👤 Indah Nur Lestari

Rabbits are increasingly valued in tropical livestock systems for their efficient feed conversion, high-quality meat, and adaptability to small-to-medium scale farming. Genetic selection using molecular markers, such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes, offers a powerful tool to enhance carcass yield and meat quality. The melanocortin-4 receptor ( Thirty-five male rabbits (10 NZW, 11 Hyla, 14 Hycole; aged 3-4 months) were selected from 621 bucks. DNA was extracted from blood samples, and a 127-base pair MC4R fragment was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced for SNP detection. Carcass traits measured included hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, reference weight, carcass percentage, meat-to-bone ratio, and five commercial cut points (CP1-CP5). Association analysis between MC4R genotypes (AA, AG, GG) and carcass traits was performed using a general linear model, considering breed and genotype × breed interactions. An SNP at position 519 (G>A) produced three genotypes. GG-genotype rabbits exhibited the highest carcass percentage (57.0%) and superior CP2 weight (0.12 ± 0.03 kg) and percentage (10.67 ± 1.53%), with significant genotype effects (p < 0.05) for CP2 weight and CP1 percentage. Breed effects were significant for carcass percentage and CP1 percentage (p < 0.05), while genotype × breed interactions significantly influenced CP2 traits (p < 0.01). The G allele showed a positive association with forequarter meat yield, suggesting its utility in marker-assisted selection (MAS). MC4R polymorphism at position 519 is significantly associated with key carcass traits in commercial rabbits under tropical conditions. The GG genotype is linked to improved carcass yield, particularly in CP2 traits, although effects vary by breed. Incorporating this SNP into MAS programs can enhance meat production efficiency and carcass quality in tropical rabbit breeding. Show less

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge. In addition to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as causative agents of mycobacterial infections. However, the limited access to rapid diagnostics often delays appropriate treatment. Accurate and timely differentiation is critical for selecting effective antibiotic regimens. In Indonesia, there is a lack of population-based data comparing MTB and NTM in TB-suspected cases. This study aimed to detect and differentiate MTB and NTM in clinical samples from suspected TB patients in North Sumatra and to assess their drug resistance profiles using a molecular diagnostic approach. We conducted a prospective cohort study using 56 clinical samples (45 smear-positive sputum and 11 fine-needle aspiration biopsies) from suspected TB patients in North Sumatra. DNA was extracted and analyzed using the Genoscholar™ NTM + multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) II line probe assay (LPA) to detect MTB, NTM, and anti-TB drug resistance. Of the 56 samples, 40 (71.4%) were positive for MTB, 2 (3.6%) for Mycobacterium avium, and 5 (8.9%) for other NTM species, while 9 (16.1%) were negative. MDR MTB was detected in 9 (28%) sputum samples and 1 (12.5%) biopsy sample. Both M. avium isolates were susceptible to rifampicin and isoniazid, while resistance profiles for the other NTM species could not be determined. LPA effectively differentiated MTB from NTM and identified drug resistance patterns in clinical samples. Implementation of this rapid diagnostic tool may strengthen TB management in high-burden areas such as North Sumatra, enabling earlier and more targeted treatment. Show less

This research focuses on molecular screening of mRNA by targeting EMT regulator genes in the TGF-β/SMAD pathway to determine the difference in EMT mechanisms between non-metastatic and metastatic primary tumor cells. The method uses Real time/quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) to measure the expression levels of target genes in colon tissue samples from non-metastatic and metastatic patient groups. Differences in target gene expression between the two groups were analyzed using t-tests. The results of this study show significance differences in the expression of EMT-inducing genes on the TGF-β/Smad pathway between non-metastatic colorectal cancer groups and metastases. TGF-β1 (p-value : 0.041), Smad2 (p-value : 0.020), Snail1 (p-value : 0.028), Twist1 (p-value : 0.036), and ZEB1 (p-value : 0.045) gene expression was higher in the metastatic tumor group. In contrast to these genes, the expression of the Smad4 (p-value : 0.022), E-cadherin (p-value : 0.036), and vimentin (p-value : 0.048) genes was lower in the metastatic tumor group. The observed alterations in gene expression related to EMT within the TGF-β/Smad pathway in metastatic colorectal cancer are likely associated with the partial processes of EMT and MET. These alterations may contribute to further metastatic potential and increase the malignancy of the cancer. Show less