This study investigates the antifungal activity of crude ethanolic extracts derived from roselle decoction residues, generated during calyx cordial and juice processing, against Pestalotiopsis sp., a postharvest fungal pathogen associated with fruit rot in wax apples. Valorizing this agro-industrial by-product presents an opportunity to develop sustainable antifungal agents. The experiment evaluated the efficacy of extracts prepared from both fresh and freeze-dried residues, namely roselle calyx (RC), decocted cordial residue (DCR), and decocted juice residue (DJR), at eight different concentrations (10 to 100,000 mg/L) using in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro results revealed that freeze-dried samples exhibited significantly higher antifungal activity than fresh samples, with complete inhibition observed at lower concentrations (30,000 mg/L) for freeze-dried RC and DCR. DJR showed the lowest efficacy among all calyx sources. In vivo evaluation confirmed that coating wax apples with the most effective extracts reduced disease severity index (DSI) compared to both untreated and chitosan-treated controls. Notably, freeze-dried RC resulted in the lowest DSI, indicating strong protection against fungal infection. The antifungal effects were found to be dose-dependent and involved both fungistatic and fungicidal mechanisms. The superior efficacy of freeze-dried samples is attributed to the better retention of bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and phenolics, which may disrupt fungal cell integrity and activate plant defense responses. This study supports the use of roselle decoction residues as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides, aligning with sustainable postharvest disease management strategies.
The advertisement calls of frogs serve as vital communication signals, playing a significant role in species recognition and mate attraction, representing a critical aspect of their behavioural ecology. This study aims to document and analyse the advertisement calls of eight Microhylidae species in various habitats across Sarawak. Using field recordings and acoustic analysis, distinct call characteristics were identified, including frequency, note repetition rate, and pulse structure. Advertisement calls were recorded and analysed using SoundRulerAcousticAnalysis and PraatAcoustic Software. Call characteristics were subsequently compared for species differentiation. The results showed that each species exhibits distinct call characteristics, likely reflecting adaptations to habitat acoustics and conspecific interactions. Among them, Microhyla nepenthicola Das & Haas, 2010 demonstrated the highest rate of note repetition, the greatest number of pulsed notes per call, and the highest dominant frequency, suggesting unique acoustic adaptations within its ecological niche. These findings can contribute to the understanding of species-specific vocalisations and their potential role in mate selection, territorial defence, and environmental adaptation.
Osteosarcoma is a prevalent and aggressive bone malignancy, primarily affecting children and adolescents. While tamoxifen (TAM) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, its application is often limited by adverse side effects. Gallic acid (GA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties and may offer a safer alternative or adjunct in cancer therapy. This study investigates the effects of GA alone and in combination with TAM on the viability and morphology of human osteosarcoma (U2OS) cells. An in vitro model was employed using the MTT assay to assess cell viability after 72 hr of treatment. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and combination index (CI) were calculated to evaluate cytotoxicity and drug interaction. Three combination ratios of GA:TAM (75:25, 50:50 & 25:75) were tested. GA and TAM alone exhibited IC50 values of 8.258 +/- 1.047 & micro;g/mL and 1.814 +/- 1.205 & micro;g/mL, respectively. The 25:75 combination yielded the lowest IC50 (1.475 +/- 1.189 & micro;g/mL) and a CI of 0.637, indicating a synergistic effect. Other combinations showed higher IC50 and CI values, suggesting reduced efficacy. Morphological analysis using phase contrast microscopy revealed apoptotic features such as cell shrinkage and rounding in treated cells, particularly in the 25:75 combination group. In conclusion, GA, especially when combined with TAM at a 25:75 ratio, enhances therapeutic efficacy while potentially reducing toxicity. This combination may represent a promising strategy for improving osteosarcoma treatment outcomes.
Face masks are a critical component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for occupational safety and health management. Nevertheless, prolonged usage of face masks may expose employees to biological contaminants, such as bacteria, which accumulate on the inner surface of the mask and pose potential health risks. This study involved 216 participants employed by a statutory institution in Malaysia. The participants were assigned to wear three types of face masks: cotton, surgical, and Korean filters for durations of four and eight hr during their respective work shifts, which varied across roles such as office workers, trainers, and cleaners. Bacterial isolates from the masks were analyzed using the MALDI-TOF method for species identification. Twelve bacterial species were successfully identified, including Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus, Sporosarcina luteola, and Staphylococcus aureus. Most of these species are part of the normal human microbiota but have the potential to act as opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, other bacterial species, particularly spore-forming ones, may have originated from the work environment. To mitigate microbial risks, individuals performing strenuous physical tasks or those with compromised immunity are advised to avoid reusing face masks and to replace them every four hr.
Brachiaria decumbens, commonly known as signal grass, is widely used as livestock feed in tropical regions due to its high nutritional value and availability. However, its high concentration of steroidal saponins poses toxicity risks, raising concerns for small ruminant farmers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding ensiled B. decumbens on the health and performance of sheep under tropical conditions. A total of eighteen six-month-old male Dorper cross sheep were used in a feeding trial and assigned to three treatment groups: the control group (T1), fed Pennisetum purpureum; Treatment 2 (T2), fed fresh B. decumbens; and Treatment 3 (T3), fed ensiled B. decumbens. Over the 98-day experimental period, clinical data were collected weekly. At the end of the study, all 18 sheep were slaughtered for morphometric, gross morphology, and histopathological analyses of their organs. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in the health performance of sheep across feeding groups. Sheep in the T3 group, fed ensiled B. decumbens, exhibited slightly higher body weight gain compared to both the T2 group fed fresh B. decumbens and the control group (T1). Additionally, only T2 sheep exhibited pale ocular mucous membranes during the final 21 days of the study. In terms of organ morphometrics, T1 and T3 sheep had lower organ width, length, and weight compared to T2 sheep. Most vital organs appeared grossly normal across all treatments; however, post-mortem examination of T2 sheep revealed lung lesions, including congestion and pus accumulation in the caudal lobes. Histopathological analysis indicated mild to moderate lesions in various organs of T2 sheep fed fresh B. decumbens, whereas no lesions were observed in the T1 and T3 groups. This study concludes that incorporating ensiled B. decumbens into the diet of small ruminants yields more favorable health and performance outcomes than feeding fresh B. decumbens.
