Hylocereus polyrhizus effect on catalase and malondialdehyde in rats with oxidative stress

The excessive production of free radicals causes oxidative damage and degenerative diseases. Whereas, catalase is a macromolecule with a specific activity, but Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a small molecule with no activity. The peels of red dragon fruit (H. polyrhizus) are potential to be natural exogenous antioxidants. This research aimed to determine the effects of methanol fraction from H. polyrhizus peels on catalase activity and MDA level. The peel was macerated using chloroform and fractionated using methanol. The stress condition was done through five-day fasting and ten-minute swimming per day. The activity of catalase and MDA was measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Thirty five rats were divided into 7 groups: normal, negative, dose I (5 mg/200gBW), dose II (10 mg/200gBW), dose III (20 mg/200gBW), positive control (quercetin) (4 mg/200gBW) and vitamin E (17.64 mg/kg). The activity of catalase in the normal, negative, vitamin E, and quercetin, dose I, II, and II respectively were: 28.37; 7.8; 24.85; 34.33; 59.92; 28.18; and 70.85 Unit/mL. The average MDA level in the groups respectively were: 0.042; 0.051; 0.034; 0.042; 0.037; 0.033; 0.030 μg/mL. The result of One Way ANOVA test showed that the catalase activity in dose III was significantly different than normal group; the MDA levels in all groups were significantly different than normal group. This research revealed that methanol fraction from H. polyrhizus peels is a potent antioxidant for its capacity to increase the activity of catalase and reduce the MDA level in rats with oxidative stress.

Study of Medicinal Plants in the Geothermal Area of Mount Seulawah Agam, Aceh Besar District, Indonesia

The area of mount Seulawah Agam is an area of active volcano paths that impact the appearance of volcanic symptoms, that will affect the species of plants that grow in the area. This study aims to determine the potential of medicinal plant species and their diversity in the geothermal area of Seulawah Agam, Aceh Besar district. The data collection was carried out using multiple square plots placed using stratified sampling based on the soil temperature zone at a predetermined. Each area is set on four impartial actions in systematic random. The name of the species and its individual quantity of each potential plant was documented and analyzed accordingly. Then, they were analyzed based on scientific journals and identification books for medicinal plants. Data analysis was performed using importance value index and Diversity Index. The study found there were 32 species of 21 families of medicinal plants were identified started from the growth rates of seedlings, saplings, poles, and trees. The medicinal plants' diversity index analysis at each growth rate is classified into the medium category. Based on literature studies, plants' parts are commonly used as medicines such as leaves roots, sap, bark, and flowers. Utilization can be used to treat a variety of diseases and illnesses, as well as a parasitic infection. The result shows that the geothermal area of Seulawah Agam in Aceh Besar district has excellent resources and potential for medicinal plants that become used for the benefit of the surrounding community: they need to be maintained so that they still be beneficial for future generations.

Optical pH sensor based on polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) pectin-chitosan/methanol anthocyanin extract of Catharanthus roseus for a new optical urea biosensor development

Construction of optical pH sensor as a new platform optical urea biosensor based on polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) pectin-chitosan membrane and total phenolic (anthocyanin) of Tapak Dara flower (Catharanthus roseus) has been successfully carried out. The anthocyanin was extracted by a maceration method for 72 hours using methanol, and a total extract yield was 21.56% or 1.803 mg/L. Flavonoid and phenol tests showed positive results indicated by the formation of red and black colours. The anthocyanins showed maximum absorption at 578 nm for phosphate buffer and 575 nm for tris HCl buffer solution. The sensor fabrication was performed using a mixture of pectin and chitosan solutions with a ratio of 3:7. The anthocyanin was mixed into the solution with various concentrations. The sensor has an optimum sensitivity at the anthocyanin concentration of 0.05 mg/L (phosphate buffer) in the pH range of 7.0-9.5 and 0.025 mg/L (Tris HCl buffer) with a narrower pH range of 6.0-7.5. This sensor produced higher sensitivity, a wider linear range, and good linearity when it was exposed in 0.03M PBS. Reproducibility test with a relative standard deviation percentage (% RSD) was 9.20. The sensor showed a stable response after 5 minutes exposed to PBS solution, and it can be used to measure pH within the 20th day. The optimized optical pH sensor has been successfully developed as a urea optical biosensor by immobilizing urease on its surface. The biosensor showed a linear response in a series of 10-1-10-10 M urea concentrations and has good linearity.

Microclimate-based mortality analysis of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens plant collection

Despite the routinely conducted treatment and maintenance of garden plant collection, the monthly mortality figures of the Cibodas Botanic Gardens (CBG) plant collections remain significant. It is presumed that the microclimate has a crucial influence on plant survivorship in the field. This study aimed to analyze the effect of microclimate conditions on the mortality rate of the CBG plant collection. The study was conducted by correlating the number of mortal plants with CBG monthly microclimatic conditions from 2017 to 2018. The analyzed microclimate parameters were temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, wind velocity, and solar radiation. The multiple regression modeling, t-test, and Pearson correlation test (r) were utilized to measure the level of significance of the correlation (α = 0.05). The findings were shown that the maximum wind velocity was the primary unit correlated to the number of mortality. The correlation was strong positive (r = 68.8%), and significant (p-value α). We suggested anticipating the disadvantages influences of strong wind supported by other extreme microclimate units, such as heavy rain. These events frequently caused high damage to the tree and other plant collections. These are expected to be taken into a consideration by the CBG operator and management in order to forecast and mitigate the risks of future plant collection losses.

A modest method of synthesis Cu- based metal-organic frameworks using benzene dicarbocxylate as a ligan for promising candidate of flue gas CO2 adsorption

Metal organic framework (MOF) is one of extraordinary materials in many technical field applications. One of them is as CO2 gas adsorbent. We studied, synthesized, and characterized Copper-based material, known as Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), using a solvothermal-based modification method. Copper salt (Cu (NO3)2. 3H2O) and benzene dicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) were mixed and then heated in an oven at 120°C, to produce low impurities, small pore and uniform particle size of materials called CuBDC. Infrared spectroscopy and XRD data confirmed the formation of CuBDC. Furthermore, the result showed that CuBDC frameworks have good thermal stability up to 330°C. Thereafter SEM picture showed random, layered, and asymmetrical corners structure which is typical of triclinic crystal system. Lastly, specific surface areas and the porosity were analyzed using The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. It recorded 485 m2.g-1 of surface area while average pore volume and average pore size are 0.16 cm3.g-1 and 5.9 Å respectively. @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536869121 1107305727 33554432 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-language:IN; mso-fareast-language:IN;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

Identification of amylase activity from vannamei shrimps’ (Litopenaeus vannamei) digestive tract using size exclusion chromatography method

Vannamei shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei), also known as white leg shrimps are widely cultivated and consumed by many people. However, most consumers have removed the shrimp’s head which integrates with its digestive tract. The digestive tract of white leg shrimp contains digestive enzymes, including amylase. This study aimed to determine the protein content and amylase activity from Vannamei shrimps’ digestive tract using the size exclusion chromatography method. The protein isolation of size exclusion chromatography was prepared in three steps, namely; centrifugation, precipitation, and dialysis. The protein from the dialysis step was purified by using gel filtration chromatography. Each obtained fraction was determined the protein content and amylase activity by using spectrophotometer UV-Vis method. The results showed that the fraction of 108th had the highest protein content and amylase activity with a value of 0.85 mg/ml and 25.66U/ml respectively. @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536869121 1107305727 33554432 0 415 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-language:IN; mso-fareast-language:IN;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

Preferences of fruit-feeding butterfly on bait trap in Soraya Research Station, Leuser Ecosystem, Aceh, Indonesia

Butterflies are insects that live cosmopolitan. Some butterflies in tropical forests look for food sources from sucking the juice of ripe fruits that have fallen on the forest floor. Fruit-feeding butterflies can adapt in finding food sources, selecting and sucking food effectively. Fruit contains varying concentrations of sugar and nitrogen. The existence of fruit-feeding butterflies in tropical rain forests is influenced by the availability and quality of food sources as well as other supporting factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity. The purpose of this study was to identify fruit-feeding butterflies and their preferences for banana and pineapple baits in the Soraya Research Station Area, Leuser Ecosystem, Aceh, Indonesia from September to November 2020. Six forest trail locations were selected as trap locations. A total of 360 cylindrical gauze baited traps (80 cm high and 35 cm diameter) were installed on six trails/line transects. Baited traps were set at three different heights, that is at the understorey level (± 0-2 m), midstorey level (± 5-6 m), and overstorey level (± 10-11 m) with a distance of ± 5-10 m. The distance between location points is ± 250 m. The fruit baits used in this trap were ripe bananas and pineapples. The results obtained were 37 species with 176 individuals trapped on banana bait and 50 species with 183 individuals on pineapple bait. However, the results of the t-test using the Man-Whitney test showed no significant difference between the banana and pineapple bait used.

Evaluation of wound healing potential of a sea cucumber (Actinopyga mauritiana) extract in mice (Mus musculus)

Sea cucumbers are a marine source with biological activities that have been used in food as well as medicine in many Asian countries. Actinopyga mauritiana is one of the sea cucumber species with limited research about its bioactive activities. In this study, the wound healing activity of A. mauritiana extract in the form of cream, gel, and serum formulations in mice was investigated. The histopathology test was performed to evaluate the fibroblast and collagen dense levels in wound healing. Phytochemical screening has been carried out by the qualitative test of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and saponins compounds. The A. mauritiana ethanol extract (SCAE) was added into cream, gel and serum formulations with various concentrations (3, 6, and 9%) and applied to the wounded area of mice. The wound healing activities and histopathology results indicated that serum 9%-SCAE performed the highest decrease of wound length 0.55 ± 0.32 compared to other groups with a density level of fibroblast and collagen are 10.00 ± 1.00 and 10.67 ± 0.00, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the wound healing activity of A.Mauritiana, which demonstrated promising therapeutic agents for wound healing and cosmetics applications in the future.

A generalized linear mixed model for understanding determinant factors of student's interest in pursuing bachelor's degree at Universitas Syiah Kuala

Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) is a framework that has a response variable, fixed effects, and random effects. The response variable comes from an exponential family, whereas random effects have a normal distribution. Estimating parameters can be calculated using the maximum likelihood method using the Laplace approach or the Gauss-Hermite Quadrature (GHQ) approach. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that trigger student's interest to continue studying at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) using both techniques. The GLMM is suitable for the data because the variable response has a Bernoulli distribution, and the random effects are assumed to be having a normal distribution. Also, the model helps identify the relationship between the dependent variable and the predictors. This study utilizes data from six high schools in Banda Aceh city drawn using a two-stage sampling technique. Stage 1, we randomly chose six out of sixteen public senior high schools in Banda Aceh. Stage 2, we selected students from each school from four different major classes. The GLMM model includes one binary response variable, five numerical fixed-effects, and two random effects. The response variable is the interest of high school students to continue study at USK (yes or no). The five fixed effects in the model including scores of collaboration (C), Action (A), Emotion (E), Purposes (P), and Hope (H). Finally, the random effects are schools (S) and majors (M). In this study, both Laplace and GHQ techniques produce identical results. The predictors that can explain student interest are A, E, and H. These predictors have a positive effect. The random effects of schools and majors are not significantly different from zero. The model with three significant predictors is better than the complete predictor model.

Diversity and population structure of Dipterocarpaceae species in Weh Island Nature Tourism Park, Indonesia

The Dipterocarpaceae family is one of the identified plant groups with high conservation value that exist in Weh Island Nature Tourism Park. However, the data availability on the species diversity and population structure of Dipterocarpaceae in Weh island in particular and Aceh in general is still very limited. Thus, it is necessary to conduct studies on species diversity and population structure of Dipterocarpaceae from Weh Island. This study aims to obtain data on species abundance and diversity, species composition of each stratum, population structure, and stand structure of Dipterocarpaceae in Weh Island Nature Tourism Park. This research utilized transect method with randomly selected plots according to topographic conditions. We found two Dipterocarpaceae species: Shorea sumatrana (Slooten) Desch and Dipterocarpus hasseltii Blume. Shorea sumatrana (Slooten) Desch has the greatest abundance of all types and strata. The diversity of Dipterocarpaceae species in Weh Island Nature Tourism Park is categorized as low because the diversity index value is in the range of H'1. This means that the presence of seedling and sapling strata from each species has a major effect on the survival of the Dipterocarpaceae family in the future. The stand structure of the Dipterocarpaceae family in normal conditions is indicated by an inverted “J” shaped diagram.