Journal La Lifesci

Chemical Quality of Drinking Water from Community Wells

2026-08-26T14:23:08+07:00

Water is a primary necessity for human life, and its quality directly affects public health and community welfare. In Wayame Village, Ambon City, shallow wells are still used by the community as a source of water for daily needs, including drinking water. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical quality of shallow well water by comparing laboratory test results with the drinking water quality standards established by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. This study employed a descriptive quantitative method. A total of eight shallow well water samples were collected from community wells in Wayame Village using purposive sampling. The chemical parameters analyzed included pH, fluoride, total chromium, cadmium, nitrite, nitrate, iron, hardness, chloride, manganese, lead, and free chlorine. Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Provincial Health Laboratory of Maluku, and the results were compared with the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 492/Menkes/Per/IV/2010. The results showed that most chemical parameters were below the permissible limits for drinking water. Fluoride, total chromium, cadmium, nitrite, nitrate, iron, hardness, chloride, manganese, and lead were within the required standards. However, several samples showed pH values below the minimum standard, indicating slightly acidic water conditions. In addition, free chlorine levels in all samples were below the recommended range, indicating limited residual disinfection capacity.

Biochemical Disturbances and Profile of Lipid in Chronic Renal Failure Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

2026-08-26T14:26:11+07:00

Diagnostic Value of Serum Semaphorin-3A and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein in Rheumatoid Arthritis

2026-08-26T14:32:54+07:00

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation and progressive joint damage. The identification of reliable circulating markers could potentially improve early detection of the disease. To evaluate the diagnostic potential of circulating levels of Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A) and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) and their combined diagnostic potential in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Comparative case-control study design was conducted in Division of Rheumatology, in Al-Najaf Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf city of Iraq, for the period between July 2025 and January 2026, included 90 participants 45 of them patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to ACR/EULAR criteria and 45 apparently healthy controls. Blood samples were collected from all participants, and levels of circulating SEMA3A and COMP were estimated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The serum concentration of both COMP and SEMA3A was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in RA patients compared with controls (7.82 ± 2.31 pg/mL and 5.41 ± 1.62 ng/mL) vs. (11.96 ± 3.04 pg/mL and 8.73 ± 2.07 ng/mL). ROC analysis showed a good degree of discrimination for SEMA3A (84%, 80%, AUC = 0.88) and COMP (80%, 76%, AUC = 0.85) in RA patients. Combination of both biomarkers resulted in a better discrimination power (88.9%, 84.4%, AUC = 0.92). Serum SEMA3A and COMP show a good degree of discrimination for RA, and the combination of both biomarkers shows a better discrimination power for the diagnosis of RA.