African Journal of Biological Sciences

1-9

Authors: Eric M. Muthanje, Joseph G. Amwoma and Sarah N. Kituyi

Covid-19 was first reported in Wuhan China but has now spread globally with overwhelming impacts on human health and health systems. The disease is caused by the SARs-Cov-2 which is related to the SARs-Cov-1 that causes SARs. There is evidence suggesting that the virus originated from the Rhinolophilid bats and has subsequently undergone recombination to allow for a natural selection for a human host and it is thought that the recombination might have occurred either prior or upon infection of the human host. These events of natural selection are presumed to have hastened human to human transmission. However, analyses of sequences from Covid-19 isolates from China and across the globe point to a unique case scenario that may suggest selection and evolution of the virus upon infection of the human host. In this paper we have examined the role of the human ACE-2 receptor in determining the predisposition to Covid-19 and analyzed Covid-19 sequences deposited in the virus database from around the globe to provide evidence that the disease burden is different across regions and among individuals as determined by the genetics of the virus and that the virus is rapidly evolving across regions and populations. Our phylogenetics data confirms that all strains circulating around the globe are related to the strains from China, the origin of the virus and further depicts varying degrees of similarity and disparity which suggests that the virus is mutating. While the USA has already been shown to have sequences closely related to the Wuhan sequences, here we report that the sequences from Spain and Africa are distantly related to the Wuhan sequences. Owing to the unique presentation of the disease in regions across the globe, the summary presented here informs of the need to tailor the management of the disease as dictated by viral and host genetic factors and the observed regional burden of the disease.

20-29

Authors: Mamoudou Abdoulmoumini, Ikoum Dalida, Sevidzem Silas Lendzele, Njan Nloga Alexandre Michel, Sieumeni Djoguep Andre, Mohammadou Bouba and DA AMO Andre

Bovine trypanosomiasis is a major threat to the livestock sector of Cameroon. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomes and vectors in the SODEPA Ranch of Ndokayo. A cross sectional parasitological survey was carried out in the late dry season, where blood was collected through the jugular vein of 390 cattle. The trypanosome detection in cattle blood was carried out using the buffy coat technique (BCT). An entomological prospection was carried out in the late dry season and early rainy season using two unbaited trap types notably Nzi (n = 4) and Vavoua (n = 4). The overall bovine trypanosomiasis prevalence was 2.82% and species specific prevalence included: Trypanosoma congolense (63.6%), Trypanosoma brucei (18.2%) and mixed species infections (T. congolense + T. brucei and T. brucei + T. vivax) (18.2%). Sixteen (16) species of flies were identified and grouped under six genera: Stomoxys, Ancala, Tabanus, Chrysops, Hematopota and Glossina. The overall trap apparent density (ADT) was 3.92 flies/trap/day, with a higher ADT in early rainy season than in the late dry season. The highest species richness was noticed with the genus Tabanus, while the highest ADT was found in Stomoxyini. The Nzi trap recorded a higher mean ADT for most fly vectors than Vavoua, except for Stomoxyini that rather recorded a higher ADT with the Vavoua trap. The present findings will instruct fly control authorities of Cameroon to better manage trypanosomiasis and vectors in Ndokayo.

37-50

Authors: Itez Paul, Aloh, Godwin S., Osuocha, Kelechi U., Iwueke, Adaku V. and Chukwu, Ezinne C.

Newbouldia laevis is a valuable tropical plant belonging to the family of Bigoniaceae. The plant is believed by most herbal practitioners to be the tree of fertility and of immense medicinal benefits to humans. This study examined ameliorative potencies of Newbouldia laevis on monosodium glutamate induced toxicity in female albino rats for 14 days. Group A received 800 mg/kg body weight of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), while Group B received 8,000 mg of MSG + 400 mg of extract. Group C received 8,000 mg of MSG and 600 mg of N. laevis. Group D received feed and water. Group E received 200 mg of extract and Group F received 8,000 mg of MSG. Results showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Total Protein (TP) of rats exposed to MSG + extracts and MSG-alone. Significant (p < 0.05) elevation in Alanine Transferase (ALT) and serum albumin were recorded for rats exposed to MSG + 400 mg and 200 mg of extract. There was no significant difference in cholesterol level in rats exposed to MSG alone compared to other groups. Significant elevation in urea level occurred in rats exposed to 8,000 mg MSG + 600 mg of the extract, reduction occurred in those exposed to 8,000 mg MSG + 400 mg of the extract. Those exposed to normal saline and 200 mg of extract leveled up with rats exposed to MSG. Study indicates protection of liver architecture and ameliorating effect of N. laevis on MSG intoxication.

62-71

Authors: Zainab A. Al-Mazaydeh, Salem R. Yasin and Lubna H. Tahtamouni

Alu element is one of the most abundant short interspersed nuclear elements (SINE) in the human genome with great forensic potential. The current study focused on the analysis of the utility of Alu insertion polymorphism in forensic DNA typing in a Jordanian population sample (central Jordan). Alu insertions in seven different genetic loci were amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The frequencies of the Alu insertions were 0.345 for ACE, 0.441 for TPA25, 0.291 for PV92, 0.845 for APO, 0.468 for FXIIIB, 0.727 for HS3.23 and 0.527 for B65. APO and FXIIIB Alu insertions were the most dominant alleles, while PV92 Alu insertion was the least frequent. Combined Power of Discrimination (PD) for those seven loci was 0.998285646, whereas the combined Power of Exclusion (PE) was 0.4987.Combining the seven Alu insertion/deletion data along with the Jordanian combined STR data should give an exceptional resolution power between Jordanian individuals.

81-87

Authors: Romano Mwirichia and Hamadi Boga

A bacterial strain designated E-48T was isolated from Lake Elmenteita, an alkaline saline lake within the East African rift valley. The cells were Gram-negative, motile, non-spore forming rods. Growth was observed at a pH range between 6.0 and 13.0 (optimum pH 9.5), salt concentration (w/v) up to 20% (optimum 5%) and the temperature for growth was between 14.0-44°C (optimum temperature 36°C). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (99%), strain E-48T belonged to the genus Nitrincola (family Oceanospirillaceae, class Gammaproteobacteria). The DNA GC content was 46.4 mol%. The major cellular fatty acid was the mono-unsaturated 18:1 ω7c while the major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. However, at the genome level, strain E-48T had a G+C difference of 7.17% from the genome of N. lacisaponensis DSM 16316T. Based on the various characteristics, it is proposed that the isolate represents a new species within the genus Nitrincola for which the name Nitrincola elmenteitensis is proposed. The type strain is E-48T (=DSM 26266T=LMG 28382T).

94-102

Authors: K. Palanisamy, R. Pushpa and M. Lenin

In recent years, Heavy Metals (HMs) pollution has become a serious problem all over the world as these (HMs) continue in the soil for longer period due to their non-biodegradability. The chromium (Cr) is one of the nonessential heavy metal that makes highly toxicity in the plants as well as soil. Cr is one such nutrient required for sugar and fat metabolism in humans, whereas the role of Cr in plant growth and its uptake pathway are not yet fully understood. The pot experiments were carried out of the Horse gram (Dolichos biflorus L.) seeds were raised in pots, the pots containing 2.5 kg of soil with adding different levels of Cr (control, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/kg soil). Three replicates were maintained for each level. Morphological parameters like root and shoot length, total leaf area and fresh and dry weights and pigment content and biochemical estimation were recorded in 60th DAS of plants. From the results was concluded that the 2 mg kg-1 level of Cr in the soil was beneficial for the growth of Horse gram. The level of Cr in the soil above 2 mg kg-1 proved to be toxic effects. The results indicated that the 2 mg kg-1 Cr level can be increasing the growth of Horse gram.

113-116

Authors: Rashid Md Haroon, Muiz Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, Avijit loha, Zannatul Ferdous, Kazi Farah Nasrin, Md. AB Siddique, Meri Nath and Md. Akhtaruzzaman Shaika

Introduction: About one million Rohingya people had fled to Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh after experiencing massive atrocities in their homeland Rakhine state of Myanmar. Rohingya people deprived of adequate food supply, education, and health care; resulting in malnutrition rate was very high among their children. Objective: Aim of this study to assess the nutritional status of 1-60 months, Rohingya children. Method: A total of 470 participants were enrolled by a purposive sampling method from patients attending the hospital. Weight-forheight Z-score was calculated based on the 2006 World Health Organization growth standards guideline. Moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition have defined as weight-for-height Z-score between –2 SD to –3 SD and <-3 SD respectively. Result: Out of all, 282 (60.0%) belonged to the age group of <2 years, the mean age was 2.16 years (SD, 1.40) and 251 (53.4%) was male. The prevalence of moderate acute malnutrition and severe acute malnutrition were 25.1% and 18.5% respectively. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was significantly different compared to the sociodemographic factor particularly in age and sex (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: Prevention of malnutrition among the refugee is one of the strategic plans of several types of UN agency and National organizations. Despite these efforts, this problem persists.

1-8

Authors: Alpha Kargbo, Edrissa Jawo, Abubakar Sadiq Abubakar, Moses Edache Entonu Joseph Yahaya and Jalamang Camara

Food has been recognized globally as a necessity of life and organization such as World Health Organization (WHO) have made attempts at addressing the global food scarcity crisis. One of the attempts is the introduction of Genetically Modified crops (GM crops). Agricultural productivity is low in Nigeria due to reliance on rainfall and other related factors like poor agronomic practices and crop losses from pest and disease. The benefits of GM crops include increase or improved yield, adoptability to specific abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, pest and disease among others. Nigeria as a nation is slow in adopting GM crops due to the political debate and public opinion and concerns over public health and safety. The Nigeria National Assembly and Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has since declared that GM crop is safe for consumption. However, the commercialization of GM crops in Nigeria still remains to be the challenged. There is need to convince the population on the safety of GM crops based on evidence of success stories of empirical studies for the formulation of regulations and policy guidelines that will promote the development, adoption and commercialization of GM crops for food sufficiency and sustainable development.

16-24

Authors: Satish Kumar Sinha, Tarun Kumar Upadhyay and Sushil Kumar Sharma

Like human beings and animals, White Button Mushroom (WBM) also require food, for growth and development of its fruit body. This fruit body is composed of certain chemical elements frequently referred to as plant nutrients or plant diet elements. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, boron, zinc and copper. Mushroom cultivated on the compost. Compost prepared for WBM was formulated without any addition of inorganic fertilizer. Samples were collected and dispatched to a research laboratory for analysis to determine the nutrient content of compost. The fresh compost had varied, with carbon: nitrogen ratio of 26.13 to 20.24% and carbon:phosphorus ratio of 49.95 to 34.92% and carbon:potassium ratio of 62.83 to 82.84%. Organic matter content between 31.65 to 24.49% and carbon between 39.79 to 17.81%. For the primary macronutrients, average total nitrogen content 1.25%, phosphorus measured 0.68%, and potassium was 0.414%. Boron 9.51 ppm, Mn 145.70 ppm, Fe 3515.58 ppm, Cu 10.17 ppm and Zn 25.53 ppm. Overall, fresh prepared compost is suitable for WBM cultivation.

40-57

Authors: K. V. Prashija and K. Parthasarathi

Integrated system of composting and vermicomposting bring the advantages of both the processes and microbial inoculation additionally improve the properties of final product. Also, this technology is time reducing and environment-friendly method and maximum biotransformation of organic matter can be achieved. In our integrated system of vermicomposting study, the lignocellulosic wastes (50:50%) – cashew leaf litter, cowdung and pressmud have been subjected to microbial inoculant [lignolytic fungi-Pleurotus platypus and cellulolytic fungi-Trichoderma viridae in alone (500 mg) or combine (250 mg)] followed by composting and vermicomposting for 60 days. The combined inoculation of microbial consortium reduces the pH, organic carbon, C:N ratio, C:P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol and increases nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, microbial population and activity and humic acid content in the vermicompost than alone and non-inoculated compost and vermicompost. Also better earthworms (L.mauritii and P.excavatus) activities—biomass, cocoon production, hatchling number and vermicompost recovery were found in the combine inoculated lignocellulosic wastes than alone or non-inoculated. This indicates the efficient role of lignocellulosic microbes in rapid biodegradation of lignocellulosic waste materials and produce agronomic value vermicompost and support earthworm activities.

70-76

Authors: Prakash Bhuyar, Sundararaju Sathyavathi, Renukaradhya K. Math, Gaanty Pragas Maniam and Natanamurugaraj Govindan

Biofuels have been regaining popularity due to the rising price of oil, along with the growing concern about global warming caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Biofuels are processed from plant resources and are mostly made up of cellulose, which is one of the toughest materials. If cellulose can be turned into biofuel, it could be more efficient than other commercially available fuels starchy tuber. The of this study is on bioethanol production from starchy tuber. The comparative study was done between biological and chemical processes for the bioethanol production using Amorphophallus tubers. Amorphophallus commutatus species was selected because it shows higher starch content as per starch estimation. Tuber was collected in the lab and pretreatment was given; followed by slurry was prepared and hydrolyzed by using fungal culture Aspergillus and Trichoderma. Three different conditions were maintained as two samples contain both fungal cultures, and one was having normal pH and temperature, and other was at normal temperature having pH 6, and third having only Aspergillus species and normal temp and pH. Hydrolysis was done by saccharification method. After hydrolysis sample is filtered and all three samples allows for fermentation process by using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) process is carried out for 12 to 15 days after fermentation the fermented sample was distilled by Soxlet Extraction method and lastly the sample was estimated for alcohol estimation by using specific gravity method. Two samples showed 11% alcohol content and third one shows 12% content when compared with alcoholometry table. Antimicrobial activity was also studied by using three extracts such as before hydrolysis, after hydrolysis and after fermentation against four types of organism’s two species Salmonella and S. aureus shows positive result while E. coli and Serratia sp. showed negative result. Results indicate that chemical process more productive compared to biological process. However, biological process is eco-friendly. It is also costeffective. It can be produced on large scale for production of bioethanol.

88-99

Authors: Andrew Nkubana, Jean Claude Dusabumuremyi and Callixte Yadufashije

The aim of this work is to study the extrusion process and optimum conditions for development of maize-fish based extruded snacks by using Design-Expert® software for Response Surface Methodology (RSM). However, there are still low developed maize-fish extruded products on the market. Mixture of maize flour and dried fish powder was used. Effect of main extrusion conditions like feed moisture, barrel temperature and screw speed were studied. Product responses such as Specific Mechanical Energy (SME), Expansion Ratio (ER), Bulk Density (BD), Water Absorption Index (WAI), Water Solubility Index (WSI) and hardness (H) were estimated and studied using RSM. Maize-fish flour mixture was extruded at moisture content (14-18%), screw speed (400-550 rpm) and barrel temperature (125-175°C). There was a significant effect of feed moisture on all of the estimated responses. Screw speed had significant effect on ER, BD, WSI and hardness of extrudates while barrel temperature had significant effect on SME, ER, WSI and hardness. By increasing the feed moisture BD and hardness increased but SME, ER, WAI and WSI decreased. Increasing the screw speed resulted in reducing BD and hardness, but ER and WSI both were increased. By increasing barrel temperature SME and hardness were reduced while ER and WSI both were increased. Optimization of extrusion conditions for snacks processing was 14.27-15.12% feed moisture content, 400-463 rpm of screw speed and 173.61°C of barrel temperature.

112-117

Authors: Jesumirhewe Christiana, Utomi Ozioma Lilian and Ogunlowo Oladejo Peter

The emergence of new infectious diseases, resurgence of several infections that appeared to have been controlled and the increase in bacterial resistance has led to the need for studies directed towards the development of new antimicrobials. Considering the challenge of obtaining new molecules with antimicrobial properties from microorganisms, identifying antimicrobials from other natural sources is of great importance. The phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Calotropis procera, Momordica charantia and Allium ascalonicum was investigated in an attempt to evaluate their medicinal potential in the treatment of gastroenteritis, a major cause of death especially in children under the age of five in Nigeria. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of the active medicinal constituents analyzed. The extracts had varying degree of inhibitory effects on the isolates tested. Allium ascalonicum extract had the highest antimicrobial activity compared to Calotropis procera and Momordica charantia extracts. Gentamicin also had good inhibitory effects on the isolates used. Our study showed that the selected plant extracts had good antimicrobial effects on the pathogenic bacteria causing gastroenteritis with Allium ascalonicum extract showing the highest activity. These plants can be useful in treating infections caused by these bacteria and suggests further advance investigations.

1-8

Authors: Martin L. Nelwan

Introduction: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder inherited in accordance with the law of segregation. Detection tools for people with PKU can include Sanger Sequencing (SS) and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Diet therapy, Large Neutral Amino Acids (LNAA), and Specific Nutrient Combination (SNC) can help alleviate people with PKU. In the future, genetic manipulation techniques can help to eliminate PKU. Objectives: In this review, the author describes the progress in a study that focused on detection tools such as SS and NGS, the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene and mutations in the PAH gene, use of drugs for PKU, and genetic manipulation techniques such as Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) RNA-guided FokI nuclease system (FokI-dCas9 system). AAV is abbreviation of AAV. CRISPR system is abbreviation of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Methods: The author searched the PubMed Database at National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) for articles on PKU disorder. These articles were published between 2014 and 2019. Articles were open access and in English. Searches were also done at Google and ScienceDirect. Results: PKU derives from mutations in the PAH gene. Features of PKU may include ataxia, intellectual ability, and seizures. MassARRAY method, minisequencing method, SS and NGS can detect PKU on humans. Diet therapy, BH4, LNAA, SNC, enzyme therapy can help patients with PKU. However, these drugs cannot treat PKU permanently. In the future, genetic manipulation techniques can be used. AAV vectors and FokI-dCas9 system can be useful to eliminate PKU disorder. Conclusion: Guthrie method, MassARRAY, minisequencing, SS and NGS are tools for detecting PKU. Treatments with such as diet therapy, LNAA, SNC, and enzyme therapy are useful for PKU disorder. AAV vectors and FokI-dCas9 system are methods that can be useful for eliminating PKU in the future.

18-27

Authors: Liatu Columbus Garba, Florence A Oyieke, Eunice Anyango Owino, Georgina Samuel Mwansat, and Williams Chintem, D.G.W

Diversity of species arises majorly from speciation and this has serious epidemiological implications to disease transmission. The study aimed to determine the species of anopheline vectors of malaria present in five locations along with different altitudes on the highlands of Mambilla Plateau Nigeria. These are; Nguroje (1,885 m), Yelwa (1,674 m), Gembu (1,584 m), Kakara (1,496 m) and Mayo-selbe (484 m) above sea level. Samples were collected by Center for Disease Control (CDC) light trap, Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC) and others were reared from larvae. A total of 878 female anopheline mosquitoes comprising of five species namely; Anopheles gambiae sl 757(86.22%), Anopheles coustani 73(8.31%), Anopheles funestus 29(3.30%), Anopheles pharoensis 18(2.05%) and Anopheles rufipes 1(0.11%). Mayo-selbe had the highest species abundance of 572 but lowest species diversity index of 0.24 An. gambiae dominated over other anopheline species 0.76. Yelwa had the least abundance but very high diversity index of 0.81 dominance was 0.41. Out of the 757 An. gambiae tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), 712(94.06%) were An. gambiae s.s., 192(25.37%) were M form and 520(68.69%) were S form. There was a very strong positive correlation between the M and S forms. As the M forms increase along the locations so also the S forms, r2 = 0.94204.

39-46

Authors: R. Gowthami, R. Amutha and V. Ravichandran

Drought or moisture stress reduces growth and yield of various crops by decreasing chlorophyll pigments, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance as well as transpiration rates. Under such water limited conditions, the productivity of the crop can be improved by foliar spray of plant growth regulating chemicals. In the present study, split plot design was employed with moisture stress as main plot (M0 – No stress, M1 – Moisture stress at vegetative stage, M2 – Moisture stress at reproductive stage) and foliar spray of plant growth regulating chemicals as sub plot (S1 – Control, S2 – Proline (50 mM), S3 – KCl (1%), S4 – Glycine betaine (50 mM), S5 – Ascorbic acid (100 ppm), S6 – Salicylic acid (100 ppm)) in three replicates. Among the physiological parameters observed, the maximum Relative Water Content (RWC) (89.8%) was observed with glycine betaine (50 mM) treatment at 40 Days. While the highest Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI) (88.2%) was observed in proline (50 mM) treatment at 60 Days. Similarly, the Membrane Stability Index (MSI) (82.1%) was maximum with proline (50 mM) treatment at 40 Days. With respect to biochemical parameters, the higher leaf proline content of 315.9 µg g-1 was observed in proline (50 mM) treatment at 80 Days. The maximum leaf soluble protein content (17.1 mg g-1). While, the catalase activity was maximum (7.9 µg H2O2 g-1 min-1) with proline (50 mM) as well as ascorbic acid (100 ppm) at 60 Days.

1-14

Authors: Mudde, B., Miano D. W., Olubayo, F. M., Asea, G., Kilalo, D.C., Kwemoi, D. B., Adriko, J., Ssekiwoko, F., Male, A. and Kiggundu, A.

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease is caused when maize plants become coinfected with Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and potyviruses notably Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV). Apart from maize, little is known about susceptibility of weed species and cultivated crop species usually growing in proximity with maize to MLN viruses in Uganda. The common weeds and crop plants were mechanically inoculated with combined sap from MCMV and SCMV infected maize plants. Samples were tested for MLN causing viruses by Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) and Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The weeds that were susceptibility to MCMV were Digitaria abyssinica, Eleusine africana and Roetboellia cochinchinensis; while those susceptible to SCMV were Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum maximum and Roetboellia cochinchinensis. The cultivated crops were susceptible only to MCMV and included cassava (Manihot esculenta), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Common weeds and cultivated crops growing close to maize in Uganda have differential susceptibility to MLN causing viruses and can act as reservoirs of MLN causing viruses. It is critical to identify non MLN hosts in cultivated crops for crop rotation and early weeding to reduce on MLN virus inoculum in cropping systems.

24-31

Authors: Ngetha Edwin, Julia Khayeli Akhwale and Romano Mwirichia

Lake Magadi is an alkaline saline Lake in Kenya, which lies on the Great Eastern Rift valley. Although the lake is characterized by extremes of salt, pH and temperature, it supports diverse groups of cyanobacteria. In this study, we used different media to isolate novel groups of cyanobacteria. We recovered 11 isolates affiliated to the orders Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales, Pleurocapsales and Nostocales. Isolates affiliated to Chroococcidiopsis species had similarity values below 90% to currently characterized taxa indicating that these could be completely new phylotypes. This taxon has not been isolated before from the soda lake indicating the power of molecular techniques in identifying novel cyanobacterial taxa. Only two of the recovered isolates had 99% similarity to known organisms. Previous studies have mainly relied on microscopic examination and identification, which can lead to misidentification and subsequent assignment of an organism to the wrong taxon. The recovered isolates are a useful resource of more studies on taxonomy and secondary metabolite production.

42-57

Authors: Augustine W. Mwandya

The impacts of human related activities on trophic structure of mangrove associated fish species, was investigated by sampling fish in mangrove creeks. Trophic organization and stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of fish in undisturbed mangrove creeks were compared with clear-cut areas of mangrove and reservoirs for saltworks and fish farms constructed after mangrove clearing. Results showed significantly higher densities, species numbers, diversity (H’) and numbers of trophic groups in undisturbed sites compared to disturbed sites. Overall, omnivorous fish comprised the most abundant feeding guild, which dominated in the cleared sites followed in order by the uncleared sites and reservoirs. The zoobenthivores/piscivores was the most diverse group, with the highest species richness in the undisturbed areas. Multivariate analysis showed that assemblage structure of omnivores in the reservoirs was separated from those in uncleared and cleared sites, while zoobenthivores/piscivores differed between uncleared sites and disturbed areas. Stable isotope ratios of δ13C and δ15N values in fish muscles indicated significant diet shifts between undisturbed and disturbed mangrove creek systems, although the effects were species-specific. The findings suggest that mangrove deforestation combined with land-use changes, has a greater impact on the trophic structure of fish in mangrove creeks than mangrove deforestation only.

68-75

Authors: Callixte Yadufashije, Ange Yvette Uwitonze, Yvonne Manizabayo and Thierry Habyarimana

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a small, spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the surface of the stomach and duodenum. More than half of the world’s population is colonized with H. pylori in the gastric mucosa which is the major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and also the most important etiological factor responsible for the duodenal and gastric ulcer and has an important role in the pathogenesis leading to gastric cancer. Objectives: The objectives of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among gastritis patients at Nemba district hospital, to compare sex prevalence level of H. pylori among gastritis patients and determine the prevalence of H. pylori among gastritis patients according to the age of gastritis patients. Methods: This study involved 140 patients with gastritis who attended Nemba district hospital from August to October 2018. The samples were collected and H. pylori rapid test strip was performed for all patients to diagnose H. pylori among gastritis patients. Results: Findings of the study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be significantly high among female participants than male participants. Despite high prevalence in females, the findings showed that there was no statistical significance of sex with H. pylori infection (χ2 = 0.6 and p > 0.05, p = 0.1). On basis of age, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be high among participants and the prevalence increase between young age and old age. Results show that there was statistical significance between age and H. pylori infection with χ2 = 1.2 and p > 0.05, p = 0.04. the group of individuals with that ≥ 45 years old were more affected compared to other age groups and the prevalence of H. pylori infection was increased in older patients than younger patients. Our study showed an overall prevalence of H. pylori among gastritis patients was (45.7% n = 140). Conclusion: H. pylori infection is terrible burden of public health and affect people of all age and sex. H. pylori infection was significantly high in females and significance was found in age group of patients. Number of people are carrier of this terrible bacterium, thus hospitals are recommended to carry out early diagnosis to avoid later complication of infection.

1-13

Authors: Aurelian Udristioiu and Manole Cojocaru

Autophagy is a cellular process that maintains the homeostasis of the normal cell, but autophagic dysfunction is associated with human diseases, such as cancer. In normal cells, the initial signal to form auto-phagosomes is by the class III phosphatidyl-inositol (PI) 3 kinase complex consisting of sequence genes, Beclin1/Atg6 and class III PI3K (Vps34). This process is negatively regulated by binding of Bcl-2 family members such as Bcl-xL to Beclin1 preventing Beclin1 binding to the PI3K-III complex and thereby reducing autophagy. In cancer, the autophagy can be neutral, tumor-suppressive, or tumor-promoting in different contexts. Genomic analysis of human cancers indicates that the loss or mutation of core autophagy Atg genes, whereas oncogenic events that activate autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis have been identified in malignant diseases. Optimal combination of inductors or inhibitors of autophagy with chemo or radiotherapy in a variety of tumor type, in different phases, can be successful approaches for improve the effect of anticancer therapies.

22-31

Authors: Meeta Jain and Jayesh Vaishnav

Treatment of etiolated maize leaf segments with 0-300 mM NaCl during greening decreased the osmotic potential of leaf sap significantly. Na+ content of the leaf tissue increased significantly on supplying different concentrations of salt. Relative water content of the leaf tissue was marginally affected by the supply of NaCl. Total protein and RNA content of the maize leaf segments gradually increased when treated with lower concentrations of NaCl and subsequently decreased at higher concentrations. Decrease in DNA content was noted with increasing salt treatment in a concentration dependent manner. SDS-PAGE analysis of salt treated maize leaf tissue revealed appearance of one protein band (approx. 73 kD) in samples incubated with ≥50 mM NaCl compared to control. Protein identification performed with the Mascot search engine in NCBI database indicated extensive homology of this protein with chloroplast heat shock protein 70 of Cenchrus americanus (Protein score: 295), hypothetical proteins SELMODRAFT_267815 of Selaginella moellendorffii (Protein score: 125), VITISV_000728 of Vitis vinifera (Protein score: 118) and SELMODRAFT_230659 of Selaginella moellendorffii (Protein score: 51). The results revealed that the dark grown maize leaf segments exhibit high degree of stress due to NaCl treatment, which affects the biochemical parameters governing the metabolic activities of the leaf tissue. Further, the stress induced proteins are being synthesized in leaf tissue in response to salt stress.

40-49

Authors: Akshansh Mishra

Multiple myeloma affects the several parts of bodies such as the spine, skull, pelvis and ribs. The cause of multiple myeloma is not known properly. The poor prognoses is associated with most cancers creates a sense of urgency for the brains behind healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) research. AI is able to detect cancer and other diseases earlier than possible through standard diagnostic methods, which could be lifesaving for future patients. The main objective of the research paper is to predict the Albumin to Globulin (A/G) ratio obtained by the electrophoresis test by developing regression model and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The results obtained showed that the Mean Square Error (MSE) obtained by ANN model is less than the MSE obtained by the regression model.