Science Essence Journal

In Vivo Study on the Evaluation of a Sleeping Mask Gel Containing Red Cotton Tree Flower (Bombax ceiba L.) Extract

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The red cotton tree flower (Bombax ceiba L.) is a local plant commonly found in Northern Thailand. It is used in Northern Thai cuisine and traditional Thai medicine. A previous study demonstrated the antioxidant properties of red cotton tree flowers in a formulated skincare product, specifically a sleeping mask gel. This study aimed to develop an anti-wrinkle facial skincare product containing red cotton tree flower extract. The flowers were extracted using 99% ethanol through maceration at room temperature. A 1.5% concentration of the extract was incorporated into the sleeping mask gel. An in vivo study was conducted to evaluate skin irritation and anti-wrinkle efficacy. Twenty volunteers aged 30–60 years (7 men and 13 women) participated in the study. The results showed no skin irritation among the volunteers, and the product effectively reduced wrinkles after one month of use. Additionally, it increased skin moisture within the first week of application. The volunteers expressed overall satisfaction with the product and reported no adverse reactions. This newly developed product not only highlights the effectiveness of red cotton tree flower extract but also demonstrates its commercial potential.

Hi-Tech Plant Leaf Classification Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study was aimed at surveying wild fruit plant species in the Khok Phu Taka forest area and developing a system of plant leaf classification using AI technology (Polylthia debilis Finet & Gagnep and other plant species). Data were collected from the Khok Phu Taka forest, and the AI system (development of AI by training images (N=145)) was developed to classify the leaves of Polylthia debilis Finet & Gagnep and other plant species. The system accuracy was verified of 10% of the images by using YOLO v4. The data were analyzed by Confusion Matrix. The findings revealed that plant species in the study area include Polylthia debilis Finet & Gagnep, Polyalthia evecta (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep, Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), and Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill. var. oenoplia, etc. The data were then labeled to develop the system, and an accuracy of 93 % was achieved in classifying Polylthia debilis Finet & Gagnep leaves and other species. In conclusion, the developed AI system increases the efficiency of plant species identification through leaf classification, while it provides the method to identify various plant species in the future.

Nitrate Removal Enhancement Using Pulse Electrolysis and Aluminum Electrode

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This work focuses on nitrate elimination from municipal wastewater by an electrochemical method with pulsed DC electrolysis. The performance of electroreduction of nitrate was investigated without alkaline electrolyte addition. The nitrate removal reactor was fabricated from acrylic and aluminum electrodes. The nitrate concentration was analyzed by the light absorption of the substance using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The precipitated compounds were determined by X-ray diffraction technique. The experimental results with 180 min treatment indicated the optimum condition for nitrate removal, which was carried out on the pulse frequency of 10 kHz, pulse width of 80%, and electric current density of 16 mA/cm². This condition was able to eradicate nitrate up to 90.73% (4.3 mg/L) from an initial nitrate concentration of 46.0 mg/L with a nitrogen selectivity of 80.08%. Furthermore, the weight loss of aluminum anodes was as low as 0.8%. The main precipitation formed in the electrolyte cell was aluminum hydroxide.

Vanillic Acid Suppresses Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells via Inhibition of mTOR Expression

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gastrointestinal cancer is a major global health concern associated with high mortality rates. Adjuvant therapies, including surgery and chemotherapy, are widely used in cancer treatment. However, chemotherapy often causes significant side effects, harming healthy cells and leading to long-term complications. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies with fewer adverse effects are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of vanillic acid, a phenolic compound on gastrointestinal cancer cell lines, specifically KKU-100 and HepG2 cell lines. The evaluation of antioxidant properties was conducted by the DPPH and FRAP assays, while cytotoxicity assessment was performed through MTT assays. The cell apoptosis rate was analyzed using flow cytometry, and the expression of the mTOR gene was quantified through real-time RT-PCR analysis. Our results demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with a maximum FRAP value of 235.77±0.11 µgAAE/mg of vanillic acid and a DPPH free radical scavenging rate of 69.33±3.11%, with an effective concentration (EC₅₀) of 2.69 mg/mL. Furthermore, vanillic acid significantly suppressed the proliferation of KKU-100 and HepG2 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 1508 µg/mL and 634.3 µg/mL, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a slight increase in apoptosis in both cell lines. Notably, vanillic acid downregulated mTOR expression in both KKU-100 and HepG2 cells. The findings suggested that vanillic acid, may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.

In Silico Investigation of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Inhibition by Alkyleneoxyberberine Derivatives

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) playing a crucial role in its development and progression. In this study, we investigated the binding interactions and stability of berberrubine (1) and 9-(4-methyl phenethoxy) berberine (2) as potential ERα inhibitors using computational approaches. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate binding affinities and interactions, followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the stability and conformational changes of the ERα-ligand complexes. The binding free energy was further analyzed using Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations to identify key energy contributions. The results demonstrated that (2) exhibited stronger and more stable binding to ERα than (1), though both were less potent than 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT), a standard ERα inhibitor. Additionally, ERα-(2) interacts with key residues ALA350, GLU353, and ARG394, while exhibiting stronger van der Waals interactions than ERα-(1), consistent with the MMGBSA energy component analysis. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of ERα inhibition by berberine derivatives and highlights their potential as lead compounds for further development in breast cancer therapy.

Antimicrobial Resistance, Molecular Serotyping and Virulence Profiles of Listeria Monocytogenes Isolated From Raw Chicken Meat in Bangkok and Metropolitan Provinces

Pichapak Sriyapai, Kosum Chansiri, Chutima Jittaprasatsin, Thayat Sriyapai — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, molecular serogroup, and virulence genes of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from raw chicken meat samples collected from traditional markets and hypermarkets in Bangkok and metropolitan provinces, Thailand. A total of 33 L. monocytogenes isolates were recovered from 220 samples (15%), with contamination detected in 13 of 150 samples (8.7%) from traditional markets and 20 of 70 samples (28.6%) from hypermarkets. Molecular serotyping classified 24 isolates (72.7%) into serogroup 1/2b, 3b (Division I) and 9 isolates (27.3%) into serogroup 1/2a, 3a (Division II). Among isolates from traditional markets, 4 belonged to serogroup 1/2b, 3b, while 9 were classified as serogroup 1/2a, 3a. In hypermarkets, serogroup 1/2b, 3b was predominant (18 isolates), whereas 2 isolate belonged to serogroup 1/2a, 3a. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 14 antibiotics revealed the highest resistance to clindamycin (25/33, 75.8%), followed by penicillin G (14/33, 42.4%), ampicillin (11/33, 33.3%) and tetracycline (5/33, 15.1%). Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥ 3 antibiotic classes) was observed in 18.2% of isolates. Molecular characterization revealed all L. monocytogenes isolates (100%) harbored the virulence-associated genes (inlA, inlC, actA, hlyA, and iap). Notably, 97% of the isolates contained the inlJ gene. Additionally, the widespread resistance to common therapeutic agents, along with the presence of serogroups 1/2b, 3b and 1/2a, 3a, raises public health concerns, as serotype 1/2b and 1/2a have been most frequently associated with human listeriosis.

The Nature and Significance of Mathematics from Contemporary Viewpoints

Nathaphon Boonnam, Rattanasak Hama, Pattrawut Chansangiam, Sorin Sabau — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper explores the nature and significance of mathematics, presenting it as a systematic and logical study of patterns in nature. Mathematics can be conceptualized as a pyramid consisting of three layers. The first layer is pure mathematics, which focuses on the study of abstract objects and concepts. The second layer is applied mathematics, dedicated to the development and application of mathematical methods to address specific problems. The final layer involves the applications of mathematics, where established results from pure or applied mathematics are utilized to solve concrete, real-world problems. A deep appreciation of the importance and beauty of abstract patterns requires engaging in research within pure or applied mathematics. To undertake such research, the fundamentals of pure mathematics are essential. Advances in mathematical research often lead to the development of new theories or innovative techniques for problem-solving.