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We present detailed quantitative measurement analyses for flow in a spinner flask with spinning rates between 20 to 45 RPM, utilizing the optical velocimetry measurement technique of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). A partial section of the impeller was immersed in the working fluid to reduce the shear forces induced on the cells cultured on microcarriers. Higher rotational speeds improved the mixing effect in the medium at the expense of a higher shear environment. It was found that the mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells achieved the optimum number of cells over 7 days in 25 RPM suspension culture. This condition translates to 0.0984 Pa of maximum shear stress caused by the interaction of the fluid flow with the bottom surface. However, inverse cell growth was obtained at 28 RPM culture condition. Such a narrow margin demonstrated that mouse iPS cells cultured on microcarriers are very sensitive to mechanical forces. This study provides insight to biomechanical parameters, specifically the shear stress distribution, for a commercially available spinner flask over a wide range of Reynolds number.

Encapsulated cardamom waste extract (ECWE) contains flavonoids with antibacterial and antioxidant properties that may enhance broiler health and performance. This study evaluated the effects of ECWE as a phytobiotic on broiler intestinal microbiota, pH, H/L ratio, lymphoid organs, and performance. A total of 200 unsexed Ross broilers (8 days old) with an average body weight of 215.08±5.1 g/bird were assigned to five dietary treatments: T0 (control), T1 (0.02% ECWE), T2 (0.04% ECWE), T3 (0.06% ECWE), and T4 (0.08% ECWE). Results showed that 0.08% ECWE significantly increased lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations, lymphoid organ, and broiler performance. The increase in LAB given 0.08% ECWE is more effective in helping to reduce intestinal pH and to minimize the growth of pathogenic bacteria that can interfere with chicken digestion. In addition, the antioxidant properties in ECWE had a positive effect on the development of lymphoid organs, especially the thymus. It is concluded that ECWE supplementation at 0.08% was the most effective in improving digestive tract health and optimizing broiler performance.

Fungi are common opportunistic pathogens that pose a significant threat to immunocompromised patients, particularly when late detection occurs. In this study a multiplex real-time PCR has been developed for simultaneous detection of common fungal pathogens associated with invasive mycoses in a diagnostic setting. The specificity of the assay was rigorously tested on 40 types of organisms ( = 65), demonstrating 100% specificity. The limit of detection was determined to be 100 pg/μl (10 copies/μl), achievable within a rapid 3-h timeframe. The PCR assay efficiency exhibited a range between 89.77% and 104.30% for each target organism, with linearity falling between 0.9780 and 0.9983. This multiplex real-time PCR assay holds promise for enhancing the timely and accurate diagnosis of invasive mycoses, particularly in immunocompromised patient populations.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for less than 2% of cervical cancers. It presents diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical and histopathological features with other cervical malignancies. We report the case of a 46-year-old Indian woman with NECC, diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage 3A). She presented with prolonged menstrual bleeding, significant weight loss, and anaemia. Histopathological examination revealed small, monotonous cells with neuroendocrine differentiation and imaging showed a large cervical mass. The patient was treated with six cycles of chemotherapy (Etoposide and Cisplatin), following transfusion for anaemia and anticoagulation therapy due to pulmonary artery embolism. Subsequent imaging showed no disease progression after three cycles. The patient is scheduled for radiotherapy after completing chemotherapy. NECC’s aggressive nature, late-stage diagnosis, and treatment challenges highlight the importance of early detection, aggressive treatment and multidisciplinary management in improving patient outcomes. Ongoing monitoring for recurrence and treatment-related complications is essential for long-term care.

A rapid and accurate diagnosis of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has been a great challenge particularly in cases requiring prompt antifungal treatment. In this study, four primer pairs were designed for a quadruplex PCR assay, which was developed for detection of four fungal species simultaneously. DNA extraction of cultured colonies and spiked blood samples were performed using conventional (phenol-chloroform) techniques and commercial DNA extraction kit. The optimum annealing temperature for this assay was 60°C. The assay was able to amplify all four genes and showed 100% specificity. No amplification of any genes was obtained against other species (n=14), which included two bacteria species. In conclusion, this quadruplex PCR assay is specific, rapid and reliable to detect A. fumigatus, A. terreus, C. albicans and C. glabrata simultaneously.

In recent times, the study and use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have become important in order to avoid the ethical issues surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells. Therapeutic, industrial and research based use of iPSC requires large quantities of cells generated in vitro. Mammalian cells, including pluripotent stem cells, have been expanded using 3D culture, however current limitations have not been overcome to allow a uniform, optimized platform for dynamic culture of pluripotent stem cells to be achieved. In the current work, we have expanded mouse iPSC in a spinner flask using Cytodex 3 microcarriers. We have looked at the effect of agitation on the microcarrier survival and optimized an agitation speed that supports bead suspension and iPS cell expansion without any bead breakage. Under the optimized conditions, the mouse iPSC were able to maintain their growth, pluripotency and differentiation capability. We demonstrate that microcarrier survival and iPS cell expansion in a spinner flask are reliant on a very narrow range of spin rates, highlighting the need for precise control of such set ups and the need for improved design of more robust systems.

Circle weeding is a mechanical strategy in controlling legume cover crop (LCC) entanglement at the reclamation area of PT Mitrabara Adiperdana Tbk, Indonesia. Circle weeding generates up to 3.83 tons/ha leavings of LCC biomass, serving as recycled raw material for compost but with poorly degraded biomass. This experimental study attempted to discover an effective procedure to generate LCC Fertilizer by testing the integration between composting and vermicomposting. The chopped LCC were fermented using bioactivator for 21 days, then added with cow manure at different ratios as bulking materials for vermicomposting. The results showed that the recovery value obtained from the composting stage was 64.43%. The most ideal composition was 50:50 LCC to cow dung with 12-day vermicomposting which resulted in 93.27% recovery value. Laboratory analysis on the nutrient content indicated the fertilizer was suitable for soil amendment. Parameters of heavy metals, micronutrients, and N are up to par, whereas P and K for solid organic fertilizer based on KEPMENTAN RI No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 were subpar. Further development is advised.

To critically analyse literature on the anticancer properties of andrographolide in studies on gastric cancer cells. This study systematically reviewed articles from 2013 to 2024 across five prominent databases; PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct, EMBASE, Cochrane library and DOAJ. The study eligibility criteria include original studies assessing using gastric cancer cell lines and articles utilizing extracted andrographolide from or standard andrographolide source treatment. The following exclusion criteria were articles written in a different language, review articles, book chapters, conference articles, scientific reports. Duplicated articles were removed using Mendeley software. Out of 93 articles, six were relevant, primarily focusing on analyses with gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines. These studies indicate that andrographolide can hinder the cell cycle, suppress cell proliferation, alleviate oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis by prompting gastric cancer cells to undergo self-destruction, which is a crucial mechanism for controlling and eliminating cancerous growths.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of durian seed meal as a substitute for corn in the ration on feed and nutrient consumption, egg weight, and production. The study was conducted for six weeks. The material used is laying hens strain Lohmann Brown age 42 weeks as much as 120 birds. The study used Completely Randomized Design (RAL) with four treatments and five replications; each replication consisted of 6 birds. The treatments were the use of durian seed meal as a substitute for corn as much as 0, 3, 6, and 9%. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. The results showed that durian seed meal as a corn substitution significantly affects the parameter observed except feed and protein consumption. In conclusion, corn can be replaced with durian seed meal maximally by 6% without decreasing productive performance of laying hens

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites were developed using unmodified kraft lignin and lignosulfonate at varying mass ratios to evaluate their effects on mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance. At low filler content, lignin enhanced LDPE crystallinity and stiffness due to improved dispersion and interfacial interaction. However, higher lignin loadings led to particle agglomeration and reduced thermal stability between 100 and 400 °C. Tensile strength increased with lignin content, though no notable difference was observed between LL7.5 and LL10, which was likely due to aggregation. All composites exhibited a consistent melting point at 107 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that lignin degraded between 200 and 400 °C, while LDPE decomposed at 400 to 500 °C. Melt Flow Rate (MFR) declined with increasing filler content, from 4.92 g/10 min (LL0) to 3.53 g/10 min (LL10). FTIR analysis before and after 30 days of sunlight exposure showed no significant chemical changes, suggesting good environmental stability. These results demonstrated that unmodified lignin-based fillers can enhance the stiffness and environmental resilience of LDPE composites, although thermal stability may be compromised at higher loadings. The study offers insights into the balance between biofiller content and composite performance, supporting the development of sustainable materials for industrial use.