Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Infertility, a condition in reproductive health, refers to the inability to achieve conception after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. This study builds on previous research involving a patented food supplement containing <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. bloodshell powder. The goal is to enhance the quality of blood shell capsules from AnadaraMAN by fortifying them with <i>Spirulina platensis</i>, a highly nutritious microalga. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Thirty male mice, weighing 20-30 g and aged 8-11 weeks, were divided into 6 treatment groups using the CRD method. The fortification process involved dissolving <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. and <i>Spirulina platensis</i> in a 0.5% Na-CMC solvent according to specific doses, administered orally to the mice twice daily for 21 days. Spermatozoa samples were collected from the cauda epididymis of euthanized mice. Sperm morphology was observed using 1% eosin dye under a 400x microscope, while motility was assessed in a 0.9% physiological NaCl suspension. Quantitative data was then analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test for normally distributed data and continued with the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. <b>Results:</b> Findings revealed a safe daily dose for mice is 4.16 mg/20 g of <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. blood shell and 2.6 mg/20 g of <i>Spirulina platensis</i> microalgae. Fortifying significantly increased viscosity in treatment groups Q (50% <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. with 50% <i>Spirulina platensis</i>) and T (100% <i>Anadara granosa</i> L.), as shown by a Kruskal Wallis test with a p-value of 0.002 which is less than the threshold of 0.05. Furthermore, mice spermatozoa displayed normal coloration during examination, suggesting no adverse effects from the supplementation. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study suggests thepotential benefits of combining <i>Anadara granosa</i> L. and <i>Spirulina platensis</i> to enhance reproductive health, highlighting the need for further research.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Ga-Nkidikitlana is a village in the Northern part of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, at Waterberg. The area is renowned for its dry deciduous forest and bushveld ecosystem. The study's objective was to evaluate the influence of natural and human activities on drinking water quality in Ga-Nkidikitlana Village. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In 2023, thirty water samples were collected from three sources: Rivers, boreholes and reservoirs. All samples were transported to the water quality laboratory for analysis, where standard APHA methods were utilized. The water parameters, such as pH, EC, TDS, TH, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn and V were measured. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to show the correlation between the factors and locations. <b>Results:</b> The study found that the cations and anions in the water followed a trend of Na⁺>Mg⁺²>Ca⁺²>K⁺>Fe⁺². The PCA results showed that the river samples differed from the others. However, the water samples from Ga-Nkidikitlana Village were grouped into three components, with the borehole and reservoir samples showing a correlation with sodium, magnesium and calcium. The study also revealed that pH had a negative correlation with the water's total hardness, while electrical conductivity (EC) had a positive correlation with the total hardness of water samples. Total coliform was detected in all water samples, with the highest levels found in boreholes. However, only low levels of <i>Escherichia coli</i> were detected in all samples. <b>Conclusion:</b> The microbial contamination levels in the water samples are safe for soil irrigation, but they should be monitored for drinking purposes. Also, the salinity levels in the water samples were higher than average, indicating caution should be taken when using the water for any purpose.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Strawberry (<i>Fragaria</i> spp.) is known for producing fruit with high economic value and significant nutritional content. Recently, the growing diversity of cultivated strawberries in Indonesia has made it challenging to distinguish the original characteristics of early ancestors and identify superior traits. The DNA barcoding, mainly through the chloroplast gene <i>rbc</i>L, offers a precise and detailed method for this identification. This research aims to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree, analyze genetic variation and determine the haplotype distribution of six strawberry cultivars from Java, particularly Yogyakarta and Central Java, based on the <i>rbc</i>L gene. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The <i>rbc</i>L gene was amplified using DNA amplification techniques with <i>rbc</i>L-F and <i>rbc</i>L-R primers. The resulting data were analyzed to construct a phylogenetic tree using ML via IQtree software and BI using MrBayes software. The alignment results were used to determine genetic distances and identify polymorphic sites. This study assessed intraspecific genetic variation by examining h, identifying polymorphic sites, generating a haplotype network using PopART v1.7 and conducting PCoA with GenAIEx 6.503. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that the <i>rbc</i>L gene was successfully amplified with a length of 1,221 bp after alignment with the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis using ML revealed that the six cultivars formed a single clade with a bootstrap value of 97. BI similarly indicated the formation of one clade with a posterior probability value of 1. Haplotype analysis showed that the cultivars 'Californica', 'Knia', 'Mencir', 'Moha' and 'Geolhyang' belonged to the same haplotype group, while the 'Bali×Jumbo' cultivar was placed in a different group. <b>Conclusion:</b> Haplotype network analysis and PCoA further indicated that the genetic variation of Indonesian strawberries, as assessed through the <i>rbc</i>L gene, is similar to strawberries from the United States and China.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> It is well documented that Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) has recently used to explore new resistance patterns and track the dissemination of extensive and pan drug-resistant microbes in healthcare settings. This article explores the link between traumatic infections caused by road traffic accidents (RTAs) leading to coma and the development of chest infections caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was carried out from March to December 2022 which included a 45-year-old male patient admitted to the ICU of Al Ramadi Teaching Hospitals following a severe RTA that resulted in a TBI and subsequent coma. Two study isolates were diagnosed bacteriologically using the VITEK^®-2 technique including resistant mechanisms like extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Whole genome sequencing was performed using a DNA nanoball sequencing platform from BGI-Tech. Genome assembly and annotation were done using the bacterial bioinformatics resource center. The report on Comprehensive Genome Analysis includes a phylogenetic analysis using the reference and representative genomes provided by PATRIC. <b>Results:</b> <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolates were XDR, producing ESBLs and carbapenemases. The WGS detection NDM-5 gene in the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> strain is not very common compared to the NDM-1 and blaOXA-181 g. At the same time, a file in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> isolate found genes GES-type ESBL (not reported in Iraq before), blaPAO and blaOXA-396 with NDM-1 all these genes are carbapenemases. In phylogenetic analysis, the <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolate has an evolutionary relationship with strains originating from China while <i>P. aeruginosa</i> was globally unique. <b>Conclusion:</b> The XDR <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i> pose a public health threat. The WGS revealed unique virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes associated with nosocomial outbreaks. The XDR isolates carrying NDM-5, blaOXA-181 and GES-type ESBL genes were detected.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> In jojoba plants, the sex is usually difficult to identify, especially before flowering and during the very early stages of development. This stage is expected to facilitate breeding programs and adopt an invention and approach to isolate the GPAT gene identified between males and females: The study aimed at early diagnosis of sex in jojoba by sequence characterized by GPAT gene of sex-determining by simplex PCR. To prove the existence of the GPAT gene in male jojoba plants which may be the sex determination and identification in all plant systems. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Initially, different primers were selected for the sex determination of jojoba samples using PCR-based amplification. The primers that can produce distinct DNA bands in males, not in females were selected for further experiments. The amplification of a male-specific GPAT marker situated in the sex determination region was amplified using specific primers. The newly designed GPAT primers flank region. <b>Results:</b> For the first time, separation and identified of the GPAT gene sequence of jojoba was done. The novel method represents a breakthrough in the sex determination of jojoba to identify sex at early developmental stages. This work provides a potentially useful diagnostic for determining sex in jojoba species. In this report, a breakthrough in the methodology for determining the sex of jojoba has been made. The amplified regions of the GPAT gene closely matched with sequences of GPAT in papaya and humans. <b>Conclusion:</b> The authors make an interesting finding by targeting the sequences in the GPAT gene and the final conclusion that PCR as a simple, rapid and reliable technique can complement and confirm sex by using specific primers pair according to our invention.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Peatlands are unique ecosystems rich in microbial diversity, including bacteria with potential antibiotic activity. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from Indonesian peat soil, particularly their potential to produce antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Bacterial isolates were rejuvenated on nutrient agar and subjected to antimicrobial activity testing using the Bauer & Kirby diffusion method against MRSA. The bacterial strain exhibiting the strongest activity was further analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing for genetic identification. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using NCBI BLAST, followed by a statistical comparison of inhibition zones to assess antimicrobial efficacy. <b>Results:</b> Antimicrobial activity testing revealed that isolate 10 PS exhibited a larger inhibition zone against MRSA than the positive control, Ampicillin, indicating its strong antibiotic potential. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the isolate belonged to the <i>Lysinibacillus</i> genus, though significant branch divergence suggested it may represent a novel species. This isolate's lack of endospore production, typically characteristic of the genus, alongside its isolation from the unique Indonesian peatland ecosystem, suggests potential microbial adaptations to environmental pressures. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings highlight the potential of peat soil bacteria as a valuable source of novel antibiotics, particularly against MDR pathogens like MRSA. The proposed new species, isolate 10 PS (cataloged as SUB14736623), expands taxonomic knowledge of <i>Lysinibacillus</i> and holds promise for developing natural antibiotic treatments.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Micromelum falcatum</i>, a therapeutic plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, has been predominantly utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its efficacy against ailments such as colds and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This research aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of <i>M. falcatum</i> extracts against four human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Extracts were obtained from dried <i>M. falcatum</i> leaves using solvents including methanol, ethanol, ethyl-acetate, dichloromethane and hexane. The antibacterial activity was assessed against three antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, namely <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> and multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (MDR-K), as well as the reference strain <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 2370. The agar disc diffusion assay served as the primary screening method for antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined using a microbroth dilution and colorimetric assay. The results were analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), which was used to determine significant mean differences at the 95% confidence level. <b>Results:</b> The hexane extracts demonstrated the most substantial inhibition zone diameter, measuring 10 mm, against <i>A. baumannii</i>, <i>S. maltophilia</i> and P. aeruginose TISTR 2370. The most minimal MIC (3.125 mg/mL) and MBC (6.25 mg/mL) values were observed in the methanolic and ethanolic extracts against <i>A. baumannii</i>, <i>S. maltophilia</i> and MDR-K, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> This constitutes the inaugural documentation of the antibacterial efficacy of <i>M. falcatum</i> extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings from this study present promising prospects for the creation of innovative antibiotic medications and suggest potential therapeutic uses in the management of diseases associated with the bacteria tested.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Diaphorina citri</i>, also called the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is a vector for huanglongbing (HLB) disease. It has been identified as a significant problem for citrus farmers worldwide. However, no systematic monitoring programs specifically target ACP populations in the tropics, such as Indonesia. This study tests the efficiency of yellow sticky traps with acid-based attractants, such as acetic (AA), formic (FA) and propionic (PA) acids. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The concentration of each acid was 1 μL acetic acid (AA), 0.25 μL formic acid (FA) and 0.1 μL propionic acid (PA). The study was conducted in three different controlled conditions: Semi-field and open field, with low and high population scenarios. The data obtained were subjected to analysis using a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a confidence level of 95% and differences were analyzed using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test. <b>Results:</b> In the under-controlled setting, AA was the most effective, with 13 adult ACP captures, which is 4.3 times more than the control (3.00). In the semi-field condition, PA had the best result of 3.8, which is 1.4 times higher than the control (2.6). In the low population scenario of the open field condition, AS had the highest ACP catch of 4.1, which is 17.1 times higher than the control (2.33). On the other hand, the high-population AA condition had the highest result of 13.71 or 4.1 times higher than the control (3.29). <b>Conclusion:</b> The utilization of acid attractants, whether AA, FA or PA, is effective in increasing the catch of adult ACP under tropical conditions. However, the performance of the three types of acids was not stable in the three series of studies that were conducted.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Indonesia highlights the urgent need for effective, natural therapeutic options. This study evaluates the antidiabetic potential of <i>Orthosiphon aristatus </i>(Blume) Miq. (cat's whiskers) by analyzing the effects of harvest age, extraction method and solvent polarity on its ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes-key targets in diabetes management. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Tissue-cultured <i>O. aristatus</i> plants harvested at 6 and 9 months were subjected to three extraction methods: Ultrasonic-assisted, maceration and infusion, using solvents of varying polarity (water, 30 and 70% ethanol). Extract yields and inhibitory activities were assessed and IC values were determined using standard <i>in vitro</i> enzyme inhibition assays. Data were analyzed statistically to compare extraction efficiency and biological activity. <b>Results:</b> Ultrasonic extraction with 30% ethanol from 9-month-old plants produced the most effective extract, yielding 10% extract with strong inhibitory activity: IC values of 64.35 ppm (α-amylase) and 64.68 ppm (α-glucosidase). Both harvest age and extraction parameters significantly influenced extract potency. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study demonstrates that harvest age and extraction strategy critically affect the antidiabetic efficacy of <i>O. aristatus</i> extracts. These findings support its potential as a complementary therapy in diabetes management and provide direction for optimized extraction protocols in future pharmacological applications.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The cat's whiskers purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.) is a plant with pharmacological activity as an antihypertensive and antioxidant. This research aims to facilitate the development of herbal medicines derived from the leaves of the cat's whiskers purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.) by processing dry materials, namely thick extracts, into dry extracts to facilitate the process of compounding and formulating pharmaceutical preparations and to determine the effect of drying agents on Flavonoid levels from the leaves of the cat's whisker purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The drying materials used are lactose and SAS (Synthetic Amorphous Silica). The best moisture content is then sought through comparison between the drying agent and the thick extract. The best moisture content for the lactose drying agent's ratio is (1:2) between the thick extract and the drying agent and for the SAS drying agent's ratio, it is (1:1.5) between the thick extract and the drying agent. <b>Results:</b> The TLC profile of the dry extract of lactose and SAS showed an Rf value of 0.6 with bright blue fluorescence for flavonoids. Determination of flavonoid levels using the method. The flavonoid content of lactose dry extract was 3.108±0.04 mg QE/g extract and for SAS dry extract, 5.382±0.07 mg QE/g extract. Higher levels of flavonoids were found in the SAS dry extract. The results of the statistical analysis of the Independent-Samples t-test showed that the levels of flavonoids in lactose and SAS dry extracts had significant differences. <b>Conclusion:</b> The superior flavonoid levels observed in SAS dry extracts highlight the importance of selecting appropriate drying methods in the preparation of herbal medicines. Future research should continue to explore the pharmacological applications of these extracts, as well as the optimisation of extraction and drying processes to maximise their therapeutic efficacy.