Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 3

This chapter aimed to compare the effects of the natural photoperiod (12 hL: 12 hD) with those of continuous illumination (500 Lx) on feeding, growth, and survival of the early-stage snubnose pompano (Trachinotus blochii) larvae from 1 to 10 days post-hatch (DPH). Providing continuous or prolonged exposure to light had an impact on the fish larvae. Studies have shown photoperiod manipulation significantly influences fish feeding, growth, and development. Newly hatched larvae were stocked at a density of 15 ind L^-1 and fed with enriched rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis; 50-250 \(\mu\)m) at 30 ind mL^-1 starting from 2 DPH. The number of rotifers in the digestive organ, feeding incidence, and total length of larvae was examined at 3-h intervals from 0400H to 2200H at 3 DPH, 6-h intervals from 4 to 5 DPH, and once at 8 DPH. Final growth and survival were also determined at the end of the experiment. Results showed that T. blochii larvae were visual feeders and exhibited diel rhythm under 24 h light. In contrast, larvae under natural photoperiod (12 hL: 12 hD) normally underwent diurnal rhythms. In conclusion, better larval feeding, growth, and survival were obtained under continuous illumination.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a pathotype of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) which is considered a public health problem bacteria-induced food-borne diarrheas, bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome that occurs at any age group. Three hundred stool samples were obtained from children with bloody diarrhea, from January 2015 to May 2015, their ages ranged from one month to five years who visited or were admitted as "out-patients" to Al-Eskan paediatrics hospital, Al-Kadhumia pediatric hospital or from a private clinic in Baghdad. Stool samples were cultured in tetrathionate broth, then inoculated in MacConkey agar for isolation and identification of lactose fermenter E. coli. Isolated E. coli is subcultured in modified Sorbitol MacConkey Agar (SMAC-CT) for selection of E. coli O157:H7. For confirmatory identification, the Latex agglutination test for E. coli O157:H7 was used and PCR for the detection of Shiga toxin 1 (vt1) gene.

EHEC was found in 37 (12.33%) patients. The highest rate of 18 (48.64%) were in infants aged (3-12) months and 12 out of 37(32.43%) in the age group (13-24) months. 25 isolates were positive on Sorbitol MacConkey Agar with Cefixime and Tellurite (SMAC-CT). A commercial latex agglutination test revealed that E. coli: O157:H⁷ was found in 14(56%) out of 25 culture-positive cases while the other 11 (44%) isolates were E. coli O157: H- The results of PCR amplification of (vt1 gene) showed that 37 (12.33%) out of 300 stool samples were produced (130 pb) amplified band. All culture-positive samples (n=25) were also positive by PCR. These results concluded that this pathogen was considered one of the most important causes of gastrointestinal infection in children.

Patients with oncologic disease require the use of anaesthetic agents at some point in their treatment. However, during the perioperative period, anaesthetic agents, surgical tissue trauma, adjuvant therapies for local pain and inflammation, and other non-pharmacological elements, such as corporal and hydration conditions and blood transfusions, can have an impact on the disease's outcome, which has a significant influence on the immune response of an oncologic patient. The immune response capacity is the principal barrier to tumour progression, creating a window of susceptibility for tumour dissemination or recurrence. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain the immunoprotective and anti-tumour properties of various anaesthetics and procedures, thereby facilitating the advancement of novel veterinary anaesthetic methodologies.

Aims: Aristolochia indica L. has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times. It is widely used as an antidote for snakebite, treatment of wounds, arthritis and skin diseases. To ensure its quality, safety, and efficacy, comprehensive pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigations are essential. The present study focuses on the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of stem and leaves of Aristolochia indica.

Study Design:  The freshly collected plant materials were used for the microscopic evaluations. The leaves and stems were dried and powdered separately for powder analysis, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical screening.

Place and Duration of Study: The leaves and stem materials of A. indica were collected from Pandalam, Pathanamthitta Dist., Kerala (Latitude 9,2034089, Longitude76,7121783). The work was carried out in the Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

Methodology: Quantitative microscopic observations such as palisade ratio, stomatal index and number of vein islets were recorded. Powder evaluation included analyses such as organoleptic characteristics, powder behaviour with various chemical reagents and fluorescence analysis of leaf and stem powder.

Results: The stomatal index of abaxial side was found to be 26.8±0.43 and the vein islet number was 7.0±0.8. In distilled water, the stem and leaf powders were middle brown and dark brown. Optical activity of stem and leaf extracts with different reagents under visible and UV light was recorded. Powder analysis of leaf often showed a green hue under visible and UV light. In distilled water, the stem and leaf extracts were dark brown. Phytochemical analysis of the stem extract indicated the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and glycosides. Apart from stem, the leaf extract contained cardiac glycosides and saponins.

Conclusion: The present study will be helpful in authenticating the plant material of Aristolochia indica in its crude form.

Food safety is an increasing concern, and the rising demands for this have drawn the attention of researchers to the risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables. Health risk assessment is beneficial in providing information about any threat regarding heavy metal contamination in vegetables. The concentrations of heavy metals were analysed in over 100 root vegetables collected from the Romanian area. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS) was used for the determinations. The risk associated with the consumption of vegetables was assessed by calculating the hazard quotient. With only a few exceptions, the estimated daily intake of heavy metals associated with the radishes, carrots, and potatoes ingestion was within the provisional tolerable daily intake, indicating that the concentration of heavy metals received by the body cannot negatively impact consumers' health.

The present study describes Martian ooids formed by Martian microbes. NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity discovered plentiful indigenous spherical ooids at High Dune and Namib Dune in Bagnold dune field, Gale Crater, Mars. The spherical Martian ooids contain nuclei and range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm in diameter. Colors of the spherical Martian ooids are various, including white, yellow translucent, green, gray, and yellow. The spherical Martian ooids should have been formed by microbes, because 1) ooids of Earth have recently been found to be formed by microbes and 2) microbial borings are found in ooids of Earth and of Mars. There is no evidence that proves ooids are formed by agitated water.

The comparative effect of the level of incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf flour on the survival and growth characteristics of Clarias gariepinus and Clarias jaensis juveniles was studied between March and June 2017 in Batié (LN: 5° 17'0''-5°18'53''and LE: 10°17'0''- 10°19'31''). The aim of this study was to contribute to the increase in Clarias gariepinus and Clarias jaensis production through the use of local inputs. A total of 320 Clarias gariepinus and Clarias jaensis juveniles (14.23 ± 0.15g) were divided into eight isoprotein treatments (40%) with three replicates. They were fed twice a day for 84 days. The main results were: survival rate was higher in Clarias jaensis (93.33%) with no significant differences recorded. Average final weight, average daily gain and specific growth rate were significantly (P\(\le\)0.05) higher in Clarias gariepinus. Feed conversion was significantly lower in Clarias gariepinus (1.74). Feed cost decreased with increasing incorporation of Moringa oleifera in the feed. The cost of one kg of Clarias gariepinus and Clarias jaensis was significantly lower at 15% for Clarias jaensis (691.44 F CFA). Moringa oleifera can be incorporated into the feed for juveniles of Clarias jaensis at 15% and in Clarias gariepinus at 10%.

Arsenic toxicity is a global health problem affecting many millions of people. Arsenic, the metal pollutant found naturally in groundwater and unnaturally in mine waste sites and agricultural runoff, has been considered toxic to humans for several millennia. In the present work the effect of different concentrations of sodium arsenite on lipid metabolism in Heteropneustes fossilis, and the chelating effect of synthetic zeolite was studied from liver.

Fishes were exposed to two different concentrations of sodium arsenite (200 ml and 400 ml of 1% solution), for 3 different durations (3days, 7 days and 15 days). The concentrations of total Cholesterol (F=6.35>3.84 at 5% P), HDL (F=14.91>6.83 at 5% P), LDL (F=10.11>1.39at 5% P) and triglyceride (F=42.1>19.34 at 5% P) was found significantly increased along with increasing concentration and duration of sodium arsenite. The toxic effect was found recovered after the application of synthetic zeolite for all parameters, i.e., total cholesterol (F=8.04>3.12 at 5%P), HDL (F=14.96>6.83 at 5%P), LDL (F=1.57>1.39 at 5% P) and triglyceride (F=26.28>19.34 at 5% P). Statistical analysis of the results was done by two-way ANOVA.

The results suggest that zeolite is a potential compound for decreasing significantly the load of toxicity of arsenic in aquatic fauna.

Pollution is the most alarming issue related to the environment. The content of the leaf's photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, decreases as a result of exposure to these pollutants, which has an impact on plant production. The influence of vehicular pollutants produced by automobiles on the chlorophyll leaf content has been investigated in the current study via comparative research. The leaves samples Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia tora, Bougainvillea spectrabilis, Lantana camera, Tacoma stans, and Cassia auriculata were gathered from areas with potentially greater vehicular pollution. Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b photosynthetic pigments were estimated. A decrease in the plant leaves’ photosynthetic pigments in areas with greater pollution levels as compared to areas without pollution.

Tropical theileriosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria annulata, poses a significant threat to cattle with substantial economic consequences for the Indian livestock sector. This study focused on understanding the comparative expression of Interleukin 23A (IL-23A), a key cytokine involved in immune responses, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of Vechur and crossbred cattle upon Theileria infection.

Indigenous breeds exhibit breed-specific immunity by controlling the cytokine storm triggered by the parasite. While several studies have investigated the resilience of indigenous breeds, the Vechur cattle have not been studied for its resistance to tropical theileriosis. The expression of IL-23A, at protein and transcript levels, were analysed using LC-MS/MS and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) respectively. The results demonstrated a significant upregulation of IL-23A in infected crossbred cattle PBMCs compared to non-infected crossbred PBMCs, indicating an elevated inflammatory cytokine response. In contrast, infected Vechur cattle PBMCs showed a lower expression, highlighting their effort to control the cytokine storm induced by the parasite. The study contributes to the understanding of host immune responses to tropical theileriosis, emphasizing the contrasting reactions of crossbred and Vechur cattle. Identifying genetic variations associated with disease resistance or susceptibility could pave the way for targeted breeding strategies to develop a more resilient and productive cattle population. Further investigations into similar immune-related genes are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of indigenous cattle's resistance to this disease.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the most serious pandemics that has invaded the world in recent years. The virus responsible for this pandemic was isolated for the first time in China in 2019, and then it spread throughout the world, where it caused up today about over 7 million deaths and about 800 million confirmed cases. Therefore, several efforts have been made to study this virus. In about one year, has been sequenced the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 and has been elucidated its mechanism of infection and duplication in host cells and its physiological effect on humans. Furthermore, the S spike glycoprotein has been  identified as the main protein involved in the viral infection mechanism and it has been used as an antigen to develop several vaccines, including new generation mRNA-based ones. The data from World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that approximately 14 billion doses of vaccines have been dispensed far.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved by accumulating mutations in the genome, resulting in new virus versions showing different characteristics, and which have replaced the pre-existing variants. To date, hundreds of variants of the virus have been isolated. As a general trend, the SARS-CoV-2 variants identified so far have increased their spread and reduced their danger and mortality. More than 15 million viral sequences have been carried out to monitor the virus spreading and its variability.

Among all new variants, a new group of variants was isolated in early 2022.They were named omicron, and in a few months replaced all the variants present up to then, because they were characterized by high transmissibility. We study the omicron variants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5) and their derivative variants (BQ.1, BQ.1.18 (CH.1.1), XBF, XBB, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16),  from a phylogenetic point of view. We generate a multiple alignment of the spike sequences and analyzed the mutations exhibited by these variants. Based on these results, we proposed a new phylogenetic tree of omicron variants, which includes several possible unidentified intermediate variants, proving insight into the origin of omicron variants.

SARS-CoV-2 has been characterized as a virus that has accumulated a high number of mutations in the genome that have drastically modified the infection mechanism by increasing the spread of the virus and reducing its mortality, transforming the pandemic form of SARS-CoV-2 into an endemic infection.

Fieldwork in the Hoi estuary area of the Ma River has collected 33 specimens in 2021 and 2022, and nine species of Gobiidae have been recorded. Three of these species are recorded for the first time in the study area, including Acentrogobius caninus (Valenciennes, 1837), Glossogobius olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845), and Oxyurichthys papuensis (Valenciennes, 1837). This paper provides morphological characteristics of nine species collected in the study area, also update the list of Gobiid species in the Hoi estuary; it now includes 18 species, accounts for 11.61% of the total number of Gobies species currently known in Vietnam. This proves the diversity of fish species in the study area. This result contributes to the understanding of the Gobiid group as well as the fish fauna in the study area.

The present chapter described a fast, simple, and small-scale method of sample preparation followed by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array detector (PDAD) for quantification of canthaxanthin in chicken liver and fat, egg yolk. The permitted Canthaxanthin (CX) is a red pigment and is commonly added to feeds for chickens in order to achieve the desired chicken product color. The HPLC-PDAD was performed on a C18 column with an isocratic mobile phase. The analyte was extracted from the sample using a handheld ultrasonic homogenizer and purified by MonoSpin^®-SI, a centrifugal monolithic silica spin mini-columns, and quantified < 15 min. The system-suitability evaluation is an essential parameter of HPLC determination, and it ascertains the strictness of the system used. The suitability was evaluated as the relative standard deviations of peak areas and retention times calculated for 20 replicate injections of a spiked egg yolk sample. The proposed method obtained average recoveries for the analyte analyte in the range of 93.5 - 101.0% with relative standard deviations \(\le\) 2.7%. The Limits of quantification in the liver, fat, and egg yolk were 0.48, 0.47, and 0.5 \(\mu\)g/g, respectively. The present procedure provided an easy-to-use, rapid, and space-saving and resulted in high recovery and repeatability with considerable saving of analysis time/cost. The procedure may be proposed as an international harmonized method for determining CX in domestic/imported chicken products.