Medical Laboratory Technology Journal

Correlatıon of Plaque Characterıstıcs wıth Degree of Stenosıs Evaluated by Coronary Angıography Usıng Computed Tomography

2025-06-16T09:51:34+07:00

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of global mortality, and the diagnosis of acute chest pain continues to pose a challenge in emergency care due to the limitations of conventional methods in detecting acute coronary syndrome. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as an efficient non-invasive diagnostic tool for evaluating coronary artery plaque characteristics and stenosis severity. This retrospective study analyzed the correlation between plaque types and degrees of stenosis detected by CCTA in 54 patients presenting with chest pain at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, during January–December 2023. Plaque morphology was classified into calcified, non-calcified, and mixed types based on CAD-RADS 2.0 criteria. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test. Mixed plaques were the most frequently observed (120 samples), followed by calcified (78 samples) and non-calcified (71 samples). Moderate stenosis was most commonly associated with mixed plaques, while severe stenosis was most frequently found in association with non-calcified plaques. Statistical analysis revealed a significant and very strong correlation between plaque type and stenosis severity in eight coronary segments. These findings highlight the diagnostic value of CCTA in evaluating plaque morphology and stenosis, particularly in identifying mixed plaques that are closely linked to more severe coronary obstruction. The results support the role of CCTA as a critical tool in the diagnostic workup of patients with acute chest pain.

Association between D-Dimer and CRP Levels in Confirmed COVID-19 Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Comorbidity at Jakarta Hajj Hospital

2025-10-09T16:17:44+07:00

COVID-19 may induce systemic inflammation and coagulation abnormalities, particularly in patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker, while D-Dimer reflects coagulation activation and fibrinolysis. In COVID-19 patients with DM, both biomarkers may increase due to chronic inflammation, hyperglycemia, endothelial dysfunction, and a prothrombotic state. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between D-Dimer and CRP levels in confirmed COVID-19 patients with comorbid Diabetes Mellitus at Haji Hospital Jakarta. This was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design using secondary data from medical records of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with DM at Haji Hospital Jakarta from June to September 2021. Total sampling was applied. A total of 80 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The main variables were D-Dimer and CRP levels. Descriptive analysis was used to describe subject characteristics, while the Spearman correlation test was used to assess the correlation between D-Dimer and CRP because the data were not normally distributed. Among 80 subjects, 44 patients (55.0%) were male, and 36 patients (45.0%) were female. The mean age was 55.76 ± 12.28 years, and the mean random blood glucose level was 303.75 ± 70.56 mg/dL. The mean D-Dimer level was 0.96 ± 1.51 µg/mL with a median of 0.50 µg/mL, while the mean CRP level was 58.48 ± 28.59 mg/L with a median of 55.0 mg/L. Elevated D-Dimer levels were found in 41 patients (51.3%), while all subjects (100%) had elevated CRP levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant correlation between D-Dimer and CRP levels (r_s = -0.057; p = 0.618). There was no significant correlation between D-Dimer and CRP levels in COVID-19 patients with comorbid Diabetes Mellitus at Haji Hospital Jakarta. However, both biomarkers may still provide complementary information regarding inflammatory and coagulation status abnormalities in COVID-19 patients with DM.

Tube-Tests of Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes Extracts as Bacterial Anti-Biofilm

2026-03-14T13:20:43+07:00

Bacterial biofilms have strong adhesion to medical devices and are resistant to disinfectants, potentially triggering nosocomial infections. One promising approach involves the use of alternative phytochemical-based disinfectants. Eichhornia crassipes (E. crassipes) and Pistia stratiotes (P. stratoites) plants are known to possess antibacterial compounds; however, their anti-biofilm potential remains to be studied. This experimental study aimed to assess the antibiofilm potential of ethanol extracts of E.crassipes and P.stratiotes using a test tube method. The combination extract (EC+PS) was prepared at concentrations of 6.25% - 100% and tested in triplicate along with a control. Its ability was tested on three ATCC bacterial strains (S. aureus, E. coli, and P.aeruginosa) that form biofilms; confirmed by the growth of black colonies on Congo Red Agar (CRA). Qualitative observations determined the Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), revealing effective inhibition of 12.5% for E. coli and S. aureus, and 25% for P. aeruginosa. ANOVA analysis of biofilm intensity based on the Mean Gray Value (MGV) parameter showed significant variation between the EC+PS treatment and the control group (p < 0.05). Duncan's post hoc test showed the antibiofilm effect of EC+PS was comparable to chlorine: 75% for S. aureus and 100% for E. coli and P. aeruginosa (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the anti-biofilm activity of E. crassipes and P. stratoites shows promise as alternative disinfectants.

The Effect of Periwinkle Flower Extract Gel (Catharanthus roseus) on MITF and GPx in C57BL/6 Mice Exposed to Sub-chronic UVB

2026-01-18T16:03:54+07:00

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure induces oxidative stress, which decreases antioxidant enzyme activity such as Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) and activates the transcription factor Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanocyte survival and melanogenic adaptation. Natural antioxidants such as Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle) extract possess the potential to enhance endogenous antioxidant defences and modulate UVB-induced melanocyte responses. This study tries to determine the effect of Catharanthus roseus flower extract gel on MITF expression and GPx levels in the skin tissue and GPx levels in the serum of C57BL/6 mice exposed to subchronic UVB radiation. This experimental study employed a post-test only control group design with five groups: K1 (normal), K2 (negative control, gel base), K3 (positive control, vitamin E), K4 (Catharanthus roseus Extract gel 15%), and K5 (Catharanthus roseus Extract gel 30%). The mean GPx levels differed significantly (p=0.001): K1=10.66±0.85 ng/mL, K2=2.60±1.22 ng/mL, K3=3.70±1.00 ng/mL, K4=8.29±1.95 ng/mL, and K5=9.15±0.91 ng/mL. MITF expression also showed significant differences (p=0.003): K1=27.47±3.62%, K2=31.82±8.11%, K3=51.06±8.16%, K4=34.49±7.91%, and K5=40.49±3.74%. Based on these observations, it can be inferred that the administration of Catharanthus roseus flower extract gel significantly increased GPx levels and modulated MITF expression in UVB-exposed mouse skin. The 30% concentration demonstrated the most optimal antioxidant and protective effects, approaching physiological antioxidant levels, while maintaining controlled MITF activation, highlighting its potential as a natural photoprotective and antioxidant agent.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Activities and Phytochemical Content of White Champaca (Michelia alba) Flower Extract

2026-03-14T13:04:41+07:00

Michelia alba is a member of the Magnoliaceae family known to be rich in secondary metabolites with various biological activities. Multiple studies on related plants have shown that the flowers contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics that have potential as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the phytochemical content of Michelia alba flower extracts and to determine their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities through an in vitro approach. Extraction was performed using the ethanol maceration method, followed by qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests; quantitative phytochemical testing was performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 560 nm based on the membrane stabilization method, while antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the disk diffusion method. The results showed that the extract contained flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins qualitatively, with a total phenolic content of 80.53 mg GAE/g , total tannin content of 122.32 mg TAE/g, and a total flavonoid content of 84.14 mg QE/g. Antioxidant test showed a content of 54.64 ppm (strong), anti-inflammatory test showed a potential with an average 98.90% (very strong), and antimicrobial potential in vitro with an inhibitory power of <15 mm with a variation of 5 mm - 10.25 mm. There was no difference in various concentrations (55%, 70%, 85%, and 100%) of white Michelia alba flower extract in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus, with a sig value = 0.095. The complex metabolite profile allows for synergistic effects between compounds, so that even though the inhibition zones are moderate, the biological activity remains pharmacologically relevant. Overall, this study shows that Michelia alba flower extract has significant potential as a candidate natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredient for the development of phytochemical-based products.

Bacterial Profile and Multiplex PCR Detection of SHV, CTX-M, and mecA Genes in Diabetic Ulcer Infections

2026-04-19T10:16:18+07:00

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with complications such as diabetic ulcers, which can lead to amputation. High blood glucose facilitates a mix of aerobic and anaerobic bacterial growth in ulcers. Prolonged antibiotic use risks resistance. This study aims to identify bacterial species and the presence of resistance genes (SHV, CTX-M, and mecA) in isolates from diabetic ulcer patients at Wahidin Hospital, Mojokerto, using multiplex PCR. The study design was a descriptive, observational study to identify bacterial patterns and detect the presence of SHV, CTX-M, and mecA genes in bacterial samples from ulcers of diabetic patients using a multiplex molecular genetic method. Bacterial identification of 32 ulcer swab samples from DM patients revealed Staphylococcus aureus (63%), Escherichia coli (28%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9%). The results of the detection of multiplexed genes encoding resistance in the identified bacteria were SHV 3%, CTX-M 19%, mecA 22%, SHV & mecA 3%, and CTX-M & mecA 3%. The multiplex PCR method was successfully used to detect genes encoding antibiotic resistance in bacteria infecting ulcers of patients with DM.

Antioxidant Activity and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of Various Fractions of Ethanol Extract of Kelakai Roots (Stenochlaena palustris Bedd)

2026-05-14T08:32:56+07:00

Excessive sun exposure in tropical regions can cause oxidative stress that triggers premature aging and skin cancer. Kelakai root (Stenochlaena palustris Bedd.) is a potential natural ingredient that contains various secondary metabolites with the ability as an antioxidant and sunscreen properties. This research aims to determine the antioxidant capacity and Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of various fractions of ethanol extract of kelakai roots. Kelakai roots are washed with clean water, then dried in a drying cabinet, and then powdered. Extraction is carried out using ethanol as a solvent using a maceration method. The extract was fractionated using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous. Phytochemical screening was performed using specific reagents. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH method based on the Inhibitory Concentration 50 (IC50) parameter. The ability as a sunscreen is measured based on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) parameter with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results of the identification of compound groups showed that the ethyl acetate fraction contained phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, and saponin compounds. Antioxidant testing showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had an IC50 of 16.67 ppm (very strong), followed by the aqueous fraction IC50 of 73.92 ppm (strong) and the n-hexane fraction IC50 of 95.29 ppm (strong). At the highest concentration of 500 ppm, it is known that the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions have SPF values of 12.34, 34.62, and 15.71, respectively. The aqueous fraction is classified as medium protection, while the ethyl acetate fraction is classified as high protection, and n-hexane is classified as low protection. This study concluded that the ethyl acetate fraction of kelakai roots has strong potential as a source of antioxidants and natural sunscreen agents.