{"title":"Multivariate Analyses of Shattering and Seed Yield Related Morphological Traits Reveal High Yielding Sesame Genotypes Exhibit Low Degree of Shattering","authors":"Sintayehu Gedifew","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i03.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i03.002","url":null,"abstract":"Sesame production faces substantial challenges, particularly in terms of shattering. To address this issue, sesame breeding programs focus on developing cultivars with minimized shattering. A pivotal aspect in achieving high-yielding and shatter-resistant cultivars lies in comprehending the association between shattering and traits related to seed yield. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation between shattering and morphological traits associated with seed yield, as well as to characterize genotypes based on seed yield and shattering related traits. This study utilized 64 sesame genotypes, employing an 8 x 8 simple lattice design. The study revealed significant positive correlations between shattering and the duration from capsule opening to maturity, as well as the length of cracking on opened capsules. Notably, shattering exhibits a negative correlation with seed yield related morphological traits, such as plant height and branches, suggesting taller genotypes with more branches experience lower shattering. Similarly, shattering-related traits showed a significant negative correlation with yield related morphological traits. This study advocates selecting sesame genotypes with reduced shattering while maintaining high-yielding characteristics. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of sesame genotypes reveals essential insights, with the first four components explaining 72.90% of the total variation. Seed yield and related traits contribute significantly to PC1, emphasizing their importance in explaining variability. Capsule length, shattering (%) and days from capsule opening to maturity have large scores on PC2. PCA confirmed genotypic differences, aiding breeders in selecting high-yielding, low-shattering varieties like AsARC-acc-SG-013 for future breeding programs. Cluster analysis grouped the 64 sesame genotypes into two clusters, where Cluster I and Cluster II represent 40.62% and 59.38% of the total genotypes, respectively. Cluster analysis identifies traits distinguishing Cluster I from II, including plant height, branches, capsules, capsule-bearing zone length, seed yield, and shattering-related traits. Genotypes belonging to Cluster I exhibit superiority for desirable traits.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"24 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141382800","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C. Marchiori, Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Klebert de Paula Malheiros
{"title":"Leeches and Their Use in Medicine (Annellida: Hirudinea: Rhynchobdelliformes)","authors":"C. Marchiori, Marco Vinícios de Oliveira Santana, Klebert de Paula Malheiros","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i03.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i03.003","url":null,"abstract":"Leech therapy relieves pain and inflammation, and there are explanations for its success. In leech saliva, in addition to substances that prevent blood clotting, there are also analgesic and anesthetic compounds that reduce pain. This article aims to study the characteristics of the leech (Annellida: Hirudinea: Rhynchobdelliformes) and its use in Medicine. This is a narrative review of the literature, which is indicated to explain and discuss a certain subject from a theoretical or contextual perspective, to allow the reader to ask questions and update knowledge on a specific topic. The search for scientific articles that made up this review was carried out on Google Scholar, Biological Abstract, HAL, Qeios, ResearchGate, Scielo, and SSRN. The following descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) were used: biological therapy, larva, wound, debridement, and healing. The following inclusion criteria were considered: original articles and reviews, published nationally and internationally in full, available electronically, and published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The exclusion criteria were dissertations, theses, monographs, and conclusion work, as well as duplicates and those that require payment to access the content during integration.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"47 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141381621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Allelopathic Effects of Ageratum conyzoides Root Exudates on Germinability of Selected Crops: A Comparative Analysis","authors":"Pervin Akter, Rabeya Begum","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.004","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the allelopathic effects of aqueous root exudate extracts of Ageratum conyzoides on the germination, shoot length, and root length of various agricultural crops. The study reveals how different species respond uniquely to varying concentrations, uncovering complex dynamics in crop-allelopathic interactions. The germination analysis reveals distinct sensitivities among the tested crops. C. sativus demonstrates resilience, displaying minimal germination reduction even at higher exudate concentrations. C. arietinum exhibits moderate susceptibility, while Z. mays emerge as the most sensitive crop, displaying a profound reduction in germination. L. esculentum and P. vulgaris also exhibit sensitivity, with adverse impacts on germination rates. A. esculentus consistently shows reduced germination rates with increasing exudate concentrations. Shoot length dynamics show that all crops experience greatest elongation without A. conyzoides root exudates, suggesting inhibition of growth by these exudates. Shoot growth declines with higher exudate concentrations across most crops, with varying sensitivities. C. sativus consistently decreases, while C. arietinum, Z. mays, and P. vulgaris show concentration-dependent inhibition. S. lycopersicum significantly reduces shoot elongation, and A. esculentus remains consistently sensitive. Root length patterns further elucidate the allelopathic effects. Responses vary across species and concentrations. A. esculentus roots thrive at lower concentrations but decline at higher ones. S. lycopersicum shows initial reduction, significant decline, followed by recovery. Z. mays and C. arietinum exhibit fluctuating responses. P. vulgaris consistently grows, while C. sativus persistently displays reduced root elongation. These findings highlight the complex and species-specific allelopathic interactions between A. conyzoides and agricultural crops, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics for effective crop management in A. conyzoides-infested areas.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"155 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140445690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fatty Acid Profile Analyses of Three Freshwater Fish Species from Igboho Reservoir, Oyo State, Nigeria","authors":"Siyanbola Mojisola Funmilayo","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i01.002","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the fatty acid profile of three freshwater fish species from igboho reservoir Oyo state Nigeria. This is as a result of a great degree of interest on fatty acids on human health. The fishes used in this study are snakehead (Parachanna obscura, Gunther 1844), African mud fish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) and African pike (Hepsetus odoe, Blotch, 1794). The fatty acid profile analysis showed the existence of Saturated (SFA), Monosaturated (MUFA) and Polysaturated (MUFA) fatty acids. Results obtained showed a wide range of Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (30.24-33.37%), Saturated fatty acids (SFA) (38.51-53.98%) and Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (13.28-24.30%). Palmitic and Stearic acids were the major fatty acids in saturated fatty acid group, Oleic and Palmitoleic acids were the predominant fatty acids in Monosaturated fatty acid group while Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Linoleic acid were the major Polyunsaturated fatty acids. The n-3/n-6 ratio values of the three fish species is below 1.0 which fall within the proposed dietary intake standard (0.25-1.0) and a good indication that the three fish species can supply the required essential acid needed by Man. Moreover, the PUFA/SFA coefficient ratio of P. obscura exceeded the minimum value by HMSO which represents an advantageous impart when consumed by Man.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"133 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140485770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biochemical and Haematological Parameters of Children Fed Optimized Cereal-legume Blend supplemented with Moringa leaf Powder","authors":"Yusuf A. B, S. A.","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.007","url":null,"abstract":"Childhood malnutrition is still a serious public health problem in Nigeria. This may be attributed to poor infant and young child feeding practices. In a bid to address this challenge, the current study was initiated to produce optimal complementary foods (CF). Six composite blends designated F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 were formulated from yellow maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), millet (Pennisetum glaucum), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), soyabeans (Glycine max), and Moringa oleifera. Nutrisurvey was used to calculate the proportion of ingredients in the composite blends to meet nutritional specification in codex guideline. Nutritional composition, functional and consumer acceptance analyses were conducted, as well as feeding trials in moderately malnourished children for eight weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical and selected haematological parameters of the children were used to assess the performance of the CF formulations. Results of proximate analysis indicated that moisture content; crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate were within the codex guidelines. The amino acid profile indicated that all essential amino acids were present in acceptable quantity. The functional properties revealed that bulk density ranged from 0.63-0.81, water absorption capacity 86-90%, swelling index 0.33-1.34, reconstitution index 2.20-3.20, and pH 6.52-6.69. The sensory evaluations suggest that the CF formulations were well accepted by the participants. The feeding trial indicated growth and recovery in the children at Endline. The current study therefore, revealed that with proper blending of local foodstuff, it is possible to prepare acceptable and nutritionally adequate CF.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"205 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139010203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Phytochemical Analysis and Functional Properties of Lemon Grass Tea Supplemented with Ginger Powder","authors":"Yusuf A. B, Sani U. B","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.008","url":null,"abstract":"Herbal teas are used as therapeutic vehicles in many forms of traditional medicine and are popular global beverage. The purpose of this study was to assess the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, functional properties and sensorial attributes of different formulations of lemon grass teas supplemented with ginger powder as supporting and activating herbs using standard analytical methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemist. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and results expressed as mean ±standard deviation of triplicate determinations. The qualitative phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and quinones. The quantitative determination of these phytoconstituents revealed that the alkaloid content ranged from (0.27-0.28mg/g), tannins (0.04-0.05 mg/g), saponins (0.17-0.18mg/g), flavonoids (0.28-0.30g/cm3) and phenol (0.47-0.49g/cm3). The results obtained for functional properties revealed that pH ranged from (6.26-6.30), reconstitution index (6.00-6.40 g/cm3), swelling index (2.3-3.1g/cm3), wettability (35.00-49.00 sec.), bulk density (0.27-0.31 g/cm3) and water absorption capacity (72.26-78.35). Mean scores of sensory evaluations for taste ranged from: (6.0-7.0), colour (6.0-7.0), flavour (7.0-8.3), consistency (5.0-6.0) and overall acceptance (7.0-8.0).in conclusion, based on the results of this study, lemon grass teas supplemented with ginger powder are good reservoir of phytoconstituents with potential nutritional health benefits.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"17 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138979219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Response and Impact of Environmental Stress on Crop Reproduction","authors":"N. K. Ahirwar","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.006","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"90 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139010916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Study of the Corrosion Behavior of Engineering Mild Steel in Acidified and Hydrolyzed Extracts of Zingiber Officinale (Ginger)","authors":"Nwangbo T. N, Idenyi N. E, Idu K. H","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.005","url":null,"abstract":"We report the use of weight loss technique in the study of the corrosion behaviour of engineering mild steel in acidified and hydrolysed corrosion media using Zingiber officinale (Ginger) extracts. Cylindrical steel rods were cut into corrosion coupons of predetermined dimensions of 15 mm by 10mm diameter. The coupons were then weighed before being suspended in situ in fours into beakers containing 10 mL, 15 mL and 20 mL of the extracts in 0.5 M and 1.0 M concentrations of H2SO4 and NaOH respectively. These setups were allowed to stand for a period of 28 days with a coupon withdrawn from each beaker after every 7 days, processed according to standard procedures before reweighing. The data of the weight loss were recorded and computations of the corrosion penetration rate using the formula; CPR=K∆W/ρA∆t were calculated. Plots of corrosion penetration rate against time, inhibition efficiency against concentration of extract and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were then plotted. The results obtained revealed that the corrosion rate profiles for passivating metals in which there is an initial sharp rise in corrosion rate, followed by a progressive decline as exposure time increased were observed. The inhibition efficiencies of the extract in the various media also showed significant increase in all the media. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms indicated that the adsorption of the molecules of the extract on the metal surface was uniformly distributed over the entire metal surface and also the adsorptive forces were strong enough to cause effective adhesion to prevent further corrosion attack. In conclusion, it was established that Zingiber officinale leaf extracts are good inhibitors of corrosion and that the inhibitive potency of the extract increases with increase in the concentrations of the extract and the corrosion media as exposure time increased, with the extract showing better inhibition characteristics in NaOH than H2SO4.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139208009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hedgehogs under Pressure, the Role of Rodenticides on Their Decline","authors":"Andreia Garcês, Isabel Pires","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.004","url":null,"abstract":"Erinaceus europaeus, commonly known as the Western European hedgehog, is a well-known and widespread mammal in Europe. These small spiny mammals are insectivores and play a significant role in controlling invertebrate populations. However, they face several threats, including habitat loss, road accidents, and encounters with certain chemicals, including rodenticides. Rodenticides are chemical agents used to kill rodents. These compounds are often designed to be attractive to rodents but can also be consumed by other animals, including hedgehogs, either directly or through the ingestion of poisoned prey. Unfortunately, secondary poisoning through the consumption of poisoned rodents is a significant risk for hedgehogs and other non-target species. The ingestion of rodenticides can lead to severe health issues and even death. This brief review aims to present the impact that rodenticides have on European hedgehogs (European Erinaceus, Linnaeus 1758).","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139263849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maryam Babangida Sani, Hadiza Usman Muhammad, Maryam Abubakar, Y. Wada
{"title":"Efficacy of the Whole Plant Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus on Trypanosoma Brucei-Induced Pathology in Wistar Rat","authors":"Maryam Babangida Sani, Hadiza Usman Muhammad, Maryam Abubakar, Y. Wada","doi":"10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2023.v03i03.003","url":null,"abstract":"African animal trypanosomiasis is one of the most important protozoal diseases affecting animal health and production. This study was conducted to assess the phytochemical composition of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract and to assess its safety and efficacy on Trypanosoma brucei-induced pathology in Wistar rats. The plant sample was obtained from around the residential area in Ahmadu Bello University, main campus, Zaria, Nigeria, and subjected to phytochemical screening following standard procedures. Sixteen Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each rat in the groups receiving 0.1 mL of 10⁶ T. brucei trypomastigotes. After three days of patency, rats in groups III to V were given different plant extract treatments for four days, while rats in groups I and II served as negative and positive controls. Following treatment, clinical parameters, parasitaemia, gross pathology and biochemical analysis were observed and recorded. The results showed that the ethanol extract contained primary constituents such as alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids. The extract was found to be non-toxic and orally safe for Wistar rats. It showed moderate suppressive ability against parasitaemia, ameliorating fever, weight loss, and anaemia in Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats. It also demonstrated significant modulatory activity in reducing internal organ pathologies, liver enzyme pathology, and oxidative stress in the heart, kidney, and spleen. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract in managing African animal trypanosomiasis.","PeriodicalId":366308,"journal":{"name":"Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences","volume":"69 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139287561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}