Abdul Rohim Tualeka

Background: Hearing loss is one of the health problems among Indonesian workers, with one of the cause being uncontrolled noise exposure. Noise levels in each region of Indonesia vary depending on the number and type of industries in the area. This situation increases the risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), especially among productive workers aged 15–49 who are continuously exposed to noise. Objectives: This study aims to describe the prevalence and analyze the association between noise exposure and hearing loss among workers aged 15–49 years using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. Methods: This study employed a descriptive analysis design using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) and Summary Exposure Value (SEV) data from 32 provinces. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between noise exposure and the burden of hearing loss. Results: The study results showed that noise levels and disease burden varied across provinces. The Summary Exposure Value (SEV) for highest noise exposure was observed in Yogyakarta (9.40), followed by North Sulawesi (9.17), and Bali (9.15). The highest Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) were recorded in West Java (109,204.28 per 100,000 population), followed by East Java (85,966.51 per 100,000 population), and Central Java (79,062.85 per 100,000 population). Regression analysis indicated a weak association between noise and hearing loss (R²=0.179). Conclusion: Noise levels in Indonesia vary across provinces, with Yogyakarta, North Sulawesi, and Bali showing the highest levels. This variation is influenced by the type and number of vehicles, noise intensity, and other contributing factors. West Java, East Java, and Central Java have the highest disease burden. However, the weak association between noise exposure and disease burden suggests that hearing loss is not solely caused by noise exposure.

Background. Eccentric exercise induces oxidative stress, muscle damage, and decreased neuromuscular performance. However, the temporal relationship between these responses is not fully understood, particularly in recreationally active individuals. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the time-course changes and phase-dependent relationships between oxidative stress, muscle damage, and neuromuscular performance following an athletics-based eccentric exercise protocol. Materials and Methods. A single-group repeated-measures design was employed involving 46 recreationally active male students (age: 19.15 ± 0.76 years). Participants performed an eccentric exercise protocol consisting of jump-landing, bounding, sprint deceleration, and slow-tempo squats. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Creatine Kinase (CK), and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) performance were measured at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests and Pearson correlation analysis. Results. Significant time effects were observed for all variables (p < 0.001). MDA and CK levelsincreased at 24 h, subsequently declining at 48 h and 72 h, yet remaining elevated compared to baseline.CMJ performance decreased at 24 h and showed partial recovery, but did not return to baseline at 72 h. No significant correlation was found between MDA and CK at 24 h; however, moderate positive correlations were observed at 48 h (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) and 72 h (r = 0.496, p < 0.001). No significant relationships were found between biochemical markers and CMJ. Conclusions. Eccentric exercise induces oxidative stress and muscle damage alongside decreased neuromuscular performance. Biochemical markers peak at 24 h and decline thereafter, while neuromuscular recovery remains incomplete at 72 h. The relationship between oxidative stress and muscle damage is time-dependent, emerging during the recovery phase rather than the acute phase. These findings indicate distinct temporal patterns, suggesting that neuromuscular performance is not fully explained by biochemical markers.

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to muscle fiber disruption, inflammation, and elevated biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK). Effective recovery strategies are crucial to mitigate inflammation and accelerate muscle repair. Nigella sativa (NS), rich in thymoquinone, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its role in post-exercise IL-6 and CK regulation remains unclear. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of NS supplementation on IL-6 and CK levels following high-intensity eccentric exercise in 40 recreationally active males. Participants received either NS (500 mg twice daily for 7 days pre-exercise or a placebo. They performed an eccentric exercise protocol (Nosaka & Miyama model), with blood samples collected at baseline (T0), post-exercise (T1), and 24 hours post-exercise (T2). IL-6 and CK were analyzed using ELISA and an automated biochemical analyzer, and data were processed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Post-exercise, IL-6 and CK levels increased significantly in both groups, confirming an inflammatory response. However, IL-6 and CK levels were significantly lower in the NS group at both T1 and T2 (p < 0.001), indicating that NS supplementation effectively reduced inflammation and muscle damage. NS has the potential to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle-protective agent, similar to BCAAs, curcumin, and omega-3. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, long-term effects, and possible synergies with other recovery strategies.

Background: Occupational ergonomics is directly related to all work activities (both formal and informal) and focuses on the interaction between people and their work environment to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and improve worker well-being. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of occupational ergonomics on the prevalence of low back pain among Indonesian workers aged 15–49 years. Methods: This study used secondary data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2024, applying the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) approach to measure the risk level of low back pain caused by occupational ergonomics. Results: The analysis revealed a substantial disparity in the burden of Low Back Pain (LBP) attributed to occupational ergonomics across provinces. West Java, East Java, and Central Java recorded the highest disease burden (DALYs). Meanwhile, the provinces with the highest ergonomic risk exposure levels (Summary Exposure Value/SEV) were North Maluku (29.48%), Maluku (29.27%), and East Nusa Tenggara (29.21%). North Kalimantan consistently showed the lowest exposure levels and disease burden. Conclusion: Workplace ergonomics substantially contributes to the burden of Low Back Pain (LBP) among workers. Large regional disparities (highest in Java and Maluku/NTT) underscore the need for more targeted health actions. Priority interventions should include strict regulation enforcement, workplace monitoring, and implementation of ergonomic solutions in high-risk industrial sectors to reduce DALYs.

Background. Eccentric exercise induces mechanical stress and microstructural damage in skeletal muscle, triggering oxidative stress and inflammation that impair recovery. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) are reliable biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation. Astaxanthin, a marine-derived carotenoid, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may mitigate these responses. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether 14-day astaxanthin supplementation attenuates post-exercise increases in plasma MDA and HMGB1 levels following acute eccentric exercise in recreationally active male students. Materials and Methods. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, fifty-four recreationally active male students were assigned to receive either 12 mg/day of natural astaxanthin (AST, n = 27) or placebo (PLA, n = 27) for 14 days. Participants performed a standardized eccentric exercise protocol (10 × 10 drop jumps from 60 cm) on day 16. Venous blood samples were collected at 1 hour before exercise (T0), 1 hour after exercise (T1), and 24 hours after exercise (T2) to measure plasma MDA (TBARS assay) and HMGB1 (ELISA). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA or Welch’s t-test with Bonferroni adjustment (p < 0.05). Results. Both groups exhibited significant increases in MDA and HMGB1 from T0 to T1 (p < 0.001). However, the AST group showed smaller increases in MDA (+151% vs. +187%, p = 0.021) and HMGB1 (+279% vs. +367%, p = 0.014) compared to PLA. At T2, both biomarkers declined towardsbaseline, with greater reductions observed in the AST group (MDA: −27% vs. −15%, p = 0.018; HMGB1: −55% vs. −40%, p = 0.012). Conclusions. Fourteen days of astaxanthin supplementation attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses following eccentric exercise, as evidenced by lower elevations of MDA and HMGB1 compared to placebo. These findings suggest that astaxanthin may be an effective nutritional strategy to protect against exercise-induced oxidative damage and modulate inflammation in physically active individuals.

Intense physical exercise can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which may impair muscle recovery and athletic performance. Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, however, limited studies have examined its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers post-exercise. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the impact of N. sativa supplementation on malondialdehyde (MDA) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels following eccentric exercise. Forty-two recreationally active males (aged 18–21 years) were randomly assigned to either the N. sativa group (500 mg/day, n=21) or the placebo group (starch capsules, n=21) for 28 days. After supplementation, participants performed a standardized eccentric step-down protocol to induce muscle damage, and blood samples were collected at three time points: pre-exercise (T0), immediately post-exercise (T1), and 24 hours post-exercise (T2). MDA and HMGB1 levels significantly increased post-exercise (T1) in both groups (p<0.001); however, the N. sativa group exhibited significantly lower MDA and HMGB1 levels compared to the placebo group at T1 and T2 (p<0.001). These findings suggest that N. sativa supplementation may play a protective role against exercise-induced muscle damage by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and optimal dosages in athletic populations.

Background: Quality of life is an important. It is influenced by exposure to chemicals in the body, such as air pollution, which can damage supporting life in the future. Objective: The aim of writing this systematic review is to specify the impact of air pollution on DNA methylation. Methods: The method in this study uses the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses, this methode is carried out by searching for data in the form of articles or journals, which is carried out using the keywords "Air pollution" and "DNA methylation". Overall data from articles or jurnals based on searches using the keywords "Air pollution" and "DNA Methylation" (n=25), data from articles or journals focused on this research and articles or journals that can be accessed for free with the year publication year in the last 10 years (n=20), after which they are adjusted to the inclusion criteria of this study (n=15). Result: In this study, the results of the systematic review were obtained that this long-term impact will affect a person's quality of life, apart from that, it can also cause serious complications such as repeated respiratory infections, which can lead to decreased lung function and a higher risk of death. Conclusion: DNA is a logical tool for understanding the impact of air pollution on genome function and downstream activities that benefit health.

Background. Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is a phenomenon that arises from muscle damage following uncommon or intense eccentric exercise, with symptoms persisting for a few days. The condition is characterized by muscle pain, reduced muscle strength, limited range of motion, and general discomfort that affects performance and disrupts the exercise program. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Selenium supplementation on DOMS and muscle damage after performing heavy eccentric exercise. Materials and methods. An experimental pre-post control group design was used in this study. A total of 44 male students from the Sports Science Department of the State University of Surabaya (Universitas Negeri Surabaya) were randomly and double-blindly assigned to either a selenium supplementation group (n = 22) or a placebo group (n = 22). The participants in both groups were instructed to consume one selenium or placebo capsule for 28 days. Following the 28-day supplementation period, both groups underwent a 10-set x 10-rep bench stepping-test. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Creatine Kinase (CK) levels were assessed at 24 and 48 hours in the post-exercise phase. Results. The findings of the study demonstrated that during the 24 to 48-hour period following heavy eccentric exercise, both groups experienced a reduction in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and CK plasma levels. However, the selenium supplementation group exhibited a significantly greater reduction in DOMS and CK levels compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). This suggests that selenium supplementation may enhance the natural recovery process, rather than being solely responsible for the observed reduction in these markers. Conclusions. In conclusion, Selenium supplementation may lower the likelihood of muscle injury following heavy eccentric exercise, as it effectively decreases plasma DOMS and CK levels in the bloodstream.

Metal contamination in rice grains is a critical global issue, posing serious health risks and affecting food safety, especially in countries like Malaysia where rice is a staple food. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various cooking treatments, with a focus on parboiling before absorption cooking (PBA), in reducing metal contamination in Malaysian rice. Metal levels were measured using tandem inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS), and health risks were assessed following USEPA guidelines. Parboiling before absorption cooking was found to eliminate 77.9% of toxic metals and 68.4% of essential metals while keeping arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations below permissible limits. Deterministic health risk assessment indicated that PBA reduced hazard index by 84.5% and lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) from As exposure by 88.9%. Hazard quotient for nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) remained acceptable for all age groups except for As in children, where LCR exceeded permissible limits. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that over 95% of individuals across age groups faced unacceptable non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As exposure, regardless of cooking method. In conclusion, PBA effectively lowered metal concentrations and health risks, especially for toxic metals in rice. Future studies could enhance risk assessment accuracy by analysing metal bioavailability and speciation of metals particularly As.