Jar Method Research Articles

UTILIZATION OF SOYBEAN POWDER AS AN ALTERNATIVE MEDIA FOR THE GROWTH OF ANAEROBIC BACTERIA

Background:Culture media or microbial growth media is a material consisting of a mixture of nutrients used by microorganisms for growth and reproduction. Anaerobic bacteria can thrive by requiring little or no oxygen for growth and metabolism. Purpose: The purpose to determine the potential of soybean powder as an alternative nitrogen source in Streptococcus mutans bacterial growth media and determine the optimum concentration of soybean powder in alternative media for Streptococcus mutans bacterial growth. Methods: The research method is a laboratory experiment to test soybean powder as an alternative medium for the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria using the Candle jar method. The population used is soybean powder with the brand soy flour, while the sample used is Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Results: The results obtained can be known that the average value of colony growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in alternative media of soybean powder with a concentration variation of 2 grams was 30 colonies, a concentration variation of 3 grams was 54 colonies, a concentration variation of 4 grams was 40 colonies, and a concentration variation of 5 grams was 72 colonies. From the average value, it can be seen that the growth of Streptococcus mutans on alternative media of soybean powder can grow well, but the most optimum growth is in the concentration variation of 5 grams. Conclusion:Based on the observations obtained, it shows that soybean powder (Glycine max (L.) Merr) can be used as an alternative medium for the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Monitoring of Thiamethoxam Resistance in Turkish House Fly Strains, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica, is vector for pathogens and parasites and causes economic damage to livestock by reducing forage conversion efficiency, negatively impacting weight gain and milk production. It has shown resistance to multiple insecticide classes. The aim of this research was to determine the susceptibility levels of seventeen field M. domestica strains to thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide, in Türkiye. Insecticide susceptibility of the house flies to thiamethoxam was determined using the WHO glass jar method. A probit analysis program was used to determine LD50 values, and then the resistance ratios were compared with insecticide-susceptible strain. All strains were ≥18.5-fold resistant to thiamethoxam. The data showed that 10 out of 17 strains had either high or very high resistance levels. Our findings revealed that house flies from solid waste landfills in Samsun, Ankara, and Kocaeli exhibited higher resistance ratios compared to those found in animal shelters. Conversely, in Gaziantep, Antalya, İzmir and Erzurum, the exact opposite trend was observed. Regarding the LD50 values among solid waste storage areas, the lowest rate was obtained from Gaziantep (0.72 gr ai/m2), and the highest rate was obtained from Ankara (9.35 gr ai/m2). Furthermore, regarding the LD50 values among animal shelters, the lowest was obtained from Samsun (0.37 gr ai/m2), and the highest was obtained from Denizli (21800 gr ai/m2). The use of integrated control systems is recommended for controlling house fly populations, including insecticide class rotations for preventing, or at least, delaying the onset of resistance.

Morphological and Elements of Roadside Dust at Academic Institutions in Perlis

This research studied the morphological and elemental composition of roadside dust at an academic institution in Perlis using the Dust Fall Jar method. Samples were collected from three spots, two beside the main road near the academic institution and one in the control environment area, within a radius of 1000 meters as the control spot. Samples were collected for five consecutive days and then analyzed using SEM-EDX. The SEM-EDX analysis revealed that roadside dust particles exhibited varied shapes and uneven surfaces. Plant debris and tire wear have been identified as the sources of fibrous, elongated, and rounded micrometer-sized particles. Minerals, heavy metals, and carbon-containing particles were also found. The SEM-EDX investigation revealed notable elements roadside dust at an academic institution, irregularly shaped particle which might be composed of minerals, soil, or even carbon-containing materials, commonly found in roadside environments. The other element found is aluminum oxide by the characteristic morphology observed in the SEM-EDX image which are elongated, fibrous, cylindrical structures and irregularly shaped particles. This matrix could be composed of various materials, such as other carbon-based materials or inorganic compounds. This study highlights the necessity of implementing efficient environmental management solutions.

Comparing the efficacy of synthetic Varroacides and Varroa destructor phenotypic resistance using Apiarium and Mason jar bioassay techniques.

Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a major threat for honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Beekeepers have used synthetic Varroacides against Varroa mite for decades, but resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and formamidine has been reported in many locations worldwide. The goals of this study were to develop a reliable bioassay to assess efficacy and phenotypic resistance to commercial Varroacides. In this study, efficacy and Varroa resistance was evaluated using the Apiarium technique in comparison to the Mason jar method. Among tested Varroacides, a high efficacy (89%) for Apivar was identified when compared to Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%) and CheckMite (6%), in a 24 h assessment. We also found that CheckMite was toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. In addition, the Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated. A laboratory protocol was developed using the Apiarium method to evaluate Apivar efficacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and determine the presence of phenotypic resistance in V. destructor. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

In Vitro Micropropagation, Rooting and Acclimatization of Two Agastache Species (A. aurantiaca and A. mexicana)

Agastache aurantiaca ‘Sunset Yellow’ and A. mexicana ‘Sangria’ are aromatic plants with edible flowers characterized with good flavors, nutritional values and pleasant aromas. The aim of this study was to establish a successful protocol to ensure fast shoot propagation, rooting and in vivo acclimatization to obtain many vigorous plants for edible flower production. Micropropagation was tested with an agarized Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with different 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) levels. In vitro rooting trials were carried out using a half-strength MS medium comparing the traditional jar method with an agarized medium and the temporary immersion system (TIS) bioreactor with a liquid medium. After acclimatization in a greenhouse, the survival of plants and their development were recorded. Microscopical analyses were performed on both in-jar and in-TIS leaves at rooting stages and compared with in vivo leaves. In both species, the greatest number of new shoots was noted at 2.22 µM and 3.33 µM of BAP. In TIS, rooting started earlier, resulting in larger plants with more roots and longer roots than in the jar substrate. Any anatomical difference was observed in leaves collected from the jar and TIS during the rooting stage. The best acclimatization performances were recorded in plants coming from the TIS bioreactor.

Efficient adsorption of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons by electrospun hydrophobic PTFE-NiO composite nanofiber filter mats

Aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AAHs) are comprised of a variety of gaseous chemicals that may affect human and environmental health. To remove AAHs from air, polytetrafluoroethylene-nickel oxide (PTFE-NiO) composite nanofiber filter mats (NFMs) were synthesized and characterized for their ability to effectively adsorb AAHs. The NiO-nanoparticle-doped mats were fabricated by green electrospinning of PTFE and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mixtures added with nickel (II) nitrate hexahydrate in the spinning solution followed by surface heat treatment. FE-SEM FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, sessile drop and Jar methods were applied as characterization techniques. The diameter of the electrospun nanofibers without NiO dopant ranged from 0.34 ± 21.61 to 0.23 ± 10.12 µm, whereas a reduction in diameter of NiO-doped nanofibers was obtained, ranging between pristine to 0.25 ± 24.12 µm and 0.12 ± 85.75 µm with heat treatment. 6% (by weight) NiO-doped PTFE composite NFMs exhibited a high water-contact angle of 120 ± 2.20 degrees; the high hydrophobicity value aided self-cleansing property of NFMs for practical applications. UV adsorption capability for heat-treated PTFE-NiO NFMs was evaluated for three AAHs, and the results showed that 6 wt% NiO adsorbed 1.41, 0.67, and 0.73 µg/mg of toluene, formaldehyde and acetone, respectively. These findings reveal the potential applicability of the prepared filter mats for capturing various AAHs from polluted air.

STUDY OF THE KINETICS OF MILK KEFIR USING SOY GERM AS SUBSTRATE

The main objective of this study was to analyze the growth kinetics of milk kefir on bean sprouts (Glycine max) as a germinated substrate for 4 days by the glass jar method followed by extracts. Ratio 1:3 (soy: water). 3% kefir grains (activated) inoculated with soluble bud extracts. The soluble extract of bean sprouts has a total sugar content of 5.57% and a fermentable carbohydrate of 3.37 g / L (sucrose), which is a source of nutrition and energy reserves; 1.40% of lipids are used for catabolic grain activity, while protein increases the amount of soluble nitrogen by 6.66%. The pH is 6.67 and the acidity is 0.17%, inversely proportional to lactic acid. The number of microbial populations of soluble extracts of kefirada sprouts reached the logarithmic stage of development after 24 hours for lactic acid bacteria and 48 hours for acetic acid bacteria and yeast, consuming the nutrients of the beverage, influencing its metabolites on the pH of the medium; The period of decomposition of lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid and yeast is 72 hours, and the medium lacks nutrients. The symbiotic action of milk kefir using soluble sprouted extracts is mutual, as the microorganisms it contains grow synergistically and create favorable changes in pH and acidity, depletion of nutrients and the creation of an appropriate environment. To improve the texture it is recommended to combine with fruits or vegetables that contain a lot of sugar.

Removal of heavy metals present in water from the Yautepec River Morelos México, using Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage

In this work, the capacity of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as a coagulant material for the removal of heavy metals (HM) present in water samples from the Yautepec River, Morelos Mexico, was studied. The functional groups of the OFI mucilage were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before and after the removal process. Ten water samples were collected in different sites of the Yautepec River, some physicochemical properties were evaluated according to established norms, and all the water samples were within the permissible limits of pH (6.5-8.5) and conductivity (1500 μS/cm) for human consumption; however, they presented heavy metals, which were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The study of removal of heavy metals from the water samples was carried out using OFI mucilage at different concentrations (87.5, 175 and 350 mg/L) using the jar method, and then the physicochemical characteristics as well as the final concentration of the HM were evaluated. The results showed that the OFI mucilage had a reduction of water turbidity greater than 70% and a removal capacity greater than 90% for iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), and greater than 60% for chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As), and less than 40% for cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). These percentages showed a dependence on the initial pH conditions, the initial HM concentrations as well as the OFI mucilage concentration used. The changes in the FTIR spectra of the OFI mucilage after removal showed that the carbonyl, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups were those that acted in the removal of the heavy metals.

Technical Note: Water Vapor Transmission Rate and Permeance of Cellulose Nanocrystals/Polydimethylsiloxane hybrid membranes measured by dynamic vapor sorption

This article describes a fast and reliable method of screening membrane materials designed by measuring moisture vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and permeance of membrane materials using a Payne-style diffusion cell (dry cup) placed in a Dynamic Vapor Sorption DVS) instrument. The materials were cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid membranes. A casting method was used to fabricate three types of membrane samples. The WVTR and permeance of the samples were measured at two relative humidity (RH) levels if 60% and 80% at 25OC. The results revealed that the WVTR and permeance of PDMS membrane samples were increased by 34.33% to 39.69% after adding 1 wt% of CNC in the PDMS matrix. WVTR of all samples increased as RH increased from 60% to 80%, but the permeance decreased with increasing RH. The results of all three types of samples showed good consistency in terms of data discrepancy and the trends of WVTR and permeance with RH. Due to the small sample size, the tests could be completed in a few hours at elevates RHs in comparison with the commonly used Mason jar method according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E96/E96M-16. Therefore, the Payne cell method in DVS can provide a fast screening of membrane materials.

New bioassay cage methodology for in vitro studies on Varroa destructor and Apis mellifera.

Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman, is an ectoparasitic mite of honey bees, Apis mellifera L., that has been considered a major cause of colony losses. Synthetic miticides have been developed and registered to manage this ectoparasite, however, resistance to registered pyrethroid and organophosphate Varroacides have already been reported in Canada. To test toxicity of miticides, current contact-based bioassay methods are designed to evaluate mites and bees separately, however, these methods are unlikely to give an accurate depiction of how miticides interact at the colony level. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a bioassay cage for testing the toxicity of miticides on honey bees and Varroa mites simultaneously using amitraz as a reference chemical. A 800 mL polypropylene plastic cage holding 100–150 bees was designed and officially named “Apiarium”. A comparison of the effects of three subsequent dilutions of amitraz was conducted on: Varroa mites placed in glass vials, honey bees in glass Mason jars, and Varroa-infested bees in Apiariums. Our results indicated cumulative Varroa mortality was dose-dependent in the Apiarium after 4 h and 24 h assessments. Apiarium and glass vial treatments at 24 h also had high mite mortality and a positive polynomial regression between Varroa mortality and amitraz dose rates. Moreover, chemical application in the Apiarium was less toxic for bees compared to the Mason jar method. Considering these results, the Apiarium bioassay provides a simple, cheap and reliable method for simultaneous chemical screening on V. destructor and A. mellifera. Furthermore, as mites and bees are tested together, the Apiarium simulates a colony-like environment that provides a necessary bridge between laboratory bioassay testing and full field experimentation. The versatility of the Apiarium allows researchers to test a multitude of different honey bee bioassay experiments including miticide screening, delivery methods for chemical products, or development of new mite resistance-testing methodology.

IN VITRO ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITY OF LEAVE PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OF FICUS SYCOMORUS PLANT

In vitro anti-malarial activity of petroleum ether extracts of Ficus sycomorus leaves was investigated using Candle Jar method. The extractions were carried out through activity guided fractionation. Petroleum ether extract has the highest activity, at the concentration of 1mg and 0.5mg with percentage growth inhibition of (33.12 and 31.9%) respectively. These results suggest that the leaves of Ficus sycomorus plant have significant antimalarial activity and that the antiplasmodial agents might be as a result of the extract fractionated using the petroleum.

A Comparative Study on Traditional and Prevailing Leech Storage Methods in Ayurveda Leech Therapy Centers

Bloodletting is an important procedure to cleanse the body by removing blood. Different methods are followed in Ayurveda to remove blood. Jalaukavacharana is one such method said to remove impureblood through leeches. In Sushruta samhita detailed description about collection and storage of the leeches is available.Different methods are followed in Ayurveda centres to store the leeches. There is a need to standardize the process of leech storage. This study had the objective of comparing different leech storage methods on various physical- chemical and microbial parameters . Classical pot method, jar method and aquarium method were compared in this study. This study has shown that aquarium method can be adopted for leech storage as change in physical-chemical properties of water and microbial growth were minimum even after 15 days.

A Study of Synergy of Combination of Eosin B with Chloroquine, Artemisinin, and Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine on Plasmodium falciparum In Vitro and Plasmodium berghei In Vivo

Methods Drug assessment was carried out singly or in combination on Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using the candle jar method at three inhibitory concentrations. Percent parasitemia of live cells was obtained by microscopic counting. Peter's suppression test was carried out on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei after 3 administration of the drugs singly and in combination, and parasites were counted by microscopy for 10 days. Results Synergy was exhibited by isobolograms of eosin B combined with artesunate and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine with more than 10 fold reduction of all drugs in vitro. A good combination index was obtained with artesunate at 50% inibitory concentration with 3.4 nM eosin B and 1.7 nM artesunate in contrast to 124 nM eosin B and 7.6 nM artesunate singly. In vivo studies also showed a considerable lowering of the effective dose of eosin B 30 mg/kg: artesunate 3 mg/kg with 200 mg/kg eosin B and 60 mg/kg artesunate separately. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine seemed to have the greatest synergistic effect with a combination index of 0.007, but this could be due to it consisting of a combination of three drugs. Eosin B's combination index with chloroquine was fair, and in vivo tests too did not show as much competence as the other two drugs. Conclusion and Interpretation. It can be concluded that eosin B can be used in combination with antimalarial drugs with favorable results.

Volume and rate measurement of slowly generated gas bubbles

The use of an inverted burette arrangement that allowed volume and time-course tracking of bubble movement via camera imaging is shown here to improve on the classical inverted jar (or beaker) method for measuring gases generated in small volumes and at slow rates (below 1 mL/s). In tests involving discrete gas volume measurements delivered at 0.57 mL/s, comparison with pre-set air volume delivered by a syringe pump showed high correspondence, linearity, and repeatability. Tests with continuous gas flows at 0.2, 0.32 and 0.57 mL/s revealed average bubble count versus volume trends that displayed high linearity to indicate that the bubble volumes (at any flowrate) were constant. The average bubble count versus time also showed linear trends and repeatability indicating that the time intervals between the appearance of any two bubbles (at a particular flowrate) were uniform. The analytical and simulated results helped to explain why bubble size determination by high speed camera recording for measuring gas volume and flowrate is fraught with inherent problems. An analysis using light ray tracing showed that flowrate determination using such an approach would necessitate complicated image correction when two cameras are used for simultaneous recording due to distortion effects resulting from refraction. A virtual gate approach involving the binarization of images recorded with a standard camera is shown to be more feasible in establishing the flowrate using bubble counting or finding the time interval between bubbles.

Microbes Population and Soil Respiration Under The Kemenyan (Styrax spp) Stand Rhizosphere

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THE EFFECT OF MALACCA LEAVES (Phyllantus emblica) ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON Plasmodium falciparum GROWTH IN VITRO

The aim of this research was to find out in vitro antiplasmodium activity of Malacca leaves (Phyllantus emblica) ethanolic extract against Plasmodium falciparum growth. In this study, Plasmodium culture contained 5% parasitemia in ring stage was cultured using candle jar method and antiplasmodial activity test was carried out using microculture. The treatments were divided into 7 groups with four repetitions. K1 as negative control group was given Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI), while K2 as positive control group was given artesdiaquine. Groups K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7 group was added with 100 µg/mL, 75 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL, and 5 µg/mL of Malacca leaves ethanolic extract, respectively. Antiplasmodial activity was determined by inhibition concentration of 50% parasite growth (IC50). The data were analyzed using ANOVA and followed by Duncan test. The average of parasitemia level in group K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, and K7 were 55.25±15.62, 8.50±2.52, 8.50±3.00, 9.25±0.95, 9.00±2.70, 9.79±2.06, and 10.75±2.22, respectively. The average of inhibition percentage in group K1, K2; K3; K4; K5; K6; and K7 were 0.00±0.00%, 84.62±4.55%; 84.62±5.43%; 83.26±1.73%; 83.71±4,90%; 82.35±3,73%; and 80.54±6.83%, respectively (P0.01). The results showed that the administration of malacca leaves ethanolic extract significantly affect (P0.01) the inhibition of Plasmodium growth as compared to group K1 (negative control). Probit analysis reveals the IC50 value was 3.889 µg/mL. In conclusion, all doses of malacca leaves ethanolic extract used in this study was able to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum growth with IC50 value was 3.889 µg/mL.

Toxicity of Lemongrass Oils [Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W. Watson] to the German Cockroach (Blattella germanica L.)

The purposes of this study are to find out the toxicity and repellency of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) to the German cockroach (Blatella germanica). Study was conducted from August to October 2016 in Research Laboratories of Animal Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Andalas University Padang. This study used the glass jar method (contact) with three strains of German cockroaches (VCRU-WHO, KRS-BDG and HHB-JKT) and lemongrass oil. The average of lethal time after 6 hour exposure ware counted with a probit analysis until found value LC90. The results showed that based on value LC90 strain VCRU-WHO 15,20%, strain KRS-BDG 22,42% and strain HHB-JKT 19,28% after 6 hour exposure.

Perbandingan Kebutuhan Koagulan Al2(So4)3 dan PAC Untuk Pengolahan Air Bersih Di WTP Sungai Ciapus Kampus IPB Dramaga

Water Treatment Plant (WTP) IPB process water from Ciapus River by water purifying process before distributed to consumers. The type of coagulant used is Al2(SO4)3 (aluminum sulfate) or alum and Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC). This study aimed to compare the water quality by using coagulant Al2(SO4)3 and PAC in WTP Ciapus River IPB Dramaga and to find out the optimum dosage of coagulant alum and PAC . This study used a test jar method and ISO (SNI) for the analysis of physical and chemical parameters of water. Based on the results of research, PAC was better than alum with the optimum dose of 20 ppm which produces 0.22 NTU of turbidity, 1 mg/l of TSS and 150 mg/l of TDS. While the optimum dose of alum was 20 ppm which generates 0.49 NTU of turbidity, 0 mg/l of TSS and 164 mg/l of TDS. Average costs for the use of coagulant alum and PAC were Rp. 95/m3 and Rp 215/m3, while the average value of the efficient used of coagulant alum and PAC were 91.34% and 83%. The results of both coagulants meets the criteria of water quality standards in accordance with Regulation of the Minister of Health No. 429 of 2010.

Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/β-Cyclodextrin Composite Membranes for Simultaneous Air Filtration and Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds

Simultaneous capture of different air pollutants including aerosols and volatile organic compound (VOC) is demonstrated using composite polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) nanofiber membrane. Aerosol filtration along with VOCs adsorption in one step remains a challenge due to differences in the physical and chemical properties of these air pollutants. PAN/β-CD composite electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENMs) were produced with different concentrations of β-CD. The surface modification of the composite ENM was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and water contact angles. PAN/β-CD composite ENMs showed excellent air filtration performance (>95% filtration efficiency with a relatively low pressure drop of 112 Pa). Formaldehyde (HCHO) adsorption was determined using a simple jar method and xylene adsorption by UV spectroscopy. HCHO and xylene adsorption found better by 66% and 73%, respectively, compared to pristine PAN ENM despite a reduction in fiber surface area. The composite ENMs were found to be nontoxic to human lung cell line, suggesting that it is a good candidate for respiratory filter media for simultaneous air filtration and VOC adsorption.

Why are our Jar Lids Crumbling?

Glass jars and lids used to house fluid preserved specimens in Natural History Museums are arguably one of the most important factors needed to ensure the long term conservation of the specimens in their collections. Additionally these jars are used to display specimens in exhibits, and are the first, and often the only line of defense against damage caused by evaporation of the fluids used to preserve specimens. The Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH) was established as the public face of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) which opened its doors in 1859. Often, the Museum of Comparative Zoology loans fluid preserved invertebrates to the Museum of Natural History at Harvard for display. Of specific interest to this project is a permanent arthropod exhibit displaying a variety of specimens in jars ranging from 4 oz to 1 gallon in size. During a 7-year public exhibition loan, lids began to deteriorate while on display. Visually, these lids became cracked and webbed, and upon physical manipulation the plastic crumpled into pieces. Notably, this problem has not been observed in research collections where the specimens are permanently stored. Possible factors affecting lid stability include temperature and light, and other unknowns. Given the potential impact of this issue on all collections we investigated the possible causes of lid degradation and wish to bring attention to this issue. Photography was used to document the physical problem and MicroCT was used to investigate both cracked and new lids. The resulting images are displayed here. Although the composition of lids are explored, and other jar methods outlined, flint jars remain the most consistent, and sturdy option for a student oriented museum.