PHARMACOLOGY, MEDICAL REPORTS, ORTHOPEDIC, AND ILLNESS DETAILS

Potential Effectiveness of Secondary Metabolites of Azolla microphylla as Aedes aegypti Repellent Guide

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) remains an endemic public health concern, with Aedes aegypti mosquitoes serving as the primary transmission vector. While chemical repellents are widely used for vector control, their health and environmental risks have driven the need for safer, biodegradable natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the secondary metabolite content of Azolla microphylla leaf extract and evaluate its effectiveness as a repellent against Aedes aegypti. This experimental study employed a post-test only control group design. Three extract concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20%) were tested alongside positive and negative controls, using 10 mosquitoes per group. Observations were conducted at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours, with data analyzed using statistical tests to assess differences between treatment groups. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins in the extract. Repellent testing revealed that the 20% concentration provided the highest effectiveness, with an average mosquito repellency of 58% during the first 1–2 hours. However, effectiveness declined progressively across all concentrations over time. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference between treatment and control groups after 1 hour of observation (p < 0.05). Azolla microphylla leaf extract demonstrates potential as a natural repellent against Aedes aegypti; however, its protective effect is temporary due to the volatility of its active compounds. Further formulation development, such as encapsulation or the use of fixative agents, is needed to enhance the stability and durability of its repellent activity.

Unexpected Encephalitis in Active Miliary TB Undergoing Treatment in an Elderly Person: A Rare Case Report

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Miliary tuberculosis (TB) with central nervous system (CNS) involvement manifesting as unexpected encephalitis in the elderly is a rare and serious condition. This study aims to describe and analyze the clinical manifestations of unexpected encephalitis in elderly patients with active miliary TB undergoing treatment. A descriptive case study with a qualitative approach was used. The population was elderly patients diagnosed with active miliary TB complicated by CNS involvement, with a purposive sample of one 68-year-old female patient who presented with atypical neurological symptoms after approximately five weeks of multidrug therapy (MDT). Data were obtained from medical records, neurological physical examinations, laboratory results, and head CT scans. A narrative descriptive analysis integrated clinical and radiological findings to interpret the relationship between encephalitis manifestations and TB therapy progression. The results showed atypical encephalitis symptoms with CT evidence of hypodense lesions and central calcifications, highlighting the diagnostic challenge. Appropriate MDT therapy with adjuvant corticosteroids resulted in a good clinical response. The conclusions emphasize the importance of early detection and use of neuroimaging in elderly patients with miliary TB to reduce neurological complications. Further research with larger samples is recommended to strengthen the findings.

Risk Factors and Severity of Coronary Lesions in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in Indonesia, with multivessel disease (MVD) linked to worse outcomes, yet individual risk factors’ roles in lesion severity remain unclear in rural settings. This study is done to identify risk factors influencing coronary lesion severity (SVD vs. MVD) in ACS patients. This cross-sectional study at Dr. Doris Sylvanus General Hospital (July 2023-October 2024) included 85 ACS patients undergoing angiography/PCI, categorized by SVD (n=26, 30.6%) or MVD (n=59, 69.4%). Clinical data were extracted from emergency department records, including demographic characteristics (age, sex), medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), smoking status, as well as physical examination and laboratory findings such as blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and Free Blood Sugar levels, which were used to support the classification of corresponding risk factors. SPSS v29 facilitated bivariate/multivariate logistic regression (p<0.05). The findings of this study show that no individual risk factor significantly predicted MVD (all p>0.05; diabetes OR=2.059, p=0.409). However, ≥3 cumulative risk factors strongly associated with MVD (3 factors: 80%, p=0.022; 4-9 factors: 65.5%, p=0.038). A higher burden of cumulative risk factors, not isolated ones, is associated with MVD in this rural ACS cohort, suggesting the potential value of integrated screening for early risk stratification.

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura with Gastrointestinal Tract Involvement and Nephritis in Children in Limited Healthcare Settings

Dewi Wulan Sari*, Ike Dwi Wahyuni — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP), or IgA vasculitis, is the most common systemic vasculitis in children, characterized by a clinical tetrad of palpable purpura, arthritis/arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. Gastrointestinal manifestations may mimic surgical acute abdomen, while nephritis determines the long-term prognosis. This case report aims to present the management of HSP with multi-organ involvement in a limited-resource setting. An 8-year-old girl presented with nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain, preceded by the appearance of a reddish rash on the extremities and buttocks one week prior. Physical examination revealed diffuse palpable purpura and epigastric tenderness. Investigations showed leukocytosis, microscopic hematuria, and mild proteinuria. Abdominal ultrasound revealed positive sonographic tenderness at McBurney’s point without signs of acute appendicitis or intussusception. The patient was diagnosed with HSP with gastrointestinal involvement and nephritis. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous hydration, antibiotics, gastric mucosa protectors, and systemic corticosteroids. Significant clinical improvement in abdominal pain and skin rash was achieved following corticosteroid administration, and the patient was discharged with a prednisone tapering regimen. Early diagnosis of HSP is crucial to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention in patients with severe abdominal pain. Corticosteroids are effective in relieving acute gastrointestinal symptoms. Long-term monitoring of renal function is mandatory given the risk of chronic kidney disease progression, even in cases with mild initial symptoms.

Histological and Biochemical Effect of Branded Energy Drink (Fearless) on the Liver and Kidney of Albino Rats

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Energy drink consumption is rising globally due to their perceived mental and physical performance benefits. These carbonated beverages contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and various additives. This study examined the effects of the energy drink (Fearless) on liver and kidney histology and biochemical parameters in albino rats. Fifteen Rattus norvegicus (mean weight 126.3±23.9g) were divided into three groups (n=5): Group A (control) received standard feed and water; Groups B and C received 10 ml/kg and 20 ml/kg body weight/day of the energy drink for 6 weeks, respectively. The body weights of animals were measured. Following sacrifice under light anesthesia, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and liver and kidney tissues were processed via paraffin wax for histological examination. Body weights of animals descriptively indicated steady increased. Biochemical analysis showed no statistically significant changes in the kidney function serum sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine inclusive compared to controls. However, liver function parameters showed statistically significant elevations (P<0.05) in AST, ALT, and ALP in the test groups. Liver histology revealed central vein congestion and hepatocyte necrosis in both dose groups. The low-dose kidney sections exhibited glomerular tuft changes, polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltration, architectural distortion, and vascular congestion, while the high-dose group showed widened Bowman's capsule space and renal tubule necrosis with inflammatory infiltration. These findings suggest that chronic energy drink consumption adversely affects liver and kidney structure and function.