Search Results

Abstract : Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. The risk of developing glaucoma in women is influenced by several factors, including sex hormones. Estrogen is proven to protect against the damage from glaucoma. Estrogen monotherapy is suggested to associate with a small but significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) in postmenopausal women. To determine the relationship between estradiol levels and central cornea thickness (CCT) in POAG. A case control study conducted at Ophthalmic Clinic in Universitas Sumatera Utara Hospital and Network Hospital, from February 2022 until fulfilment of sample number. The samples were women with POAG, who met criteria inclusion and exclusion. Data were collected and analyzed. From 30 subjects, the mean age of POAG grup was 55.87 years, with the youngest and the oldest being 40- and 85-year-old respectively. There was no significant relationship among age category (p=0.573), as well as IOP, visual field defects, cup disc ratio and CCT, with estradiol levels in both POAG and control groups (p>0.05). Central thickness was not related to estradiol levels in POAG patients.

Abstract : Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and the second most common cause of blindness after cataracts. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma. Selenium is thought to be a factor that influence POAG’s development. This study aims to determine the association between plasma selenium levels and POAG. Analytical observational study was used in this study. A total of 60 subjects were divided into case and control groups with the same amount of subjects. Case group was subject diagnosed with POAG and control group was subject with normal eyes. The samples were consecutively recruited from February 2022 until the number of samples fulfilled in Glaucoma Clinic at Opthalmology Department, University of Sumatera Utara Hospital. Subjects in both groups underwent eye examinations and 3 ml of venous blood samples was taken to analyze selenium levels in the subject’s plasma, then recorded and statistical analysis was performed. Most subjects in POAG group were male, with 16 subjects (53.3%) in the age of 40 to 85 years and the mean age was 55,87 years old. The mean Selenium levels in the POAG group was 328.64 ng/dL, with the lowest value being 104.58 ng/dL, and the highest value 1017.8 ng/dL. There was a significant difference in plasma Selenium levels in POAG and control group, and there was a relationship between Selenium and IOP in the POAG group, but no correlation was found between Selenium and other parameters.

Abstract : Advancements in technology and information have driven the development of online pharmacy services, but this matter still generates controversy, as perceived by pharmacists. The research analyzes the relationship between pharmacist perceptions and attitudes toward online pharmaceutical services. This research is analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design. This research sample comprised 105 pharmacists with prior knowledge of online pharmaceutical services and practices in pharmacies in the Greater Malang area (Indonesia). The utilized research instrument was questionnaires on pharmacist perceptions and attitudes toward online pharmaceutical services. The used correlation test was the Spearman test. The research results indicated that pharmacists possess positive (44%) and negative (56%) perceptions, as well as positive (37%) and negative (63%) attitudes toward online pharmaceutical services. From the correlation testing, it was found that there was a significant relationship between the perceptions and attitudes of the pharmacist toward online pharmaceutical services (p = 0.000). The research conclusion is that pharmacists in the Greater Malang area possess negative perceptions and unsupportive attitudes toward online pharmaceutical services, by which perceptions and attitudes are related significantly and directly.

Abstract : α-Klotho is a co-receptor of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) to carry out its biological function. αKlotho is produced mainly in the kidneys so that with decreased kidney function (decreased kidney mass), the production of α-Klotho decreases. Several other factors affect α-Klotho levels including age, BMI, DM, and hypertension. This study aims to determine the relationship between α-Klotho levels at various stages of Glomerulus Filtration Rate (GFR) in CKD. Observational research with a cross sectional approach at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital and Unhas Hospital Makassar since April - Agustus 2021. Subjects is CKD patients which meet inclusion criteria. Intact serum FGF-23 levels were measured using an ELISA kit (Immutopics). Statistical analysis using Annova test, Mann Whitney and Spearman's correlation test, Statistical results are considered significant if p value < 0.05. This study included 77 subjects of CKD stage 3, 4, and 5 with a distribution of 39 men and 38 women. The results of the analysis found a decrease in-Klotho at each increase in CKD stage (p<0.05). The correlation shows that the lower the GFR levels, the lower the levels-Klotho (p<0.05). the level of α-Klotho is determined by the age factor (p<0.05). The decreasing of GFR is followed by decreasing of α-Klotho levels.

Abstract : It has been shown that the interplay of degenerative and inflammatory processes has a role in the etiology of osteoarthritis. The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) has reported in knee OA pathophysiology and ACE level influenced by ACE I/D polymorphism. This study aimed to examine the influence of the interaction between age and the DD genotype of the ACE gene on knee OA severity. A total of 80 knee OA patients (mean age 62.9 ± 8.84 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. The severity of knee OA was determined based on the Kellgren–Lawrence system. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, chi-square test, and logistic regression multivariate analysis were employed in statistical analysis. This study included 80 female subjects: 40 subjects with mild knee OA and 40 subjects with severe knee OA. The mean age of 63.7 ± 7.7 years was found for 34 subjects (42.5%) aged ≥65 years and 46 subjects (57.5%) <65 years. Based on the ROC curve, the cut-off age is 65 years. The DD gene ACE-1 genotype were not proven to increase the risk of severe knee OA. The DD gene ACE-1 genotype increases the risk of severe OA of the knee by 4 times in subjects aged ≥65 years compared to subjects <65 years. Our study found that the DD genotype ACE-1 did not increase the risk of severe knee OA. At age 65 years, the DD genotype ACE-1 enhances the risk factors for knee OA severity.