Impact of Storage Duration and Container Materials on Hydroxy Methyl Furfural Levels in Indonesian Trigona Honey

Hydroxymethyl Furfural (HMF) is a six-carbon heterocyclic organic compound containing aldehyde and alcohol functional groups. It is formed from reducing sugars when heated through the Maillard reaction. HMF is widely recognized as an indicator of honey quality, reflecting the time and type of storage container used. In this study, we analyzed HMF content to investigate the effects of different storage container types and durations on HMF levels in honey. The analysis was conducted using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with the following parameters: a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water in a 10:90 ratio, a stationary phase of octadecylsilane (C18), a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and a UV detector set to 280 nm. The results showed an increase in HMF content during the storage process, with variations depending on the container type and the storage duration. The highest HMF level recorded was 47.7931 μg/g in honey stored in transparent glass bottles for 8 months. These findings indicate that both the container type and the storage duration significantly influence HMF accumulation in honey, making it an important parameter for evaluating honey quality

Immunohistochemistry Assessment of Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)/Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Factor Receptor (C-MET) as a Biomarker for Malignancy Grading in Ovarian Cancer

This study investigated the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), its receptor c-MET, and the proliferation marker Ki-67 across different histological grades of ovarian carcinoma. Archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples (n = 32) were obtained from the IMERI-FMUI Biobank, representing confirmed ovarian cancer cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2022. Expert pathologists validated the histopathological subtypes using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Based on microscopic evaluation, the samples were classified into two groups: low-to-intermediate-grade tumors (n = 16, comprising mucinous and endometrioid subtypes) and high-grade tumors (n = 16, including clear cell and high-grade serous carcinomas). Only well-preserved samples with consistent diagnoses and sufficient tumor content were included in the study. Unstained sections of the tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of HGF, c-MET, and Ki-67. Quantitative image analysis was performed using ImageJ along with the IHC Profiler plugin. To minimize bias, a blinded evaluation protocol was implemented. The staining intensity and distribution were scored semi-quantitatively, and the results were reported using H-scores and labeling indices. Statistical analyses included t-tests and Pearson correlation to compare expression levels between groups and to explore associations among the biomarkers. The study sample size was calculated to detect a minimum mean difference of 35 with a 5% alpha error and 20% beta error. This systematic approach enabled a thorough assessment of biomarker expression regarding tumor grade, supporting the potential role of HGF, c-MET, and Ki-67 as diagnostic adjuncts in ovarian carcinoma

Field Evaluation of Local and Improved Cassava Varieties for Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Lower Eastern Kenya Region

Cassava is a drought-tolerant crop that can help ensure long-term food security in Kenya. However, various diseases and climatic variations pose significant challenges to its production. One of the most detrimental diseases affecting cassava is cassava mosaic disease (CMD), primarily caused in East Africa by two viral species: East Africa Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV) and African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV). This study focused on agronomically screening different cassava varieties for diseases and examining their prevalence across Makueni, Machakos, and Kitui Counties in Kenya, using an experimental design. The aim was to determine the cause of abnormal morphological changes observed in some cassava varieties in the field. The investigation revealed that all cassava varieties grown in Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties were affected by CMD, except for the bitter cassava variety grown in Kitui County. Morphological confirmation of CMD was conducted by carefully examining the disease characteristics in the field, supported by literature on cassava leaf diseases. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of ACMV and EACMV among the locations (p = 0.3141 > 0.05) and (p = 0.1394 > 0.05) or between the cultivars (p = 0.3141 > 0.05) and (p = 0.1394 > 0.05), respectively. Additionally, molecular analysis performed on randomly selected leaves confirmed the presence of ACMV and EACMV in the three counties. For improved management of cassava, further research should focus on bitter cassava to better understand the genetic traits that make it less susceptible to CMD and to inform future breeding programs

A Novel Herbal Combination of Cistus ladaniferus, Petroselinum crispum, and Rosmarinus officinalis (CCPR) for Managing Hypertension: Enhanced Efficacy through Synergistic Antioxidant and Hypotensive Effects

Herbal formulations offer an intriguing option for managing various health concerns, including hypertension. This study investigated the pharmacological and safety profiles of a newly designed combination product (CCPR), which includes extracts of Cistus ladaniferus (CLE), Petroselinum crispum (PCE), and Rosmarinus officinalis (ROE). Additionally, the pharmacokinetic potential of the CCPR components was analyzed using in silico methods. The study screened in vitro antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while its efficacy was further validated through a non-invasive hypotensive test. Synergistic interactions among the extracts were evaluated using an interaction index. Based on these results, the optimized combination CCPR underwent acute toxicity and antihypertensive testing. Pharmacokinetic parameters were predicted using the SwissADME platform. The results demonstrated that CCPR exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, correlating with its hypotensive effect. The administration of CCPR at a dose of 250 mg/kg/day significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to other combinations. Furthermore, interaction index analysis confirmed the synergistic effects of the extracts within CCPR. The antihypertensive tests indicated that CCPR, at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg, significantly lowered SBP and improved oxidative stress markers compared to both the standard antihypertensive drug “Enalapril” (15 mg/kg/day) and the hypertensive model group treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day). The acute toxicity test confirmed the safety of CCPR, showing no abnormalities at a single dose of 2 g/kg. In silico pharmacokinetic analysis revealed favorable properties for the major compounds in CCPR, including high absorption and minimal adverse effects, supporting its suitability for long-term use. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that CCPR has the potential to be an effective formulation for managing hypertension. This formulation presents a valuable approach for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for developing dietary supplements or as adjunctive therapy

Effectiveness of two types of cytokinins in the in vitro propagation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Clavel, or carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is one of the most important ornamental flowers worldwide. To mass-produce high-quality plants, in vitro techniques are widely used. Cytokinins, which are plant hormones that play a vital role in the multiplication and development of in vitro shoots, are essential in this process. This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with eight treatments and five repetitions to evaluate the in vitro propagation of various carnation explants using four doses of cytokinins (Kinetin and Benzyl adenine): 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg. The in vitro propagation was assessed, and an analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey test at a 5% significance level, was conducted to compare the means of the AxB factors. The primary conclusion of this study is that Kinetin, particularly at a dosage of 3 mg/l, is the most promising option for optimizing carnation explant production. However, further research is needed to explore additional doses and combinations of cytokinins that could further enhance this process

Development and optimization of a microbial fuel cells consortium by response surface methodology for the effective reduction of hexavalent chromium with power generation

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) present a promising green technology for wastewater treatment while simultaneously generating power. However, for MFCs to be sustainable and scalable, they require significant technological and operational improvements. This study aimed to optimize the MFC process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), which integrates modeling techniques, optimization methodologies, experimental design, and analysis. RSM was applied to evaluate the interactions among three independent variables: the working volume of wastewater, the buffer's pH, and the bacterial consortia's inoculum size. Double-chambered MFCs were inoculated with various bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas stutzeri, Microbacterium algeriense, and Bacillus stratosphericus. The results indicated that MFC performance was significantly influenced by the interactions between (i) the volume of wastewater and buffer pH, (ii) the volume of wastewater and inoculum size, and (iii) buffer pH and inoculum size. The RSM findings identified the optimal conditions for power generation and hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) reduction as approximately 80% working volume of wastewater, a buffer pH of 6.9, and a 26% inoculum size of bacterial consortia. A strong correlation between the model predictions and experimental results confirmed the model's accuracy in capturing the interactions among the independent factors. These findings demonstrated the effectiveness of RSM in optimizing the performance of MFCs and provided valuable insights for the future development of sustainable MFC-based wastewater treatment systems

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of DOF transcription factor in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its effect against developmental and stress condition

The transcription factor known as DNA-binding with one finger (DOF) is a plant-based regulator involved in stress responses, growth, and development. Specifically, DOFs play key roles in essential biological processes, including signal transduction, cellular morphogenesis, and reactions to environmental stress. We aim to identify and characterize the DOF transcription factors in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and examine their expression under various developmental and stress conditions. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide identification of the DOF family in tomato, which involved phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif identification, predictions of sub-cellular localization, gene structure analysis, gene expression profiling, and protein-protein interaction studies. We identified, classified, and analyzed the expression of 8 DOF genes in tomato. The sequences of these genes showed similarity to those in S. lycopersicum, including DOF5.1, DOF3.1, DOF2.4-like, DOF2.5-like, DOF3.4-like, DOF1.4, DOF3.4-like, and DOF3.1. The zf-DOF (pfam ID: pfam02701) and the zf-DOF superfamily (pfam Cl: 03664) were identified as two common superfamily domains across all eight genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we identified two genes associated with stress response and six genes related to developmental processes. Notably, DOF1.4 was found to be expressed in both stress and developmental contexts. The distinct expression profiles of DOF genes in response to abiotic stimuli suggest their significant involvement in the plant's defense mechanisms. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant growth, development, and stress responses, providing valuable insights that could improve crop productivity and resilience in agricultural practices

Transplantation of mature Argan trees (Argania spinosa L. Skeels): recovery rate optimization

Transplanting adult argan trees (Argania spinosa L. Skeels) is a vital strategy for conserving this endemic Moroccan species, especially as its natural habitats face threats from major infrastructure projects. This study examined the key factors that influence the success of mature argan tree transplantation, focusing on the effects of seasonal timing, crown management, and preconditioning treatments on survival rates over a three-year period. A controlled experiment was conducted in the Souss region of Morocco, involving 282 adult trees. A factorial experimental design assessed three main variables: seasonal timing (spring, summer, autumn), crown management (total cutback versus pruning/trimming), and preconditioning (root pruning and irrigation for 2, 4, or 6 months before transplant, alongside control samples). Survival rates were closely monitored, and the data were analyzed using Generalized Linear Models (GLM). The results indicated that the seasonal timing had a significant impact on the success of transplantation. Autumn transplantations achieved over 50% survival rates, while only 10% survival was observed in spring. Notably, total crown cutback led to improved survival, exceeding 70% in optimal seasons. Preconditioning for six months showed varying effectiveness based on the season; it significantly enhanced spring transplantation outcomes (when applied in autumn) but did not provide substantial benefits for summer operations (when applied in spring). These findings emphasize that seasonal timing is a critical factor for successful argan tree transplantation, with non-spring seasons proving far more favorable. Additionally, effective crown reduction consistently enhances viability by reducing transpirational stress during the relocation process. The specific effectiveness of preconditioning highlights the need to tailor its application to particular environmental conditions and seasonal contexts for maximum benefit. This research offers a robust, evidence-based protocol for large-scale conservation translocations of A. spinosa, providing actionable insights for responsible species management. The study underscores the essential importance of strategic planning and diligent long-term post-transplantation monitoring to ensure ecological resilience and the sustainable preservation of this vital species

The biofertilizer and biostimulant properties of a mixture of Spirulina sp. and Chlorella vulgaris biomass in Musa AAA Cavendish variety Valery seedlings

The agricultural sector is a major contributor to environmental pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. Banana cultivation also significantly impacts these conditions due to the intensive use of commercial fertilizers. These fertilizers not only disrupt ecosystems and pollute water sources but also underscore the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This research evaluated the potential of a biomass mixture comprised of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris and the cyanobacterium Spirulina sp. as a biofertilizer and biostimulant for Musa AAA Cavendish var. Valery seedlings grown under greenhouse conditions. The biomass was produced using cost-effective, large-scale methods and subsequently harvested, dried, and characterized for its physicochemical properties, which revealed a high organic matter content. Eight comparative treatments were applied as dry soil amendments at varying concentrations and were evaluated against a commercial fertilizer. During the study, various morphological traits of plants, pigment content, and soil properties were measured both before and after treatment. The results showed that biomass applications at 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg (T3 and T4) matched or surpassed the effectiveness of the commercial fertilizer in promoting pseudostem length, dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll concentration, photosynthetic efficiency, nitrogen uptake, and CO₂ assimilation for banana growth and yield. Additionally, the microalgal biomass improved soil quality by increasing organic matter and the availability of essential micronutrients. These findings suggest that microalgal biomass can effectively replace chemical fertilizers, fostering a more sustainable banana cultivation system with a reduced carbon footprint. The study’s results recommend a phased application strategy: using T3 during the vegetative stage to stimulate early growth and T4 during the reproductive stage to support fruit development. This approach may optimize nutrient uptake and enhance overall crop productivity in an environmentally friendly manner

Biological Performance of Laying Quail Supplemented with Alphitobius diaperinus Larval Meal

The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is an insect pest that can potentially serve as an important protein source in poultry diets. The high protein content of A. diaperinus larvae makes them a viable alternative for inclusion in quail feed during rearing. This study analyzed quail performance when their diet is supplemented with A. diaperinus larval meal in the rearing phase. This experiment utilized a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments involved replacing fish meal in the diet with A. diaperinus larval meal at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. The results revealed that substituting A. diaperinus larval meal did not significantly affect (p>0.05) daily feed consumption, egg weight, or shell thickness. However, it significantly influenced body weight gain (p<0.05). While the weight gains at 10% and 15% larval meal inclusion were not substantially different, both were greater than those of the control group. Overall, substituting up to 15% of A. diaperinus larval meal in quail diets had no adverse effects on feed consumption, growth, egg weight, or shell thickness. Therefore, A. diaperinus larval meal may be a suitable alternative to fish meal in quail diets, offering economic benefits and opportunities for sustainable A. diaperinus larval culture