ABSTRACT
A comprehensive understanding of the consequences of human interactions with mammals is a critical factor in supporting and conserving species in landscapes dominated by humans, which are increasingly threatened. This study aimed to identify the spatial and temporal interactions between humans and mammals. A non-parametric statistical approach with kernel density was used to detect human-mammal temporal interactions. The species interaction factor (SIF) was applied to calculate the spatial overlap based on the two-species occupancy detection model. The activity patterns of medium mammals were nocturnal, diurnal, and cathemeral. The human-medium mammal pairs with SIF values that were <1 and statistically significant included the human-long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) pair, the human-leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) pair, and the human-barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) pair. Based on their SIF values and the high overlap in their activity times, the human-macaque pairings had a high risk of conflict. Barking deer and leopard cats displayed a coexistence with humans via time-sharing activities. Due to temporal niche variations with human activities, the existence of nocturnal mammals was relatively uninterrupted. This study showed that most mammals are able to adapt spatially and temporally to various human activities. Nonetheless, efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict must be maintained, particularly in the case of severely endangered species, such as the Sunda pangolin.
ABSTRACT
Pineapple plantations leave a lot of plant biomass after the planting season ends. The abundant residue of pineapple plants causes problems due to the high content of lignocellulose, which is difficult to decompose naturally. This study aimed to isolate and characterize lignocellulolytic microfungi isolates from pineapple plantations. The information of this study was used as data to prepare an inoculum for the induction of pineapple litter composting that was resistant to stress to pineapple plantation habitat. The results showed that there were 11 dominant lignocellulolytic microfungi isolates found from pineapple litter and plantation soil. Using selective media, the selection showed five cellulolytic (Bioggp 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12); five xylanolytic (Bioggp 3, 6, 8, 9, and 12); and two ligninolytic microfungi isolates (Bioggp 2 and 5). Bioggp 3, 6, 9, and 12 are cellulolytic and xylanolytic with Bioggp 3 showing the highest cellulolytic index (4.0) and xylanolytic index (4.20). Testing of ligninolytic microfungi showed that the Bioggp 5 isolate had a stronger lignin indicator (color intensity = 4.0 and zone ratio of 1.47) than the Bioggp 2 isolate. Bioggp 9 had the highest cellulolytic isolate spore productivity at 4.5 × 108 spores/mL with 93.3% spore viability, and Bioggp 3 had the highest xylanolytic isolate spore productivity at 2.5 × 109 spores/mL with 89.3% spore viability. Bioggp 2 had the highest ligninolytic isolate spore productivity at 1.8 × 109 spores/mL, but Bioggp 5 showed the highest spore viability at 98.0%.
ABSTRACT
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer world wide and has been occurred more in developing regions. The use of conventional chemotherapy agents may lead to various adverse effects. Therefore, it is required to find the potential drug for anticancer from alternative source of natural product including mangrove plants. The present study was conducted to determine the anticancer activity of polyisoprenoids from Avicennia alba Blume. leaves (PAL) in WiDr cells. Cell cycle inhibition, apoptosis activity, and suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were also evaluated. The anticancer activity of PAL was determined by observing the activity of these compounds against WiDr cells using the [3-(4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il)-2,5-difenil tetrazolium bromida] MTT assay. Inhibition of the cell cycle and increased apoptosis were analysed by flowcytometry. Suppression of COX-2 was analysed using immunocytochemistry. PAL exhibited anticancer activity against WiDr cells with an IC50 of 173.775 µg/mL. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the inhibition occurred in the G0-G1 phase, and apoptosis occurred in the early apoptosis phase. Furthermore, the result of an analysis of COX-2 expression showed that PAL enabled the suppression of COX-2 expression. PAL can be used as anticancer agents against WiDr colon cancer cells. However, in-vivo studies is required to confirm the in-vitro finding of the anticancer activity of polyisoprenoid extract.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mangrove forest is a typical forest found along the coast or river mouth which is affected by tides and salinity. Although polyisoprenoid was widespread in the plant kingdom, the physiological roles of these compounds are not well understood, especially from mangrove plants. It is therefore essential to characterize the polyisoprenoid content under abiotic stress. AIM: This study aimed to determine the effect of salinity and subsequent fresh water change on polyisoprenoids concentration in Bruguiera cylindrica seedlings. METHODS: Bruguiera cylindrica planted in a greenhouse for three months under various salinity concentrations. After three months grew under variable salinity, these seedlings were then divided into two treatment groups, and grown for another three months: one continuously in a salt solution and another in fresh water to relieve salt stress. The leaves and roots of B. cylindrica seedlings were harvested after six months of cultivation. The leaves and roots of B. cylindrica seedlings were extracted for polyisoprenoids content and composition analyzed using two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. RESULTS: Polyisoprenoids composition under salinity and subsequent fresh water with dominating dolichols (more than 90%) were found in leaves and roots of B. cylindrica seedlings referring type I of polyisoprenoid composition. The carbon chain length of dolichols located in the leaves and roots were ranging from C75-C100 and C75-C105, respectively. CONCLUSON: Dolichol dominated over polyprenol both in B. cylindrical leaves and roots under salinity and subsequent relief supported the previous finding on the predominance dolichols over polyprenols in mangrove plants. The present study suggested the significance of dolichols in the adaptation to cope with salt stress and or water stress.
ABSTRACT
Background: Secondary metabolites from the group of isoprenoid compounds are widely distributed in mangrove plants. Polyisoprenoids (dolichol and polyprenol) are known to have benefits as anticancer agents. The present study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic potential of polyisoprenoids in leaves from seventeen selected mangrove species against colon cancer (WiDr) cells. Methods: Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by MTT assay in vitro using WiDr human colon cancer cells and 3T3 fibroblasts from Swiss albino mouse embryo tissue as controls. Mechanisms of action were approached by assessing apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy with annexin V-FITC, as well as expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 by immunocytochemistry. Results: Polyisoprenoids from N. fruticans leaves demonstrated the highest anticancer activity, with an IC50 of 180.2 µg/mL, as compared to 397.7 µg/mL against 3T3 normal cells. Significant decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1 was also noted, facilitating apoptosis and arrest of the cell cycle in the G0-G1 phase in WiDr cells. The present study showed for the first time that polyisoprenoids from N. fruticans exhibit concrete anticancer activity in vitro, decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Conclusions: Polyisoprenoids isolated from N. fruticans leaves may have promise as a source of anticancer agents.
