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This particular research study was basically carried out for the purpose to examine the impact of low intensity exercise on two particular liver enzymes i.e. alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphate (ALP). 20 Non sportsmen were selected as subjects of the study (n=20, age 20 to 30 years (20.95±3.79), Body Mass Index (BMI) from 18 to 30 (25.90±5.54). Similarly the subjects were divided into two groups (Experimental Group and Control Group) through the application of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and measurement of Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). 12 weeks self-made low intensity exercise protocol was applied to an experimental group. 5ml blood was collected from all subjects to measure the effect of low intensity exercise on ALT and ALP. The data of pre and post-test were processed through SPSS version 24. Based on analysis and findings, the researcher concluded that in experimental group (EXG) the level of ALT and ALP was found significantly higher (p

This research study was primarily conducted for the purpose to examine the effect of moderate intensity exercise on lungs functions (IRV & ERV) in young athletes. The participant of the study was randomly selected from the Department of Sports Sciences & Physical Education, Gomal University, KP Pakistan. A written informed consent was taken from all the subjects. A self-made, 08 weeks exercise protocols was applied on the selected subjects. Pretest and posttest data were collected by using spirometer and other helping devices. The collected data were tabulated and were analyzed by using various statistical tools. On the basis of data analysis and findings the researcher concluded there is significant effect of 08 weeks moderate intensity exercise on lungs functions (IRV & ERV).

To understand the effect of heat stress on morphology and physiology of the cotton, eight cotton genotypes with their 15F1 hybrids (five lines, three testers) were grown in the field conditions under randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two treatments i.e. normal and high-temperature stresses with two replications followed by split-plot arrangement. Data were collected for biochemical and yield-related parameters. Mean values of all studied traits were reduced significantly under high-temperature stress whilst the mean value of lint%, catalase activity, total soluble proteins, peroxidase, and carotenoids were increased under high-temperature. Under both conditions, the number of bolls, boll weight, seed cotton yield, lint index, seed mass per boll, hydrogen peroxide content, catalase activity, total soluble proteins, carotenoids, and chlorophyll contents had high heritability values along with high genetic advance percent mean which revealed, these traits were controlled by additive gene action. The lint%, seed index, short fiber index, fiber strength, fiber fineness, upper half mean length and peroxidase activity had high heritability with moderate genetic advance under heat stress conditions which showed, these traits were controlled by non-additive gene action. Under both temperature conditions, FH-458, IUB-65, CRS-2, and FH-313 were good general combiners for physicochemical and yield-related traits. The cross combination of IUB-013× CRS-2 and FH-458× FH-313 were good specific combiner for plant height and seed cotton yield whilst for fiber quality and biochemical traits, the best specific combiners were VH-329× FH-313 and IUB-013× CRS-2. These identified parents and cross combinations might be used for improving already present commercial varieties under high-temperature stress.

Background Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is grown for fiber and oil purposes in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton. It has a significant contribution in the GDP of Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was performed to assess the genetic variations and genetic diversity of yield and fiber quality traits in cotton and to analyze the associations present among them. Results Analysis of variance exhibited significant variation for all studied traits except total number of nodes and the height to node ratio. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all studied traits. Plant height, monopodial branches, total number of bolls, lint index, seed index, and seed cotton yield displayed high heritabilities in a broad sense with maximum genetic advance. Correlation analysis revealed that seed cotton yield had a significant positive association with plant height, the number of monopodial branches, the number of sympodial branches, ginning outturn (GOT), the number of bolls, seed per boll, seed index, uniformity index, the number of sympodial branches, reflectance, and seed index at the genotypic level while a significant positive relationship was observed with plant height, the number of sympodial branches, boll number, and GOT. Plant height, monopodial branches, GOT, boll weight, seeds per boll, and short fiber index exerted direct positive effects on seed cotton yield. The first 6 principal component analysis (PCs) out of the total fourteen PCs displayed eigenvalues (> 1) and had maximum share to total variability (82.79%). The attributes that had maximum share to total divergence included plant height, uniformity index, the number of sympodial branches, seed per boll, GOT, seed cotton yield, and short fiber index. Conclusion The genotype AA-802, IUB-13, FH-159, FH-458, and CIM-595 were genetically diverse for most of the yield and fiber quality traits and could be utilized for the selection of better performing genotypes for further improvement.

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to examine the impact of moderate intensity exercise on blood serum creatinine concentration among the male. Method & Materials: A randomized control trails were conducted for purpose to evaluate the effects of moderate intensity exercise on creatinine level among the subjects (Experimental Group (EG) = 10, Control group (CG). A written informed consent from all the subjects and ethical approval was taken from Gomal University Ethical Review Committee before initiating the study protocols. 5ml blood were taken from all the subjects and each blood sample was marked with separate identification code. Twelve weeks exercise (moderate intensity exercise) protocols was employed on the selected subjects. The collected blood samples were tested and thus the collected results were processed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version, 24) by applying Mean and Standard deviation etc. Results & Conclusion: On the basis of analysis, the researcher concluded that inferentially there is no significant effect of moderate intensity exercise on BMI and Creatinine of the subjects but descriptively the experimental group shows better results in BMI and Creatinine (after the treatment)

Purpose: This research study was conducted for the assessment of liver enzymes i.e. Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Aspartate (AST) irrespective of dietary supplementation, body mass index and nature of the exercise. Methods: A randomized control trails were taken and thus Sixty (60) subjects ageing 20 to 30 years, (Twenty (20) from low-intensity exercise (EXG-II), Twenty (20) from high-intensity exercise (EXG-III) and Twenty (20) subjects as a control group (CG-III) were included in the study by using International Physical Activity Scale (IPAQ).5ml blood samples were collected from the subjects for the determination of liver functions and blood redox status. Each blood sample was marked with a separate identification mark. After the collection of blood samples, three particular liver enzymes tests i.e. ALT, ALP and AST were performed. The results of the samples test proceeded through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 23. Results: The P-Value of the low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of ALT was less than the high-intensity exercise group ( EXG-III) ( p >.05), The P-Value of the low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of ALP was less than the high-intensity exercise group ( EXG-III) ( p >.05). The P-Value of low-intensity exercise group (EXG-II) in term of AST was less than high-intensity exercise group (EXG-III) (p >.05). Conclusion: Based on findings, it was concluded that low-intensity exercise with dietary supplementation positively affects the functions of the liver i.e. Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Aspartate (AST) as compared to high-intensity exercise. Similarly high-intensity exercise with dietary supplementation also positively influence as compared to performers of high-intensity exercise without dietary supplementation.

Rice milling generates a lot of rice by-products and they are commonly used as an animal feed ingredient. However, they have high cosmeceutical values, attributed to their high content of bioactive compounds. In the present study, rice by-products (broken rice and rice bran) were subjected to solid state fermentation (SSF) using Aspergillus oryzae at 30° C for 12 days and their cosmeceutical potentials were then evaluated. Different extraction conditions such as the type of solvent (water, 50% ethanol) and extraction temperature (30°C, 40°C) were also optimized using a one-factor-one-time approach. Through tyrosinase inhibition assay, it was observed that SSF has improved the anti-pigmentation effect of broken rice and rice bran 7.4-fold and 11.2-fold in comparison to their unfermented substrate, respectively. SSF has also improved the anti-ageing effect of broken rice and offered 6.6-fold of improvement in fermented rice bran. In extraction optimization studies, a stronger anti-ageing effect was observed in the water extract of both fermented substrates extracted at 40°C while the anti-pigmentation effect is stronger on 50% ethanol extract in fermented rice bran. Most phenolic acids that are commonly related to cosmeceutical purposes were detected in the extracts of both fermented substrates while most of the organic acids were detected in the water extract. Our study suggests that SSF using A. oryzae could improve the cosmeceutical activities of rice byproducts, and both water and 50% ethanol extracts have high potential to be developed as cosmeceutical bio-ingredients.

Powdered Saccharum arundinaceum leaves (PSAL) are an agricultural waste and are abundantly available for use as a versatile, low-cost biosorbent for removal of dyes from wastewater in manufacturing...

Application of raw secondary metabolites from four entomopathogenic fungi against chilli disease caused by viruses. The purpose of this research was to investigate several kinds of raw secondary metabolits to decrease viral disease in chilli and inspect their side effect to plant growth. This research was conducted at experimental farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University from November 2018 to March 2019. The chilli seeds used for indicator plant were obtained from virus-symptomatic chilli. The raw secondary metabolites was collected from four microbial isolates used in this study, i.e. Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana (Papua isolate), Lecanicillium lecanii and B. bassiana Bio B10 (Jember isolate). The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design with five replications. Observation was performed on incubation period, disease intensity, AUDPC, germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, and number of shoots. The result showed that raw secondary metabolites obtained from M. anisopliae gave the best capability to suppress disease development. Application of M. anisopliae raw secondary metabolites reduced incubation period, viral disease intensity as well as AUDPC in 34.22; 77.98 and 79.49%, respectively. The raw secondary metabolites of L. lecanii could increase percentage of germination, plant height, number of leaves, and number of shoots as 100; 38.96; 38.96 and 52.38%, respectively, compared to control.

Trichoderma harzianum is effective for controlling soil-borne pathogenic fungi and producing secondary metabolites. When applied in the field, the raw secondary metabolites are quickly decreased directly by sunlight. One strategy to avoid degradation is the use of tapioca fluor liquid formula for biological control agents. This research aimed to obtain the most effective concentration of tapioca flour in development of raw secondary metabolites of Trichoderma harzianum T10, its effect on damping-off and growth of cucumber. This research was carried out at the screen house and the Plant Protection Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University from September 2017 up to January 2018. The study was conducted in two stages, i.e., in vitro and in planta . The in vitro stage used completely randomized design with five repetitions and five treatments consisted of T. harzianum T10 in Potato Dextrose Broth, and in 0.5; 1; 1.5; and 2% of tapioca flour media. In in planta , randomized block design was used with five repetitions and six treatments consisted of control, T. harzianum T10 in PDB, and in 0.5; 1; 1.5, and 2% of tapioca flour media. Variables observed were density of conidia, disease incubation period, disease incidence, AUDPC, maximum growth potential, germination ability, plant height, canopy fresh weight, root length, and fresh root weight. Result of the research showed that the highest conidial density (1.23 x 10 7 conidia mL -1 ) of T. harzianum T10 was found in 2% tapioca flour with an increase of 63.28% compared to the PDB. The tapioca flour of 1 and 2%, and PDB could suppress the disease incidence by 81.82%. The lowest AUDPC was at 2% tapioca flour. The raw secondary metabolites could not delay the incubation period significantly and increase cucumber plant growth.  The novelty is the use of antagonistic fungi in terms of raw secondary metabolites and the discovery of tapioca flour with the right concentration to produce high conidia density and high raw secondary metabolites. The benefits are to find other cheaper ingredients in promoting antagonistic fungal growth and the use of antagonistic fungal bioactive compounds to control plant pathogen

Present work was done from Indus River, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan to evaluate the present stock of Cirrhinus reba Suhni (Reba carp) for first time. Since the assessment of stocks deliver the important knowledge of stocks of commercially important fish species to the fisheries managers to make better strategic plans for sustainable exploitation. Data based on length-frequency was obtained from October 2015 to March 2016, a total of 463 pairs of length-weight were measured. Minimum length was measured to 13cm, maximum length was 29cm and the average length of 17cm was measured with minimum weight of 15g, maximum weight of224g and67g was the average weight. Obtained results of length-weight relationship were R2 = 0.817, a = 0.037 and b = 2.557. Growth parameters were computed as L∞= 29.40 cm and= 0.240 year-1using ELEFAN method in FISAT computer package. Growth performance index (∅′) was calculated as ∅′ = 2.317 year-1 Total mortality Z, natural mortality M and fishing mortality F was estimated as= 0.630 year-1, M= 0.617 year-1 and F=0.012 year-1 respectively. Using (E = F/Z) the exploitation ratio was obtained as E=0.019 year-1 Current fishing mortality rate of 0.012 was smaller than the target biological reference points (Fopt) of M (0.617). While MSY was recorded as; 8.144 tonsyear-1 which showed the higher results than 0.031 tons year-1ofcurrent catch. This study concluded that the C. reba confronting poor health though the stocks found not to be overexploited in the region. Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(1): 81-91, 2020

Traditional fermentation of anchovies without the use of starter culture takes up to a year, or more. Under controlled condition, the duration can be shortened and the flavour production can be increased. The objective of this research is to study the effect of adding starter culture with the addition of tomato juice broth on sequential fermentation of anchovies and chili on flavour attributes of grilled fish paste. Fermentation of anchovies were carried out by inoculating 10% (v/v) starter culture in 300 ml 17% salt solution containing 100 g of dried anchovies, with or without the addition of 5% the tomato broth. Both fermentation was carried out at 25 °C for 4 weeks. Total nitrogen, lactic acid bacteria count, soluble protein and pH were determined at day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of fermentation whereas for titrable acidity analysis was conducted at day 0 and 28. The research was continued with the fermentation of chilies. The composition of the formulation contained 77% (w/w) red or green chili, 10% (w/w) fermented anchovies, 7% (w/w) salt and 6% (w/w) garlic. The blended mixture was incubated at 25 °C for 2 weeks. For fermentation of anchovies, higher lactic acid bacteria counts, organic acid and soluble protein were produced when tomato juice broth was added. The fermentation of red chili using fermented anchovies in the presence of tomato broth also produced higher bacterial count and crude protein. Sensory evaluation of grilled fish paste indicated that the red chili inoculated with fermented anchovies with tomato juice broth was the most preferred ingredient. The sequential fermentation of anchovies and chili with the presence of tomato juice broth produced higher organic and amino acids which contributed to the preference of the formulated grilled fish paste.

In this study, resistant starch type III (RS3) was produced from different sections, the top and bottom part of Metroxylon sagu palm at different growth stages namely, Plawei Manit, Bubul and Angau Muda. Sago starch was subjected for two cycles of autoclaving, debranching by pullulanase and cooling for the production of resistant starch. The physicochemical properties of sago RS3 studied were the starch morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), resistant starch content, amylose content, swelling power and solubility as influenced by different palm growth stages and sections. Significant differences in the resistant starch content between 23.89% and 41.62% as well as amylose content which yielded 27.22% to 35.74% from different growth stages were observed (p

The aim of this research is to develop ‘bilis’ flavouring cube by a combination method of fermentation of anchovies using Pediococcus halophilus and enzymatic treatment of the fermented anchovies using Alcalase and Flavourzyme. Fermentation of anchovies were carried out by inoculating 10% (v/v) Pediococcus halophilus in 300 ml 17% salt solution containing 100 g of dried anchovies, with or without the addition of 50% the tomato broth. Both fermentation was carried out at 25 °C for 4 weeks. Total nitrogen, lactic acid bacteria count, soluble protein and pH were determined at day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of fermentation whereas for titrable acidity analysis was conducted at day 0 and 28. At day 29, the fermented anchovies were homogenised and divided further into two portions each, with or without the addition of enzymes. For enzyme treatment, 1% (v/v) of Alcalase was added and incubated at 55 °C for 3 h followed by addition of 1% (w/v) Flavourzyme and incubated at 55 °C for 3 h. The anchovies broth were then oven dried and used for formulation of ‘bilis’cubes. The fermentation with presence of tomato broth produced higher solubilised protein and higher titratable acidity. The formulated cube with a combination using tomato broth for fermentation and enzyme treatment using Alcalase and Flavourzyme was most preferred by the panellist in the sensory evaluation conducted.

Sago (Metroxylon sagu) starch used in the current study was derived from palm separated into Plawei Manit, Bubul, and Angau Muda growth stages. The three palm stages were characterized by separation into a top and bottom part of the trunk. The present study was conducted to determine the total sago starch production, particle size distribution, color, swelling power and solubility of sago starch as influenced by different palm growth stages. The total starch calculated by determining weight different before and after drying process was ranged from 55 kg to 155 kg with the bottom palm produced higher output than top palm. The particle size distribution analyzed using Particle Size Analyzer for D4,3, D3,2, D10, D50, and D90 were distinctive for sago starch isolated either from top or bottom part of palm stages and the value found to be between 21.53 µm and 56.56 µm. Color parameter of L*, a*, and b* as determined from Chroma Meter showed significantly different (p

Background/Aims: G73A polymorphism in the CST3 gene of cystatin C has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular disease. However, studies investigating the influence of this genetic variability on serum cystatin C and cystatin-based renal function estimate are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the possible association of single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs1064039) of the CST3 gene on the serum cystatin C level and cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods: Study subjects include patients with various levels of renal function recruited from the nephrology clinic and wards of a tertiary hospital. The blood samples collected were analyzed for serum cystatin C and creatinine levels by particle-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay and kinetic alkaline picrate method, respectively. DNA was extracted using a commercially available kit. ­Polymerase chain reaction results were confirmed by direct DNA Sanger sequencing. Results: The genotype percentage (G/G = 73%, G/A = 24.1%, and A/A = 2.9%) adhere to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The dominant allele found in our population was CST3 73G allele (85%). The regression lines’ slope of serum cystatin C against creatinine and cystatin C-based eGFR against creatinine-based eGFR, between G and A allele groups, showed a statistically significant difference (z-score = 3.457, p < 0.001 and z-score = 2.158, p = 0.015, respectively). Patients with A allele had a lower serum cystatin C level when the values were extrapolated at a fixed serum creatinine value, suggesting the influence of genetic factor. Conclusion: Presence of CST3 gene G73A polymorphism affects serum cystatin C levels.

Rhizobia are the true bacteria that establish symbiotic relationship leading to the development of new root nodules. This study has been designed to evaluate the microbiological aspects of Rhizobium leguminosarum in target area. A total of 1000 (200 from each site) roots were collected from five different agriculture fields (Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdulla, Kuchlak and Hanna Urak) and screened through different standard microbiological procedures. Results revealed that 665/1000 (66.5%) roots samples were positive for Rhizobium leguminosarum. The highest percentage was from Pishin 180/200 (18%) and Killa Abdullah 160/200 (16%). A remarkable growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum was noted at 28 to 30°C whereas, less growth was recorded at 24, 34 and 42°C. Similarly, Rhizobium leguminosarum showed growth at pH 5 to 10, but superlative pH values for the growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum were from 6 to 8 pH. The PCR reconfirmed 1300 bp band of 16S rRNA gene of Rhizobium leguminosarum. The organism was further applied as biofertilizer and showed promising results in subjected plants. Medicinal plants application showed that Rhizobium leguminosarum was sensitive to different plants. However, the effects of insecticides showed that Cypermethrin exhibited least zone of inhibition 10 and 11 mm, while Chlorpyrifos showed least zone of inhibition 14 and 17 mm by using disc and well method with (1: 16) dilution. These findings ensure the devastation of microbiota in rhizosphere with rational use of these pesticides that may result in adverse effects over crop productions in the region.

Rice-derived bioactive compounds are now widely used as active ingredients in health foods, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products and as food additives. Polyphenolic compounds, gamma oryzanol, and vitamin E are among the bioactive constituents in rice that have important antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentation properties among others. In this present study, broken rice was subjected to solid-state fermentation for 20 days by using two types of fungi, Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus oligosporus. Cosmeceutical-related functionalities of the fermented broken rice extracts were tested by evaluating antioxidant activities as well as tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activities. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of fermented broken rice extracts were also measured. Fermentation caused a substantial increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid content of broken rice. Ferric-reducing antioxidant activity was the highest (18.47 mM FE(II)/g sample) in broken rice fermented with R. oligosporus on day 20. Fermentation of broken rice with the same fungus resulted in higher DPPH radical-scavenging antioxidant activity than A. niger, with the highest activity recorded was 94.17%. Broken rice fermented with R. oligosporus for 20 days had the highest tyrosinase and elastase inhibition activities with the value of 46% and 51.9%, respectively. The results demonstrate that the fermentation process increased the biological activities and the numbers of bioactive compounds for potential use in the cosmeceutical industry. This undervalued by-product of the rice milling industry can effectively be used for the production of high value products through fungal solid-state fermentation. Keywords: Broken rice, Cosmeceuticals, Solid-state fermentation, Antioxidant

The development of high-yielding heat-tolerant cotton cultivars harboring plastic phenotypes across warming climatic regions is prime objectives of today’s cotton breeding programs. We evaluated eight parents and 15 F1 hybrids under normal and heat stress conditions. Agronomic and biochemical characters were analyzed using standard least square, correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering. The results explained a significant reduction in all traits except hydrogen peroxide contents, catalase, and peroxidase activities with a prominent increase under heat stress. A significant positive correlation was observed among all agronomic and biochemical traits. POD was found to have a maximum positive correlation with CAT (0.947) and minimum with boll weight (0.050). PCA showed first two components accounting for 78.64% of the total variation, with 55.83% and 22.80% of the total variation, respectively. Based on multivariate analyses methods 23 genotypes have been placed in 3 groups: tolerant (cluster-3), moderately tolerant (cluster-2), and susceptible (cluster-1). In a general perspective hybrids have better performance across normal and heat stress supports the idea of hybrid adaptability across stress environments. In specific FH-458 × FH-313 cross performed best across both conditions for yield and physiological traits. Hence, the generated information from the present study would support breeders in developing heat-resilient cultivars to endure the prevailing extreme environmental conditions.

Summary Cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the most important fibre crop in the world. Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) is the major limiting factor and a threat to textile industry in India and Pakistan. All the local cotton cultivars exhibit moderate to no resistance against CLCuD. In this study, we evaluated an exotic cotton accession Mac7 as a resistance source to CLCuD by challenging it with viruliferous whiteflies and performing qPCR to evaluate the presence/absence and relative titre of CLCuD‐associated geminiviruses/betasatellites. The results indicated that replication of pathogenicity determinant betasatellite is significantly attenuated in Mac7 and probably responsible for resistance phenotype. Afterwards, to decipher the genetic basis of CLCuD resistance in Mac7, we performed RNA sequencing on CLCuD‐infested Mac7 and validated RNA‐Seq data with qPCR on 24 independent genes. We performed co‐expression network and pathway analysis for regulation of geminivirus/betasatellite‐interacting genes. We identified nine novel modules with 52 hubs of highly connected genes in network topology within the co‐expression network. Analysis of these hubs indicated the differential regulation of auxin stimulus and cellular localization pathways in response to CLCuD. We also analysed the differential regulation of geminivirus/betasatellite‐interacting genes in Mac7. We further performed the functional validation of selected candidate genes via virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS). Finally, we evaluated the genomic context of resistance responsive genes and found that these genes are not specific to A or D sub‐genomes of G. hirsutum. These results have important implications in understanding CLCuD resistance mechanism and developing a durable resistance in cultivated cotton.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after pandemic's peak and before the vaccine enrollment in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and further explore predictors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 515 blood donors from November 22 to December 17, 2020 was conducted at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to look at SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) positivity. The participants were asked questions about their demographic characteristics, past SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms and exposures. RESULTS: The seroprevalence in our study was 12.2% (n=63/515). Being a non-citizen was associated with significantly higher seroprevalence (OR 2.10, p=0.02). Participants with history of SARS-CoV-2 exposure or symptoms regardless of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis had higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity compared to unexposed or asymptomatic participants (OR 2.47, p=0.0008 or 11.19, p=0.0001, respectively). Blood donors who had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 IgG infection had a higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity rate (OR 5.04, p=0.008) and index value (p=0.003) than the asymptomatic. Of all the reported symptoms, cough (p=0.004) and anosmia (p=0.002) were significant predictors of SARS-CoV-2 IgG. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the blood donors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is considerably lower than the percentages necessary for herd immunity. Developing SARS-CoV-2-symptoms is the critical factor for higher seropositivity after SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

Soesanto L, Mugiastuti E, Manan A. 2021. The use of alternative liquid media for propagation of pathogenic fungi and their effect on weeds. Biodiversitas 22: 719-725. Weeds cause high yield losses and are controlled by chemical, physical and mechanical control. Weed pathogenic fungi could be used as a biological control agent. However, the propagation media of them are still a higher cost, therefore, the new alternative and inexpensive media for weed pathogenic fungi propagation are required. The propagation of weed pathogenic fungi in liquid media in-vitro used randomize completely design consisted of three pathogenic weed fungi, i.e., Chaetomium sp., Fusarium sp., and Curvularia lunata and three liquid media, i.e., PDB, rice washing water, and tofu liquid waste. The in-planta tests used split-plot design used weed pathogenic fungi multiplied in the best formula from in-vitro results (rice washing water) and control as the main plot and four weeds, i.e., Cyperus kyllingia, Cynodon dactylon, Portulaca oleracea, and Ageratum conyzoides as subplot. The variables observed were conidia density, incubation period, disease intensity, number of leaves, and weed height. The results showed that rice washing water and tofu liquid waste were suitable media for the propagation of the weed pathogenic fungi. Chaetomium sp. was virulent fungi against broad leaves weeds, especially A. conyzoides. This fungus can be promoted to manufacture organic herbicides against the weed.

Circulation of the dominant sub-genotype VII.2 of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1) is affecting multiple poultry and non-poultry avian species and causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In countries where ND is endemic, continuous monitoring and characterization of field strains are necessary. In this study, genetic characteristics of eleven AOAV-1 strains were analyzed isolated from wild birds including parakeets (n = 3), lovebird parrot (n = 1), pheasant (n = 1), peacock (n = 1), and backyard chickens (n = 5) during 2015–2016. Genetic characterization (genome size [15,192 nucleotides], the presence of typical cleavage site [112−RRQKRF−117]) and biological assessment (HA log 27 to 29 and intracerebral pathogenicity index [ICPI] value ranging from 1.50 to 1.86) showed virulent AOAV-1. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the studied isolates belonged to sub-genotype VII.2 and genetically very closely related (> 98.9%) to viruses repeatedly isolated (2011–2018) from commercial poultry. These findings provide evidence for the existence of epidemiological links between poultry and wild bird species in the region where the disease is prevalent. The deduced amino acid analysis revealed several substitutions in critical domains of fusion and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase genes. The pathogenesis and transmission potential of wild bird-origin AOAV-1 strain (AW-Pht/2015) was evaluated in 21-day-old chickens that showed the strain was highly virulent causing clinical signs and killed all chickens. High viral loads were detected in different organs of the infected chickens correlating with the severity of lesions developed. The continuous monitoring of AOAV-1 isolates in different species of birds will improve our knowledge of the evolution of these viruses, thereby preventing possible panzootic.

Soesanto L, Fatihah B, Manan A, Mugiastuti E, Prihaningsih N. 2020. Organic control of Bemisia tabaci Genn. on Capsicum annuum with entomopathogenic fungi raw secondary metabolites. Biodiversitas 21: xxxx. Control of whitefly with entomopathogenic fungi raw secondary metabolites and their correlation was investigated under control condition. The in vitro test used randomize completely design consisted of five treatments (raw secondary metabolites of Beauveria bassiana B16 and B10, Metarhizium anisopliae M16, Lecanicillium lecanii L16, and no treatments) and repeated five times. The in planta one used Latin square design consisted of five treatments and repeated five times. Variables observed were the mortality of whitefly imago, chitinolytic index, incubation period, viral disease intensity, plant height and total leaves per plant. The results showed that all treatment of raw secondary metabolites of entomopathogenic fungi caused mortality in the B. tabaci imago by 77.8% (B. bassiana B16); 71.5% (B. bassiana B10); 66.7% (M. anisopliae M16); and 59.5% (L. lecanii L16). All raw secondary metabolites of entomopathogenic fungi reduce the intensity of viral diseases by 79.98% (B. bassiana B16); 74.00% (B. bassiana B10); 72.23% (L. lecanii L16); and 55.41% (M. anisopliae M16). The correlation between B. tabaci mortality due to raw secondary metabolites of entomopathogenic fungi with the viral disease intensity is very close and opposite. Every 1% increase in pest mortality causes decrease in viral intensity by 1.346%.

Abdul-Manan MN, Mohd-Ridwan AR, Aifat NR, Osman NA, Abdul-Latiff MA, Dharmalingam S, Md-Zain BM. 2020. Short Communication: Effectiveness of nuclear gene in species and subspecies determination of captive orangutans. Biodiversitas 21: 3665-3669. Genetic identification of captive orangutans is of paramount importance in providing a correct identity that is essential for captive management. Thus, the utility of nuclear DNA sequences was tested in this study to identify the genetic identity of captive orangutans at Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island. Out of 24 DNA samples that were successfully extracted, only 10 orangutan samples were successfully sequenced for the von Willebrand factor (vWF) gene. From the results, this gene was able to separate the genus Pongo at the species level. Distance and character analyses indicated that a clear separation between P. pygmaeus and P. abelii at the species level. However, the degree of separation at species level was indicated in tree topology with moderate bootstrap values. At the subspecies level of P. pygmaeus, this gene was unable to show a clear separation between three Bornean subspecies. All the subspecies were formed clade together with each other. The vMF gene is a good nuclear gene for the study of phylogenetic relationships of orangutans in captivity at the species level, but the genetic identification at subspecies level in the genus level remains unclear. We suggest that future studies should involve multiple independent nuclear markers to increase the probability of getting reliable results.

In this study, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, brine shrimp lethality, and FTIR studies were evaluated. The oxidative burst assay using the chemiluminescence technique, MTT assay, brine shrimp lethality assay, and FTIR analysis were the methods used for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory, anticancer, brine shrimp lethality, and FTIR studies, respectively. The whole-plant butanol fraction of Heliotropium europaeum (WBFHE) showed anti-inflammatory activity on ROS having IC5014.7±2.5 while the extract and other fractions of the whole plant of Heliotropium europaeum exhibited no anti-inflammatory activity. None of the extract and fractions of the whole plant of Heliotropium europaeum exhibited anticancer (MCF-7, 3T3, and HeLa cell lines) activities. The whole-plant aqueous fraction of Heliotropium europaeum (WAFHE) and whole-plant butanol fraction of Heliotropium europaeum (WBFHE) showed lethality at high concentration while at low concentration, no toxicity was shown. The whole-plant methanolic extract of Heliotropium europaeum (WMEHE) and whole-plant n-hexane fraction of Heliotropium europaeum (WHFHE) exhibited no toxicity. FTIR interpretation showed the functional groups for the aromatic compounds, phenols, carboxylic acids, esters, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, alkyl halides, sulfate esters, phosphines, silanes, nitriles, thiols, amines, phosphoric acids, and nitro compounds.

Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus oryzae were cultivated on wheat bran in newly designed single circular tray solid state bioreactor (SSB) systems. The effect of aeration arrangements on moisture content, oxygen (O2) supply, carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution during solid state fermentation (SSF) was investigated. The purpose was to study the effect on oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER), of operating variables, fermentation on the perforated base tray and internal moist air circulation under natural and forced aeration. Temperature, O2 and CO2 were measured continuously on-line. Final moisture content was also measured. A direct technique of establishing a correlation among fungal growth, CER and OUR were proven successful in this work. The information obtained from CER and OUR led to the estimation of respiratory quotient (RQ). RQ describes the state of the fungal population in the tray SSB and gives an indication of fungal metabolic behaviour. RQ values

This research aimed to study the compatibility of some Trichoderma spp. isolates on some synthetic chemical pesticides carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University from April up to July 2014. Trichoderma isolates were derived from rhizosphere exploration on ginger, banana, pineapple and shallot. The synthetic pesticides used were mancozeb and propineb (fungicides), oxytetracycline and streptomycin sulfate (agrimycin, bactericides), carbofuran (nematicide), and deltamethrin and prefenophos (insecticides: synthetic pyrethroids and chiral organophosphates, respectively). The compatibility test used food poisoning method in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Variables observed were discolouration, sporulation, colony diameter, conidia density, and fungal growth at pesticides treatment. The data were analyzed by F test at 5 % significant level and continued by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) when there was a significant difference. The result of the research showed that the most significant decreasing of Trichoderma spp. was found on mancozeb for shallot, ginger, and banana isolates, and propineb for pineapple isolate, respectively, 89.4, 97.7, 93.3, and 95.2 %. This result was in line with colour, sporulation, and inhibition level observation.

This study examines and evaluates a colourimetric technique that could be implemented as a real-time continuous monitoring system for fungal culture growth in submerged fermentation (SmF) with the presence of solid particles. Fungal SmF of Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus oryzae was carried out on complex heterogeneous solid media: wheat bran, soybean hull and rapeseed meal, which were constituted of various soluble and insoluble solid particles. As a comparison, another set of experiments in SmF using synthetic medium was carried out. The theory of measuring colour changes in SmF by UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrates that this colourimetric technique provides valuable information complementary to visual observations. Typical normalized UV absorption spectra were obtained using a scanning spectrophotometer for each colour solution. These demonstrated that samples used in this work have very similar patterns. The typical normalized optical density spectra show a local absorbance maximum near 300 nm, a region where colour absorbance rapidly increases. It was suggested that the colour developed during the progress of fermentation is closely related to either or both of the growth and the actual biomass of the fungus. The findings show that colour-based methods seem to be the most promising approach for biomass estimation in SmF in the presence of solid particles.

An alternative environmentally benign support was prepared from chitosan-chitin nanowhiskers (CS/CNWs) for covalent immobilization of Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML) to increase the operational stability and recyclability of RML in synthesizing eugenyl benzoate. The CS/CNWs support and RML-CS/CNWs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, fluorescent microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Efficiency of the RML-CS/CNWs was compared to the free RML to synthesize eugenyl benzoate for parameters: reaction temperature, stirring rate, reusability, and thermal stability. Under optimal experimental conditions (50°C, 250 rpm, catalyst loading 3 mg/mL), a twofold increase in yield of eugenyl benzoate was observed for RML-CS/CNWs as compared to free RML, with the former achieving maximum yield of the ester at 62.1% after 5 hr. Results demonstrated that the strategy adopted to prepare RML-CS/CNWs was useful, producing an improved and prospectively greener biocatalyst that supported a sustainable process to prepare eugenyl benzoate. Moreover, RML-CS/CNWs are biodegradable and perform esterification reactions under ambient conditions as compared to the less eco-friendly conventional acid catalyst. This research provides a facile and promising approach for improving activity of RML in which the resultant RML-CS/CNWs demonstrated good operational stability for up to eight successive esterification cycles to synthesize eugenyl benzoate.

WOS: 000447805900015, Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is an important polyphagous insect pest and causes severe losses to different crops worldwide. In the current study, we investigated the effect of different host plants, such as Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Plumeria rubra, Anthurium andraeanum, Jasminum sambac, and Hibiscus rosasinensis, on the biological parameters of P. solenopsis. The survival rate from crawler to adult, female nymphal duration, development time from crawler to female adult, and female adult weight were significantly different on the different hosts. Male nymphal duration, development time from crawler to male adult, pupal weight, emergence rate of male adults, and mean relative growth rate for male were similar on all the tested host plants. Pupal duration and generation time of male and female on H. rosasinensis were significantly shorter than on the other hosts. Adult male and female P. solenopsis longevity was significantly shorter on H. rosasinensis compared to other hosts. The fecundity was lower on C. pulcherrima and A. andraeanum and hatchability was lower on C. pulcherrima than on the other hosts. The net reproductive rate, the intrinsic rate of natural increase, and biotic potential and mean relative growth rate for female of P. solenopsis were significantly different on the tested hosts. Our results point to the role of host plants in increasing the populations of P. solenopsis and could help to design cultural management strategies.

Chemoresistance poses a major hurdle to cancer treatments. Andrographolide-derived SRJ09 and SRJ23 were reported to exhibit potent, selective inhibitory activities against colon and prostate cancer cells, respectively. In this study, previously developed resistant colon (HCT-116rst09) and prostate (PC-3rst23) cancer cell lines were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms contributing to chemoresistance. Cytotoxic effects of SRJ09 and SRJ23 on both parental and resistant cells were investigated. Cell cycle distributions in HCT-116rst09 cells following SRJ09 treatment were analysed using flow cytometry. Whole-genome microarray analysis was performed on both parental and resistant cells to obtain differential gene expression profiles. Microarray data were subjected to protein-protein interaction network, functional enrichment, and pathway analyses. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to validate the changes in expression levels of selected genes. Besides morphological changes, HCT-116rst09 cells showed 7.0-fold resistance to SRJ09 while PC-3rst23 cells displayed a 5.5-fold resistance to SRJ23, as compared with their respective parental cells. G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest was observed in HCT-116rst09 cells upon SRJ09 treatment. Collectively, 77 and 21 genes were found differentially modulated in HCT-116rst09 and PC-3rst23 cells, respectively. Subsequent bioinformatics analysis revealed several genes associated with FGFR4 and PI3K pathways, and cancer stemness, were chemoresistance mediators in HCT-116rst09 cells. RT-PCR confirmed the HMOX1 upregulation and ATG12 downregulation protected the PC-3rst23 cells from SRJ23 cytotoxicity. In conclusion, acquired chemoresistance to SRJ09 and SRJ23 in colon and prostate cancer cells, respectively, could be attributed to the alterations in the expression of genes such as those related to PI3K and autophagy pathways.

Catfish (Clarias sp .) is a type of consumption fish have promising prospects because it has a high enough degree of market uptake. The high market demand which motivated farmers to develop farming aquaponics technologies. Aquaponics, in principle, in addition to conserve land and water use also increases business efficiency through the utilization of nutrients from food remains and fish for plant metabolism. Fish farming with high stocking density causes a decrease in water quality due to the accumulation of organic matter buildup of organic materials causing toxins in the water because there is ammonia (NH3) and nitrite (N02) on the water. The threshold for catfish ammonia content is

Ethnopharmacological relevance Haruan, Channa striatus, is a freshwater fish which has been well-known locally to accelerate wound healing during post-operative and post-partum periods. The fish extract also has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Aim of the study To assess topical anti-inflammatory effect of Haruan cream on 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced chronic-like dermatitis in mice. Materials and methods Male ICR mice were randomized into six groups of five mice each: acetone (vehicle), TPA alone (negative control), three Haruan treatment groups (Haruan 1%, Haruan 5% and Haruan 10%) and hydrocortisone 1% (positive control). Briefly, both surfaces of mouse ears were applied with TPA (2.5 μg/20 μl acetone) for five times on alternate days and with Haruan or hydrocortisone 1% cream for the last three days. Mouse ear thickness was measured 24 h after final treatment with the cream and the ears were harvested for further histological analysis and gene expression studies of TNF-α by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results Topical application of Haruan cream had reduced the mouse ear thickness 18.1–28%) with comparable effect to the positive control. In addition, histopathological comparison had shown evident reduction in various parameters of cutaneous inflammation including dermal oedema, inflammatory cells infiltration and proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, TPA application had resulted in the up-regulation of TNF-α gene expression by 353-fold, which was subsequently down-regulated by the Haruan cream (34- to 112-fold). Conclusion Haruan is an effective topical anti-inflammatory agent in this mouse model of chronic-like dermatitis, thus suggesting its potential as a non-steroidal treatment option for chronic inflammatory dermatoses.

Objectives. The objective of the study is to evaluate the chondroprotective activity of Channa striatus (Channa) and glucosamine sulphate (glucosamine) on histomorphometric examinations, serum biomarker, and inflammatory mediators in experimental osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. Design. Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was performed to induce OA in thirty-three male New Zealand white rabbits and were randomly divided into three groups: Channa, glucosamine, and control group. The control group received drinking water and the Channa and glucosamine groups were orally administered with 51.4 mg/kg of Channa extract and 77.5 mg/kg of glucosamine sulphate in drinking water, respectively, for eight weeks and then sacrificed. The articular cartilage was evaluated macroscopically and histologically using semiquantitative and quantitative methods. Serum cartilage oligomeric matric protein (COMP), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were also determined. Results. Macroscopic analysis revealed that Channa group have a significantly lower severity grade of total macroscopic score compared to the control (p < 0.001) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups. Semiquantitative histology scoring showed that both Channa and glucosamine groups had lower severity grading of total histology score compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control, Channa group had lower histopathological changes in three compartments of the joint compared to glucosamine group which had lower histological scoring in two compartments only. The cartilage thickness, area, and roughness of both Channa (p < 0.05) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups were superior compared to the control group. However, the Channa group demonstrated significantly less cartilage roughness compared to the glucosamine group (p < 0.05). Serum COMP levels were lower in both Channa (p < 0.05) and glucosamine (p < 0.05) groups compared to the control group. Conclusion. Both oral administration of Channa extract and glucosamine exhibited chondroprotective action on an ACLT OA-induced rabbit model. However, Channa was superior to glucosamine in maintaining the structure of the cartilage.

The concentration of nine different elements including heavy metals were analyzed in selected medicinal plants i.e. Haloxylon griffithii and Convolvulus leiocalycinus. The mineralization of plant samples was done using wet digestion method in which three strong acids were used i.e. nitric acid (HNO3), sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and perchloric acid (HClO4) followed by filtration and analyzed through flame atomic absorption. For sodium and potassium, flame photometer was used and samples were diluted to 100 folds for obtaining results within the range of the instrument. The decreasing order of concentration of elements in H. griffithii was K>Na>Fe>Ni>Mn>Cu>Co>Pb>Cd whereas, in C. leiocalycinus was K>Na>Fe>Cu>Mn>Ni>Co>Pb>Cd. The study revealed that heavy metals accumulate in the plants with different concentrations and their concentrations were within the permissible ranges established by international organizations. This will provide knowledge in the invention of many new drugs and the research helps the legislators to provide protection to the public regarding adverse effects of heavy metals. Keywords: Flame atomic absorption; Flame photometer; Flame emission http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80094

Nine different elements (Cu, Co, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, Na and K) were determined in the three plant species i-e Cousinia stocksii, Eremostachys thyrsiflora and Gaillonia macrantha by FAAS and Flame photometer. Digestion of the plant samples were carried out by using tri-acid mixture (HNO3, H2SO4 and HClO4). The distribution order of the elements in the three species were: C. stocksii: Cd≈Pb≈Co

The purpose of the present assessment was to evaluate the phytochemicals in the indigenous plants Convolvulus leiocalycinus of Convolvulaceae family and Haloxylon griffithii of Chenopodiaceae family found in the northern regions of Balochistan. For the analysis of phytochemicals, both plants showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, quinones and carboxylic acids. Whereas, both plants exhibited negative tests for terpenoids, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, fats, xanthoprotien, resins, anthocyanins, emodins and volatile oil. Furthermore, with the help of standard chemical tests and techniques, the quantitative analysis of C. leiocalycinus and H. griffithii showed different amounts and percentages of total alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenolics. The total alkaloid contents determined were 0.196(W/w) with percentage yield 3.92% and 0.224(W/w) with percentage yield 4.48% in 5gm of each sample of C. leiocalycinus and H. griffithii respectively. The total flavonoid contents determined were 0.28(W/w) with 2.8% and 0.445(W/w) with 4.45% in 10gm of each sample of both the plants. The total saponin contents determined were 0.72(W/w) with 3.6% and 0.53(W/w) with 2.65% in 20gm of each sample of both the plants. The total phenolic contents determined were 0.808(W/w) with 16.16% and 0.268(W/w) with 5.36% in 5gm of each sample of both the plants. The presence of high amount of phytochemical compounds suggest that both plants i.e., C. leiocalycinus and H. griffithii are not only useful to human beings but can also be commercialized for higher production of natural drugs rather than using synthetic drugs with side effects. Keywords: Convolvulus leiocalycinus; Extraction; Haloxylon griffithii; Phytochemicals; Phytochemical screening http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2019.80015

In this study, GC-MS analysis has shown that whole plant butanol fraction of rheum ribes (WBFRR) comprises of 21 compounds which exhibited anticancer (MCF-7) activity having IC50 value of 36.01± 0.26. MTT assay (MCF-7), Oxidative Burst assay using chemiluminescence technique, and B-Hatching techniques were the methods used for anticancer MCF-7, anti-inflammatory, and Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA). GC-MS was used for structural elucidation. Whole plant methanol extract of rheum ribes (WMERR), whole plant n-hexane fraction of rheum ribes (WHFRR), and whole plant aqueous fraction of rheum ribes (WAFRR) were inactive against anticancer (MCF-7) cell line. Whole plant methanol extract of rheum ribes (WMERR), whole plant aqueous fraction of rheum ribes (WAFRR) and whole plant butanol fraction of rheum ribes (WBFRR) showed anti-inflammatory activity on ROS having IC50 value of 23.2±1.9, 24.2±2.7 and 12.0±0.6. Whole plant butanol fraction of rheum ribes (WBFRR) showed Brine Shrimp Lethality with LD50 693.302 while whole plant methanol extract of rheum ribes (WMERR) and whole plant aqueous fraction of rheum ribes (WAFRR) showed high lethality at highest concentration. This study revealed that whole plant butanol fraction of rheum ribes (WBFRR) exhibited significant anticancer (MCF-7) activity. In the near future, the constituent of whole plant butanol fraction of rheum ribes (WBFRR) can be the alternative drug against MCF-7 cell line with least toxicity and side effects.

A study was carried out to isolate and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from local pickled mango. The isolation of LAB was done using standard method and the isolated colonies with positive preliminary identification based on their morphology on agar, Gram-positive staining characteristics and their negative catalase reaction were chosen for identification with API 50 CH kit, the identification system based on phenotypical characteristics for the taxonomic identification of the genus Lactobacillus and related genera. A total of five LAB have been successfully isolated and identified as Lactobacillus fermentum (1 isolate), L. pentosus (2 isolates) and L. paracasei (2 isolates). The antibacterial activity of the identified LAB was conducted against ten commonly known foodborne bacterial pathogens using LAB cell cultures by agar spot test method. The antibacterial activity was also evaluated using the cell free supernatant (CFS) of the LAB through agar well diffusion method. All five LAB isolates were able to produce antibacterial activity that inhibited the tested pathogens.

In this study, GC-MS analysis has shown that whole plant hexane fraction of Achillea wilhelmsii (WHFAW) consists of 66 compounds which exhibited antileishmanial activity. Antileishmanial bioassay was the method used for determining antileishmanial activity. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) which was observed for whole plant hexane fraction of Achillea wilhelmsii (WHFAW) against parasitic and vector-borne disease, leishmaniasis, is 58.27 ± 0.52 μg/mL. For leishmanicidal assay, Leishmania major is the species used for analysis. Whole plant methanol extract of Achillea wilhelmsii (WMEAW) and whole plant aqueous fraction of Achillea wilhelmsii (WAFAW) exhibited no antileishmanial activity.

The effect of different growing media on the growth performance was tested for Clinacanthus nutans (Sabah snake grass). Five different growth media including T1: soil, T2: soil: coco peat (2:1), T3: soil: peat moss (2:1), T4: soil: coco peat (3:1) and T5: soil: peat moss (3:1) were used for growing Clinacanthus nutans. Height of the plants (cm), number of leaves, number of side branches, length of side branches (cm), root length (cm) and root weight (g) were determined. The chemical properties of each growth medium, including pH, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also determined. The aimed of this study was to measure the growth rate of Clinacanthus nutans affected by the different growing media. The findings of this study showed the height of the plants (cm), number of leaves, length of side branches (cm), root length (cm) and root weight (g) were affected significantly when the plants were grown in soil mix with peat moss in T3. The finding of this study showed that the increased of nutrient in the growth media can be useful in the growth performance of the Clinacanthus nutans.