Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlights the importance of tracking virus evolution through genomic surveillance, especially concerning mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, crucial for vaccine development. Despite global concern over variants, regions like West Sumatra, Indonesia, lack thorough genomic analysis, prompting this study to analyze S gene mutations across three pandemic waves in West Sumatra. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Next-generation sequencing was conducted through the Illumina MiSeq instrument to leverage a dataset of 352 anonymized samples collected between March, 2020 and November, 2022 and rigorous analysis of S gene mutation using CLC Genomics Workbench^® 21 version 21.0.3 were employed. Statistical analyses assessed mutation prevalence over time, exploring associations with clinical outcomes. <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed significant variability in mutation profiles across different variants. Notably, the Omicron variant (21K) exhibited a high mutation rate, suggesting enhanced immune evasion capabilities. Comparative analysis highlighted evolutionary trends, from early variants with fewer mutations to highly adapted forms like Delta (21I) and Omicron. The dynamic nature of SARS-CoV-2 evolution underscores the importance of continuous surveillance, rapid public health response and vaccine adaptation. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study contributes valuable insights into the virus's evolving landscape, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, global collaboration and adaptable vaccine strategies to manage the evolving threat of COVID-19 effectively.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Blast disease (<i>Pyricularia oryzae</i>) is a major disease-causing yield losses in rice crops worldwide. Disease control using resistant varieties is less effective due to the high genetic variation in <i>P. oryzae</i> populations in the field and the use of synthetic fungicides hurts the diversity of biological agents. This study aims to explore fungi in the rhizosphere of organic aromatic rice in North Luwu Regency that can utilized as biological control agents against three haplotypes of <i>P. oryzae</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Isolation of rhizosphere fungi using serial dilution method and scatter plate method. The identification of fungi based on microscopic and macroscopic characteristics. Genotype test of 15 <i>P. oryzae</i> isolates used gene-based markers related to virulence traits, namely Erg2 (1,440 bp), Pwl2 (900 bp) and Cut1 (1,730 bp). Amplified DNA bands that appeared were scored as 1 (present) and 0 (absent). <b>Results:</b> Exploring organic rice rhizosphere fungi in North Luwu Regency found potential biological control agents against three <i>P. oryzae</i> haplotypes on local varieties: Juvenile and Bandarata. Twelve fungal isolates from the rhizosphere of aromatic rice were successfully isolated and six antagonistic fungal isolates were able to inhibit the growth of <i>P. oryzae</i> haplotypes C-011, D-111 and F-110. <i>Trichoderma</i> spp., isolates had the highest inhibition percentage of 72-90%, followed by <i>Penicillium </i>sp., 1 with an inhibition percentage of 62-82%. <b>Conclusion:</b> Twelve fungal isolates from the rhizosphere of aromatic rice were successfully isolated and six antagonistic fungal isolates were able to inhibit the growth of <i>P. oryzae</i> haplotypes C-011, D-111 and F-110.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The remarkable surface-to-volume ratio and efficient particle interaction capabilities of nanoparticles have garnered significant attention among researchers. Microalgal synthesis presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach to nanoparticle production, particularly noteworthy for its high metal uptake and ion reduction capabilities. This study focuses on the eco-friendly and straightforward synthesis of Silver (AgNPs) and Iron (FeNPs) nanoparticles by utilizing Spirulina (<i>Arthrospira platensis</i>) and <i>Chlorella pyrenoidosa</i> extract, devoid of any chemical reducing or capping agents. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Following the mixing of 1 mM AgNO₃ and 1 mM iron oxide solution with the algal extract, the resulting filtrated solution underwent comprehensive characterization, including UV-visible absorption spectra analysis, observation of particle morphology, Zetasizer measurements and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) analysis. <b>Results:</b> The UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a maximum absorbance peak at 430-440 nm, confirming the successful green synthesis of AgNPs and FeNPs, as indicated by the distinct color change from transparent to dark reddish-yellow and brown to reddish-brown, respectively. The SEM-EDX analysis further elucidated the spherical morphology of the nanoparticles, with an average diameter of 93.71 nm for AgNPs and 6198 nm for FeNPs. The Zeta potential measurements indicated average values of -56.68 mV for AgNPs and 29.73 mV for FeNPs, with conductivities of 0.1764 and 0.6786 mS/cm, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The observed bioaccumulation of silver and iron nanoparticles within the algal extract underscores its potential as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for nanoparticle synthesis. These findings suggested a promising avenues for the application of silver and iron nanoparticles in the field of nanobiotechnology. Future research endeavors could focus on optimizing preparation conditions and controlling nanoparticle size to further enhance their utility and effectiveness.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The sustainable management and conservation of fish biodiversity depends on studying fish biology. In this study, the length-weight relationships and condition factors of <i>Tilapia sparrmanii</i> were observed to gain a better understanding of their ecological and nutritional conditions. This information is crucial for the effective management of fisheries. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> During the study, 100 <i>T. sparrmanii</i> were collected from the Molepo Dam from October, 2022 to March, 2023. This fish's condition factor (CF) and length-weight relationship (LWR) were studied. To determine the size of each fish, the total length was measured using a caliper with a precision of 0.1 mm and the weight using a balance with an accuracy of 0.1 g. Differences were analyzed using ANOVA with the Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test. A non-parametric Chi-square test was employed to evaluate the differences in sexes each month. <b>Results:</b> Their total length and body weight ranged from 4-15 cm and 0.96-57.96 g, respectively. The study found a strong positive relationship between the length and weight of the fish (r = 0.96). The regression coefficient (b) was more than 3.0, indicating a positive allometric growing rate. The condition factors (K) of males and females were not significantly different (p>0.05). The lowest CF value was observed in March (K = 1.01±0.03) and the highest in December (K = 1.73±0.12). The sex ratio of 1.0 male to 1.15 female was observed, which was significantly different from the theoretical ratio of one male to one female. This suggests that males were not significantly more than females (p>0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> The study found that <i>T. sparrmanii</i> in Molepo Dam exhibited allometric growth, as evidenced by a strong correlation between length and weight represented by a high "r" value. This fish is in good condition because it has no competition for food due to ecological factors.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Prenatal ionizing radiation exposure may hinder fetal and embryonic growth depending on the dose and gestational age. The current study's objective was to discover how bone marrow transplants affected the spleens of pregnant rats that had been subjected to γ (Gamma) radiation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sixty rats that were pregnant were separated into five different groups, each with 6 females. The pregnant rats in the second Group were exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays. Group III; pregnant rats subjected to 2Gy of γ-rays, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of newly prepared bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The fifth Group were exposed to 2Gy γ-rays and received 1 dosage of BMT an hour later. Spleen samples from the pregnant rats as well as their fetuses were taken for histological and histochemical analyses. <b>Results:</b> Gamma rays damaged the splenic tissue of women and their fetuses on days 7 or 14 of pregnancy in a variety of histological and histochemical ways, although bone marrow transplantation significantly reduced the damage. Treated mothers with bone marrow post-radiation showed a noticeable recovery in spleen of their fetuses. Improved spleen architecture was accompanied by appearance of normal content of collagen, polysaccharides and total protein in the fetal spleen tissue especially on day 7 of gestation. <b>Conclusion:</b> Bone marrow transplantation can lessen the damage caused by gamma radiation.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> is a common plant in the Mekong Delta and is widely used in many Vietnamese folk remedies. This study was conducted to investigate the potential use of roots, stems, leaves of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> as antioxidant, antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase associated with diabetes. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-Azino-Bis-(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (RP) assays. The antibacterial activity of extracts from <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> The root extract of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> has more polyphenols (32.49±0.72 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (15.48±1.32 mg QE/g extract) than the other parts. Simultaneously, the root extract of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> has antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ values range from 117.67±2.82 to 569.20±7.68 μg/mL), inhibiting amylase (IC₅₀ = 266.72±10.58 μg/mL) and glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 147.13±3.58 μg/mL) enzymes more effectively than the other parts. Research results also show that extracts from <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> are capable of inhibiting <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 1280 to 10240 mg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results highlighted the potential using of <i>Ruellia tuberosa</i> extracts as natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors agents.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Rabbit meat is a livestock product potentially viable as a protein source to obtain peptides. Antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides are ingredients extracted from various foods through enzymatic hydrolysis, chemical hydrolysis and fermentation to produce health-promoting foods. This research aims to investigate the potential of rabbit meat as a source of antioxidant and antimicrobial peptides through hydrolysis using trypsin and zingibain enzymes. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This research conducted an explorative-descriptive approach, focusing on antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Rabbit meat was extracted using trypsin, zingibain and a combination of trypsin and crude extract zingibain. The hydrolyzed rabbit meat extract was tested at intervals of 0, 2, 6, 16, 24, 40 and 48 hrs to determine the degree of hydrolysis and the profile of hydrolyzed proteins with electrophoresis SDS PAGE. The antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH method and the antimicrobial activity using agar well diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> The degree of hydrolysis increased with the hydrolysis time. The highest protein content of rabbit meat extract hydrolyzed with trypsin was 287.65 mg/mL, observed during 12 hrs hydrolysis. The optimum conditions for the hydrolysis of rabbit meat protein were obtained at 24 hrs, with an IC₅₀ value of 52.45% hydrolyzed by trypsin. As per antimicrobial activities, <i>Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Salmonella</i> sp. were more effective in inhibiting rabbit meat hydrolysates compared to <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. The inhibition of all pathogen increased until 12 hrs hydrolysis but decreased in 24 hrs hydrolysis. <b>Conclusion:</b> The combination zingibain enzyme and trypsin is feasible for hydrolyzing rabbit meat and the optimum hydrolysis time was 24 hrs with IC₅₀ 52.45 ppm, although accompanied by reduction in antibacterial activities.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Molepo Dam is a small dam with several aquatic animal species. An assessment of the water quality index of Molepo Dam is necessary because it is situated close to a largely rural community. In this study, the physicochemical variables of Molepo Dam were observed to better understand the water quality situation of this dam. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study was carried out from October 2022 to March 2023; 126 samples of water were taken from the Molepo Dam. The physicochemical parameters of the water were determined through standard methods. <b>Results:</b> The site within the dam exhibited a clear separation. Site 1, 2 and 4 were found to be more similar to each other, while Site 3 was separated from them. Site 5, 6 and 7 were more similar together as well. The results showed that the pollution level in Site 3 was the lowest. The pollution level in Site 1, 2 and 4 was more similar and the level of pollution in Site 5, 6 and 7 was the highest. <b>Conclusion:</b> According to the study, pollution levels were found to be different in various parts of the Molepo Dam. This was because the wastewater generated by rural communities was predominantly discharged towards the northern part of the dam.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> White turmeric essential oil (WTEO) is known to have high commercial value since it has been used to improve immunological function, increase blood circulation, ease toxin clearance and stimulate digestion. However, there is no standard to regulate the specific characteristics of white turmeric essential oil. Therefore, the objective of this research was to develop an analytical technique for WTEO authentication from vegetable oils, namely palm oil (PO), coconut oil (VCO) and soybean oil (SO), using FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics, as well as GC-MS spectroscopy. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The WTEO was obtained by hydrodistillation method. Pure WTEO and vegetable oils were scanned in the MIR region (4000-650 cm¹) of FTIR spectroscopy and the spectra were further analyzed using chemometrics. <b>Results:</b> The extraction yielded 0.103% v/w WTEO, a dark purple color with a specific pungent odor. Discriminant analysis separated pure WTEO and adulterated WTEO with 100% accuracy at wave numbers 4000-650 cm¹. The best PLS regressions to quantify SO, VCO, PO and concentration in WTEO were at wave numbers 4000-1100, 1400-1050 and 2100-650 cm¹, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> The FTIR and chemometrics combination effectively authenticates white turmeric essential oil from any possible adulterants, such as vegetable oil.