Background: Second-degree burns are the most common burn injuries, requiring effective wound management to prevent complications. While silver sulfadiazine is the gold standard treatment, the role of elastic bandaging in enhancing healing remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Elastomull® elastic bandaging combined with silver sulfadiazine in treating second-degree burns in Wistar rats. Methods: Six male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: K(+) group treated with silver sulfadiazine and Elastomull® bandaging, and K(-) group treated with silver sulfadiazine alone. Second-degree burns were induced using a 100°C iron applied for 5 seconds. Wound areas were measured every three days for 18 days and analyzed using Independent-Samples T-Test. Results: The K(+) group consistently showed smaller wound areas from day 3 onwards, with greater total healing (1.87 ± 0.25 cm²) compared to K(-) group (1.03 ± 0.53 cm²). However, differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Elastomull® bandaging showed clinical trends toward improved burn healing but lacked statistical significance, likely due to small sample size. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Background: Acidophilic microalgae represent a promising yet underexplored resource for biotechnological carbon capture in low-pH environments such as geothermal springs and industrial effluents. However, few strains have been physiologically characterized, and most biotechnologically relevant microalgae remain neutrophilic. Objective: This study aimed to isolate and characterize an acid-tolerant green microalga from a geothermal spring in Kamojang, West Java, Indonesia, and assess its growth, acid tolerance, and photosynthetic performance across a range of inorganic carbon (Ci: CO₂, HCO₃⁻, and CO₃²⁻) concentrations. Methods: Mud samples were enriched in Allen medium under continuous illumination. Isolates were identified via 18S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Growth was tested across pH 2.3 to 7.0 in media acidified with either HCl or H₂SO₄. Photosynthetic performance was evaluated by O₂ evolution under various Ci concentrations. Results: The isolated strain, designated Pumiliosphaera acidicola KMJ, exhibited robust growth from pH 2.3 to 7.0 and showed comparable tolerance to both HCl and H₂SO₄. Morphologically, KMJ displayed compact, spherical green cells (2–5 µm diameter). Oxygen evolution measurements revealed consistently higher photosynthetic rates than Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, particularly under sub-saturating Ci levels, indicating efficient CO₂ assimilation under acidic, low-Ci conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to directly quantify Ci-dependent O₂ evolution in an acidophilic chlorophyte. Conclusion: P. acidicola KMJ combines broad acid tolerance with high photosynthetic efficiency, positioning it as a strong candidate for CO₂ capture in acidic environments. Its physiology also provides a basis for future molecular studies into acidophilic CO₂ assimilation.

In December 2022, the Indonesian Ministry of Health projected that rare diseases might affect 8–10% of the population, equating to approximately 27 million people. These diseases, often congenital, are linked to genetic inheritance or mutations, leading to structural or functional defects. Despite advancements in diagnostic and treatment methods, many rare diseases remain challenging for healthcare practitioners. RNA interference (RNAi) presents a promising therapeutic approach by enabling the selective inhibition of genes responsible for genetic disorders. RNAi employs small RNA molecules, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), to bind specific mRNA molecules and prevent their translation into proteins. Current research showed that RNAi-based therapies have the potential to treat various genetic diseases, including acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) and primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). However, the mechanisms of RNAi in hereditary disorders like AHP and PH1 require further documentation. RNAi offers several advantages, including gene-specific targeting, versatility in treating diverse genetic disorders, and scalability for mass production. Nonetheless, challenges remain, such as side effects, difficulties in targeting specific cells, and high development cost. Despite these obstacles, RNAi-based therapy holds significant potential for revolutionize the treatment of genetic disorders.

Since its first report in 1994, understanding of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has continued to grow. Initially recognized for its role in cellular response to oxidative stress, Nrf2 is now known to be involved in a variety of regulatory process, including metabolic regulation, autophagy, protein homeostasis (proteostasis), and mitochondrial biogenesis. The expression of Nrf2 target genes is highly dependent on stimulus activation and interactions with transcription factors, activators, and repressors. Nrf2 activation serves as a defense mechanism under physiological conditions, but in the context of cancer, it can trigger the development of cancer cells due to its complex roles. Nrf2 is strongly associated with the onset and development of many diseases, including those caused by metabolic disorders and inflammation. Understanding Nrf2's diverse functions offers valuable insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic approaches. This review explores the pleiotropic role of Nrf2 regulation.

Background: Ethidium bromide is a common reagent that is used in nucleic acid staining. However, ethidium bromide has toxic and carcinogenic properties that are harmful to the environment. Phenanthrene dioxygenase (encoded by phdA, phdB, phdC, and phdD genes) in Nocardioides sp. KP7 can oxidize the phenanthridine structure aim to eliminate carcinogenic properties.
 Objective: This study aims to visualize and predict the structure, active site, and characteristics of the phenanthrene dioxygenase using bioinformatics tools.
 Methods: Plasmid design were prepared by inserting genes of interest phdA, phdB, phdC, and phdD from the NCBI database. Furthermore, several protein analysis tools were used for structure visualization, active site enzyme improvement, and protein characteristic of phenanthrene dioxygenase.
 Results: The prediction results found that phenanthrene dioxygenase reacts with the ethidium bromide substrate through the interaction of Fe3+ ions with water. The solubility level of phenanthrene dioxygenase protein is 0.404, suggesting that the protein has low solubility. The protein isoelectric point (pI) is between 5.17 to 5.36, and the protein molecular weight is 121.143 kDa.
 Conclusion: In silico analysis has supported that recombinant plasmid met characteristics for the construct which consists of gene interest and protein library.

Background: Diabetes mellitus has become a public health problem globally. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, caused by lifestyle and high lipid diet, is the most common form. Hypercholesterolemia-diabetes is able to create endothelial injury that results in formation of atherosclerosis, starting with formation of foam cells. 
 Objective: This research aimed to see the effectiveness of physical training and soursop (Annona muricata) leaves extract in lowering the amount of foam cells.
 Methods: This research was an experimental study which used the post test-only control group design with 35 Wistar strain rats which were randomly divided into 7 groups, each consisting of 5 rats. K1 was given standard diet, K2 was given atherogenic diet and alloxan, while K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7 were given atherogenic diet, alloxan, and different treatments based on designed group. K3 was given simvastatin, K4 was given metformin, K5 was given physical training, K6 was given soursop leaves extract (SLE), and K7 was given both physical training and SLE. The rats were euthanized after three weeks and aorta was taken to be made into histology slides for foam cells observation.
 Results: The result of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Post-Hoc Test showed significant difference (p<0,05) between K2 and K5, K6, K7 while it no significant difference (p>0,05) between K3, K4 and K5, K6, K7.
 Conclusion: Physical training, SLE, and the combination of both have a role in lowering formation of foam cells in atherosclerosis.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammation of the skin caused by combination of genetic, immune and environmental factors. The Vitamin D receptors alongside with plasma vitamin D (25(OH)D) level have known to be related with psoriasis. Vitamin D receptor polymorphism is one of the multiple polymorphisms that predispose individuals to several diseases. It is possible that this polymorphism is different among psoriatic patients and healthy one particularly in Medan, Indonesia population. 
 Objective: We aimed to investigate associations between plasma level of 25(OH)D and one VDR gene polymorphism (A-1012G) with psoriasis.
 Methods: Fourty four psoriatic patients and 44 healthy control subjects’ DNA samples were obtained in this case control study and genotyped for A-1012G polymorphism by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The plasma vitamin D (25(OH)D) level of case and control subjects were examined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
 Results: Significant lower plasma 25(OH)D levels were found in control group (p<0.001) which consist of mostly young adult female. There is no significant relationship between AA, AG and GG genotype variances of A-1012G polymorphism with psoriasis (p=0.124).
 Conclusion: No significant association found between A-1012G polymorphism and psoriasis but there was a significant difference found between vitamin D level and psoriasis (p<0.001). From this study, vitamin D deficiency were more common in young adult female.

Background: Immediate and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential for effective control of this disease. Immunochromatographic based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are economical, simple to perform, and provide results in a relative short time, can be useful to assist effective management of malaria. The commercially available malaria RDT in Indonesia is still imported. Therefore, an effort to produce malaria RDT independently is necessary. One of the biomarkers used in RDTs is Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase pLDH. The production and accumulation of pLDH during asexual stage or blood-stage in all human infected malaria parasites can be used to indicate parasites viability, which is correlated with the number of parasites present in the plasma of infected patients. 
 Objective: The aim of this research is to produce recombinant PfLDH in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3).
 Methods: PfLDH gene was cloned into pET30a expression vector to obtain a 6.2 kbp recombinant plasmid pET30a-PfLDH. E. coli BL21(DE3) was transformed with pET30a-PfLDH using the heat shock method. Then, E. coli BL21(DE3)- pET30a-PfLDH was cultured in LB broth containing 50 mg/mL kanamycin and was induced by 1mM IPTG at 37oC.
 Results: SDS-PAGE and Western Blot analysis showed that recombinant PfLDH was expressed with molecular mass ~30 kDa.
 Conclusion: Recombinant PfLDH is expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and can be used in further research for producing rPfLDH as a biomarker for malaria RDT development.

Background: Clove is known as antioxidant spice that used in cigarettes, spice for food or soup, and traditional medicine. It is believed that cloves could protect smokers from cigarette-free radicals. Otherwise, the study on clove as an antioxidant was still confused.
 Objective: To reveal that clove can overcome carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and its free-radical derives
 Method: This study was experimental research, using 20 Wistar rats that were divided into 4 groups, Group 1 (CCl4 + cloves 3), group 2 (CCl4 + cloves 1), group 3 (normal control, without being offered treatment), group 4 (positive control, induced by CCl4 and followed by 100 mg alpha-tocopherol), and group 5 (negative control, only induced by CCl4). Rat livers were homogenized and followed with CAT activity measurement using the spectrophotometry method of Mates.
 Results: There was a significant difference in mean between the groups (p= 0,001). Further test, the Post Hoc showed that there is a significance different between group 1 and 4 (p=0.008), 1 and 5 (p=0.001), 2 and 5 (p=0.001), 3 and 5 (p=0.001), and 4 and 5 (p=0.007). Group 1 (CCl4+Clove3) has the highest catalase activity.
 Conclusion: Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oral administration with the dose of 200 mg/kg rat body weight against 0.55 mg/kg BW CCl4 show an increase of catalase activity but did not overcome the oxidative stress.