Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 7

The most damaging and economically important diseases of crops, especially in tropical and subtropical regions are caused by whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses. These viruses are included in the genus Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae and are responsible for causing crop losses ranging from 30% to 100%. Cassava mosaic disease caused by the white fly transmitted begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) is a major threat to cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) production, which can be intercropped with other plants such as pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). This study aims to identify cassava begomoviruses on other crops in cassava intercropping systems. Thus, foliar samples showing typical symptoms of virus diseases in cassava intercropping systems were collected from pepper and submitted to PCR analysis and direct sequencing. Total DNA was extracted from collected leaves using the DNA minipreparation method. Three begomovirus species ACMV, EACMV and ALCCMV were identified and characterized in samples. Isolates of these species shared respectively 90%, 93%, 74% and 80% nucleotide identities with begomoviruses. These findings show that cassava begomoviruses can infect other crops and will help in understanding the epidemiology related to white fly transmitted begomoviruses in cassava intercropping systems. The occurrence of new begomovirus species on pepper could lead in case of mixed infections with already known begomoviruses infecting this crop to recombinant actions. This study suggests a change in Bemisia tabaci population or its feed habit. Further investigations need to bring more information about cassava mosaic begomoviruses and their relationships with pepper.

Kerosene, a colorless, thin liquid generated through fractional distillation of petroleum is a combination of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons. This hydrocarbon fuel produced through distillation of petroleum is invaluable for many reasons. In comparison with other fuel types, it is comparatively cheap to produce. The results of various studies indicate that exposure to kerosene is toxic to different physiologic and biochemical processes in experimental animals, which is a clarion call for nations in the regions where kerosene is more frequently used and misused to enact laws for the safe packaging and sale of this product. Misuse of kerosene comes in different forms. Kerosene has been reported to be potent in the treatment of several ailments. There are indications that it has been inappropriately used in the treatment of leg ulcers, arthritis, snake bites, gastrointestinal disorders, burns, and foot rot. Therefore, a concerted effort is required to educate both the sellers and users of this product about the danger of constant exposure.

Aims: to know and determine plants diversity and similarity in three communities of S. jamaicensis habitat.

Study Design: Explorative and descriptive.

Place and Duration of Study: Research in Gajahrejo Village, Pasuruan, East Java Province was conducted in August 2012; in Kepala Jeri Islands Batam, Riau Island Province in October 2014; and in Bissoloro Village, South Sulawesi Province conducted in October 2016.

Methodology: The study used exploratory and descriptive methods. Sample plots of 1m x 1m were determined and put around S. jamaicensis, which was found along the edge of village roads during exploration (purposive random sampling). Vegetation analysis was carried out to determine the composition, dominance, diversity, evenness and similarity of the species in each S. jamaicensis growing place by counting the Important Value Index, Similarity Index, Shannon Diversity Index, Domination Index, and Evenness Index.

Results: Assosiant plant species found in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis were 84 species, 74 genera and 28 families. There were six plant species obtained in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis, i.e., Ageratum conyzoides L., Axonopus compressus (Swartz) Beauv., Centrosema pubescens Bth., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H. Rob., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers and Mimosa pudica L. Axonoppus compressus was the most dominance species in Kepala Jeri Island and Bissoloro Village, whereas Panicum brevifolium L. was the most dominant species in Gajahrejo Village. The difference in floristic composition between the sites may be caused by environmental factors, human activity, land use systems and disturbance on fields where S. jamaicensis obtained.

Conclusion: The plants' diversity and similarity in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis habitat were different. There were 84 species, 74 genera and 28 Families found in three sites growing area of S.jamaicensis. There were six plant species obtained in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis, i.e., Ageratum conyzoides L., Axonopus compressus (Swartz) Beauv., Centrosema pubescens Bth., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H. Rob., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers and Mimosa pudica L. Axonoppus compressus (Swartz.) Beauv. was the most dominant species in Kepala Jeri Island and Bissoloro Village, whereas Panicum brevifolium L. was the most dominant species in Gajahrejo Village.

The concern regarding the impact of radiation on workers in various occupations, especially in terms of cancer risk as a stochastic consequence, is significant. This chapter aims to explore the influence of minimal radiation exposure on tumor marker tests among those working with radiation. It also aims to elucidate how certain factors such as exposure dose, smoking habits, Hospital locations, and job type affect tumor marker levels. The study analyzes tumor marker data spanning from 2013 to 2019 from four government hospitals, alongside exposure dose records obtained from the Energy Department. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to gather associated independent variables alongside tumor marker data, with 78 radiation workers participating in the study. The analysis indicates a general trend of tumor marker elevation within normal limits over the years, with Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) showing an approximate 57% increase among radiation workers. Notably, there was a significant statistical difference in CEA levels among smokers. However, no apparent correlation between radiation doses and tumor markers was found. This study marks the first attempt to investigate the relationship between tumor markers and low radiation doses in occupational settings. The researchers suggest that these findings bridge existing gaps in understanding low-dose effects and underscore the importance of medical tests in anticipating such effects. Further studies are warranted to refine these findings.

In addition to the critical role in energy metabolism, mitochondria participate in regulating ion homeostasis, redox state, cell proliferation, differentiation, and lipid synthesis. Central to these functions is the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), which is crucial for mitochondrial metabolism and overall function. The IMM is densely packed with proteins, comprising over 70% of its mass, that are essential for the electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, energy transfer, and ion transport. The volume of the mitochondrial matrix is a pivotal factor in the structural and functional adaptation of the IMM, both under normal conditions and in response to pathological stress. Various ion transport mechanisms, particularly those involving potassium (K⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺), regulate the osmotic pressure and volume of the matrix. Minor fluctuations in matrix volume can significantly impact the IMM’s plasticity and stimulate mitochondrial bioenergetics through multiple pathways. However, excessive matrix swelling can disrupt the structural integrity of the IMM by deforming the cristae, potentially leading to cell death mediated by mitochondria. This process is often linked to the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, a phenomenon triggered by elevated matrix Ca²⁺ levels. Despite extensive research, the exact molecular identity of these pores remains unknown. In contrast to Ca²⁺, increased matrix K⁺ levels do not induce pore opening in the absence of elevated Ca²⁺ and may even provide protective effects. Despite significant research efforts, the detailed molecular mechanisms that govern matrix volume changes and IMM structural remodeling in response to energy demands and oxidative stress remain elusive. This review aims to synthesize and discuss existing studies that elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial matrix volume, the remodeling of the IMM, and the interplay between these processes.

Bacillus thuringiensis is visualized as a multifaceted microbial factory for the production of several biomolecules. The Cry and Cyt proteins are used in commercial products sold worldwide as the most important bioinsecticides. However, there is increasing interest in lesser-known metabolites synthesized by B. thuringiensis, including Chi (chitinases) proteins. Several studies have observed that Chi proteins increase the insecticidal activity of Cry proteins, as these proteins degrade the peritrophic membrane, which is mainly composed of a chitin structure and proteins like those of Aedes aegypti larvae, allowing greater access of Cry proteins to their respective receptors on midgut cells. This research carried out a survey of strains of B. thuringiensis that amplified to the chi gene in combination with the cry and cyt genes and were pathogenic to Ae. aegypti larvae. The genomic DNA of 322 B. thuringiensis from different regions of the Maranhão, isolated from soil and water samples, were screened by PCR with primer pairs specific for the endogenous chitinase gene and 28 B. thuringiensis isolates were amplified, 14 of which were isolated from soil (published data) and 14 from water. Seven isolates killed 100% of the larvae within 24 hours and ten amplified for all the dipteran-specific cry and cyt genes. Ten isolates may be potential candidates to expand the alternative means in which these bacteria can be produced industrially as a biopesticide for the control of Ae. aegypti due to its high pathogenicity rate and great variability of the cry and cyt genes. However, more studies are needed for specific biotechnological applications and to potentially help in vector control, including determining the levels of chitinase synthesis in qualitative and quantitative assays to select B. thuringiensis isolates with a high level of protein production that could be a useful component of B. thuringiensis based biopesticides.

The successfulness of planulae metamorphosis to become juveniles commenced succession toward the formation of a new coral community following stress. The better the remnant, the more similar the recovered community will be. Coral remnants may provide attachment preference for benthic organisms including its planulae and indeed serve as a nursery ground, even a habitat for various species. This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of the coastal coral community in Panjang Island, Jepara-Indonesia based upon several variables of water quality, recruitment through the succession stages, survivorship and the overall growth of the coral. During the first week of June 2013 until the end of October 2013 after a west monsoon, six slate collector devices were immersed between the slope and plain of the continental shelf at the north, south and eastward of Panjang Island at ca. 1.5 m depths. Data collected comprised of bacteria, macro- and micro-periphyton including planulae, along with salinity, temperature, depth, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, orthophosphate and nitrate of the water, as well as inorganic and organic content of the sediment. Recorded genera in the collectors were Porites, Acropora, Pocillopora and Platygira. Results suggested that coastal coral in Panjang Island is inclined to extinct, in particular, due to severe sedimentation load. Planulae recruit considered low with metamorphosis ability to become juveniles only at 5 colonies. M². Month^-1 at the southward and 1.3 colonies. m^-2 . Month^-1 at the northward of the island. Dissolved organic materials in the sediment prompt the increase of nitrate to cause macroalgal bloom, which in turn may cover the whole coral surface and induce the spread of pathogenic bacteria, i.e., Pseudomonas spp. and Phormidium corallyticum amongst the recruited planulae. It can be concluded that factors causing difficulties in recovering coral in Pulau Panjang, in particular planulae recruit are: 1) physical damage due to coastal development and tourism-related activities, 2) pollution and runoff from urban areas nearby, 3) agricultural activities that introduce pollutants such as chemicals and sedimentation, and 4) coral diseases that may decrease resilience to other stressors. Addressing these factors through conservation efforts, sustainable management practices and law enforcement may help protect and restore damaged coastal corals in Panjang Island.

Aims: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the contraceptive potential of Harad (Terminalia chebula Retz.) with respect to dose and reversibility in male albino mice.

Study Design: Aqueous bark extract of Harad was administered orally at 100 (G III), 300 (G IV) and 500 (G V) mg/kg BW to males for 35 d. At the end of the experiment, partially anesthetized animals in treated groups (G I-V) were sacrificed at 24 h after the last treatment, while those in recovery groups (G VI-VII) were sacrificed together at 42 d after the last treatment after recording their final body weights.

Methodology: A total of 35 adult (age 12-14 w) male laboratory albino mice of proven fertility belonging to the Parkes (P) strain weighing 28-38 g were used in the investigation. The effect of Harad treatment was studied by evaluating alterations in the histology of the testis and accessory sex organs, sialic acid and fructose levels, sperm, and fertility parameters. Toxicological and recovery studies were also carried out.

Results: Harad treatment caused dose-related histological alterations in reproductive organs accompanied by reductions in weights, a decrease in the height of germinal epithelium as well as the diameter of stage VII tubules, and an increase in the percent frequency of affected seminiferous tubules in testes. Treatment showed an adverse effect on biochemical and sperm parameters; libido was not affected, but fertility was suppressed significantly in Harad-treated males compared to controls. However, 42 d after treatment withdrawal, alterations in reproductive end points and fertility recovered to control levels. Body and organ weights, histoarchitecture of vital organs, levels of ALT, AST, and creatinine, and hematological parameters remained unchanged after Harad's treatment.

Conclusion: The results suggest that Harad causes dose-dependent reversible contraception in male albino mice without any toxicity.