Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Dyeing Potential of Crude Pigment Extract of Gonatophragmium triuniae and Its Chemical Characterization

Filamentous fungi synthesize natural products as an ecological function. In this study, an interesting indigenous fungus producing orange pigment exogenously was investigated in detail as it possesses additional attributes along with colouring properties. An interesting fungus was isolated from a dicot plant, Maytenus rothiana. After a detailed study, the fungal isolate turned out to be a species of Gonatophragmium belonging to the family Acrospermaceae. Based on the morphological, cultural, and sequence-based phylogenetic analysis, the identity of this fungus was confirmed as Gonatophragmium triuniae. Although this fungus grows moderately, it produces good amounts of pigment on an agar medium. The fermented crude extract isolated from G. triuniae has shown antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.99 mg/mL and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (with MIC of 3.91 μg/mL against Bacillus subtilis, and 15.6 μg/mL and 31.25 μg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, respectively). Dyeing of cotton fabric mordanted with FeSO4 using crude pigment was found to be satisfactory based on visual observation, suggesting its possible use in the textile industry. The orange pigment was purified from the crude extract by preparative HP-TLC. In addition, UV-Vis, FTIR, HRMS and NMR (1H NMR, 13C NMR), COSY, and DEPT analyses revealed the orange pigment to be “1,2-dimethoxy-3H-phenoxazin-3-one” (C14H11NO4, m/z 257). To our understanding, the present study is the first comprehensive report on Gonatophragmium triuniae as a potential pigment producer, reporting “1,2-dimethoxy-3H-phenoxazin-3-one” as the main pigment from the crude hexane extract. Moreover, this is the first study reporting antioxidant, antibacterial, and dyeing potential of crude extract of G. triuniae, suggesting possible potential applications of pigments and other bioactive secondary metabolites of the G. triuniae in textile and pharmaceutical industry.

Characterization of the Gene Encoding S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) Synthetase in Penicillium chrysogenum; Role in Secondary Metabolism and Penicillin Production

The filamentous fungus Penicillium chrysogenum (recently reidentified as Penicillium rubens) is used in the industrial production of the b-lactam antibiotic penicillin. There are several mechanisms regulating the production of this antibiotic, acting both at the genetic and epigenetic levels, the latter including the modification of chromatin by methyltransferases. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is the main donor of methyl groups for methyltransferases. In addition, it also acts as a donor of aminopropyl groups during the biosynthesis of polyamines. AdoMet is synthesized from L-methionine and ATP by AdoMet-synthetase. In silico analysis of the P. chrysogenum genome revealed the presence of a single gene (Pc16g04380) encoding a putative protein with high similarity to well-known AdoMet-synthetases. Due to the essential nature of this gene, functional analysis was carried out using RNAi-mediated silencing techniques. Knock-down transformants exhibited a decrease in AdoMet, S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (AdoHcy), spermidine and benzylpenicillin levels, whereas they accumulated a yellow-orange pigment in submerged cultures. On the other hand, overexpression led to reduced levels of benzylpenicillin, thereby suggesting that the AdoMet synthetase, in addition to participate in primary metabolism, also controls secondary metabolism in P. chrysogenum.

Chemical Profiling, Bioactivity Evaluation and the Discovery of a Novel Biopigment Produced by Penicillium purpurogenum CBS 113139

Biobased pigments are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic variants with an increased market demand. Production of pigments via fermentation is a promising process, yet optimization of the production yield and rate is crucial. Herein, we evaluated the potential of Penicillium purpurogenum to produce biobased pigments. Optimum sugar concentration was 30 g/L and optimum C:N ratio was 36:1 resulting in the production of 4.1–4.5 AU (namely Pigment Complex A). Supplementation with ammonium nitrate resulted in the production of 4.1–4.9 AU (namely Pigment Complex B). Pigments showed excellent pH stability. The major biopigments in Pigment Complex A were N-threonyl-rubropunctamin or the acid form of PP-R (red pigment), N-GABA-PP-V (violet pigment), PP-O (orange pigment) and monascorubrin. In Pigment Complex B, a novel biopigment annotated as N-GLA-PP-V was identified. Its basic structure contains a polyketide azaphilone with the same carboxyl-monascorubramine base structure as PP-V (violet pigment) and γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA). The pigments were not cytotoxic up to 250 μg/mL.

A Prediction Model to Discriminate Small Choroidal Melanoma from Choroidal Nevus

Objective: To develop a validated machine learning model to diagnose small choroidal melanoma. Design: Cohort study Subjects, Participants, and/or Controls: The training data included 123 patients diagnosed as small choroidal melanocytic tumor (5.0-16.0 mm in largest basal diameter and 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm in height; Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study criteria). Those diagnosed as melanoma (n=61) had either documented growth or pathologic confirmation. 62 patients with stable lesions classified as choroidal nevus, were used as negative controls. The external validation data set included 240 patients managed at a different tertiary clinic, also with small choroidal melanocytic tumor, observed for malignant growth. Methods: In the training data, lasso logistic regression was used to select variables for inclusion in the final model for the association with melanoma versus choroidal nevus. Internal and external validation were performed to assess model performance. Main Outcome Measures: Predicted probability of small choroidal melanoma Results: Distance to optic disc ≥3mm and drusen were associated with decreased odds of melanoma whereas male versus female sex, increased height, subretinal fluid, and orange pigment were associated with increased odds of choroidal melanoma. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) “discrimination value” for this model was 0.880. The top four variables that were most frequently selected for inclusion in the model on internal validation, implying their importance as predictors of melanoma, were subretinal fluid, height, distance to optic disc, and orange pigment. When tested against the validation data, the prediction model could distinguish between choroidal nevus and melanoma with high discrimination of 0.861. The final prediction model was converted into an online calculator to generate predicted probability of melanoma. Conclusions: To minimize diagnostic uncertainty, a machine learning based diagnostic prediction calculator can be readily applied for decision making and counselling patients with small choroidal melanoma.

Four new species of troglomorphic Coecobrya Yosii, 1956 (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence, with an updated key of Thai troglomorphic species

Four new species of troglomorphic Coecobrya Yosii, 1956 are described from caves located in the central and northeastern regions of Thailand. Coecobrya whittenisp. nov. and C. troglobiasp. nov. are from Khon Kaen province, C. ellisisp. nov. is from Phetchabun province and C. phitsanulokensissp. nov. is from Phitsanulok province. They all exhibit remarkable troglobitic characters i.e. elongated antennae, legs and furca, slender claw complex and large body size. Coecobrya whittenisp. nov. is similar to C. troglobiasp. nov. and they were found a distance of only 3.4 km from each other. However, they are mainly different in the number of An mac on dorsal head and number of chaetae of Th. II. Likewise, C. ellisisp. nov. is similar to C. phitsanulokensissp. nov.. However, they differ in the number of An mac on the dorsal head, the number of central mac on Abd. II, central mac on Abd. IV, lateral mac on Abd. IV and the number of inner teeth of the claw. Moreover, C. ellisisp. nov. has orange pigment dots on the body, a unique character, considering that all other troglomorphic Coecobrya species in Thailand are devoid of pigmentation. The results of the molecular approach based on two partial mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rDNA) and a nuclear gene fragment (28S rDNA) supported the results of morphological species discrimination in separating the four nominal populations as valid species. An updated dichotomous key of Thai troglomorphic Coecobrya species is also given.

Penetapan Kadar β-karoten dalam Buah Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) Berdasarkan Ketinggian Tempat Tumbuhnya dengan Metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

The quality of secondary metabolites in plants is determined by the altitude where they grow, in tomato plants secondary metabolites that have the potential as antioxidant activity are caused by β-carotene. β-carotene is a red-orange pigment that is very abundant in plants and fruits. β-carotene is an organic compound and is classified as a terpenoid, β-carotene is also one of the antioxidants that can prevent disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of β-carotene in tomatoes based on the altitude where they grew. The sample used in this study was Tomato Fruit (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) which was taken at an altitude of ±1206, ±845, ±548 and ±76 masl. Qualitative testing using Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), the mobile phases used are chloroform and ethyl acetate (7:3), the Rf values of the samples and comparisons are not much different. Quantitative testing using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry method at a wavelength of 461 nm. The results showed that the four positive samples contained β-carotene. The levels of β-carotene in the samples studied were sample A (±1206 masl) as much as 5.642 mg/100 gr, sample B (±845 masl) as much as 7.986 mg/100 gr, sample C (±548 masl) as much as 11.128 mg/100 gr and sample D (±76 masl) as much as 3.792 mg/100 gr. From this study, it was found that the highest β-carotene content was found in sample C (±548 masl) and the lowest β-carotene level was found in sample D (±76 masl). Environmental factors such as light, temperature, pH, altitude, and temperature greatly affect the content of β-carotene.Keywords: Determination of rates; β-carotene; tomatoes; UV-Vis spectrophotometry AbstrakKualitas metabolit sekunder dalam tumbuhan salah satunya ditentukan oleh ketinggian tempat tumbuhnya, dalam tanaman tomat metabolit sekunder yang berpotensi sebagai aktivitas antioksidan salah satunya disebabkan oleh β-karoten. β-karoten adalah pigmen berwarna merah-orange yang sangat berlimpah pada tanaman dan buah-buahan. β-karoten merupakan senyawa organik dan diklasifikasikan sebagai suatu terpenoid, β-karoten juga merupakan salah satu antioksidan yang dapat mencegah penyakit. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kadar β-karoten dalam buah tomat berdasarkan ketinggian tempat tumbuhnya. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Buah Tomat (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) yang diambil pada ketinggian ±1206, ±845, ±548 dan ±76 mdpl. Pengujian secara kualitatif menggunakan metode Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) dan Kromatografi Lapis Tipis (KLT), fase gerak yang digunakan yaitu berupa kloroform dan etil asetat (7:3) diperoleh nilai Rf sampel dan pembanding yang tidak jauh berbeda. Pengujian secara kuantitatif menggunakan metode Spektrofotometri UV-Vis pada panjang gelombang 461 nm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari keempat sampel positif mengandung β-karoten. Kadar β-karoten dalam sampel yang diteliti yaitu sampel A (±1206 mdpl) sebanyak 5,642 mg/100 gr, sampel B (±845 mdpl) sebanyak 7,986 mg/100 gr, sampel C (±548 mdpl) sebanyak 11,128 mg/100 gr dan sampel D (±76 mdpl) sebanyak 3,792 mg/100 gr. Dari penelitian ini diketahui bahwa kadar β-karoten tertinggi terdapat pada sampel C (±548 mdpl) dan kadar β-karoten terendah terdapat pada sampel D (±76 mdpl). Faktor lingkungan seperti cahaya, suhu, pH, ketinggian tempat, dan temperature sangat berpengaruh terhadap kandungan β-karoten.Kata kunci: Penetapan kadar; β-karoten; buah tomat; spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Novel Orange Color Pigments Based on La3LiMnO7

La3LiMn1−xTixO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05) samples were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method, and a single-phase form was observed for the samples in the range of x ≤ 0.03. Crystal structure, optical properties, and color of the La3LiMn1−xTixO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03) samples were characterized. Strong optical absorption was observed at a wavelength between 400 and 550 nm, and a shoulder absorption peak also appeared around 690 nm in all samples; orange colors were also exhibited. Among the samples synthesized, the most brilliant orange color was obtained at La3LiMn0.97Ti0.03O7. The redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values of this pigment were higher than those of the commercially available orange pigments. Therefore, the orange color of this pigment is brighter than those of the commercial products. Since the La3LiMn0.97Ti0.03O pigment is composed of non-toxic elements, it could be a new environmentally friendly inorganic orange pigment.

Small Choroidal Melanoma: Correlation of Growth Rate with Pathology

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The aim of the study was to evaluate equivalence of growth rate and pathologic confirmation in small choroidal melanoma (SCM). <b><i>Design:</i></b> This study is a case series. <b><i>Subjects, Participants, and Controls:</i></b> A total of 61 patients with a choroidal melanocytic tumor of size 5.0–16.0 mm in the largest basal diameter and 1.0–2.5 mm in thickness were classified into the pathology-confirmed group (<i>n</i> = 19), growth-confirmed group (<i>n</i> = 30), and with combined observations (<i>n</i> = 12). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Distribution of clinical variables (age, gender, laterality, tumor dimensions, tumor location, and presence of orange pigment, subretinal fluid, drusen, and retinal pigment epithelial [RPE] atrophy) between the groups was analyzed. Patient and disease characteristics were summarized as the median and interquartile range for continuous variables and the frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and either Fisher’s exact test or the χ² test for categorical variables with a <i>p</i> value threshold of 0.05 for statistical significance. Growth rate (change in basal dimension/12 months) diagnostic of SCM was quantified. <b><i>Main Outcome Measures:</i></b> The primary aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that “growth” was diagnostic of SCM with the secondary aim of quantifying the malignant “growth rate” (growth rate of SCM). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The clinical characteristics among all 3 groups were similar except more patients with symptoms (68 vs. 20 vs. 42%, <i>p</i> = 0.004) and juxtapapillary location (<i>p</i> = 0.03) were in the pathology group than in the growth-confirmed group. Those in the combined and growth-confirmed groups had more patients with drusen (11 vs. 60 vs. 50%, <i>p</i> = 0.003) and RPE atrophy (11 vs. 23 vs. 67%, <i>p</i> = 0.003), respectively, than in the pathology group. The median time to detect growth was 9 months (range 3–26 months). The mean growth rate in basal dimension was 1.8 mm/12 months (range, 0.0–7.4 mm; [95% CI: 1.32–2.28]). <b><i>Conclusions and Relevance:</i></b> Choroidal melanocytic lesions exhibiting a defined growth rate can be clinically diagnosed as SCM without a need for biopsy.

ANALISIS KADAR BETA KAROTEN DAN VITAMIN C BUAH JUWET (Syzigium cumini ) secara SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VIS

Beta-carotene (?-Carotene) is an organic compound and is classified as a terpenoid. ?-Carotene is a red-orange pigment that is very abundant in plants and fruits. Beta-carotene is thought to have many functions that other compounds do not have (Subawati, 2009). The aim of this study was to determine ?-carotene levels in juwet fruit (Syzygium Cumini) by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Juwet fruit samples (Syzygium Cumini) were extracted with acetone as a solvent. The extract obtained was extracted again with petroleum ether solvent, then saponified with 15% KOH solvent in methanol. The extract was liberated with distilled water. The extract obtained was dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The extract obtained was analyzed qualitatively using Thin Layer Chromatography, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 332.1539 nm. The average level of ?-carotene in juwet fruit was 1.25 mg. Analysis of Vitamin C levels was carried out at a wavelength of 265.3 nm, the average level of Vitamin C in juwet fruit was 1.473