Annual Research & Review in Biology

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https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151209

Chief Editor: Prof. George Perry,
ISSN: 2347-565X

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.journalarrb.com/index.php/ARRB

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 592

Ethnobotanical Survey, Physiochemical Composition and Preliminary Cytotoxic Evaluation of some Medicinal Plants with Anticancer Potential from Certain Areas in South-West Nigeria
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Ogundare, O. C.; Adedosu, O. T.; Afolabi, O. K.; Adeleke, G. E.; Akinboro, T.; Daniel, A. A.; Akoro, S. M.; Oludare, V. I.
Aims: Medicinal plants used by traditional medical practitioners (TMP) to treat cancers are considered safe when used alone or combined with conventional therapy to ensure their effectiveness and eliminate the toxic effects of orthodox medicines. Using cytotoxic and antioxidant studies, the study attempted to assess some of the commonly used medicinal plants used to cure cancer among Yoruba people in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos (South-West, Nigeria). Study Design: Samples of commonly utilized anticancer plants obtained from the chosen areas using physical and virtual oral seminars were studied for physiochemical composition and a possible antioxidant and cytotoxic potential to validate the basis for the use of the selected anticancer plants. Methodology: Online academic literature searches were done on the cited plants to identify the already-exploited anticancer plants. The ethanolic extracts of the plant were examined for the presence of bioactive components and their total flavonoid content, with focusing on quercetin detection using thin layer bioautography (TLB) and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) for cytotoxicity. In comparison to quercetin and ascorbic acid, the scavenging of superoxide radical (SOR), hydrogen peroxide, and 2, 2-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity by a model (most biologically active) of the anticancer plant was also evaluated. Results: There were only twelve anticancer species that were not used in related studies: Lannea egregia, Ficus exasperate, Croton zambesicus, Tetrapleurai tetraptera, Terminalia catappa, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides, Plumbago zelanica, Hilleria latifolia, Bryophyllum pinntum, Chromolena odorata, Brysocarpus coccineus and Spondias mombin. The anticancer plants contained bioactive and mineral substances like saponins, protein, lipids, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and a decreased Na/K concentration. The plants had a fair amount of flavonoids and variable levels of cytotoxicity. L. egeregia was regarded as the prototype of the anticancer species due to its profound flavonoid concentration (85.40 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity (9.46 µg/mL) compared to other extracts. The TLB also demonstrated the presence of quercetin, with a dose-dependent antioxidant property. The anticancer model's overall antioxidant activity (34.72 µg/mL) was slightly lower than quercetin (30.44 µg/mL) but higher than ascorbic acid (41.68 µg/mL). Conclusion: The results support the traditional use of anticancer species as nutritional and dietary supplements, whose bioactive compounds are relevant in managing cancer patients. The plant’s bioactive principles need to be characterized in future research.
Cell-free DNA in Embryo Culture Media as Non-invasive Biomarker of the Quality of Embryo Cleavage
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Jamil, M.; Debbarh, H.; Jelloul, H.; Kabit, A.; Ennaji, M.; Zarqaoui, M.; Hissane, E. M.; Senhaji, W.; Louanjli, N.; Cadi, R.
Background: The success of in vitro-fertilization (IVF) cycles is determined in large part by the quality of embryo cleavage, which in turn, is dependent on the quality of the embryo culture media (CM). Many factors can influence the quality of embryo CM, one of which is the levels of Cell Free Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Understanding the association between Cell-free DNA levels in embryo CM and the quality of embryo cleavage could help improve the quality of IVF techniques. Methods: This prospective study was conducted with 96 spent CM from patients undergoing IVF cycle, in order to determine relationships of Cell-free DNA levels in embryo CM with embryo cleavage quality on day 3. After intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), 48 embryos were evaluated on day 3 of their development, according to their cell number. Day 2 and day 3 CM corresponding to each one of the embryos was analyzed, by quantitative PCR, for estimation of Cell-free DNA levels. Results: The results revealed a significant increase in Cell-free DNA levels on day 2 CM corresponding to 4 to 6 cell embryos compared to those corresponding to 7 to 8 cell embryos (p=0.04). As for day 3 CM, the results showed no significant difference between the Cell-Free DNA levels in CM of 7-8 and those of 4-6 cell embryos (p=0.4). Also, cell free DNA levels in embryo CM, were significantly higher on day 2 compared to day 3 for both 7-8 and 4-6 cell embryos (p=0.03; p=0.04). Conclusion: We conclude that cell-free DNA levels in CM might be associated with delayed embryo cleavage.
Multiple Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli and Plasmid-mediated Quinolone Resistance Genes
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Anayo, U. U.; Okechukwu, N. E.; Ngozi, O. F.; Aisida, S. O.; Anyachukwu, C. C.
Quinolone antibiotics have been commonly used to treat cases of multiple antibiotic resistance. Unfortunately, quinolone antibiotics have so much been resisted by infectious bacterial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of some clinical isolates of E. coli to some commonly used quinolone antibiotics and the determination of the plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance genes. Our results showed the plasmid quinolone-resistance genes in the following prevalence: qnr genes: qnr S (71.4 %); qnr B (15.4 %); qnr S and B (12.1 %); aac (6) lb-cr (4 %); Efflux genes: oqxA (7.7 %); oqxB (25.3 %); qepA (12.1 %); oqxA and oqxB (5.5 %). We conclude that there is a high frequency of Plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolates from clinical samples in South-Eastern Nigeria. These could be responsible for the high incidence of quinolone resistance reported in Enugu. There is a need for whole-genome sequencing to map out all resistance genes.
Forage Supplementation Feeding of Lactating Merino Ewes in Dry Season at the Foothills Agro-ecological Zone in Lesotho
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Ranchobe, M. L.; Oluremi, O. I. A.; Kuleile, N.; Mahlehla, M.; Mosebi, P.; Molapo, S.; Moea, L.; Mochoa, L.; Lefoka, M.; Mantsoe, M.
A farmer-participatory research, which lasted for seven weeks, was carried out at Machache, in the Foothills Agro-Ecological Zone of Lesotho to examine the effect of forage based diets supplementary feeding on the performance response and milk quality of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. A total of 270 lactating merino ewes were randomly distributed among four dietary treatments: basal diet (T1) which was the range land pasture used as control, cereal forage based diet (T2), leguminous forage based diet (T3) and mixed forage based diet (T4). The feed value of the supplementary diets T2 (4.70% CP and 9.94MJ/kg ME), T3 (12.31% CP and 10.27 MJ/kg ME), T4 (11.90% CP and 10.47 MJ/kg ME)] was superior to that of the range land pasture T1 (2.80% CP and 8.61MJ/kg ME). Ewes on forage supplemented diets performed significantly (P<0.05) better than the control group in feed intake, live body weight and live weight change. The milk quality evaluation showed that solids-non-fat (SNF), protein and lactose were highly significant (P<0.05) for T3 and T4 than T1 and T2 which had high milk fat. The study revealed that diets T1 and T2 lacked the nutritional capacity to meet the nutrient requirements of lactating ewes as evidenced by slight body weight improvement. It is concluded that supplementary diets T3 (leguminous forage based diet) and T4 (mixed forage based diet) contained adequate nutrients that can meet the requirement of lactating ewes during dry lambing season. This was verified by high voluntary feed intake and good nutrients utilization as resulted by improving of body weight and high milk quality response of lactating ewes.
A Bacteriological of Make-up Tools Used in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Mbah, M.; Akpan, S. S.; Bebia, G. P.; Tangban, E. E.; Bassey, E. E.
Sharing of make-up tools by multiple users is a possible means of transfer of fungal infections, such as dermatophytoses. With abrasion on the skin, it is possible for HIV, Hepatitis B virus, Spirochaetes and other pathogens to be carried via contaminated make-up tools, from one person to another. Using sterilized swab sticks, surfaces of make-up tools (sponge and brush) were cleansed. Materials deposited on the swab sticks were cultured aerobically on Chocolate and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar plates overnight at 37oC. After overnight aerobic incubation, the culture plates were read macroscopically for growth. Bacterial isolates were subjected to microscopic examination using Gram’s staining technique and biochemical tests (e.g. coagulase, catalase, oxidase, and motility). Results showed that the predominant bacterial growths obtained from the make-up tools were Staphylococcus aureus (51.5%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.5%). The different genera of bacteria were harvested from make-up brushes (66.2%) and make-up sponges (85.7%). There was no bacterial growth from 33.8% and 14.3% of make-up brushes and make-up sponges respectively. There was no statistical difference in terms of bacterial growth between the two tools (brush and sponge) sampled (P>0.05). This study has shown that there is a moderate possibility for the transfer of bacterial organisms (both skin flora and pathogens) from one person to another, through make-up tools, in our local communities. It is hereby recommended that health education talks should be carried out regularly among beauticians to encourage them to use disposable make-up tools with disinfectants.
Evaluation of Microbiological Quality of Halal Beef Intended for Export from Khartoum State, Sudan
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Khlil, H. A.; Mustafa, E. A.
Aims: To evaluate halal criteria of beef microbiological quality intended for export in two slaughterhouses. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Khartoum State, Sudan between August and November 2022. Methodology: Samples were collected by using the non-destructive dry swab method for microbiological quality sampling of beef and a standardized checklist to evaluate good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and good hygienic practices (GHPs). Restraining methods were categorized as “modern method” where the full inversion rotary casting box was used which resembled slaughterhouse “A” or “conventional method” where a large-sized hammer for blowing the skull was used and this resembled slaughterhouse “B”. A total of 80 male beef cattle were investigated after arrival in the lairages of the designated slaughterhouses. Forty carcasses from each slaughtering method were randomly chosen and swabbed. Results: The results revealed that halal criteria for the slaughtering methods in slaughterhouse (A) was 100%, while slaughterhouse (B) was 83.2%. Also, this study revealed poor personal hygiene as slaughterhouse A scored 53.2%, while slaughterhouse B scored 33.2% for personal hygiene evaluation. The mean total bacterial count (TBC) was found to be 4.556 x 10? cfu/ml and 5.53275 X 10? cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with highly significant differences compared to the standard permissible limits (1x 10?cfu/ml) with p ?0.05, while there were no statistically significant differences (0.847) within slaughterhouses with p ?0.05. Furthermore, the mean total coliform count (TCC) was found to be 16.4795 X10²cfu/ml and 47.8670 X 10²cfu/ml in slaughterhouses A and B, respectively with a highly significant difference compared to the standard permissible limits (1x10²cfu/ml) with p ?0.05 and also with highly significant differences (0.000) between slaughterhouses themselves with p ?0.05. Conclusion: The study concluded that both slaughterhouses failed to meet the requirements of the various beef halal criteria.
Effect of Smoking on Serum Lipid Profile among University’s Students in Dhamar City, Yemen
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Al-Shaibani, I. R. M. S.; Al-Magedi, T.; Al-Hador, A. N.; Al-Shama’a, K. N.; Al-Aiani, S
A cross sectional study was performed to evaluate the changes on serum lipid profile and associated risk factors in apparently healthy smoker and non-smoker students at the University of AlHikma Dhamar city, Yemen during the period between November 2021 to March, 2022. Two hundred five students were randomly selected, 104 students were smokers and 101 nonsmokers. Sociodemographic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis for lipid profile were assessed using standard techniques. The results revealed that smokers had significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of TC (164.93 mg/dl), TG (149.63 mg/dl), LDL (71.60 mg/dl) and VLDL (29.58 mg/dl) and lower level of HDL (64.70 mg/dl) compared to the non-smokers group. Duration and numbers of cigarette smoked were positively correlated with lipid profile values of participants (r=.300; P=.000 and r= .317; P.=000) and (r=.210; P=.003 and r=.213; P=.002) for TG and VLDL respectively; while none with other values. Significant association was observed between weight (r=.235; P=.001 and r=.145; P=.000); heartbeat (r=.205; P=.003 and r=.256; P=.000); diastolic (r=.151; P=.030) and BMI (r=.155; P=.027) indices and lipid profile (TG and VLDL); (TC and LDL); (HDL and TC) of the participants respectively; whereas, none with height and systolic indices. In conclusion, smoking is clearly associated with increase serum lipid and lipoprotein values with exception HDL which significantly decreased in smoker compared to non-smokers students. This association is dependent on number of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors. Adopting anti-smoking programs among University`s students to prevent the harmful effects of smoking are urgently required.
Effect of Soil and Climatic Conditions on Brown Spot Occurrence in Rice Lowland across Four Agro-climatic Zones of Côte d’Ivoire
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Adanvé, J.-F.; Koné, B.; Sikirou, R.; Dossou-Yovo, E.; Onaga, G.; Sorho, F.
Aims: To evaluate interaction of soil pH and acidity with weather on Rice Brown spot (BS) occurrence in rice lowlands. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Four distinct rice lowlands belonging to different climatic zones (forest, transitional and savanna) of Côte d’Ivoire during cropping seasons of 2021. Methodology: BS characterization were done in different farmer fields where soil samples were also collected during dry and rainy seasons. Soil silicon and acidity were determined in those samples and rice grain yield at harvest time were recorded in different sites. Weather data related to sites and seasons were used to find out correlations. Results: Occurrence of BS was found in forest zones with scores of 4 and 3 compared to 1 and 2 in savanna and transitional zones, respectively, with seasonal variation. Both rice production and the occurrence of BS were explained by soil parameters in conjunction with climatic parameters. Rainfall (R=0.38) and relative humidity (R=0.64) leaded BS occurrence and decrease of yield. Wind speed (R=0.62) and air maximum temperature (R= 0.63) were the determinant factors affecting rice yields. Si was found to be a component of sustainable soil management that interferes with soil pH in all climatic zones. Combined with Temperature, both soil parameters predicted BS occurrence over 50%. Conclusion: Temperature decrease BS pathogens occurrence whereas high humidity increases its spread. Those parameters combined with silicon which interferes with pH could leads sustainable solutions in BS control. Furthermore, having a deep understanding with rice varietal considerations can significantly improve strategies related to rice cultivation and protection.
Composition and Diversity of Algal Flora in Jahanara Imam-Pritilota Hall Sorobar (JP) Lake of Jahangirnagar University Campus, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Das, C.; Jolly, S. N.
The study aimed to evaluate the composition and diversity of algae in the JP Lake of Jahangirnagar University campus. The research was carried out between the period of December 2021 to November 2022. A total of 72 water samples were used to carry out the investigation. Shannon and Simpson diversity indexes were used to determine the level of diversity. 234 phytoplankton species under 98 genera were found belonging to 8 classes (Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Synurophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Dinophyceae, and Xanthophyceae). According to the generic percentage composition, Chlorophyceae comprised 46%, followed by Bacillariophyceae (20%) and Cyanophyceae (18%). At the species level, Euglenophyceae were found to dominate (34%) the studied sites that were followed by Chlorophyceae (31%) and Cyanophyceae (18%). The total density of phytoplankton was 387.34×105 ind/l. The highest phytoplankton density was found in April, and the lowest one was in November. Cell dispersion was below average in May for Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cryptophyceae, and Synurophyceae. Oscillatoria, Monoraphidium, Actinastrum, Cosmarium, Trachelomonas, and Euglena dominated the surveyed region. The Shannon Diversity Index showed a value of 1.51, while Simpson's Diversity Index showed a value of 0.28. The overall variation (80.73%) among the classes was represented by PCA cells. According to the Shannon and Simpson Diversity Indexes, the diversity was low.
Short-term Effects of Garlic-Based Diets on mRNA Expression of Angiotensinogen, Angiotensin-1 Converting Enzyme, and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Cyclosporine-Induced Prehypertensive Rats
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Ajayi, O. O.; Ajayi, O. B.
The short-term effects of garlic, Allium sativum L., on the mRNA expression of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in cyclosporine-induced prehypertensive rats were investigated in this work. Seven (7) groups of animals totaling n=7 were created. Prehypertensive (induced with 25mg/kg cyclosporine) and normal rats were given 10% and 20% diets based on garlic for 7 days. Alteration of Na+ and K+ levels, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and ACE, AGT & ANP mRNA expressions were all associated with cyclosporin-induced prehypertension. In rats placed on garlic-based diets, these effects were reversed.
Kinetics Approach on the Evolution of the Nutritive Properties, Antinutritonal Factors and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of DPPH during Germination of Two Local Legume Varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata)
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Cissé, M.; Doué, G. G.; Yao, W. K.; Zoué, T. L.
Aims: To improve the processes of pre-treatment of legumes for their nutritional valorization. Study Design: Original research. Place and Duration of Study: This study took place at the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Valorization of Biological Resources, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University between February and July 2022. Methodology: Red beans and cowpeas purchased on the local market of Adjamé were subjected, after unitary operation of sorting and washing, to a two-factor design of experiment: seed/water ratio and the soaking time, in order to identify the ideal ratio and soaking time to well reduce phytates. Seeds resulting from this pre-treatment were germinated for 72 h and some key nutrient and functional parameters were evaluated. Results: The ratio 8/9 and soaking time of 18 hours allowed a maximum reduction of 62 and 66.6% of phytate and 72.83 and 67.48% of tanins in cowpea and red beans, respectively. Protein content of these 72 hours germinated pre-treated seeds decreased very slightly and finally remained at high level of 22.02 and 23.13 g/100 g for cowpea and red bean, while reducing sugar levels increased significantly throughout germination to a maximum of 8.19 and 8.13 mg/100 g. Regarding functional and antioxidant properties, a maximum increase in total polyphenols (49.08 and 68.314 mg/100 g) and total flavonoids (13.75 and 39.67 mg/100 g) was observed after 48 h of germination for cowpea and red beans, respectively. Furthermore, this improvement in phenolic content led to a significant improvement in the free radical scavenging capacity of DPPH of 24.50 and 46.38 %. It should also be noted that the germinated red bean showed better nutritional value than the germinated cowpea. Conclusion: This approach of pre-processing germinated legumes at seed-to-water ratio of 8/9 soaked for 18 hours, providing functional foods with guaranteed nutritional value, appears to be a way to improve local diets
Comparative Analysis of the Elementary and Amino Acid Composition of Nepeta olgae Regel L. Plants Growing in Uzbekistan
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-03) Mamadjonova, M. Y.; Dekhkanov, R. S.; Abdullaev, S. V
This article for the first time presents the results of the study of qualitative and quantitative elemental and amino acid composition of the aboveground part of the plant Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) taken in the territory of Chust and Kosonsai districts (from the slopes of Gova and Kosonsai mountains) of Namangan region during the period before and during flowering (May-June, 2021-2022). The use of instrumental analysis of high-throughput energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowed to establish 20 mineral elements in the plant Nepeta olgae Regel (L.), among which to vital 9 elements and 3 to conditionally necessary. The amino acid composition of the plant Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) was studied by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 17 compounds were identified. Of these, 8 were substitutable and 9 essential amino acids.
Clinical Signs of Seasonal Disease Dynamics in Calves Caused by Rotavirus and Coronavirus Infections
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Abbasov, V; Zeynalova, S.
The study of animal diseases increases the relevance of the livestock industry, which is the main leading component of the strategy for the development of agriculture in Azerbaijan. An important roleour country. Their research is critical in the implementation of measures to combat rotavirus and coronavirus infections in infant calves. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the seasonal dynamics of accompanying diarrhea in calves caused by rotavirus and coronavirus infection. The research was carried out on farms located in the northwestern region of the Azerbaijan republic. Fecal samples were used as material and tested by chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of rotavirus and coronavirus antigen. The study revealed that the clinical signs of diarrhea in calves caused by rotavirus and coronavirus infections in farms located in the northwest region of the country are relatively similar. However, there was a relatively higher incidence of rotovirus infection, and mortality relative to coronavirus was at a lower level. The occurrence of secondary pneumonia in patients with coronavirus was noted as one of the main clinical signs. The study showed that the trend of infection and death from both diseases changes in different seasons of the year, which from season to season and, as a result, becoming massive causes serious damage to farms, becoming widespread in spring, autumn, and winter.
How Plants Adapt to the Photoperiod
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Sharma, M. K.
Plants are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, particularly variations in photoperiod or day length. Photoperiodism refers to a plant's capacity to detect variations in day length and make use of this knowledge to control key developmental processes including flowering, growth, and dormancy. Through a process known as photoperiodism, plants can detect and react to variations in the number of daylight hours, or photoperiod. The physiological response of plants to the length of day or night is known as photoperiodism. The plant uses this physiological response to time-critical developmental events like flowering. In this essay, I will cover the current understanding of how plants respond to photoperiod and the molecular mechanisms underpinning this response. Three groups of plants' photoperiodic responses can be distinguished: short-day plants (SDPs), long-day plants (LDPs), and day-neutral plants (DNPs). Whereas LDPs bloom when the length of the day exceeds the crucial threshold, SDPs do so only when it is shorter than the critical threshold. Conversely, DNPs do not have a crucial day duration and can bloom at any day length. Many genes and biochemical processes control how a plant responds to the photoperiod. The creation and movement of the hormone florigen, which starts blooming in response to photoperiodic signals, is a crucial regulating mechanism. On the other hand, a class of photoreceptors known as phytochromes is involved in the biochemical mechanisms driving photoperiodic responses in plants. The perception of light's duration, quality, and amount is caused by phytochromes. The red-light-absorbing Pr form and the far-red-light-absorbing Pfr form are the two interconvertible states in which they can exist. The ratio of Pr to Pfr is altered by the duration of light exposure and is utilizes by plants to assess day length. Exposure to light in SDPs causes the expression of the CONSTANS (CO) gene, and the CO protein causes the expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), a gene that encourages flowering. By exposing LDPs to light, a different gene called GI (GIGANTEA) is induced rather than CO, which is normally expressed. The FT gene's expression is encouraged by GI's interaction with the protein ZEITLUPE (ZTL), which also encourages flowering. In addition to these essential elements, several proteins and signalling pathways are also involved in photoperiodic responses in plants. For instance, to optimise the response to variations in day length, the photoperiodic pathway interacts with the circadian clock, which controls numerous physiological processes in plants. In some species, the hormone gibberellin (GA) also aids in the promotion of flowering. One essential adaptation that enables plants to synchronize their developmental processes with seasonal changes is their capacity to react to variations in day length. Phytochromes play a key role in how plants perceive the day in the complex network of proteins and signalling channels that make up the molecular mechanisms behind photoperiodic responses in plants. There is still much to learn about the diversity and complexity of the photoperiodic response across several plant groupings, even if much is known about it in particular species.
Analysis of Total Organic Matter, Total Nitrogen, and Total Phosphorus in the Estuary Waters of Maros as a Source of Brackish Water for Fish Ponds Aquaculture
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-01) Massora, D.; Mulyati; Suryati; Yusuf, A.; Ardiansyah; Ratnasari
Indonesia is a tropical area with high rainfall, the area on land is connected by around 472 large and small rivers that flow into the sea. The estuary area is the meeting area of ??rivers or fresh water streams with the ocean. Transportation of organic matter, minerals and sediments from upstream to the estuary and from the sea containing minerals, hence estuarine waters are more fertile than other areas. In addition, estuary areas are important habitats for several types of marine and freshwater organisms to fulfill their life cycles, which are used as spawning, foraging, and nursery grounds. This study aimed to determine the total organic contents, total Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in the estuary waters of Maros as a source of brackish water for fish pond aquaculture in Maros Regency. The research was conducted in the estuary waters of Maros for three months from September to November 2020. Sampling was conducted four times with an interval of once every 15 days. Sampling was carried out at five stations based on water movements to the estuary, station A was located at the seawater, station B was located in the pond wastewater locations, station C was water sources from residential waste, station D was located in the river, and station E was the estuarine water. The results showed that the dominant water quality parameters affecting estuarine water quality were salinity, total organic matter, nitrogen content, either in the form of ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite, and phosphorus content, especially phosphate. Water entering the estuary has an impact on high concentrations of total organic matter, increased concentrations of Total N, and phosphorus. The results of water quality analysis in estuaries showed that salinity, organic matter, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, and phosphate exceed the standard threshold for water quality standards for fish pond aquaculture. Thus, the waters of the Maros estuary are not suitable for aquaculture, especially for the 5 observed stations (A, B, C, D and E).
Common Causes of Neonatal Death in Calabar, South-South Nigeria: An Autopsy Study
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Ipeh, U. T.; Kingsley, A.; Edem, U. D.; Venn, J.; Martin, N.; Abeng, E. G.; Olukayode, O.
Background: Neonatal deaths are deaths of live born babies occurring before 28 completed days. The vast majority occur in low-income countries like Nigeria with a high neonatal mortality rate. There is paucity of autopsy studies due to refusal of family to give consent for such procedures. Aim: To identify the commonest causes of neonatal death in 53 neonatal autopsies in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Detailed postmortem was carried out using lettules techniques and bits taken for histological analysis to ascertain the cause of death. Other relevant contributory factors such as the gestational age, mode of delivery, place of birth, antemortem cause of deaths and maternal obstetric history were obtained from the medical records and autopsy request forms. Results: In the one-year retrospective study of 53 neonatal autopsies, male: female ratio was 1: 0.83 and mean age at death was 6.5 + 7.3 days, ranging from 1 to 28 days. The commonest cause of neonatal death was severe birth asphyxia seen in 10 cases (18.9%), followed by kernicterus in 6 cases (11.3%), birth trauma seen in 6 cases (11.3%), congenital heart disease seen in 5 cases (9.4%), and prematurity seen in 5 cases (9.4%). Conclusion: The study confirms the usefulness of neonatal autopsy in ascertaining the definitive cause of death. Severe birth Asphyxia was identified as the commonest cause of death in the neonatal period followed by birth trauma, kernicterus and congenital heart diseases.
olf413 Gene Controls Taste Recognition, Preference and Feeding Activity in Drosophila melanogaster
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Ramya, R; Shyamala, B. V.
Recognition and responsiveness to food taste becomes a crucial event in foraging and feeding behaviour of an organism. Adjusting the feeding behaviour through a sophisticated and robust taste system is critical to fulfil their nutritional needs and facilitate its survival in environment. Palatability of food sources depends on the sensory and motor cues provided by the brain, in co-ordination with the other body systems to enable decisive feeding. Drosophila melanogaster is an apt model organism to decipher these behavioural paradigms. Octopamine a neurotransmitter, is required in regulation of feeding behavioural responses. olf413, a paralogue of TH, is a gene predicted for its involvement in octopamine biosynthesis. The biological function of this gene is yet to be unravelled. Here we propose this gene function in taste recognition, food preference and feeding activity. We test the olf413 loss of function mutants for food preference between two fruit extracts using CAFE and horizontal box methods. In our study we have used olf413 gene disruption strain, olf413MI02014 homozygous and in transheterozygous condition with another allele isolated in our lab, olf413SG1.1. The results show that olf413 mutants display a severe phenotype in feeding behaviour and there is an allele specific phenotypic distinction between the two strains. Thus implying that olf413 gene function is required for taste recognition, starvation driven initiation and execution of feeding behaviour of the flies.
Advancements in Genetic Diversity and Genome Characteristics of Durians (Durio spp.)
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-05) Huy, T. G.; Hoan, N. K.; Thi, N. P. A.; Khang, D. T.
Durian is one of the important fruit crops in Southeast Asia with its unique flavor and important economic benefits. Breeding programs have produced hundreds of different cultivars of durian. These cultivars are classified mainly by fruit and flower characteristics, which cannot be observed at the vegetative stage. Therefore, molecular biology is a powerful tool to approach and explore the genetic characteristics of durians. Many studies based on barcoded DNA and molecular markers have been conducted and valuable data have been exploited. Thanks to the advancement of sequencing technology, the plastid genome and the whole genome were sequenced in some durian cultivars. The data revealed reliable data on the structure and function of several genes. This review aims to update recent studies on the durian genome attributes and potential applications in the conservation of germplasm, authentication, and exploration of the gene structure and function of this specialty plant.
Estimation of Lipid and Fatty Acids Composition over the Ground Part of Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) Plants Growing in Namangan Region
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-04) Mamadjonova, M. Y.; Dekhkanov, R. S.; Abdullaev, S. V.
The article is devoted to the study of lipids and fatty acid composition of the above-ground part of the Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) plant of the Laminaceae family. It was found that the content of neutral lipids (NL) is 5.54%, PL - 6.12%, and total lipids (NL, PL) - 11.66%. Of the neutral lipids, the unsaponifiable substances (HB) had a bright yellow color, which is explained by a small amount of carotenoids (88.87 mg%). Glycolipids dominate in PL. Among the unsaponifiable substances were found biologically active components such as hydrocarbons, carotenoids, aliphatic alcohols, sterols and triterpenols. Phytosterols were the main component of unsaponifiable NS. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of fatty acids from the plant Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) was carried out by gas chromatography (GC). 28 acids were identified, of which 11 compounds are saturated, and 7 compounds are unsaturated fatty acids. Of the fatty acids, the main ones are linolenic 18:3 (35.48), palmitic 16:0 (33.38%), as well as ?-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosanoic 20:1, cis-11,14-eicosadienoic 20:2, 8,11,14-eicosatriene 20:3 + arachidonic 20:4. Extracts of Nepeta olgae Regel (L.) were distinguished by a high content of polyunsaturated acids, which determines their potential biological activity.
Fisheries and Biology of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Catch of Small-scale Fisherfolk in San Miguel Bay, Philippines
(Sciencedomain International, 2023-02) Bergonio, E. L.
Otolithesruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is one of the major fish catches in San Miguel Bay and its processing is a seasonal livelihood among coastal villages. This study documented and described the O. ruber catch of small-scale fisherfolks around the Bay through on-board survey and observation. Fishing trips from 10 September to 19 November 2018 demonstrated that fisherfolks used bottom-set gill nets and commonly explored the middle to the mouth of the Bay off Mercedes and Siruma to catch O. ruber and other species. The analysis of 434 composite fish samples bought from the fishing trips identified 222 female and 212 male fish individuals with TL of 19.14 + 0.11 cm and body weight of 70.76 + 1.46 g. The majority were already mature to spawning stages and gonads had no apparent lesions. The population’s reproductive capacity, based on the presence of numerous spermatocytes and oocytes, was presumed to be realized, but this may fail due to uncontrolled illegal fishing.

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