Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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The Influence of Strain Type and Female Age on the Receptivity of Female Drosophila melanogaster in Homogamous Crosses
Full text linkDrosophila melanogaster is a widely used model organism in genetic research due to its short life cycle and the presence of many genes homologous to those found in humans. It plays an important role in studies related to genetic inheritance, gene interaction, sex determination, and developmental genetics. One key aspect of its reproductive biology is female receptivity—the willingness of a female to accept mating—which is influenced by various internal and external factors. External factors include environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, as well as male courtship signals like wing vibrations and chemical cues. Internal factors are mainly related to the female's sexual maturity and mating status. Generally, female receptivity increases with age after eclosion, reaches a peak, and gradually declines. This study investigates the impact of strain type and female age on receptivity in homogamous crosses of D. melanogaster, using two mutant strains: dp (with a wing mutation) and wa (with an eye color mutation). Receptivity was measured by the presence or absence of F1 offspring following crosses between males and females of the same strain, with females tested at different ages ranging from 10 to 60 hours after eclosion. The results indicate that strain type does not have a significant effect on female receptivity. In contrast, female age plays a clear role: individuals aged 30 years and older were more receptive and more likely to produce offspring. No significant interaction was found between strain type and age. These findings suggest that female receptivity in D. melanogaster is more strongly influenced by sexual maturity (as indicated by age) than by genetic differences between strains
Phytochemical Screening and Determination of Total Flavonoid Content of Keji Beling Leaves Ethanol Extract (Strobilanthes crispa Bl.)
Full text linkThis study aims to determine the total flavonoid content in the ethanol extract of keji beling (Strobilanthes crispa) leaves using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method with AlCl3 reagent. The research process includes maximum wavelength testing, preparation of quercetin standard solution, and analysis of total flavonoid levels. The results showed that the total flavonoid content in the extract was 144.347 ± 134.854 mg QE/g extract, with an extract yield of 0.4% and extract moisture content of 5.256%, which showed good potential in preventing the growth of microorganisms. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, while saponins, triterpenoids, and steroids were not detected. These findings confirm the importance of secondary metabolite compounds in plants and the potential of keji beling leaf extract as a source of active compounds with health benefits, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This study provides a basis for further research into the medical applications of this plant extract
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Methanol Extract of Gletang Flower (Tridax procumbens)
Full text linkIn a previous study, the methanol extract of Tridax procumbens flowers (commonly known as gletang) at high concentrations was reported to exhibit strong antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis. This study aimed to examine the secondary metabolite content, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of the methanol extract of gletang flowers. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using two methods, namely DPPH and ABTS assays. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer method at concentrations of 1000, 5000, and 10000 ppm against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Phytochemical screening revealed that the methanol extract of gletang flowers contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. The antioxidant activity tests showed very strong activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC50 values of 6.8478 ± 1.335 and 12.8608 ± 0.579 ppm, respectively. The antibacterial activity tests showed that the methanol extract of gletang flowers exhibited strong activity against E. faecalis at concentrations of 5000 and 10000 ppm, with inhibition zone diameters of 3.00 ± 0.14 and 3.20 ± 0.14 mm, respectively
Utilization of QR Code Technology in Population Management and Identification of Cattle in Sindue District, Central Sulawesi
Full text linkThe implementation of a QR barcode-based recording system in Sindue District aimed to improve livestock management efficiency. However, digital transformation in rural livestock management faces challenges such as a lack of technological understanding and limited smartphone access. The objective of this study was to analyze livestock farmers' perceptions of the recording system and digital transformation. The method used in this study was a survey with structured interviews (questionnaires) with 66 sample livestock farmers. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and correlation. The results showed that farmers' perceptions of QR barcode technology fell into the "Quite Agree" category, with a total score of 398. The knowledge subvariable showed limited understanding of QR barcode technology (63.8% did not understand), but awareness of its benefits received a high response (83.3% agreed). The socio-cultural aspect received a very positive response (score 195), while the constraints subvariable received a low response (score 106). Farmers support the implementation of a digital QR barcode recording system, although implementation remains hampered by limited technical understanding. Furthermore, correlation analysis shows a significant relationship between the recording system and digital technology (p < 0.05), with the strongest relationship being between sociocultural aspects and constraints (r = 0.750)
Molecular Identification of Fungal Complex Associated with Stored Maize Grains Vended in Some Local Government Areas of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Full text linkMaize is a crucial global crop but remains highly vulnerable to fungal contamination, which poses serious threats to food safety and agricultural productivity. This study aimed to identify fungal species associated with maize samples from Adamawa State, Nigeria, using morphological and molecular techniques. Morphological analysis facilitated genus-level identification, while rDNA ITS sequencing provided precise species-level classification. The identified fungal species included Lichtheimia ramosa, Aspergillus latus, Aspergillus flavus, Amesia atrobrunnea, and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Among them, Aspergillus flavus was the most prevalent (48.1%), followed by A. latus (22.1%), L. ramosa (14.3%), C. cladosporioides (12.9%), and A. atrobrunnea (2.6%). Yola North recorded the highest level of fungal contamination. Growth rate analysis showed that L. ramosa exhibited the fastest growth, while A. atrobrunnea had the slowest. Molecular identification confirmed the fungal species, with ITS sequences displaying 81% to 95% similarity to reference strains. Phylogenetic analysis further clarified the evolutionary relationships among the isolates. The dominance of Aspergillus species, particularly A. flavus, raises concerns due to their mycotoxin-producing capabilities, which pose health risks and compromise food safety. While these findings align with previous reports on fungal contamination in stored grains, they differ from studies highlighting Fusarium and Penicillium as dominant contaminants in other regions. This study emphasizes the need for accurate fungal identification, improved storage techniques, and advanced molecular tools to mitigate contamination. These insights are essential for enhancing food security, promoting agricultural sustainability, and safeguarding public health in maize-reliant regions such as Nigeria
Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activities of Rytigynia nigerica (S. Moore) Robyns Roots Extracts
Full text linkRytigynia nigerica (Rubiaceae), a medicinal herb native to West Africa, is known for its antimalarial and anticancer properties and is traditionally used to treat various ailments. However, the biological activities of R. nigerica have not yet been fully studied. However, this study was designed to extract, analyse, and evaluate the antioxidant potential and phytochemical screening in the root extracts of R. nigerica. The roots were obtained from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan and authenticated. The air-dried and pulverised root samples were extracted with methanol using the Maceration method and then partitioned into n-hexane and ethyl acetate using the liquid-liquid extraction method. The phytochemical screening was evaluated using the standard method, while antioxidant activity was investigated viz 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assays. The phytochemical screening analysis revealed the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, phenols, reducing sugars, alkaloids and resins in the root extract. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was significant when compared to reference standards. The percentage inhibition of the antioxidant extracts and reference standard are as follows: n-hexane extract (58.50 -45.08%), ethyl acetate extract (90.62-67.82%), Methanol extract (70.81-52.97%), Vitamin C (95.66-91.63%) and butyl hydroxyanisole (94.76-90.96%). The antioxidant inhibition of the free radical was concentration-dependent. The results obtained in this study indicate that R. nigerica root extracts exhibit antioxidant properties, suggesting potential pharmaceutical applications
The Antivirulence Mechanisms of Phytate Against Pathogenic Bacteria in Skin Infections
Full text linkSkin infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Propionibacterium acnes are often a common health problem. One treatment is antibiotics, but the cases of antibiotic resistance are increasing. Thus, new treatment alternatives are needed. This study aimed to analyze the molecular mechanism of phytate antivirulence against pathogenic bacteria of skin infection. This study used a bioinformatics approach involving analysis of phytate interactions with bacterial virulent proteins via STITCH, functional classification of proteins with VICMpred, and prediction of virulence properties using VirulentPred. B-cell and MHC epitopes were analyzed using IEDB, while protein subcellular location was determined through PSORTb. The results showed that phytate interacted specifically with virulent proteins in all three bacteria, most of which functioned in cellular and metabolic processes. These virulent proteins also have immunologically relevant epitopes. Subcellular location analysis showed that phytate protein targets were dispersed in the cytoplasmic membrane and cytoplasm. These findings indicated that phytate has a significant antivirulence mechanism by targeting virulent proteins of skin pathogenic bacteria, thus potentially becoming a therapeutic agent to treat skin infections while reducing antibiotic resistance
The Potential of Lime Juice in Reducing Fe Levels and Improving the Quality of Clove Leaf Oil Using Complexometry and Testing Its Antioxidant Activity Using DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil)
Full text linkClove leaf oil from Samigaluh, Kulon Progo has high Fe content and low eugenol content due to an ineffective distillation process. This study aims to analyze the ability of lime juice as a purifying agent in reducing iron content through complexometry, varying the concentration of lime juice (2%, 3%, and 4%) and stirring time (30, 60, and 90 minutes) on 50 mL of clove leaf oil mixed with 50 mL of lime juice. Eugenol isolation was performed using KOH-H2SO4 extraction. Testing was also conducted on eugenol content, acid number, refractive index, specific gravity, and antioxidant activity using DPPH. Sample testing was performed using AAS, GC, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Optimal conditions were obtained at a lime juice concentration of 4% with 60 minutes of stirring, which successfully reduced Fe content from 17.6 to 1.7 mg/kg, increased eugenol content from 75.908% to 78.730% at a lime juice concentration of 3% and 90 minutes of stirring, reducing the acid number from 1.82 to 0.94 mg NaOH/g, increasing the refractive index from 1.331 to 1.529, and increasing the specific gravity from 1.020 to 1.036. Further redistillation with KOH and H2SO4 increased the purity of eugenol to 96.476% with strong antioxidant activity (IC50 57.45 ppm)
Identification and Screening of Enzymatic Activity of Degrading Fungi Microplastics in Three Final Processing Sites (TPA) in the Province Lampung
Full text linkOne of the main causes of problems in the Final Processing Site (TPA) of Lampung Province is the increasing pile of plastic waste produced by human activities. This can be a source of microplastic pollution and is dangerous if it settles in the body of organisms. Fungi can be an alternative to help the natural biodegradation process reduce microplastic pollution in the soil ecosystem. This study aims to identify and characterize fungal isolates that can degrade microplastics in the Final Processing Site (TPA) of Lampung Province. The sampling method was purposive sampling. The growing colonies were identified by observing the clear zone, then characterized morphologically. Data analysis using qualitative descriptive methods and measuring the clear zone index. This study successfully identified 13 fungal isolates that showed clear zone areas. Four isolates (Ba1.2, Ba2.5, Bu3.4, Ka2.3) could degrade three types of microplastics. The highest clear zone: Bu3.4 for PET (2,00 mm), Ka2.4 for PE (1,50 mm), and Ba2.3 and Ba2.5 for PP (1,25 mm). Identification and morphological characterization showed 8 isolates belonging to the genus Aspergillus, 3 isolates of Penicillium, 1 isolate of Fusarium, and 1 isolate of Sclerotium. Degradation occurs through hyphal adhesion and secretion of polymer-degrading enzymes
Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial Activities of Stem Bark Fractions of Eucalyptus globulus Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Isolates
Full text linkThe growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the need for alternative therapeutic agents, with medicinal plants offering promising solutions due to their bioactive compounds. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Eucalyptus globulus bark extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus). Plant samples were collected from Adamawa State Polytechnic, Nigeria, authenticated (voucher ASP-765), and subjected to reflux extraction using hexane and water. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids in both methanol and aqueous extracts, while flavonoids and steroids were absent in aqueous extracts, and methanol extracts lacked saponins. Antibacterial activity was assessed through agar well diffusion and broth dilution assays, demonstrating a concentration-dependent effect. Methanol extracts showed greater efficacy against E. coli and P. aeruginosa (12.8–13.8 mm inhibition zones), while aqueous extracts were most effective against S. aureus (19.3 mm at 100 mg/mL). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 25 to 50 mg/mL, with E. coli exhibiting the lowest MIC (25 mg/mL), highlighting the extract’s antimicrobial potential. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using phosphomolybdate and ferricyanide assays. The methanol extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity, with a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) expressed in ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE), although lower than pure ascorbic acid. Statistical validation (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) confirmed the significance of the results. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of E. globulus and its potential for combating antibiotic-resistant infections and oxidative stress-related conditions. Further studies are recommended to isolate bioactive compounds, determine mechanisms of action, and develop optimized therapeutic formulations for AMR management