Category Archives: c_review_articles

Review Articles

Review on the status of Coral Reefs in the Red Sea

Hassien M. Alnashiri*

Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University, P.O. Box. 114, Jazan 45142, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

*Corresponding author’s email: halnashiri@jazanu.edu.sa

Received:16 November 2024 / Accepted:15 April 2025 / Published Online: 27 April 2025

 

Abstract

 

The Red sea has specific unique different features capturing rich biodiversity and aquatic species. The most important geographical and biological values focused on coral reef ecosystems. The shallow regions, as well as the island of Farasan and the tiny islands scattered around it, provide a suitable area for the coral reef distribution and nurture many endemic creatures. This review relied on coral reef association and classification. It dealt with the Red Sea problem and nature with relation to coral reef properties and its impacts. It focused on coral reef threats with future view for economical tourism based on role of coral reefs besides ways for coral reefs conservation. It comprised notes on coral predation, bleaching and diseases. The major hurdle to the coral reefs of this region, resulting in wider areas of coral bleaching, is the rise in temperature due to the global warming phenomenon. This work emphasizes the extent and diversity of red sea corals’ natural and anthropogenic issues faced by the coral ecosystems based on published research and technical reports with scoring reviewed data accompanied with tables and figures. Bar and pie graphs were used to analyze the coral reef data to interpret the actual status for all types presented in different countries. At the end of this investigation, conclusion and prediction of coral reefs status besides recommendations for sustainable development applied on utilization of coral reefs were performed.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity, Coral reefs, Ecology, Red Sea

The effect of nitrogen fertilizer on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) productivity: A meta-analysis

Rahman Rahman1*, Widhi Kurniawan1, Ali Bain1, La Malesi1, Astriana Napirah1, Cecep Hidayat2, Rantan Krisnan2, Achmad Fanindi2, Sajimin Sajimin2, Gresy Eva Tresia2, Harmini Harmini2, Endang Sutedi2, Fitra Aji Pamungkas 2, Slamet Widodo2, Mohammad Miftakhus Sholikin2, Iwan Herdiawan2, Isbandi Isbandi2, Try Zulchi2

1The Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Halu Oleo University, Jl. H.E.A Mokodompit Kampus Anduonohu, 93232, Kendari, Indonesia

2Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency of The Republic of Indonesia (BRIN), Research Center for Animal Husbandry, Jl. Raya Jakarta-Bogor KM 46, Cibinong, 16911, Bogor, Indonesia

 

*Corresponding author’s email: rahman@uho.ac.id

Received: 08 April 2024 / Accepted: 23 January 2025 / Published Online: 06 March 2025

 

Abstract

 

Nitrogen fertilizer is the major nutrient required by grass for optimal growth and biomass production. The type and dosage of nitrogen fertilizer application influence plant productivity. This research used a meta-analysis approach aimed to assess how optimal N fertilizer dosage and types affect the productivity improvement of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Search done in Elsevier, Scopus, Science Direct, JSTOR, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases yielded 44 studies, of which 24 were suitable for the analysis. The dataset was collected between 1972 and 2022, and all experiments included a control treatment with no nitrogen fertilizer and a variety of forms (organic or inorganic) that were evaluated herein for the productivity and nutritional contents of Napier grass. The data were then subjected to meta-analysis using a mixed-effects model methodology, treating different doses or forms of nitrogen fertilizer as fixed effects and various studies as random effects, with the p-value used as the statistical model. The findings demonstrated that N fertilizer dosage influences (P<0.05) the total dry weight of forage, leaf weight, plant height, N, P, Na production, and dry matter digestibility. Furthermore, the type of inorganic fertilizer affects (P<0.05) the production of fresh Napier grass forage, leaf weight, and plant height but has no significant impact (P>0.05) on other production parameters. In conclusion, the productivity of Napier grass has the potential to increase effectively with higher doses of nitrogen fertilizer, with the optimal dosage at 1,493.31 kg N/ha/year. Both organic and inorganic types of N fertilizer show similar effects on most of the measured variables.

 

Keywords: Fertilizer, Napier grass, Nitrogen, Meta-analysis, Productivity fertilizer

Pharmaceuticals and their transformation products in environment and plants

Olga I. Lavrukhina1,2*, Vasiliy G. Amelin1,2, Leonid K. Kish1, Dmitry A. Makarov1, Alexey V. Tretyakov1, Elizaveta S. Kozeicheva1, Andrei S. Khishov1, Saidfatima M. Borunova1,3

1The Russian State Center for Animal Feed and Drug Standardization and Quality, 5, Zvenigorodskoye sh., Moscow, 123022 Russia

2Chemistry Department, Vladimir State University named after A.G. and N.G. Stoletov, 87, ul. Gor’kogo, Vladimir, 600000, Russia

3Department of Disease Diagnostics, Therapy, Obstetrics and Animal Reproduction, Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K.I. Skryabin, 23, ul. Akademika Skryabina, Moscow, 109472 Russia

Abstract

Antibacterial drugs, analgesics, anti-infective, contrast media, antiepileptics, anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and hormones are transferred to the environment from hospital and agricultural effluents, pharmaceutical industrial waste, human and animal excrements from households and sewers. Residues of pharmaceuticals in water and soil cause damage to the ecosystem. Their transformation products could be equally or more toxic and persistent than parent compounds. Some metabolites save biological activity in the environmental objects, including antibacterial activity. The objective of this review is to describe the environmental occurrence, transformation, eco-toxicity, analytical practices, degradation, and removal strategies used to control and prevent environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, coccidiostatic agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-adrenomimetics, anthelmintics, hormones). Their determination in routine analysis through simple on-site devices and approaches is of great interest. Instrumental analysis is making progress in the advancement of qualitative and quantitative methods. Gas and liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry are commonly used because of their high specificity, simultaneous multicomponent determination opportunities, and low detection limits. Highly sensitive methods generally with accurate mass spectrometric detection are required. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry is an effective method. The use of green chemistry principles is preferred for both on-site and instrumental analysis, because fewer toxic reagents and solvents are required. The most promising approach for water treatment and manure detoxification is to merge chemical and biological strategies. Persistent pharmaceuticals will be most effectively eliminated by a combination of different treatment technologies.

Keywords: Pharmaceuticals, Water and soil contamination, Veterinary drugs, Manure Determination, Detoxification

Syntenic mapping: A powerful tool for comparative genomics in plants

Ikhlaq Ahmad1, Azeem Iqbal Khan2, Safdar Ali3, Rashid Mehmood Rana1*

1Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

3Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Comparative genomics has emerged as a great tool in understanding variations/similarities among various species at molecular level. In classical genetics synteny was used to show that two or more loci are present on same chromosome. Now a day’s synteny is being used to answer questions concerning homeology (the remains of completely homologous chromosomes). Chromosome/genome synteny has been observed in closely related species, having several genes with similar map orders. Synteny is helpful in comparing different genomes. It is used in the study of evolution of genomes, observe functional conservation, help in genome annotation and observe genome assembly errors. Synteny among different genomes can be detected by identification of conserved sequence elements among genomes, comparing the conserved proteins with the help of BLASTP or by the combination of both. Numerous tools are available for the detection of synteny among different genomes. Synteny analysis has been used largely to study complex genomes and helped in discoveries at genomic, chromosomal and gene levels. Syntenic mapping in plant breeding holds promising future prospects.

 

Keywords: Comparative genomics, Synteny, Homeology, Chromosome, Genome, Gene

Exploring the relationship between ABO blood groups and vulnerability to different diseases

Muhammad Imran1&, Ramna Zia2&, Muhammad Aqib Fareed3&, Benish Javed1&, Ali Ahsan4&, Kiran Jalil4, Muhammad Umer Khan5, Hassan Shabbir Chaudhry6, Muhammad Subaan Fareed7, Muhammad Muddassir8, Chaudhry Ahmed Shabbir9*, Zahra Kalim10*

1University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

2Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan

3Allama Iqbal Medical Collage, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

4Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi Ward Osaka-558- 0022, Japan

5Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

6Department of Medicine and Surgery, Hijaz hospital Gulberg, Lahore, Pakistan

7School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, West Donggang Road 199, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China

8Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan

9School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, The University of Adelaide, Australia

10Institute of Microbiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

&These authors contributed equally to this work

Abstract

The ABO grouping of blood, comprising the four main types A, B, AB, and O, has been widely recognized for its significance in establishing the suitability of organ transplants and blood transfusions. Recent research has revealed the potential influence of ABO blood types on susceptibility to certain diseases. The current study uses an extensive review of the body of literature and epidemiological investigations to explore the relationships between ABO blood types and disorders that impact various organ systems. The focus lies on chronic ailments, encompassing certain types of cancer as well as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and infectious disorders. For example, those with A blood group may exhibit a higher susceptibility to developing peptic carcinoma, whereas individuals with blood type O may demonstrate a lower propensity for cardiovascular issues. The fundamental mechanisms of these interactions remain incompletely understood. The potential causes for the impact of ABO antigens on immunological responses, coagulation factors, inflammation, and interactions with pathogens are still under investigation. The presence of genetic and molecular variations within ABO blood types may contribute to differing susceptibilities to illnesses. This review examines the correlation between ABO blood types and susceptibility to diseases.

Keywords: ABO blood groups, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Hypertension, Infectious disease, Malaria

Nanobiosensors: application in healthcare, environmental monitoring and food safety

Qaisar Mahmood1*, Shahida Shaheen2, Muhammad Azeem1

1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32028, Bahrain

2Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohsar University, Murree, Pakistan

Abstract

This review article summarized the diverse kinds of nanobiosensors along with their uses in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety, while also defining present challenges and opportunities for future investigation and augmentation. In healthcare, for instance, they have been employed for glucose monitoring, cholesterol detection, antibiotic monitoring, and the production of new types of antibiotics that are effective against resistant strains. This enables a highly efficient method that is both accurate and reliable when detecting biomarkers. Nanobiosensors have been overwhelmingly successful in aiding in environmental monitoring. With its ability to effectively screen groundwater, detect pollutants, and monitor toxicity, this emerging technology has become a force to be reckoned with for detecting hazardous substances. Similarly, the food industry has seen remarkable benefits from nanobiosensors as well. The use of nanobiosensors for dynamic food safety monitoring enables prompt detection of dangerous foodborne pathogens and spoilage issues while providing real-time data on the quality of consumables. Even though nanobiosensors possess enormous potential, there are still numerous limitations to overcome.

Keywords: Nanobiosensors, Healthcare, Environmental monitoring, Food safety, Diagnosis, Monitoring, Antibiotics, Pollution

A review on stingless bee (kelulut) honey composition and its contribution to quality of honey products

Muhammad Nur Shazwan Jamzuri, Muhammad Amirun Che Hassan, Fisal Ahmad, Amir Izzwan Zamri, Muhamad Fauzi Mahmud, Shamsul Bahri Abdul Razak, Tuan Zainazor Tuan Chilek*

Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

 

Abstract

The kelulut farming industry in Malaysia has experienced exponential growth, driven by the increasing demand for kelulut honey, which can be attributed to the widespread dissemination of information about its benefits. Previously, many researchers worked out on factors responsible on improving the quality of honey. However, the data of honey as a food ingredient and its functions is lacking and should be retrieved in order to have a clear picture on the importance of the specific composition of honey-based products.  The composition of kelulut honey such as sugar contents, acidity, antioxidants, water content, minerals and Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) play an important role in determining the quality of kelulut honey. The illustrious Malaysian Standard MS2683: 2017 was firmly established with the noble objective of safeguarding the pristine purity and unparalleled excellence of both raw and processed kelulut honey, assuring their unwavering compliance with the exalted guidelines and unrivalled standards set forth. Generally, the utilization of kelulut honey as a preservative in food products are not fully discovered yet. In addition, the presence of good bacteria such as Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) contributes to a special attribute in kelulut honey. However, kelulut honey is also highly susceptible towards harmful bacteria such as Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and Shigella as reported in previous work. This may occur due to inappropriate handling of the kelulut honey during harvesting. Furthermore, kelulut honey as food ingredient which contains antibacterial value is very useful and can be used in food preservation due to its function in prolonging the shelf life. Therefore, the shelf life of honey and honey-based products are related with the composition, handling practice and the method of storage implementation throughout the food supply chain.

Keywords: Composition, Food ingredient, Food preservation, Kelulut honey, Shelf life

A review of current aspects of sars family, genome, database, drug, vaccine and its pathogenic member SARS-CoV-2

Rawaa AlChalabi1, Basma Kh. Alani1, Taisir K. Ibrahim2, AhmedAbdul Jabbar Suleiman3 

1Al-Nahrain University, College of Biotechnology, Baghdad, Iraq

2Tikrit University, College of Science, Biology Department, Saladin, Iraq

3Biotechnology Department, College of Science, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq

Abstract

The coronaviruses (CoV) show great diversity with respect to their genomic structures and the ability to infect animals and human beings. Multiple omics studies have been conducted to understand and identify the genome organization, immunological responses, and molecular markers for vaccine and drug development. However, due to constant mutational changes in the CoV-2 genome, the drug and vaccine development is becoming a challenge to target new variants. A tremendous amount of research is being carried out for vaccine development by utilizing bioinformatics and immunoinformatics, however, most of the developed vaccines are under trial. In this review, SARS family members are systematically illuminated for their differences, infections and mechanism of action along with recommendations to counter the new variants of CoV-2 through multi-omics, machine learning and structural bioinformatics techniques.

Keywords: SARS, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Pandemic, Coronaviruses, RNA viruses, MERS-CoV

Breeding wheat for leaf rust resistance: past, present and future

Muhammad Ijaz1, Amir Afzal1, Ghulam Shabbir2, Javed Iqbal1, Muhammad Rafique1

1Barani Agricultural Research Institute, Chakwal, Pakistan

2Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Leaf rust of wheat caused by (Puccinia triticina Eriks) proliferate under optimum weather conditions and causes severe damage. Diseases appeared in form of epidemics pose a real threat to food security rising the cost of food production. Breeding for development of resistant varieties against disease has advantages for ecological and monetary reasons, predominantly for peasants in the developing world. Sufficient research work has been conducted regarding pathogen host interaction mechanism. Two mechanisms of resistance are acquainted very well. Complete resistance function from seedling to adult growth stages whereas partial resistance becomes effective at the pre-booting stage and is more durable. Eighty leaf rust-resistant genes have been documented. Among these leaf rust-resistant genes Lr12, Lr13, Lr22a, Lr34, Lr35, Lr37, Lr46, Lr48, Lr49, Lr67, Lr68, Lr74, Lr75, Lr77, and Lr78 are adult plant resistant (APR) genes. Fear of genetic erosion is also well known. It means cultivars grown on a wide range with narrow genetic backgrounds and this situation is undesired as it may invite an epidemic. It has been experienced repeatedly in past decades. Wide genetic diversity in parents can promise to achieve maximum output from the breeding programmes. Sources of resistance other than Triticum aestivum are rich in diversity and consequently have been addressed adequately. Usage of relatives of wheat plant as a source of novel genes belonging to genera Triticum, Aegilops, Thinopyrum and Secale has generated more desired output. Molecular markers are being applied to explore diversity in pathogen as well as in host effectively although conventional approaches are being used as well. Status of research work carried in Pakistan has also been discussed in abridged form. This review has been conducted with an objective to summarize research work academic as well as applied, carried to develop strategies to incorporate genetic resistance in wheat against leaf rust.

Keywords: Leaf rust, Brown rust, Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), Disease resistance, Molecular markers, Genetic erosion

Metabolomics approaches for early cancer diagnosis: a review

Ali Zineddine Boumehira1,2, Yasmine Fatima Akchiche2, Wissam Cherfi2, Oualid Talhi3, Reda Djidjik4,5, Daniel Joe Dailin6, Ting Ho7, Hesham Ali El Enshasy6,8*

1Ecole Nationale Supérieure Agronomique – ENSA, El Harrach, Algiers, Algeria

2University of Algiers, Faculty of Sciences, LVBRN, Algiers, Algeria

3Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques CRAPC, Bou-Ismail, Tipaza, Algeria

4University of Algiers, Faculty of Medicine, LVBRN, Algiers, Algeria

5Department of Immunology, Issaad Hassani Hospital, Beni Messous, Algiers, Algeria

6Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor, Malaysia

7Global Agro Innovation (HK) Limited, Hong Kong

8City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Burg Al Arab, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Cancer remains a major burden on global public health with high mortality rates worldwide. Current diagnosis can detect cancer in late stages when therapy options become limited. Early diagnosis is broadly recognized as the key to a better treatment to save lives. The metabolomics approach provides a better understanding of the different types of cancer. They offer promising and potential interventions in biomarkers discovery which eventually will be better suited for individualized medicine. It elucidates endpoint products for other omic processes while significantly improving the understanding of pathogenesis and mechanisms yet to be discovered. Metabolomics offers a less-invasive, cost-effective for predicting, screening, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring therapeutic responses of the disease. There are two methods to study the metabolism and metabolites: targeted and untargeted. The workflow of these approaches requires different analytical platforms, such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and different bioinformatic tools. This review provides a systematic summary of metabolomics methods in identifying metabolic biomarkers of cancers (colorectal, prostate, breast, bladder, pancreas, lung, and buccal cancers). In addition, the current review will try to shed light on DNA lesions as a potential metabolic biomarker for cancer.

 

Keywords: Cancer, Metabolomics, NMR, Early diagnosis, DNA lesions