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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Dyslipidemia is defined as a lipid metabolism disorder characterized by one of the main abnormalities in the lipid fraction being an increase in triglycerides. Hypertriglyceridemia occurs with the accumulation of visceral fat and in the blood due to a decrease in the enzyme lipoprotein lipase. The accumulation of visceral fat is the cause of central obesity. Central obesity can be seen by measuring waist circumference. Aims: To determine the relationship between waist circumference with triglyceride levels in the working population at El Tari Airport, Kupang. Method: The type of research carried out was analytical observational with a cross sectional method. The respondents for this research were 60 people consisting of 41 men and 19 women workers at El Tari Kupang Airport aged 18-59 years. Data were collected using interviews and waist circumference using metline and blood samples were taken to measure triglyceride levels. The statistical tests used were the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test (p > 0.05) and the Pearson correlation test. Results: There were 68.3% of subjects with normal waist circumference, 31.7% with excessive waist circumference, 78.3% with normal triglyceride levels, 18.4% with slightly high triglyceride levels, and 3.3% with high triglyceride levels. The results showed that waist circumference had a positive relationship with triglyceride levels (r=0.446, p=0.000). Both showed a significant correlation with triglyceride levels (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between waist circumference and triglyceride levels.
ABSTRACT
Transportation deals with the movement of people and goods, using various means of locomotion (walking, bicycles, buses, trams, trains, ferries, taxis, motor cars, trucks, ships, aircraft, pipelines) on transport networks (roads, rails, waterways, airways) which have terminals (parking areas, depots, stations, ports and airports) and transfer points (bus stops, stations, goods yards). Most countries of the world seek to achieve equality in health needs of their growing population especially in the rural areas who are often at disadvantage for majority of the experienced health workers would be willing to live and work in the most populous part of the economy. Maternal mortality rate is highest in rural areas and poorer communities of the world. This paper is the first attempt to proposes a conceptual framework and describe the theoretical applied discrete-choice modeling of the probability of a specific event occurring based on various influencing factors affecting maternal healthcare services. The review of literature reveals that a large percentage of women in the rural areas assumed pregnancy and childbearing to be death zone for them due to inability to have free access and affordable means of transporting themselves to health centers and hospitals that will provide them with adequate medical care. Need to travel over a long distance to access maternity health services is one of the issues with high maternal mortality rate for the available means of transportation in such areas is always with high cost. The present study takes the approach of proposing a theoretical framework which can be applied to practical situations in address transport needs and challenges in maternal healthcare services by reviewing available literature. Such research approach is common, particularly when existing knowledge in the particular area is still somewhat narrow. The present study, hence, contributes to the advancement of the literature on transportation needs for the nonmetropoli
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Modern lifestyles characterized by unhealthy diets and physical inactivity increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis, the primary underlying cause, can be mitigated through non-pharmacological interventions. Although coriander and young coconut water have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, their comparative effects on triglyceride levels remain unclear. Aims: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of boiled coriander seed water and young coconut water in reducing triglyceride levels. Method: This study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design. The population comprised 484 educators and educational staff at Nusa Cendana University, with 48 participants selected through purposive sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data analysis included paired t-tests to compare pretest and posttest values within groups, followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests to compare posttest outcomes between groups. Results: In this study, the coriander seeds boiled water group showed a significant reduction in triglyceride levels from 139.5 mg/dL to 120.8 mg/dL (p=0.037) after 1 week of intervention. In contrast, the young coconut water group showed an insignificant decrease from 98 to 90 (p=0.386). The control group, without intervention, did not experience significant changes (p=0.75). These results show the potential of coriander seeds as a triglyceride lowering agent, while young coconut water shows more variable results. Conclusion: Boiled coriander seed water is more effective in reducing triglyceride levels than young coconut water.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder frequently associated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, an aerobic bacterium. The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance in S. epidermidis has encouraged the exploration of alternative therapies, including herbal medicines. Binahong leaves (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) are widely used in traditional medicine and have demonstrated potential antibacterial properties. Aims: To evaluate and analyze the gel formulation of binahong leaf extract (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) to identify a formulation with optimal physical characteristics and effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Method: The study employed a true experimental design with a post-test–only control group. Treatment groups received binahong leaf extract gel at concentrations of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Clindamycin gel served as the positive control, while a gel base without extract was the negative control. Staphylococcus epidermidis was used as the test organism. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, and data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: All gel formulations demonstrated acceptable physical characteristics. The inhibition zone diameters of binahong leaf extract gel against Staphylococcus epidermidis at concentrations of 40% (7.6 mm) and 60% (8.3 mm) were classified as moderate, whereas concentrations of 80% (10.86 mm) and 100% (12.80 mm) exhibited strong antibacterial activity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among treatment groups, with a p-value of < 0.05. Conclusion: Binahong leaf extract gel formulations at concentrations of 80% and 100% were identified as optimal, as they combined satisfactory physical properties with strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Exercise is essential for maintaining physical fitness, and weight training is a popular form that can cause delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Although cold and warm water immersion are known to reduce DOMS, direct comparative studies are limited. This study compares their effectiveness in reducing calf muscle DOMS after weight training. Aims: This study aims to determine the comparative effectiveness of cold water immersion and warm water immersion on the intensity of delayed onset muscle soreness in the calf muscles following weight training. Method: This study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only three-group approach. A total of 36 participants were selected using total sampling. DOMS intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) on the left calf at 24, 48, and 72 hours after weight training. Results: This study showed that warm water immersion significantly reduced VAS scores compared to cold water immersion (p = 0.006) and the control group (p = 0.032), while no significant difference was observed between cold water immersion and the control group (p = 0.605), indicating the superior effectiveness of warm water immersion. Conclusion: Warm water immersion is significantly more effective than cold water immersion and the control group in reducing calf muscle DOMS after weight training.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Telemedicine has become a key tool for maintaining healthcare delivery, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed remote consultation practices. In Senegal, the adoption of telemedicine remains partial and requires understanding healthcare professionals’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. Objectives: To assess knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of healthcare professionals in Senegal regarding telemedicine, and to identify barriers and challenges to its adoption. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study from September 10 to 19, 2025, among healthcare professionals in Senegal. Questionnaires were administered online via KoboToolbox. Data were analyzed using RStudio version 4.4.0 and Excel. Informed consent and anonymity were fully respected. Results: Among the 495 participants, there were 170 physicians, 136 nurses, 58 pharmacists, 52 midwives, 38 dentists, 5 veterinarians, and 33 support staff. Mean age was 35.19 ± 7.48 years, sex ratio = 1.33. Most participants (87.5%) had previously heard of telemedicine, primarily through colleagues (169), scientific journals (118), and media (35). Actual use involved 336 participants at least once, with WhatsApp as the main tool for teleconsultation and remote monitoring. Only 114 participants (23.03%) were aware of the legal framework. Teleconsultation was considered most suitable for general practice by 240 participants, while chronic diseases and obstetrics-gynecology accounted for 82 (16.6%) and 52 (10.5%) responses, respectively. Most recognized the importance of informed consent (84.2%). Major barriers included lack of training, weak regulation, and poor internet connectivity. Conclusion: Despite limited knowledge, healthcare professionals in Senegal perceive telemedicine as a useful and necessary tool, especially for ensuring continuity of care post-COVID-19. Targeted training and a clear legal framework are essential to strengthen adoption and effe
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A food coma, also known as postprandial somnolence or after-meal dip, is a state of sleepiness or lethargy that can occur after eating a large meal. It's a common experience, and the science behind it involves the body's digestive processes and hormonal changes. Because many people see the effects in the early afternoon after lunch, it's also known as the post-lunch dip. Sleepiness, lethargy, physical tiredness, low energy levels, and poor focus are some of the symptoms you may experience. While it's not a true coma, the feeling of tiredness can be significant. The performance of an individual gets affected after the ingestion of a heavy meal. The prevalence of food comas is difficult to quantify precisely, but they are widely experienced and can affect cognitive performance. The hazardous medical condition ‘coma’ should not be confused with food comas.