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Review Article
Bioinformatics and Genomics: The Integration of Computational Tools in Understanding Biological Data
Awafung Emmanuel Adie*
,
Justin Atiang Beshel,
Val Hyginus Udoka Eze,
Pius Erheyovwe Bubu,
Martin Abreka,
Eke Christian Maduabuchi,
Bilkisu Farouk,
Kibirige David,
Precious Onyedika Chijioke
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
189-196
Received:
8 May 2025
Accepted:
21 May 2025
Published:
12 November 2025
Abstract: Bioinformatics is a crucial interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and mathematics to analyze and interpret complex biological data, especially genomic information. The use of computational tools has transformed our ability to manage, analyze, and visualize large datasets produced by high-throughput sequencing technologies. This review examines the essential roles of these tools in various bioinformatics applications, such as data management, sequence alignment, variant calling, and gene expression analysis. It emphasizes the importance of advanced methodologies, including machine learning and artificial intelligence, in improving predictive modeling and revealing patterns within biological data. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges the field faces, such as data volume, the integration of diverse data types, and the necessity for standardized protocols. It also explores future directions, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and the creation of user-friendly computational platforms. By utilizing innovative approaches and tackling existing challenges, bioinformatics is well-positioned to enhance our understanding of biological systems, ultimately leading to significant progress in personalized medicine, cancer genomics, and systems biology. This review highlights the vital role of computational tools in connecting raw biological data with meaningful insights, enabling discoveries that can improve health outcomes and deepen our understanding of complex biological processes.
Abstract: Bioinformatics is a crucial interdisciplinary field that combines biology, computer science, and mathematics to analyze and interpret complex biological data, especially genomic information. The use of computational tools has transformed our ability to manage, analyze, and visualize large datasets produced by high-throughput sequencing technologies...
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Research Article
Improvement of Growth and Biomass of Rice (Oryza sp., Nerica L14 Variety) by Mineral Fertilization over Two Successive Ratoon Cycles
Kouakou Olivier Konan,
Kouadio Edouard Yves Gilchrist*,
Kone Brahima Brahima,
Otron Houa Daniel,
Dick Acka Emmanuel
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
197-209
Received:
7 October 2025
Accepted:
21 October 2025
Published:
26 November 2025
Abstract: Rice, one of the world’s main cereal crops, is not only a source of grain, but also of straw. However, global rice production remains insufficient, particularly in West Africa, where extensive farming is hampered by demographic and economic pressures. Intensification systems, including the cultivation of rice ratoon from improved varieties, appear to offer a promising solution. This study, conducted in Ivory Coast, aimed to assess the effects of the mineral fertilization on the growth and biomass production of NERICA L14 rice ratoons across two successive cycles. Fertilizer rates of 100 kg.ha-1 nitrogen 55 kg.ha-1 phosphorus, 150 kg.ha-1 potassium, 33 kg·ha-1 calcium, 15 kg.ha-1 magnesium, and 10 kg.ha-1 zinc were applied, along with an unfertilized control plot (0 kg.ha-1). The experiment was conducted in a randomised complete block design with four replications. Before ratooning, all elementary plots had received a basal application of 200 kg.ha-1 NPK (10-18-18) and 35 kg.ha-1 urea (46% N) at tillering and heading stages of the main crop. Observations and measurements were conducted on plant height, tiller density, and straw yield. Successive ratoon cycle exerted a depressive effect on both growth (reductions of up to 31.37% for plant height, and 42.41% for tillering), and straw yield (reduction of up to 65.87%) from one cycle to the next. Applications of nitrogen (73.15 and 65.05 cm for first and second cycles; 611 tillers.m-2 and 2,898.44 kg.ha-1 in total), zinc (70.6 and 61.88 cm; 565 tillers.m-2 and 2,296.88 kg.ha-1) and potassium (71.6 and 59.08 cm; 584 tillers.m-2 and 2,187.50 kg.ha-1) significantly increased these parameters, whereas calcium (66.28 and 50.9 cm; 465 tillers.m-2 and 1,914.06 kg.ha-1) exhibited a neutral to depressive effect across all ratoon cycles. Consequently, nitrogen, zinc, and potassium can be recommended as part of a rational fertilization strategy in ratoon culture, aiming to enhance vegetative growth and straw production of rice in Ivory Coast.
Abstract: Rice, one of the world’s main cereal crops, is not only a source of grain, but also of straw. However, global rice production remains insufficient, particularly in West Africa, where extensive farming is hampered by demographic and economic pressures. Intensification systems, including the cultivation of rice ratoon from improved varieties, appear ...
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Research Article
Resistance to Beta-lactams by Klebsiella Co-Producing Resistance Enzymes at the Pietro Annigoni Research Centre (CERBA)
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
210-217
Received:
10 August 2025
Accepted:
20 August 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: The misuse of antibiotics promotes the development of multi-resistance in bacteria both biochemically and genetically, as well as its ability to transmit to other bacteria. These microorganisms are capable of simultaneously producing resistance enzymes through resistance mechanisms that allow them to resist various classes of antibiotics at the same time and thus become multi-resistant. Our objective was to study resistance to beta-lactams by Klebsiella co-producing resistance enzymes isolated at the Pietro Annigoni Research Center (CERBA). The isolation and purification of bacterial strains isolated from stools, vaginal swabs and urine of internal and external patients of CERBA, were carried out on selective media and Muller Hinton (MH). The antibiogram was carried out according to the disk diffusion method. The API 20E biochemical gallery (Bio Mérieux, France) was used for the identification of enterobacteria and the blaNDM, blaSHV and blaTOHO genes were detected by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A total of one hundred and twenty-two (122) strains of Gram-negative bacilli were collected and identified. Among them we have 23.77% (29/122) strains of Klebsiella including 86.21% isolated from urine, 6.90% isolated from stool and 6.90% isolated from vaginal swab. The antibiogram showed that all 29 Klebsiella strains were resistant to at least one of the beta-lactams studied, including 93.10% resistance to amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, 37.93% resistance to ceftazidime, 27.59% resistance to ceftriaxone, 44.83% to cefotaxime, 20.70% to imipenem and 24.14% to aztreonam. Among the 29 Klebsiella strains 24.13% were non-carriers of resistance genes and 76.86% of the strains were carriers of at least one of the resistance genes. However, 62.06% of Klebsiella strains harbor the bla SHV gene, 41.38% of strains harbored blaNDM versus 10.34% of strains carrying the bla TOHO gene. Among the Klebsiella strains, 37.93% of the strains had coexistences of the genes, blaSHV + blaNDM, blaSHV + blaTOHO and blaTOHO + blaNDM respectively. However, the blaSHV gene was most common in Klebsiella (Klebsiella sp and Klebsiella pneumoniae), followed by the bla NDM gene and the bla TOHO gene. This study has highlighted the multi-resistance of Klebsiella strains co-producing ESBLs of the blaNDM, blaSHV and blaTOHO type. The co-production of genes by certain strains, particularly Klebsiella strains, requires the development of new strategies in scientific research in order to find effective therapeutic solutions to destroy multi-resistant bacteria.
Abstract: The misuse of antibiotics promotes the development of multi-resistance in bacteria both biochemically and genetically, as well as its ability to transmit to other bacteria. These microorganisms are capable of simultaneously producing resistance enzymes through resistance mechanisms that allow them to resist various classes of antibiotics at the sam...
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Research Article
Dose-response of Bergamot Juice as a Post-emergence Bioherbicide on Young and Established Weed Regrowth Under Field Conditions in South-western Cote d'Ivoire
Eric-Olivier Tienebo*,
Desire Anicet Kouassi,
Alahou Andre Gabaze Gadji,
Mienfoun Makoni Audrey Goueu,
Wonhna Marc Soro,
Kouassi Armand Ekra,
Massiata Dagnogo,
Olga Droh,
Herve Kanga-Eba,
Kouakou Theodore Kouadio,
Kouabenan Abo
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
218-233
Received:
20 November 2025
Accepted:
4 December 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20251306.14
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Abstract: The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design to test five application rates (1,500, 1,200, 900, 600, and 300 L ha-1) on two contrasting weed communities: young regrowth (one week after mowing) and established weeds (four months after mowing). Efficacy was assessed over 60 days using the Henderson-Tilton formula and the European Weed Research Council (EWRC) rating scale. Soil pH was analyzed post-trial to detect acidification. A central finding was the stark contrast in efficacy based on weed growth stage. On established weeds, the rates of 1,500 L ha-1 and 900 L ha-1 provided the best control, with a residual activity of 30-45 days and efficacy >90% for up to 45 Days After Application (DAA). In sharp contrast, the treatment was largely ineffective on young regrowth, with even the highest doses providing only transient control that declined to very poor efficacy (≤31%) by 60 DAA. Results demonstrated that bergamot juice provided effective control of a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds, including Phyllanthus amarus and Ageratum conyzoides, but showed poor efficacy against several grass species, particularly Paspalum dilatatum. Critically, no significant or consistent changes in soil pH were detected following application. The findings confirm that bergamot juice is a viable contact bioherbicide for managing established broadleaf weeds without impacting soil acidity but is not suitable for controlling young regrowth. Further research is needed to optimize application strategies, determine its economic feasibility, and fully elucidate its efficacy spectrum for commercial adoption.
Abstract: The search for effective and environmentally sustainable bioherbicides is a key objective in integrated weed management. This study evaluated the herbicidal potential of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) juice, a by-product of the essential oil industry, based on its high acetic acid content. Field experiments were conducted using a randomized complete bl...
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