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Research on genetic polymorphism of growth hormone (GH) and receptor growth hormone (rGH) has not been done in crossbred of Limousin cattle, so it is interesting to be examined. Blood samples were taken from 14 Madura calves were artificially inseminated with Limousin cement. DNA amplification is done by using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method to determine the genotype. DNA sequencing was done to determine nucleotide sequences of GH unit genes. The results showed that identification of GH and rGH gene polymorphisms was done by breaking DNA fragments from 432 and 298 bp in Madura and Limousin cattle (Madrasin) ie, L and V alleles have a frequency of 0.67 and 0.33 for the GH gene, respectively. This proves that the crossed-breeding of Madrasin have V allele that is not owned by the Madura cattle. While in the rGH gene, the A allele is 0.92 and the G allele is 0.08, with the frequency of the A allele larger than the G allele. This research concluded: that GH and rGH undergo changes on polymorphisms in Madrasin cattle can be used as a basis for selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-Strength Self-Consolidating Concrete (HSSCC) is a type of concrete that possesses superior mechanical properties and can self-settle without the need for vibration assistance. Numerous advancements have been implemented to enhance the properties of HSSCC. In prior experimental work, the authors investigated the mechanical characteristics of HSCC with 12.5% metakaolin and 0-15% silica fume as a partial cement substitute. Since metakaolin and silica fume have smaller particle sizes than cement, they can fill voids between aggregate and enhance the concrete’s compactness. Further structural study is necessary to provide a more complete knowledge of the impact of partially substituting cement with metakaolin and silica fume. Using the Response 2000 program, this investigation analyzes the shear behavior of reinforced HSSCC beams. Laboratory-determined material mechanical properties were utilized as simulation input data. In this investigation, the maximum strength, deflection, and crack development of five beam models produced with varying material mechanical properties were investigated and compared.

The United Nation e-government survey reports that the implementation of e-government in Indonesia will increase in 2021. This proves that the Indonesian government is trying to transform all its business processes by digitalization. System digitization is expected to increase the efficiency of government performance. Information security is one of the important aspects to ensure that this digitization process really provides efficiency for government performance. A good information security management approach is management that adheres to the deeming cycle of quality. The management process includes plan, development, act and check. The audit enters the check cycle which functions as a control whether the process implemented in securing information is correct or not. A good audit process will encourage to produce good findings and recommendations as well. So, we need the right information security audit instrument so that the audit instrument is appropriate in the auditing process. A comprehensive information security audit instrument is an instrument that explains the COBIT 5 goals cascade, RACI chart mapping, briefing preparation and interview design protocol as well as key work-products.

Bureau XYZ strived to facilitate the realization of good governance through electronic government (e-government). There were various information systems that were implemented as part of this effort, one of which was the mail management information system. Bureau XYZ has implemented an Information Security Management System (ISMS) using ISO 27001:2013 standards. Nevertheless, optimization and management of information technology risks were necessary to ensure that the implementation of the software was in accordance with the capabilities and objectives of the organization. Therefore, it was necessary to measure the capability level to determine the actions that need to be taken to improve information security risk management in implementing the software. This study aimed to obtain the capability level of the mail management information system's information security risk management process, find out the gap between the actual and desired capability level and provide recommendations for improvement according to COBIT 5. This study measured the EDM03-Ensure Risk Optimization process. The assessment results showed that the EDM03 process was at Level 1 (Performed) and had a gap value of 2 from the desired capability level, Level 3 (Established). Recommendations for improvement were also included in this study to help the organization achieve the desired level based on the assessment results, list of findings, and validation of work products.

AbstractNetwork models of UKM based similar products are grouping UKM agent based similar produc¬tion business, so that it can synergize the various forces in the production and marketing of UKM products. The purpose of research to find a model of UKM based grouping similar products in District Umbulharjo, Yogyakarta. The research method was descriptive qualitative attempted to describe in depth the phenomenon of UKM in developing business group. The data collected with interviews and focus group discussions to collect data and information direct from UKM. The results showed that the formation of groups of UKM largely goverment follow the instructions in order for the distribution of grants to UKM. However, this model is prone UKM group disbanded, due to the formation of groups of motives for wanting to get help, then when the help runs out group disbanded. While the formation of group-based UKM and similar products tend to be initiated from the gras¬sroots can thrive as Batik Studio Jenggolo Pandean Village, Batik Jumputan Batikan (BJB) group at the Annual Village, District Umbulharjo. With a group of similar products can synergize the strengths of UKM, so as to increase production and ready to face the global market.Keywords: UKM agent, networking, similar products, global marketsAbstrakModel UKM berbasis jejaring produk sejenis adalah pengelompokan pelaku UKM berbasis produk sejenis sehingga bisa mensinergikan berbagai kekuatan dalam produksi dan pemasaran produk UKM. Tujuan penelitian untuk menemukan model pengelompokan pelaku UKM berbasis produk sejenis di Kecamatan Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta. Metode penelitian adalah deskriptif kualitatif yang berusaha menggambarkan secara mendalam fenomena UKM dalam mengembangkan kelom¬pok usaha. Dengan teknik pengumpulan data interview dan FGD untuk menggali data dan infor¬masi langsung dari pelaku UKM. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembentukan kelompok UKM sebagian besar mengikuti petunjuk pemerintah dalam rangka untuk pendistribusian bantuan dana kepada pelaku UKM. Namun kelompok UKM model ini rawan bubar, karena motif pemben¬tukan kelompok karena ingin mendapat bantuan, maka ketika bantuan habis kelompokpun bubar. Sedangkan pembentukan kelompok UKM yang berbasis produk sejenis dan diprakarsai dari gras¬sroots cenderung bisa berkembang dengan baik seperti Sanggar Batik Jenggolo Kelurahan Pandean, kelompok Batik Jumputan Batikan (BJB) di Kelurahan Tahunan, dan kelompok usaha olahan pangan lainnya. Dengan demikian ada sinergi berbagai kekuatan pelaku UKM, sehingga mampu meningkatkan produksinya dan siap menghadapi pasar global.Kata Kunci: Pelaku UKM, jejaring, produk sejenis, pasar global

Background and Aim: Mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A (OTA) are secondary metabolites in molds that grow in raw materials or commercial feed. This interaction has a synergistic effect on mortality, body weight, feed intake, embryo abnormalities, egg production, and lymphoid organ atrophy. This study was conducted to determine the effect of a mycotoxin detoxifier on the blood profile of broilers that were given feed contaminated with mycotoxin, such as the number of heterophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration (MCHC)., Materials and Methods: A total of 20 day-old chicks (DOC) of Cobb broilers were given four treatments with five replicates. The number of chickens used in this research was determined using statistical calculations, and the data obtained was homogeneous so that the population was represented. Treatments included negative control with basal feed (C-), positive control with mycotoxins contamination (C+), treatment 1: Mycotoxins contamination and mycotoxin detoxification 1.1 g/kg (T1), and treatment 2: Mycotoxins contamination and mycotoxin detoxification 1.6 g/kg (T2). Mycotoxin contamination comprised 0.1 mg/kg aflatoxin B1 and 0.1 mg/kg OTA. The treatment period for chickens was 28 days, from 8 to 35 days. A battery cage was used in this study. Chickens were kept in a closed, ventilated room and the room temperature (27°C) was monitored during the treatment period., Results: Based on the results of statistical data processing, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between chickens fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed (C+) and chickens not fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed (C-) and chickens given 1.6 g/kg mycotoxin detoxification (T2). Mycotoxin detoxification at a dose of 1.6 g/kg had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the heterophil, lymphocyte, and heterophil lymphocyte ratio, leukocyte, erythrocyte, and hemoglobin levels of the blood broiler in this experiment. On other parameters such as monocytes, MCH, and MCHC, treatment 2 at dose 1.6 g/kg was the best treatment, although there was no significant effect with C- and T1., Conclusion: The administration of mycotoxin detoxifiers at a dose of 1.6 g/kg increased the number of heterophils and the ratio of heterophil lymphocytes, leukocytes, erythrocytes, and hemoglobin in broilers fed mycotoxin-contaminated feed., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Jannah, et al.)

Leaves of Annona muricata have medicinal potential which has gained attention from researchers around the world. This study has an objective to screen the antioxidant and cytotoxicity of ethyl acetate extract from A. muricata leaves and its fraction. The fine powder of A. muricata was macerated in methanol and further partitioned using two different solvents, namely n-hexane and ethyl acetate. In this article, we reported the screening results for ethyl acetate extract. Fractionation was then performed on the extract by means of column chromatography by gradient elution resulting in five combined fractions. Brine shrimp lethality test and 1-diphenyl-2-pycrilhidrazil (DPPH) assays were employed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant of the extract, respectively. Characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was then conducted. The cytotoxicity of the samples was indicated by median lethal concentration 50 values ranging from 28.84 to 1023.3 ppm. As for the antioxidant activity, the DPPH median inhibitory concentration 50 values ranged from 4.12 to 180.66 ppm. GC-MS analysis on the most bioactive fraction revealed the predominating phytochemical contents of neophytadiene, palmitic acid, and phytol. In conclusion, the fraction of ethyl acetate extract from A. muricata leaves could potentially act as a strong antioxidant and moderate cytotoxic agent., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research.)

Background: Stem cell therapy shows applications potential for malnutrition-induced ovarian failure in rat models. However, it is ineffective because of the lack of viability and differentiation of transplanted stem cells, resulting in low adaptation and survival rates. We aimed to determine whether stem cells cultured under low oxygen (O 2 ) tension improves the adaptability and viability of stem cells, as well as ovarian failure. Methods : After four days of culturing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in 21% oxygen (normoxia) as the T2 group and 1% oxygen (low O 2 or hypoxia) as the T1 group, 200 million bone marrow-derived MSCs per rat were transplanted into female rats with ovarian failure (15 rats per treatment group). A total of 15 fertile and 15 infertile rats were categorized as the C+ and C- groups, respectively. Results : The slight increase in cells expressing HSP70 (C+, T2, T1, and C- groups were 0.5 a ±0.53, 1.7 a ±0.82, 6.2 b ±1.5, and 9.6 c ±1.3, respectively), decrease in cells expressing caspase-3 as an apoptotic inhibitor (C+, T2, T1, and C- groups were 0.2 a ±0.42, 0.6 a ±0.52, 4.8 b ±1.03, and 7.3 c ±1.42, respectively), and increase in cells expressing VEGF-1 (C+, T2, T1, and C- groups were 10.8 c ±1.55, 8.7 b ±0.48, 0.4 a ±0.52, and 0.2 a ±0.42, respectively) and GDF-9 (C+, T2, T1, and C- groups were 5.8 c ±1.47, 4.6 b ±0.97, 0.5 a ±0.53, and 0.3 a ±0.48, respectively) were used as markers for viability and differentiation in ovarian tissue, indicating that MSCs cultured under low O 2 tension were more effective than those cultured under normoxic conditions as a treatment for female rats with ovarian failure. Furthermore, infertile female rats treated with MSCs cultivated under low O 2 tension had an enhanced ovarian tissue shape, as indicated by the increasing Graafian follicle count (C+, T2, T1, and C- groups were 8.9 c ±0.74, 4.5 b ±0.71, 0.5 a ±0.53, and 0.4 a ±0.52, respectively). Conclusions : MSCs cultured under low O 2 tension are an effective treatment for malnourished rats with ovarian failure., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 Safitri E et al.)

Background: Malnutrition is the imbalance between intake and nutritional needs, resulting in a decrease in body weight, composition, and physical function. Malnutrition causes infertility due to intestinal and liver degeneration,which may progress to testicular and ovarian degeneration. Methods: An infertile female rat model with a degenerative ovary was induced with malnutrition through a 5-day food fasting but still had drinking water. The administration of (T1) 30% (v/v) and (T2) 50% (v/v) forest honey ( Apis dorsata ) were performed for ten consecutive days, whereas the (T+) group was fasted and not administered forest honey and the (T-) group has not fasted and not administered forest honey. Superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, IL-13 and TNF-α cytokine expressions, and ovarian tissue regeneration were analyzed. Results: Superoxide dismutase was significantly different ( p <0.05) in T1 (65.24±7.53), T2 (74.16±12.3), and T- (65.09±6.56) compared with T+ (41.76±8.51). Malondialdehyde was significantly different ( p <0.05) in T1 (9.71±1.53), T2 (9.23±0.96), and T- (9.83±1.46) compared with T+ (15.28±1.61). Anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-13) expression was significantly different ( p <0.05) in T1 (5.30±2.31), T2 (9.80±2.53), and T- (0.30±0.48) compared with T+ (2.70±1.57). Pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) expression was significantly different ( p <0.05) in T1 (4.40±3.02), T2 (2.50±1.65), and T- (0.30±0.48) compared with T+ (9.50±1.78). Ovarian tissue regeneration was significantly different ( p <0.05) in T- (8.6±0.69) and T2 (5.10±0.99) compared with T1 (0.7±0.95) and T+ (0.3±0.67). Conclusion: The 10-day administration of 50% (v/v) forest honey can be an effective therapy for ovarian failure that caused malnutrition in the female rat model., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2022 Safitri E et al.)

This research has successfully fabricated ion selective electrode (ISE) for Pb2+ using castor oil (Ricinus communis L.)-based polyurethane (PU) membrane with 1,10-phenanthroline as the active agent. The sensitivity of the Pb2+ ISE obtained is 27.25 mV/decade with a linear range of [Pb(NO3)2] of 10−10−10−5 M and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.959. The system response reaches stability after 25 s of measurement. The Pb2+ has a detection limit of 10−10 M and gives a stable response at pH 7−8 with a 15-day lifetime. The investigation of the selectivity of the ISE was performed using the mixed solution method with log Kij values of <1. The selectivity order of Pb2+ ISE against the foreign ions is Ag2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ > Cu2+ > Fe3+ > Cr3+> Zn2+ > Cd2+. The Pb2+ ISE shows acceptable reproducibility and repeatability with standard deviation values of 0.065 and 0.0079, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra confirmed that 1,10-phenanthroline was responsible for the formation of the Pb2+ ion entrapment via complexation. Other characterizations (crystallinity, micro-surface morphology, and mechanical strength) suggest the degradation of the membrane structure integrity after the application. The analysis results of Pb levels using the Pb2+ ISE in artificial and wastewater samples were not significantly different from the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) measurement., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Herein, we report our success synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts from the leaves and flowers of Calotropis gigantea growing in the geothermal manifestation Ie Seu-Um, Aceh Besar, Indonesia. C. gigantea aqueous extract can be used as a bio-reductant for Ag + →Ag 0 conversion, obtained by 48h incubation of Ag + , and the extract mixture in a dark condition. UV-Vis characterization showed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks of AgNPs-leaf C. gigantea (AgNPs-LCg) and AgNPs-flower C. gigantea (AgNPs-FCg) appeared in the wavelength range of 410-460 nm. Scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) revealed the agglomeration and spherical shapes of AgNPs-LCg and AgNPs-FCg with diameters ranging from 87.85 to 256.7 nm. Zeta potentials were observed in the range of -41.8 to -25.1 mV. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay revealed AgNPs-FCg as the most potent antimicrobial agent with inhibition zones of 12.05 ± 0.58, 11.29 ± 0.45, and 9.02 ± 0.10 mm for Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans , respectively. In conclusion, aqueous extract from the leaves or flowers of Calotropis gigantea may be used in the green synthesis of AgNPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.

A new electrochemical DNA biosensor based on mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)-capped ZnS quantum dots (MPA-ZnS QDs) immobilization matrix for covalent binding with 20-base aminated oligonucleotide has been successfully developed. Prior to the modification, screen-printed carbon paste electrode (SPE) was self-assembled with multilayer gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and cysteamine (Cys). The inclusion of MPA-ZnS QDs semiconducting material in modified electrodes has enhanced the electron transfer between the SPE transducer and DNA leading to improved bioanalytical assay of target biomolecules. Electrochemical studies performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulsed voltammetry (DPV) demonstrated that the MPA-ZnS QDs modified AuNPs electrode was able to produce a lower charge transfer resistance response and hence higher electrical current response. Under optimal conditions, the immobilized synthetic DNA probe exhibited high selectivity towards synthetic target DNA. Based on the DPV response of the reduction of anthraquinone monosulphonic acid (AQMS) redox probe, the MPA-ZnS QDs-based electrochemical DNA biosensor responded to target DNA concentration from 1 × 10 -9 μM to 1 × 10 -3 μM with a sensitivity 1.2884 ± 0.12 µA, linear correlation coefficient (R 2 ) of 0.9848 and limit of detection (LOD) of 1 × 10 -11 μM target DNA. The DNA biosensor exhibited satisfactory reproducibility with an average relative standard deviation (RSD) of 7.4%. The proposed electrochemical transducer substrate has been employed to immobilize the aminated Arowana fish ( Scleropages formosus ) DNA probe. The DNA biosensor showed linearity to target DNA from 1 × 10 - 11 to 1 × 10 - 6 µM (R 2 = 0.9785) with sensitivity 1.1251 ± 0.243 µA and LOD of 1 × 10 - 11 µM. The biosensor has been successfully used to determine the gender of Arowana fish without incorporating toxic raw materials previously employed in the hazardous processing conditions of polypyrrole chemical conducting polymer, whereby the cleaning step becomes difficult with thicker films due to high levels of toxic residues from the decrease in polymerization efficacy as films grew.

Background and Aim: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent organic pollutant toxic to the human reproductive system. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of α-Tocopherol administration on the male fertility parameters of a rat model exposed to TCDD., Materials and Methods: Fifty healthy 12-week-old male rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats in the control group were given corn oil twice daily in 4 h intervals. In the treatment groups, all rats were given TCDD at a dose of 700 ng/kg of body weight (BW)/day for 45 days. Four hours after receiving the TCDD, T0 rats were given corn oil, and T1, T2, and T3 rats were given α-Tocopherol at doses of 77, 140, and 259 mg/kg BW/day, respectively, for 45 days. On day 46, experimental animals were sacrificed to collect blood and testicular samples., Results: TCDD exposure decreased superoxide dismutase activity, plasma membrane integrity, Leydig cell count, sperm cell count, sperm viability and motility, and increased malondialdehyde levels, serum testosterone levels, and sperm morphological abnormalities. The administration of α-Tocopherol mitigated the effects of TCDD exposure, and the 140 and 259 mg/kg BW/day treatments returned those male fertility parameters to normal levels., Conclusion: The administration of 140 mg/kg BW/day α-Tocopherol restored male semen quality in rats exposed to TCDD. We found dynamics serum testosterone levels in rats exposed to TCDD that need to be further studied., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Wurlina, et al.)

Background and Aim: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplanted into the testes of rats with testicular failure can help rescue fertility. However, the low viability of transplanted MSCs limits the success of this treatment. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of MSCs cultured under hypoxia to increase the fertility rate in rats ( Rattus norvegicus )., Materials and Methods: Bone marrow-derived MSCs (200 million cells/rat) were transplanted into male rat models with induced infertility (10 rats/treatment group) after 4 days of culture in 21% O 2 (normoxia) and 1% O 2 (hypoxia). Ten fertile and 10 untreated infertile rats served as controls. In the infertile male rats that had been fasted from food for 5 days, the fasting condition induced malnutrition and then resulted in testicular failure., Results: The results indicated that the MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions were more effective than those cultured in normoxic conditions as a treatment for testicular failure in infertile male rats based on the increased number of cells expressing p63 as a quiescent cell marker and ETV5 as a transcription factor expressed in Sertoli and germ cells. Furthermore, the structure of the seminiferous tubules, which contain spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and spermatid, Sertoli, and Leydig cells, was improved in infertile male rats treated with the MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions., Conclusion: The testicular transplantation of MSCs cultured under hypoxic conditions was an effective treatment for testicular failure in rats., (Copyright: © Safitri and Purnobasuki.)

Background: Malnutrition can cause an increase in oxidative stress as it triggers the expression of heat shock protein70 (HSP70), a chaperon molecule that is needed to repair damaged cells within optimal levels. Honey is a source of feed that can stimulate HSP70 expression, which can be given to the malnourished in the animal trial., Aim: The purpose of this study was to prove that Kaliandra honey can improve testosterone levels, diameter, and epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubule of rat testes ( Rattus norvegicus ) due to malnutrition through stimulation of HSP70, which is expressed immunohistochemically., Methods: This study used 40 male rats, which were divided into four treatment groups: T0 (negative control): normal rats and not given honey; T1 (positive control): malnourished rats and not given honey; T2 (treatment 2): malnourished rats and given 30% Kaliandra honey (v/v) for 10 days; T3 (treatment 3), malnourished rats and given 50% Kaliandra honey (v/v) for 10 days. The condition of malnutrition is carried out by fasting the feed for five consecutive days resulting in damage to the male reproductive organs, especially the testes., Results: The results showed that Kaliandra honey at a dose of 50% (v/v) had a significant effect in improving testosterone levels, diameter, and epithelial thickness of seminiferous tubule of malnourished male rats through stimulation of HSP70 expression. The HSP70 expression scores by IHC at T0, T1, T2, and T3 were 0.15 a ± 0.5, 3.15 c ± 0.4, 2.95 c ± 0.35, and 1.75 b ± 0.15, sequentially. enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay indirect testosterone levels at T0, T1, T2, and T3 (in μg/dl) were 36.39 c ± 0.35, 6.12 a ± 0.51, 7.45 a ± 0.15, 25.27 b ± 0.63, sequentially. The diameter and epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubule of the testes (in μm) in the four treatments T0, T1, T2, and T3 were 362.40 c ± 4.71, 248.46 a ± 3.90, 255.22 a ± 2.34, 318.37 b ± 4.23 and 117.60 d ± 11.30, 3.86 a ± 1.57, 9.72 b ± 3.96, 29.84 c ± 4.02 sequentially., Conclusion: The conclusion of the study showed that Kaliandra honey at a dose of 50% (v/v) had a significant effect in improving testosterone levels, diameter, and epithelial thickness of the seminiferous tubule of malnourished rats through stimulation of HSP70, although not significantly the same as negative control (T0)., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

A simple optical pH sensor using the active compound anthocyanin (ACN), derived Ruellia tuberosa L. flower immobilized in a pectin membrane matrix, was been fabricated and employed to monitor the freshness of tilapia fish at room temperature and 4 o C storage. The quantitative pH values were measured based on the UV-Vis spectroscopy absorbance. The optimum pectin weight and ACN concentrations were 0.1% and 0.025 mg/L. The sensor showed good sensitivity at 0.03 M phosphate buffer solution. The sensor's reproducibility was evaluated using 10 replicate sensors where a standard deviation of 0.045 or relative standard deviation of 9.15 was achieved. The sensor displayed an excellent response after 10 minutes of exposure, possessing a response stability for 10 consecutive days. The decrease in pH value of the Tilapia fish from 7.3 to 5 was observed in a 48 hour test, which can be used as the parameter when monitoring fish freshness. Overall, this reported optical pH sensor has a novelty as it could be used to monitor the rigor mortis phase of fish meat, which is useful in food industry., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2021 Nazaruddin N et al.)

A simple optical pH sensor based on immobilization, Dioscorea alata L. anthocyanin methanol extract, onto a pectin-chitosan polyelectrolyte complex (pectin-chitosan PEC), has been successfully fabricated. The optical pH sensor was manufactured as a membrane made of pectin-chitosan PEC and the extracted anthocyanin. This sensor has the highest sensitivity of anthocyanin content at 0.025 mg/L in phosphate buffer and 0.0375 mg/L in citrate buffer. It also has good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 7.7%, and gives a stable response at time values greater than 5 min from exposure in a buffer solution, and the sensor can be utilized within five days from its synthesis. This optical pH sensor has been employed to determine saliva pH of people of different ages and showed no significant difference when compared to a potentiometric method.

Background and Aim: Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) and sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) are transcription factors whose functions are essential to maintain the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. The purpose of this study was to derive stem cells for in vitro culture and to maintain their viability and pluripotency, with the goal to obtain a cell line for transplantation in patients with degenerative diseases or injuries. This research focused on examining the effect of low oxygen tension on the ability of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) to express OCT4 and SOX2 in vitro ., Materials and Methods: BM-MSCs were obtained from femurs of 2000 to 3000 g New Zealand male rabbits. BM-MSCs were divided into three groups to test different culture conditions: A control group under hyperoxia condition (21% O 2 ) and two treatment groups with low oxygen tension (1% and 3% O 2 ). We characterized the BM-MSCs using flow cytometric measurement of cluster differentiation 44 (CD44) and cluster differentiation 90 (CD90) expression. The expression of OCT4 and SOX2 was measured by immunofluorescence staining after 48 h of incubation in chambers with normal or low oxygen tension with controlled internal atmosphere consisting of 95% N 2 , 5% CO 2 , and 1% O 2 (T1) and 3% O 2 (T2). We considered OCT4 and SOX2 as two markers of pluripotency induction. All immunofluorescence data were subjected to a post hoc normality Tukey's honestly significant difference test; all differences with p<5% were considered significant., Results: BM-MSCs were positive for CD44 and CD90 expression after isolation. Oxygen tension culture conditions of 1% and 3% O 2 led to OCT4 and SOX2 expression on culture days 2 and 4 (p<0.05), respectively, as compared to the hyperoxia condition (21% O 2 )., Conclusion: Based on the OCT4 and SOX2 immunofluorescence data, we conclude that the stem cells were pluripotent at low O 2 tension (at 1% O 2 on day 2 and at 3% O 2 on day 4), whereas under 21% O 2 the OCT4 and SOX2 were not expressed., (Copyright: © Safitri, E.)

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of rapid testing and social distancing in controlling the spread of COVID-19, particularly in the city of Jakarta, Indonesia. We formulate a modified susceptible exposed infectious recovered compartmental model considering asymptomatic individuals. Rapid testing is intended to trace the existence of asymptomatic infected individuals among the population. This asymptomatic class is categorized into two subclasses: detected and undetected asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, the model considers the limitations of medical resources to treat an infected individual in a hospital. The model shows two types of equilibrium point: COVID-19 free and COVID-19 endemic. The COVID-19-free equilibrium point is locally and asymptotically stable if the basic reproduction number ( R 0 ) is less than unity. In contrast, COVID-19-endemic equilibrium always exists when R 0 > 1 . The model can also show a backward bifurcation at R 0 = 1 whenever the treatment saturation parameter, which describes the hospital capacity, is larger than a specific threshold. To justify the model parameters, we use the incidence data from the city of Jakarta, Indonesia. The data pertain to infected individuals who self-isolate in their homes and visit the hospital for further treatment. Our numerical experiments indicate that strict social distancing has the potential to succeed in reducing and delaying the time of an outbreak. However, if the strict social distancing policy is relaxed, a massive rapid-test intervention should be conducted to avoid a large-scale outbreak in the future., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)