Research Article
Physicochemical Quality Properties of Peach (Prunus Persica L.) Varieties at Holeta, Ethiopia
Tajebe Mosie, Habtam Setu, Getaneh Seleshi
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 113-120.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i04.003
Holeta has different peach fruit varieties that can be used for various purposes. However, their fruit quality characteristics were not fully identified. Studies have indicated that the physicochemical qualities of peach fruits are influenced by a number of factors, with the varietal factor being one of the most important. Limited information regarding the factors that affect these qualities is available in the country, specifically at Holeta. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate the physicochemical quality properties of peach fruit varieties. Their physical quality traits, such as fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, and average fruit weight, as well as chemical quality parameters, such as TSS, specific gravity, TA, ripening index, ascorbic acid content, and pH, were evaluated. The results revealed that both physical and chemical quality parameters were significantly affected by varietal factors. Among, the Bonny Gold variety had the longest fruit length, and Florida down had the largest fruit diameter. As far as average fruit weight is concerned, 88-18 W had the heaviest weight with 111.98 g, while Transvalia had the highest TSS and specific gravity. However, the Summersun and 9A-35C varieties had the highest TA and ripening index, respectively. Thus, the physicochemical quality properties of the fruit were highly altered with peach varieties.
Research Article
Identification of Microarn Biomarkers of Prognosis in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Positive for Sars-Cov-2 Variant Delta and Omicron in Nasopharyngeal Secretions in Pointe Noire
Freddy Saturnin Pouki, Luc Magloire Anicet Boumba, Rebecca Frédérique Dussaud, Parode Ragive Takale, Charley Elenga-Bongo, Aladin Atandi Batchy, Christy Parfait Nganga, Ange Cerna Malonga Ngouma, Gain
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 121-126.
DOI: 10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i04.004
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world, with a particularly high and severe incidence in patients with co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Detection of microRNAs in human samples may be an alternative to identify effective biomarkers for COVID-19 severity. Methods: We recruited a total of 206 participants for this study. MicroRNA and variant analysis were performed on nasopharyngeal samples using qPCR. The study consisted of the detection of 17 microRNAs. Results: The majority of individuals with the Delta variant (68.18%, n=90) had severe symptoms while individuals with the Omicron variant had moderate symptoms (76.47%, n=13). The microRNAs hsa-miR-29a-5p (AUC 0.80; CI 0.68 to 0.89 and p<0.000), hsa-miR-203a-5p (AUC 0.80; CI 0.75 to 0.92 and p<0. 000), and hsa- hsa-miR-221-3p (AUC 0.74; CI 0.61 to 0.86 and p<0.000), hsa-miR-33b-5p (AUC 0.88; CI 0.75 to 0.98 and p<0. 000) and hsa-miR-30d-3p (AUC 0.82; CI 0.70 to 0.95 and p<0.000) have AUCs that indicate a good discriminatory ability to stratify patients at high risk of complications from COVID-19 variant omicron among T2DM. Conclusion: Our study shows that the microRNAs hsa-miR-29a-5p, hsa-miR-203a-5p, and hsa-miR-221-3p, hsa-miR-33b-5p and hsa-miR-30d-3p have better discrimination and could be used as prognostic biomarkers in nasopharyngeal secretions from COVID-19 variant omicron patients with type 2 diabetes. They could also serve as new therapeutic targets.
Review Article
Ranavirus and Its Impact on the Amphibian Population
Andreia Garcês, Isabel Pires
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 127-138.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i04.005
Mass mortality of amphibians has occurred globally since at least the early 1990s from viral pathogens that are members of the genus Ranavirus, family Iridoviridae. This disease has a wide host range and with the movement of ranavirus-infected animals in commerce, ranaviruses have become an increasing threat to captive and wild populations, especially amphibians. The clinical signs of amphibians include haemorrhaging, lethargy, swelling, and ulcerative skin lesions. The virus is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated environments, such as water bodies. Environmental factors, including temperature and pollution, can influence the severity and spread of ranavirus infections. The ecological impact of ranavirus is profound, as it threatens biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems. Consequently, understanding the epidemiology, pathology, and control measures for ranavirus is critical for conserving amphibian populations. Current research efforts are focused on developing effective strategies for monitoring, managing, and mitigating the impacts of this pathogen on amphibian communities. This review presents distribution, hosts, and epidemiology to better understand this disease.
Research Article
Identify Lumbricus Rubellus According DNA Barcoding
Taif Muthher Muslem
Middle East Research Journal of Biological Sciences; 139-142.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/merjbs.2024.v04i04.006
The species of earthworms is usually determined through careful observation of morphological features, is often accomplished by closely examining morphological characteristics, which are frequently sexual characteristics only seen in mature individuals. Earthworm species identification as such, it is sometimes hard to identify juveniles or cocoons, which might introduce bias into studies that record species richness and abundance. A viable method for species discrimination is DNA barcoding, which uses a brief, standardized DNA fragment for species identification, use of DNA remains the best in determining the species. Lumbricus rubellus have been found on in the common epigeic earthworm from Iraq in Al-Diwaniyah city, the presence of this worm is recorded for the first time in Iraq, specifically in the city of Diwaniyah. This study tested sequence data for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene in order to identify the utility of DNA barcodes in the identification of earthworm species.
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