Bio-Research

The role of ecogenomics in environmental and forensic discoveries

Kingsley Ekene Nwagu — 2024-03-09

Ecogenomics is the application of genetic information and environmental science to understand the genetic diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in various environments. It involves the analysis of DNA and RNA sequences to gain insights into the structure, function, and dynamics of ecosystems. In the context of the environment, ecogenomics plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of human activities on natural ecosystems. By studying the genetic composition of microbial communities, researchers can assess the health and resilience of ecosystems, identify key species involved in nutrient cycling and energy flow, and monitor the effects of pollution and climate change. Ecogenomics also has significant applications in forensic research. By analyzing the microbial DNA present at crime scenes, forensic scientists can gain valuable information about the individuals involved. Microbes are ubiquitous and can be transferred from person to person, leaving behind a unique microbial signature that can be used for identification purposes. This approach, known as microbial forensics, can complement traditional forensic techniques and provide additional evidence in criminal investigations. By harnessing the power of genomics, researchers can uncover hidden microbial diversity, track ecosystem changes, and provide valuable insights into criminal investigations.

Nematicidal effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) seeds on Meloidogyne species (root-knot nematodes)

Luka Sambo Danahap — 2024-03-23

The presence of bioactive substance in plant extracts with nematicidal activity on Meloidogyne spp can reduce crop damage in nematode control and to minimized the use of chemical nematicide which may be toxic to man and the environment. An in vitro experiment was conducted to investigate the bioactive effects of aqueous and methanolic seed extract of neem on root-knot nematodes. The nematodes were isolated by modified funnel Baerman method and identified by comparative morphology, descriptions and lattice keys. Ten mils of homogenized nematodes suspension (50 juveniles) replicated 5 times and kept at room temperature were exposed to varied concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 300 mg/ml) of the seed extracts of test plants for different time periods; 6, 12, and 24 hours. Distilled water served as a control. Data on dead nematodes was recorded for each period of exposure. The data was analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Phytochemical screening of crude seed extracts was carried out using standard methods. The results showed that aqueous seed extract of A. indica caused 100 % nematode juvenile mortality at the highest’s concentration (300mg/ml) within 24 hours of exposure while the methanolic seed extract of A. indica caused 100% mortality within 8 hours of exposure. The results revealed that the higher the concentration of both aqueous and methanolic (50 mg/ml-300 mg/ml) seed extract of A. indica, the higher the mortality of root-knot juveniles. Mortality due to the extracts were significantly higher than those of the control at P < 0.05. The plant bioactive chemical screening of the test seed extract revealed the presence of anthraquinones, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and terpenes. Both methanolic and aqueous seed extract of Azadirachta indica had nematicidal properties with potential for a biological nematicide.

Antiplasmodial activity, in silico ADME and mammalian cell cytotoxicity of a synthetic protoberberine alkaloid, coralyne

Nekpen Erhunse — 2024-03-09

Coralyne is a synthetic protoberberine alkaloid with anticancer activity and selectivity superior to that of berberine, its congener. As berberine is gifted with antiplasmodial activity, this study assessed the antiplasmodial activity of coralyne against erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasite in culture. Parasites were cultured by adopting the method described by Trager and Jensen in 1976. Following this, parasites were exposed at ring stage to increasing doses of coralyne to enable us compute the IC₅₀. Further, given that berberine is a substrate of the efflux transporter permeability glycoprotein (P-gp), in silico techniques were used to study the pharmacokinetics of oral coralyne. Coralyne showed excellent potency (IC₅₀Pf3D7: 0.52 µg/ml) against chloroquine sensitive strain and a little less potency (IC50PfINDO: 1.15 µg/ml) against the chloroquine resistant malaria parasite strain (Resistance index: 2.21). Further, with CC₅₀HEK: >100 µg/ml, it was non-toxic to mammalian cells. However, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) studies predicts that like berberine, coralyne may also have poor oral bioavailability thus limiting its usefulness as an orally deliverable antimalarial agent. Given the negative impact of low bioavailability in the development of protoberberine alkaloids as antimalarials, synthesizing analogues of coralyne with nanomolar potency against the malaria parasite and improved oral pharmacokinetics may be a good strategy for the future.

Viability of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) during fermentation and storage

Ruth Chiamaka Osaro-Matthew — 2024-03-09

For lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to be considered probiotic it must colonize and survive the gut environment, also for maximum health benefits it must be ingested in a sufficient amount. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria and their viability in Malay apple juice. Five LAB of yoghurt origin were obtained and screened for probiotic potential using acidic pH (1.5) tolerance, bile salt (0.3 %) resistance and non-hemolytic activity as the selection and safety criteria. The compositional and physicochemical characteristics of the apple juice during fermentation were assayed using standard methods. The viable cell counts were determined using standard plate count method. Of the 5 LAB isolates 2 identified as members of Lactobacillus and Lactococcus genera showed good probiotic characteristics with acidic pH and bile salt survival rate of above 80 %, also the 2 LAB isolates were non-hemolytic. After the 72 h fermentation increase in protein content ranged from 0.53 to 1.21 %, titratable acidity increase ranged from 0.35 to 0.53 % and a reduction in pH ranged from 4.54 to 3.58 were obtained, also the viable cell counts were at 4.12±0.38, 2.35±0.15 and 3.18±0.10 CFU/ml in the Lactobacillus, Lactococcus and mixed culture fermented juice respectively. At the end of the 30 days cold (4^oC) storage the viable cell counts were >106 CFU/ml. The Lactobacillus fermented juice had more overall acceptability (7.7) by the panelists. In conclusion the studied LAB isolates were viable probiotics and Malay apple juice a suitable carrier for probiotics.

Assessing microbial exoelectrogenicity for enhanced industrial waste water management and power generation

Kingsley Ekene Nwagu — 2024-03-09

The quest for eco-friendly waste management and renewable sources of energy is rapidly increasing. Microbial fuel cell is promising form of renewable energy, which treat and convert organic matter in wastewater to electricity through the aid of microorganisms present in the wastewater. This study assessed for electrogenic microorganisms that generate power during wastewater treatment at a referenced pH of 8.5 and temperature of 37 0C. The exoelectrogenicity and identity of the microbial isolates were confirmed using microbial fuel cell (MFC) and molecular characterization, respectively. Two bacterial isolates: N4- Providencia species, N6- Proteus species, and three fungal isolates: S9- Clavispora lusitaniae, S10- Candida parapsilosis ,S14- Clavispora lusitaniae with accession numbers; KX548357.1, KX548358.1 and KX548359.1, KX548360.1, KX548361.1, respectively showed exoelectrogenic properties. Proteus species and Candida parapsilosis generated relative high-power densities of 1.59 and 1.55 W/m2, respectively. Significant difference (p < 0.05) in wastewater treatment was also observed. When compared with the control wastewater, S10 recorded about 38% of contaminant removal with the following parameters; biochemical oxygen demand (536.38mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (1974mg/l), total dissolved solid (640mg/l) and conductivity (512µS/cm). The findings showed that, not only bacteria, but fungi are good exoelectrogenic microorganisms for industrial wastewater treatment and power generation in MFC setup.

Safeguarding ecosystems using innovative approaches to manage animal wastes

Fredrick Oge Okpaga — 2024-03-11

Animal wastes (AWs) are excreta or discarded materials associated with animal production industries. It could be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form, such as animal dung or droppings, discarded feed, feathers, fur, decayed bodies of dead animals, blood waste, effluent from animal farms, milk wastes, urine, and fart. Animal wastes are generated in high quantity, even beyond the control of animal farmers, due to the increase in animal production globally. These wastes pollute the ecosystem. They release greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere through anaerobic fermentation which deplete ozone layer. Nitrogen and phosphorus constituents of Aws alter soil texture and pollute water bodies through run-off and direct disposal into water systems. The resultant effects of the pollution include climate change, degradation of soil and burning of crops, death of aquatic biota, release of offensive odour, especially ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), and cause diseases of public health concern to human beings and animals. These consequences are due to the emission of harmful gases and compounds and the presence of pathogens in the waste. Animal wastes are potential sources of income and resources, and their environmental consequences could be reduced if farmers could use innovative approaches such as vermicomposting, production of biogas using wastes, membrane filtration, liquid – solid separation, thermal treatment and chemical treatment approaches to manage animal wastes. Government regulation and policies against indiscriminate disposal and application of animal wastes, coupled with the sensitization of people to the benefits and dangers associated with animal waste, could also prevent environmental challenges.

Application of genomic studies in epidemiological surveillance: A mini-overview

Chijioke Chinedu Anekpo — 2024-03-18

The 21st century has already seen the emergence of several pandemics both in developed and developing nations, including the recent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The recent upsurge in certain diseases clearly indicates the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance and real-time monitoring of infectious diseases. Interestingly, genomics has found extensive application in monitoring infectious diseases through the sequencing of bacteria, parasites, and virus genomes. The continual scrutiny of pathogens and the examination of their genetic similarities and distinctions constitute genomic surveillance. The potential of genomic sequencing lies in its ability to offer a significantly more detailed depiction of the evolution and transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus initiating a transformative impact on how public health surveillance networks address bacterial AMR. The utilization of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) stands as a prevalent technique for identifying and tracking pathogens, establishing transmission routes, and managing outbreaks. However, despite several decades of advancements, the seamless integration of genomics into surveillance pipelines faces substantial barriers that necessitate overcoming. Recent advances in genomics and next-generation sequencing approaches provide new paradigms for monitoring transmission pipelines and reducing overall morbidity and mortality. In this mini-review, we highlight the advances in genomics, how they have been critical in epidemiological surveillance and monitoring outbreaks, and how they can help predict and monitor possible future outbreaks.

Studies on the production of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Southeastern Nigeria, I: Effect of seven complementary fertilizer treatments on growth and yield of tigernut in pot

Kayode Paul Baiyeri — 2024-03-27

Tigernuts have so many food and medicinal potentials as it contains some amount of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Despite the food and health benefits associated with this tuber, its production in southern Nigeria is at an abysmal level probably due to lack of knowledge for its production or utility. This experiment was conducted at the University of Nigeria Teaching and Research Farm to evaluate the effect of seven complementary fertilizer treatments on the growth and yield of tigernut. The experiment is an attempt to develop appropriate agronomic practice that will assure regular cultivation culture. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with seven fertilizer treatments and replicated 10 times. Treatments were NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha), NPK 20:10:10 (300 kg/ha), poultry manure, PM, (5 t/ha), NPK 15:15:15 (150 kg/ha) + 3 t/ha PM, NPK 20:10:10 (150 kg/ha) + 3 t/ha PM, K-nitrate (100 kg/ha) + Ca-nitrate (100 kg/ha) + 2.5 t/ha PM and control (No fertilizer application). Fertilizer treatments significantly (p < 0.05) influenced growth and yield parameters except fresh weight of leaves, length of longest root and weight of seed planted. Significantly (p < 0.05) superior values of growth and yield parameters were obtained in plants grown with NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha), followed closely by the application of NPK 20:10:10 at 150 kg/ha plus 3 t/ha PM. This study recommends application of NPK 15:15:15 (300 kg/ha) or the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer (NPK 20:10:10 at 150 kg/ha plus 3 t/ha PM) to boost the yield and growth of tigernut.

Studies on the production of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Southeastern Nigeria, II: Biochemical quality of tigernut in response to seven complementary fertilizer treatments

Kayode Paul Baiyeri — 2024-03-27

Part I of this series showed significant influence of fertilizer on the growth and yield of tigernut. This paper documents the effects of these complementary fertilizers on the nutritional quality of the crop. Thus, the effects of seven fertilizer treatments on the nutritional quality of tigernut were studied. Proximate, mineral, vitamins and phytochemical contents of tigernut were evaluated across the fertilizer treatments. Most of the mineral contents were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the fertilizer combination except for magnesium (suggesting non-responsiveness of this mineral to fertilizer treatment). On the proximate contents, ash and moisture were statistically similar while other components varied significantly. The effect of fertilizer treatment on the vitamin content was only significant on vitamins B6 and C while for the phytochemical content, only phytates and tannin were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by fertilizer. It was conclusive that combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer increased the carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, tannin and most of the mineral contents of tigernut tubers. Findings reported herewith therefore validate the application of complementary fertilizer treatment for growing tigernut in this region because of enhanced nutritional quality of the tigernut seeds.

Evaluation of phytotoxicity indicators of cowpea seed treated with selected botanical insecticides

Ogbonnaya Ewah — 2024-04-06

Phytotoxicity is a major problem associated with the preservation of seed with synthetic insecticides. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of some selected plant derived insecticides on treated seed. Seed of SAMPEA 11, SAMPEA 14 and SAMPEA 12 were each divided into five (5) lots of 50 grams/lot identified, as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. L1 and L2 were treated with 50 and 12.5 µg/mL of myristicin and alpha-humulene based-insecticides respectively. L3 was treated with 6.25 µg/mL of azadirachtin based insecticide. L4 was not treated, while L5 was treated with diluted chlorpyrifos. In SAMPEA 12 and 11, the catalase activity and seed protein content were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to what obtained for L4. While in SAMPEA 14, catalase activity was not significantly (P>0.05) different from that reported for L4. Similar trend was observed on the protein content of the said cultivars treated with the aforementioned botanical insecticides. This study established similarity and variation in varietal responses to the effect the aforementioned insecticides to which the studied seed of cowpea cultivars were exposed to.