International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research

Study on in vitro Thrombolytic Efficacy of Polyherbal Formulation to Mitigate Cardiovascular Risks after Recovery from COVID-19

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

According to WHO reports, after recovering from COVID-19, approximately 10–20% of individuals experience a 1.8-fold higher risk of cardiovascular complications compared to non-infected individuals, even one year after recovery, due to hypercoagulability. This study aimed to develop a herbal remedy to mitigate cardiovascular risks in COVID-19 recovered individuals. An aqueous polyherbal formulation composed of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, Moringa oleifera, Cardiospermum halicacabum, and the rhizome of Curcuma amada was prepared and subjected to phytochemical and spectral analysis. Blood samples from thirty COVID-19 recovered individuals were analysed for the in vitro thrombolytic efficacy and in vitro anti-platelet aggregation efficacy of the polyherbal formulation at different concentrations (8.2, 16.5, 33.0, and 66.0 mg/100 μl). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Spectral analysis indicated the presence of phenolic O-H groups, conjugated C=O, and C=C bonds as functional groups. The polyherbal formulation demonstrated the highest thrombolytic activity of 79 ± 1.8% at 66 mg/100 μl compared to the standard streptokinase, and an anti-platelet aggregation activity of 83 ± 3.4% (IC₅₀ = 17.3 mg/100 μl) compared to standard aspirin. Hence, treatment with this polyherbal formulation may serve as a preventive therapy to mitigate cardiovascular risks following recovery from COVID-19.

Molecular Identification of Mycorrhizal Fungi Species in the Roots of Azadirachta excelsa Trees in South Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Azadirachta excelsa trees are cultivated in many regions of South Bengkulu Regency. This species is known to form associations with mycorrhizal fungi, which assist the trees in absorbing nutrients and water while protecting their roots from pathogenic attacks. The present study aimed to identify the types of mycorrhizal fungi associated with the roots of A. excelsa trees through biomolecular analysis in three villages of South Bengkulu Regency, Bengkulu Province. Root samples were collected from A. excelsa stands located in Pagar Dewa Village, Manna Subdistrict; Tanjung Eran Village, Pino Subdistrict; and Batu Ampar Village, Kedurang Subdistrict, South Bengkulu Regency. Root DNA extraction was conducted using a Geneaid Fungal Kit, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with forward ITS5.8S and reverse ITS4 primers. Electrophoresis was performed using a 1.5% agarose gel in TAE 1X buffer at 100V for 32 minutes, and sequencing was carried out at 1st BASE PT Genetic Science Indonesia. The resulting sequences were then compared with those available in the GenBank database, and a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using MEGA XI. Sequencing results revealed three species of mycorrhizal fungi associated with A. excelsa roots from samples collected in Pagar Dewa. These included a species from the Agaricaceae family (Delicatula integrella), belonging to the order Agaricales, class Agaricomycetes, and division Basidiomycota. Two additional species—Basidiomycota sp. (MT645155.1), Uncultured fungus (MF568791.1), Uncultured fungus (MT672409.1), and Uncultured fungus (MH636718.1)—were classified as unclassified Basidiomycota or could not be definitively categorised in the GenBank database.

A Computational Study of UDCA and TUDCA as Novel Therapeutic Agents for Parkinson's Disease

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, resulting in motor disturbances such as tremors, rigidity, and slowed movement. Although current therapies can improve symptoms, many patients experience side effects and a gradual decline in treatment effectiveness over time. This study employs comprehensive in silico methods to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), two bile acids with emerging neuroprotective properties. Molecular docking studies were conducted using AutoDock 1.5.7 software, and the ADMET properties of the compounds were assessed using SwissADME. Toxicity analyses of UDCA and TUDCA were performed using T.E.S.T 5.1.2 software. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of UDCA–protein complexes were carried out via the iMOD server and CABS-flex V 2.0. Molecular docking simulations revealed promising interactions between UDCA and TUDCA with Parkinson’s disease-associated proteins selected from the literature, including 1XQ8, 6CM4, 6RKB, and 4PYK. UDCA generally exhibited stronger binding affinities of −5.38, −8.99, −8.21, and −6.50 kcal/mol compared to TUDCA (−5.08, −7.07, −8.30, −5.94 kcal/mol), except in the case of MAO-B. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported the stability of the UDCA–protein complexes, with eigenvalues calculated as 3.97×10⁻⁷, 2.39×10⁻⁶, 1.59×10⁻⁵, and 9.02×10⁻⁵. Pharmacokinetic analyses indicated favourable properties for both UDCA and TUDCA, including high oral bioavailability and blood–brain barrier permeability. UDCA displayed slightly higher toxicity in aquatic organisms but exhibited comparable developmental and mutagenic risks to TUDCA. Collectively, these computational findings highlight the multi-target potential of UDCA and TUDCA in modulating neuroinflammatory processes, mitigating oxidative stress, and supporting mitochondrial integrity—mechanistic pathways central to PD pathogenesis.

Targeted Molecular Screening of Fungal Metabolites for Blocking Rabies lyssavirus Infection Mechanisms

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Background: Rabies is a fatal virus that spreads to humans through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites. With limited options for treatment at present, Rabies lyssavirus (RABV) remains a serious public health concern. In order to find potential antiviral possibilities, the study aimed to examine the in-silico interactions between fungal metabolites and important RABV proteins, including RABV-G, RABV-L, RABV-P, and RABV-M. After fifty-two (52) metabolites were subjected to molecular docking tests, eighteen (18) fungal metabolites were selected for further physicochemical and pharmacokinetic evaluation. Significantly, the Chaetoglobosin A and Cladospirone B both showed encouraging interactions with RABV-G and RABV-L. Moreover, the data showed that Chaetoglobosin C had the best binding affinity with both proteins. Furthermore, the majority of drugs' ADMET profiles showed positive pharmacokinetic characteristics. However, improving blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and increasing bioavailability are essential for the advancement of these drugs. Based on the findings, fungal metabolites- particularly Chaetoglobosin C, have considerable amounts of potential as antiviral drugs against the Rabies lyssavirus. Additional in vitro and in vivo testing needs to be performed to assess the success of their use as treatment.

Synergistic Action and Enhanced Therapeutic Properties of rGO-ZnO Nanocomposites using Ixora coccinea and Prosopis juliflora

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Metal based nanoparticles have been extensively researched for their distinctive characteristics. Among them, Zinc oxide nanoparticles have numerous applications in biomedicine. Green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles uses phytoextract of Ixora coccinea flowers, replacing harmful chemical reducing agents. Agricultural waste of Setaria italica rich in cellulose is used for graphene oxide synthesis, reducing environmental and human health impacts. Improved Hummer's method was used to synthesize graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide. Green nanotechnology converts graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide using phytoextract of ®. Reduced graphene oxide and zinc oxide (rGO – ZnO) nanocomposites are synthesized using a simple magnetic stirring method to obtain enhanced capabilities and synergistic action, which showed a high zinc content with a good loading rate of ZnO on the rGO’s surface. The prepared ZnO and rGO-ZnO nanocomposite were characterized by UV, XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS. The XRD pattern substantiated the crystal structure of ZnO and the formation of rGO – ZnO nanocomposite. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of functional groups with their vibrational modes. The SEM images demonstrate the embellishment of ZnO nanoparticles on the rGO sheets. Anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activity were checked. The results revealed good antioxidant activity at 100 µg/ml, and outstanding antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis) with increasing concentrations. Moreover, the synthesized nanocomposite exhibited potential suppression of biofilm in E. coli and B. subtilis at lower concentrations. The anti–inflammatory and anti-diabetic assay results demonstrated consistent action at 100 μg/ml. Biocompatibility properties were confirmed that good anti-coagulation abilities and reduced hemolysis of 0.5%. Our research is distinctive as rGO – ZnO nanocomposite is formulated using green nanotechnology with phytoextracts of I. coccinea and P. juliflora

Enhancing Urban Sustainability with AI-Driven Environmental Stewardship

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Urban environments face complex and multifaceted challenges that demand innovative solutions for sustainable development. This research explores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing urban environments through a comprehensive, AI-driven approach to environmental stewardship. By evaluating the efficacy of AI applications across seven key areas like as pollution management, waste management, energy optimization, water resource management, transportation systems, biodiversity conservation, and disaster management. This study identifies significant improvements and the challenges associated with each domain. Our proposed algorithm systematically processes and analyzes diverse data sources, integrates technical, ethical, and social considerations, and synthesizes findings into actionable insights. The results, presented through a numeric data comparison, demonstrate substantial effectiveness of AI applications, with notable improvements in pollution reduction (85%), waste collection efficiency (80%), energy savings (75%), water waste reduction (78%), traffic congestion decrease (82%), biodiversity metrics increase (70%), and disaster response time enhancement (88%). Despite these successes, challenges such as data quality, infrastructure costs, and algorithmic bias persist. The study highlights the critical need for enhanced data integration, ethical AI practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration to fully realize the potential of AI in urban environmental management. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges and exploring new AI-driven solutions to foster sustainable, efficient, and resilient urban environments.

Potential of Natural Plant Extracts in Combating the Bacterial Contaminants from Poultry Water Sample

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Background: The poultry industry represents an integral part of worldwide livestock economies; however, it is highly jeopardized by bacterial and parasitic infections. An increased development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria worsens this challenge. This study investigates the potential of plant-based extracts as alternative antibacterial agents in poultry management. Bacterial contaminants were isolated by serial dilution agar plat technique. Result: Two bacterial contaminates were isolated namely Poultry Water isolate 1 (PW1) and Poultry Water isolate 2 (PW2). A total of 21 plant extracts of 7 plants (ginger (Zingiber Sp.), mulberry (Morus Sp.), mango (Mangifera Sp.), curry (Murraya Sp.), neem (Azadirachta Sp.), black pepper (Piper Sp.), and ajwain (Trachyspermum Sp. were prepared in different solvents such as distilled water, ethanol and petroleum ether and screened against bacterial contaminants by using agar well diffusion. Extracts from mango and mulberry leaves demonstrated potent action against PW1, whereas curry and mango leaves demonstrated efficacy against PW2. The rhizomes of ginger and neem also produced significant impacts, while Cephalexin showed the strongest antibacterial efficacy overall. The phytochemical examination of the mango leaf extract showed flavonoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. The mango leaf extract's minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.15% against PW1 and 0.625% against PW2. Conclusion: The findings suggest that plant extracts, especially those derived from mango leaves, present a promising natural substitute for traditional antibiotics in poultry farming, with the potential to lower antibiotic usage and counteract antibiotic resistance. To investigate their modes of action and efficacy in diverse poultry production scenarios, more investigation is required. The purpose of this study was to assess the plant extracts' antibacterial efficacy against bacterial pollutants found in chicken water samples.

A Comparative Chemical Profiling Between Boerhavia diffusa and its Adulterant Trianthema portulacastrum Herbal Plants

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Boerhavia diffusa has many uses in the Siddha system of medicine and is misidentified sometimes as Trianthema portulacastrum L., due to its close resemblance. This specific study compares, evaluates and identifies the chemical constituents profiling of the two whole plant drugs based on inorganic materials determination, various phytochemical aspects and advanced chromatographical studies. The studied plants i.e., Boerhavia diffusa and Trianthema portulacastrum showed the peculiar characteristics and having significant differences in these chemical profiling. Boerhavia diffusa had higher levels of the primary and secondary metabolites than Trianthema portulacastrum. Boerhavia diffusa differs from Trianthema portulacastrum in distinct ways. The pH is differed in both plants viz. 6.45 in B. diffusa and 5.2 in T. portulacastrum. The total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash is different in both the plants. B. diffusa and T. portulacastrum have alkaloids 628.00 and 1417.00 (mg/100g), Terpenoids 146.67 and 174.46 (mg/100g), flavonoids 223.00 and 846.00 (mg/100g), tannins 30.50 and 32.67 (mg/100g), phenols 28.40 and 74.80 (GAE/g), carotenoids 248.00 and 968.00 (mg/100g), oxalate 151.00 and 143.83 (mg/100g) respectively. diffusa. HPTLC fingerprint profile of the B. diffusa showed 8 peaks among them the peak at R_f 0.12 is the major peak, however T. portulacastrum showed 6 peaks among them the peak at R_f 0.27 is the major peak.

Evaluation of Potential Toxicity of Calotropis gigantea Leaf Extract on Danio rerio: Bioactive Compounds, Oxidative Stress and Histological Toxicity Analysis

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

A greater understanding of the ecotoxicological effects of plant-based products is required due to their increasing use. Despite its long-recognised medicinal properties, Calotropis gigantea possesses toxic characteristics that necessitate further investigation into its chemical composition and biological effects. This study evaluates the toxicity of crude C. gigantea leaf extracts on the freshwater fish Danio rerio over a 30-day exposure period. Alongside GC–MS analysis, which identified 48 major constituents, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity were assessed using the DPPH assay. The extracts exhibited a higher flavonoid content than phenolic content, indicating strong antioxidant potential. In contrast, biochemical analyses revealed that exposed fish showed significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), signifying cellular stress and disruption of redox homeostasis. Histological examinations of the liver, brain, muscle, and gills of treated fish demonstrated notable alterations. The gills exhibited lamellar fusion and epithelial lifting, impairing respiration. The brain showed neuronal vacuolation and degeneration, suggesting neurotoxicity, while muscle tissues displayed myofibrillar degeneration. Liver samples revealed hepatocyte necrosis and vacuolisation, indicative of metabolic dysfunction. Collectively, these enzymatic and systemic histopathological responses emphasise the toxicological impacts of C. gigantea extracts on aquatic organisms. The findings underscore the importance of ecotoxicological evaluations and the dual nature of medicinal plants such as C. gigantea, which can be both therapeutic and harmful. In addition to stressing the necessity for cautious application and further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their toxicity, this study provides valuable insights into the biological effects of plant-derived compounds.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity Assessment of Ethanolic Extract of Phyllanthus niruri

2025-11-13T09:20:47+00:00

Introduction: Phyllanthus niruri, recognized as Stonebreaker due to its medicinal value, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. This plant exhibits significant antioxidant activity due to various bioactive components such as alkaloids, phenols, and flavonoids. Aim: This study aimed at screening for bioactive components and investigating its antioxidant activity. Methods: The aerial parts of plant were harvested, dried and grounded into fine powder. 10 grams of the powdered plant material was soaked in 100ml of ethanol to prepare ethanolic extract. A qualitative examination was conducted to identify the phytochemicals in the sample. DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to determine antioxidant activity. Absorbance was recorded at 517 nm for DPPH and 734 nm for ABTS. In both assays gallic acid was used as reference standard. Results: Many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, triterpenoids, tannins, saponin, steroids, glycosides and carbohydrates were identified in plant extract. The plant extract demonstrated notable antioxidant activity showing an IC₅₀ value of 3.12 ± 0.26 μg/ml in the DPPH assay, which was less than gallic acid (IC₅₀ 1.51 ± 0.02 μg/ml). In ABTS assay, IC₅₀ value of plant extract was 19.98±0.09 μg/ml, which is higher than gallic acid (5.69 ± 0.05 μg/ml). Conclusion: Our results revealed potential antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus niruri, which is useful to treat several clinical conditions like inflammation and cellular damage by oxidative stress.

Enhancing Cassava Leaf Disease Detection through Traditional Segmentation and Attention-driven Deep Learning Approaches

2025-11-14T02:44:47+00:00

Diseases of cassava leaves pose a significant threat to food security in tropical regions, as well as to harvests. This paper presents a combined approach for accurate and interpretable cassava leaf disease diagnosis, utilising a deep learning-based ARMUNet architecture alongside conventional image segmentation techniques. Beginning with classical methods—Otsu Thresholding, Distance Transform, and Watershed—the pipeline generates boundary-aware lesion maps that effectively isolate diseased areas. These initial segmentations guide ARMUNet, an enhanced version of UNet with attention gates and residual multi-scale encoders, allowing the model to focus on relevant lesion features while minimising background interference. Featuring various geographical and semantic elements, a Multi-Level Feature Extraction system aids in the correct classification of diseases. Detection accuracy is further improved by an ensemble method that combines ARMUNet predictions with classifiers such as PINN, ResNet50, and EfficientNetB0. The proposed system offers a scalable solution for plant disease diagnostics in precision agriculture, demonstrating high performance, interpretability, and real-time readiness.

Phytochemical Screening, Heavy Metal Content and HPLC Estimation of Bioactive Compound from Leaves and Flower Extracts of Abutilon indicum for in vitro Antidiabetic Activity

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

This research focused on the phytochemical screening, estimation of heavy metal content, and HPLC analysis of bioactive compounds exhibiting in vitro hypoglycemic activity in the ethanol extracts derived from the leaves and flowers of Abutilon indicum. The assessment of heavy metal content was conducted using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while the estimation of phytochemicals was performed through HPLC. The in vitro antidiabetic activity was evaluated using methods that inhibit the enzymes alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase. Cytotoxicity was assessed via an MTT assay on the L6 muscle cell line. The efficiency of the extracts was determined by testing the translocation of the glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) in L6-GLUT4myc cells. The ethanol extract from the leaves was found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols, saponins, and tannins, whereas the flower extract comprised glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins. Both extracts were found to contain Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Co, but were devoid of Hg, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Pd. The leaves exhibited a higher concentration of steroidal compounds, particularly beta-sitosterol (5.34 mg), while the flower extract revealed a greater amount of the polyphenolic compound gallic acid (6.28 mg) as identified by HPLC. The in vitro antidiabetic activity was notably more significant in the flower extract, which also led to a substantial increase in GLUT4 levels when compared to the leaf extract. In conclusion, the findings indicated that both extracts demonstrated strong antidiabetic activity; however, the flower extract exhibited superior efficacy, likely attributable to its higher gallic acid content.

Morphometric Variation and Seasonal Polymorphism of Dinoflagellate Tripos in the Hooghly River Estuary Bay of Bengal

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

This study investigated morphological variation in three dominant Tripos spp. to validate the hypothesis of seasonal polymorphism in the Hooghly River estuarine context. Individual Tripos cells were assessed for raw morphological traits, such as total length, horn lengths, and transdiameter, from which shape ratios, bio-volume, surface area, and carbon content were derived using geometric approximations. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test on the 16 morphometric traits revealed T. fusus (U = 638–1334, z = 8.96–10.66, p < 0.0001), T. furca (U = 622–1389, z = 4.62–10.51, p < 0.0001), and T. trichoceros (U = 453–1647, z = 8.19–11.11, p < 0.0001) all displayed notable seasonal variations and morphometric shifts between pre-monsoon (PRM) and Post-monsoon (POM). The major patterns of these variations were documented using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PC1 was able to capture traits (for T. furca 65.53%, T. fusus 73.36%, T. trichoceros 69.17% variance) related to size, like total length, bio-volume, and carbon content, while PC2 revealed intraspecific variation in morphological plasticity, which represented traits related to shape and symmetry (e.g., horn ratios). POM samples exhibited a distinct seasonal clustering, on the positive side of the PC axes, which was associated with higher cell size and biomass compared to small-sized PRM samples on the negative side of the PC axes for all Tripos spp. Spearman’s correlation between PCA scores and water quality parameters showed a significant association, indicating that salinity, TDS, and nutrient loads are key environmental drivers.

Comparative Analysis of Morphometric Variation in the Green Mussel (Perna viridis Linnaeus, 1758) From Different Coastal Areas of Caraga Region, Philippines

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

Morphology often indicates genetic distinction and ecological response, mainly associated with adaptive radiation. This study aimed to determine the shell shape variation in the green mussel (Perna viridis) using a landmark-based approach across Barobo, Buenavista, and Cabadbaran coastal areas in the Caraga, Philippines. A total of 180 individuals, comprising 30 females and 30 males in each location, and adults of uniform size were collected. Shape variations were identified using the nine homologous anatomical landmark points through the tpsDig2 application. Symmetry, Asymmetry, and Geometric data software (SAGE) were used to analyze shape variances. Results showed statistically significant differences (P<0.0001) in both sexes, suggesting shell shape differences across the study areas. Further, Principal Component Analysis showed that the samples from Barobo recorded the highest Fluctuating Asymmetry (~96%), followed by Cabadbaran (~93%) and Buenavista (~92-94%) respectively. This implies that P. viridis populations differ significantly regarding shell shape. The morphologies of the samples from Barobo and Cabadbaran are more alike, whereas those from Buenavista are different. Frequently affected landmarks were the ligaments and posterior adductor contributing most of the Asymmetry. Moreover, ecological adaptations are essential to shaping species’ morphological traits. No prior study of this kind was conducted in the Caraga region. This work presents vital information for related morphological studies on other bivalve’ species. Our findings demonstrate that the samples exhibit site-specific shell shape variation, supporting its potential as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring in Philippine coastal systems. Therefore, the study emphasizes how crucial geometric morphometrics is for studying morphological variation.

Vegan Leather Solanum lycopersicum Pigment Dyeing with Ceratonia siliqua over Blended Fabric with Presence of Vanillin

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

Organic and linen blend fabric is among the most popular materials used in saree production and other textile applications, generating substantial market demand. This fabric supports various dyeing techniques, including traditional methods rooted in cultural heritage. Meanwhile, enormous quantities of agro-waste are generated annually in India from the vegetable, fruit, and food processing industries, as reported by national statistics. Among these, waste from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production is particularly high especially in the post-COVID era highlighting its potential for repurposing damaged or rejected fruit portions. Tomato is an affordable and widely cultivated crop in India, valued not only for its nutritional properties as a source of vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants but also as a renewable raw material. The dyeing process employed in the present study required comparatively less water and energy, thus addressing environmental concerns. For colouring, vegan leather samples were dyed using Ceratonia siliqua (carob) pigments, known for their distinctive ability to produce uniform colouration on both natural and synthetic substrates. The tomato-based substrate demonstrated excellent compatibility with natural dyes due to its intrinsic composition. This research established a novel technique for dyeing organic cotton and linen fabrics using pigments derived from tomato waste. The colour strength, evenness, and fastness properties of all dyed samples were evaluated. The results indicated uniform colouration, particularly at a dye concentration of 1% and a processing temperature of 100 °C.

Quantification of Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid in Decaffeinated Arabica Coffee Beans Samples Using HPLC and Evaluation of the effect of Fermentation Time on their Levels: A Study on the Influence of Roasting and Dry Method

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the concentrations of caffeine and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in decaffeinated Arabica coffee beans subjected to different pineapple fermentation durations. Methods: Arabica coffee beans were processed using three drying methods (honey, natural, and full wash) and five fermentation durations (12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours), employing 80% pineapple flesh as the fermentation medium. Results: As the fermentation time increased, caffeine levels decreased, while CGA levels rose, indicating the effectiveness of pineapple fermentation in decaffeinating coffee. Additionally, longer roasting times (50 minutes) resulted in lower caffeine content, but higher CGA levels compared to shorter roasting times (20 minutes). These findings suggest a potential process for producing decaffeinated coffee with higher CGA content. Conclusion: Overall, the pineapple fermentation method effectively reduced caffeine and increased the beneficial CGA compounds in Arabica coffee beans, offering an alternative approach to decaffeination. These results have significant implications for the development of nutritionally enhanced decaffeinated coffee products.

Quantitative Assessment of School Food Environment and Dietary Practices of Malaysian Adolescents

2025-11-13T09:20:48+00:00

Background: The food environment plays a significant role in shaping dietary practices, contributing to the rise of an obesogenic generation. Existing research has primarily focused on population-wide initiatives, creating a research gap concerning adolescents. Distinct environmental factors influence their dietary habits, with the school food environment being a major contributor, as students spend a considerable amount of time in schools. This study aims to determine the relationship between public secondary school students’ perceptions of their school food environment and their dietary practices. Methods: This study involved a sample size of 118 students attending public secondary schools in Malaysia. Data were collected via online platforms using a validated and pre-tested school food environment questionnaire and were analysed using IBM SPSS 26. Results: The students exhibited a moderate level of perception (mean = 0.50 ± 0.02) and practice (mean = 2.73 ± 0.04) regarding the school food environment. Significant differences were observed between students’ perceptions of the school food environment and variables such as ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) (p = 0.001), father’s educational status (p = 0.019), mother’s educational background (p = 0.038), and father’s employment status (p = 0.014). A significant, positive, and moderate relationship was found between students’ perception and practice of a healthy diet in the school environment (r = 0.246, p = 0.007). After adjusting for confounding variables, the relationship between students’ perception and practice of a healthy diet in the school environment remained significant (r = 0.246, p <0.05). Conclusion: Developing a healthy school food environment is essential for enhancing students' perceptions and improving their dietary practices within the school canteen.

Antibiotics Resistance in Sul1 Gene of Escherichia coli: Physiological and Molecular Study

2025-11-14T09:07:20+00:00

Background: Antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli is a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources. The sul1 gene, commonly associated with mobile genetic elements, encodes sulfonamide resistance and is prevalent in multidrug-resistant E. coli strains linked to diarrheal diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and molecular characteristics of the sul1 gene in E. coli strains isolated from patients with diarrhea and to investigate its association with multidrug resistance patterns. Methods: A total of 60 fecal samples were collected from diarrheal cases in a clinical setting. E. coli strains were isolated and identified through standard microbiological techniques, including selective media culture, Gram staining, colony morphology observation, and API 20E biochemical testing. Genomic DNA was extracted, and PCR amplification of the sul1 gene was performed. Amplified products were analyzed through agarose gel electrophoresis, sequenced, and aligned with reference sequences. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to examine genetic relationships among isolates. Results: the sul1 gene was detected in a significant proportion of the E. coli isolates, with an 822 bp amplicon verified by sequencing and BLAST analysis. High sequence similarity (~99%) was observed between the local isolates and reference sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close clustering of the isolates within the E. coli clade, indicating genetic homogeneity among local strains. Notable nucleotide substitutions were identified, though they did not result in amino acid changes, suggesting silent mutations. Conclusions: The high prevalence of the sul1 gene in E. coli isolates from diarrheal cases emphasizes the role of mobile genetic elements in spreading sulfonamide resistance. Recommendation: Regular genetic screening for resistance genes, rational antibiotic use, infection control, and research on alternative treatments for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are needed.