Dark Brown Color Research Articles

Application of Cation Resin Regeneration for Ferrous (Fe2+) and Manganese (Mn2+) Removal from Shallow Groundwater using Packed-Bed Column with Thomas Model

One of the factors influencing freshwater contamination is caused by pollutants and organic matter from anthropogenic activities. The appearance of ferrous and manganese metal ions in water systems, especially in shallow groundwater, has become a significant problem. When reacted in the air, an extreme amount of metal ferrous may cause turbidness and severe odor, particularly carrying a dark-brown color to fabrics. Water distribution can also easily be obstructed by iron bacteria in the pipes. It is similar to iron, and manganese has a detrimental effect on the natural environment, human hygiene, and sanitation. The higher influent ferrous and manganese concentration led to the adsorption process getting saturated quicker and a steeper breakthrough curve. The saturation time (ttotal) of the adsorption for ferrous concentration decreased from 430 minute (2 mg/l) to 420 minute (4 mg/l) to 380 minute (6 mg/l) with the elevation of Fe2+ influent concentration. In comparison, the saturation time for manganese concentration dropped from 463 minute (2 mg/l) to 460 minute (4 mg/l) to 420 minute (6 mg/l). Ferrous adsorption capacity (qeq) grew between 0.0046 mg/g and 0.0838 mg/g, followed by a growth in influent concentration. It is similar to manganese. The adsorption performace raised between 0.0216 mg/g and 0.109 mg/g. The Thomas model’s R Square (R2) indicates a better fitting (0.788 – 0.8922) with field data.

A survey of lions (Pantheraleo) as definitive host of Spirometra species

The aim of the study was to carry out a complete life-cycle of the tapeworm Spirometra (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) under experimental conditions in the laboratory. A total of 7 lions from Tarangire National Park were examined their feces for presence of Spirometra eggs. Two methods were used to collect feces of lions: collection of feces from the ground where has been deposited and manual removal of feces from the rectum of the lion after immobilization. Eggs collected from the feces were found to be ovoid, tapered at both ends, the shell is smooth, dark brown in color and the embryo is visible within the egg shell. The measurements were in the range of length 52-75 μm and the width between 30-45 μm. The means were length 67.8 ± 3.71 and width 32 2± 3.65 μm. The eggs collected conforms with the eggs of Spirometra species.

Revealing seed color variation and their possible association with yield and quality traits in a diversity panel of flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.).

Seed color is a vital quality determinant of flax, significant for consumers' acceptability, and determines the commercial values of seeds. Also, seed color as a phenotypic marker may be a convenient way to select the plants with desired traits. This study assessed a diversity panel representing 144 flax genotypes from diverse geographical origins for the existence of genetic variability for luminosity (L*) and chromaticity (a* and b*) seed color parameters, seed yield, and quality traits over two years. The genetic variance was significant for seed color parameters, demonstrating the presence of significant genetic variability, which provides a resource to objectively evaluate and select flax genotypes based on seed color according to the market demand. High heritability combined with the high genotypic coefficient of variation observed for seed yield, oil, and protein content suggested a better genetic gain upon selecting these traits. Seed yield, seed quality traits, and phenological traits showed significant negative correlation with L* and b* parameters and positive correlation with a* suggesting that the seeds' dark background and brown color can serve as marker characters to prescreen early-flowering, high-yielding and oil and protein-rich genotypes. Interestingly 48 brown-seeded genotypes were identified as early-flowering with short height, large seeds, high thousand seed weight, and capsule diameter. In addition, 34 genotypes were characterized by light-colored yellow seeds, large seeds, late-flowering with shorter height, and high branch numbers. Our results highlighted that North America and Australia-belonged genotypes were lighter yellow-seeded than the ones from other continents. Flax genotypes from South America and Asia were high-yielding, while genotypes from North America were low-yielding genotypes. Moreover, darker brown-seeded genotypes have prevailed in the South American continent.

Karakteristik Fisik, Kimia, dan Sensori Flakes Berbasis Tepung Uwi Ungu (Dioscorea alata L.) dengan Penambahan Tepung Kacang Kedelai (Glicyn max L.)

Flakes are a practical breakfast menu that generally contains nutrients in the form of carbohydrates, and protein, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals to meet the nutritional intake of the morning. This study aims to make flakes purple yam with the addition of soybean flour to increase its nutritional value, especially protein content. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with one factor, namely the ratio of purple yam flour and soybean flour (100% : 0%), (90% : 10%), (80% : 20%), (70% : 30 %). Product analysis includes protein content, water content, and rehydration power (physical) to determine the selected product, then chemical analysis includes ash content, fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrates, as well as sensory and hedonic quality organoleptic tests. The data analysis used was ANOVA and Duncan's Advanced Test with 95% confidence interval. The results showed that the flakes selected were treated with 70% purple yam and 30% soybean flour. The flakes selected have protein content of 15.62%, water content of 4.40%, ash content of 1.55%, fat 4.16%, crude fiber 13.53%, carbohydrates 74.47%, and rehydration power of 18.84%. The results of the sensory quality test showed that the flakes had a dark brown color, odorless powdery aroma, slightly sweet taste, and a crunchy texture. The results of the hedonic test have the highest preference value on the attributes of texture, color, and aroma and, overall, towards liking.

Treatment technologies for olive mill wastewater with impacts on plants

Olive mill wastewater (OMW), produced during olive oil production, contains high levels of salt contents, organic matter, suspended particles, and toxic chemicals (particularly phenols), which all result in increased biological and chemical oxygen demand. Olive Oil Mills' Wastes (OMW), which have dark brown color with unpleasant smell, consist mainly of water, high organic (mainly phenols and polyphenols) and low inorganic compounds (e.g. potassium and phosphorus), as well as grease. OMW components can negatively affect soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties, rendering it phytotoxic. However, OMW can positively affect plants' development when it's applied to the soil after pretreatment and treatment processes due to its high mineral contents and organic matter. There are various approaches for removing impurities and the treatment of OMW including chemical, biological, thermal, physiochemical, and biophysical processes. Physical techniques involve filtration, dilution, and centrifugation. Thermal methods include combustion and pyrolysis; biological techniques use anaerobic and aerobic techniques, whereas adsorption and electrocoagulation act as physiochemical methods, and coagulation and flocculation as biophysical methods. In contrast, combined biological treatment methods use co-digestion and composting. A comparison of the effects of both treated and untreated OMW samples on plant development and soil parameters can help us to understand the potential role of OMW in increasing soil fertility. This review discusses the impacts of untreated OMW and treated OMW in terms of soil characteristics, seed germination, and plant growth. This review summarizes all alternative approaches and technologies for pretreatment, treatment, and recovery of valuable byproducts and reuse of OMW across the world.

Standardization in ethanolic extract of Paronema canescens leaves

The development of traditional medicinal plants as raw materials for herbal drugs needs to be standardized. The aim of the research was to standardise ethanol extract of Paronema. canescens leaves. The extract was determined specific and non-specific parameters. The organoleptic of extract has a thick consistency, the colour dark brown has a characteristic non-aromatic odour, and has a slightly bitter taste. The soluble content in water and ethanol of 48.1% and 80. 3%, respectively. The extract contains triterpenoid compounds, steroids, flavonoids and phenols with water content was 8.33%, total ash content of 5.36%, acid insoluble ash content of 2.16%, drying shrinkage of 8.0%, specific gravity of 1.255 g/ml, metal contamination Pb < 0.0628 mg/g, Cd 0.0077 mg/Kg and Cu 0.00282 mg/g, total bacterial of 0.9 x 101 colonies/g and mould contamination with a value of 0.15 x 101 colonies/g, respectively. Based on the data, all the parameters were measured to meet the standard

A spectral approach on mineralogy and geochemistry of garnet skarns in Arc-Type granitoids

Garnets that common constituent of skarn type iron deposits are wide ranges of chemical compositions, and they are also important as a semi-gemstone mineral. This study has been investigated garnets and inclusions of its formed in contacts of Pertek granitoid and Keban marble by using a combination of multiple techniques including Raman spectrum, electron microprobe, petrography and LA-ICP-MS. The main mineral assemblage observed in the skarn formation is diopside, garnet, quartz, magnetite, calcite and pyrite. The garnets are in size between 1 and 7 cm and have reddish, greenish and light–dark brown colour. The compositions of the garnets are mainly grossular-andradite, andradite-grossular, less grossular and andradite. Increased porosity and horizontal flow of hydrothermal fluids during metasomatism resulted in the formation of garnets of different sizes. Raman spectroscopy studies on garnets show to be that the idiomorphic and semi-idiomorphic garnets are predominantly grosular, andradite and uvarovite in the core. Raman spectroscopy studies on garnets showed to have predominantly grossular, andradite and uvarovite composition in the core of the idiomorphic and semi-idiomorphic garnets. As for the rare earth element (REE) analysis and distribution model, the chondrite-normalized REE patterns of all garnets in the study area have similar trends and generally in the right-slopping shape depleted in HREE and enriched in LREE, mostly controlled by adsorption. High Fe2O3, CaO and MgO contents may cause to high mobility during skarn formation associated with contact metamorphism and cation exchange via hydrothermal fluids (eg uvarovite in the core). All garnets have generally positive Ce and positive Eu anomalies. These results suggest that the garnets in the studya area formed in conditions showing increase in pH and high oxygen fugacity or decrease in temperature in the source of the hydrothermal fluids.

Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Count of Bacterial Survival in Freeze Dried Goat Milk Yogurt Powder

Yogurt is a fermented milk product that has a semi-solid texture and has a short shelf life. It must be stored properly in temperature of 4ºC and below to prevent the microbial spoilage due to it high in moisture content and water activity. This study aimed to produce freeze dried goat milk yogurt powder with different percentage of honey and analyse the physicochemical as well as compare the microbial count of bacterial growth in fresh goat milk yogurt and reconstituted goat milk yogurt powder. The four formulations prepared were 6% of sugar (CY), 3% of honey with 3% of sugar (LHY), 4% of honey with 2% of sugar (MHY) and 6% of honey (HHY). The results showed each formulation has significant differences for the physicochemical analysis. The percentage of honey added into the yogurt was affected the pH value of the yogurt which have a range from pH 4.18 to 4.45. Meanwhile the results for colour analysis shown that the yellowness value of goat milk yogurt was increased as the percentage of honey added inside the yogurt was increased, as contributed by dark brown colour of honey. The bacterial survival in CY, LHY, MHY and HHY samples for fresh goat milk yogurt and reconstituted goat milk yogurt powder showed the significant different (p<0.05) with the range from 6.40 to 8.75 log cfu/ml and 5.79 to 8.07 log cfu/ml respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that freeze drying was a suitable method to produce yogurt powder and LHY sample was the best formulation in producing the highest number of survival bacteria (log cfu/ml).

Formulation of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) leaf used in Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue and evaluation of the product quality

Background: Vitex negundo L. leaves are a medicinal herb with many therapeutic effects, especially bone and joint diseases. At Traditional Medicine Hospital of Thua Thien Hue, method of using Vitex negundo L. leaves for patients who have joint diseases was shown to good treatment results. Besides, preparation of cream are convenient to use and take advantage of a precious and available medicinal herb of Vietnam. Objectives: To determine the formula, preparation process of products from the leaves of Vitex negundo L., determining the total flavonoid content of the product obtained and initial investigation of anti-inflammatory effects of prepared products. Methods: Building oriented formulas and investigating excipients. Development of a preparation process by emulsification method. Evaluation of the quality of prepared products by the Center for Drug - Cosmetic - Food Testing in Thua Thien Hue. Quantification of total flavonoids according to the method of Chang (2002). Investigation of anti-inflammatory effects based on carrageenan inflammation model in experimental rats. Results: Cream formula with the main ingredient was condensed glue of Vitex negundo L. 5%; Olive oil 10%; Glycerin 4%; Propylene glycol 15%; Ceteareth 20,4%; Cremophor RH40 7%; Nipagin 0.18%; Nipazol 0.02%; Menthol 0.05%. The cream product was smooth, homogeneous, dark brown in color, lightly scented, and met the basic standards. Total flavonoid content condensed glue of Vitex negundo L. was 13.18 ± 0.207, cream of Vitex negundo L. was 12.96 ± 0.163 (p > 0.05). The product was preliminarily evaluated to have the anti-inflamation effect in mice. Conclusions: Building a complete cream formula that met quality standards, the total flavonoid content was not lost much after the preparation process Key words: Vitex negundo L., the total flavonoid content, quality standards.

Comparative study between carob and date syrups

Date and carob syrups are traditional foods produced and consumed in several countries, including Tunisia. Each syrup is characterized by its interesting nutritional and bioactive composition. Several studies have been carried out on the production and characterization of each syrup separately, but this study tends to compare the aromatic, physico-chemical, nutritional and functional properties of commercial carob and date syrups. The results showed a comparable aromatic composition whose major compounds are terpenes (carvone and menthol), a difference in color since carob syrup was characterized by a darker brown color, a nutritional composition rich in sugars and a difference in functional properties since carob syrup had greater emulsifying capacity and antioxidant activity. Thus, the characteristics of carob and date syrups encourage their use in the food industry according to the appropriate product.

Leucophyllum frutescens mediated synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles for catalytic dye degradation.

The application of nanotechnology is gaining worldwide attention due to attractive physico-chemical and opto-electronic properties of nanoparticles that can be also employed for catalytic dye degradation. This study reports a phytogenic approach for fabrication of silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I. M. Johnst (Scrophulariaceae) leaf extract (LFLE). Development of intense dark brown and purple color indicated the synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. Further characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy revealed sharp peak at 460 nm and 540 nm for AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively that were associated to their surface plasmon resonance. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) revealed the spherical shape of the AgNPs, whereas anisotropic AuNPs were spherical, triangular and blunt ended hexagons. The majority of the spherical AgNPs and AuNPs were ∼50 ± 15 nm and ∼22 ± 20 nm, respectively. Various reaction parameters such as, metal salt concentration, temperature and concentration of the leaf extract were optimized. Maximum synthesis of AgNPs was obtained when 5 mM for AgNO3 reacted with 10% LFLE for 48 h at 50°C. Likewise, AuNPs synthesis was highest when 2 mM HAuCl4 reacted with 10% LFLE for 5 h at 30°C. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed phase purity of both the nanoparticles and confirmed elemental silver and gold in AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. The average hydrodynamic particles size of AgNPs was 34.8 nm while AuNPs was 140.8 nm as revealed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) that might be due to agglomeration of smaller nanoparticles into larger clusters. ZETA potential of AgNPs and AuNPs were 0.67 mV and 5.70 mV, respectively. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that various functional groups from the phytochemicals present in LFLE played a significant role in reduction and stabilization during the biogenic synthesis of the nanoparticles. The bioreduced AgNPs and AuNPs catalytically degraded Rhodamine B dye (RhB) in presence of UV-light with degradation rate constants of 0.0231 s−1 and 0.00831 s−1, respectively. RhB degradation followed a first order rate kinetics with 23.1 % and 31.7% degradation by AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively.

Formulation of Lemongrass Extract Mouthwash (Cymbopogon Citratus) as a Non-Pharmacological Effort in Inhibiting The Growth of Bacteria That Cause Dental Caries

Caries is a dental disease characterized by damage ranging from enamel, dentin, and pulp. Caries is caused by bacteria that stick to the teeth. The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of lemongrass in inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause dental caries. The pretest-posttest laboratory and field experiment consisted of a lemongrass mouthwash intervention group with concentrations of 33%, 36%, 39% and a chlorhexidine control group, each subject gargled for 2 minutes. Saliva was collected before and after gargling. The variables studied were the number of colonies and bacterial inhibition. The paired test of 36% (p=0.017) and 39% (p=0.006) concentration intervention groups was significantly different, while the chlorhexidine control group (p=0.091) was not significantly different. The organoleptic test results of the 36% lemongrass mouthwash had a dark brown color, slightly thick, the distinctive smell of lemongrass stems was still present, and the taste of mint. Based on this test, the most acceptable lemongrass mouthwash concentration is 36%. Giving a 39% lemongrass mouthwash formulation for 2 minutes effectively reduces the number of bacterial colonies that cause dental caries and the inhibition is better than the chlorhexidine control, while the 36% concentration is not significantly different from chlorhexidine.

Aktivitas antibakteri sabun transparan dengan penambahan ekstrak kulit nanas [Antibacterial activity of transparent soap with addition of pineapple peel extract

The ability of pineapple peel extract to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus thus it can be applied to a transparent soap. The effect of pineapple peel extract addition in the inhibitory effect on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and quality of transparent soap was studied. The study used a complete randomized design with five treatments and three replications. The data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA and continued with DNMRT at the level of 5%. The treatments were different concentrations of pineapple peel extract addition: 0%, 1,5%, 2%, 2,5%, and 3% in the transparent soap. The result showed that the variations of pineapple peel extract addition in the making of the transparent soap significantly affected antibacterial activity, water content, amount of fatty acids, free alkali, pH, foam stability, and sensory test. The selected treatment from this study was 3% addition of pineapple peel extract. Transparent soap from this treatment had 11.47% water content, 35.35% total fatty acid, 0.22% free alkali, 10.07 degree of acidity, 73.30% foam stability, and 26.36 mm antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The descriptive test showed that the transparent soap had hard texture, dark brown color, pineapple flavor, and rather transparent.

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY STATUS OF DIFFERENT VILLAGES FROM PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA

An assessment of soil fertility status of different villages from Palakkad district, Kerala carried out 2021-22. The prime objectives of this work were to study the physico-chemical properties of soil at different depths of various sites of Attappady block of Palakkad District, Kerala to determine the availability of macro and micro nutrient on soil of these soil samples and provide Soil Health Card for farmers of the Attappady block, Palakkad District, Kerala. For the assessment 9 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected with depth of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. The Soil colour (Dry Condition) of soil varied from Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish brown, Yellowish red, Dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow. Soil colour (Wet Condition) of the soil varied Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish red, very dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow colour. Soil textural classes were sandy loam. It clearly indicated that soil has good Water Holding Capacity (54.19 to 61.80 %) and good physical condition, Bulk Density (0.938Mg m-3 to 1.365Mg m-3). Particle Density (2.124 Mg m-3 to 2.866 Mg m-3). Pore Space (50.018 % to 64.321%). The pH of soil is acidic nature (5.517 to 6.687) and the Electrical Conductivity (0.121 to 0.229 dSm-1) was suitable for all crops. Organic carbon ranged from medium to high (0.902 to 1.182 %). These soils have low Nitrogen (127 kg ha-1 to 252 kg ha-1) in all villages. Phosphorus (18 kg ha-1 to 34 kg ha-1) content is high at eight locations and medium at one location. Potassium (131.8 kg ha-1 to 383.9 kg ha-1) is low in one location and high in two locations. Calcium (5.9 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 8.6cmol (p+) kg-1) and Magnesium (1.2 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 9.8 cmol (p+) kg-1) are very sufficient in this soil. Sulphur (17 Mg kg-1 to 30.5 Mg kg-1) is high in five locations. Zinc (0.79 Mg kg-1 to 0.81 Mg kg-1) content is sufficient in this soil. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement pin the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.

First Report of Colletotrichum siamense Causing Anthracnose in Osmanthus fragrans in China.

Osmanthus fragrans Lin. is widely cultivated in China. Its flower is precious spices. It is also a garden ornamental plant. In March 2021, anthracnose-type lesions were observed on the leaves of O. fragrans in a public garden in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province, China (21˚17'47''N, 110˚18'58''E). Disease incidence was around 50% (n = 100 investigated plants from about 30 hectares).The early symptoms were yellow spots on the edge or tip of the leaves. The spots gradually expanded and became dark brown, eventually coalescing into large irregular or circular lesions. Ten symptomatic leaves from 10 plants were sampled. The margins of the samples were cut into 2 mm × 2 mm pieces. The surfaces were disinfected with 75% ethanol for 30 sec and 2% sodium hypochlorite for 60 sec . Thereafter, the samples were rinsed thrice in sterile water, placed on PDA, and incubated at 28 ℃. Pure cultures were obtained by transferring hyphal tips to new PDA plates. Thirty-two isolates of Colletotrichum ssp. were obtained (isolation frequency = 32/4×10 = 80%). Three representative single-spore isolates (OFC-1, OFC-2, and OFC-3) were used for further study. Colonies on PDA were white to gray with cottony mycelia in 6 days at 28 ℃. Conidia were one-celled, hyaline, cylindrical, clavate, and obtuse at both ends; they measured 10.5 to 17.5 µm × 3.5 to 5.0 µm (n = 50). Appressoria were oval to irregular in shape and dark brown in color, and they measured 6.5 to 8.5 µm × 4.5 to 7.5 µm (n = 20). Morphological characteristics matched the description of Colletotrichum siamense (Prihastuti et al. 2009;Sharma et al. 2013). For molecular identification, the colony PCR method (Lu et al., 2012) was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), chitin synthase (CHS-1), and actin (ACT) loci of the isolates using primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, GDF1/GDR1, CHS-79F/CHS-354R, and ACT-512F/ACT-783R, respectively (Weir et al. 2012). Sequences of them deposited in GenBank under nos. MZ047368-MZ047370 (ITS), MZ126925-MZ126927 (GAPDH), MZ126895-MZ126897 (CHS-1), and MZ126835-MZ126837 (ACT). A phylogenetic tree was generated on the basis of the concatenated data from sequences of ITS, GAPDH, CHS-1, and ACT that clustered the isolates with C. siamense (the type strain MFLU 090230), while distanced the isolates with C. gloeosporioides (the type strain CBS 112999). The pathogenicity was tested through in vivo experiments. In group 1, the inoculation and control plants (n = 5, 3-month-old) were sprayed with a spore suspension (1 × 105 per mL) of the isolates and sterile distilled water, respectively, until run-off. In group 2, the unwounded leaflets were inoculated with mycelial plugs of the isolates or agar plugs (as control). Three plugs were for each leaflet ( n = 5). The plants were grown in pots in a greenhouse at 25°C to 28°C, with relativehumidities approximately80%. Anthracnose lesions were observed on the inoculated leaves after 10 days while the control plants remained healthy. The pathogen re-isolated from all the inoculated leaves was identical to the inoculation isolates in terms of morphology and just ITS analysis, but unsuccessful from the control plants. C. gloeosporioides has been reported to cause leaf spot on O. fragrans in Jiangxi Province of China (Tanget al., 2018), but not by C. siamense. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report C. siamense causing anthracnose on O. fragrans. Thus, this work provides a foundation for controlling anthracnose in O. fragrans in the future.

Pre-Clinical Study: Immunohistochemical evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 on rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) socket healing after application of platelet-rich fibrin with and without hydroxyapatite

Background: Tissue engineering technology has been used globally and proven to accelerate wound healing. This study aimed to analyse the effect of adding hydroxyapatite (HA) as a scaffold to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as a growth factor in accelerating the wound healing process as seen from the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). Methods: This research is an animal experiment conducted on 18 rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus). Rabbits were randomly divided into the following three groups of treatment: (G1) the application of PRF group, (G2) the application of PRF+HA group and (C) the control group without any application. Furthermore, each treatment group was split randomly into three groups of observation time. Periodontal tissue biopsy was performed to analyse the histopathological features that were examined on the basis of the level of MMP-13 immunoexpression. Results: MMP-13 immunoexpression in the PRF+HA group showed better histoscore results, indicating a substantial reduction in MMP-13 values compared with other groups. The healing process was shown to increase with increasing observation time (p<0.05), and the PRF+HA group outperformed the PRF and control groups. On day 3, MMP-13 exhibited a dark brown colour of Immunohistochemistry (IHC), which indicated an increase in the expression value of MMP-13 in the early stages of healing, namely, inflammation. On day 14, light brown IHC was seen, especially in group 2, as a reference that the remodeling process had begun. Conclusions:This study indicates that the administration of PRF and HA was capable of reducing the MMP-13 expression that significantly accelerates the socket healing process. Hydroxyapatite is an alloplastic material that has inherent bioactive properties that support osteoconduction, can bind MMPs, and showed faster healing results based on the observation time as documented by immunohistochemistry.

First report of Anthracnose on 'Purple Dream' Solanum melongena in Malaysia Caused by Colletotrichum siamense.

'Purple Dream' eggplant (Solanum melongena) is widely grown for its edible fruits in Malaysia. In July 2021, anthracnose symptoms were observed on fruit with a disease severity of approximately 80% and an incidence of 10% in a field (14.6 m2) (5°56'50.9"N, 116°04'31.9"E) located in the Penampang district of Sabah province. The symptoms initially appeared as irregular light brown spots. As the disease progressed, the spots enlarged and merged into extensive lesion patches that appeared in concentric circles. The symptomatic fruit tissues (5 x 5 mm) were surface sterilized based on Khoo et al. (2022), and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA), and incubated at 25°C in the dark. Colonies with gray-white fluffy mycelia developed after 7 days, and the reverse of the colonies was dark brown. A representative isolate named Penampang was characterized morphologically and molecularly. The conidia were one-celled, cylindrical, blunt at the ends, hyaline, smooth, and measured 13.3 to 16.1 x 3.9 to 6.0 µm (n= 20). Appressoria ranged in size from 7.6 to 9.3 m x 5.5 to 6.6 µm (n= 20) and were spherical to irregular in shape and dark brown in colour. Genomic DNA was extracted from fresh mycelia of isolate Penampang based on Khoo et al. (2021) and Khoo et al. (2022). ITS1/ITS4, CL1C/CL2C, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, CHS-79F/CHS-354R, and GDF1/GDR1 primer pairs were used to amplify the isolate's internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), and partial calmodulin (CAL), actin (ACT), chitin synthase (CHS-1), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes (GAPDH) (Weir et al. 2012). PCR products were sequenced by Apical Scientific Sdn. Bhd. (Selangor, Malaysia). Sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers OL957466 (ITS), OL953035 (CAL), OL953032 (ACT), OL953038 (CHS-1), and OL953041 (GAPDH). They were 99% to 100% identical to the Colletotrichum ti ITS (NR_120143) (515 bp out of 519 bp), and C. siamense CAL (JX009714) (729 bp out of 731 bp), ACT (JX009518) (282 bp out of 282 bp), CHS-1 (JX009865) (299 bp out of 299 bp), and GAPDH (JX009924) (276 bp out of 277 bp) sequences. ITS sequences do not reliably resolve relationships within the C. gloeosporioides complex (Weir et al. 2012). The phylogenetic maximum likelihood analysis using the combined ITS, CAL, ACT, CHS-1, and GAPDH sequences indicated that the isolate was part of the C. siamense clade (100% bootstrap value) that also contained the type isolate ICMP 18578 of this species. Morphological and molecular characterization matched the description of C. siamense (Huang et al. 2021; Ismail et al. 2021). Koch's postulates were performed similarly as described by Chai et al. (2017) but using spray-inoculation (108 spores/ml) of three healthy 'Purple Dream' eggplant fruit with isolate Penampang. Water was sprayed on three additional fruits that served as controls. All the fruits were incubated at 25°C and less than 90% relative humidity. Symptoms similar to those observed in the field developed 5 days after inoculation. No symptoms occurred on controls. The experiment was repeated two more times. The reisolated fungi were identical to the pathogen morphologically and molecularly. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. siamense causing anthracnose on fruit of 'Purple Dream' S. melongena in Malaysia as well as worldwide. Our findings expand the host range of C. siamense and indicate that the pathogen could potentially limit 'Purple Dream' eggplant production in Malaysia.

The Role of Bacteria in the Termites Intestine Macrotermes gilvus Hagen as a Biological Agent in the Degradation of Medical Mask Waste

The use of disposable medical masks during the Covid-19 pandemic can cause solid waste problems in the environment. The subterranean termite Macrotermes gilvus Hagen has the potential to degrade medical mask waste due to the presence of microorganisms in its intestines. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of adding starter bacteria from the intestine of the subterranean termite M. gilvus Hagen and the most optimal composting time in the degradation of medical mask waste according to SNI standards based on physical properties (color, smell, and texture), chemical properties (C-Organic content, N content, and C/N) compost. The results showed that the addition of bacterial starter from the subterranean termite intestine M. gilvus Hagen with a concentration of 50% and a composting time of 5 weeks gave the best compost yield according to SNI No. 19-7030-2004 because it has a dark brown color, crumb texture, smells like soil, 20.22% C-Organic content, 1.35% total N content, and 15.14% C/N content. This research can be recommended as an alternative solution for waste management using biological agents.

Pre-Clinical Study: Immunohistochemical evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 on rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) socket healing after application of platelet-rich fibrin with and without hydroxyapatite

Background: Tissue engineering technology has been used globally and proven to accelerate wound healing. This study aimed to analyse the effect of adding hydroxyapatite (HA) as a scaffold to platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as a growth factor in accelerating the wound healing process as seen from the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). Methods: This research is an animal experiment conducted on 18 rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus). Rabbits were randomly divided into the following three groups of treatment: (G1) the application of PRF group, (G2) the application of PRF+HA group and (C) the control group without any application. Furthermore, each treatment group was split randomly into three groups of observation time. Periodontal tissue biopsy was performed to analyse the histopathological features that were examined on the basis of the level of MMP-13 immunoexpression. Results: MMP-13 immunoexpression in the PRF+HA group showed better histoscore results, indicating a substantial reduction in MMP-13 values compared with other groups. The healing process was shown to increase with increasing observation time (p<0.05), and the PRF+HA group outperformed the PRF and control groups. On day 3, MMP-13 exhibited a dark brown colour of Immunohistochemistry (IHC), which indicated an increase in the expression value of MMP-13 in the early stages of healing, namely, inflammation. On day 14, light brown IHC was seen, especially in group 2, as a reference that the remodeling process had begun. Conclusions: This study indicates that the administration of PRF and HA was capable of reducing the MMP-13 expression that significantly accelerates the socket healing process. Hydroxyapatite is an alloplastic material that has inherent bioactive properties that support osteoconduction, can bind MMPs, and showed faster healing results based on the observation time as documented by immunohistochemistry.

Blue mold rot caused by Penicillium expansum on Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum.

Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum, called "Dunggulle", is cultivated in East Asia to obtain rhizomes. In Korea and China, these rhizomes are used in traditional teas, health beverages, and herbal medicines (Zhao and Li, 2015). In 2019, Dunggulle was cultivated in 47 hectares, with an annual output of 120M/T in Korea. In November 2020, Dunggulle rhizomes with symptoms of blue mold rot were observed at a Dunggulle farm storage (36°06'01''N, 127°29'20''E) in Geuman, Korea, where the temperature ranged from 9 to 13°C, with an average humidity of 70%. The disease incidence was 2 to 3% out of 200 rhizomes across all markets surveyed. The disease begins with a greenish blue mold covering the rhizome surface (30 to 60%), followed by rhizome rot with a dark brown color as the disease progresses. Leading edges of the rotten rhizome pieces were sterilized with 1% NaOCl and 70% ethanol and placed on MEA (Malt Extract Agar) with penicillin G and streptomycin (both 50 µg/mL). After 7 days of incubation at 25°C, greenish-blue colonies appeared, from which a monospore was isolated. A representative isolated strain was deposited in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC, Wanju, Korea) with Acc. No. KACC 49832. The strain grew slowly on MEA at 25°C (8 to 18 mm diam. after 7 days), producing greenish blue conidia. The conidiophores were hyaline and mostly terverticillate; the branches were appressed against the main axis; the stipes were smooth-walled; and the metulae were cylindrical, 10 to 13 × 2.7 to 3.2 µm, with 6 to 10 flask-shaped phialides, measured 9 to 12 × 2.7 to 3.1 µm. The conidia were globose or subglobose and 2.8 to 4.1 µm diam. These morphological characteristics fit well with the description of Penicillium expansum (Frisvad & Samson, 2004). Genomic DNA was extracted from the mycelia of the KACC 49832 MEA plate. ITS rDNA, beta-tubulin (BenA), and calmodulin (CaM) gene regions were sequenced for identification (Houbraken et al., 2020), and the rsulting sequences were deposited in GenBank (Acc. Nos. MZ189258, MZ226688, and MZ226689, respectively). Comparison with the GenBank sequences revealed that the Korean isolate was highly similar to P. expansum (ITS rDNA 99.8%, BenA 98.6%, and CaM 97.8%). Phylogenetic results based on the maximum-likelihood analysis revealed that KACC 49832 was grouped with P. expansum. To demonstrate pathogenicity, 10 µL of conidial suspension (1.3 × 105 conidia/mL) was dropped on the surface of three Dunggulle rhizomes scratched with a syringe needle. For the control, sterile water was applied on three control rhizomes. All rhizomes were surface-sterilized as referred above before being sprayed and dried. All inoculated and control rhizomes were kept in incubator at 25°C and 90-95% relative humidity. After a week, the inoculated points showed symptoms similar to those of the initial infection, whereas controls remained symptomless. The re-isolated fungus matched KACC 49832 based on morphological and sequence analyses, thereby fulfilling Koch's postulates. The experiment was performed three times. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. expansum as a Dunggulle rhizome pathogen in Korea. As this pathogen is known to produce patulin, a carcinogenic fungal metabolite, further studies on the mycotoxicity of the infected rhizomes are required. This report might help manage the storage conditions of Dunggulle rhizomes to prevent the blue mold rot.