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Fulltext Silver Nanoparticles in the Water Environment in Malaysia: Inspection, characterization, removal, modeling, and future perspective

Syafiuddin A, Salmiati S, Hadibarata T, Kueh ABH, Salim MR, Zaini MAA

Sci Rep, 2018 01 17;8(1):986.
PMID: 29343711 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19375-1

The current status of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the water environment in Malaysia was examined and reported. For inspection, two rivers and two sewage treatment plants (STPs) were selected. Two activated carbons derived from oil palm (ACfOPS) and coconut (ACfCS) shells were proposed as the adsorbent to remove AgNPs. It was found that the concentrations of AgNPs in the rivers and STPs are in the ranges of 0.13 to 10.16 mg L-1 and 0.13 to 20.02 mg L-1, respectively, with the highest concentration measured in July. ACfOPS and ACfCS removed up to 99.6 and 99.9% of AgNPs, respectively, from the water. The interaction mechanism between AgNPs and the activated carbon surface employed in this work was mainly the electrostatic force interaction via binding Ag+ with O- presented in the activated carbon to form AgO. Fifteen kinetic models were compared statistically to describe the removal of AgNPs. It was found that the experimental adsorption data can be best described using the mixed 1,2-order model. Therefore, this model has the potential to be a candidate for a general model to describe AgNPs adsorption using numerous materials, its validation of which has been confirmed with other material data from previous works.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Development and evaluation of Bauhinia Kockiana extract-incorporated sago starch intelligent film strips for real-time freshness monitoring of coconut milk

Lau WN, Mohammadi Nafchi A, Zargar M, Rozalli NHM, Mat Easa A

Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Mar;260(Pt 2):129589.
PMID: 38296665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129589

The aim of this work was to fabricate an intelligent film using sago starch incorporated with the natural source of anthocyanins from the Bauhinia Kockiana flower and use it to monitor the freshness of coconut milk. The films were developed using the casting method that included the addition of the different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 mg) of Bauhinia Kockiana extract (BKE) obtained using a solvent. The anthocyanin content of Bauhinia Kockiana was 262.17 ± 9.28 mg/100 g of fresh flowers. The spectral characteristics of BKE solutions, cross-section morphology, physiochemical, barrier, and mechanical properties, and the colour variations of films in different pH buffers were investigated. Films having the highest BKE concentration demonstrated the roughest structure and highest thickness (0.16 mm), moisture content (9.72 %), swelling index (435.83 %), water solubility (31.20 %), and elongation at break (262.32 %) compared to the other films. While monitoring the freshness of coconut milk for 16 h, BKE15 showed remarkable visible colour changes (from beige to dark brown), and the pH of coconut milk dropped from 6.21 to 4.56. Therefore, sago starch film incorporated with BKE has excellent potential to act as an intelligent pH film in monitoring the freshness of coconut milk.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Synthesis of a novel acrylated abietic acid-g-bacterial cellulose hydrogel by gamma irradiation

Abeer MM, Amin MC, Lazim AM, Pandey M, Martin C

Carbohydr Polym, 2014 Sep 22;110:505-12.
PMID: 24906785 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.04.052

Acrylated abietic acid (acrylated AbA) and acrylated abietic acid-grafted bacterial cellulose pH sensitive hydrogel (acrylated AbA-g-BC) were prepared by a one-pot synthesis. The successful dimerization of acrylic acid (AA) and abietic acid (AbA) and grafting of the dimer onto bacterial cellulose (BC) was confirmed by 13C solid state NMR as well as FT-IR. X-ray diffraction analysis showed characteristic peaks for AbA and BC; further, there was no effect of increasing amorphous AA content on the overall crystallinity of the hydrogel. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed a glass transition temperature of 80°C. Gel fraction and swelling studies gave insight into the features of the hydrogel, suggesting that it was suitable for future applications such as drug delivery. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed an interesting interpenetrating network within the walls of hydrogel samples with the lowest levels of AA and gamma radiation doses. Cell viability test revealed that the synthesized hydrogel is safe for future use in biomedical applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/microbiology
Development and anti-microbial potential of topical formulations containing Cocos nucifera Linn

Sheshala R, Ying LT, Hui LS, Barua A, Dua K

Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem, 2013;12(3):253-64.
PMID: 23746224

In order to achieve better treatment for local wounds and bacterial infections, topical formulations containing Cocos nucifera Linn. were developed. These formulations were evaluated for their physicochemical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against various strains of microorganisms. Semisolid formulations containing 5% w/w of Cocos nucifera Linn. were prepared by employing different dermatological bases and were evaluated for their physical appearance, pH, rheological properties, FTIR-spectroscopic analysis, thermodynamic stability and stability studies. The antimicrobial activity of each prepared formulation was determined using disk-diffusion method against various strains of microorganisms. All the prepared formulations were found to be stable and exhibited suitable physicochemical characteristics including pH, viscosity and spreadability which are necessary for an ideal topical preparation, in addition to strong antimicrobial activity. Carbopol gel base was found to be the most suitable dermatological base for Cocos nucifera Linn. in comparsion to other bases. Cocos nucifera Linn. formulations showed great potential for wounds and local bacterial infections. Moreover, carbopol gel base with its aesthetic appeal was found to be a suitable dermatological base for Cocos nucifera Linn. semisolid formulation as it had demonstrated significant physicochemical properties and greater diffusion when assessed using disk- diffusion method.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos*
Transformation of oil palm using Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Izawati AM, Parveez GK, Masani MY

Methods Mol Biol, 2012;847:177-88.
PMID: 22351008 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-558-9_15

Transgenic oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantlets are regenerated after Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of embryogenic calli derived from young leaves of oil palm. The calli are transformed with an Agrobacterium strain, LBA4404, harboring the plasmid pUBA, which carries a selectable marker gene (bar) for resistance to the herbicide Basta and is driven by a maize ubiquitin promoter. Modifications of the transformation method, treatment of the target tissues using acetosyringone, exposure to a plasmolysis medium, and physical injury via biolistics are applied. The main reasons for such modifications are to activate the bacterial virulence system and, subsequently, to increase the transformation efficiency. Transgenic oil palm cells are selected and regenerated on a medium containing herbicide Basta. Molecular analyses revealed the presence and integration of the introduced bar gene into the genome of the transformants.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/genetics*
Evaluation of the use of Cocos nucifera as antimalarial remedy in Malaysian folk medicine

Al-Adhroey AH, Nor ZM, Al-Mekhlafi HM, Amran AA, Mahmud R

J Ethnopharmacol, 2011 Apr 12;134(3):988-91.
PMID: 21277969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.026

White flesh extract of Cocos nucifera (coconut) was studied to ascertain the ethnopharmacological standing of its antimalarial usage in Malaysian folk medicine.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry*
Antioxidant capacity and phenolic acids of virgin coconut oil

Marina AM, Man YB, Nazimah SA, Amin I

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2009;60 Suppl 2:114-23.
PMID: 19115123 DOI: 10.1080/09637480802549127

The antioxidant properties of virgin coconut oil produced through chilling and fermentation were investigated and compared with refined, bleached and deodorized coconut oil. Virgin coconut oil showed better antioxidant capacity than refined, bleached and deodorized coconut oil. The virgin coconut oil produced through the fermentation method had the strongest scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and the highest antioxidant activity based on the beta-carotene-linoleate bleaching method. However, virgin coconut oil obtained through the chilling method had the highest reducing power. The major phenolic acids detected were ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. Very high correlations were found between the total phenolic content and scavenging activity (r=0.91), and between the total phenolic content and reducing power (r=0.96). There was also a high correlation between total phenolic acids and beta-carotene bleaching activity. The study indicated that the contribution of antioxidant capacity in virgin coconut oil could be due to phenolic compounds.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry*
Fulltext Food Consumption, Developmental Time, and Protein Profile of the Digestive System of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleptera: Dryophthoridae) Larvae Reared on Three Different Diets

Zulkifli AN, Zakeri HA, Azmi WA

J Insect Sci, 2018 Sep 01;18(5).
PMID: 30285257 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey093

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is one of the most dangerous pests of major cultivated palms including coconut, oil palm, and sago. The larval stage of the weevil causes the most destruction of the palms as it completely destroys the palm cabbage. In this study, the larvae were given three different diets-coconut cabbage, oil palm cabbage, and sago stem, under laboratory conditions for food consumption and developmental time experiment. The protein profiles of the digestive systems of the larvae fed on these three diets were also determined. Although the coconut diet was the most consumed by RPW larvae compared to oil palm and sago diets, the growth rate of RPW larvae on oil palm diet was however significantly shorter than those on the coconut and sago diets: the RPW only need 1 mo and 9 d to complete the larval duration. Proteins profiling of eight 2-DE gel protein spots that range 50-20 kDa were identified by mass spectrometry sequence analysis. Based on the Matrix Science Software, the most dominant protein was cationic trypsin. However, based on the NCBI BLAST tool, aminopeptidase N was the most dominant enzyme. This finding can lead to the development of pest control strategies based on the antinutritional protease inhibitors as potential biocontrol agents. Urgent action to find effective control methods should be taken seriously as this weevil is presumed to be one of the serious pests of oil palm industry in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry
Chlorate adsorption from chlor-alkali plant brine stream

Lakshmanan S, Murugesan T

Water Sci Technol, 2017 Jul;76(1-2):87-94.
PMID: 28708613 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.182

Chlorates are present in the brine stream purged from chlor-alkali plants. Tests were conducted using activated carbon from coconut shell, coal or palm kernel shell to adsorb chlorate. The results show varying levels of adsorption with reduction ranging between 1.3 g/L and 1.8 g/L. This was higher than the chlorate generation rate of that plant, recorded at 1.22 g/L, indicating that chlorate can be adequately removed by adsorption using activated carbon. Coconut based activated carbon exhibited the best adsorption of chlorate of the three types of activated carbon tested. Introducing an adsorption step prior to purging of the brine will be able to reduce chlorate content in the brine stream. The best location for introducing the adsorption step was identified to be after dechlorination of the brine and before resaturation. Introduction of such an adsorption step will enable complete recovery of the brine and prevent brine purging, which in turn will result in less release of chlorides and chlorates to the environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry
Fulltext Maternal intake of dietary virgin coconut oil modifies essential fatty acids and causes low body weight and spiky fur in mice

Gunasekaran R, Shaker MR, Mohd-Zin SW, Abdullah A, Ahmad-Annuar A, Abdul-Aziz NM

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Jan 28;17(1):79.
PMID: 28129764 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1600-z

Coconut oil is commonly used as herbal medicine worldwide. There is limited information regarding its effects on the developing embryo and infant growth.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry*
Fulltext Coconut water vinegar ameliorates recovery of acetaminophen induced liver damage in mice

Mohamad NE, Yeap SK, Beh BK, Ky H, Lim KL, Ho WY, et al.

BMC Complement Altern Med, 2018 Jun 25;18(1):195.
PMID: 29940935 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2199-4

BACKGROUND: Coconut water has been commonly consumed as a beverage for its multiple health benefits while vinegar has been used as common seasoning and a traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigates the potential of coconut water vinegar in promoting recovery on acetaminophen induced liver damage.
METHODS: Mice were injected with 250 mg/kg body weight acetaminophen for 7 days and were treated with distilled water (untreated), Silybin (positive control) and coconut water vinegar (0.08 mL/kg and 2 mL/kg body weight). Level of oxidation stress and inflammation among treated and untreated mice were compared.
RESULTS: Untreated mice oral administrated with acetaminophen were observed with elevation of serum liver profiles, liver histological changes, high level of cytochrome P450 2E1, reduced level of liver antioxidant and increased level of inflammatory related markers indicating liver damage. On the other hand, acetaminophen challenged mice treated with 14 days of coconut water vinegar were recorded with reduction of serum liver profiles, improved liver histology, restored liver antioxidant, reduction of liver inflammation and decreased level of liver cytochrome P450 2E1 in dosage dependent level.
CONCLUSION: Coconut water vinegar has helped to attenuate acetaminophen-induced liver damage by restoring antioxidant activity and suppression of inflammation.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry*
Fulltext The Antioxidative Role of Natural Compounds from a Green Coconut Mesocarp Undeniably Contributes to Control Diabetic Complications as Evidenced by the Associated Genes and Biochemical Indexes

Das RR, Rahman MA, Al-Araby SQ, Islam MS, Rashid MM, Babteen NA, et al.

Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2021;2021:9711176.
PMID: 34367469 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9711176

The purpose of this study was to look into the effects of green coconut mesocarp juice extract (CMJE) on diabetes-related problems in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced type 2 diabetes, as well as the antioxidative functions of its natural compounds in regulating the associated genes and biochemical markers. CMJE's antioxidative properties were evaluated by the standard antioxidant assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, nitric oxide, and ferrous ions along with the total phenolic and flavonoids content. The α-amylase inhibitory effect was measured by an established method. The antidiabetic effect of CMJE was assayed by fructose-fed STZ-induced diabetic models in albino rats. The obtained results were verified by bioinformatics-based network pharmacological tools: STITCH, STRING, GSEA, and Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba bioinformatics tools. The results showed that GC-MS-characterized compounds from CMJE displayed a very promising antioxidative potential. In an animal model study, CMJE significantly (P < 0.05) decreased blood glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, uric acid, and lipid levels and increased glucose tolerance as well as glucose homeostasis (HOMA-IR and HOMA-b scores). The animal's body weights and relative organ weights were found to be partially restored. Tissue architectures of the pancreas and the kidney were remarkably improved by low doses of CMJE. Compound-protein interactions showed that thymine, catechol, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural of CMJE interacted with 84 target proteins. Of the top 15 proteins found by Cytoscape 3.6.1, 8, CAT and OGG1 (downregulated) and CASP3, COMT, CYP1B1, DPYD, NQO1, and PTGS1 (upregulated), were dysregulated in diabetes-related kidney disease. The data demonstrate the highly prospective use of CMJE in the regulation of tubulointerstitial tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos/chemistry*
Batch adsorption of phenol onto physiochemical-activated coconut shell

Mohd Din AT, Hameed BH, Ahmad AL

J Hazard Mater, 2009 Jan 30;161(2-3):1522-9.
PMID: 18562090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.05.009

The liquid-phase adsorption of phenol onto coconut shell-based activated carbon, CS850A was investigated for its equilibrium studies and kinetic modeling. Coconut shell was converted into high quality activated carbon through physiochemical activation at 850 degrees C under the influence of CO(2) flow. Beforehand, the coconut shell was carbonized at 700 degrees C and the resulted char was impregnated with KOH at 1:1 weight ratio. In order to evaluate the performance of CS850A, a series of batch adsorption experiments were conducted with initial phenol concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 mg l(-1), adsorbent loading of 0.2g and the adsorption process was maintained at 30+/-1 degrees C. The adsorption isotherms were in conformation to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Chemical reaction was found to be a rate-controlling parameter to this phenol-CS850A batch adsorption system due to strong agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption capacity for CS850A was found to be 205.8 mg g(-1).

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext Prevalence of overweight among Malaysian adults from rural communities

Khor GL, Yusof AM, Tee ES, Kandiah M, Lee Huang MS

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1999 Dec;8(4):272-9.
PMID: 24394228

Assessment of the nutritional status of 4054 households from rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia was undertaken from 1992 to 1995. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were obtained from a self-selected sample of 1854 men and 2741 women aged >= 18 years. The BMI and WHR results are presented according to gender, age groups and type of community as defined by the main occupation, namely, fishing, rice farming, estate work, rubber and coconut small-holding. The mean BMI for men and women of all age groups are 22.5 kg/m2 and 23.8 kg/m2, respectively. The mean BMI for both genders increases with age between 18.0 and 49.9 years, after which the value declines. The prevalence of pre-obese (BMI >= 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) is 19.8% for men and 28.0% for women. The prevalence of obese men and women (>= 30.0 kg/m2) is 4.2% and 11.1%, respectively. The highest prevalence of pre-obese and obese men is found in the age groups of 30.0-49.9 years, while that for women is in the 40.0-49.9 years age group. The prevalence of pre-obesity and obesity is higher in women than in men for every age group. A similar result was indicated by WHR whereby a higher proportion of women (22.5%) than men (5%) for all ages was found to show central obesity. The prevalence of overweight adults is higher when compared with previous studies on subjects from almost similar rural communities. This study indicated that overweight is on the increase in rural communities, especially among female subjects.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Impact of saturated and trans fatty acid enriched oil blends on atherosclerosis in rabbits fed cholesterol-free diets

Sundram K, Pathmanathan R, Wong KT, Baskaran G

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1997 Mar;6(1):31-5.
PMID: 24394650

Thirty six-male New Zealand White rabbits subdivided into four dietary groups (9 animals per group) were fed high fat (36% en), cholesterol-free diets for nine months. The dietary oil blends were formulated to contain high levels of the target fatty acids namely trans-rich (partially hydrogenated soybean oil; TRANS), cis monounsaturated-rich (rapeseed, sunflower seed oil and palm olein; MONO), palmitic-rich (palm olein; POL) and lauric-myristic rich (coconut, palm kernel and corn oils; LM). Ad libitum feeding of the rabbits resulted in normal growth throughout the nine months and no differences in the final body weights of the animals were evident at autopsy. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly elevated only by the LM enriched diet compared with all other treatments; values were comparable between the other three treatment groups. Changes in the total cholesterol were not reflected in the VLDL and LDL lipoproteins. However, HDL-cholesterol was significantly lowered by the TRANS diet compared with all other dietary groups. HDL-cholesterol was also significantly increased by the LM diet in comparison to the POL-diet. Both adipose and liver triglyceride fatty acid compositions tended to reflect the type of fatty acids fed the animals. Trans fatty acids were evident only in animals fed the trans diet and it was apparent that the trans fatty acids competed with linoleic acid for incorporation into these tissues. Increased concentrations of lauric and myristic fatty acids in the LM-fed animals were also evident. In the POL and high MONO fed rabbits, palmitic and oleic fatty acids (respectively) were concentrated in the adipose and liver. The diets, however, failed to induce severe atherosclerosis in this study. This can be explained, in part, by the lack of dietary cholesterol and the use of plant (rather than animal) proteins in our dietary formulations. The effect of these important atherosclerosis modulators in association with these fatty acids requires further evaluation.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext CHARACTERISATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM KEFIR MILK MADE FROM DAIRY AND NON-DAIRY SOURCES AND THEIR SENSORY ACCEPTANCE

CHAN KHER ZHI, MOHD NIZAM LANI, MOHD NIZAM LANI, YUSNITA HAMZAH, FAUZIAH TUFAIL AHMAD, HAFIZAH NIK UBAIDILLAH

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2021;3(2):37-50.
MyJurnal

Kefir is a fermented milk obtained by fermenting milk with kefir grains. The chemical composition ofdairy and non-dairy sources may affect the growth and characterisation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this study, different sources of milk (cow milk) and non-dairy milk (soymilk and coconut milk) were used as the fermentation media for kefir products. The objectives of the study were to isolate and characterise LAB from kefir drink produced from dairy and non-dairy milk. LAB was isolated using different cultural methods, such as MRS Agar, MRS with 0.8% CaCO3, and M17 Agar. The characteristics of the LAB isolates were determined using morphological, biochemical tests and the API 50 CHL kit. The physicochemical composition of the samples was determined using titratable acidity and pH level. Sensory evaluation of the kefir drink samples was also carried out. Results confirmed that the isolates were identified as Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus brevis 1, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus acidophilus 3and Lactobacillus plantarum 1. The L. buchneri, L. brevis, Leu. mesenteroides and L. acidophilus are heterofermentative bacteria, whereas L. plantarum is a homofermentative bacterium. Four LAB isolates have the potential to be used as probiotic strains due to their high resistant to low pH and bile salt. The sensory scores of these products range between 5.00 and 8.00 in the 9-point hedonic scale. Most of the sensory panelists preferred cow milk kefir (p < 0.05) compared with coconut milk kefir and soy milk kefir during the sensory evaluation of all attributes. Meanwhile, the preference between coconut milk kefir and soy milk kefir was similar (p>0.05) in all attributes. Therefore, this study will be useful for probiotic manufacturers in the production of alternative probiotic drinks using dairy and non-dairy milk.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM LOCALLY PRODUCED VINEGARS AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST FOODBORNE BACTERIA

AGNES LEE CHIU NEE, MOHD NIZAM LANI, ROZILA ALIAS, ZAITON HASSAN

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2019;1(2):1-7.
MyJurnal

Vinegars are most widely used as preservatives in food industry. Vinegars are known for their health benefits; however, the roles of vinegar-associated microflora in locally produced vinegars are not well established. The objectives of this study are to isolate and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from black rice vinegar and coconut vinegar, measure their pH and titratable acidity, and determine their antibacterial activity. LAB was isolated using cultural method. Phenotypic characterization of LAB was carried out using Gram-staining, oxidase test, catalase test and API 50 CHL Kit. Results from API 50 CHL Kit confirmed that BRV03M strain from black rice vinegar and CV03M strain from coconut vinegar were Lactobacillus paracaseissp. paracasei. The identified bacteria in both samples were consistent as L. paracaseiusing 16S rDNAgene sequences with 93% and 99% similarity, respectively. The pH and titratable acidity percentage of both vinegars were also determined. The stability of Cell Free Supernatant-Lactic Acid Bacteria (CFS-LAB) strains within 14 days on their inhibition against selected pathogenic bacteria was determined using agar well diffusion method. The CFS-LAB strain isolated from black rice vinegar (BRV03M) was more stable within 14 days than coconut vinegar in inhibiting tested bacteria, suggesting this strain has great potential as natural antibacterial agents.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext Feral Cat Globetrotters: genetic traces of historical human-mediated dispersal

Koch K, Algar D, Schwenk K

Ecol Evol, 2016 08;6(15):5321-32.
PMID: 27551385 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2261

Endemic species on islands are highly susceptible to local extinction, in particular if they are exposed to invasive species. Invasive predators, such as feral cats, have been introduced to islands around the world, causing major losses in local biodiversity. In order to control and manage invasive species successfully, information about source populations and level of gene flow is essential. Here, we investigate the origin of feral cats of Hawaiian and Australian islands to verify their European ancestry and a potential pattern of isolation by distance. We analyzed the genetic structure and diversity of feral cats from eleven islands as well as samples from Malaysia and Europe using mitochondrial DNA (ND5 and ND6 regions) and microsatellite DNA data. Our results suggest an overall European origin of Hawaiian cats with no pattern of isolation by distance between Australian, Malaysian, and Hawaiian populations. Instead, we found low levels of genetic differentiation between samples from Tasman Island, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe, Cocos (Keeling) Island, and Asia. As these populations are separated by up to 10,000 kilometers, we assume an extensive passive dispersal event along global maritime trade routes in the beginning of the 19th century, connecting Australian, Asian, and Hawaiian islands. Thus, islands populations, which are characterized by low levels of current gene flow, represent valuable sources of information on historical, human-mediated global dispersal patterns of feral cats.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext Effect of lipase hydrolysis on the antibacterial activity of coconut oil, palm mesocarp oil and selected seed oils against several pathogenic bacteria

Lee, S.T., Ariffin, A., Son R., Ghazali, H.M.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(1):46-54.
MyJurnal

The antibacterial activity of solvent-extracted oil of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.), and mustard (Brassica nigra L.) seed oils, and coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) oil, palm (Elaeis guineensis L.) mesocarp in hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed form were determined in order to explore their potential usage as antibacterial agent. The hydrolysis process that was catalyzed by immobilized lipase of Rhizomucor miehei (RMIM) showed highest hydrolytic activity with 1.0 ml of added water volume except bitter gourd seed oil and palm mesocarp oil which has maximum hydrolytic activity with added water volume of 5 ml and 2.5 ml respectively. Before hydrolysis, all oil samples did not show inhibition ring zones (IRZ) on any of the tested bacteria strains (Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7). Hydrolyzed lady’s finger and bitter gourd seed oil showed IRZ on all tested bacteria strains; hydrolyzed mustard seed oil on S. typhimurium and L. monocytogenes; hydrolyzed spinach seed oil and coconut oil on L. monocytogenes; hydrolyzed noni seed oil and palm mesocarp oil did not exhibit IRZ on any of the tested bacteria strains. Most of the hydrolyzed oil exhibit an inhibition activity that was different from their respective dominant fatty acids except noni seed oil and palm mesocarp oil.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos
Fulltext Removal of dissolved organic carbon from peat swamp runoff using assorted tropical agriculture biomass

Sim, F.S., Mohd Irwan Lu, N.A.L., Lee, Z.E.T., Mohamed, M.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2015;23(1):51-59.
MyJurnal

In this study, agriculture biomass was used to remove dissolved organic matter from peat swamp runoff. The functional groups and morphological properties of 6 tropical agriculture biomasses (coconut husk, rice husk, empty fruit bunch, sago hampas, saw dust and banana trunk) in their raw and citric acid–treated states were examined. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that various biomasses were typically characterised with lignocellulosic compounds. The spectra analysis further demonstrated that citric acid treatment resulted in the dissolution of lignin and hemicelluloses to various extents where carboxyl groups were also introduced. These changes hypothetically suggest improved adsorption ability. Treatment of peat swamp runoff with various untreated biomasses showed no adsorption. With the modified biomass, adsorption was evidenced, with rice husk illustrating the highest removal efficiency of 60% to 65%.The biosorbent can be used in the water treatment process especially for treating water with a high dissolved organic matter content. The spent sorbent can be subsequently applied as a soil conditioner as the dissolved organic fraction, commonly known as humic matter, possesses important agricultural value.

Matched MeSH terms: Cocos

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