International Journal of Scientific Research in Biological Sciences
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An Assessment on the Effect of Heavy Metals Accumulation in Sorghum bicolor L., Arachis hypogea L. and Vigna unguiculata L. Grown Along Gusau-Sokoto Major Road
Get PDFThe pollution of soils by chemicals that contain heavy metals from automobile sources is an important environmental issue. Due to this important issue, a research was conducted to Assess the Effect of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Plants along Heavy Traffic Roads in Zamfara State, Nigeria. In this research, some selected edible plants (Sorghum, Cowpea, Groundnut/Peanut) were collected from five different locations along Gusau – Sokoto road as treatment samples. At the same time three plants were collected from Jaurin Rogo, Gusau as control samples. The plants samples after digestion were prepared and analyzed six metals (ZN, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, & Cu) by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and the results when compared with WHO/FAO (1996) threshold limits of heavy metals in plants, were found to be above permissible limits for two heavy metals (Cd & Cr) in all plant samples. The research findings unveiled the risk associated with planting and rearing besides major traffic roads of the country and recommended proper monitoring of the planting sites and cash crops such as cotton should be planted instead.
 
Performance of Hybrid Rice varieties JRH-5 and JRH-19in front line demonstrations under irrigated conditions in agro climatic zone Chhattisgarh plains of Madhya Pradesh
Get PDFFrontline demonstrations were conducted with scientific package and practices in the farmer’s fieldslocated in the Chhattisgarh plain agro climatic zone of Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the performance oftwo short duration hybrid rice varieties JRH-5 and JRH-19 under irrigated ecosystem during the Kharif season of two consecutive years2016 and 2017. The data on yield and economics of demonstrated plotswhen comparedwith the farmers rice cultivating practices on the popular rice variety MTU-1010 revealed thatboth the Hybrid Rice varieties performed superior to MTU1010. JRH-5 and JRH-19 with improved production technologies showed increasedmean grain yield by 27.64% over existing farmers practices with only Rs. 2638/ha extra expenditureon inputs. In addition to this, the mean extension gap (11.88 q/ha) and mean IBCR (5.80)recorded weresufficiently high to motivatefarmers to adoptJRH-5 and JRH-19 with the improved rice production technology
Formulation, Standardization and Nutritional Analysis of Beverage and Chutney recipes using Cassia auriculata
Get PDFIn this study, the effects of Cassia auriculata, a herb, on the formation, standardization, and nutritional analysis (Macro and Micro nutrients) of beverage and chutney recipes were investigated. The flowers, buds, and leaves of the herb exhibited the highest antioxidant activity due to their elevated phenolic and flavonoids content. The aqueous shade-dried powder from the leaves, flowers, and buds was used in the preparation of the beverage mix and chutney mix, which were formulated and standardized using natural preservatives. The edible flowers, buds, and leaves were found to be non-toxic and innocuous, with potential health benefits when consumed in the human diet. The prepared beverage mix and chutney mix were subjected to nutritional analysis, and the organoleptic evaluation by a panel of semi-trained participants showed encouraging acceptability for up to 120 days of storage at room temperature. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing Cassia auriculata as a natural ingredient in the development of shelf-stable and nutritionally-rich beverage and chutney mixes, without the addition of artificial preservatives or flavours. This diversity in formulations also opens avenues for innovative culinary applications and commercial product development, potentially expanding the plant`s consumption. Incorporating this ethno medicinal herb into your regular diet, either as a drink or in a recipe, may help to revitalize your body`s overall system.
 
Development and Assessment of Alginate-Chitosan Microparticles loaded with Luteolin for Hydrophobic Drug Encapsulation
Get PDFThis research focus was stressed on creating Alginate-Chitosan (Alg-Cht)) loaded luteolin (LT) microparticles (MPs) able to function as carriers for the hydrophobic medications. LT is a water insoluble bioactive compound characterized by the presences of multiple unit of phenol belonging to the flavonoid family and offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits. MPs loaded with LT were created through the process of ionotropic gelation polyelectrolyte complexation using Cht, Alg, tripolyphosphate (TPP) and LT. Synthesized LT loaded Alg/Cht-MPs were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, percentage yield, FTIRS, in vitro drug release, and antioxidant activity. Average particle size ranging from 2.1-4.0um, 4.1-6.0 and 8.1-10.0um, for Cht, Alg and Alg -Cht-MPs respectively. FTIRS analysis proved the drug interacted with the additives as they were a shift in the peaks the formulations displayed a notable impact on the encapsulation efficiency as well. (78.2, 68.8 and 87.4%) and percentage Yield (77.7, 92, and 87.4%) for Cht, Alg and Alg/Cht-MPs respectively. The results for in vitro release study revealed improved drug release as formulations (Cht, Alg, and Alg/Cht-MPs) showed a maximum drug release of 67.4, 62.4, and 78.9% respectively, while pure LT showed only 20.1% within 24hrs. The release data revealed significant variation (p < 0.005) in the release pattern. The antioxidant activity for the formulations showed greater activity compared to pure LT at 0.5mg/ml concentration, the radical scavenging effect of Cht, Alg, and Alg/Cht-MPs was 80.8, 78.6 and 89.4% respectively compared to pure LT 76.3±0.7%. From this results imply that the enhanced drug release from MPs was achieved due to the enhanced solubility of LT in the presence of the polymers. Formulation with Alginate/Chitosan microparticles could be a promising carrier for the encapsulation of the hydrophobic bioactive compound combining safety profile and enhanced drug protective activity.
 
Floristic Composition and Phytodiversity Status of Bangabandhu Jamuna Eco-Park, Sirajganj, Bangladesh
Get PDFThe present study represents a comprehensive information on current floristic composition and phytodiversity status of Bangabandhu Jamuna Eco-Park, Sirajganj, Bangladesh. This study reveals that a total 279 vascular plant species of 205 genera under 73 families have been documented during 2021 to 2022. From recorded species, 71 species (25.45%) were planted and 208 species (74.55%) were wild in nature. Pteridophytes are represented by six species (2.15%) under six genera (2.93%) of five families (6.85%) and Gymnosperms of two species (0.72%) under two genera (0.97%) of two families (2.73%), Angiosperms are composed of 215 species (77.06%) of 156 genera under 55 families of Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) and 56 species (20.07%) of 41 genera under 11 families of Liliopsida (monocotyledons). Among the Angiosperm families, Asteraceae with 22 species is the largest dicotyledons family, where Poaceae with 20 species is the largest monocotyledonous family. Among the life-form categories, 85 species are erect herb and rest of 39, 31 and 22 species are represented as large tree, prostrate herb and small shrub, respectively. Seasonal variation is remarkably observed in this study, where the maximum 172 species are found during rainy season, following by 134 and 108 species are recorded during winter and summer seasons respectively. The highest values of both Shannon-Weiner diversity index (2.77) and Simpson diversity index (0.10) are found during rainy season, whereas the lowest values of these indices are calculated as 2.28 and 0.07, respectively during summer season. Similarly, the highest Jackknife species richness value 172.58 is recorded in rainy season and the lowest value 108.75 in summer season. Thus, the eco-park area is floristically quite good and which might serve as an excellent centre for biodiversity conservation by strengthening the existing management plans and adopting necessary policies and strategies.
 
Integrative Study of Traditional Medicinal Flora in Jorhat West
Get PDFThe project examines the various use of these traditional medicinal plants in different fields and societies. For centuries, these plants have been used in traditional medicine, which is strongly influenced by cultural heritage, to heal various illnesses. These plants are essential for the primary healthcare systems in several parts of the world, particularly in countries such as India, Africa, and China. The research emphasizes how ethnobotany combines traditional knowledge with modern science, demonstrating its interdisciplinary nature and providing understanding on the creation of innovative pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it explores the cultural importance and conservation of indigenous herbal remedies, stressing the need to uphold this ancestral knowledge for upcoming generations. For centuries, medicinal plants from traditional sources have been essential in healthcare for various cultures, serving as both remedies and key elements of cultural identity. These plants play a crucial role in the customs of native medicinal traditions such as Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and African traditional medicine. Preserving and documenting this knowledge is crucial, as it helps with biodiversity conservation and protecting cultural heritage.
 
Phenotypic Characterisation of Selected Cultivars of Manihot esculenta Crantz (Cassava)
Get PDFVarious accessions of Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) exhibit notable morphological similarities in their stems, leaves, and root systems. The genetic enhancement of cassava relies heavily on the crop`s diversity and variability. This study focused on the characterisation of eleven cassava cultivars through morphological methods. The experiment, structured in a complete randomised design each with three replicates, underwent detailed statistical analysis using SAS version 2010. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the performance of the cultivars across all traits at p ? 0.05. Among the cultivars, Agric (White), Nwator, Allimeme (Brown), and Vitamin A (Brown) demonstrated superior growth characteristics. The trait with the highest heritability was the number of branches per plant, with an estimate of 99.79%, while the number of leaf lobes per plant showed the lowest heritability at 95.04%. At 327.37 and 327.71, respectively, the highest values of the Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV) and Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) were found for the number of branches per plant. Conversely, the number of leaf lobes per plant accounted for the lowest GCV (9.24) and PCV (9.48). The most significant genetic advance was noted in the number of branches per plant (674.68), whereas the least was in the number of leaf lobes per plant (18.58). Plant height displayed a strong positive correlation with leaf area (r = 0.69) and a moderate positive correlation with stem girth (r = 0.51). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that Prin. 1 accounted for the largest proportion of variance, contributing 32.02% with an eigenvalue of 7.36. Consequently, Agric (White), Nwator, Allimeme (Brown), and Vitamin A (Brown) are promising cassava cultivars that merit documentation, hybridisation and conservation for the improvement of cassava germplasm.
 
Role of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, Leptin Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, and Obesity in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Get PDFPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects women and impacts the ovaries. Obesity, genetics, and the environment are major causes of PCOS. Many disorders are associated with PCOS such as anovulation, hyperinsulinemia, and trouble with the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) are some of the hormones affected in PCOS. A high leptin level in obese women is the main cause for elevation of GnRH. The aim of this study is to determine the roles of GnRH, leptin, LH, and FSH in the occurrence of polycystic ovarian syndrome. A biochemical study was carried out from January to march 2024, involving 100 samples from Iraqi women suffered from PCOS collected from Al-Zahraa teaching hospital and Al-Diwaniyah hospital of children ,alongside 100 samples from healthy women. Measurement of GnRH , Leptin ,LH , FSH concentration were achieved by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The P-value test was utilized to analyze the data and determine the statistical significance of the study results. The concentrations of GnRH, leptin, LH, and FSH hormones were elevated in PCOS patients compared to the control group. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in these parameters between PCOS patients and the control group, with a P-value of 0.0001* for all parameters. Elevated levels of GnRH, leptin, LH, and FSH are highly associated with the occurrence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and contribute to hormonal imbalances depending on the stage of the condition. There is a correlation between leptin and GnRH: elevated leptin levels in obese women lead to increased stimulation of GnRH from the hypothalamus, which, in turn, stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more LH and FSH. Obesity is considered a primary factor in the elevation of GnRH levels in PCOS, resulting in symptoms such as hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinemia.
 
Unveiling the Bacterial Diversity of Non-venomous Snakes: Insights from 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetics
Get PDFIndia experiences a high burden of snakebite fatalities, with secondary wound infections posing a significant additional threat. This study investigated the diversity of oral bacteria, including both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, in the common non-venomous Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) from Central India. Oral swabs were collected for bacterial isolation, followed by DNA extraction and bacterial identification via 16S rRNA gene amplification. All isolates were identified to the strain level, with their consensus sequences deposited in the NCBI Gen Bank database. Phylogenetic trees were generated using MEGA X software. We identified eight bacterial strains: Enterococcus faecalis strain yjd-wu, Lysinibacillus capsici strain PB300, Lysinibacillus fusiformis strain 24, Lysinibacillus macroides strain R154, Mammaliicoccus sciuri strain A-SD13, Mammaliicoccus sciuri strain FDAARGOS_285, Mesobacillus subterraneus strain HBPPPL1, and Mesobacillus subterraneus strain KI1. Among these, two strains were highly pathogenic to humans, and two were moderately pathogenic. Findings of the study show the presence of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity of non-venomous snakes, implying a risk of subsequent infections and wound problems after snakebite.
 
Genotyping of Pseudomonas aeuroginosa Isolated form Different Sources Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA –PCR Technique
Get PDFPseudomonas aeruginosa is a human pathogen that takes advantage of patients with weak immune systems, causing severe acute and chronic diseases. Its ability to create antibiotic-resistant biofilms explains its significant persistence in clinical settings. We collected a maximum of 25 clinical and ecological samples from the general hospitals located within the city of Al-Hilla to characterize the prevalent strains of P. aeruginosa among patients. We isolated and identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the culture technique on cetrimide agar at a temperature of 42 °C. A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primer named opY-10 was used to observe a total of 6 DNA fragments with sizes ranging from 100 to 1500bp. We commonly detected 13 amplified polymorphic fragments among the 8 isolates of P. aeruginosa from various sources. The use of different primers resulted in distinct genetic profiles. The results indicate that RAPD-PCR analysis is an effective genetic screening technique for identifying genetic variations among pseudomonas aeuroginosa isolates.