Determination of the Sterilization Dose of Gamma-Ray Irradiation for Polyvinyl Alcohol-Collagen-Chitosan Composite Membrane as a Material for Periodontal Regenerative Surgery

OBJECTIVE

 Membrane sterility is very necessary considering its function as an implant material. Therefore, this research aims to determine the dose of gamma-ray irradiation for the sterilization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-collagen-chitosan composite membranes used as regenerative surgery materials.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 A total of 100 pieces of the composite membranes were prepared in a size of 2.0 × 1.5 cm by mixing 7.5% PVA, 3% collagen, and 2% chitosan using the film casting method in three batches. Furthermore, the bioburden test was performed to determine the initial microbial count in the sample by following ISO 11737-1. The results were used to ascertain the dose of gamma-ray irradiation on the sample according to ISO 11137-2. The dose verification test was then performed at the sterility assurance level 10-6.

RESULTS

 The average result of the bioburden test from three batches was 6.6 colony forming unit; hence, the verification dose was 4.8 kGy. In the verification dose test, since there was only one contaminated sample, the sterility dose test was continued.

CONCLUSION

 The sterile gamma-ray irradiation dose for PVA-collagen-chitosan composite membrane was 17.1 kGy.

Analisis Hubungan Pengetahuan dengan Tindakan Pencegahan COVID-19 pada Masyarakat Kota Tegal

Pandemi COVID-19 sudah berlangsung relatif lama, tetapi belum ada tanda-tanda berakhir. Banyak faktor yang menyebabkan pemutusan rantai penularan COVID-19 tidak optimal. Salah satu penyebabnya adalah kurangnya kesadaran masyarakat untuk menerapkan protokol kesehatan secara ketat. Selama pandemi COVID-19 berlangsung masih banyak ditemukan masyarakat yang enggan menjaga menjaga jarak dan tidak mengenakan masker wajah di ruang publik. Kemungkinan besar, kondisi ini sebagai dampak dari kurangnya pengetahuan tentang COVID-19. Penelitian ini secara umum bertujuan untuk menganalisis korelasi antara pengetahuan dengan tindakan pencegahan COVID-19. Peneliti menggunakan rancangan potong lintang (cross-sectional) dan observasional analitik. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kota Tegal, dengan subjek penelitian masyarakat yang berusia 18 tahun ke atas. Ukuran sampel penelitian adalah sebanyak 313 orang. Data dikumpulkan pada bulan  Desember 2020-Januari 2021 dengan menyebarkan kueisoner secara daring dengan memanfaatkan aplikasi Googleform dan WhatsApp. Hasil studi memperlihatkan bahwa mayoritas pengetahuan dan tindakan pencegahan penularan COVID-19 responden berada pada kategori cukup. Penelitian ini juga mengindikasikan adanya korelasi yang bermakna antara pengetahuan dan aktivitas pencegahan COVID-19 (P-value = 0,014), yang berarti tingkat pengetahuan berperan dalam kegiatan pencegahan COVID-19.

The Effect of Gamma-Ray Irradiation on the Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Characteristics of PVA-Collagen-Chitosan as a Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) Membrane Material

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the physical, mechanical, and morphological characteristics of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-collagen-chitosan membranes as a guided tissue regeneration membrane material.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

 The membrane was fabricated by mixing PVA, collagen, and chitosan using the film casting method. PVA-collagen-chitosan membranes were irradiated with various radiation dose (0, 15, and 25 kGy). Furthermore, it is characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) for functional group identification, morphological test was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties (i.e., tensile strength and elongation) were evaluated using universal testing machine and swelling studies.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 Statistical analysis was performed based on analysis of variance and post hoc with p-value < 0.05.

RESULT

 The FTIR spectrum shows various peaks of functional groups from the PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane. The result of the statistical analysis show changes in tensile strength (p = 0.0004) and membrane elongation (p = 0.000451) at different radiation doses of 0, 15, and 25 kGy. The membrane absorption obtains p-value of 0.0193, while the SEM results show that the PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane homogeneously mixed.

CONCLUSION

 There is an effect of gamma-ray irradiation on tensile strength, elongation, and water absorption of the membranes. Increasing the radiation dose increases the value of tensile strength, while elongation and absorption of the membrane decrease. The PVA-collagen-chitosan membrane has the potential to develop as an alternative membrane for guided tissue regeneration.

Interspecific Mating Effect of Bactrocera carambolae and Bactrocera dorsalis on its Fecundity, Survival and Morphologies

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Worldwide, &lt;i&gt;Bactrocera carambolae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Bactrocera dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; are important pests in horticultural commodities. Based on the trapping with methyl eugenol attractant, it was found that the intermediate morphology between &lt;i&gt;B. carambolae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt;. This study observed the comparative biology and survivability of the interspecific and intraspecific hybrids &lt;i&gt;B. carambolae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This study was conducted at the Indonesian Center of Forecasting Plant Pest Organisms (BBPOPT) and Plant Pest Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia. The method is an experimental method with a randomized block design that involves parental fecundity and survival test (four treatments and six replications) and fecundity and fertility tests (eight treatments and four replications). &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results showed a bigger reduction in the fecundity of hybrid parents of &lt;i&gt;B. carambolae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; on interspecific rather than an intraspecific hybrid. The longevity of survival and development of eggs and larvae stages hybrid &lt;i&gt;B. carambolae&lt;/i&gt; (♂). Moreover, the fecundity of F1 hybrids was increased compared to the hybrid parents and the fertility was in the range of 79.00-96.75%. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Interspecific mating of &lt;i&gt;B. carambolae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; have the potential to survive in nature.

Platinum chromium everolimus-eluting stent versus cobalt chromium zotarolimus-eluting stent in very late stent thrombosis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Very late stent thrombosis is a rare but potentially lethal outcome for drug-eluting stents used in percutaneous coronary intervention. There is limited research currently on the occurrence of very late stent thrombosis as a complication of two most used second-generation drug-eluting stents, i.e. platinum chromium everolimus-eluting stent (PtCR-EES) and cobalt chromium zotarolimus-eluting stent (CoCr-ZES).

Purpose

The study provides comparative information on the formation of very late stent thrombosis as a long-term outcome of PtCr-EES and CoCr-ZES. Results of this study may guide interventional cardiologists in decision-making regarding the choice of stent.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared stent thrombosis end point of PtCr-EES and CoCr-ZES were identified through Pubmed.

Results

Data from three RCTs analyzed a total of 7,911 participants, with 4,574 in the PtCr-EES and 3,324 in the CoCr-ZES. Treatment with either stent showed no significant difference in the incidence of very late stent thrombosis.

Conclusion

  Both stents showed comparable incidence of very late stent thrombosis. Additional RCTs are recommended to further establish the results for very late stent thrombosis. Longer follow-up is also suggested to discover more long-term outcomes.

Potential of Fruit Extracts as Attractants of Female Oriental Fruit Flies

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The oriental fruit fly &lt;i&gt;Bactrocera dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; (Hendel) is one of the most important insect pest species of fruit and vegetable crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the attraction of female and male &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; fruit flies to the aroma of fruit juice from the host plants as well as their attraction to methanol extract, ethyl acetate extract and distillate water of selected host fruits. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The attractiveness of the juice and extract/distillate water of the host fruits to &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; fruit flies was carried out in an experimental cage measuring 200×200×200 cm that was placed in the laboratory. The volatile compounds in the juice, methanol extract, ethyl acetate extract and distillate water of the selected fruits were analyzed using GCMS-Pyrolysis. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results show that among the eight fruit juice aromas tested, the ones that significantly affected the number of trapped female &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; were the aromas of banana juice, papaya juice and chilli juice. The results of the analysis by GCMS-Pyrolysis showed that the methanol extract of banana fruit contains one volatile compound that was previously reported to have the ability to attract female &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; fruit flies. Two volatile compounds in the banana distillate water were also reported to have the ability to attract female &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt; and other fruit flies. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the methanol extract and distillate water of the green &lt;i&gt;Ambon lumut&lt;/i&gt; banana fruit of &lt;i&gt;Musa acuminata&lt;/i&gt; Colla has the potential to be developed as an attractant of female &lt;i&gt;B. dorsalis&lt;/i&gt;.

The Quality Characteristics of Ready-to-Eat Empal Gentong affected by meat pre-cooking

The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of pre-cooking treatments on the quality characteristics of ready-to-eat (RTE) empal gentong. Raw beef meat was pre-cooked in water bath at 90°C for 0 min (C), 10 min (T1), 20 min (T2), and 30 min (T3) prior to retorting process at 121°C and pressure at 70,000 Pa. Results showed that pre-cooking treatments in all treated samples could reduce fat contents in empal gentong’s meat by 0.02% (T1), 0.28% (T2), and 1.13% (T3) respectively. Highest precooking time tends to increase the pH and CIE a* values. However, CIE b* values, water holding capacity, and sensory analysis were not affected by pre-cooking duration which must have been affected by sterilization process after pre-cooking. In conclusion, pre-cooking treatment before sterilization in producing empal gentong is a probable technique to reduce its fat content and improve its physical quality. A specific treatment at 90°C for 10 min is recommended to achieve optimum quality of RTE empal gentong’s meat.

Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea): Activity on Oil Palm Flower in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;Elaeidobius kamerunicus &lt;/i&gt;Faust (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) is a weevil pollinator oil palm flower, &lt;i&gt;Elaeis guineensis&lt;/i&gt; Jacq. (Arecales: Arecaceae) Jacq. Male and female inflorescences attracted the weevil, male inflorescences appeared to provides nectar and pollen but female inflorescences seemed provides the weevils with nectar. The objective of this research was to determine the dynamics of&lt;i&gt; E. kamerunicus &lt;/i&gt;activity in pollinating oil palm flowers in Kumai, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; The population of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus &lt;/i&gt;that visited male flowers was calculated by taking a sample of 9 spikelets from male inflorescences, while the number of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus &lt;/i&gt;that come to female inflorescence was calculated by counting the weevil around the flower. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results of this study showed that peak activity of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus&lt;/i&gt; on oil palm flowers&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;occurred between 11.00-12.45. The male flowers blossomed occurred for 6-7 days to complete their inflorescence, while those of the females completed their cycle for 4-5 days. The oviposition of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus &lt;/i&gt;females fluctuated from 05.00-18.00. The number of females oviposits in the flower peaked at 09.00. Temperature and maximum light intensity had a positive correlation with the overall density of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus&lt;/i&gt; and oviposition by female weevils. The Minimum light intensity affects the abundance and visitation of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus&lt;/i&gt; on oil palm flowers. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The abundance of &lt;i&gt;E. kamerunicus&lt;/i&gt; population in Kumai was established and could give possibility resulting in the better fruit set of oil palm. Conservation efforts can be conducted by maintaining the abundance of the population, especially on the days and hrs of peak abundance of weevils.

Bioconversion of Fermented Barley Waste by Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera; Stratiomyidae)

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) are widely used as bioconverter agents for various organics waste, and BSF pupae are often used as fodder for poultry and fish, because the BSF pupae have a high protein content. This study focused on applying BSFL as a bioconversion agent of the fermented barley waste to convert it to larvae biomass. Prior to application, barley waste was fermented either using effective microorganisms-4 (EM4), leachate, and water for seven days. The fermented barley waste was applied as feeding material for BSFL at the rate of 100 mg/larvae/days. As control commercial chicken fed (CF) was applied as feeding material at a similar feeding rate. During this study, waste reduction index (WRI), and efficiency of digested feed (ECD) were calculated, and the protein content in the BSF prepupae was analyzed. The results of this study showed that BSFL fed with CF produces the shortest development time (27 days), and high consumption rate. BSFL fed with barley waste fermented with EM4 (BE) and Leachate (BL) produces a larval period of 31 and 30 days respectively, and statistically those were not significantly different from control. This study showed that treatments of BE and BL, produced a very high larval survival rates, 98.67% and 97.00% respectively, and those two treatments were not statistically different from the control (96.67%). Although the control treatment resulted in a higher WRI compared to the other treatments, but the ECD of BE and BL treatments were higher than the ECD of the control. From this study, it can be concluded that BSFL has a good ability to convert fermented barley waste as well as controls, and the prepupae has a high protein content (42%), so BSFL fed with fermented barley waste has the opportunity to be used as a fed for poultry and fish.

The Effect of Methyl Eugenol Block Plus on Bactrocera dorsalis Complex Total Captured in Chili Plantation

Fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) are an important pest for horticultural crops, especially fruits and vegetables. One of the most effective and eco-friendly methods to control male and female fruit flies is by usingtraps that use Methyl Eugenol (ME) block plus fruit essence as an attractant. The purposes of this research were to acquire the most effective formulation of ME Block plus fruit essence to catch the most male and female fruit flies on the chili plantation and to detremine the increase in total of fruit flies caught. This research started from December 2017 to January 2018 at Cibeureum Village, Sukamantri District, Ciamis Regency, West Java Province. The research was conducted using a randomized block design consisting of 8 treatments and 3 repetitions. The treatments consisted of adding fruit essence to the ME block: 2 ml of ME on cotton; 2 ml of ME block; 2 ml of ME block + 4 ml of mango essence; 2 ml of ME block + 4 ml of orange essence; 2 ml of ME block + 4 ml of guava essence; 2 ml of ME block + 4 ml of star fruit essence; 2 ml of ME block + 4 ml of chili essence; Antilat (Organic pesticide) as a comparison. The results showed that ME block plus fruit essence has increased the total of male fruit flies caught, but it did not attract female fruit flies. The best combinations with the highest average of male fruit flies caught were ME block plus orange essence with 750.67/5 week, followed by ME block plus chili essence with 746.00/5 week

Performance of Primary Angioplasty for STEMI during the COVID-19 Outbreak

There has been concern whether the declining cases of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak associate with primary angioplasty performance. We assessed the performance of primary angioplasty in a tertiary care hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, by comparing the door-to-device (DTD) time and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow after angioplasty between two periods of admission: during the outbreak of COVID-19 (March 1 to May 31, 2020) and before the outbreak (March 1, to May 31, 2019). Overall, there was a relative reduction of 44% for STEMI admission during the outbreak ( n  = 116) compared with before the outbreak ( N  = 208). Compared with before the outbreak period ( n  = 141), STEMI patients who admitted during the outbreak and received primary angioplasty ( n  = 70) had similar median symptom onset-to-angioplasty center admission (360 minutes for each group), similar to radial access uptake (90 vs. 89.4%, p  = 0.88) and left anterior descending infarct-related artery (54.3 vs. 58.9%, p  = 0.52). The median DTD time and total ischemia time were longer (104 vs. 81 minutes, p  < 0.001, and 475.5 vs. 449 minutes, p  = 0.43, respectively). However, the final achievement of TIMI 3 flow was similar (87.1 vs. 87.2%), and so was the in-hospital mortality (5.7 vs. 7.8%). During the COVID-19 outbreak, we found a longer DTD time for primary angioplasty, but the achievement of final TIMI 3 flow and in-hospital mortality were similar as compared with before the outbreak. Thus, primary angioplasty should remain the standard of care for STEMI during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prolactin gene polymorphisms and associations with reproductive traits in Indonesian local ducks

Background and Aim:

Reproductive traits play an important role in population increases and the egg production (EP) abilities of Indonesian local ducks (ILD). The prolactin (PRL) gene is a single chain polypeptide hormone belonging to a family of growth hormone genes that are mainly synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland in all vertebrates. It has a significant effect on reproductive traits and EP. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in PRL are a useful molecular marker for EP. This study aimed to identify the PRL polymorphisms based on these SNPs and to uncover the associations with reproductive traits in ILD.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 280 ILDs consisting of Tegal and Magelang (F0) ducks and their reciprocal crosses, namely, Gallang (F1) and Maggal (F1), were maintained and specific variables were recorded, that is, age at first egg, body weight at first egg, first egg weight, and EP, for 90 days. Allele and genotype frequencies were used to determine the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium. The association between the SNP genotypes of PRL and reproductive traits was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, following the GLM procedure of SAS. The genotypic effects on the reproductive traits were determined using regression analysis.

Results:

This study successfully amplified a polymerase chain reaction product of 190 bp, which was used to identify the SNP. Results indicated that PRL in ILDs is polymorphic. A SNP was found at position 164 nt (c.164G >A), consisting of three different genotypes, namely, GG, GA, and AA. The genotypes of Tegal and Magelang (F0), and Gallang (F1) populations were not in H-W equilibrium. The Maggal population (F1) was in H-W equilibrium. Significant associations were detected between the genotypes and EP in all ILDs (p<0.01), following a regression line of y=2.337x+64.605, with a determination coefficient of 0.0188 (r=0.14).

Conclusion:

PRL can be recommended as a candidate gene for reproductive traits in ILD, especially EP.

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) rind extract against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Introduction: The main contents of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.) is xanthone with antibacterial activity. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) was a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus that causes periodontal diseases such as localised aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Mangosteen rind extract could inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. This study was aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of mangosteen rind extract against A. actinomycetemcomitans. Methods: This study was an experimental and in-vitro study of antimicrobial properties of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn.).The extract of mangosteen was made by the maceration method using 70% ethanol solvent. A. actinomycetemcomitans (ATCC 43718) obtained from Laboratorium of Microbiology Airlangga University Surabaya. This study used a microdilution method and analysed using the Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The determination of the MIC was measured using the formula for cell inhibition percentage. Three concentrations higher than the MIC standard were cultured on the Mueller Hinton agar. The lowest concentration on agar which was not found any growth of the bacterial colonies was determined as the MBC. Results: The results of this study indicated that the MIC and MBC of mangosteen rind extract against A. actinomycetemcomitans were 195.3 ppm and 1562.5 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: Mangosteen rind extract can inhibit and bactericide the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Effectiveness of Modified Traps for Protection Against Fruit Flies on Mango

Mango is one of the primary fruit export commodities in Indonesia. The productivity of mango can be increased by controlling the pest population, including fruit flies Bactrocera spp. Various efforts to control the population of fruit flies have been carried out, either by implementing traditional methods or by using synthetic pesticides. However, synthetic pesticides can cause pollution, and therefore we need to control the fruit flies’ population by using the most effective fruit fly trap mode. The study was conducted in the mango yield (monoculture) of Department of Agriculture in Majalengka. The traps in this study were modified Steiner traps with funnels, modified Steiner traps without funnels, bottle traps with funnels, bottle traps without funnels, and modified gypsy moth traps. Each trap was fed with 0.2 ml of Methyl eugenol dripped on a cotton roll and hung in the trap. The results showed that the number of fruit flies caught in each trap every week is significantly different. The highest number of fruit flies caught in each trap every week was achieved by bottle traps without funnels that caught 135 flies, while the lowest number of fruit flies caught was recorded by the gypsy moth traps with 16 flies. The transparent color of the bottles and a large number of holes effectively lured the fruit flies into the bottle traps without funnels.

Periodontal tray application of chlorine dioxide gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

Clinical improvement after periodontal tray application of chlorine dioxide gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis was studied for a period of 30 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The tray fabrication was performed in a dental laboratory using the Soft - Tray Sheets (Ultradent™), whereas scaling and root planing were done using ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments. A total of 36 subjects with chronic periodontitis were divided into 3 treatment groups: group I was treated with SRP procedure combined with the prescription-tray application of chlorine dioxide gel; group II was treated with SRP procedure with the application of chlorine dioxide alone; and group III was treated with SRP procedure alone. Clinical parameters examined were probing pocket depth (PPD) and papillary bleeding index (PBI); measurements were taken at baseline (day0) and 30 days after SRP (day 30). Comparison between treatment groups was tested statistically by Kruskal Wallis test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the decrease of the average pocket depth and bleeding index in all the 3 treatment groups (P = 0.001). Decreases in the pocket depth of groups I, II, and III were 50.9%, 47.9%, and 27.8%, respectively. Decreases in the papillary bleeding index of groups I, II, and III were 88.2%, 68.9%, and 51.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The application of chlorine dioxide gel using the custom tray after SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis showed better clinical improvement in pocket depth reduction and bleeding index compared to SRP alone.

EFFECT OF BAGWORM Pteroma pendula Joannis ATTACK ON THE DECREASE IN OIL PALM PRODUCTIVITY

Outbreak of oil palm bagwormPteroma pendula has been reported within the last few years in several plantations in North Sumatra. A study was conductedto determine the impact of P. pendula attacks on oil palm productivity. Aerial photograph was taken in November 2016 andanalyzed to determine the level of damage on each palm canopy. The damage symptoms were classified onto healthy palms ascontrol plants (score 0), mild (score 1), moderate (score 2), severe (score 3), and very severe (score 4). The sample palms wererandomly selected and observed for the sex ratio, bunch number and bunch weight at 18 months after defoliation. The attackof P. pendula at the highest level (score 4) caused a significant effect on sex ratio and the number of bunches produced. Thefresh fruit bunches production was declined 21.02–36.35% on palms with moderate to very severe attack (score 2–4). Similarpalms also have a potential case of inflorescences abortion 18.41–32.54%. However, the average bunch weight was notinfluenced by P. pendula attack.

Histological Assessment of Palatal Donor Site Wound Healing after Application of Moringa oleifera Lamarck Leaf Extract in Rats

Objective Palatal excisional wound healing in 60 Sprague–Dawley rats was studied for a period of 14 days.

Materials and Methods The wounds were made with a punch biopsy instrument with a diameter of 4 mm. After wounding, the test groups received a topical gel of Moringa oleifera Lamarck 2% or 4% leaf extract, whereas control groups received povidone iodine gel and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC 4%). Three rats were killed at 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after wounding from each allocated group. The wounds were assessed at different control times and light microscopy was employed to view serial sections from blocks with magnification.

Results Histological examination revealed that group treated with M. oleifera Lamarck 4% leaf extract showed the highest fibroblast synthesis and collagen deposition.

Conclusion This study suggests that M. oleifera Lamarck leaf extract could be developed as a therapeutic agent for wound healing.

Fabrication and Characterization of Chitosan-Collagen Membrane from Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) Scales for Guided Tissue Regeneration

OBJECTIVES

 The aim of this study was to evaluate the synthesis, mechanical strength, and morphology of chitosan-collagen membranes from barramundi scales for guided tissue regeneration technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Collagen was extracted from barramundi scales by immersion in acetic acid. The resulting wet collagen was later dried. The membrane was fabricated by mixing chitosan with collagen from barramundi scales. Membrane characterization parameters were measured using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical property.

RESULTS

 The FTIR spectrum showed the typical peak of the mixture of chitosan and collagen. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the membrane in dry condition were 0.28 MPa and 8.53%, respectively, while in the wet condition these were 0.12 MPa and 25.6%. The membrane porosity test result was 38.85%; SEM result showed a porous membrane surface with size varying around 16 to 100 µm.

CONCLUSION

 The chitosan-collagen membrane from the barramundi scale showed the fibrous membrane surface that has ideal porous size as guided tissue regeneration membrane and the lower mechanical strength.

The effect of the chitosan-collagen membrane on wound healing process in rat mandibular defect

Background:

Collagen and chitosan are potential biomaterials for medical applications; chitosan-collagen membranes are used as a barrier membrane in guided tissue regeneration and guided bone regeneration.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the chitosan-collagen membrane on wound healing in rat mandibular defect by counting the number of fibroblasts and new blood vessels.

Materials and Methods:

As much as 24 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, the treatment and control group. Bone defects were made In the rat mandible with diamond bur with a diameter of 2 mm, then the defect was covered with a chitosan-collagen membrane, and the control group was covered without application of chitosan-collagen membrane. After the 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th, and the 21^st day, the defect site was analyzed histologically. The number of fibroblasts and blood vessels was counted under a light microscope, at five fields with ×1000 and ×400 microscope magnification.

Statistical Analysis Used:

This study was done by using analysis of variance and unpaired t-test.

Results:

The average number of fibroblasts and blood vessels in the treatment group was higher than the control group. There was a significant difference in the number of fibroblasts on the 3^rd and 7^th day (P = 0.001; P = 0.001) and the number of blood vessels on the 3^rd day (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

The chitosan-collagen membrane was able to increase the number of fibroblasts and new blood vessels in the wound healing process.

(Co)variance components and genetics parameter estimation for linear traits in Holstein cattle in Indonesia: traits related to foot/leg and udder

The availability of (co)variance components and genetics parameter estimates for traits included in a selection program is crucial since the estimated breeding values of the selected traits are computed based on the available (co)variance components and genetics parameters. The present study aimed to estimate (co)variance components and genetics parameters for linear traits related to foot/leg and udder (i.e. rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length) in Holstein cattle in Indonesia. Linear traits were measured (instead of scored) on 310 lactating Holstein cows raised in the National Breeding Centre for Dairy Cattle and Forage of Indonesia (BBPTUHPT Baturraden). These were nearly all cows in lactation owned by the centre at the time of study. Lactating cows which were not measured during study were those which are technically difficult to handle. The Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AI-REML) method of the DMU program was used to estimate the (co)variances and genetics parameters of the considered linear traits. A four-multivariate animal model was employed by including farm (fixed), animal (random), and age (covariate) effects in the model of analysis. The phenotypic means (standard deviation) for rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length were 139.70 (6.03), 50.65 (5.04), 10.67 (6.19), and 5.27 (0.96), respectively. The results showed that the estimated heritability ( h 2 ) was 0.334, 0.236, 0.147, and 0.213 for rear legs set, foot angle, udder depth, and teat length, respectively. The genetic (phenotypic) correlations between linear traits rear legs set-foot angle, rear legs set-udder depth, rear legs set-teat length, foot angle-udder depth, foot angle-teat length, and udder depth-teat length were - 0.08 ( - 0.043 ), - 0.6 (0.002), 0.101 (0.036), 0.002 ( - 0.017 ), - 0.186 ( - 0.146 ), and - 0.834 (0.019), respectively. The present study concluded that the linear traits could be used in the selection program, though the traits should be properly weighted to avoid deteriorating selection response.

Population structure of a global agricultural invasive pest, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Bactrocera dorsalis, the Oriental fruit fly, is one of the world's most destructive agricultural insect pests and a major impediment to international fresh commodity trade. The genetic structuring of the species across its entire geographic range has never been undertaken, because under a former taxonomy B. dorsalis was divided into four distinct taxonomic entities, each with their own, largely non-overlapping, distributions. Based on the extensive sampling of six a priori groups from 63 locations, genetic and geometric morphometric datasets were generated to detect macrogeographic population structure, and to determine prior and current invasion pathways of this species. Weak population structure and high genetic diversity were detected among Asian populations. Invasive populations in Africa and Hawaii are inferred to be the result of separate, single invasions from South Asia, while South Asia is also the likely source of other Asian populations. The current northward invasion of B. dorsalis into Central China is the result of multiple, repeated dispersal events, most likely related to fruit trade. Results are discussed in the context of global quarantine, trade, and management of this pest. The recent expansion of the fly into temperate China, with very few associated genetic changes, clearly demonstrates the threat posed by this pest to ecologically similar areas in Europe and North America.

The effectiveness of mangosteen rind extract as additional therapy on chronic periodontitis (Clinical trials)

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that attacks the periodontal tissue comprises the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone caused mainly by plaque bacteriophage or other specific dominant type of bacteria. The purpose of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of clinical application of mangosteen peel extract gel as adjunctive therapy scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis. This research was expected to developed new treatment in the field of dentistry, particularly in periodontics, which can be used as supporting material for the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: Quasi-experimental research, split mouth, with as many as 14 chronic periodontitis patients. Mangosteen rind was prepared to be formed into extract gel, dried at room temperature, then the dried samples were macerated by using ethanol, then evaporated and decanted for 3 days until obtained condensed extract. The samples were patients with chronic periodontitis in at least 2 teeth with pockets ≥ 5 mm. Clinical parameters of pocket depth, gingival bleeding, and clinical epithelial attachment level were measured at baseline and 1 month after treatment. Analysis of data using the t-test. Results: The comparison of average gap ratio of pockets depth, gingival index, gingival bleeding and epithelium attachment levels, before and after treatment showed significant differences, such as in the test and control sides. Conclusion: The mangosteen rind gel as adjunctive therapy for scaling and root planing is able to reduce pockets depth, gingival index, and gingival bleeding, and improve clinical epithelial attachment.

Inhibitory and bactericidal power of mangosteen rind extract towards Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitans (Laboratory test)

Introduction: The bacteria that cause the occurrence of pathogens of periodontal disease are gram negative anaerobes. These bacteria include Pophyromonas Gingivalis and Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitans. Mangosteen skin extract is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, and anti oxidant properties. The extract of the mangosteen peel is altered in gel preparation in order to streamline its clinical application in periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to examine the antibacterial power of the ginger mangosteen tree extract gel against Pophyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitans (Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans). Methods: This research was conducted by experimental laboratory. Mangosteen fruit extract gel with concentration of 100%, 50%, 25%, 12,5%, 6,25%, 3,125% and 0,78% were tested against Pophyromonas Gingivalis and Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans with agar diffusion method. Results: The results of this study indicate that for Actinobacilus Aggregatibacter bacteria minimal inhibitory concentration at a concentration of 6.25% with a diameter of 13,5mm inhibition. Minimal bactericidal concentration at 12,5% concentration with 14,7mm inhibitory diameter. In the test of Pophyromonas Gingivalis bacteria, minimal inhibitory concentrations were obtained at a concentration of 1.56% and a minimum bactericidal concentration was obtained at a concentration of 3.125%. Conclusion: The conclusion that mangosteen peel skin gel extract can inhibit bacterial growth and is bactericidal against Pophyromonas Gingivalis and Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitans (Aggregatibacter Actinomycetecomitans).

Clinical evaluation of adjunctive topical therapy HCl 25 mg in surgical periodontal flap

Introduction: HCl tetracycline has been used as adjunctive therapy in surgical flap for chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tetracycline HCl 25 mg as an adjunctive therapy in surgical flap to reduce pocket depth and gingival inflammation. Methods: Subjects are divided into 2 groups, surgical flap group with tetracycline HCl 25 mg and surgical flap only. Measurements of pocket depth and gingival inflammation were taken in first condition and 1 month after treatment. Result: flap surgical treatment with a tetracycline Hcl 25 mg given topically provides better results for pocket depth and gingival inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis. Pocket measurements and gingival inflammation 1 month after surgery compared with early conditions showed significant differences (p = 0.00 and p = 0.00). Conclusion: Based on our study it was found that the use of tetracycline HCl 25 mg topically has a better influence in reducing pocket depth and gingival inflammation in chronic periodontitis.

A high-throughput detection method for invasive fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) species based on microfluidic dynamic array

Invasive species can be detrimental to a nation's ecology, economy and human health. Rapid and accurate diagnostics are critical to limit the establishment and spread of exotic organisms. The increasing rate of biological invasions relative to the taxonomic expertise available generates a demand for high-throughput, DNA-based diagnostics methods for identification. We designed species-specific qPCR primer and probe combinations for 27 economically important tephritidae species in six genera (Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Carpomya, Ceratitis, Dacus and Rhagoletis) based on 935 COI DNA barcode haplotypes from 181 fruit fly species publically available in BOLD, and then tested the specificity for each primer pair and probe through qPCR of 35 of those species. We then developed a standardization reaction system for detecting the 27 target species based on a microfluidic dynamic array and also applied the method to identify unknown immature samples from port interceptions and field monitoring. This method led to a specific and simultaneous detection for all 27 species in 7.5 h, using only 0.2 μL of reaction system in each reaction chamber. The approach successfully discriminated among species within complexes that had genetic similarities of up to 98.48%, while it also identified all immature samples consistent with the subsequent results of morphological examination of adults which were reared from larvae of cohorts from the same samples. We present an accurate, rapid and high-throughput innovative approach for detecting fruit flies of quarantine concern. This is a new method which has broad potential to be one of international standards for plant quarantine and invasive species detection.

Prevalence and characteristics of aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive Periodontitis is one of periodontal disease that generally affects individuals less than 30 years old, with a rapid attachment loss and alveolar bone destruction. Special features of the disease are affected incisors and first molars with symmetrical bilateral destruction. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of Aggressive Periodontitis at Student Clinics, Faculty of Dentistry Padjadjaran University on May to July 2010. Based on accidentally sampling, 415 new patients at Dental and Oral Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry Padjadjaran University and Dental and Oral Polyclinic at RSUP dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung participated in this study. Each subject filled out the questionnaire and did a clinical examination. Patients with attachment loss ≥ 4 mm were referred for radiographic and microbiologic examination to support the diagnosis. The results showed that there were 13 patients who have the diagnostic criteria of Aggressive Periodontitis. Nine patients were diagnosed as Localized Aggressive Periodontitis, and 4 patients as Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis. It is concluded that the prevalence of Aggressive Periodontitis was 3.13%, and indicated low prevalence. Characteristics of Localized Aggressive Periodontitis patients were female in 20-29 age range, whereas characteristics of Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis patients were male in 30-39 age range.

Enhancing biological control of basal stem rot disease (Ganoderma boninense) in oil palm plantations

Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense is the most destructive disease in oil palm, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. The available control measures for BSR disease such as cultural practices and mechanical and chemical treatment have not proved satisfactory due to the fact that Ganoderma has various resting stages such as melanised mycelium, basidiospores and pseudosclerotia. Alternative control measures to overcome the Ganoderma problem are focused on the use of biological control agents and planting resistant material. Present studies conducted at Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) are focused on enhancing the use of biological control agents for Ganoderma. These activities include screening biological agents from the oil palm rhizosphere in order to evaluate their effectiveness as biological agents in glasshouse and field trials, testing their antagonistic activities in large scale experiments and eradicating potential disease inoculum with biological agents. Several promising biological agents have been isolated, mainly Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Gliocladium viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus sp. A glasshouse and field trial for Ganoderma control indicated that treatment with T. harzianum and G. viride was superior to Bacillus sp. A large scale trial showed that the disease incidence was lower in a field treated with biological agents than in untreated fields. In a short term programme, research activities at IOPRI are currently focusing on selecting fungi that can completely degrade plant material in order to eradicate inoculum. Digging holes around the palm bole and adding empty fruit bunches have been investigated as ways to stimulate biological agents.