Precipitation Polymerization-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: A Novel Approach for Transdermal Curcumin Delivery.

This research describes the synthesis and characterization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) as a candidate for the transdermal delivery of curcumin. The MIP was synthesized through precipitation polymerization using methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking agent. MIP characterization studies were conducted using SEM-EDX and FTIR spectroscopy to determine the morphology and interaction between curcumin and polymers.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-modified membrane for urea slow-release fertilizers.

Background: Urea is a fertilizer widely used by farmers, especially vegetable farmers, due to its high nitrogen content, around 46 %. However, plants only use a small amount of nitrogen, a maximum of 35 %, while the remaining nitrogen is wasted and released into the environment. Undeniably, it causes increases production costs and environmental problems.

High-performance sulfonated polyether sulfone/chitosan membrane on creatinine transport improved by lithium chloride.

Membrane-based polyether sulfone (PES) is a potential candidate for hemodialysis because of its properties such as high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. However, the nature of the hydrophobicity in the PES membrane inhibits their performance in transporting creatinine. In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were modified using a sulfonation process and the addition of chitosan (CS) and lithium chloride (LiCl) to improve its performance in transporting creatinine.

The mycological efficacy and safety of selenium sulfide 1.8% versus ketoconazole 2% shampoo in pityriasis versicolor: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Although it has long been used as a topical treatment of pityriasis versicolor (PV), the efficacy of topical selenium disulfide as compared to topical ketoconazole in the treatment of PV remains unclear. This study aims to assess the mycological efficacy and safety of SeS 1.8% shampoo and ketoconazole 2% shampoo for the treatment of PV.

From recreational to income-generating opportunities: assessment of public preferences for non-wood forest products in the Czech Republic.

With the alarming increase in dying trees and massive logging in the Czech forests due to bark beetle infestation, the collection of non-wood forest products, a beneficial recreational activity in the Czech Republic, is now being promoted as an alternative to wood provisioning services. This paper aims to present findings on the non-wood forest product preferences in the country as part of a baseline assessment for promoting the usage. This study relied on the 2019 national survey data of public preferences in collecting forest berries, mushrooms, honey, and medicinal herbs.

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol immersed in sodium hydroxide thin film as a heterogeneous catalyst in biodiesel production.

Biodiesel is a potential renewable energy source that can be used to replace fossil fuels because of its low toxicity, biodegradability, and renewability. However, biodiesel production requires long reaction times. Hence, a catalyst is needed to speed up the reaction and optimize production conditions.

Droplet digital PCR versus real-time PCR for in-house validation of porcine detection and quantification protocol: An artificial recombinant plasmid approach.

Authenticity and traceability are essential for modern food and medicine inspection, and reliable techniques are important for the trade of halal foods, which reach more than 20 percent of the world market. A sensitive and accurate porcine detection method is required to develop a conformity assessment system that includes laboratory testing for porcine-free certification. This study proposes a procedure that could be incorporated into the development of a standardized control and protocol for real-time PCR (qPCR) methods and their traceability using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Genetic characterization of diphtheria B to evaluate vaccine efficacy in Indonesia.

Background And Objectives: Blocking the attachment of diphtheria toxins to host cells through the intact receptor binding site ( B) was the initial mechanism of action of the diphtheria vaccine. Diphtheria outbreaks in populations with good vaccination coverage can be caused by mutations or changes in the genetic structure of the B protein. The aim of this study was to characterize the Tox B protein produced by isolated from 2018 to 2019 in patients in Jakarta who had already received the diphtheria vaccine.

Effect of environmental factors on blood counts of caught at Brantas River watershed, Indonesia.

: Contamination of freshwater ecosystems has become a major issue as it threatens public water sources as well as aquatic life. It is important to predict changes in organism health, given a known number of environmental factors and pollutant concentrations, in order to better manage contaminants through biomarker analysis. This study aims to examine the ecosystem health of the Brantas River based on its environmental condition and the hematology profile of fish present in the river.

The validation of molecular interaction among dimer chitosan with urea and creatinine using density functional theory: In application for hemodyalisis membrane.

The formation of chitosan dimer and its interaction with urea and creatinine have been investigated at the density functional theory (DFT) level (B3LYP-D3/6-31++G**) to study the transport phenomena in hemodialysis membrane. The interaction energy of chitosan-creatinine and chitosan-urea complexes are in range -4 kcal/mol < interaction energy <-20 kcal/mol which were classified in medium hydrogen bond interaction. The chemical reactivity parameter proved that creatinine was more electrophilic and easier to bind chitosan than urea.

Permeability improvement of polyethersulfone-polietylene glycol (PEG-PES) flat sheet type membranes by tripolyphosphate-crosslinked chitosan (TPP-CS) coating.

In this study, improvement of urea and creatinine permeability of polyethersulfone (PES) membrane by coating with synthesized tripolyphosphate-crosslinked chitosan (TPP-CS) has been conducted. Original and modified membranes, e.g.

Evaluating the quality of evidence for diagnosing ischemic heart disease from verbal autopsy in Indonesia.

Background: Mortality and cause of death data are fundamental to health policy development. Civil Registration and Vital Statistics systems are the ideal data source, but the system is still under development in Indonesia. A national Sample Registration System (SRS) has provided nationally representative mortality data from 128 sub-districts since 2014.

Resource Needs for the Trivalent Oral Polio to Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Switch in Indonesia.

Background: We present an empirical economic cost analysis of the April 2016 switch from trivalent (tOPV) to bivalent (bOPV) oral polio vaccine at the national-level and 3 provinces (Bali, West Sumatera and Nusa Tenggara) for Indonesia's Expanded Program on Immunization.

Methods: Data on the quantity and prices of resources used in the 4 World Health Organization guideline phases of the switch were collected at the national-level and in each of the sampled provinces, cities/districts, and health facilities. Costs were calculated as the sum of the value of resources reportedly used in each sampled unit by switch phase.

Hemispherectomy Procedure in Proteus Syndrome.

Objective Proteus syndrome is a rare overgrowth disorder including bone, soft tissue, and skin. Central nervous system manifestations were reported in about 40% of the patients including hemimegalencephaly and the resultant hemicranial hyperplasia, convulsions and mental deficiency. We report a 1-month-old male baby referred to Pediatric Neurology Clinic Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia in 2014 presented recurrent seizures since birth with asymmetric dysmorphic face with the right side larger than the left, subcutaneous mass and linear nevi.

Study of Genetic Diversity among Simmental Cross Cattle in West Sumatra Based on Microsatellite Markers.

A study was conducted to assess the genetic diversity among Simmental Cross cattle in West Sumatra using microsatellite DNA markers. A total of 176 individual cattle blood samples was used for obtaining DNA samples. Twelve primers of microsatellite loci as recommended by FAO were used to identify the genetic diversity of the Simmental Cross cattle population.

Development of a prospective isopropyl alcohol-loaded pharmaceutical base using simultaneous in vitro/in vivo characterization methods of skin performance.

Context: Approaching of pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in some aspects inevitably influence formulation of topical pharmaceuticals, urging researchers to introduce novel excipients with proven benefits over traditional ones. In that context, alkyl polyglucosides (APG) emerge as prominent natural-origin emulsifiers with numerous favorable features (biodegradability, dermatological acceptability, desirable sensory properties).

Objective: To evaluate APG-stabilized bases (alone and upon addition of isopropyl alcohol) and their impact on skin performance.

Infected nail plate model made of human hair keratin for evaluating the efficacy of different topical antifungal formulations against Trichophyton rubrum in vitro.

A novel model of infected nail plate for testing the efficacy of topical antifungal formulations has been developed. This model utilized keratin film made of human hair keratin as a nail plate model. Subsequent to infection by Trichophyton rubrum, the common causative agent of onychomycosis, keratin films as infected nail plate models were treated with selected topical formulations, that is cream, gel, and nail lacquer.

Keratin film made of human hair as a nail plate model for studying drug permeation.

The limited source of human nail plate for studying drug permeation inspired us to develop a nail plate model made of human hair keratin. The manufacturing process consisted of keratin extraction, dialysis, molding, solvent evaporation, and curing, producing a water-resistant film. The permeability of the film was examined using three markers: sodium fluorescein, rhodamine B, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran as water-soluble, lipid-soluble, and large molecule models, respectively.

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro permeation study of terbinafine HCl in poloxamer 407-based thermogelling formulation for topical application.

Upon topical administration, a high penetration rate of antifungal drug into the infected site is desirable to reduce treatment length and systemic side effects which occur especially after a prolonged peroral administration. Thermogelling formulations composed of poloxamer 407, medium chain triglycerides, isopropyl alcohol, dimethyl isosorbide, and water for topical application were developed, and a lipophilic drug terbinafine HCl (TBF) was incorporated. Previously, a remarkable high permeation rate of a hydrophilic drug 5-aminolevulinic acid from this vehicle was evident compared to different creams from German Pharmacopoeia.