Biology Research Papers/Topics

2-butanone as a carbon dioxide mimic in attractant blends for the Afrotroical malaria mosquitoes anopheles gambie and anopheles funestus

Abstract/Overview Most odour baits designed to attract host-seeking mosquitoes contain carbon dioxide (CO2), which enhances trap catches, given its role as a mosquito fight activator. However, the use of CO2 is expensive and logistically demanding for prolonged area-wide use.

Knockdown of Cytochrome P450 Genes Gh_D07G1197 and Gh_A13G2057 on Chromosomes D07 and A13 Reveals Their Putative Role in Enhancing Drought and Salt Stress Tolerance in Gossypium Hirsutum

Abstract/Overview We identified 672, 374, and 379 CYPs proteins encoded by the CYPs genes in Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii, and Gossypium arboreum, respectively. The genes were found to be distributed in all 26 chromosomes of the tetraploid cotton, with chrA05, chrA12, and their homeolog chromosomes harboring the highest number of genes. The physiochemical properties of the proteins encoded by the CYP450 genes varied in terms of their protein lengths, molecular weight, isoelectr...

USE AND MANAGEMENT OF MEDICINAL PLANTS BY THE PEOPLE OF JABITEHNAN WOREDA, WEST GOJJAM, AMHARA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract: Around 80 % of the people of Ethiopia are estimated to be relying on medicinal plants for the treatment of human and cattle ailments. The purpose of this study was to collect, identify and document ethnomedicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge of communities of the study area. Ethnomedicinal data were collected by using semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and direct field observation with 54 randomly selected non-healers (Female 27 and Male 27) and 46 trad...

The complete mitogenome of an undescribed clam shrimp of the genus Gondwanalimnadia(Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata), from a temporary wetland in Central District, Botswana

Abstract: Clam shrimps (Spinicaudata) are a widespread and diverse crustacean group that frequent temporary aquatic habitats, but few complete mitochondrial genomes have been published for this group. Here,we report the mitogenome of an undescribed Gondwanalimnadia species from Botswana. Raw sequences were assembled into a single circular genome with a total length of 15,663bp. Thirteen protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs were identified using the MITOS pipeline. The mitogenome’s G...

Investigating the ecology and diversity of antibiotic resistance plasmids belonging to different incompatibility groups using a bioinformatics approach

Abstract: Plasmids are extra-chromosomal mobile DNA elements found in bacteria, and often serve as vectors for accumulation and transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within bacterial populations in different environments. Plasmid mediated transfer of ARGs has accounted for the spread of antibiotic resistance within clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria; this has escalated into a global health problem. Plasmids can be classified into several groups based on their genetic incompatib...

Bioecology of large Branchiopods in Central District, Botswana

Abstract: The bioecology of large branchiopods in Central District, Botswana, was analysed to determine if genetic relatedness or environment of origin determined the thermal physiology of large branchiopods. Two temporary wetland types (Rock-pools and Pans) were identified and their thermal conditions characterised. Temperatures experienced in each wetlands type were measured for synchronised periods spanning both dry phases and hydroperiods of the temporary wetlands. Anostraca and Spinicau...

Antibacterial potential of extracts of the roots of Zingiber officinale against bacterial strains commonly associated with nosocomial infections

Abstract: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has been used as a medicinal plant for decades for medical and culinary purposes. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial potential of ginger root extracts using the Kirby-Bayer agar diffusion method to compare the zones of inhibition of the extracts to those of synthetic antibiotics against five clinical bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, taphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella p...

The future of smart implants towards personalized and pervasive healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa: Opportunities, barriers and policy recommendations

Abstract: Smart implants continue to evolve, posing tremendous opportunities to move towards personalized and pervasive healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the adoption of smart implants is still nascent in SSA despite their tremendous benefits and the increasing demand to provide pervasive and personalized healthcare. There- fore, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of opportunities and potential challenges associated with the adoption of smart implants in SSA ...