Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 1

The present study aims to document the emergence and return timings, night roost usage, foraging patterns, social interactions within the colony, alternate roost sites for females, and roost fidelity among both male and female bats. Radio telemetry is a crucial technique in wildlife ecology used to monitor animal movements and behaviours, helping to delineate their home ranges and habitat preferences. Bats, a highly diverse group of mammals, play vital roles in ecosystems through their foraging activities, such as seed dispersal, pollination, and pest control. This study employed radio telemetry to investigate the foraging behaviours, movement ranges, and roosting flexibility of the Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat (Cynopterus sphinx) species.

In this research, a total of 15 bats were outfitted with compact, hand-wired, two-stage transmitter radio devices. The group included two harem males, nine harem females, and four non-harem males. To track these radio-tagged bats, three groups used TRX-1000S receivers paired with collapsible 5-element Yagi antennas. The findings revealed distinct patterns in emergence times and foraging behaviours. Female bats were the first to leave their roosts, with departure times ranging from 18:15 to 19:18 hours. Harem males, on the other hand, were the last to emerge, following the quicker departure of non-harem males. On average, harem males foraged within a distance of 2.4 km (±0.3 km), while non-harem males travelled further distances. Both male and female bats visited multiple feeding sites each night. Females travelled an average distance of 4.5 km (±0.9 km). The time spent at these foraging sites varied among individual bats. The study observation highlights the dynamic nature of roosting and social behaviour among Cynopterus sphinx, particularly females, who exhibit more fluidity in roosting preferences and social associations than males.

A notable difference was observed in roost fidelity; males exhibited higher roost fidelity than females, who frequently moved between harems and roost sites. The study highlighted gender-specific differences in emergence times and foraging behaviours. Understanding these patterns is essential for conservation and habitat management efforts, as it underscores the need to support bats in their roles as providers of crucial ecosystem services. Further, the immediate outcome of this study is tent construction, tent defence, and harem formation were strictly male-biased behaviours, and females contributed to parental care entirely. The evolution of sex-biased social behaviours has contributed to considerable variation in sex-biased dispersal patterns, foraging patterns, and spatial movement patterns.

The purpose of this study is to determine the period when leaf removal has less impact on pod production. The effect of defoliation on pod production was verified on three pure lines grown in the field. Cowpea is consumed from the seedling stage to the harvest (seedling, young leaves, young pods, immature pods, dry pods) and is used in several African dishes. In the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Chad, cereals are the basis of food. The diversification of this diet requires the introduction of foods rich in protein and minerals and justifies the quantitative improvement of the leaves and seeds of cowpeas. The experimental device is a split plot with three repetitions with the three genotypes that constitute the main treatments and the nine modes of defoliation. The analysis of variance in the collection data shows a significant difference between the average number of leaves per plant and the number of pods per plant depending on the number of leaf samples (p<0.05). The removal of 5 leaves at 40 days after emergence stimulates pod production. This stage seems to be the ideal stage of sampling. Flowers and immature pods require a maximum of nutrients during flowering and fruiting, and leaf sampling, the seat of synthesis of these nutrients, results in a decrease in the distribution of nutrients. The elaborate sap causes the fall of newly formed flowers and pods. Removing the leaves at this stage would allow farmers to have plenty of leaves and seeds in order to diversify their diet and in turn fight against malnutrition. However, this be extended to other agroecological, soil, and climatic conditions and include other varieties before generalizing.

Tilapia aquaculture is growing vertiginously in the world, reaching 7.02 million tons in 2020. In Mexico, the same year it reached 72.6 thousand tons. These production values have increased environmental impact and production costs. In Mexico, there is a pre-Hispanic aquaponics system, where people culture corn, bean fishes and other organisms. Taking this system as a basis, the aim of this work was to demonstrate the benefits of Vetiver grass in tilapia aquaculture. Tilapia juveniles in three mini-ponds were cultured for ten weeks, using an aquaponics system with Vetiver and one mini-pond without Vetiver.  Water parameters like ammonia, nitrates, dissolved O₂, pH etc., and also, the increase of tilapia weight were recorded during the experiment. Results indicated that ammonia decreased, nitrate increased and tilapia weight increased more in mini-ponds with Vetiver than without Vetiver. A von Bertalanffy simplified model was used to calculate the time required for tilapia to reach the commercial size (around 500 g). The time obtained with and without Vetiver was 48.6 and 54.4 weeks respectively. Moreover, in farm tilapia aquaculture, this will decrease production cost, due to less amount of feed supplied for the tilapia growth; also, a reduction of environmental impact to coastal ecosystems will be obtained, since the amount of ammonia produced in mini-ponds with Vetiver was 4.56 times less than mini-pond without Vitier at end of ten weeks. Moreover, tilapia culture with Vetiver, generates an aggregated value, because Vetiver is used in perfumes production, which reached 45.2 billion US dollars in 2020.

Maize is the third most important cereal crop in the world after wheat and rice. In Zambia, maize production has been reported to be increasing but its production is however hampered by both biotic and abiotic factors. Among the abiotic factors, Aluminum (Al) toxicity causes high yield losses and is directly linked to acidic soils. The application of lime can ameliorate this problem, but it is expensive for small-scale farmers. Developing maize varieties that are tolerant to Al toxicity is cheaper and feasible for small-scale farmers. The purpose of this research was to investigate the type of gene action conditioning tolerance to aluminum toxicity in tropical maize. The maize samples were obtained from the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI). Eleven inbred lines were mated in an 8 male (4 moderately tolerant and 4 susceptible) x 3 female (resistant) North Carolina Design II. The seeds were germinated on petri dishes lined with filter paper wetted with water and placed in the germination chamber for 5 days at 25^oC. The genotypes were evaluated on the 11th day. The shoot and root lengths were measured immediately after harvesting using a 30 cm ruler. Analysis of variance on root length, shoot length, number of root hairs, and root biomass was performed using a fixed model in the GenStat statistical package. Results revealed that general combining ability (GCA) effects due to both males and females were highly significant (P\(\le\) 0.001) for root biomass. The shoot length GCA effects due to both males and females respectively were significant (P\(\le\) 0.01). Similarly, the GCA effects due to females and males for root length were significant, P\(\le\) 0.01 and P\(\le\) 0.05 respectively. The genotype CML 511 had the most desirable significant GCA effect value (1.40) for root length among the male lines while CML 538 had the most desirable significant GCA effect value (0.92) among the female lines. The baker’s ratio for root length was found to be 0.49 implying that both additive and non-additive gene action was important in conditioning aluminum toxicity tolerance in tropical maize. Further work on petri studies under controlled environments and finally field conditions with additional parameters examined, such as leaf area, stress hormones, and antioxidant enzyme levels can generate more informative knowledge.

The heart functions to ensure optimal perfusion of every organ while maintaining elasticity and compliance. Maintenance of cardiac output to ensure adequate perfusion of the heart itself and every organ in the body is the ultimate function of the heart. Mainly composed of cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial and vascular cells, the heart has the highest energy demand of all organs. Thus, it requires a high rate of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production to maintain normal physiological function. Using oxidative phosphorylation, the heart produces ATP and concomitantly produces reactive oxidative species (ROS). Therefore, normal homeostasis and mitochondrial metabolism make the heart extremely susceptible to intrinsic and extrinsic oxidative stress. Exogenous foreign agents or aberrantly expressed endogenous molecules are characterized as cardiac xenobiotics (CX) which promote cardiac-specific toxicity. CX enters the body via nutritional and drug intake or environmental exposure and causes an imbalance in ROS production and antioxidant protection within the cardiac microenvironment. The inhalation of toxic particles extends its damage to cardiovascular tissue promoting cardiac arrhythmia, altering cardiac repolarization, and increasing blood pressure. Chronic ROS exposure alters the cellular and molecular physiology of key detoxifying enzymes that modify cardiovascular structure and function. The heart has a tightly controlled antioxidant system that manages ROS and maintains homeostasis within the cardiac microenvironment. This strictly regulated system consists of endogenous enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and exogenous antioxidants such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and carotenoids derived from nutritional sources. Sustained levels of cardiac xenobiotics can result in chronically imbalanced ROS production that outpaces the antioxidant system. Over time this imbalanced system results in irreversible cellular and subcellular damage, altering cardiac structure and function and increasing the risk of cardiac dysfunctions such as maladaptive left ventricular hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, and heart failure. Thus, it remains essential to clearly characterize the endogenous and exogenous antioxidants responsible for managing cardiac oxidative stress; determine the role of dietary intervention on ROS production; and provide alternative strategies for maintaining optimal protection against CX-induced oxidative stress.

Enteric parasitic infection in small ruminants is a problem in commercial production systems as it has a huge influence on growth and related costs of control trials. Heavy infections with helminths lower the immunity of the animals. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of enteric parasites in sheep (Ovis aries). A total of 96 ((40 male sheep and 56 female sheep) stool samples were collected from Gabtoli cattle market, Dhaka from April to November 2017. The Formol Ether Concentration technique was applied to process the stool samples. Balantidium sp. (41.67%; CPG 17.5±3) followed by Entamoeba sp. (37.50%; CPG 7.22±3) showed the maximum prevalence among protozoan parasites. Fasciola sp. (45.83%; EPG 45±5) and Hymenolepis nana (37.50%, EPG 17.22±7.5) were the most prevalent among trematodes and cestodes, respectively. Ostertagia sp. (50%; EPG 26.9±5) showed the uppermost prevalence among the nematodes. Trichiurisovis showed the highest intensity (53.7±13.5) followed by Strongyloides sp. (49.8±14). Giardia sp. had the lowest prevalence (8.33%; CPG 6±0.5). All sheep species were nearly equally affected, with the exception of protozoans and cestodes. In order to develop effective control measures, further work is required for a thorough examination and monitoring of intestinal parasites in small ruminants. Proper control measures are indispensable to generate defence against economic damage regarding livestock production and management and to minimise the deadly effect of parasites on animal health. Additional studies with large sample sizes can depict the definite prevalence of enteric parasites. Routine therapy reduces this burden but small strategies are needed to limit the onset of drug resistance.

Recently, from the cellular forms of memory in the brain concurrently as both homosynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and heterosynaptic long-term depression (LTD), it was hypothesized by Cai a new mechanism for the formation of stable remote memory in the brain as heterosynaptic LTD-mediated irreversible neuronal degeneration. This chapter aims to further support such a hypothesis. It has recently been shown that LTD, including heterosynaptic LTD, proceeded with the intracellular clearance of a low quantity of Ca²⁺/CaM by calcineurin and expression of immediate early gene product Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein). In turn, it has been demonstrated that Arc might be involved in neuronal degeneration including synapse elimination in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Therefore, via Arc, it is herein coupled the heterosynaptic LTD to neuronal degeneration including synapse elimination, supporting this new mechanism for the formation of remote memory. Furthermore, it is suggested by this mechanism that the repeated perception or usage of memory may necessarily be required for the formation of stable remote memory. It is also noted the separate effects of slow wave sleep (SWS) in favoring LTD and protecting AD.

This study presents an efficient and straightforward method for the micropropagation of Citrus aurantifolia, suitable for mass propagation. The optimal medium for shoot induction was found to be supplemented with 1.5 mg. l^-1 of BAP and 1.5 mg. l^-1 of KN, yielding a 79.57% response rate and an average of 8.23 shoots per explant. NAA was more effective than IAA for root induction, with a maximum response of 83.52% and an average of 3.24 roots per shoot in medium supplemented with 1.5 mg. l^-1 NAA.

Arsenic, one of the most abundant toxic elements in the earth’s crust, affects millions of human and animal populations throughout the world. Phytoremediation is a natural process of restoring soil fertility by removal of toxic contaminants by usage of a plant grown in the contaminated soil. In this regard, in 2001, Pteris vittata L. was discovered as the first plant to have the ability to uptake and accumulate arsenic. The fern has been found to assimilate large quantities of arsenic in both its inorganic forms - arsenite (As^III) and arsenate (As^V). The review enumerates the potentialities of P. vittata as an arsenic hyperaccumulator, with all the evidence and findings from investigations and experimental studies carried out in the last two decades. The consolidated study shows the importance and scope of future utilization of biotechnological approaches of cloning of specific genes from P. vittata for further analysis and the gene transfer from this fern into other plants for effective phytoremediation of contaminated soil.

The main route of elimination of digoxin is renal excretion, which is closely correlated with glomerular filtration rate and combined with tubular secretion and reabsorption. Drugs like digoxin, which undergo biliary elimination, may experience reduced clearance in patients with obstructive cholestasis. This study aims to better understand the impact of extrahepatic cholestasis on the regulation of membrane transporters involved in digoxin processing and its implications for digoxin clearance. Digoxin injection solution was purchased from Baxter Healthcare Corporation (Deerfield, IL, United States). Twelve adult rats were randomly assigned to either a bile duct ligation (BDL) group or a sham group (n=6). Hepatic and renal laboratory values, along with digoxin pharmacokinetic (PK) studies, were conducted before and 7 days after BDL or the sham procedure. Afterward, the animals were sacrificed, and tissue samples were collected to assess the expression of cell membrane transport proteins using quantitative western blot and real-time PCR. The study found that digoxin clearance was significantly reduced, and liver function was impaired in BDL rats, though renal function remained unaffected. BDL led to increased MDR1 expression in the liver and kidney, while MDR1 expression decreased in the small intestine. Additionally, OATP1A4 expression was up-regulated in the liver but down-regulated in the intestine after BDL, and OATP4C1 expression significantly increased in the kidney. These findings suggest that membrane transporters involved in digoxin processing are regulated during extrahepatic cholestasis, favoring increased digoxin excretion by the kidney and reduced absorption from the intestine to compensate for the decreased clearance caused by cholestasis. This insight could be clinically relevant, suggesting that modifying transporter activities through pharmaceutical interventions might improve digoxin clearance during cholestasis.

Aims: The primary objective of the study is to estimate the NPK produced in the waste disposable of a Face Mask (FM) is decomposed with a medicinal plant Lagerstroemia speciosa (LS).

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in the use of disposable face masks, as a critical measure to prevent virus transmission. While their role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases is undeniable, the environmental impact of disposable face masks has become a significant concern.

Materials and Methods: All the experimental setup was carried out at the PG and Research Toxicology Lab, Department of Zoology, Government Arts College, Coimbatore. The experimental design consists of 5 groups; each group contains yard soil, cow dung, and coir pith as compost bedding materials. T1 - control, T2 - KWCO, T3 - FMCO, T4 - LSCO and T5 - ESLS.

Results: The result shows that the growth rate of Eisenia fetida depends on the length and weight of the worms. The reproduction rate varies depending on compost materials, with higher rates in T4 and lower rates in T1. The T5 shows a high level but is a little lower than the T4. Juvenile numbers are low in T2 and T3 trials. NPK Level: The nitrogen level 413.2±2.90** is highest in T4 and T3 is 404.3±1.78. Low in T1 336.6±2.84 trial, moderate in 376.3±3.13** T2 trial and T5 consist of 372.3±2.59**. The Phosphorus is commendably high in T5 1011.3±2.59** and T1 contains 992.3±3.06. The moderate amount is in T4 894.3±2.22**. The lowest level of P 623±2.94** is in T2 and T3 contains 676.6±2.88**. The potassium amount varies in each trial. T1 is the most prominent amount of Potassium, and the level of K is 1900.3±1.18. The kitchen waste T2 trial produced 1840.6±2.37** and the amount of K is in 1670.3±1.18** T4. The most important face mask blue and black colour samples are mixed with kitchen waste T3 produces 1700±3.77** and medicinal Plant T5 which produces 1569.3±2.84**. This study found that using earthworms to promote soil amelioration can significantly improve soil quality and fertility by accelerating the decomposition process and enhancing nutrient availability. The findings have implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental management practices.

Conclusion: In conclusion is that the medicinal plants had a significant effect on the growth and reproductive rate of red wrigglers, and this effect was positively correlated with the NPK level in the soil.

Fractal evolution is apparently effective in selectively preserving environmentally resilient traits for more than 80 million years in Streptotrichaceae (Bryophyta). The modern bryoflora first appeared in mid to late Cretaceous times, about 80–100 mya. Analysis simulated the maximum destruction of ancestral traits in that large lineage. Constraints enforced were the preservation of the newest ancestral traits, and all immediate descendant species obtained different new traits. Assuming the generation of one genus from an ancestral species in another genus takes 22 ± 17.25 mya on average, and assuming a punctuated equilibrium burst of descendant generation, then the number of ancestor-to-ancestor steps measures the temporal depth of a lineage. Maximum character state changes of ancestral traits were 16 percent of all possible traits in any one sub-lineage, or 73 percent total of the entire lineage. Results showed, however, that only four ancestral traits are permanently eliminated in any one lineage or sub-lineage. A lineage maintains maximum biodiversity of temporally and regionally survival-effective traits at minimum expense to resilience across geologic time of 88 million years for the group studied. Similar processes generating extant punctuated equilibrium as bursts of about four descendants per genus and one genus per 1–2 epochs are possible in other living groups given similar emergent processes. The mechanism is considered complexity-related, the lineage is a self-organized emergent phenomenon strongly maintained in the ecosphere by natural selection on fractal genera. For this re-evaluation, an addendum discusses the prospect of human long-term survival, the isomorphism of human and moss lineage preservation, and finally the problems for systematic biology and all of evolutionary study generated by a conflict between analysis by shared ancestry and ancestor-descendant trait changes.