Percent Mortality Research Articles

Biotermiticidal Activity of Jatropha gossypifolia Linn. plant extract against Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract: Termiticidal potential of methanol and aqueous leaves extract of Jatropha gossypifolia Linn. were studied against Odontotermes obesus. The plant leaves were dried, powdered and extracted with methanol and aqueous solvent in soxhlet apparatus for 24 hrs. The 20 termites were exposed to various concentrations from 9.0 to 14.5 mg/ml) of methanol and of aqueous plant extract of Jatropha gossypifolia and percent mortality were recorded after 24 hrs. The termiticidal activity of leaves extract of Jatropha gossypifolia were (LC10 = 9.8220 mg/ml, LD50 = 10.093, LC90 =12.667 mg/ml) in methanol and (LC10 = 11.984, LC50 = 13.195, LC90 =14.531 mg/ml) in aqueous solvent respectively. Results revealed that the mortality was increased with increasing in concentration of the plant extracts. The methanol solvent extract of Jatropha gossypifolia showed higher termiticidal property against Odontotermes obesus. Statistical variance, 95% confidence limits and regression equations are presented.

Application Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon citratus Dc) Against Mortality Death of Termites (Macrotermes gilvus Hagen) With Several Application Techniques

Lemongrass is a plant that contains citronellal, geraniol, and other compounds which are known to increase termite mortality. This research aims to determine the most effective concentration of lemongrass extract on termite mortality using several application techniques. The method used in this research was a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with 3 replications where: Treatment factor I used lemongrass extract application. This treatment consists of 10 combinations and in 1 treatment unit there are 30 termites ( Macrotermes gilvus Hagen), so the total is 900 termites. The parameters observed were the percentage of termite mortality (%) and termite activity after application with 3 categories: 1=Alive actively moving; 2=Alive not actively moving; 3=Dead, so the data was analyzed using the Variety Print Analysis Method and Kruskal Wallis Analysis. Significant data analysis results will be followed by the Duncan Mean Range Test (DMRT) at ɑ=5%. The results of the study showed that the application of lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citrates DC) 100g/l of water was significant in reducing termite (Macrotermes gilvus Hagen) mortality by up to 95% on day 7. The effectiveness of the feeding technique was not significantly different from the spraying technique in reducing actual mortality to 85.44 %. The interaction between the application of lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus DC) 100g/liter of water and the application technique did not significantly reduce the mortality of termites ( Macrotermes gilvus Hagen)

Study Analysis of Total Bilirubin Levels on Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a positive single-stranded RNA virus. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are not only dominated by respiratory tract symptoms but can also show symptoms of liver damage in severe COVID-19 patients. Liver damage that occurs can cause acute liver failure and result in death. Examination of liver damage marker parameters such as total bilirubin needs to be carried out as mortality increases in COVID-19 patients. This study aims to determine the relationship between total bilirubin levels and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical research was conducted on 40 COVID-19 patients treated at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang from July to December 2021. Examination of total bilirubin levels using the colorimetric diazo method. Bivariate analysis used the Mann-Whitney test to see the relationship between total bilirubin levels and mortality. Results: The average age of the research subjects was 61.85 (1.40) years, with 65% men and 35% women. The mortality percentage in COVID-19 patients is 65%. The median total bilirubin level was 1.95 (0.5-2.8) mg/dL. The relationship between total bilirubin levels and mortality in COVID-19 patients was found to have a p-value of <0.001. The study results showed that the median total bilirubin level in COVID-19 patients who died was relatively higher, namely 2.20 (1.4-2.8) mg/dL, compared to those who did not die, namely 0.70 (0.5-1. 6) mg/dL. Conclusion: The results of this study show that there is a relationship between total bilirubin levels and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Insecticidal Activity of Different Doses of Acorus calamus Essential Oil against Sitophilus oryzae

The toxicity of different doses (3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 percent) of Acorus calamus essential oil, against insect pest Sitophilus oryzae were evaluated in the laboratory of Division of Entomology, FoA, Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir during the year 2022. The various concentrations of Acorus calamus essential oil had significant effect on mortality of Sitophilus Oryzae. The highest mortality of 74.27 percent was recorded in 70 µl concentration of Acorus calamus essential oil on 12 Hours After Treatment (HAT) followed by 60 (71.01%), 50 (67.15%) and 40 (39.11%) µl concentration while untreated control recorded 5.13 percent mortality respectively. However, on 24 HAT the cumulative mortality increased to 76.35 in 70µl, 74.11 in 60 and 50 µl, 43.01 in 40 µl concentration. On 72 HAT the concentrations of 70, 60 and 50 µl recorded 94.11, 91.27 and 90.11 percent mortality respectively, while only 7.05 percent mortality was recorded in untreated control.

#2875 Experience in the use of plasmapheresis as a therapeutic tool in acute pathologies in a tertiary level hospital

Abstract Background and Aims Apheresis is a therapeutic modality which purpose is the elimination from plasma of the pathogenic components of a disease or its clinical manifestations. Plasmapheresis is an apheresis technique used in the treatment of various diseases with varying degrees of proven clinical efficacy. The aim of our work is to describe the experience in the use of plasmapheresis in different acute pathologies in our center, and if there are factors that favor the clinical response to treatment. Method Retrospective cohort study. We included plasmapheresis performed in the years 2017-2022. Variables such as age, sex, etiology, type of replacement performed, number of sessions, and American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) classification, among others, were collected. We defined response to treatment as partial or total clinical remission. Results We included 72 patients who received plasmapheresis during 2017-2022. Mean age 54 ± 18 years. 56.9% male. Disease etiology was neurological in 56.9%, nephrological in 36.1% and hematological in 6.9%. Between 2017-2019, 39.7% of the plasmapheresis were performed, while the remaining 60.3% were between 2020-2022. The number of sessions was 5.3 ± 2. 59.6% were performed with albumin, 29.2% with fresh frozen plasma and 13.9% with albumin and fresh frozen plasma. The ASFA indication was category I in 68.1%. 23.6% presented some complication, the most frequent being febrile in 6.9%, systemic infection and allergic reaction in 5.6%. A response to treatment was observed in 75%. Antibodies were positive before starting plasmapheresis in 29.2%, decreasing to 16.7% 3 months after treatment. There was recurrence in 19.4%, 16.7% received more cycles of plasmapheresis and there was 11.1% mortality due to disease. In patients with response to treatment, a higher percentage of response was observed in those diseases of non-nephrological origin (70.4% vs. 29.6%, p 0.04), lower percentage of complications (16.7% vs. 83.3%, p 0.01) and lower mortality associated with the disease (3.7% vs. 96.3%, p 0.001). Conclusion Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic plasma exchange technique that is increasingly used in our hospital, with a greater increase in recent years. It is a therapeutic option that should be considered in many occasions as first line or adjuvant treatment, with a low rate of complications and clinical improvement in most patients. Despite this, studies with a larger number of patients are required to increase and consolidate the existing evidence on the use of these procedures.

Apelin-13 modulates the endometrial transcriptome of the domestic pig during implantation

BackgroundThe peri-implantation period is a critical time during pregnancy that mostly defines the overall litter size. Most authors agree that the highest percentage of embryo mortality occurs during this time. Despite the brevity of the peri-implantation period, it is the most dynamic part of pregnancy in which the sequential and uninterrupted course of several processes is essential to the animal’s reproductive success. Also then, the maternal uterine tissues undergo an intensive remodelling process, and their energy demand dramatically increases. It is believed that apelin, a member of the adipokine family, is involved in the control of female reproductive functions in response to the current metabolic state. The verified herein hypothesis assumed the modulatory effect of apelin on the endometrial tissue transcriptome on days 15 to 16 of gestation (beginning of implantation).ResultsThe analysis of data obtained during RNA-seq (Illumina HiSeq2500) of endometrial slices treated and untreated with apelin (n = 4 per group) revealed changes in the expression of 68 genes (39 up-regulated and 29 down-regulated in the presence of apelin), assigned to 240 gene ontology terms. We also revealed changes in the frequency of alternative splicing events (397 cases), as well as single nucleotide variants (1,818 cases) in the presence of the adipokine. The identified genes were associated, among others, with the composition of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.ConclusionsThe obtained results indicate a potential role of apelin in the regulation of uterine tissue remodelling during the peri-implantation period.

Traumatic injury to the posterior fossa: a secondary analysis and description of case series from the NEXUS head injury dataset

Traumatic brain injuries involving the posterior fossa are rare and case reports indicate they often result in severe outcomes. We seek to describe characteristics and outcomes of traumatic posterior fossa injuries. We performed a planned secondary analysis of all patients with posterior fossa injuries enrolled in the NEXUS head computed tomography (CT) validation study dataset. The dataset includes prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing non-contrast cranial CT following blunt traumatic head injury from April 2006 to December 2015, at four emergency departments comprising community and university sites, as well as urban, suburban and rural settings in California (Antelope Valley Hospital, San Francisco General Hospital, UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, UCSF Fresno Community Regional Medical Center). We classified each patient into one of three injury patterns: Type I-notable traumatic injuries primarily above the tentorium, with minimal posterior fossa involvement; Type II-notable traumatic injuries both above and within the posterior fossa; and Type III-notable traumatic injuries primarily within the posterior fossa. We extracted demographic data for each patient as well as physician assessments of the NEXUS head CT and Canadian Head CT rule clinical criteria, mechanisms of injury, patient outcomes, and the location and types of intracranial injuries sustained. Of 11,770 patients in the database, 184 (1.6%) had posterior fossa injuries on CT imaging. Mean age was 55.4 years (standard deviation 22.5 years, range 2-96 years); 131 (71.2%) were males. We identified 63 patients with Type I injuries, 87 with Type II injuries, and 34 Type III injuries. The most common mechanisms of injury were falls (41%), pedestrian vs automobile (15%), and motor vehicle collisions (13%). On presentation most patients had altered mental status (72%), abnormal behavior (53%), or a neurologic deficit (55%). The majority of individuals, 151 (82%), had clinically important injuries and 111 (60%) required neurosurgical intervention. The dispositions for the subjects included 52 deaths (28%), 49 (27%) patients discharged home, and 48 (26%) discharged to rehabilitation facilities. When compared to individuals with Type I and Type II injuries, patients with Type III injuries had lower mortality (6% vs 30% and 35%) and higher percentage of patients discharged home (60% vs 19% and 21%). Patients with Type I and II injury patterns (those that involve both the posterior fossa and supratentorium) experienced high mortality and disability. Patients with Type III injuries (isolated posterior fossa) had a better prognosis. None.

The effect of temperature and exposure time on redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) and yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila) seed mortality in the natural soil seedbank

Abstract Heat disinfection of soil can be used to reduce the content of the soil seedbank. However, species differ in the lethal temperature needed for seed destruction and mortality. Laboratory research was conducted on the seeds of two weed species, redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and yellow foxtail [Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult]. The soil samples were collected at the experimental station Šašinovečki Lug, Zagreb, Croatia (45.850289°N, 16.180465°E), and exposed to linearly increasing constant temperatures of 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, and 120 C and exposure times of 30, 60, and 90 min in a laboratory oven. Weed seeds were then extracted from the soil using the sieve separation method and survival was measured by germinating seeds on filter paper. Germination counts were converted into percentages of mortality compared with untreated seeds. The results show that both temperature and exposure time significantly affected seed mortality of both weed species. Amaranthus retroflexus shows a greater susceptibility to high temperatures than S. pumila. A fitted three-parameter sigmoid model was used to define the relationship between temperature and exposure time needed for 50% (LT50) and 90% (LT90) seed mortality. The estimated LT50 values for A. retroflexus are 58.89 to 46.08 C over the 30- to 90-min exposure times; the estimated LT90 values were 113.36 to 65.72 C for the same durations. The estimated LT50 values for S. pumila over the 30- to 90-min exposure times ranged from 91.33 to 75.15 C; the estimated LT90 ranged from 98.79 to 90.32 C over the same durations. The research results contribute to the knowledge about the thermal sensitivity of seeds. Estimating efficacy of soil-heating treatments is essential when comparing the environmental, economic, and social costs of alternatives to conventional weed control methods.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant ability and in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extracts from Vitexnegundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of crude aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts of Vitex negundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae. Phytochemical analysis to identify the number of compounds in extracts was done by chemical tests and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer detector (GC-MS). First off all the effectiveness of dried plant materials was evaluated on larval development by mixing powdered material (no nano particles) to faecal cultures from donor sheep. Adding powder to the faecal culture resulted into 100% inhibition in larval development at 200 and 300mg/g of faeces. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatch assay (EHA) and the larval mortality assay (LMA). Comparison of mean inhibition percentage of egg embryonation, mean inhibition percentage of egg hatching and mean percentage of larval mortality at different concentrations with control was performed by one-way ANOVA. The means were compared for statistical significance using DMRT at P < 0.05. For both the assays, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and lethal concentration (LC50) were calculated by probit analysis. Chemical test revealed presence of high concentration of saponin and flavoinoids and moderate concentration of total phenols in leaves. The antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity, RSA %) measured was 35.47%. On GC-MS, the methanolic leaves extract revealed 30 phyto-compounds. On EHA, there was marked effect on inhibition of egg hatching by aqueous, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts. On LMA all the five extracts showed excellent larvicidal activity. V. negundo leaves methanol extract mediated silver nanoparticles were found very effective at much lower concentrations as compared to crude methanol extract. The results indicated that the V. negundo leaves crude extracts possessed excellent in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties against H. contortus which needs more investigation, especially in vivo trials for the control of parasite.

193 The effects of mannan oligosaccharides on mortality and full value nursery swine

Abstract Mannan oligosaccharides [Actigen; ACT (Alltech, Inc., Nicholasville, KY)] are refined low molecular weight carbohydrates obtained from the cell wall of a specific strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Peer-reviewed studies with nursery swine has suggested that ACT can positively impact intestinal morphology and permeability, inhibit gut colonization of enteric pathogens, and improve the pattern of immune responses with and without viral challenges. To validate these findings, three commercial scale experiments involving a total of 10,634 nursery pigs [PIC 337 × 1050, initially 6.4 kg of body weight (BW)] were conducted. Pens of 36 to 50 mixed sex pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments supplemented with 0 or 800 ppm of ACT, with a total of 112 replications per treatment. In all trials, pigs were fed a nursery program comprised of two phases. Phase 1 from d 0 to 21 (experimental diets) and Phase 2 from d 22-37, 22-43, and 22-44, in Exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively (common diets). Phase 1 diets were corn-soybean meal based and contained 9% whey permeate, 5% rolled oats, and were formulated to contain 1.38% SID Lysine. Phase 2 diets were corn-soybean meal based and formulated to contain 1.30% SID Lysine. In all experiments, data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) in a randomized complete block design with pen serving as the experimental unit and initial BW serving as blocking factor. Percentage mortality and full value pig were analyzed using a binomial distribution. No significant ACT × experiment interactions (P &amp;gt; 0.10) were observed in mortality or full value pig (Table 1). From d 0 to 21, there was no evidence for differences in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or gain to feed ratio (G:F; P &amp;gt; 0.10) between dietary treatments (data not showed). From d 0 to 44, mortality was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.0002), and full value pigs increased (P &amp;lt; 0.0004) in pigs fed diets with 800 ppm compared with pigs fed diets without ACT supplementation. In conclusion, whereas pigs fed diets supplemented with 800 ppm ACT did not show growth performance advantages, these experiments suggest livability and full value pig improvements.

276 Effects of a phytogenic feed additive fed during lactation on sow and litter performance

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic feed additive on sow and litter performance. Six cohort groups of sows (n = 250) were used in this experiment. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn-soybean meal diet (Control); 2) Control containing 150 ppm of a phytogenic feed additive (Low); and 3) Control + 200 ppm of a phytogenic feed additive (High). The feed additive contained a proprietary formulation of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresins (Fytera Care, Selko USA, Indianapolis, IN). Sows were moved to a farrowing room and housed in individual farrowing stalls at 109 d of gestation. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed nutrient requirements for lactating sows, as outlined by NRC (2012). During lactation, sows were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water. Piglets were cross-fostered within dietary treatments within 24 h of birth to equalize suckling intensity as much as possible. Piglet mortalities were recorded daily. Statistical analyses included a one-way ANOVA with repeated measurements in time when appropriate. The statistical model included the fixed effect of dietary treatment, and the random effect of cohort group with parity as a covariate. We observed no significant interactions between dietary treatment and time for any measured response variable. Average daily feed intake of sows, sow body weight, wean-to-estrus interval, and the proportion of sows expressing estrus by d 14 postweaning were not significantly different across treatments (Table). We observed a tendency (P = 0.074) for increased loss of backfat depth during lactation for sows fed Low and High compared with sows fed Control diet. Dietary treatments did not affect litter size, litter weight, or litter weight gain. Percentage of piglet mortality before cross-fostering tended to be less (P = 0.056) for High-fed sows compared with Control sows. However, piglet mortality after cross-fostering was not affected by diet. In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, feeding 150 or 200 ppm of the phytogenic feed additive to lactating sows did not substantially improve sow or litter performance.

Association of serum Sodium with mortality in patients of Congestive heart failure

Objectives: To determine the association of serum Sodium with mortality in patients of Congestive heart failure. Study Design: Prospective observational study Settings and Duration of study: Department of Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. ( 22-12-2021 to 22-6-2022 ). Methods: Sample size of 100 patients; 50 in each group in calculated with 90% power of study, 5% significance level and taking percentage of mortality i.e. 24.75% patients with low serum sodium level and in 4.21% patients with normal serum sodium level. Sample Selection: Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged between 30-70 years, both genders, Patients with congestive heart failure ,Group I: with serum sodium level &lt;135 mEq/L, Group II: with serum sodium level ≥135 mEq/L. Exclusion Criteria: Liver disorders (AST&gt;25IU, ALT&gt;30IU, hepatitis B or C), renal disorders (eGFR ˂ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or creatinine &gt;2.0mg/dl or on hemodialysis), any malignancy, anemia (Hb&lt;9 g/dl), due to inherited hemoglobinopathy such as; sickle cell disease, and thalassemia, Patients with recurrent congestive heart failure or already taking treatment for deranged sodium level , valvular heart disease. Results: Patients in exposed group had 52% mortality rate as compared to unexposed group in which mortality rate was only 18% respective. Value of relative risk showed that patients in exposed group had 2.88 times higher chances of mortality as compared to those patients in unexposed group. Similarly, elderly patients (Relative Risk=3.23), Male patients (Relative Risk= 3.37), Overweight patients (Relative Risk=3.54), non-diabetic patients (Relative Risk=3.50), hypertensive patients (Relative Risk=2.95), ischemic heart disease patients (Relative Risk=4.12), Smoker (Relative risk=4.41) and duration of congestive HF as 0.5-3.5 (Relative Risk= 3.03) had higher risk for mortality. Conclusion: Results obtained from this study showed that low serum sodium level had significant impact on patients of congestive HF in terms of mortality. Keeping its prognostic importance, congestive HF patients should be strictly monitored for electrolyte imbalance. Key Words: Serum sodium, Prognostic, Indicator, Mortality,Congestive Heart Failure.

Phytomediated stress modulates antioxidant status, induces overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, α-esterase, and suppresses the ABC transporter in Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) exposed to Ocimum tenuiflorum extracts.

The incorporation of phytoactive compounds in the management of malarial vectors holds promise for the development of innovative and efficient alternatives. Nevertheless, the molecular and physiological responses that these bioactive substances induce remain underexplored. This present study investigated the toxicity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum against larvae of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) and unraveled the possible underlying molecular pathways responsible for the observed physiological effects. FTIR and GCMS analyses of phytoactive compounds in aqueous and methanol crude extracts of O. tenuiflorum showed the presence of OH stretching vibration, C = C stretching modes of aromatics and methylene rocking vibration; ring deformation mode with high levels of trans-β-ocimene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene in aqueous extract and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane and o-cymene in methanol extract. The percentage mortality upon exposure to methanol and aqueous extracts of O. tenuiflorum were 21.1% and 26.1% at 24 h, 27.8% and 36.1% at 48 h and 36.1% and 45% at 72 h respectively. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), down-regulation of ABC transporter, overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, and α-esterase, coupled with significantly increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, were observed in An. gambiae (s.s.) exposed to aqueous and methanol extracts of O. tenuiflorum as compared to the control. Findings from this study have significant implications for our understanding of how An. gambiae (s.s.) larvae detoxify phytoactive compounds.

Evaluating Mosquito Biocontrol Effectiveness by Isolating and Characterizing Some Fungi Against Culex Pipiens and Anopheles Stephensi in Sothern Part of Iraq

Objectives: Isolation Aspergillus tamarii, Cladosporium herbarum, and Verticillium lecanii fungi from naturally infected Culex pipiens and Anopheles stephensi insects were morphologically and molecularly identified. Methods: In this study, populations of mosquitoes were cultured and examined to determine fungal infection and evaluated as potential agents against C. pipiens and A. stephensi. Results: A variety of fungal isolates demonstrated differing degrees of pathogenicity 24 hours after treatment against C. pipiens and A. stephensi eggs, four-instar mosquito larvae, and adults. and as a biological control, it was found that the fungal suspension of each of the used fungi affected the life roles of the two mosquitoes. as it was more than the fungus suspension A. tamarii, Cl. herbarum on V. lecanii. The highest percentage of eggs mortality were (36.72, 48.97) %, (29.14, 42.25) %, and (24.45, 35.70) % of C. pipiens and A. stephensi when using the highest concentration of 1*105 spore/ml, 3*105 spore/ml and 2*105 spore/ml of fungicide A. tamarii, C. herbarum, V.lecanii and respectively after 24 hours. The highest mortality rate was for the fourth larval stages, and the mosquito A. stephensi is more sensitive to type C. pipiens infection., as, in order (75.6, 67.19, 56.8) %, (74.18, 59.81, 50) %, and (65, 52,42.71) %. Conclusions: Results highlight the significance of a mosquito's natural fungal opponent. All isolates had an impact on adults and larvae, although they were less successful against eggs. Both have the potential to develop, particularly against the larvae of the primary arbovirus, malaria, and lymphatic filariasis vectors, A. stephensi, and C. pipiens.

The effect of chemically modified wood particles on the termite durability of sandwich particleboard from Cotylelobium melanoxylon and Gigantochloa pruriens

The tropical region of Indonesia is a preferred habitat for termites. High humidity is very supportive of the growth of these organisms. The impact resulting from these conditions is the vulnerability to the durability of products made from lignocellulosic because this material is the main feed source for termites. Chemical modification treatment is needed in the manufacturing process to increase product durability. This study aims to analyze the resistance of sandwich particleboard to attack by subterranean termites due to chemical modification of the particles. The sample used in this study was chemically modified particleboard made of raru wood (Cotylelobium melanoxylon) particles and belangke bamboo (Gigantochloa pruriens) strand. Then the samples were fed to subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) regarding SNI 01.7202-2006. Parameters observed included the percentage of termite weight loss and mortality. The results showed that sandwich particleboard, which was dominated by 80% bamboo and 20% raru wood with acid and alkaline treatment, was not resistant to subterranean termite attack. The weight loss value produced in this study ranged from 11.97 - 15.83%, included in the durable class IV classification. The higher concentration of acetic acid in particle immersion resulted in a decrease in the value of the board’s weight loss, and the opposite condition was experienced by panels with particle immersion treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Mendelian Randomization and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveal the Protective Role of NKT Cells in Sepsis.

Sepsis is a life-threatening clinical syndrome caused by dysregulated host response to infection. The mechanism underlying sepsis-induced immune dysfunction remains poorly understood. Natural killer T (NKT) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems, the role of NKT cells in sepsis is not entirely understood, and NKT cell cluster differences in sepsis remain unexplored. Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were first conducted to investigate the causal relationship between side scatter area (SSC-A) on NKT cells and 28-day mortality of septic patients. A prospective and observational study was conducted to validate the relationship between the percentage of NKT cells and 28-day mortality of sepsis. Then, the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls and septic patients were profiled. MR analyses first revealed the protective roles of NKT cells in the 28-day mortality of sepsis. Then, 115 septic patients were enrolled. NKT percentage was significantly higher in survivors (n = 84) compared to non-survivors (n = 31) (%, 5.00 ± 3.46 vs 2.18 ± 1.93, P < 0.0001). Patients with lower levels of NKT cells exhibited a significantly increased risk of 28-day mortality. According to scRNA-seq analysis, NKT cell clusters exhibited multiple distinctive characteristics, including a distinguishing cluster defined as FOS+NKT cells, which showed a significant decrease in sepsis. Pseudo-time analysis showed that FOS+NKT cells were characterized by upregulated expression of crucial functional genes such as GZMA and CCL4. CellChat revealed that interactions between FOS+NKT cells and adaptive immune cells including B cells and T cells were decreased in sepsis compared to healthy controls. Our findings indicate that NKT cells may protect against sepsis, and their percentage can predict 28-day mortality. Additionally, we discovered a unique FOS+NKT subtype crucial in sepsis immune response, offering novel insights into its immunopathogenesis.

Hot-pressing effect on the termite durability of sandwich particleboards from Styrax sumatrana and Gigantochloa pruriens

As a country known for its mega-biodiversity, Indonesia is included in the vulnerable area for wood-destroying organisms, especially termites. Particleboard, as a composite product made of lignocellulosic material, is a product vulnerable to termite attack. One factor that determines the quality of particleboard is the hot-pressing process. Temperature and pressing time are the parameters that play a role in the hot-pressing process. This study aims to analyze the effect of temperature and pressing time on the resistance of boards due to attack by subterranean termites (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren). Then the samples were fed to subterranean termites regarding SNI 01.7202-2006. Parameters observed included the percentage of termite weight loss and mortality. The results showed that Higher compressive temperatures lead to relatively better resistance, as lower weight loss values indicate. The boards produced from the hot-pressing process at 160°C for 10 minutes had the lowest weight loss value due to termite attack.

Marching towards bioeconomy: Larvicidal effect of three indigenous plant extracts from Sri Lanka—Garcinia quaesita, Garcinia zeylanica, and Coleus hadiensis on dengue vector Aedes aegypti

AbstractBioeconomy would be a beneficial solution for funding through the rational use of finances and human resources in order to achieve better productivity and fruitfulness of mosquito control programs. Synthetic insecticides are widely used to repress mosquitoes. However, it instigates problems such as insecticide resistance among mosquitoes such as developing resistance, bio‐accumulation, and ecosystem destabilization. Natural plant‐based products are a healthy alternative to use as mosquito larvicides. The country has to spend a considerable cost for buying synthetic insecticides too. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate larvicidal efficacy of Garcinia zeylanica, Garcinia quaesita, and Coleus hadiensis against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Fresh leaves of plants were collected, and the aqueous crude extract was prepared. Phytochemicals were extracted using refluxing technique. A concentration series of crude extract of leaves were prepared separately from 20 to 100 mg/L. Batches of each containing 100 third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were used for larval bioassays. Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae were evaluated in accordance with the guidelines of World Health Organization. The experimental setup was repeated four times at each concentration. Probit analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of mortality with the concentration of aqueous crude extract. The G. zeylanica and G. quaesita leaf extracts showed a dose‐dependent effect against Ae. aegypti larvae after the 24 and 48 h exposure period. Interestingly, C. hadiensis did not show any dose‐dependent effect against A. aegypti mosquito larvae. The percentage mortality rates have shown a significant variance among different concentrations (P = 0.000). The recorded LC50 and LC90 for aqueous crude extract of G. zeylanica were 27.167 and 52.861 g/L, respectively, and LC50 and LC90 for aqueous crude extract of G. quaesita were 36.841 and 76.036 g/L, respectively, after 24 h of exposure period. The G. zeylanica and G. quaesita plant's high larvicidal activity is supported by the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and phenol, which showed combination effects in terms of larvicidal action to mosquito larvae. Hence, there is a potential of G. zeylanica and G. quaesita aqueous leaf extracts as a key source for the development of an environment‐friendly plant‐based larvicide against Ae. aegypti. Hence, this warrants vector control entities to re‐think “biological wealth for economic prosperity” with environmentally friendly country‐wide control approaches for medically important disease vectors.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Several Plant-Based Insecticides and Aqueous Nano-Silica Formulations Against the Rust-Red Flour Tribolium castaneum (Herbst.) Under Laboratory Conditions

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of plant-based insecticides such as Tandexir and Balizin, hydrophilic nanosilica compounds in addition to biopesticides synergistic with nanocompounds to estimate the effects of rust-red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum the mortality percentage Efficacy was evaluated. The results showed the effectiveness of tundexir insecticide with a statistically significant difference of up to 75% in obtaining higher mortality rate, compared to Balizin which obtained a rate of 63.61%. Furthermore, the results showed that 4 ml liter-1 dose of Tandexir was more effective than Balizin with a statistical difference after 5 days of treatment, resulting in mortality rates of 93.33% and 83.33%, respectively. For both formulations, a dose of 4 ml litre-1 was the most effective in obtaining mortality, and 100% was recorded after 7 days of treatment The results of the efficacy study of the nanosilica formulations showed that the 0.4 g liter-1 dose showed high mortality at 100% after 7 days of treatment, when mortality time was obtained comparing dosages of 0.2 and 0.3 g liter-1 in at the same time 76 .66% and 83.33%. The results showed that using plant-based insecticides at a concentration of 2 ml per liter of water, together with 0.2 grams per liter of a water-friendly nanosilica compound, worked really well together. Tundexir exhibited superior performance in achieving higher mortality rates, reaching 100% after 7 days of treatment, with a mortality rate of 84.16%, compared to Balizin, which achieved a mortality rate of 96.66% at a concentration of 77.50%.

Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Qualitative Phytochemistry of Leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts from Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman

The rise of resistant strains poses a significant public health risk, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa, where over 50% of global infectious disease-associated deaths occur, highlighting the urgent need for novel, safe, affordable, and accessible antimicrobials. Accordingly, we investigated the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and qualitative phytochemistry of the aqueous, hydroethanolic, and acetonic leaf, stem bark, and root bark extracts of Prunus africana (Hook. F.) Kalkman, based on its ethnomedicinal information. The results showed the aqueous root bark and aqueous/acetonic stem bark extracts demonstrated significant (p&lt;0.05) antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus at 800 µg/ml, outperforming other extracts and the reference antibiotic. Growth inhibition zones for most extracts on S. aureus showed a concentration-dependent increase, though not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different. The acetonic root bark extract, particularly at 800 µg/ml, exhibited superior inhibitory effects against B. cereus compared to other extracts (p&lt;0.05), although the positive control antibiotic significantly (p&lt;0.05) outperformed all plant extracts. Notably, none of the studied extracts affected P. aeruginosa and E. coli, while varying effects were observed against C. albicans. Further we observed that the hydroethanolic and aqueous stem bark extracts' exceptionally low Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations (MICs and MBCs) against S. aureus (3.125 µg/ml). Conversely, the acetonic leaf extract showed higher MIC and MBC values against S. aureus (100 µg/ml). Cytotoxicity assessments using brine shrimp nauplii revealed the percentage mortalities caused by Vincristine and aqueous root/stem bark extracts at 1000 µg/ml, were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than those caused by other extracts (Median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 513 µg/ml to 24327.82 µg/ml). Qualitative phytochemistry identified alkaloids in root bark and stem bark extracts, flavonoids, phenols, quinones, steroids, and terpenoids across all samples, with saponins in acetonic root bark and all three leaf extracts, and glycosides in acetonic stem bark, hydroethanolic root bark, and acetonic leaf extracts. These findings highlight the diverse antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of P. africana extracts, suggesting potential therapeutic applications and emphasise the need for further exploration.