Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Biologia

Abstracts of The Biota Conference, May 17-18, 2024, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

2024-06-30

This issue contains the Abstracts presented at The Biota Conference, May 17-18, 2024, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Designing a multi-epitope candidate vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 through in silico approach for producing in plant systems

Fatemeh GOUDARZIASL — 2024-06-30

The COVID-19 is considered as a type of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). The current pandemic causes a vital destruction in international social and economic systems. Current available vaccines involve entire viruses; however, peptide-based vaccines could be also beneficial. In the present study, a computationally candidate vaccine was designed against SARS-CoV-2. Surface glycoproteins (E, M, and S proteins) and N protein amino acid sequences were analyzed to predict high score of the B and T cell epitopes as antigenic proteins of the virus. High score epitopes, and the B subunit of Vibrio cholerae toxin, as an adjuvant put together by appropriate linkers to construct a multi-epitope candidate vaccine. Bioinformatics tools were used to predict the secondary, tertiary structure and physicochemical properties, such as aliphatic index, theoretical pH, molecular weight, and estimated half-life of the multi-epitope candidate vaccine. The interaction of candidate vaccine with TLR2 and TLR4 was computationally evaluated by molecular docking. Finally, the codon optimization and the secondary structure of mRNA were calculated, and in silico cloning was performed into plant expression vector by SnapGENE. This designed candidate vaccine along with the computational results requires laboratory evaluations to be confirmed as a candidate vaccine against SARS-COV-2 infection.

Article history: Received 04 August 2023; Revised 20 January 2024;
Accepted 25 January 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Induction of oxidative stress in a variety of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf) exposed to recommended doses of pesticides

Djamila HAFSI — 2024-06-30

The objective of this study was to assess the toxicity of two pesticides (Prosaro^® XRT and Decis^® EC 25) widely used in the agricultural region of El-Tarf located in northeastern Algeria, as well as their combinations on a variety of durum wheat “Triticum durum Desf”. The toxicity of these products was evaluated using physiological (chlorophyll) and biochemical parameters (proteins, glutathione, catalase activity and glutathione S-transferase, acetylcholine esterase, lipoxygenase). The recommended dose and its double were tested individually and in combination for this. It should be noted that the protocol used and the initial concentrations selected are the same as those used in the field. After D7 and D14 of exposure, all dosages were administered. The results obtained revealed a decrease in chlorophyll contents and Glutathione levels as well as an induction of total proteins and the different enzymatic activity (catalase, glutathione S-transferase, lipooxygenase) and this for the two root and leaf compartments. Thus, it turns out that the concentrations used in open fields are not harmful to the plant but generate free radicals which are taken care of by the latter’s defense system, thus allowing it to tolerate these stress conditions.

Article history: Received 18 September 2023; Revised 16 April 2024;
Accepted 10 May 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Impact of plant-based nanoparticles synthesized from Carica papaya and Bryophyllum pinnatum against selected microorganisms

Francis Aibuedefe IGIEBOR — 2024-06-30

Plant-based nanoparticles offer sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional methods, promising antibacterial properties in the face of antibiotic resistance and addressing global health concerns. Five urine and stool samples were collected from the Benin Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, and sent to the Wellspring University Research Laboratory for microbiological analysis. Carica papaya and Bryophyllum pinnatum were used for fresh utilization by washing, weighing, and crushing their leaves, then mixing them with distilled water and heating at 85 °C and 60 °C for 60 minutes. Silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNPs and CuNPs) were synthesized using standard procedures. The NPs were preliminary validated by visual detection of color changes and characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer at 300 nm and Fourier transform infrared. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five isolates: S. aureus, B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five clinical strains displaying multiple resistance to antibiotics: S. aureus,
B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The agar-well diffusion method showed inhibition of the isolates by plant-mediated NPs but no inhibition by the plant extract alone. The study indicates that plant-mediated NPs exhibit promising antimicrobial activity, promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness, but further research is needed to assess their safety and efficacy in clinical settings.

Article history: Received 24 November 2023; Revised 19 February 2024;
Accepted 16 May 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Lipid classes and fatty acid composition of Thapsia garganica L. seeds oil

Halima NEBEG — 2024-06-30

This study focused on characterizing the seed oil of Thapsia garganica (Apiaceae), a medicinal plant native to Laghouat, Algeria, and evaluating its antioxidant properties. Various solvent systems were employed to extract and fractionate the lipid content of T. garganica seeds oil. Chemical indices were determined, and fatty acids methyl esters were analyzed using GC/MS. Tocopherol composition was assessed via HPLC, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphényl 1-picrylhydrazyle (DPPH) method. The GC/MS analysis revealed distinct fatty acid profiles across various fractions, highlighting a notable presence of petroselinic acid and higher-than-usual levels of pentadecanoic acid in all fractions. T. garganica oil exhibited richness in tocopherols, particularly with α-tocopherol being the predominant homolog. The antioxidant activity assessment of different lipid fractions indicated potent activity within polar lipids (glycolipids and phospholipids). Furthermore, T. garganica oil was abundant in unsaturated fatty acids, notably petroselinic acid, displaying significant radical scavenging activity in its polar fractions.

Article history: Received 28 November 2023; Revised 16 April 2024;
Accepted 10 June 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Characterization of Celosia argentea Linn. germplasm using ISSR markers

Odunayo Joseph OLAWUYI — 2024-06-30

Celosia argentea is an annual leafy vegetable popularly known for its dietary and medicinal values. Hence, it is important to preserve and further improve this vegetable to enhance its numerous benefits. This study therefore investigated the genetic variability among different genotypes of C. argentea using ISSR primers. A total of 15 C. argentea genotypes were sourced from National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) in Ibadan, Nigeria and 10 genotypes sourced from different markets. The open field experiment was set up in a completely randomized design. Seeds of each cultivar were grown, and seedlings transplanted. Fresh young apical leaves were harvested. DNA was extracted from young frozen apical leaves. Six ISSR primers were optimized and used in PCR with a touch-down procedure in a thermocycler. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed, and bands were visualized. Molecular data was analyzed for total gene diversity, while morphological data was analyzed using ANOVA. The genotypes of NGB recorded the highest mean performance for plant height, leaf biomass and seed weight, while the A00 genotypes were observed to have higher values of leaf length, leaf area and root biomass. The principal component analysis showed that the first component accounted for 42% of the total variation. The correlation matrix for growth, agronomic and yield characters show highly significant positive relationship among the growth characters at P<0.05. Primer UBC-866(CTC)₆ was highly polymorphic. Genotype A005 performed best for growth characters while NGB00182 performed best for yield characters. Genetic assessment and improvements in C. argenta germplasm play key role in future studies and improvements of vegetable crop.

Article history: Received 27 January 2024; Revised 20 February 2024;
Accepted 10 May 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Adaptation of the diaphonization protocol and the highlight of some significant structures development in the chicken embryo (Gallus gallus) skeleton

Leonard CALISTRU — 2024-06-30

Diaphonization is a technique used in developmental biology, anatomy, and comparative morphology to visualize and study the internal structures of small organisms. In this study, we used diaphonization to visualize the development of chicken embryos (Gallus gallus). Diaphonization was performed on chicken eggs at different stages of development, from 10 to 13 days of incubation, and the resulting specimens were analyzed using microscopy. The results suggest that for embryos older than 14 days, a longer storage time in 1% KOH is recommended (approximately 30% longer incubation time compared to the original protocol). In the case of more developed chicken embryos, it is also recommended to carry out evisceration. These results provide insight into the early stages of avian development and may have applications in the fields of developmental biology and anatomy.

Article history: Received 14 February 2024; Revised 19 April 2024;
Accepted 10 June 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Diversity of arthropods subservient to olive groves in arid region (Northeastern Algeria)

Hayet MIMECHE — 2024-06-30

Olea europaea L. 1753, is one of the oldest and most distinctive trees in the Mediterranean region. Its nutritional, social, cultural, and economic value is very important for populations in arid regions, where it is widely distributed. A sign of a sustainable environment in many agricultural regions is the existence of a wide variety and abundance of arthropod groups. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the diversity of arthropods subservientin in olive agro-systems in the arid region by using several sampling techniques, namely classic sight hunting, visual inspection, Barber pots, and yellow traps. The inventory is carried out over a period of 5 months, from February to June 2023, in three stations in M’Sila (northeastern Algeria). Three classes of arthropods were found: Insecta, Arachnida, and Malacostraca. Captures were numerically dominated by Insecta, representing 96.88% of total captures. Arachnida and Malacostraca classes represented about 2.74 and 0.38%, respectively. During this research, a total of 1861 arthropod individuals were collected and identified into 83 species, 79 genera, 53 families, and 15 orders. The most abundant orders were: Diptera (42.56%), Hymenoptera (28.11%), and Coleoptera (7.32%). However, we found a significant difference in species composition according to habitat (P < 0.01). The species were determined, and the ecological indices were calculated (Shannon Value, Evenness values and Simpson reciprocal index). The dominant functional feeding groups were phytophages (41.91 %), predators (32.94%), and polyphages (22.14%). The arthropods included several olive pests such as Euphyllura olivina (Costa) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), Prays oleae (Bernard) (Lepidoptera: Praydidae), Liothrips oleae Costa (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae), and Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer) (Arachnida: Eriophyidae).

Article history: Received 08 March 2024; Revised 26 April 2024;
Accepted 10 June 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

MATN1 gene variant (rs1065755) and malocclusion risk: Evidence from Romanian population analysis

Adina Maria TOPÂRCEAN — 2024-06-30

Malocclusion, characterized by its diverse phenotypic expression, significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Over recent years, extensive attention has been directed towards the genetic basis of this condition, particularly focusing on various polymorphisms of the MATN1 gene. Among these, the rs1065755 polymorphism has emerged as particularly relevant, associated with an elevated risk of mandibular prognathism. In this study, employing DNA sequencing, we investigated the extent of association between the rs1065755 SNP and malocclusion risk within the Romanian population. Our approach concentrated on assessing continuous phenotypic variation through four cephalometric measurements, aiming for a comprehensive understanding beyond categorical phenotypes. The findings shed light on the relationship between the MATN1 rs1065755 SNP and the investigated dentofacial disorder, revealing a positive association between TT homozygous individuals and Class II skeletal malocclusion. However, further investigations employing larger sample sizes are necessary to validate these findings conclusively.

Article history: Received 27 March 2024; Revised 06 May 2024;
Accepted 10 May 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Characterization and biocontrol potential of some rhizobacteria against fungal pathogens causing foliar diseases in maize

Akinlolu Olalekan AKANMU — 2024-06-30

Maize is one of the most consumed cereal crops worldwide, and it is a strategic crop to the attainment of SDG 2 of Zero hunger. Despite its importance, the cultivation of maize has been significantly impaired by fungal pathogens causing foliar diseases. The occurrence of this disease in maize plantations at the Research Farm of the North-West University, Molelwane, Mafikeng, South Africa prompted this investigation. Samples of diseased maize rhizosphere soil were aseptically collected. Bacteria species associated with the rhizosphere were isolated and characterized as Bacillus siamensis, Enterobacter asburiae, Enterobacter chengduensis, Priestia aryabhattai, Burkholderia sp., Priestia megaterium strain AOA6 and Priestia megaterium strain AOA7. The anti-fungicidal potentials of the bacterial species were evaluated against pathogenic fungal species, Nigrospora sphaerica, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium equiseti in-vitro. The percentage mycelia growths were calculated and the data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS version 9.8. All the seven bacteria isolates tested positive to ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and ACC deaminase tests. The percentage mycelia inhibition showed Nigrospora sphaerica (36.29%), A. alternata (26.19%) and F. equiseti (20.63%) as the order of fungal inhibition by the bacteria species. Furthermore, E. asburiae > P. megatarium strain AOA7 > B. siamensis > P. aryabhattai > E. chengduensis > Bulkholderia sp. were the order of antifungal efficacy of the bacteria species evaluated. In conclusion, the efficacy of the bacteria especially E. asburiae, P. megatarium strain AOA7 and B. siamensis over various fungal pathogens. The result obtained, therefore, justifies the further investigation, formulation and deployment of the bacteria species as biofungicide in the management of foliar diseases of maize.

Article history: Received 27 January 2024; Revised 29 March 2024;
Accepted 10 May 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.

Potential innovations from the application of beneficial soil microbes to promote sustainable crop production

Chinenyenwa Fortune CHUKWUNEME — 2024-06-30

Crop productivity may be significantly inhibited by factors, such as increased temperature, soil erosion, pathogen and pest attacks, and drought and salt stresses, mostly resulting from global climate change. However, microorganisms that are found in the rhizosphere can aid in the mobilization of essential soil nutrients, facilitate plant growth, and reduce abiotic and biotic stresses of plants. Soil microbes accomplish these beneficial functions via several mechanisms. Here, an elaborate description of the molecular mechanisms of plant growth-promotion by soil microbes and the potential of these organisms to be used as biofertilizers and biopesticides to improve plant health is provided. In addition, the possible revolution that could be realized by the synergism of these beneficial microbes with nanotechnology is discussed. While the use of biofertilizers to enhance plant growth has been demonstrated to be a beneficial phenomenon, this approach has often failed to yield the desired result in field applications. However, identifying microbial species with beneficial attributes and combining them with nanotechnology tools like nanoencapsulation and biosensors could lead to the formulation of important agriproducts (nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilizers) that will ensure sustained delivery of the agriproducts and facilitate early detection and proper management of plant pests and diseases. It is anticipated that precision farming will improve agricultural sustainability by increasing crop production for the steadily increasing world population.

Article history: Received 27 March 2023; Revised 04 January 2024;
Accepted 15 January 2024; Available online 30 June 2024.