Reddish Brown Color Research Articles

Porfiria eritropoyética congénita bovina en la Estacion Experimetal de Choquenaira

We report a case of congenital erythropoietic porphyria in a 5-day-old black and white Holstein female born in Choquenaira Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agronomy of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés. The clinical picture was characterized by the presence of pinkish brown color of the teeth (pink tooth) caused by porphyrin deposition, hempglobinuria, growth retardation. At 4 months of age. In addition to photosensitization, the most evident macroscopic changes were the reddish brown coloration of the bones and the pinkish brown color of the teeth, caused by porphyrin deposition.

Standardization of Dengen Bark Extract (Dillenia serrata) for Emulgel Product Development

Medicinal raw materials derived from plants must be standardized in order to guarantee the quality, stability and safety of medicinal preparations containing these raw materials. Extract standardization includes two parameters, namely specific parameters and non-specific parameters. Dengen plant is one of the endemic plants of the island of Sulawesi which has been used by the community for several treatments. For the development of medicinal raw materials from this part of the dengen plant, it first needs to be standardized. This research is an experimental research. The ethanol extract of the dengen bark was obtained by extraction method and then tested for specific and non-specific parameters. The results obtained on organoleptic examination are brownish red color, characteristic odor, thick texture, and astringent taste. The content of soluble compounds in water is 6.16 ± 0.125%, the content of soluble compounds in ethanol is 44.61 ± 0.15%, contains flavonoid compounds, saponins and tannins, ash content is 4.17 ± 0.0285%, ash content is not soluble in acids. 0.024 ± 0.03%, moisture content 21.08 ± 0.209%, specific gravity 0.8256 ± 0.002 (5%), 0.8248 ± 0.005 (10%), total bacterial and mold/yeast contamination < 1.0 x 101 with negative mold/yeast culture, heavy metal content (mercury-Hg) 0.3335 g/g, Copper-Cu < 0.01 g/g, Lead-Pb 0.094 g/g. Based on the results of the study, the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of dengen ( Dillenia serrata ) has met the applicable standardization requirements for extracts which include specific and non-specific parameters as medicinal raw materials.

First report of leaf spot and stem blight on blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Bluerain) caused by Calonectria pseudoreteaudii in China.

Blueberry has high nutritional value and is one of the five healthy fruits. In 2018, leaf spots and stem blights were observed on Vaccinium corymbosum cv. Bluerain in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Up to 80% of the plants were affected. Initial symptoms of affected leaves were red-brown, irregular, small spots, which gradually coalesced and formed larger irregular necrotic patches. The affected stems showed red-brown and irregular large lesions. Diseased tissues were surface sterilized with 75% alcohol for 15 s, followed by 2.5% NaClO for 30 s, and rinsing three times in sterile distilled water, placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25 C. Representative strains, ZHKUCC 21-0021 from diseased leaves and ZHKUCC 21-0073 from diseased stems, were selected for further studies. Colonies grew slowly at 25 C on malt extract agar (MEA) (average 5.68 mm/d), producing white aerial mycelium and red-brown color on the underside after 7 days. Macroconidiophores were hyaline, smooth, consisting of a stipe bearing fertile branches, and a stipe extension terminating in a vesicle. Each terminal branch produced 2-4 phialides, 8-13 × 3-6 μm, reniform or doliiform; Stipe extensions were septate, terminating in a narrowly clavate vesicle, 2-6 μm. Macroconidia were hyaline, straight cylindrical, round at both ends, 83-100 × 7-11 μm (average = 94 × 8 μm; n = 50), with 5 septa. These morphological characteristics were similar to the description of Calonectria pseudoreteaudii (Lombard et al., 2010). The partial calmodulin (cmdA), beta-tubulin (β-tubulin), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α) genes of the two isolates were respectively amplified using primers CAL-228F/CAL-737R (Carbone et al., 1999), EF1-728F/EF2 and T1/CYLTUB1R (Lombard et al., 2015), and sequences were deposited in GenBank (cmdA: MZ516854 and MZ516855; β-tubulin: MZ516858 and MZ516859; tef1-α: MZ516856 and MZ516857). BLAST analysis of three gene sequences showed 100% similarity to those of C. pseudoreteaudii. In the maximum likelihood (ML) tree of the concatenated sequences of the three genes, the two isolates from this study were clustered with C. pseudoreteaudii with 100% bootstrap support. Five-mm-diameter hyphal plugs of two representative isolates grown on PDA for five days were used in the pathogenicity test. Leaves were inoculated with ZHKUCC 21-0021, and stems were inoculated with ZHKUCC 21-0073 with five replicates. As controls, sterile PDA plugs were used. All inoculated plants were maintained at 25 C . After 7 days, inoculated leaves and stems developed symptoms similar to field samples, whereas the control plants remained asymptomatic. The pathogen was reisolated from inoculated plants and confirmed to be C. pseudoreteaudii by morphological characteristics. Five Calonectria species (C. canadensis, C. colhounii, C. ilicicola, C. kyotensis and C. pyrochroa), have been reported associated with blueberry (Farr and Rossman, 2022; Fei et al, 2017). Calonectria canadensis and C. ilicicola have been reported to cause stem blight and stem rot in Vaccinium spp. in China (Fei et al, 2017 and 2018). Calonectria colhounii has been reported to cause stem blight in V. angustifolium and V. corymbosum in the United States (Sadowsky et al, 2011). However, this is the first report of C. pseudoreteaudii causing leaf spot and stem blight on Vaccinium spp. worldwide. These results will provide a foundation for future research on prevention and control of this disease.

Water quality assessment of open wells in Malappuram district, Kerala, India

Abstract Most of the open well water is of low pH and polluted by an excess of turbidity, acidity, and iron in the district of Malappuram, Kerala, India. In this work, water samples were collected in a random manner from 15 blocks of Malappuram in between the post- and pre-monsoon seasons and their quality was studied using standard analytical procedures. Based on the experimental analysis, various physicochemical characteristics, namely turbidity, temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, and iron have been evaluated. It is found that all samples under investigation were of low pH and some samples were contaminated by turbidity, acidity, and iron. However, total dissolved solids and total alkalinity are within the desirable limit in all samples. Samples having excess turbidity and iron show a reddish brown color that causes coloration and stain to sanitary fittings, clothes, etc. Excess iron also give an unpalatable metallic taste to the drinking water.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in dermatological practice. Case report

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a mesenchymal neoplasm of fibrohistiocytic origin of moderate malignancy. The pathogenesis of DFSP involves chromosomal translocation, which leads to the formation of a fusion protein that promotes tumor growth due to increased production of platelet growth factor (PDGF). Clinically, it begins with an asymptomatic fibrous papule or firm plaques, which gradually over the course of several years become enlarged with the formation of asymmetrical multi-nodular structure of purple or red-brown color. The standards of diagnosis is a histological examination with the detection of a poor limited infiltrate indermis of a storiform architecture consisting of monomorphic spindle cells and diffuse CD34+ staining during immunohistochemistry. Complete surgical excision is considered the gold standard of treatment. Clinical case: female patient, 35 years old with a lesion in the form of a dense plaque in right subclavian area was examined by a dermatologist. The primary diagnosis was made as "morphea". In a year a slight growth of the lesion and the appearance of small firm nodules asymmetrically along the periphery were noted. According to the results of histological and immunohistochemistry studies the diagnosis of DFSP was made, the patient was referred to an oncologist for complete tumor removal.

Neuro-emotions based on electroencephalograph response to different color Ardisia mamillata Hance plants in elderly people with and without cognitive impairment.

Given the aging population, the quality of mental health of elderly people deserves special attention. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the difference of neuro-emotion based on EEG from the cognitively impaired elderly (CNE) and the cognitively normal elderly (CIE) participants viewing different color Ardisia mamillata Hance and (2) to determine which color Ardisia mamillata Hance has greater benefits for boosting their neuro-emotions. The cognitive function of the participants was judged by using the revised Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale combined with the daily cognitive performance of the participants, and the participants were divided into the cognitive normal elderly (CNE) and the cognitive impairment elderly (CIE). A total of 10 CNE volunteers and 10 CIE volunteers were recruited as participants for this study. For this study, two varieties of Ardisia mamillata Hance, green tiger tongue (GTT) with green leaves and red tiger tongue (RTT) with reddish brown leaves, were observed as plant materials. In total, six emotional indexes, including stress, engagement, interest, excitement, focus, and relaxation, were then measured by electroencephalography (EEG). RTT had the most positive effect on EEG neuro-emotion in the CNE group, with significant reductions in stress, engagement, and focus in the RTT test, while the combination of GTT+RTT had a positive effect on EEG neuro-emotions in the CIE group, with significant reductions in engagement and focus in the GTT+RTT test. No statistically significant differences were found for the interest, excitement, and relaxation index in the CNE and CIE participants in all tests. Significant reductions were observed in stress, engagement, and focus values of the CIE participants in the RTT test, which indicated that the CNE participants were more relaxed. RTT is a reddish brown and warm color plant, so the CNE individuals should always have the warm color plants indoors or outdoors, which could help boost their neuro-emotions. Significant reductions were observed in engagement and focus values of the CIE participants in the GTT+RTT test, which indicated that the CIE participants were more relaxed. The combination of GTT+RTT test shows the combination cold and warm color plants; therefore, the CIE individuals should always have a combination of cool and warm color plants indoors or outdoors, which could help boost their EEG neuro-emotions.

Ekstraksi Tanin dari Limbah Kulit Biji Asam dan Penggunaannya Sebagai Biomordan pada Pewarnaan Tenun Timor Secara Alami

Tannins from tamarind seed husk were extracted and applied as a biomordant for natural dyeing process of Timor woven fabrics. Tannins were extracted using hot distilled water, qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed and applied as a color binder to the woven fabrics. The color characteristics of woven fabrics with tannins were compared to the woven fabrics that mordanted with Al2(SO4)3 and FeSO4 at the concentration of 15%. Tamarind seed husk tannins are in the form of a brownish red powder. Qualitative and quantitative tests showed that tamarind seed coat contained condensed tannins with a total concentration of 70.08 ± 0.14%. Tannins identification by FT-IR spectroscopy showed a strong band absorption at 3369 cm-1 for O-H group and a weak absorption at 1721 cm-1 due to the C=O stretch. A strong absorption at 1611-1608 cm-1 was observed for C=C group in the aromatic ring and was strengthened with a strong absorption at 1520 cm-1, C-O-C group which is specific for condensed tannins was observed at 1285 cm-1. Application of 15% tannin as a biomordant without natural dye on Timor woven fabric produced a brownish red color, while the use of 15% tannin and turmeric dye showed a brownish yellow color. Tannin exhibited a better color fastness than metalic mordants in natural dyeing of Timor woven fabrics.

Pharmacognostic Studies of the Bark of Kandelia candel (L) Druce

Kandelia candel Druce (Rhizophoraceae) is one of the true mangrove species found in South- East Asian mangrove communities, and it is reported that the bark of the plant along with pepper or dried ginger and rose water is found beneficial for the treatment of diabetes. Our aim and objective of the present work was to study pharmacognostic and physio-chemical standards for the bark of the plant Kandelia candel. It includes the macroscopy, microscopy, and powder microscopic characteristics of the bark which provide valuable information for the identification of bark. The barks show greyish to reddishbrown colour, it is slightly curved, and sometimes recurved inner the surface shows slightly yellowish red. The histological section of the bark shows the epidermal layer and mostly it is broken and shows periderm, periderm consists of suberise dead phellem cells, several layers of circular cells found in the cortical region, the interior of the bark shows wide radially oblong aerenchyma tissues, calcium oxalate crystals are very common in the bark which is found as druces and prismatic type crystal forms. Powdered drugs showed the presence of fragments of periderm, cortical parenchyma cells, calcium oxalate crystals, and fibres. Physiochemical constants like ash values, extractive values, foaming, swelling indexes, and fluorescent analysis were performed on the powdered drug which is fairly constant for crude drugs it helps to ascertain the purity of the drug. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed and it reveals the presence of steroids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, and flavonoids which may be responsible for the pharmacological effect of the bark of Kandelia candel, the results of the study help in setting the standards for the bark of Kandelia candel which can be useful for the identification and authentication of drugs in future.

Comparative Investigation of Red and Orange Roman Tesserae: Role of Cu and Pb in Colour Formation

This study aims at the characterisation of red and orange glass tesserae from the 4th-century Roman villa of Noheda (Spain). Due to the limited number of analyses available for such ancient materials, many questions remain unanswered about the production processes in the Roman period. Six samples were chosen for their hue variations, including two samples showing banded patterns of red and orange. Differences in copper speciation were investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and compared with colour and compositional variations obtained by EPMA. The shapes and sizes of colouring crystals could be investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscope imaging. The brown-red colour is due to metallic copper nano-particles and corresponds to a low-copper and low-lead group usually described in the literature. The orange samples and bands are coloured by copper oxide Cu2O nanoparticles with remaining Cu+ in the glass and have greater contents of Cu. Compositional analyses reveal that the same base glass is used in the red and orange bands with additions of Cu, Sn, Pb and probable Fe. Furthermore, based on our results and on the literature review, a high-copper low-lead group of glasses highlights the variability of compositions observed in cuprite colours.

Study of sauce glazed wares from Yaozhou kilns (Northern Song Dynasty, 960–1127 CE): Probing the morphology and structure of crystals in the glazes

Sauce glaze is one of the main varieties of glazes produced in the Yaozhou kilns during the Song Dynasty. It is famous for its reddish-brown color and high gloss. In this work, the elemental composition, morphology, structure, and light reflectivity of glazes of archeological sherds were systematically studied. A large number of ε-Fe2O3 dendritic crystals were observed in the glazes. Alkali etching was implemented to remove the glassy matrix surrounding these crystals to further investigate their microstructure. SEM observations emphasize that they are composed of well-arranged parallel branches separated by about 230 nm, each of which consisting of offset stacks of many small flake-shaped crystals, with the offset ranging from 100 to 110 nm. Based on these results, the origin of the reddish-brown color and high gloss was discussed. In addition, cordierite crystals were observed for the first time in the sauce glaze from Yaozhou kilns.

Interaction Effect of the Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Growth and Yield Attributes of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Crop under Rainfed Condition

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) belonging to family Linaceae, is a blue flowering annual herb that produces small linseed varying from golden yellow to reddish brown color. In India linseed is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. Phosphorus occurs in most plants at 0.1 and 0.4% on dry weight basis. Like nitrogen, phosphorus is also a constituent of important metabolites, like phosphorylated sugars involved in photosynthesis, respiration and other metabolic processes. The oilseeds require more amount of sulphur for its growth and development than other crops. Plant height was influenced by sulphur and phosphorus levels up to 60 DAS but at 90 DAS all sulphur and phosphorus interaction level produced plant population. Various yield attributes of linseed number of capsule/plant, seed/ capsule, seed yield/plant, stover yield/plant, 1000 seed test weight. The number of capsule/plant and seed /capsule significantly increased with decreased in sulphur and phosphorus levels. Important role 15 kg/ha sulphur and 40 kg/ha phosphorus to increase maximum number capsule and seed/plant. The increase in stover yield of linseed as a result of PXS application may be due to improvement in root development and vegetative growth. Yield and yield attributes also showed significantly effect of sulphur and phosphorus viz. number of capsule/plant, number of seed/capsule, seed yield/plant and stover yield/plant. 1000 seed test weight in sulphur showed non significant as compare to phosphorus. Tha plant height was significantly increase 15 kg/ha sulphur was at par 10 kg/ha of sulphur than phosphorus 40 kg/ha was at par in 30 kg/ha. Number of branches increased with decrease 40 kg/ha phosphorus and 15 kg/ha in sulphur was at with 10 kg/ha sulphur and 30 kg/ha phosphorus. The significant effect of sulphur and phosphorus on root length 40 kg/ha phosphorus was at par with 30 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha sulphur was at par with 10 kg/ha.

Colour Change of Steamed Alder Wood Caused by UV Radiation

Alder wood (Alnus glutinosa L.) was steamed with a saturated steam-air mixture at a temperature of t = 95 °C, or saturated steam at t = 115 °C and t = 135 °C to obtain a pale brown colour, a light red-brown colour and a dark brown-grey colour. Subsequently, samples of unsteamed and steamed alder wood were irradiated with a UV lamp in a Xenotest Q-SUN Xe-3-HS after drying in order to test the colour stability of steamed alder wood. The colour change of the wood surface was evaluated by means of measured values on the coordinates of the colour space CIE L*a*b*. The results show that the surface of unsteamed alder wood as well as steamed alder wood with a steam-air mixture at t = 95 °C and saturated steam at t = 115 °C darkened and browned due to photochemical reactions caused by UV radiation. The opposite tendency was recorded at the surface of alder wood steamed with saturated steam with a temperature of t = 135 °C, where the deep dark-brown-grey colour lightened to a brown-reddish colour shade under the influence of UV radiation. The analysis of the changes in the coordinates of the colour space CIE L*a*b* shows that the greater the darkening and browning of the alder wood by steaming, the smaller the changes in the values of ΔL*, Δa*, Δb* of the steamed alder wood caused by UV radiation. The positive effect of steaming on UV resistance is evidenced by the decrease in the overall colour difference ΔE*. While the value of the total colour difference of unsteamed alder wood caused by UV radiation is ΔE* = 10.9, it decreased to ΔE* = 8.7 for alder wood steamed with steam-air mixture at t = 95 °C, which is a decrease of 20.2 %; for alder wood steamed at t = 115 °C it decreased to ΔE* = 6.5, which is a decrease of 40.3 %; and for alder wood steamed with saturated water steam with the temperature t = 135 °C it decreased to ΔE* = 5.7, which is a decrease of 47.7 %.

Phytochemical Study of Capsaicinoids Extracted From Indian Varieties of Capsicum Annuum and Quantification of Capsaicin By Chromatographic Methods

The flavour and aroma of chillies is because of the presence of capsaicinoids. Among the capsaicinoids, 90% of the pungency is due to the presence of capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamide) and dihydrocapsaicin. From the perspective of the food and pharmaceutical industry, capsaicin being used as an active component, there is a need to find a quicker method of estimating capsaicin. Also it is imperative to determine and standardize a fingerprint of chilli extract of different varieties, to define a pure sample containing capsaicin by determining a marker peak for capsaicin, using HPTLC. Hence in this study capsaicin was estimated by HPLC, GC-MS and HPTLC methods. This study has successfully demonstrated a quick chromatographic separation of capsaicin by HPLC with Rt of just 2.9 min. GC-MS showed the capsaicin peak at Rt of 25.9 min. The fingerprint results of HPTLC indicated capsaicin at Rf 0.03 using Toluene: Ethyl Acetate (70:3) as mobile phase and Iodine vapours as detecting reagent. Besides, the Methanolic extracts of Capsicum annuum showed good antimicrobial activity with very negligible antioxidant properties. Byadgi chilli extract showed the most intense red brown colour with λmax at 500 nm and it thus justified its use as the most preferred one for contributing to colour in food. Keeping in mind the importance in the food industry, and monitoring of raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry, the methods of HPTLC and HPLC can be used to authenticate chilli powders available in the market and in pharmaceutical products for quick estimation of capsaicin.

Discovery of mysterious Pakistatyrus in Tibet (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

The monotypic genus Pakistatyrus Hlaváč, 2006 of the tribe Tyrini (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) previously contained a single species described based on two museum specimens found in northern Pakistan. Here I describe P. inconspicuus sp. nov. from a high-altitude area of Tibet. This species differs from P. ater Hlaváč, 2006 in reddish-brown coloration of the body, simple male antennae and metatibiae, and a much broader median lobe of the aedeagus. Both known species are probably locally endemic and have limited dispersal abilities, suggested by their greatly reduced elytra and lack of functional wings. A record of a second species from Tibet, which is represented by a female, is given.

Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (Dssc) With Areca Extract As A Natural Dye Sensitized

Dye-sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a solar cell that uses dye as one of its components. DSSC is interesting to develop because it can be fabricated simply with low production costs. This study aims to develop a DSSC that uses dye-sensitized from natural ingredients to be environmentally friendly. We chose betel nut (Areca catechu L.) as a natural dye source because betel nut has a reddish-brown color and is often used as a natural dye. The stages of this research consisted of betel nut extraction, TiO2 deposition, manufacture of a carbon layer on the counter electrode, and DSSC fabrication. Measurement of DSSC performance under solar irradiation with an intensity of 292 W/m2 shows that the fabricated DSSC can produce a voltage of up to 216 mV with a current of 0.03 mA. Variations in the concentration of TiO2 positioned on the ITO substrate indicate that higher concentrations of TiO2 can produce higher DSSC voltages

Pengaruh Perbandingan Tepung Sukun (Artocarpus altilis) dan Tepung Kacang Merah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Terhadap Karakteristik Stik


 
 
 Breadfruit and red beans are local food ingredients that have many benefits, but the food processing information is still limited and needs development on the using in food products. This research was conducted with the aims to determine the effect of breadfruit flour and red bean flour on the characteristics of stick and to find out the right ratio of breadfruit flour and red bean flour to produce stick with the best characteristics. The Completely Ramdomized Design (CRD) was used in this research with the ratio of breadfruit flour and red bean flour which consisted of 6 levels 100%:0%, 95%:5%, 90%:10%. 85%:15%, 80%:20%, and 75%:25%. The treatment was repeated 3 times to obtain 18 units of experiment. The data were analyzed with Analysis of Variance method and if the treatment had an effect on the variable, the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were performed. The results showed that the ratio of breadfruit flour and red bean flour had an effect on water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, crude fiber content, carbohydrate content, texture, color (hedonic test and scoring test), taste (hedonic test), taste of breadfruit (scoring test), taste of red bean (scoring test), and overall acceptance (hedonic test). Ratio of 75% breadfruit flour and 25% red bean flour has the best characteristics with 3.36% water content, 4.71% ash content, 13.77% protein content, 35.00% fat content, 13.63% crude fiber content, 42.62% carbohydrate content, 5.74 N texture, reddish brown and dislike color, does not taste breadfruit, slightly red bean taste, a slightly liked taste, and overall acceptance neither liked nor disliked.
 
 

Epithelioid hemangioma in the oral cavity: Report of a rare case

The epithelioid hemangioma (EH), also known as angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia, is a benign, neoplastic vascular tumor rarely presented in the mouth. It is most frequent in young adult male patients. Clinically, it is characterized by papules or nodules, usually with a reddish-brown color, mimicking other vascular and non-vascular lesions. Histologically, the lesion is composed of well-formed round vessels with epithelioid endothelial cells, with a histiocytoid appearance, surrounded by an infiltrate of lymphocytes and eosinophils. Oral EH’s endothelial cells are commonly immunoreactive for CD34 and factor VIII antigen. Surgical excision is the most widely used form of treatment, and recurrences are uncommon. The aim of this study was to report a rare case of oral EH in a 52-year-old female patient.

First Report of the Ectomycorrhizal Status Of Clavariadelphus Pakistanicus Hanif & Khalid Based On Morphotyping and Molecular Evidence

The ectomycorrhizae of a newly described club fungus Clavariadelphus pakistanicus were collected from Ayubia, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and described morpho-anatomically. Its Pinus wallichiana associated ectomycorrhizae has been characterized by dichotomously branched, reddish brown color of mature and dark brown to blackish young ectomycorrhizal tips with frequent unbranched and septate emanating hyphae. During molecular and phylogenetic analyses, these mycobionts showed maximum similarity and were clustered with basidiocarps sequences of C. pakistanicus. Hence it was confirmed that these ectomycorrhizae belong to C. pakistanicus and being first time reported from Pakistan. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 29(1): 129-136, 2022 (June)

Raman and ATR-FTIR analyses of medieval wall paintings from al-Qarawiyyin in Fez (Morocco)

A multi-analytical study has been undertaken to characterise wall paintings from the al-Qarawiyyin university in Fez, dating back to the 9th century and still in activity, with the aim of identifying the pigments used and going back to the painting techniques adopted by the Moroccan craftsmen of the time. The investigation crossed Raman and ATR-FTIR structural analyses along with XRF elemental ones, as well as colorimetric measurements. The colours and shades of six representative fragments collected during a recent excavation have been examined. Hence, red ochre (mainly hematite) was used to obtain brown-red colour, calcite for white, bistre for carbon-based black, while blue shades were achieved using azurite. Mixtures of pigments were created to widen the colour palette: cinnabar, minium and hematite were identified in orange hues while lapis lazuli and azurite were observed in grey-blue areas. The exploration of mortar layers revealed gypsum, gypsum/calcite and calcite type plasters. Furthermore, the observation of the morphological aspect of the interface between the plaster and the painting layer seems indicating that the lime-secco-painting skill had been the adopted painting technique.

Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Physico-Chemical Characterization and Their In Vitro Cytotoxicity on Healthy and Tumorigenic Cell Lines.

Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized starting from two aqueous extracts based on Artemisia absinthium L. leaf and stems, employing a simplest, eco-friendliness and low toxicity method—green synthesis. The nanoparticles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), thermal analysis (TG/DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Lack of magnetic properties and the reddish-brown color of all the samples confirms the presence of hematite as majority phase. The FTIR bands located at 435 cm−1 and 590 cm−1, are assigned to Fe-O stretching vibration from hematite, confirming the formation of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs). The in vitro screening of the samples revealed that the healthy cell line (HaCaT) presents a good viability (above 80%) after exposure to iron oxide NPs and lack of apoptotic features, while the tumorigenic cell lines manifested a higher sensitivity, especially the melanoma cells (A375) when exposed to concentration of 500 µg/mL iron oxide NPs for 72 h. Moreover, A375 cells elicited significant apoptotic markers under these parameters (concentration of 500 µg/mL iron oxide NPs for a contact time of 72 h).