Asian Journal of Biology最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of Distribution, Richness and Habitat Specificity of Lichens at Genera-level in the Forest-fringe Villages of Dhamtari District, Chhattisgarh, India","authors":"Deepmala Suryavanshi, Surendra Kumar Gautam","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2025/v21i10564","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2025/v21i10564","url":null,"abstract":"Lichens, fungi-cyanobacterial or algae-fungi symbiotic groups, are bioindicators of high sensitivity with important ecological functions. Systematic information on their diversity and habitat habits in forest-fringe ecosystems of central India is limited. The present study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence, richness, and habitat specificity of lichen genera in a few forest-fringe villages of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. Field surveys were carried out in four villages- Demar, Singpur, Dugli, and Bhiterras- over three tahsils with four sampling sites. Thirty-six lichen specimens were collected from different substrates and identified at genus level based on morphological and taxonomical characteristics. The genera were grouped according to family, growth form, and habitat association. 30 genera in 15 families were documented, of which Parmeliaceae dominated (eight genera). Corticolous lichens were more diverse than saxicolous lichens, and Shorea robusta and Mangifera indica were the dominant phorophytes. Bhiterras were most diverse (18 genera) followed by Demar with minimum diversity, which reflects environmental stress and restricted niches. The occurrence of cosmopolitan and habitat-specific species reveals ecological heterogeneity. These findings furnish imperative baseline information for biodiversity conservation and highlight lichens as bioindicators of environmental quality and ecosystem modification.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"21 10","pages":"90-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147885303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional Potential of the Caterpillar Imbrasia obscura (Butler, 1878) Consumed in the Kara Region of Togo","authors":"F. Badanaro, M. Melila","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7427","url":null,"abstract":"Lepidopteran larvae, which constitute unconventional food resources in many parts of the world, are consumed by aboriginal populations in Togo without any study being carried out on their nutritional value. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional composition of the caterpillar Imbrasia obscura (Butler, 1878) consumed by populations in the Kara Region of Togo. To this end, 9 I. obscura samples were taken from three localities in this region.  Ash, protein, vitamin and lipid contents were determined using AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) method, and fiber content using the AFNOR (Association française de normalization) method. Minerals were analyzed spectrophotometrically and colorimetrically. The fatty acid composition was determined by chromatography. The result of this research showed that I. obscura contain 10.41 ± 0.33 % moisture, 53.36 ± 0.05 % protein, 14.22 ± 0.62% lipids, 10.67 ± 0.62 % fiber and 1.04 ± 0.54 % carbohydrates. Lipids contain monounsaturated (oleic (30.57 ± 0.03 %) and elaidic (0.46 ± 0.02 %) acids) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic (4.82 ± 0.02 %), α-linolenic (1.872 ± 0.02 %), γ-linolenic (1.57 ± 0.01 %) and arachidonic (2.33 ± 0.01 %) acids). With regard to micronutrient composition, the average mineral content is 10.3 % and varies according to the nature of each mineral. I. obscura also contains variable levels of fat-soluble vitamins (retinol: 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/100g and tocopherol 4.10 ± 0.07 mg/100g) and water-soluble vitamins (thiamine: 1.35 ± 0.16 mg/100g, riboflavin: 2.12 ± 0.11 mg/100g and niacin: 4.10 ± 0.07 mg/100g). These data show the quantitative and qualitative richness of I. obscura in nutrients. This species could therefore contribute to the nutritional balance of consumers and deserves to be given greater prominence on our plates.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"42 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141924348","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":"Antioxidant Effects of Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranea) Extract in Improperly Processed Bitter Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Flour Konzo-Induced Male Wistar Rats","authors":"Victoria O Dimkpa, L. K. David, Austin A Ajah","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7426","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7426","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effects of Bambara nut extract in improperly processed Bitter Cassava flour Konzo-induced Male Wistar rats. Twenty-five (25) Adult Male Wistar rats weighing between 180–200g were randomly divided into five (5) groups. After two weeks of acclimatization, Konzo was induced following improperly processed bitter cassava flour feeding for  three weeks. The rats were subsequently fed as follows for 28 days: Group 1: Control group - fed with water and rat feed; Group 2: Konzo-Induced Group - fed with bitter cassava flour; and Groups 3-5 were fed with different doses of Bambara nut (BN) extract: 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg respectively. 24 hours after the last feeding, rats were placed under chloroform anaesthesia and blood samples collected through cardiac puncture for the estimation of serum concentration of oxidative stress markers: Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione reductase (GSH), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results showed that compared to Group 1 rats, Konzo-induced rats exhibited a significant decrease in GSH (p<0.05) and a significant increase in CAT, SOD, and MDA levels (p<0.05). These changes indicate possible oxidative stress in Group 2 rats. The groups 3-5 showed a significant increase in GSH, CAT and SOD levels (p<0.05), and a significant decrease in MDA level (p<0.05) compared to Group 2 rats.  These findings suggest that BN extract has antioxidant effect against oxidative stress induced by Konzo. Conclusively, BN extract decreased MDA and increased GSH, CAT and SOD in a dose dependent manner, resulting in a possible prevention of cell death.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"4 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141929108","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":"Clinical Manifestations of Dermatophytoses and its Treatment: A Review","authors":"Sumit Meena, S. Bhadauria","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7425","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7425","url":null,"abstract":"Dermatophytes can invade the keratinized tissue and cause one of the most common fungal infections, dermatophytoses. Dermatophytoses are present worldwide and it is most common in warm climates. It is caused by dermatophytes that belong to the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum. The clinical manifestation and clinical signs of these infections vary according to the infected body part and the specific dermatophytic species. According to the parts of the body that is affected, clinical manifestations of the dermatophytoses are categorized, such as tinea capitis (scalp), tinea barbae (beard area), tinea corporis (skin other than the bearded area, scalp, hands or feet), tinea cruris (groin and perineal areas), tinea pedis (feet), tinea manuum (hands), and tinea unguium (nails). Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans, Epidermophyton floccosum and Microsporum canis are the main etiological species for dermatophytoses in all over the world. In this review, we discuss the clinical manifestations of dermatophytoses, etiological agents and their treatment by using oral and topical antifungals.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"19 25","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803145","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":"Comparative Analysis of Phytoplankton Communities in Newly Inundated Ponds Using Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers","authors":"Essien-Ibok, M. A., G. U. U., Ituen, A. M.","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7424","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7424","url":null,"abstract":"A comparative study on the communities of phytoplankton in two newly inundated ponds was carried out from September 2023 to October 2023.The study was conducted in a completely random design experimental setup with two treatments, each replicated twice using organic (chicken manure) and inorganic fertilizer (di-a1mmonium phosphate fertilizer, (20:10:10) (2.5kg for each) fertilizers. Out of 1114 individuals of phytoplankton identified, 611 were from the organic fertilizer- treated tank, while 503 individuals were from the inorganic fertilizer- treated tank. The highest and the lowest phytoplankton species identified were Dactylococlopsis irregularis (79) > Phormidium tenue (53) > Ankistrodesmus falcatus (39) for the organic fertilized tank while the dominant species for the inorganic tank were Dactylococlopsis irregularis (45) > Ankistrodesmus falcatus (36), > Dinobryon bararicum (31). The least dominant species found in this current study for organic fertilizer were Closterium macilentum (7) > Amoeba polypodia (7) > Volvox aureus (3) > Raphidiopsis curvata (2) while the trend for inorganic fertilizer were Aphanizomenon flosaquae (7) > Spirulina subtilissima (4) > Nitzschia linearis (2). Physicochemical factors like Temperature, pH, Potassium, Total nitrogen, were found to be the important factors influencing the growth and distribution of phytoplankton and they exhibited significant positive correlation with phytoplankton in the PCA and CCA biplot. This present study revealed inter-tank differences in some of the physico-chemical parameters investigated. Potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved oxygen (DO) were significantly different across the two treatments while temperature and pH were not statistically significant (P<0.05). The result from the analysis of all community parameters (Shannon-Wiener diversity, Evenness, Simpson and Margalef indices) showed slight variation. The highest in Shannon-Wiener diversity, Evenness, Simpson and Margalef indices were found in the inorganic fertilizer- treated tank (3.216, 0.8901, 0.956 and 4.34, respectively), while the lowest were found in the organic fertilize treated tank (3.141, 0.825, 0.948 and 4.209, respectively). This result indicates that the abundance and structure of phytoplankton communities were affected by the different fertilizer used and the tanks physicochemical conditions.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141803288","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":"Entomophthorales Fungi Parasitizing Sucking Insects in Egypt","authors":"G. Sewify, Maha S. Nada, A. L. Bilgrami","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7421","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7421","url":null,"abstract":"Entomophthorales are insect pathogenic fungi significant biological control potentials due to their high insect toxicity. This review focuses on the survey and morphological descriptions of entomophthoralean species attacking insect pests in Egypt. Until now 10 species of Entomophthorales fungi, belonging to three families (Entomophthoraceae, Neozygitaceae and Ancylistaceace) have been reported to suck insects as their hosts. These fungi are widely distributed in various climatic conditions in several Governorates, representing Lower and Upper Egypt. The fungi are the only pathogens that regularly and effectively control sucking insect populations in the natural ecosystems and agroecosystems. The present review emphasizes more studies and isolations of Entomophthorales species by using modern identification techniques so that their epidemiology and control potentials can be predicated on their role against insect pests under variable climatic conditions in Egypt. The possible relationship between population densities of sucking insect pests and Entomophthorales can be further studied to explore their effective applications under variable climatic conditions in the country. ","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"19 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141356631","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":"Prevalence of Phytonematodes Found in Potato Soil and its Root System","authors":"M. F. Narzikulova, H. S. Eshova, M. A. Xolboyeva, G. Mirzaliyeva","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7420","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7420","url":null,"abstract":"The article provides information about phytonematodes found in potato soils and its root system in the Bulungur, Tailak, Samarkand, Pastdargom districts of the Samarkand region. During the study, 109 species of plant nematodes were discovered. According to the ecological classification, among devisaprobionts - 33 species and phytohelminths - 26 species (ectoparasites, endoparasites) predominate, pararisobionts - 20 species, mycohelminths - 23 species, eusaprobionts - 7 species. In the studied regions, plant nematodes of potato crops differed from each other in the diversity of species and the number of individuals. In the fauna of potato nematodes and soils around its roots, the Tailak (62 species) and Samarkand (59 species) regions dominated in terms of species diversity and number of individuals, while in the Bulungur (52 species) and Pastdargom (52 species) regions these species were relatively poorly represented. The Samarkand and Tailak regions have the greatest similarity between the faunal complexes of the potato nematode (0.67), the Samarkand and Pastdargom regions have the least similarity between the faunal complexes (0.58), while the similarity between the Bulgur and Pastdargom regions is the least (0.48). The fact that phytonematodes have slight differences in similarity coefficients between faunal complexes was explained due to the fact that they are formed in the same region both by soil type and climatic conditions. Among the plant nematodes found in potatoes, relatively common endoparasite species are Pratylenchus pratensis, Meloidogyne arenarai, Ditylenchus dipsaci which pose a threat to plants.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":" 22","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141369413","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":"Alleviating Abiotic and Abiotic Stress, Enhancing Soil Fertility, and Growth of Forest Tree Species PGPR: A Review","authors":"P. B. Kotiyal, Shivam Kumar Sharma","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i7419","url":null,"abstract":"The necessity for efficient mitigation techniques is highlighted by the worldwide loss in plant output caused by biotic and abiotic stressors. Promising bioinoculants known as Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been shown to provide improved nutritional availability, hormone regulation, and stress relief, among other advantages. Through several mechanisms such as phytohormone synthesis and ACC deaminase activity, they combat many environmental stressors such as pests, diseases, temperature variations, heavy metals, salt, and drought. Current research emphasizes the function of PGPR in a number of tree species, such as Quercus suber, Haloxylon ammodendron, and Acacia gerrardii. For example, inoculating Acacia gerrardii with Bacillus subtilis causes notable alterations in gene expression, indicating possible benefits in salinity and drought tolerance. Furthermore, in some nurseries, Quercus suber seedling quality is improved by a blend of bacterial inoculum and ECM fungus. Additionally, PGPR show effectiveness against heavy metal toxicity and heat stress. Sustainable plant growth depends on utilizing stress-resistant PGPR strains and maximizing microbial diversity. While breeding and genetic engineering provide long-term fixes, microbial inoculation offers a quick and affordable substitute. Moreover, PGPR promote environmental sustainability by improving soil fertility through processes including nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization. In order to enhance plant development that is environmentally sustainable and optimize PGPR-mediated stress tolerance, it is essential to conduct multidisciplinary research and field investigations.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":" 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141368169","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":"Modelling the Time-varying Transmission of Wild Poliovirus in Pakistan","authors":"Laiba Noor, A. Shahid, Muhammad Imran Arshad","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i6417","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i6417","url":null,"abstract":"Aims/Objectives: The efforts to eradicate the wild poliovirus since 1988 have successfully reduced its global prevalence by 99%. However, as of 2024, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two endemic countries facing the virus transmission. This study employs a transmission dynamic model to understand the persistence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Pakistan. \u0000Study Design: An ordinary differential equations-based deterministic type of mathematical model was developed. \u0000Place and Duration of Study: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, March 2023 to August 2023. \u0000Methodology: We included the number of reported polio cases and the proportion of missed children by supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) across the country from 2017-2022. The model considered both human-human and environment-human virus transmission through sewage contamination and these are represented by time-dependent transmission rate parameters. The parameter estimation was done by model fitting to the reported data of WPV1 cases. The model simulations then predicted the future polio infections in Pakistan. \u0000Results: Our analysis identified that the asymptomatic infectious population missed by the SIAs is the major contributor to disease persistence in the country. Moreover, the environment can contribute to virus transmission in areas with poor WASH infrastructure and under-immunized populations. The estimated basic reproduction number through the next-generation matrix method was 1.61 while the estimated effective reproduction number was 0.12. The model showed a better predictive ability than constant transmission rate models. The numerical simulations considering the reduction in the virus-shedding rate by the asymptomatic population resulted in an 85% reduction in future polio cases in Pakistan. \u0000Conclusion: The results suggest that endemic virus transmission will continue subject to the current higher vaccination coverage across the country. The model can be further utilized to guide eradication efforts for targeted allocation of preemptive measures.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141106246","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":"Evaluation of the Ex vivo and In vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Psidium guajava L. Leaves (Myrtaceae)","authors":"Afangbom Kossi, Motto Aku Enam, Melila Mamatchi, Atchou Kokou, Lawson-Evi Povi","doi":"10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i6416","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/ajob/2024/v20i6416","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: Antidiabetic activity was assessed by the skeletal muscle glucose uptake test and antioxidant potential by the total antioxidant capacity, reducing power and DPPH test. \u0000Materials and Methods: Same-sex Sprague Dawley rats weighing 150±20 g and approximately 3 months old and different concentrations of the extract obtained from 500 g of P. guajava leaves powder were used for the following methods: reduction, free radical scavenging, glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. \u0000Results: In terms of antioxidant potential, the extract showed significant activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the extract potentiated glucose uptake in the presence and absence of insulin. Compared with metformin and glibenclamide, the extract increased glucose uptake to a greater extent. \u0000Conclusion: This study shows that the hydroethanolic extract of guava leaves is one of the best recipes for helping to delay the complications associated with diabetes.","PeriodicalId":504702,"journal":{"name":"Asian Journal of Biology","volume":"2 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141113060","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}