Department Of Biology Research Articles

Features of the teaching of evolutionary theory and fundamentals of ecology in the medical university at the department of medical biology

Aim. To justify the peculiarities of teaching the basics of evolution and ecology in a medical university to ensure a high level of general biological training and to achieve medical and biological orientation of first-year students. Methods. Study and analysis of typical and working programs, monographs, textbooks, didactic materials and methodical recommendations from the discipline "Medical Biology" of medical universities. Results. In the conditions of reforming modern medical education, biology teachers are paying more and more attention to the formation of a scientific picture of the world, that is, the formation of a worldview in future doctors, which corresponds to modern approaches to the integration of the content of theoretical and clinical education and the need for its continuity in the further practical activities of a doctor-specialist in any field of medicine. Teaching involves conveying to students three possible regimes of biological evolution: Lamarck’s, environmental factors influence development (epigenesis); Darwinian, when random mutations are selected by environmental factors for progressive development (biogenesis); Rait's, in which there are only coincidences. Conclusions. During formation the personality of the future doctor, teaching the basics of evolution and ecology should combine the material of classical biology with the latest information on achievements in the fields of natural sciences.

Identification and Association of Polymorphism rs2073618 of the Osteoprotegerin Gene in Type 2 Diabetics with and without Retinopathy.

To identify and determine the association of SNP (rs2073618) of OPG gene in diabetics with and without retinopathy and in healthy controls. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi in collaboration with Chemical Pathology Laboratory, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi and Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from June 2021 to May 2022. Participants aged 25-70 years were inducted and divided into three equal groups. Group I consisted of diabetics with retinopathy (n = 50), group II was diabetics without retinopathy (n = 50), and group III was healthy individuals (n = 50). DNA was extracted and allele specific PCR technique was adopted using specifically designed primers. Results were analysed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and online bio-informatics tool SNPstats. CC, CG, and GG genotypes were found to be present in 94%, 4%, and 2% in diabetics without retinopathy, 92%, 4%, and 4% in diabetics with retinopathy, respectively, and 100% presence of CC genotype only in healthy controls. C and G alleles were present in 96% and 4%, respectively, in diabetics without retinopathy, with 100% presence of only C allele in healthy subjects. The genotypic assessment using the models showed no significant association. SNP rs2073618 of OPG gene was identified in all study groups without any significant distribution or association with the development of diabetic retinopathy. The major genotype C/C was found in the majority of subjects in all groups. Allele specific PCR, Diabetic retinopathy, Single nucleotide polymorphism, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus.

Pre-service Teachers' Environmental Literacy: The Role of STEM-Based Environmental Education with Microcontrollers

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of STEM-based environmental education in which microcontroller sets are integrated on pre-service teachers' environmental literacy. The study was carried out with a one-group pretest-posttest weak experimental design. The sample of the study consisted of 31 pre-service teachers attending biology, science, and chemistry education departments. As the data collection tool, the environmental literacy scale including knowledge, attitude, behaviour and awareness dimensions was applied to the sample group as a pre-test and post-test. The study lasted for 11 weeks in total, including training on microcontroller sets, STEM-based environmental education and application of tests. During the environmental education, the participants were divided into groups of 4-5 and the studies were carried out with the station technique. In the stations, a research problem about air, water, soil, light and noise pollution was posed to the participants. They were expected to propose a solution using microcontroller sets. At the end of the research, a statistically significant difference was determined between the pre-test and post-test scores of the pre-service teachers from the environmental literacy scale. Accordingly, it was concluded that STEM-based environmental education improved pre-service teachers' environmental literacy. Based on these results, it is recommended that experimental/ quasi-experimental studies investigating the effectiveness of STEM-based environmental education and studies determining the advantages and disadvantages of STEM based environmental education using microcontroller sets should be carried out.

Scientific writing skills activity: A strategy for empowering botanical literacy

Botanical literacy makes students more familiar with the potential of botany in their area, especially plants that are beneficial to their lives. Science Writing Task has been proven to be able to increase students' scientific literacy. However, there has been no study discussing the effect of Science Writing Skills on botanical literacy. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Science Writing Task in improving students' botanical literacy. This research uses a mix-methods design strategy with an embedded model. The research using a cluster random sampling technique. The research subjects were 84 students of the Department of Biology in the 2018/2019 academic year. The research conducted at the Plant Structure and Development course. Quantitative data analysis used the ANCOVA test. Qualitative data analysis used data reduction. The results showed differences in the botanical literacy scores of students who were taught learning without the Science Writing Task and learning with the Science Writing Task, where learning with the Science Writing Task had higher botanical literacy. Based on qualitative data, students' understanding of botanical literacy is getting better, this can be seen from students' answers during learning. This study concludes that the Science Writing Task affects improving student botanical literacy.

Editor Profile: Arun Shukla.

In this special interview series, we profile members of The FEBS Journal editorial board to highlight their research focus, perspectives on the journal, and future directions in their field. Professor Arun Shukla is a Senior Fellow of DBT Wellcome Trust India Alliance, and Professor and Sonu Agrawal Memorial Chair at the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India. He has served as an Editorial Board Member of The FEBS Journal since 2021.

MOVEMENT ACTIVITY OF ROUND GOBY (NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS PALLAS, 1814) UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF GEOMAGNETIC FIELDS

Introduction. Behavioral traits of fish are an important manifestation of their response to external stimuli. Locomotor activity reflects the influence of specific factors on fish behavior and the role they play in their lives. Among the least studied factors are fluctuations in the geomagnetic field and their impact on the locomotor activity of the round goby Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814. Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fluctuations in the geomagnetic field on the locomotor activity of the commercially important speciesof benthic ichthyofauna, the round goby Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814, in the Black Sea. Methods. The ichthyological material was collected in the coastal waters of the Odesa Bay, ranging from Cape Northern Odesa to Cape Velikyi Fontan, during a scientific research survey conducted by the I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University (ONU). Laboratory investigations were conducted in the aquarium room of the Aquatic Biology and General Ecology Department of the I.I. Mechnikov Odesa National University. Hourly changes in fish locomotor activity were recorded and analyzed as a result of the study. During the specified observation period, periods of increased geomagnetic activity were identified and compared to periods when this activity was within normal range. An original methodology called “Computer Vision Method” was employed for processing the visual data and tracking of the laboratory animals. Results. The maximum values of geomagnetic activity during the observation period, classified as a first intensity magnetic storm of class G1, were observed on February 3, 2022, from 6 to 12 hours, and on February 4 and 10, 2022, from 15 to 21 hours. When comparing the levels of fish locomotor activity during these time intervals with their activity during the time intervals on days with minimal geomagnetic activity (February 8, 9, and 15, 2022), a decrease in locomotor activity of individuals during magnetic storms of 27% to 42% can be observed. Conclusion. The fluctuations in locomotor activity of the round goby during increased geomagnetic activity up to the level of magnetic storms indicate the ability of this species to perceive magnetic fields and respond to changes in its properties. Specifically, when the Kp-index values corresponded to a first intensity geomagnetic storm (G1), a decrease in fish locomotor activity was observed compared to the activity during the same time intervals on days with minimal geomagnetic activity.

ECR Spotlight – Brittney G. Borowiec

ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology during our centenary year, but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Brittney G. Borowiec is an author on ‘ Science communication in experimental biology: experiences and recommendations’, published in JEB. Brittney is a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Paul Craig in the Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Canada investigating hypoxia tolerance and metabolism of fishes, and is also an established freelance science communicator.

Efficacy of Various Regimens of Inhibitor-Protected Penicillins on the Basis of Immunospecific Mixed Saliva Proteins in Patients after Dental Implantation: a Randomized Uncontrolled Trial

Background. The available comparative studies on issues of choosing antibiotic regimen in dental implantation are often observational and describe only visible postoperative signs. More objective assessment of postoperative period and comparison of approaches requires laboratory tests. One of the methods to be used at a dental appointment is to study examination of the biochemical properties of saliva.Objective. To carry out comparative evaluation of single and prolonged regimens of amoxicillin/clavulanate administration after dental implantation indicated by nonspecific immunity in mixed saliva.Methods. A randomized uncontrolled trial of 30 partially edentulous patients was conducted. The clinical phase of the study was performed at the Department of Propaedeutics of Surgical Dentistry, MSUMD; the laboratory phase — at the Pharmacology and Biological Chemistry Departments, MSUMD, in 2021–2022. The study included patients aged 18 to 75 years, anatomically suitable for dental implant placement. Patients with somatic diseases in the decompensation stage were excluded from the study. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. The group 1 was prescribed to take amoxicillin/clavulanate pills (875+125 mg) 30 minutes before surgery. The group 2 was to take amoxicillin/clavulanate (875+125 mg) 30 minutes before surgery and then 1 pill of Amoxicillin/ Clavulanate (500+125 mg) 2 times a day for 7 days after surgery. To evaluate the efficacy of the applied antibiotic therapy, unstimulated mixed saliva was collected from all patients on an empty stomach, 1 ml before surgery and on the third day after surgery. The amount of immunoglobulins of G, M, A classes (mg/l) and б-amylase activity (IU/l) were determined spectrophotometrically in the saliva samples. Statistical processing of laboratory data was performed using Welch's t-test by means of Statistica 10 Pro (StatSoft, USA). Intergroup and intragroup differences were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.Results. Based on the saliva proteins examined, the most pronounced difference between the patient groups was obtained for IgA. For other studied parameters of saliva, no significant difference between the groups was obtained on the third day after the surgery. However, despite the absence of a statistical difference, a tendency to a stronger increase in the amount of IgA, G, IgM, salivary amylase activity was noted for all indicators; moreover, a high correlation between immunoglobulins of class A, G, immunoglobulins of class G, M, and immunoglobulins of class A, M was revealed.Conclusion. Among patients with the prolonged regimen, the groups did not differ significantly in such saliva parameters as immunoglobulins G and M and salivary б-amylase activity, however, a tendency to a stronger increase of the mentioned immunoglobulins in the saliva of group 1 patients was revealed. The most significant difference was recorded for immunoglobulin A in saliva, the amount of which was significantly lower in the group of prolonged antibiotic administration (p < 0.05).

Abstract P2057: The Role Of Cardiac Neurofibromin-2 In Chronic Pressure Overload

Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103.Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor that can engage the Hippo signaling pathway and modulate cell proliferation and survival. We previously demonstrated that NF2 mediates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and injury caused by acute myocardial infarction. However, the function of NF2 in the heart remains largely uncharacterized. Our current study sought to determine whether NF2 modulates heart failure due to chronic stress. We used a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) model in WT C57BL/6J mice to generate chronic pressure overload (PO) stress, which elicits cardiac remodeling and failure. We found that NF2 is transiently upregulated in mouse myocardium in response to early phase of PO, and is downregulated during late phase PO. We generated cardiomyocyte-specific NF2 knockout (cKO) mice, which had normal cardiac morphology and function at baseline. Following TAC, NF2 cKO hearts unexpectedly showed worsened cardiac function, assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis, compared to controls. RNAseq analysis indicated downregulation of several metabolic pathways including oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation in NF2 cKO hearts at baseline. Additionally, we observed reduced ATP content in baseline NF2 cKO hearts compared to controls. Fractionation experiments indicated that nuclear NF2 is enriched following PO stress. RNAseq revealed the downregulation of ERRβ and ERRγ in NF2 cKO hearts, which was confirmed by qPCR. Experiments employing neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRMVs) confirmed that NF2 regulated expression of ERRβ and ERRγ, and DNA pulldown assays demonstrated NF2 association with ERRβ and ERRγ proximal promoters. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that NF2 modulates ERR function in NRVMs. Based on these findings, we propose that transient upregulation of myocardial NF2 expression during PO stress is compensatory and regulates metabolic gene expression according to energy demand.

Evaluation of Cost-Conscious Course-Embedded Research Projects in a Freshman Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Course

Students who experience research as undergraduates tend to remain in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. Since course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are often expensive to implement, we developed a relatively inexpensive first-semester research course for majors entitled “Freshman Research in Biochemistry,” in which approximately 100 students participated in an ongoing research project each year. During this course, students conducted laboratory work related to multiple research veins, and graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and the instructor ensured that sufficient data from the laboratory were made available to the students to analyze. During three unique course iterations, students worked on faculty research projects that included connecting contigs of the draft genome of a native Oklahoma bacterial Arhodomonas isolate capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, cloning antibiotic resistance genes from the genus Elizabethkingia, and analyzing RNAseq data from Elizabethkingia anopheles challenged with cell wall-active antibiotics to determine gene function, gene differential expression, and relative gene genome location. During the course, students scored results, analyzed data, maintained laboratory notebooks, and presented posters in a symposium to faculty and graduate TAs. To determine positive impacts of the course on students, they completed the Laboratory Course Assessment Survey in two course sections. Survey data indicated/students agreed that the course included elements of Iteration, Collaboration, and Discovery and Relevance. Students also reported that they gained scientific skills but were ambivalent about whether instructor feedback was harsh. Examination of Student Survey of Instruction responses showed students thought positively about the course, but some considered it too difficult. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry major cohort tracking revealed no effect of Freshman Research in Biochemistry on student persistence in the major or institution. Nonetheless, we consider the course a cost-conscious model for biochemistry and molecular biology departments for introducing research to first-year students.

Association of R1939W and P1987R variants of Otoferlin (OTOF) gene with severe to profound nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Pakistani subjects.

To find possible association of R1939W and P1987R variants of OTOF gene with severe to profound NSSHL in cochlear implant subjects. It was a case control study, conducted from June 2021 to February 2022, comprising 50 cases of severe to profound NSSHL who had received cochlear implant from ENT Department, CMH Rawalpindi and 50 age-matched healthy controls from PEMH Rawalpindi. Blood samples were collected from all the subjects, followed by DNA extraction and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, performed at Multi-disciplinary Laboratory of Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi. Statistical analysis was done using 'SPSS' and 'XLSTAT', followed by genetic analysis using 'SNPstat'. Mean age of the cases was 5.96 ± 4.62 years (N=50), comprising 58% males and 42% females. All had bilateral and prelingual HL. Parental consanguinity was 72%, whereas 62% cases had a positive family history of deafness. Alleles of R1939W and P1987R were not associated with NSSHL, as shown by their p values of 0.56 and 0.89 respectively. For R1939W ORs were 0.71 (dominant model) and 0.80 (overdominant model), indicating negative association with NSSHL. Regarding P1987R OR was 0.96 (log-additive model). Genotypes of both variants were not in HW Equilibrium (p <0.0001), whereas their alleles showed high LD (D'=0.92). High percentage of parental consanguinity was observed among cochlear implant candidates. The OTOF variants R1939W and P1987R were found to have protective roles against NSSHL in study population.

Problem-based Learning Through Lesson Study Activities Effectively Improves Collaboration Skills of Biology Students

Online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic is an alternative even though it runs with limitations. Collaboration skills in online learning have not been optimally empowered, which is an urgency to be developed in order to prevent individualistic life and train social character. This research is a quantitative descriptive study aimed at analyzing differences in student collaboration skills before and after learning using the Problem-based Learning model through Lesson Study activities. The research population is Biology Department students who program the Plant Physiology course in the odd semester of the 2021/2022 academic year with a sample size of 32 students. Collaboration skills are measured through observation by paying attention to the assessment rubric adapted from Greenstein including indicators of working productively, showing respect, compromising, and being responsible for contributing. Data analysis used paired sample t-test. A significance value was obtained of 0.000 &lt;0.05, which means that there was a significant difference between the initial collaboration and the final collaboration of students. The Problem-based Learning learning model through Lesson Study activities effectively improves student collaboration skills.

INTERNAL STEM ANATOMY OF SIX BROMUS SPECIES GROWN IN DUHOK PROVINCE, KURDISTAN REGION. IRAQ

The stems of six species of Bromus (B. scoparius L., B. lanceolatus Roth., B. sterilis L., B. madritensis L., B. squarrosus L. and B. danthoniae Trin.) which belongs to Poaceae family grown in Duhok province, Kurdistan region, Iraq were examined anatomically. The samples of Bromus species have been collected from Duhok city in spring 2022. The research was carried out at Biology department, Faculty of science, University of Zakho. The study aims to distinguish between the anatomical differences among the Bromus species since they share phenotypic traits that make it difficult to distinguish them apart. The samples were fixed in formalin- acetic-acid alcohol (FAA) and cross sections were prepared, examined using compound light microscope and photographed at different power. The highest number and measures of the vascular bundles, thicknesses of cuticle, epidermis, hypodermis, and the diameters of the minor and major vascular bundles (stele) were recorded in the B. danthoniae. while, the highest dimeters of metaxylem and cross section of stem were appeared in B. scoparius and B. sterilis, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest number and measures of the above-mentioned features were fluctuated among the Bromus sterilis, B. lanceolatus, B. madritensis. The cross sections indicated that there were valuable differences in both qualitative and quantitative values of the anatomical features among the species.

Pesticide Residue Contamination of Some Cereals and their Consequential Health Implication in the Food Chain of Taraba Northern Geo-political Region, Taraba State

Aim: To investigate the Pesticide Residues (PRs) contamination of some cereals and determine their health risks in the food chain of Taraba North Geo-political region.&#x0D; Study Design: Maize, Millet, Rice and Sorghum, and their soils were randomly collected from farmers’ field in three (3) LGAs of Taraba North.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The samples were collected from Ardo-kola, Karim-lamido and Zing LGAs of Taraba State. They are processed at Laboratories of Biological Sciences Department of Taraba State University and Analyzed at the Department of Chemistry, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State, between September, 2021 – March, 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Soils and ripe cereals stalks were collected applying the principles of randomization. These samples were processed, pulverized into powdered form, and analyzed for pesticide residues (PR) using the Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).&#x0D; Results: Ten (10) pesticide residues in different concentrations were recorded, with some of them occurring above the permissible limits. Isopropylamine accounted for 21% of total contaminants' concentrations, followed by carbofuran (14%), dichlorvos (12%), t-nonachlor (11%), heptachlor (10%), HCB and g-chlordane all at 9%, DDT (7%), Endosulfan (6%), and Aldrin at 1%. Health implications showed that some of the cereals are unsafe for consumption. In Ardo-Kola and Zing, only millet had a Hazard Index (HI) of less than 1, while in Karim-Lamido, millet and sorghum recorded HI ≤ 1. In Ardo-Kola trend in HI values in adullts was rice (53.32) ˃ sorghum (24.35), ˃ maize (10.99), ˃ millet (0.82), while in children, the trend was rice (64.50), ˃ sorghum (24.71), ˃ maize (10.65), ˃ millet (0.90). In Karim-Lamido, HI values in adults were in the following order: rice (54.64) ˃ maize (38.44), ˃ millet (0.62), ˃ sorghum (0.35). At the same time, HI in children followed the order; rice (66.10) ˃ maize (46.50), ˃ sorghum (0.74), ˃ millet (0.73). In Zing, HI values were in descending order of rice (32.20) ˃ sorghum (12.27) ˃ maize (8.27) ˃ millet (0.47), in adults, and rice (38.97) ˃ sorghum (14.86) ˃ maize (9.99) ˃ millet (0.55), in children. Overall, children are at a higher risk of toxicity than adults.&#x0D; Conclusion: It was deduced at the end of the study that pesticides residue are bioaccumulating in the food chain due to excessive use in many agricultural phases. Hence we recommended intensified efforts in check-mating these products in our agricultural systems.

Role of Ascorbic Acid in Drought Stress Tolerance of Wheat Plant Triticum aestivum L.

Drought is a major abiotic stress, severely affecting the physiological processes and growth of plants. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the impacts of drought stress with three periods for irrigation: every 3 days(control), every 6 days, and every 12 days and foliar spray with different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0, 75, 150, 225) mg.L-1 on the wheat plant. Pots experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replications in the green house, Department of Biology, College of Education for Pure Science (Ibn Al- Haitham), University of Baghdad, during the growing season, 2018 – 2019. The results indicated that drought stress decreased plant growth and hastened the senescence of flag leaves, which is significantly associated with a decrease in the quality and quantity of grain yield. Foliar spray with ascorbic acid enhanced plant drought tolerance in terms of plant height, shoot dry weight, flag leaf traits (flag leaf area, flag leaf chlorophyll and the concentration of macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) and some yield components (spike length, grain weight. pot-1 and protein percentage of grains). The results indicated the efficiency of ascorbic acid foliar spray on vegetative growth, flag leaf traits and some yield components of wheat plants affected by drought stress and the superiority to 150 mg.L-1 ascorbic acid in which plants can resist the unfavorable drought stress periods(12 days).

Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials of Azadirachta indica Leaf Extract Using Bacteria Isolated from Polluted Water as Test Organisms

Aims: Globally, there is continuous emergence of infectious pathogens. Therefore, there is a need to search for new drug molecules of plant origin such as A. indica which is commonly grown in Nigeria. This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of the leaf extract of A. indica and determining its bioactive molecules.&#x0D; Study Design: This was an in-vitro laboratory study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This research was carried out at the Microbial Resources Research Laboratory (MRRL), Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Nigeria from April 2021 to January 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: Collected fresh leaves of A. indica were destalked, air dried at 27oC for 10 days, and finally grounded. The dried powders were extracted by maceration using four (4) solvents namely: water (aqueous), methanol, ethyl-acetate, and n-hexane. The leaf extracts were assessed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Bioactive molecules present in the leaf extract were determined by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.&#x0D; Results: It was observed that leaf extracts of A. indica possess bioactive molecules such as Phytol which is over 50% of the total biomolecules present. These biomolecules are responsible for the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of the extract. The ABTS and DPPH radicals scavenging activities ranged from 24.51 to 90.32 % and 31.79 to 79.59 % respectively. These extracts can be used to mop up free radicals which have damaging effects on the cells of the body. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract for each of the test bacteria isolates varied between 0.05 to 0.8 mg/ml. Thus, the leaf extract of A. indica is a reservoir of bioactive molecules which can be used for novel drug synthesis and discovery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus, leaf extracts of A. indica contain potent biomolecules which can be harnessed for therapeutic use.

Evaluation of the Fertility Indices of Female Mice Exposed to Dimethoate and Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris)

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate of the fertility indices of female mice exposed to Dimethoate and Beetroot Extract (Beta vulgaris).&#x0D; Experimental Design: A completely randomized experimental design using standard methods for analysis. &#x0D; Location and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Animal house, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria. GPS 4o47'50''N 6o58'49''E. This study lasted for 21days.&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty (30) sexually matured female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (A-F) with 5 mice each. They were exposed for a period of 21 days to Dimethoate and 100% extract of Beta vulgaris. Group A was orally administered distilled water and rodent pellet only and acted as control. Group B was administered 20mg/kg/day of Dimethoate only. Group C was administered 5mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group D was administered 10mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group E was administered 15mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. Group F was administered 20mg/kg/day of Dimethoate + 250mg/kg/day of 100% fresh extract of Beta vulgaris. At the end of the 21 days exposure the final weight of the mice in each group was taken and blood collected by ocular puncture for hormonal profiling. Hormones such as Prolactin, Progesterone, estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analyzed based on the manufacturer’s instruction using Randox Monza assay kit. The females were then allowed to mate with fifteen unexposed males in ratio 2:1. At the end of 24 days and following successful parturition essential data were collected from the F1 animals.&#x0D; Results: Results showed significant increase in body weight for groups that were co-administered Beta vulgaris as compared to Group B that was administered Dimethoate only. Litter size gradually decrease significantly from seven in the control to two in group B which received Dimethoate only. Reproductive hormones significantly increased in groups coadministered Beta vulgaris and Dimethoate compared with group B administered Dimethoate only.&#x0D; It is thus deduced that B. vulgaris might increase fertility in experimental animals, while Dimethoate showed significant impact on the reproduction in female experimental animals by reducing the fertility indices, such as reproduction hormones, reduction in fetal implantation leading to low number of offspring (Litter size).

Early Ordovician trilobites from Barnicarndy 1 stratigraphic well of the southern Canning Basin, Western Australia

Twenty-three trilobite taxa are described here from the Early Ordovician (Tremadocian to Floian) Nambeet Formation retrieved from the Barnicarndy 1 drillcore, Canning Basin, Western Australia. This includes one new genus, Veeversaspis gen. nov., and six new species: Asaphellus zheni sp. nov., Madiganaspis lauriei sp. nov., Norasaphus (Norasaphus) jagoi sp. nov., Rodingaia leggi sp. nov., Sanbernardaspis excalibur sp. nov., and Veeversaspis jelli gen. et sp. nov. This fauna can be divided into three stratigraphically distinct assemblages, the Apatokephalus sp.–Veeversaspis jelli gen. et sp. nov. Assemblage (2177.50–2382.94 m depth), Asaphellus trinodosus Assemblage (2030.07–2177.52 m depth), and Asaphellus zheni sp. nov. Assemblage (1595.83–2001.88 m depth). The two stratigraphically lowest assemblages are consistent with a late to latest Tremadocian age (both within the Paroistodus proteus Zone). The third, and highest, assemblage is consistent with a mid-Floian age (within the Oepikodus communis Zone). This systematic contribution refines previous biostratigraphic work based on an age-diagnostic conodont fauna and demonstrates the stratigraphic utility of using multiple taxonomic groups for more robust biostratigraphic age estimates. P.M. Smith [ Patrick.Smith@austmus.gov.au ], Palaeontology Department, Australian Museum Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia, and Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia. H.J. Allen [ heidi.allen@dmirs.wa.gov.au ], Geological Survey of Western Australia, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, Mineral House, 100 Plain Street, East Perth, Western Australia, 6004, Australia.

Validasi Pengembangan Modul Ajar Bioteknologi Berbasis Problem Based Learning

The Independent Curriculum requires teachers to compile teaching tools consisting of Learning Outcomes (CP), Learning Objectives Flow (ATP) and teaching modules as a mandatory task of a teacher. The teaching module is a form of learning implementation plan in the Independent Curriculum which is accompanied by student worksheets and teaching materials in it. This research uses a type of development research with a 4D model. The 4D model consists of four stages of Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate. Due to time constraints, this study did not carry out the disseminate stage. The subjects of this study consisted of lecturers from the Biology Department, FMIPA UNP, seven Biology teachers. Based on the research data, a problem-based learning biotechnology teaching module is obtained which is very valid with a validation value of 95.59%.

Addition of Rice Bran, Soy Protein, Yeast, and Its Combinations to the Styrofoam Degradation by Hongkong Caterpillar (Tenebrio molitor L)

The use of plastic as food packaging dominates polystyrene plastic, namely Styrofoam, because of its light characteristics and the fact that it can be carried without realizing it, releasing large amounts of waste into the environment. Overcoming Styrofoam plastic can be made by using insects from the Coleoptera order, namely Tenebrio molitor L., better known to the common people as the Hongkong Caterpillar. This insect has been extensively explored as a plastic degradation agent. An important component in increasing the rate of styrofoam degradation by Tenebrio molitor L. by providing nutrients in the form of feed such as rice bran, yeast and soy protein. This study aims to determine which feed has the best effect based on styrofoam degradation, biodegradation rate, and survival rate on the performance of Tenebrio molitor L. in degrading styrofoam plastic. This research was conducted from 28 December 2022 to 26 February 2023 at the Biosystematics Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sriwijaya University, Indralaya. The research is begun used by cultivating and caring stage of Tenebrio molitor L caterpillar. Beetle to obtain the Tenebrio molitor L caterpillar. The next stage is the preparation of EPS styrofoam material and feed in the form of rice bran, yeast and soy protein used for research experiments. The results of this study showed that the combination of rice bran and yeast increased the performance of Tenebrio molitor L. in styrofoam plastic degradation based on the biodegradation rate and 100% survival rate. The conclusion of this study is that rice bran and yeast can improve the performance of Tenebrio molitor L. in degrading styrofoam plastic L.