, scaffold protein SIN3A, CoREST, lysine-specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1), and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to Transforming growth factor β target genes. Nur77/NR4A1 agonists such as Cytosporone B and 6-Mercaptopurine function as TGF-β pathway negative regulators during wound healing. It also implies that pathological circumstances disrupt this Nur77-mediated negative feedback loop, which results in prolonged TGF-β signalling and increased fibrogenesis. The present study aimed to determine the toxic and prophylactic efficacy of a 6-mercaptopurine-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier in BLM- induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. For that, we investigated the toxicity profile as well as prophylactic efficacy of a 6-mercaptopurine-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (6-MP-NLC) drug known to promote NR4A1 signalling and could diminish pulmonary fibrosis in the mice. At higher doses, 6-MP-NLC and 6-MP therapy significantly decreased the neutrophil BALF count, hydroxyproline levels, inflammatory-promoting cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), histopathology endpoints such as inflammation and collagen levels, and immunohistochemistry parameters like COL1A1, α-SMA, and TGF-β. Research suggests that NR4A1 may help reduce fibrotic processes in lung fibrosis, potentially improving management of inflammation-related lung conditions.

Vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), has shown promising anticancer effects, but its use is limited by its cytotoxicity and growing resistance. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the combined effect of vorinostat and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) on cancer cell lines by assessing their cytotoxicity, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities to improve the effectiveness and lessen the adverse effects of vorinostat. The combination of vorinostat and SNPs was tested on different cancer cell lines, along with normal fibroblasts. The anti-proliferative effect was assessed using different concentration of vorinostat and SNPs and the expression levels of vascular endothelial factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin I beta (IL-1β), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) markers were evaluated by ELISA. The combined treatment of vorinostat and SNPs significantly increased the anti-proliferative in cancer cells compared to monotherapies. A significant reduction in VEGF, MMP9, TNFα, and IL-1β levels as well as decreased GPX and CAT levels was observed. In conclusion the results suggest that both vorinostat and SNPs have anticancer activity. Furthermore, it was indicated that this combination modifies the inflammation, oxidation and angiogenetic process in cancer cells, which may improve their therapeutic potential suggesting that this combination therapy offers a promising approach for overcoming the limitations of vorinostat monotherapy, including drug resistance and off-target toxicity.