Brown Color Research Articles

A new species of eight-gilled hagfish (Myxinidae: Eptatretus) from the deep waters of the Lakshadweep Sea, India.

A new species of eight-gilled hagfish genus Eptatretus (Myxinidae) is described based on five specimens trawled on the upper continental slope off Kollam, Kerala, India, northern Indian Ocean. Eptatretus gopali sp. nov. can be diagnosed by the presence of eight-gill pouches and gill apertures, 10-11 pre-brachial, 7 branchial, 50-55 trunk, 9-10 tail slime pores, 77-82 total pores, 3/2 multicusp teeth pattern, 40-44 total cusps, absence of nasal-sinus papillae, and a light brown body color. Detailed morphological comparisons with all known eight-gilled species of Eptatretus showed that the new species was distinct from all others by having 40-44 total cusps, characteristic body proportions, and the shortest tail length. E. gopali formed a district clade in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited a genetic distance of 3.6%-11.6% in Cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) sequences and 2.0%-4.9% in 16S rRNA sequences between the congeners. An identification key is also provided for the species of Eptatretus from the Indian Ocean.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Fe Nanoparticles Using Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) Leaves

A laboratory study for synthesis and characterization of iron nanoparticles was conducted at laboratory of Department of Nanotechnology and Centre for advanced Research in Plant Tissue Culture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The Fe nanoparticle synthesized by green method and subsequently characterized for size (Dynamic Light Scattering), functional group (FTIR) and absorbance spectra (UV-VIS Spectrophotometer). The hydrodynamic average diameter was 22.02 nm, Polydispersity index (Pdi) of 0.248 and Kilo count per second (Kcps) of 228.6 for Fe nanoparticles. The FTIR showed 3219.06 cm−1, 1637.15 cm-1 confirmed presence of Fe nanoparticles. The UV-Visible spectra of the green synthesized Fe nanoparticles found an absorption peak at 256 nm. The FeCl3.6H2O and the neem leaf extract reacted, the color of the reaction mixture quickly changed from yellow to a dark brown color.

Characterizing Dyeing Constituents from Walnut Green Husks: Utilization of a Harmful Agricultural By-product as Natural Dye to Alleviate Its Environmental Pollution

Walnut green husks (WGHs), a by-product of walnut cultivation, poses significant environmental concerns due to their indiscriminate disposal practices. To alleviate this problem, this study explored the possibility of utilizing WGHs as a resource of natural dyes focusing on the characterization of responsible bioactive compounds. The crude aqueous extract of WGHs displayed excellent dyeing activity on fabrics, resulting in a brownish color; further chromatographic fractionation revealed that the distilled water (dH2O) fraction of the extract yielded from macroporous resin column chromatography exhibited the best dyeing effect compared with other ethanol-based fractions (20%, 60%, and 90%). Based on the subsequent LC-MS/MS, FTIR, and UV-Vis analysis, six most dominant, colored compounds that are commercially available were chosen for evaluating their dyeing capacity, including β-carotene, 2,4-dinitrophenol, phylloquinone, astaxanthin, quercetin 3-sambubioside and avicularin, and indeed their mixture displayed similar dyeing effect as the dH2O fraction and the crude extract of WGHs on fabrics. The isolated compounds and their mixture exhibited comparable dyeing performance to the crude extract, with notable K/S color strength values. Colorimetric analysis revealed distinct CIEL*a*b* values for each compound; furthermore, the dyed fabrics demonstrated moderate-excellent colorfastness. Our study implied that WGHs extract and ingredients have the potential to be utilized as natural dyeing agents, which provides a new insight for eliminating environmental pollution triggered by hazardous agricultural wastes.

Formulation and Evaluation of Fast Disintegrating Tablets Containing Broccoli Extract (Brassica oleracea) Using Crospovidone and Ac-Di Sol as Superdisintegrants

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is known to contain flavonoid and glucosinolate compounds that act as acetylcholine enzyme inhibitors to improve memory in humans. To be practical and easy to use, broccoli is made in tablet dosage form. This study aims to determine the effect of the super disintegrants concentration of crospovidone and Ac-Di Sol on the physical quality of the Fast-Disintegrating Tablet (FDT) of broccoli extract. A total of 3 formulas were made using the wet granulation method and different concentrations of crospovidone and Ac-Di Sol, namely formula 1 (crospovidone 5% : Ac-Di-Sol 2%), formula 2 (crospovidone 4.5% : Ac-Di-Sol 2.5%), and formula 3 (crospovidone 4% : Ac-Di-Sol 3%). Tablet quality testing included hardness, friability, disintegration time, wetting time, and determination of total flavonoid content of tablet. The results of tablets have a brownish white colour with black spots, are round with a flat surface, have a distinctive odour, and have a slightly bittersweet taste. ANOVA statistical analysis of tablet hardness (p > 0.05) showed that there was no significant effect of crospovidone and Ac-Di-Sol concentrations on tablet hardness. While other test results showed a significant effect of crospovidone and Ac-Di-Sol concentrations on tablet friability (p < 0.05), disintegration time (p < 0.05), and wetting time (p < 0.05). Formula 1 (crospovidone 5% and Ac-Di-Sol 2%) is the best formula based on the physical quality of tablets, with an average tablet hardness value of 2.23 kp, friability of 0.95%, disintegration time of 1 minute 37 seconds, wetting time of 1 minute 15 seconds, and total flavonoid content of 2.62 mg QE/g (101.83%).

Compositions phytochimique et nutritive des farines résiduelles issues des tubercules dégraissés de Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae)

Cyperus esculentus, commonly known as tiger nut or yellow nut sedge, is an edible plant. This study focused on the tubers of Cyperus esculentus, which exhibit brown or yellow coloration. After extracting the tuber oil, the resulting flours have been characterized. The primary objective of this investigation was to analyze the mineral, phenolic, and nutritional compositions of the flour obtained from tubers harvested in three localities in the northern region of Côte d’Ivoire. The mineral composition was determined using the ICP-ES method. Quantitative analysis of phytoconstituents (total phenols, total flavonoids, hydrolysable and condensed tannins) and the assessment of antioxidant activity were performed using spectrophotometric techniques. Subsequently, the nutritional composition was then determined by colorimetric titration, UV-visible spectrophotometry and HPLC. The results showed that the flours contain essential minerals, with high levels of potassium (670.07-820.51 mg/100 g), phosphorus (155.52-357.11 mg/100 g) and magnesium (119.07-122.95 mg/100 g). Furthermore, the flour's vitamin C content (167.0-356.9 mg/100 g), total carbohydrate content and energy values are also good. Total phenols, total flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins contents varied from 3740.52 to 4570.00 μg EAG/g SM; from 6.00 to 8.10 μg EAG/g SM and from 0.233 to 0.358 μg EAG/g SM and from 110.98 to 242.50 μg EC/g MS, respectively. The flours showed a good antioxidant profile. In addition, they contain proteins and sugars, therefore they can be used in human food. Keywords: Cyperus esculentus ; Residual powders ; Phytocompounds ; Essential nutrients ; Antioxidant activity.

Cutaneous Nevoid Melanoma: A Retrospective Study on Clinico-Pathological Characteristics, with a Focus on Dermoscopic Features and Survival Analysis

Background: Diagnosis of nevoid melanoma (NeM) is often difficult because NeM closely resembles a common nevus clinically and histologically. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 110 patients diagnosed with and/or treated for primary nevoid melanoma at the Veneto Institute of Oncology and at the University Hospital of Padua from August 1999. Results: Mean Breslow thickness was of 1.4 mm. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was conducted in nearly half of the patients, and positivity was detected in 16.7% of them. Twenty-four clinical and 23 dermoscopic pictures were collected. Papular and macular lesions prevailed over nodular and plaque-type lesions. Different hues of brown, pink, and red color were most represented. Twenty nevus-like NeMs and four multicomponent-pattern NeMs were observed. The Most frequent dermoscopic patterns for nevus-like NeM were atypical pigmented reticulum, irregular globules and dots, and hyperpigmented blotches. Atypical vessels, asymmetric peripheric striae, blue-white veil, and areas of regression were less frequent and prevailed in multicomponent pattern NeM. A structureless pattern was also featured. Many patients in the series had multiple melanomas. However, none of them had numerous multiple nevoid melanomas. Conclusions: NeM should not be regarded as a separate biological entity from classical melanoma, and the same histological and clinical prognostic factors apply to NeM. Clinically and dermoscopically, it often resembles benign nevi, although some clues such as evolution and some dermoscopic patterns could suggest malignancy. Clinical suspicion might prove crucial to further pathological analysis and recognition.

Peningkatan Ketahanan Pakan Ternak Melalui Pembuatan Silase di Desa Pesantren, Kecamatan Blado, Kabupaten Batang

Silage is forage processing done by fermentation using lactic acid under anaerobic conditions. Silage is an alternative animal feed that can fulfil animal feed needs when it is difficult to obtain. The rich nutrient content in silage, such as protein, carbohydrates and minerals can fulfil the nutritional needs of animals and support optimal productivity. This activity aims to provide in-depth knowledge and skills to farmers regarding silage making techniques as quality animal feed. Activities start from information gathering; preparation and making of silage materials, concepts, and samples; preparation and procurement of silage material tools; implementation of socialisation; opening of silage results, and evaluation of activities that have been carried out. This test consists of several variables including; aroma, texture, colour and the presence of fungi. The results of the activity showed an increase in farmers' knowledge about silage making, there were 82% of farmers who understood the material presented and 55% of farmers were very satisfied with the activities that had been carried out. The silage results that have been made show some characteristics that are less in accordance with the category of good quality silage at the top of the silage, but the silage results at the bottom are still in the category that can be accepted by livestock. Good quality silage can be determined through its physical quality, so an organoleptic test is carried out to see the physical quality of silage. The quality of the silage produced based on organoleptic tests has a brownish green colour, a slightly smelly aroma, a slightly watery mushy texture and the presence of fungi in the top layer. Thus, making silage has the potential to be a solution to overcome the problem of feed availability in the dry season and increase the capacity of farmers in managing feed.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. with special emphasis on antibacterial, antioxidant and plant growth promoting potential

The creation of "microbial nanotechnology" for quick and large-scale manufacturing of nanoparticles would be possible with an effective biosynthesis method. Plumbago zeylanica L. is a medicinal plant from which the endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. was isolated and identified by 18S rDNA sequencing and microscopic studies. Cell filtrate of Colletotrichum sp. was employed to produce biological silver nanoparticles which acted as a reducing and stabilising agent during this process. The brown colour proved that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are being produced. In characterization of AgNPs, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy revealed maximum absorption at 425 nm. From transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopic study the shape of the silver nanoparticle was found spherical with 10–30 nm diameters. The existence of elemental silver (peak) was verified by the silver signal in the energy-dispersive X?ray spectroscopy. Fourier-transform infrared analysis showed some major and minor shifts in the peaks of some chemical bonding. Synthesised AgNP had strong antibacterial action against pathogenic bacterial strains in 200 g/mL concentration and against Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 741, it showed the highest inhibition. The AgNP concentration of 150 g/mL demonstrated the highest competency for antioxidant capabilities while ascorbic acid was used as the reference. Also, AgNP exhibited plant growth-promoting ability as in 40 mg/L concentration; it significantly enhanced the shoot and root growth, total soluble protein, sugar, and indole acetic acid content of P. zeylanica L. This AgNP can be useful in pharmaceutical industries and agriculture as nano fertilizers for all these purposes.

Overview of Water Quality in Maintening Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus) in Floating Net Cages in Lihung Village, Karang Intan, Banjar District, South Kalimantan

Water quality is the quality characteristics required for certain uses of various water sources. The research aims to analyze water quality conditions, water physics (temperature, water color, depth, brightness, and current), water chemistry (pH, BOD, DO, ammonia, and phosphate), and water biology (plankton) in river flows in the village Lihung, diamond coral. This research was conducted in the river waters of Lihung Village, Karang Intan District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Determination of sampling points was carried out using purposive sampling. Physical and chemical parameters in the Lihung Village River that support the development of aquaculture are, temperature, pH, water color, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, while parameters that do not support the development of aquaculture are, brightness, depth, current, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammonia. Physical and chemical parameters still support the survival of fish, although they are still supportive, there are several parameters whose values exceed the water quality standards that have been set. Judging from the pollution index value, the Lihung River is a lightly polluted body of water. So overall the Lihung River is still good for developing fisheries cultivation. The biological parameters of plankton in the Lihung River are 3 genus variants, namely, Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Copepada, with the dominant plankton in the waters being the genus Bacillariophyceae, which is a class of plankton that is good for aquaculture in rivers, with a brownish green river color. Cluster 1 contains stations II and III which are similar in all water quality parameters (temperature, water color, depth, brightness, water flow, pH, DO, ammonia, BOD, phosphate and plankton). From the results of these observations, good water quality results were obtained at both stations. This cluster 2 contains station I which has significant differences in water quality from stations II and III, station I has BOD, ammonia, brightness, depth, and currents that do not support fish cultivation.

Qualitative characteristics and color causes of dolomite type nephrite, Voimakan deposit, Meadle‐Vitim mountain country

Relevance. Nephrite is a highly valuable but insufficiently researched gemstone. The article is devoted to the previously unexplored Voimakan deposit of apodolomite nephrite, the main attention is paid to the causes of nephrite coloring, which remain controversial in relation to this stone in general. Aim. To determine the quality characteristics of the Voimakan deposit nephrite and the causes of its color. Methods. An organoleptic method using binoculars, a gemological flashlight and a magnifying glass of 20x magnification. Silicate and ICP-MS analyses were performed, colorimetric parameters were determined, optical absorption spectroscopy was applied, and Mossbauer measurements were carried out. Results. Greenish-white, light green, grayish-green and brown nephrite forms segregations in calcite-tremolite skarn bodies at the contact of dolomite marble and amphibolite transformed into epidote-tremolite skarn. The optical absorption spectra of nephrite are characterized by a wide low-intensity absorption band in the visible region in the region of 650–670 nm, associated with the charge transfer mechanism Fe2+VI→Fe3+VI in neighboring octahedral positions. Conclusions. Nephrite meets the requirements for gemstone raw materials. Diopsidite with nephrite lenses and interlayers can be used for carving multicolored products or inlays. Iron in nephrite is found in the form of Fe3+ and Fe2+ ions in various positions in the structure of the mineral, namely 58,4% Fe2+ is located in octahedral positions M1–M3, 30,9% Fe2+ is located in the position of octal coordination M4, 8,4% Fe3+ is located in octahedral positions M1–M3. These data are consistent with the bands in the optical absorption spectra, which creates the coloration in the studied nephrites. Electronic paramagnetic resonance and luminescent spectroscopy have shown that Mn2+ ions are located in two nonequivalent positions. The degree of green shade of nephrite increases with growth in Fe2+ content. The brown color of nephrite is determined by Fe3+ in the tremolite structure.

Deteksi Keberadaan Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, dan Shigella sp pada Ekstrak Etanol 70% Buah Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is widely recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties yet concerns regarding microbial contamination in plant extracts necessitate thorough testing to ensure safety. This study addresses the issue of potential contamination by Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus in okra extracts. This research assessed the microbiological safety of okra extract obtained through remaceration using 70% ethanol. Okra fruits were collected from the Okra Fruit Farm in the Pulogadung Industrial Area and identified as Abelmoschus esculentus from the Malvaceae family. The simplicia was processed to a fineness level 4/18 and extracted, yielding 95.22 grams with a 9.47% yield. A distinct odor, bitter taste, and dark brown color characterized the extract. Microbiological tests using selective culture media indicated no growth of C. albicans, P. aeruginosa, or S. aureus, confirming the extract's safety from microbial contamination. These results suggest that okra extract can be further developed for use in herbal products and functional foods.

A review of three taxonomically confused species of Petraeomastus Möllendorff, 1901 (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Enidae) from the Jinshajiang River Valley, with the description of a new species

ABSTRACT Three little-known and taxonomically confused gastropod species in the genus Petraeomastus: P. neumayri, P. desgodinsi and P. markamensis comb. n. from the Jinshajiang River Valley of China, are herein identified and redescribed. A new species, as well as the largest species of the family Enidae in China, Petraeomastus gigas Chen, Dai, Wu and Ouyang sp. n., is described from Jinshajiang River Valley. It can be easily distinguished from congeners by its large and dextral-coiling shell of reddish brown colour and irregular white stripes. This new species and the taxonomic revision of the genus clarify the long-standing taxonomic problems of Petraeomastus from the Jinshajiang River Valley and provide data necessary for the subsequent research on and protection of these species. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E1C21604-3BF9-44BA-BA05-AB4C050BB252

Voimakan deposit of dolomite type nephrite, Middle-vitim mountain country: formation conditions

The Voimakan deposit of dolomite type nephrite has been investigated in order to clarify the features of its formation. 12 samples of nephrite and 5 samples of host rocks were studied. A binocular stereomicroscope, a gemological flashlight and a polarizing petrographic microscope were used. The contents of macro- and micro-components, the isotopic composition of oxygen were determined. Nephrite is light salad, salad, gray-salad and brown (honey). It forms separations in calcite-tremolite skarn bodies at the contact of dolomite marble and amphibolite transformed into epidote-tremolite skarn. The value of δ 18 O of nephrite is –18.5 ÷ –18.8%; calcite-tremolite skarn –17.4%; epidote-tremolite scarn –4.4, 2.6%; dolomite 26.1%. Nephrite meets the requirements for gemstone raw materials. Diopsidite with nephrite lenses and interlayers can be used for carving multicolored products or inlays. The green shade of nephrite increases with an increase in the Fe 2+ content. The brown color of nephrite is determined by Fe 3+ in the tremolite structure. The dolomite type of nephrite is confirmed by the ratio of Mg and Fe, a reduced content of Cr, Ni, Co, an increased content of F and the ratio of Sr to Ba, and the nature of the REE distribution. The distribution of REE in nephrite is determined by the composition of the initial dolomite under the influence of epidote-tremolite scarn. The source of abnormally isotopically light oxygen of nephrite is a meteoric fluid depleted in 18 O as a result of dolomite decarbonation. Granite only provides regional heating, activating the fluid. Both metasomatic and metamorphic processes were involved in the nephrite formation and transformation. The formation of nephrite is associated with the formation of calcite-tremolite and epidote-tremolite skarns. Tectonic stresses caused the crushing of rocks, facilitating the penetration of fluid, provided the formation of a nephrite cryptocrystalline tangled fibrous structure. But further regressive metamorphism led to the development of chlorite and talc, which worsened the nephrite quality.

Discolouration and Chemical Changes of Beech Wood After CO2 Laser Engraving

This study evaluated the influence of infrared laser radiation produced by a CO2 laser, performing under different engraving parameters, on the colour changes and chemical composition of a beech wood surface. The results showed that the lightness clearly decreased with increasing laser power and density. At the highest laser power and the highest raster density, the ΔL* value was 51.3. The values of coordinates a* and b* moderately increased up to a raster density of 5 mm−1; then, with a subsequent raster density increase, the values of these coordinates decreased again. However, the coordinate values were positive in all cases. Even the lowest laser power and raster density resulted in conspicuous discolouration or even a completely new colour compared to the original (ΔE = 10) of the beech wood surface. Further increases in the laser power and raster density resulted in progressively pronounced colour differences and a darker brown colour of the surface. The ATR-FTIR chemical analysis of the beech wood surface revealed that discolouration was mainly caused by heat-induced processes associated with the degradation of carbonyl groups (C=O) in lignin and hemicelluloses. The splitting of C=O bonds induced changes in the content of chromophores responsible for the natural wood colour and for the engraving-related discolouration. The study demonstrates that the amount of energy supplied onto the wood surface by a laser beam using diverse combinations of radiation parameters can be represented by a single variable: the total irradiation dose. The functional relation detected between this variable and the colour differences may serve as a basis for using a controlled laser beam for targeted wood surface discolouration to improve the quality of patterns transferred onto a wood surface. Knowledge of this relation will enable the targeted setting of the laser parameters during engraving so that the laser beam can be used as a tool for transferring high-quality patterns onto wood surfaces.

Whipped chickpea aquafaba as a fat replacer in ice cream: Effect on sensory and physicochemical properties.

Whipped chickpea aquafaba (WAF) exhibits foaming, emulsifying, and gelling properties, making it a potential ingredient for replacing cream in ice cream formulations. The aim of this study was to use WAF in combination with whey protein isolate (WPI) to produce low-fat coffee ice cream with 50% (L50) and 80% (L80) milk cream replacement. The melting rate, color, texture, volatile compounds, and sensory attributes were analyzed to explore the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of the low-fat ice creams compared to their full-fat counterparts. Fat substitute performance varied based on cream replacement levels, with L50 1:0 (WAF:WPI) and L80 1:0achieving 25% and 40% reductions in calorie content, respectively. The foaming properties of aquafaba resulted in an increased overrun, particularly in formulations where the cream reduction was 50%. While the 80% replacement showed higher intensity of "hardness," "brown color," and "melting" sensory descriptors, the 50% cream-replaced ice cream showed only slight differences compared to the full-fat version, like a higher perception of ice crystals. The combination of WAF and WPI in ice cream provides sensory properties and releases pyrazines, responsible for the coffee aroma, similar to full-fat ice cream. The 1:1 WAF:WPI mixture for 50% cream reduction provided a suitable cream replacement, as this formulation resulted in ice cream that was not identified as different from the full-fat control ice cream in the triangle test. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study demonstrates that whipped aquafaba, a by-product of chickpea processing, can be effectively used to reduce the fat content in ice cream without compromising sensory quality. In addition to promoting the development of healthier low-fat ice creams, this approach also contributes to food industry sustainability by reusing a commonly discarded by-product.

Molecular Identification and Description of the Tadpole of Leptobrachella melanoleuca (Matsui, 2006) (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae)

Identifying tadpoles will significantly enhance future studies on life histories, behavior, ecology, and distribution of amphibian species. This study provides a detailed morphological and buccopharyngeal description of Leptobrachella melanoleuca tadpoles, utilizing DNA barcoding for accurate identification. Ten tadpoles, measuring 15.0±1.22 mm (range: 12.0–16.6 mm) in body length, were collected from Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Mitochondrial gene sequences, including 12S rRNA, tRNA-Val, and 16S rRNA, showed less than 0.1% divergence from adult L. melanoleuca in GenBank and our adult specimens, confirming the identification. Both tadpoles and adults were found in a small rocky stream. The tadpoles exhibit dark brown coloration with brown blotches in life, while preserved specimens show significant fading. The tadpoles’ external morphology includes a translucent abdomen, darkened throat, and dark gray chest. The tail musculature is gray with light brown spots, and the fins are slightly transparent. Buccopharyngeal anatomy revealed a semicircular prenarial arena with knobby projections, narrow choanae, and a densely pustular buccal roof arena. The buccal floor features triangular tongue anlage, trapezoidal prelingual arena, and large buccal floor arena papillae. The Keratodont Row Formula (KRF) is recorded as 1:2–2/0 or 2+2/0, with black jaw sheaths. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of tadpole morphology in the genus Leptobrachella, providing a crucial reference for future taxonomic and ecological studies of this and related species.

First Report of Clonostachys rhizophaga Causing Root Rot on Lentil in France and Cross-Pathogenicity on Pea.

Root rot affects legumes such as lentil (Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris Medik.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) (Chatterton et al. 2019). In France, legume root rot occurs in 65% of cultivated areas and cause up to 60% yield loss (Augagneur et al. 2021; Moussart el al. 2011). Soil was sampled from plots where root rot disease was previously observed. Samplings were conducted in April 2019 from two plots in central France (46.59 N, 2.05 E; 46.57 N, 2.3 E). Pre-germinated lentil (cv. Anicia) seeds were transplanted in both soils and symptomatic plants were collected after two months. They showed yellowing and wilting symptoms associated with necrotic spots on the root system. The light brown color on the roots turned to dark brown as the necrotic spots progress. Diseased root fragments were surface-disinfected by soaking for 30 s in 70% ethanol, rinsed with sterile water and placed on malt extract agar (MEA). Fungal colonies growing from the root fragments were purified by single-spore sub-culturing and preserved in the Microorganisms of Interest for Agriculture and Environment (MIAE) collection (INRAE Dijon, France). They were transferred to potato dextrose agar and carnation leaf agar for macroscopic and microscopic observations. The colonies developed a dense and cottony aerial mycelium, pearly in color with pink reflections (Fig. S1). From below, the colonies were orange-pink. Under the microscope, Verticillium-like conidiophores arising on the same whorl released asymmetrical ovoid single-celled conidia, from 4 to 7 µm long and 2.5 to 3 µm wide, similar to the description of Clonostachys rhizophaga by Schroers (2001). Isolates MIAE08192 and MIAE08209 were identified as Clonostachys sp. based on their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences (GenBank accessions OR902030 and OR902031). They were further identified based on their sequence of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF-1α) (Moreira et al. 2016) (GenBank accessions OR947648 and OR947649). A BLAST search identified the two isolates as C. rhizophaga based on 100% identity of their sequences to the published sequence KX184992 (382 bp out of 382 bp and 377 bp out of 377 bp, respectively). A phylogenetic analysis combining ITS and TEF-1α sequences confirmed that the two isolates clustered within the C. rhizophaga species (Fig. S2). Two strains MIAE07881 and MIAE07884 of C. rhizophaga have been reported to cause root rot on pea (Gibert et al. 2022). Due to equivalent symptoms on lentil and pea, and the fact that the strains belonged to the same taxon led to test cross-pathogenicity on the two plant species with the two strains collected from lentil and the two strains collected from pea. Surface-disinfected lentil (cv. Anicia) and pea (cv. Firenza) seeds were placed on MEA, and after 72 h, the germinated seeds were transferred into sterile glass tubes containing 30 mL of Hoagland's No. 2 basal salt mixture at 1.6 g.L-1 added with agar 8 g.L-1. Three days later, they were inoculated with 1 mL of a conidial suspension at 105 conidia.mL-1 or sterile deionized water for the control plantlets. Twelve tubes per strain and twelve negative control tubes were prepared. The tubes were incubated in a growth chamber at 22°C day/18°C night and 12 h light for four weeks. The bioassay was performed twice. The control plants were asymptomatic. Whatever their origin, the four isolates inoculated on lentil or pea caused necrotic areas on 100% of the plants leading to strongly degraded root system. Koch's postulates were verified by reisolating the inoculated fungi from one symptomatic plant among the twelve replicates. Our results confirm the absence of specificity of this interaction and suggests the possible pathogenicity of C. rhizophaga on other legumes (Abang et al. 2009). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. rhizophaga as a causal agent of root rot on lentil and of its cross-pathogenicity on lentil and pea.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DRAKSHASAVA PREPARED USING TWO DIFFERENT SANDHANA DRAVYA IN TWO DIFFERENT CONTAINERS

Introduction: Drakshasava is a well-known Ayurvedic formulation used as general health tonic, carminative, and blood purifier, commonly used to treat digestive disorders, and cardiac issues. In the present study Drakshasava was prepared using two different Sandhana Dravya Dhataki-pushpa and yeast. Two different containers were used in the fermentation process. Materials and Methods: Drakshasava was prepared pharmaceutically, ingredients being Draksha, Dhataki, Jati, Lavanga, Kakkola, Lavaliphala, Swetha Chandana, Twak, Ela, Patra and Pippali. Observation and result: Drakshasava with Dhataki-pushpa is dark brown colour and Drakshasava with yeast is lemon colour. Various parameters were analysed. Discussion: In an experimental study comparing the fermentation processes of two distinct Sandhan Dravya (fermenting drugs) like Dhataki-pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa kurz) and yeast. And also comparing two types of containers like earthen vessels and plastic containers. Were analysed and discussed. Conclusion: This study aims to investigate the preparation of Drakshasava using two different Sandhan Dravya (fermenting drugs) with two different vessels, specifically yeast and Dhataki-pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa kurz), their impact on the physicochemical properties of the final product. Through the physicochemical analysis, identified the little variances in the final products.

Complex application of СО2 laser and tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma in postmenopausal women (literature review)

Melasma is a common acquired pigmentation disorder, represented by patches of light brown or brown color localized on areas of the skin exposed to prolonged sunlight. The increased activity of melanocytes, which underlies the pathogenesis of melasma, is due to genetic predisposition, chronic insolation and hormonal imbalance. In postmenopausal women, the increased severity of melasma is associated with a combination of these factors. In addition, pigmentation disorders may be affected by taking certain medications and other environmental factors. There are many methods of treating melasma, including the use of topical remedies, chemical peels, laser therapy and others. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to an integrated approach that combines various treatment methods to achieve the best result. One of the effective methods of treating this pathology is the use of a CO2 laser. However, many patients relapse after laser treatment. In this regard, there has been interest in the combined use of laser therapy using topical agents that reduce the severity of pigmentation. One of these drugs is tranexamic acid, which has the property of reducing the activity of melanocytes.The purpose of this literature review is to study the latest publications on the treatment of melasma using laser-associated administration of tranexamic acid.Material and methods. The literature data on search words – melasma, hyperpigmentation, tranexamic acid, CO2 laser, fractional grinding, laser-associated administration, postmenopause in computer databases PubMed, Elibrary, Cochrane Library, Medscape were studied. Web of Science, Scopus. Publications included basic scientific research, randomized controlled trials, comments and reviews. The results of clinical improvement were assessed by the MASI melasma area and severity index, as well as the modified mMASI index.

Phenotypic characterization of Nguni goats in four agro-ecological zones of Limpopo province, South Africa.

The study was conducted to phenotypically characterize Nguni goats from four agro-ecological zones of Limpopo province, South Africa. A total of 426 goats were sampled from four agro-ecological zones. The quantitative traits that were studied for phenotypic characterization using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were heart girth (HG), body length (BL), withers height (WH), sternum height (SH), rump height (RH), rump length (RL), rump width (RW), cannon circumference (CC), testicular length (TL) and scrotal circumference (SC) while qualitative traits were coat colour pattern and type, back profile, ear orientation, presence of horn, horn shape and orientation. The study further looked at the structural indices of the goats. The findings indicated that the agro-ecological zones significantly affected (P<0.05) the quantitative traits of Nguni goats. Female goats from arid zone had higher (P<0.05) BW, HG, BL, WH, RH, and CC with mean values of 35.76±0.92, 73.89±0.63, 66.26±0.62, 63.40±0.56, 64.71±0.44 and 8.07±0.06, respectively as compared to the other zones. Male goats from arid zone had higher (P<0.05) BW, HG, BL, RW, TL and SC with mean values of 37.20±2.29, 78.75±1.44, 70.95±1.57, 16.83±0.38, 15.50±0.50 and 31.00±0.00, respectively as compared to other zones. In terms of qualitative traits, the goats were characterized by higher proportion of patchy coat colour pattern (62.7%), brown dominant colour type (42.6%), straight back profile (46.6%), and semi-pendulous ear orientation (65.4%). The goats had horns (100%), curved horn shape (71.6%) and backward horn orientation (89.4%). Though the agro-ecological zone had non-significant influence (P>0.05) on the qualitative traits. Findings of structural indices on dactyl-thoracic, transversal pelvic, longitudinal pelvic and proportionality indicated that the Nguni goats can be matched as light medium meat type. In conclusion, the variation in morphometric traits of Nguni goats and knowing their structural and functional indices can assist in their conservation and genetic improvement. There was no difference in the qualitative traits of the goats in four agro-ecological zones. Studies needed to be conducted on genetic characterization using genetic markers to integrate the information from morphological traits.