Stress granules are membraneless organelles that serve as a protective cellular response to external stressors by sequestering non-translating messenger RNAs(mRNAs)and regulating protein synthesis.Stress granules form...Stress granules are membraneless organelles that serve as a protective cellular response to external stressors by sequestering non-translating messenger RNAs(mRNAs)and regulating protein synthesis.Stress granules formation mechanism is conserved across species,from yeast to mammals,and they play a critical role in minimizing cellular damage during stress.Composed of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein complexes,stress granules are enriched not only in mRNAs but also in noncoding RNAs and various proteins,including translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins.Genetic mutations affecting stress granule assembly and disassembly can lead to abnormal stress granule accumulation,contributing to the progression of several diseases.Recent research indicates that stress granule dynamics are pivotal in determining their physiological and pathological functions,with acute stress granule formation offering protection and chronic stress granule accumulation being detrimental.This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of stress granules under diverse physiological conditions,such as regulation of mRNA transport,mRNA translation,apoptosis,germ cell development,phase separation processes that govern stress granule formation,and their emerging implications in pathophysiological scenarios,such as viral infections,cancer,neurodevelopmental disorders,neurodegeneration,and neuronal trauma.展开更多
Several studies report the problem of cardiovascular tolerance of treatments with neuroleptics, given the important number of morbidities in patients with mental illnesses. This preliminary work aimed to describe the ...Several studies report the problem of cardiovascular tolerance of treatments with neuroleptics, given the important number of morbidities in patients with mental illnesses. This preliminary work aimed to describe the epidemiological and biological profile of patients taking neuroleptics and followed in the psychiatry department of Brazzaville University Hospital, from the angle of cardiovascular risk. Fifty (50) patients (17 men and 33 women), with a mean age of 33.9 10.7 years, were included. Epidemiological data (sex, age, tobacco or alcohol consumption) were collected on pre-established survey forms. Biochemical (total cholesterol, HDL-c, triglycerides and atherogenicity index) and inflammatory parameters (ultra-sensitive CRP, troponin I and NT-ProBNP) were investigated using enzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence technical, respectively. The results obtained showed that 54% of patients were obese, 94% were non-smokers, and 12% had high blood pressure. 10% of patients had high total cholesterol levels and 90% had HDL cholesterol levels below 60 mg/dl. Triglycerides and atherogenicity index were significantly elevated in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI). Ultrasensitive CRP was elevated in 38% of patients. In conclusion, this study revealed an association between lipid parameters (triglycerides and atherogenicity index) in relation to BMI in patients taking neuroleptics followed in the Psychiatry Department of University Hospital Center of Brazzaville.展开更多
Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More r...Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.展开更多
The peculiar attributes of muscles that are stretched when active have been noted for nearly a century.Understandably,the focus of muscle physiology has been primarily on shortening and isometric contractions,as eloqu...The peculiar attributes of muscles that are stretched when active have been noted for nearly a century.Understandably,the focus of muscle physiology has been primarily on shortening and isometric contractions,as eloquently revealed by A.V.Hill and subsequently by his students.When the sliding filament theory was introduced by A.F.Huxley and H.E.Huxley,it was a relatively simple task to link Hill's mechanical observations to the actions of the cross bridges during these shortening and isometric contractions.In contrast,lengthening or eccentric contractions have remained somewhat enigmatic.Dismissed as necessarily causing muscle damage,eccentric contractions have been much more difficult to fit into the cross-bridge theory.The relatively recent discovery of the giant elastic sarcomeric filament titin has thrust a previously missing element into any discussion of muscle function,in particular during active stretch.Indeed,the unexpected contribution of giant elastic proteins to muscle contractile function is highlighted by recent discoveries that twitchin-actin interactions are responsible for the"catch"property of invertebrate muscle.In this review,we examine several current theories that have been proposed to account for the properties of muscle during eccentric contraction.We ask how well each of these explains existing data and how an elastic filament can be incorporated into the sliding filament model.Finally,we review the increasing body of evidence for the benefits of including eccentric contractions into a program of muscle rehabilitation and strengthening.展开更多
Field trials on the management of soil biological fertility with aim to increasing corn production were conducted in a savannah region of the DR-Congo. Three organic matters including fresh biomass of Entada abyssinic...Field trials on the management of soil biological fertility with aim to increasing corn production were conducted in a savannah region of the DR-Congo. Three organic matters including fresh biomass of Entada abyssinica, Tithonia diversifolia, Stylosanthes gracilis and a mineral combination of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) (115-63-0) along with a control (without fertilization) were evaluated for corn crop growth and production. The field trial was a completely randomized design with four replicates. Plant height, basal stem diameter, and yield components were assessed. Irrespective of fertilization treatments and variety, maize showed a similar growth up to 20 days after sowing (DAS), and then two distinct trends were observed. At 60 DAS, plant height and basal diameter were significantly bigger in plots treated with NP, T. diversifolia and E. abyssinica compared to S. gracilis treatment and control (NoF). This pattern was also confirmed with agronomic traits such as cob length, number of kernel per cob, and net grain yield. The local variety was the least productive under any treatment. In general, the response of corn crop to organic and inorganic fertilization showed that the mineral combination (NP) increased the most grain yield and other yield components compared to unfertilized trial, followed by T. divessifolia and E. abyssinica. NP and T. diversifolia treatments increased significantly and equally soil potassium content compared to control and other treatments. Application of T. diversifolia appears a more cost effective approach for small farmers to improving fertility of the oxisol prevailing in Central Africa compared to mineral fertilizers.展开更多
Spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)is a genetic condition that results in selective lower motor neuron loss with concomitant muscle weakness and atrophy.The genetic cause of SMA was understood in 1995 when loss or impairment...Spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)is a genetic condition that results in selective lower motor neuron loss with concomitant muscle weakness and atrophy.The genetic cause of SMA was understood in 1995 when loss or impairment of the survival motor neuron 1(SMN1)gene was identified as the main contributing factor(Lefebvre et al.,1995).This,in combination with the discovery that humans have a“back-up”gene,SMN2,which can produce low levels(approximately 10%)of the full-length functional SMN protein,has led to the generation of SMA-specific gene therapies.SMA was traditionally classified according to age of symptom onset and developmental milestones achieved,with life expectancy and severity varying between individuals.Now,SMN2 copy number is used as a proxy for the prediction of disease severity,with higher SMN2 copy number typically being associated with reduced severity of SMA,although this relationship is not absolute:some individuals with low SMN2 copy number have less severe SMA phenotypes and vice versa.Additionally,the etiology of SMA is further complicated by other factors,such as non-typical nucleotide variants and SMN2-independent modifiers of disease severity.展开更多
Sustaining a reliable and contaminant-free drinking water is becoming an increasing challenge worldwide due to human activity, industrial waste, and agricultural overuse. Surface water is the main source of drinking w...Sustaining a reliable and contaminant-free drinking water is becoming an increasing challenge worldwide due to human activity, industrial waste, and agricultural overuse. Surface water is the main source of drinking water around the world. However, groundwater is also becoming increasingly popular, due to its clarity and minimal need for processing to reduce turbidity. Over the years, the demand and growth in the agricultural industry has also been the means of groundwater contamination. Due to the health burden that raw water can pose, water must be processed and purified prior to consumption. Raw water quality can be compromised by physical, chemical (heavy metals and disinfection by-products), and biological contaminants. Biological contaminants can significantly impact immunocompromised populations, while chemical contaminants can impact the growth and development of young children. Although obtaining a steady and high-quality water flow to the general population is an increasing challenge, developed countries have utilized state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to provide contaminant-free water to their citizens. This research aims to provide information about the regulatory parameters, characteristics, and sources of safe drinking water in the world as a model for future use in the developing world. In this, secondary data was used to compare and contrast drinking water quality among countries in the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The data indicates that Ireland and the United Kingdom have relatively lower amounts of contaminants in their drinking water. Upon completing this research, it is recommended that countries desiring clean drinking water systems should initiate and invest in programs that control and protect treatment plants, water distribution systems, water sources, and catchments.展开更多
Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) can play an efficient role in soil by solubilizing insoluble forms of silicates. In addition to this some SSB can also solubilize potassium and phosphates, hence increasing soil fe...Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) can play an efficient role in soil by solubilizing insoluble forms of silicates. In addition to this some SSB can also solubilize potassium and phosphates, hence increasing soil fertility and enhancing plant defense mechanisms. A total of 111 bacterial strains were isolated from various habitats of Pakistan and screened for solubilization of silicate, phosphate and potassium on respective media. Out of these, 35 bacterial isolates were capable of solubilizing either silicate, phosphate or potassium. Amongst these 7 bacterial isolates were capable of solubilizing all three minerals tested. The highest silicate (zone diameter 54 mm) and phosphate solubilization (zone diameter 55 mm) was observed for bacterial isolate NR-2 while the highest potassium solubilization was observed for NE-4b (zone diameter 11 mm). Dual culture antagonistic assays were carried out by using these bacterial isolates against four plant pathogenic fungi Magnaporthae grisae, Rhizoctonia solani, Altarnaria alternata and Macrophomina pheasolina. Mean zone of inhibition of these bacterial isolates against the four pathogenic fungi ranged between 4 mm to 39 mm. The largest zone of inhibition against all four bacterial strains was recorded for bacterial isolate NR-2 followed by NE-4b. These strains will be further investigated for their plant growth promoting activities in the future.展开更多
Greenhouse horticultural production currently represents an important and growing sector of Canada's food and plant production systems. Since 2006,the value of greenhouse vegetable crops in Canada exceeds that of ...Greenhouse horticultural production currently represents an important and growing sector of Canada's food and plant production systems. Since 2006,the value of greenhouse vegetable crops in Canada exceeds that of field grown crops,signaling an important shift in the way food is cultivated in the country. While many factors have contributed to this change,a major area of innovation includes the discoveries and advances made in the development of commercial greenhouse production systems as well as the integration of biological control strategies for sustainable pest management. With this focus,this review offers a brief overview of the Canadian greenhouse industry,including a descriptive list of commonly used biological control organisms,as well as the role Canadian research has played in the development of these agents. We also address the threats that Canadian greenhouse producers face by invasive pests and the complications these have created for the commercialization of novel biological control agents. This information may serve as a guide for the development of parallel technologies and tools in other parts of the world where greenhouse production is expanding.展开更多
A steady rise in the overall population is creating an overburden on crops due to their global demand.On the other hand,given the current climate change and population growth,agricultural practices established during ...A steady rise in the overall population is creating an overburden on crops due to their global demand.On the other hand,given the current climate change and population growth,agricultural practices established during the Green Revolution are no longer viable.Consequently,innovative practices are the prerequisite of the time struggle with the rising global food demand.The potential of nanotechnology to reduce the phytotoxic effects of these ecological restrictions has shown significant promise.Nanoparticles(NPs)typically enhance plant resilience to stressors by fortifying the physical barrier,optimizing photosynthesis,stimulating enzymatic activity for defense,elevating the concentration of stress-resistant compounds,and activating the expression of genes associated with defense mechanisms.In this review,we thoroughly cover the uptake and translocations of NPs crops and their potential valuable functions in enhancing plant growth and development at different growth stages.Additionally,we addressed how NPs improve plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.Generally,this review presents a thorough understanding of the significance of NPs in plants and their prospective value for plant antioxidant and crop development.展开更多
Introduction: Haemolytic anaemia (HA) is defined as a decrease in haemoglobin (Hb) levels below baseline due to excessive and premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in the periphery resulting in a shortened l...Introduction: Haemolytic anaemia (HA) is defined as a decrease in haemoglobin (Hb) levels below baseline due to excessive and premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in the periphery resulting in a shortened life span of less than 120 days. Haemolysis can be corpuscular or extra-corpuscular. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors associated with it for optimal management of patients hospitalised in internal medicine at the Douala General Hospital (DGH). Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study, including all patients admitted to the internal medicine department of the DGH from 11 February to 20 May 2022, and excluding patients with non-compliant samples. The search for haemolytic anaemia was carried out by means of blood count, reticulocyte count, blood smear, unconjugated bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and direct Coombs test. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological parameters were collected and analysed. Correlation was defined for a p value 0.05. Results: This study included 147 patients, 50.34% of whom were men, for a sex ratio of 1.01. The mean age was 52 ± 17.9 years. The most represented age group was 56 - 70 years (n = 49;33%) with extremes from 15 to 90 years. We counted 29.3% cases of haemolytic anaemia (HA) and 13.9% cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Haemolytic anaemia (HA) was present in 54.14% of men for a sex ratio of 1.38;the most represented age group was 40 - 55 years, 37.2%. HA was associated with jaundice (OR: 3.74, CI: [1.70 - 8.22], p = 0.001), HIV - AIDS (OR: 2.72, CI: [0.98 - 7.53], p = 0.05), thrombocytopaenia (OR: 3.53, CI: [1.58 - 7.89], p = 0.02). LDH was elevated (OR: 2.86, CI: [1.30 - 6.26], p = 0.00) as well as elevated reticulocyte count (OR: 3.84, CI: [1.75 - 8.44], p = 0.01). Unconjugated bilirubin was elevated in all these patients. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with HA were a history of HIV/AIDS, jaundice, thrombocytopaenia and elevated reticulocyte count. Conclusion: Hemolytic anaemia is common in internal medicine and is significantly associated with thrombocytopenia, HIV/AIDS infection and jaundice.展开更多
The search for potential and inexhaustible sources of bioactive compounds with great functional activities is imperative for potential drug leads in treating various human diseases.In this regard,this study investigat...The search for potential and inexhaustible sources of bioactive compounds with great functional activities is imperative for potential drug leads in treating various human diseases.In this regard,this study investigated the optimum liquid medium and physical culture conditions for the mycelial growth of X.papulis Lloyd for nutraceutical studies.The greatest mycelial biomass was achieved in PSB liquid medium among the indigenous media evaluated,such as potato sucrose broth(PSB),corn meal broth(CMB),rice bran broth(RBB),and coconut water(CW).In terms of pH,X.papulis Lloyd was observed to grow in a wide range of pH(5.0−8.5),but the best mycelial growth was observed at pH 6.5.Room temperature of 28℃,lighted(137 lux),and static conditions were the other optimum physical culture conditions for mycelial growth of X.papulis Lloyd.展开更多
Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a complex defecatory disorder asso-ciated with pelvic floor dysfunction.It affects approximately 50%of women over the age of 50 and significantly impacts their quality of life.The...Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a complex defecatory disorder asso-ciated with pelvic floor dysfunction.It affects approximately 50%of women over the age of 50 and significantly impacts their quality of life.The causes of ODS include structural abnormalities such as rectocele,enterocele,intussusception,and pelvic floor descent,as well as functional disorders like anismus.Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management due to the high risk of treatment failure associated with inaccurate findings.Various imaging modalities are used to assess pelvic floor disorders,including fluoroscopic defecography(FD),mag-netic resonance defecography(MRD),pelvic floor ultrasound(PFUS),and echode-fecography(EDF).FD is the most commonly performed test worldwide,offering high accuracy in diagnosing pelvic floor disorders.It provides dynamic visual-ization of defecation mechanics but involves radiation exposure.MRD offers ex-cellent soft tissue detail and multiplanar imaging without radiation,making it particularly useful for multicompartment disorders;however,it is associated with high procedural costs and limited availability.Both PFUS and EDF are minimally invasive and avoid radiation exposure.PFUS shows promise as a valuable screening tool that could help minimize the need for advanced imaging if findings are normal.EDF is also promising but requires specialized training and remains less widely available.This review evaluates the accuracy,advantages,and limitations of various diagnostic modalities for pelvic floor disorders,aiming to guide optimal clinical decision-making.展开更多
Quantitative analysis of colouration is an essential tool for subspecies delimitation but has always posed a challenge in avian taxonomy.In this study on the Chestnut-winged Babbler(Cyanoderma erythropterum)species co...Quantitative analysis of colouration is an essential tool for subspecies delimitation but has always posed a challenge in avian taxonomy.In this study on the Chestnut-winged Babbler(Cyanoderma erythropterum)species complex from tropical Southeast Asia,we made use of colour measurements taken with digital cameras and applied two methodologies—(1)the 75%subspecies rule on quantitative colourimetric variables,and(2)the CIEDE2000 colour distance method to generate phylograms,which has probably never been applied in taxonomy before.Given its large number of described subspecies,many of which have been synonymised in modern taxonomies,the species complex serves as an appropriate model to test subspecies validity.Our data indicate that one synonymised subspecies(C.e.apega),from the islands of Bangka and Belitung,requires re-instalment and recognition,whereas one widely recognised subspecies(C.e.fulviventre),from the Banyak Islands,should be synonymised.Our approach also allowed us to redraw geographic subspecies boundaries.Our work indicates that current subspecies taxonomies of many poorly known tropical species may remain error-ridden and highlights the importance and viability of large-scale taxonomic revisions targeting avian subspecies globally while incorporating quantitative colourimetric approaches.展开更多
This research was carried out to identify the most effective plant species for air purification based on environmental factors. The existence of plants beside roadways can be considered a more efficient approach to im...This research was carried out to identify the most effective plant species for air purification based on environmental factors. The existence of plants beside roadways can be considered a more efficient approach to improving air quality and minimizing pollution exposure. The samples for this research were collected from various sites across the streets of Jeddah governorate. The primary sources of air pollution in the research area are vehicle traffic and emissions from cars. Eight species were gathered from various streets in Jeddah governorate, namely, Azadirachta indica, Senna sulfurea, Ziziphus spina-christi, Cordia sebestena, Tecoma stans, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Ixora coccinea. The leaves of the studied plants were analyzed for secondary compounds using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Gas-chromatographic analyses revealed that bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was found in every plant. Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a widespread environmental pollutant. Moreover, Cordia sebestena was the sole plant that contained Phenol, 2,2’-methylenebis [6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl] which is part of the phenols category. Environmental conditions can affect the production of secondary metabolites. By tracking the concentrations of these substances, researchers can evaluate the well-being of ecosystems and identify pollution.展开更多
Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The researc...Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The research was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in Mihintale Sanctuary(80.30′11.24″E,8.21′04.63″N)and the Faculty of Applied Sciences,Rajarata University of Sri Lanka(80.502206″E,8.353090″N).Data were obtained through focal sampling,opportunistic observations,and mist netting.Both species predominantly foraged on twigs,using gleaning as the dominant food-handling technique.RVBB foraged mostly at the canopy level,while WBBB foraged primarily at the sub-canopy level.Fruits constituted the major food type for both species.RVBB and WBBB utilized 10 and 7 plant species,respectively,with Grewia helicterifolia being the primary foraging plant.Minimal foraging was observed on Croton sp.(RVBB)and Hugonia mistax(WBBB).The correlation between nutritional components and the consumption of both species revealed a preference for foods with lower protein,higher fat,and ash content.There was no linear correlation between gape width and fruit size(r=-0.21,P=0.69)for both species.The standardized dietary niche breadth indicated both species are specialists,with a high pairwise dietary niche overlap(0.9854).These findings highlight the niche-specific foraging adaptations of RVBB and WBBB within Mihintale,emphasizing their distinct strategies in utilizing plant species,fruit sizes,and foraging heights.Understanding such ecological dynamics is essential for habitat conservation efforts and ensuring the availability of key foraging resources for these species in the dry zone.展开更多
Background:Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems introduced nowadays to enable enhanced drug release upon exogenous stimulus.Research focuses on developing systems for co-administration of drugs to overcome limitat...Background:Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems introduced nowadays to enable enhanced drug release upon exogenous stimulus.Research focuses on developing systems for co-administration of drugs to overcome limitations of single-drug chemotherapy,such as low response rates,ineffective treatment completion,and drug resistance,leading to aggressive proliferation and recurrence.This research focuses on utilizing the amphiphilic polymer quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan(GCPQ)as a carrier to load hydrophobic curcumin(CUR)and hydrophilic doxorubicin(DOX)to reach the desired target and release the cargo upon exogenous stimuli of ultrasound.Methods:The nanoformulation synthesized using a biocompatible approach,resulting in a stable DOX-CUR-GCPQ nano-formulation upon physicochemical characterization and in vitro analysis using ultrasound.Results:The mean hydrodynamic diameter of DOX-CUR-GCPQ nanomicelles was measured as 95±1.23 nm,PDI 0.32±0.87,zeta potential−35±1.78 mV,and encapsulation efficiency 87.32%±0.3 and 79.42%±0.5 for DOX and CUR respectively.Biocompatibility studies revealed minimal hemolytic activity and biocompatible behavior of the nano-formulation,the co-loaded polymer-based nano-formulation when exposed to Ultrasound at a frequency of 1.5 MHz,for 40 s,on Hep2c cancer cell lines showed a higher release of 89% after 48 h.Moreover,a higher amount of drug internalized within the cells(P<0.0001).Conclusion:The exhibited lower cell viability and IC50(70μg/mL)which demonstrated that ultrasound waves likely facilitated the penetration and uptake of the amphiphilic polymer encapsulating dual drugs into the Hep2c cancer cells,allowing for more efficient delivery of the drugs(DOX and CUR)and broadens the spectrum of anticancer therapy.展开更多
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivor...Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivorous livestock animals. Also, other Taeniid tapeworms could infect domestic dogs and they pose significant veterinary and public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to develop a sensitive molecular method for detecting Echinococcus spp. DNA in dog fecal samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS). A set of PCR primers targeting conserved regions of Taeniid tapeworms’ 18s rRNA genes was designed and tested for amplifying genomic DNA from various tapeworm species. The PCR system demonstrated high sensitivity, amplifying DNA from all tested tapeworm species, with differences observed in amplified band sizes. The primers were adapted for NGS analysis by adding forward and reverse adapters, enabling the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Application of the developed PCR system to dog fecal samples collected from Yatta town, Palestine, revealed the presence of E. granulosus DNA in five out of 50 samples. NGS analysis confirmed the specificity of the amplified DNA fragments, showing 98% - 99% similarity with the 18s rDNA gene of E. granulosus. This study demonstrates the utility of NGS-based molecular methods for accurate and sensitive detection of Echinococcus spp. in dog fecal samples, providing valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and control programs of echinococcosis in endemic regions.展开更多
Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate various pests.Currently,more than two million tons of pesticides are used annually in developing and developed countries.One of the chronic diseases associated with...Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate various pests.Currently,more than two million tons of pesticides are used annually in developing and developed countries.One of the chronic diseases associated with pesticide poisoning is diabetes.This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved in the development of diabetes after pesticide poisoning.Relevant information was collected between January and May 2024,using databases such as PubMed,Google Academic,and Elsevier.Pesticides reduce the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in the intestine,thereby decreasing the release of insulin.Moreover,pesticides are metabolized to acetic acid by intestinal microbiota.This contributes to gluconeogenesis in the liver.In addition,the accumulation of pesticides in adipose tissue affects pancreatic beta-cells(β-cells)through increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the release of leptin,resulting in insulin resistance and impairments of appetite control and energy balance.These alterations caused by pesticides can contribute to the development of diabetes by affecting many organic systems.展开更多
Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation ra...Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation rates in urban areas, in the UK notably through the presence of large populations of domestic cats and increased populations of synanthropic species, such as rats and squirrels. These high predation rates are assumed to be a significant cause of reproductive failure in birds. Some ecologists advocate for the use of buffer zones with reduced human influence to reduce potential hunting pressure in eco-sensitive areas. However, the buffer effect on predation rates of nesting birds in suburban areas is rarely investigated. In this study, we investigated how edge effects (how close nest sites are to housing) and nest height (i.e., ground vs. above-ground) affected nest predation rates in a suburban park using camera traps to monitor artificial nests containing quail eggs. Our hypothesis was that nests in the buffer area (<300 m inward from university boundary) and at low height would suffer higher predation rates than nests in the core area (>300 m from the university boundary) and at height, as the buffer zone effect, and ease of access to ground predators would result in higher predation rates. We found no significant effect of nest height in nest predation rates. However, contrary to our expectations, nests in the core zone suffered higher predation rates than those in the buffer zone, and corvids were responsible for almost half of the egg loss events. We speculate that this may be a consequence of higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, dog walking, vehicles) adjacent to our buffer zone acting as a deterrent to avian nest predators. This work suggests that protecting urban sites from disturbance may not always act to support bird abundance.展开更多
基金supported by a grant from the Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center(to PKS)the Rutgers University Startup Fund(to PKS).
文摘Stress granules are membraneless organelles that serve as a protective cellular response to external stressors by sequestering non-translating messenger RNAs(mRNAs)and regulating protein synthesis.Stress granules formation mechanism is conserved across species,from yeast to mammals,and they play a critical role in minimizing cellular damage during stress.Composed of heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein complexes,stress granules are enriched not only in mRNAs but also in noncoding RNAs and various proteins,including translation initiation factors and RNA-binding proteins.Genetic mutations affecting stress granule assembly and disassembly can lead to abnormal stress granule accumulation,contributing to the progression of several diseases.Recent research indicates that stress granule dynamics are pivotal in determining their physiological and pathological functions,with acute stress granule formation offering protection and chronic stress granule accumulation being detrimental.This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of stress granules under diverse physiological conditions,such as regulation of mRNA transport,mRNA translation,apoptosis,germ cell development,phase separation processes that govern stress granule formation,and their emerging implications in pathophysiological scenarios,such as viral infections,cancer,neurodevelopmental disorders,neurodegeneration,and neuronal trauma.
文摘Several studies report the problem of cardiovascular tolerance of treatments with neuroleptics, given the important number of morbidities in patients with mental illnesses. This preliminary work aimed to describe the epidemiological and biological profile of patients taking neuroleptics and followed in the psychiatry department of Brazzaville University Hospital, from the angle of cardiovascular risk. Fifty (50) patients (17 men and 33 women), with a mean age of 33.9 10.7 years, were included. Epidemiological data (sex, age, tobacco or alcohol consumption) were collected on pre-established survey forms. Biochemical (total cholesterol, HDL-c, triglycerides and atherogenicity index) and inflammatory parameters (ultra-sensitive CRP, troponin I and NT-ProBNP) were investigated using enzymatic and indirect immunofluorescence technical, respectively. The results obtained showed that 54% of patients were obese, 94% were non-smokers, and 12% had high blood pressure. 10% of patients had high total cholesterol levels and 90% had HDL cholesterol levels below 60 mg/dl. Triglycerides and atherogenicity index were significantly elevated in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI). Ultrasensitive CRP was elevated in 38% of patients. In conclusion, this study revealed an association between lipid parameters (triglycerides and atherogenicity index) in relation to BMI in patients taking neuroleptics followed in the Psychiatry Department of University Hospital Center of Brazzaville.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82404892(to QY),82061160374(to ZZ)the Science and Technology Development Fund,Macao Special Administrative Region,China,Nos.0023/2020/AFJ,0035/2020/AGJ+2 种基金the University of Macao Research Grant,Nos.MYRG2022-00248-ICMS,MYRG-CRG2022-00010-ICMS(to MPMH)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.2024A1515012818(to ZZ)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,No.21623114(to ZZ).
文摘Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease is extremely challenging,as demonstrated by the repeated failures of amyloid-β-targeted therapeutics and the controversies surrounding the amyloid-βcascade hypothesis.More recently,advances in the development of Lecanemab,an anti-amyloid-βmonoclonal antibody,have shown positive results in reducing brain A burden and slowing cognitive decline in patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in the Phase Ⅲ clinical trial(Clarity Alzheimer’s disease).Despite these promising results,side effects such as amyloid-related imaging abnormalities(ARIA)may limit its usage.ARIA can manifest as ARIA-E(cerebral edema or effusions)and ARIA-H(microhemorrhages or superficial siderosis)and is thought to be caused by increased vascular permeability due to inflammatory responses,leading to leakages of blood products and protein-rich fluid into brain parenchyma.Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer’s disease,and the blood-brain barrier becomes increasingly leaky as the disease progresses.In addition,APOE4,the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease,is associated with higher vascular amyloid burden,increased ARIA incidence,and accelerated blood-brain barrier disruptions.These interconnected vascular abnormalities highlight the importance of vascular contributions to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease.Here,we will closely examine recent research evaluating the heterogeneity of brain endothelial cells in the microvasculature of different brain regions and their relationships with Alzheimer’s disease progression.
基金supported by Kiisa Nishikawa: the National Science Foundation (IOS-0732949, IOS-1025806, and IOS1456868 IIP-1237878 and IIP-1521231)the W.M. Keck Foundation+5 种基金the Technology Research Initiative Fund of Northern Arizona UniversityPaul LaStayo:National Institutes of Health (ROIAG031255R21CA114523R21AG18701(with Stan Lindstedt))the Foundation for Physical Therapythe University of Utah Research Foundation
文摘The peculiar attributes of muscles that are stretched when active have been noted for nearly a century.Understandably,the focus of muscle physiology has been primarily on shortening and isometric contractions,as eloquently revealed by A.V.Hill and subsequently by his students.When the sliding filament theory was introduced by A.F.Huxley and H.E.Huxley,it was a relatively simple task to link Hill's mechanical observations to the actions of the cross bridges during these shortening and isometric contractions.In contrast,lengthening or eccentric contractions have remained somewhat enigmatic.Dismissed as necessarily causing muscle damage,eccentric contractions have been much more difficult to fit into the cross-bridge theory.The relatively recent discovery of the giant elastic sarcomeric filament titin has thrust a previously missing element into any discussion of muscle function,in particular during active stretch.Indeed,the unexpected contribution of giant elastic proteins to muscle contractile function is highlighted by recent discoveries that twitchin-actin interactions are responsible for the"catch"property of invertebrate muscle.In this review,we examine several current theories that have been proposed to account for the properties of muscle during eccentric contraction.We ask how well each of these explains existing data and how an elastic filament can be incorporated into the sliding filament model.Finally,we review the increasing body of evidence for the benefits of including eccentric contractions into a program of muscle rehabilitation and strengthening.
文摘Field trials on the management of soil biological fertility with aim to increasing corn production were conducted in a savannah region of the DR-Congo. Three organic matters including fresh biomass of Entada abyssinica, Tithonia diversifolia, Stylosanthes gracilis and a mineral combination of nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) (115-63-0) along with a control (without fertilization) were evaluated for corn crop growth and production. The field trial was a completely randomized design with four replicates. Plant height, basal stem diameter, and yield components were assessed. Irrespective of fertilization treatments and variety, maize showed a similar growth up to 20 days after sowing (DAS), and then two distinct trends were observed. At 60 DAS, plant height and basal diameter were significantly bigger in plots treated with NP, T. diversifolia and E. abyssinica compared to S. gracilis treatment and control (NoF). This pattern was also confirmed with agronomic traits such as cob length, number of kernel per cob, and net grain yield. The local variety was the least productive under any treatment. In general, the response of corn crop to organic and inorganic fertilization showed that the mineral combination (NP) increased the most grain yield and other yield components compared to unfertilized trial, followed by T. divessifolia and E. abyssinica. NP and T. diversifolia treatments increased significantly and equally soil potassium content compared to control and other treatments. Application of T. diversifolia appears a more cost effective approach for small farmers to improving fertility of the oxisol prevailing in Central Africa compared to mineral fertilizers.
基金supported by the Faculty Research Fund(Faculty of Medicine&Health Science,Keele University)Career Development Award–(April 2022)(to SJB)。
文摘Spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)is a genetic condition that results in selective lower motor neuron loss with concomitant muscle weakness and atrophy.The genetic cause of SMA was understood in 1995 when loss or impairment of the survival motor neuron 1(SMN1)gene was identified as the main contributing factor(Lefebvre et al.,1995).This,in combination with the discovery that humans have a“back-up”gene,SMN2,which can produce low levels(approximately 10%)of the full-length functional SMN protein,has led to the generation of SMA-specific gene therapies.SMA was traditionally classified according to age of symptom onset and developmental milestones achieved,with life expectancy and severity varying between individuals.Now,SMN2 copy number is used as a proxy for the prediction of disease severity,with higher SMN2 copy number typically being associated with reduced severity of SMA,although this relationship is not absolute:some individuals with low SMN2 copy number have less severe SMA phenotypes and vice versa.Additionally,the etiology of SMA is further complicated by other factors,such as non-typical nucleotide variants and SMN2-independent modifiers of disease severity.
文摘Sustaining a reliable and contaminant-free drinking water is becoming an increasing challenge worldwide due to human activity, industrial waste, and agricultural overuse. Surface water is the main source of drinking water around the world. However, groundwater is also becoming increasingly popular, due to its clarity and minimal need for processing to reduce turbidity. Over the years, the demand and growth in the agricultural industry has also been the means of groundwater contamination. Due to the health burden that raw water can pose, water must be processed and purified prior to consumption. Raw water quality can be compromised by physical, chemical (heavy metals and disinfection by-products), and biological contaminants. Biological contaminants can significantly impact immunocompromised populations, while chemical contaminants can impact the growth and development of young children. Although obtaining a steady and high-quality water flow to the general population is an increasing challenge, developed countries have utilized state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to provide contaminant-free water to their citizens. This research aims to provide information about the regulatory parameters, characteristics, and sources of safe drinking water in the world as a model for future use in the developing world. In this, secondary data was used to compare and contrast drinking water quality among countries in the European Union, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The data indicates that Ireland and the United Kingdom have relatively lower amounts of contaminants in their drinking water. Upon completing this research, it is recommended that countries desiring clean drinking water systems should initiate and invest in programs that control and protect treatment plants, water distribution systems, water sources, and catchments.
文摘Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) can play an efficient role in soil by solubilizing insoluble forms of silicates. In addition to this some SSB can also solubilize potassium and phosphates, hence increasing soil fertility and enhancing plant defense mechanisms. A total of 111 bacterial strains were isolated from various habitats of Pakistan and screened for solubilization of silicate, phosphate and potassium on respective media. Out of these, 35 bacterial isolates were capable of solubilizing either silicate, phosphate or potassium. Amongst these 7 bacterial isolates were capable of solubilizing all three minerals tested. The highest silicate (zone diameter 54 mm) and phosphate solubilization (zone diameter 55 mm) was observed for bacterial isolate NR-2 while the highest potassium solubilization was observed for NE-4b (zone diameter 11 mm). Dual culture antagonistic assays were carried out by using these bacterial isolates against four plant pathogenic fungi Magnaporthae grisae, Rhizoctonia solani, Altarnaria alternata and Macrophomina pheasolina. Mean zone of inhibition of these bacterial isolates against the four pathogenic fungi ranged between 4 mm to 39 mm. The largest zone of inhibition against all four bacterial strains was recorded for bacterial isolate NR-2 followed by NE-4b. These strains will be further investigated for their plant growth promoting activities in the future.
文摘Greenhouse horticultural production currently represents an important and growing sector of Canada's food and plant production systems. Since 2006,the value of greenhouse vegetable crops in Canada exceeds that of field grown crops,signaling an important shift in the way food is cultivated in the country. While many factors have contributed to this change,a major area of innovation includes the discoveries and advances made in the development of commercial greenhouse production systems as well as the integration of biological control strategies for sustainable pest management. With this focus,this review offers a brief overview of the Canadian greenhouse industry,including a descriptive list of commonly used biological control organisms,as well as the role Canadian research has played in the development of these agents. We also address the threats that Canadian greenhouse producers face by invasive pests and the complications these have created for the commercialization of novel biological control agents. This information may serve as a guide for the development of parallel technologies and tools in other parts of the world where greenhouse production is expanding.
基金The authors extend their gratitude to the Deanship of Scientific Research(DSR),King Faisal University,Saudi Arabia,for funding the publication of this work(Project number:KFU250560).
文摘A steady rise in the overall population is creating an overburden on crops due to their global demand.On the other hand,given the current climate change and population growth,agricultural practices established during the Green Revolution are no longer viable.Consequently,innovative practices are the prerequisite of the time struggle with the rising global food demand.The potential of nanotechnology to reduce the phytotoxic effects of these ecological restrictions has shown significant promise.Nanoparticles(NPs)typically enhance plant resilience to stressors by fortifying the physical barrier,optimizing photosynthesis,stimulating enzymatic activity for defense,elevating the concentration of stress-resistant compounds,and activating the expression of genes associated with defense mechanisms.In this review,we thoroughly cover the uptake and translocations of NPs crops and their potential valuable functions in enhancing plant growth and development at different growth stages.Additionally,we addressed how NPs improve plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress.Generally,this review presents a thorough understanding of the significance of NPs in plants and their prospective value for plant antioxidant and crop development.
文摘Introduction: Haemolytic anaemia (HA) is defined as a decrease in haemoglobin (Hb) levels below baseline due to excessive and premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in the periphery resulting in a shortened life span of less than 120 days. Haemolysis can be corpuscular or extra-corpuscular. The aim of our study was to investigate the factors associated with it for optimal management of patients hospitalised in internal medicine at the Douala General Hospital (DGH). Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study, including all patients admitted to the internal medicine department of the DGH from 11 February to 20 May 2022, and excluding patients with non-compliant samples. The search for haemolytic anaemia was carried out by means of blood count, reticulocyte count, blood smear, unconjugated bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase and direct Coombs test. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological parameters were collected and analysed. Correlation was defined for a p value 0.05. Results: This study included 147 patients, 50.34% of whom were men, for a sex ratio of 1.01. The mean age was 52 ± 17.9 years. The most represented age group was 56 - 70 years (n = 49;33%) with extremes from 15 to 90 years. We counted 29.3% cases of haemolytic anaemia (HA) and 13.9% cases of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA). Haemolytic anaemia (HA) was present in 54.14% of men for a sex ratio of 1.38;the most represented age group was 40 - 55 years, 37.2%. HA was associated with jaundice (OR: 3.74, CI: [1.70 - 8.22], p = 0.001), HIV - AIDS (OR: 2.72, CI: [0.98 - 7.53], p = 0.05), thrombocytopaenia (OR: 3.53, CI: [1.58 - 7.89], p = 0.02). LDH was elevated (OR: 2.86, CI: [1.30 - 6.26], p = 0.00) as well as elevated reticulocyte count (OR: 3.84, CI: [1.75 - 8.44], p = 0.01). Unconjugated bilirubin was elevated in all these patients. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with HA were a history of HIV/AIDS, jaundice, thrombocytopaenia and elevated reticulocyte count. Conclusion: Hemolytic anaemia is common in internal medicine and is significantly associated with thrombocytopenia, HIV/AIDS infection and jaundice.
文摘The search for potential and inexhaustible sources of bioactive compounds with great functional activities is imperative for potential drug leads in treating various human diseases.In this regard,this study investigated the optimum liquid medium and physical culture conditions for the mycelial growth of X.papulis Lloyd for nutraceutical studies.The greatest mycelial biomass was achieved in PSB liquid medium among the indigenous media evaluated,such as potato sucrose broth(PSB),corn meal broth(CMB),rice bran broth(RBB),and coconut water(CW).In terms of pH,X.papulis Lloyd was observed to grow in a wide range of pH(5.0−8.5),but the best mycelial growth was observed at pH 6.5.Room temperature of 28℃,lighted(137 lux),and static conditions were the other optimum physical culture conditions for mycelial growth of X.papulis Lloyd.
文摘Obstructed defecation syndrome(ODS)is a complex defecatory disorder asso-ciated with pelvic floor dysfunction.It affects approximately 50%of women over the age of 50 and significantly impacts their quality of life.The causes of ODS include structural abnormalities such as rectocele,enterocele,intussusception,and pelvic floor descent,as well as functional disorders like anismus.Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management due to the high risk of treatment failure associated with inaccurate findings.Various imaging modalities are used to assess pelvic floor disorders,including fluoroscopic defecography(FD),mag-netic resonance defecography(MRD),pelvic floor ultrasound(PFUS),and echode-fecography(EDF).FD is the most commonly performed test worldwide,offering high accuracy in diagnosing pelvic floor disorders.It provides dynamic visual-ization of defecation mechanics but involves radiation exposure.MRD offers ex-cellent soft tissue detail and multiplanar imaging without radiation,making it particularly useful for multicompartment disorders;however,it is associated with high procedural costs and limited availability.Both PFUS and EDF are minimally invasive and avoid radiation exposure.PFUS shows promise as a valuable screening tool that could help minimize the need for advanced imaging if findings are normal.EDF is also promising but requires specialized training and remains less widely available.This review evaluates the accuracy,advantages,and limitations of various diagnostic modalities for pelvic floor disorders,aiming to guide optimal clinical decision-making.
基金supported by a Singapore National Research Foundation(NRF)Investigatorship(NRF-NRFI07-2021-0008)。
文摘Quantitative analysis of colouration is an essential tool for subspecies delimitation but has always posed a challenge in avian taxonomy.In this study on the Chestnut-winged Babbler(Cyanoderma erythropterum)species complex from tropical Southeast Asia,we made use of colour measurements taken with digital cameras and applied two methodologies—(1)the 75%subspecies rule on quantitative colourimetric variables,and(2)the CIEDE2000 colour distance method to generate phylograms,which has probably never been applied in taxonomy before.Given its large number of described subspecies,many of which have been synonymised in modern taxonomies,the species complex serves as an appropriate model to test subspecies validity.Our data indicate that one synonymised subspecies(C.e.apega),from the islands of Bangka and Belitung,requires re-instalment and recognition,whereas one widely recognised subspecies(C.e.fulviventre),from the Banyak Islands,should be synonymised.Our approach also allowed us to redraw geographic subspecies boundaries.Our work indicates that current subspecies taxonomies of many poorly known tropical species may remain error-ridden and highlights the importance and viability of large-scale taxonomic revisions targeting avian subspecies globally while incorporating quantitative colourimetric approaches.
文摘This research was carried out to identify the most effective plant species for air purification based on environmental factors. The existence of plants beside roadways can be considered a more efficient approach to improving air quality and minimizing pollution exposure. The samples for this research were collected from various sites across the streets of Jeddah governorate. The primary sources of air pollution in the research area are vehicle traffic and emissions from cars. Eight species were gathered from various streets in Jeddah governorate, namely, Azadirachta indica, Senna sulfurea, Ziziphus spina-christi, Cordia sebestena, Tecoma stans, Bougainvillea spectabilis, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Ixora coccinea. The leaves of the studied plants were analyzed for secondary compounds using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Gas-chromatographic analyses revealed that bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate was found in every plant. Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, a widespread environmental pollutant. Moreover, Cordia sebestena was the sole plant that contained Phenol, 2,2’-methylenebis [6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl] which is part of the phenols category. Environmental conditions can affect the production of secondary metabolites. By tracking the concentrations of these substances, researchers can evaluate the well-being of ecosystems and identify pollution.
文摘Two widespread bird species in Sri Lanka’s dry zone,Pycnonotus cafer(Red-vented Bulbul,RVBB)and Pycnonotus luteolus(White-browed Bulbul,WBBB),were studied to understand their foraging dynamics and ecology.The research was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in Mihintale Sanctuary(80.30′11.24″E,8.21′04.63″N)and the Faculty of Applied Sciences,Rajarata University of Sri Lanka(80.502206″E,8.353090″N).Data were obtained through focal sampling,opportunistic observations,and mist netting.Both species predominantly foraged on twigs,using gleaning as the dominant food-handling technique.RVBB foraged mostly at the canopy level,while WBBB foraged primarily at the sub-canopy level.Fruits constituted the major food type for both species.RVBB and WBBB utilized 10 and 7 plant species,respectively,with Grewia helicterifolia being the primary foraging plant.Minimal foraging was observed on Croton sp.(RVBB)and Hugonia mistax(WBBB).The correlation between nutritional components and the consumption of both species revealed a preference for foods with lower protein,higher fat,and ash content.There was no linear correlation between gape width and fruit size(r=-0.21,P=0.69)for both species.The standardized dietary niche breadth indicated both species are specialists,with a high pairwise dietary niche overlap(0.9854).These findings highlight the niche-specific foraging adaptations of RVBB and WBBB within Mihintale,emphasizing their distinct strategies in utilizing plant species,fruit sizes,and foraging heights.Understanding such ecological dynamics is essential for habitat conservation efforts and ensuring the availability of key foraging resources for these species in the dry zone.
文摘Background:Stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems introduced nowadays to enable enhanced drug release upon exogenous stimulus.Research focuses on developing systems for co-administration of drugs to overcome limitations of single-drug chemotherapy,such as low response rates,ineffective treatment completion,and drug resistance,leading to aggressive proliferation and recurrence.This research focuses on utilizing the amphiphilic polymer quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan(GCPQ)as a carrier to load hydrophobic curcumin(CUR)and hydrophilic doxorubicin(DOX)to reach the desired target and release the cargo upon exogenous stimuli of ultrasound.Methods:The nanoformulation synthesized using a biocompatible approach,resulting in a stable DOX-CUR-GCPQ nano-formulation upon physicochemical characterization and in vitro analysis using ultrasound.Results:The mean hydrodynamic diameter of DOX-CUR-GCPQ nanomicelles was measured as 95±1.23 nm,PDI 0.32±0.87,zeta potential−35±1.78 mV,and encapsulation efficiency 87.32%±0.3 and 79.42%±0.5 for DOX and CUR respectively.Biocompatibility studies revealed minimal hemolytic activity and biocompatible behavior of the nano-formulation,the co-loaded polymer-based nano-formulation when exposed to Ultrasound at a frequency of 1.5 MHz,for 40 s,on Hep2c cancer cell lines showed a higher release of 89% after 48 h.Moreover,a higher amount of drug internalized within the cells(P<0.0001).Conclusion:The exhibited lower cell viability and IC50(70μg/mL)which demonstrated that ultrasound waves likely facilitated the penetration and uptake of the amphiphilic polymer encapsulating dual drugs into the Hep2c cancer cells,allowing for more efficient delivery of the drugs(DOX and CUR)and broadens the spectrum of anticancer therapy.
文摘Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivorous livestock animals. Also, other Taeniid tapeworms could infect domestic dogs and they pose significant veterinary and public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to develop a sensitive molecular method for detecting Echinococcus spp. DNA in dog fecal samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS). A set of PCR primers targeting conserved regions of Taeniid tapeworms’ 18s rRNA genes was designed and tested for amplifying genomic DNA from various tapeworm species. The PCR system demonstrated high sensitivity, amplifying DNA from all tested tapeworm species, with differences observed in amplified band sizes. The primers were adapted for NGS analysis by adding forward and reverse adapters, enabling the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Application of the developed PCR system to dog fecal samples collected from Yatta town, Palestine, revealed the presence of E. granulosus DNA in five out of 50 samples. NGS analysis confirmed the specificity of the amplified DNA fragments, showing 98% - 99% similarity with the 18s rDNA gene of E. granulosus. This study demonstrates the utility of NGS-based molecular methods for accurate and sensitive detection of Echinococcus spp. in dog fecal samples, providing valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and control programs of echinococcosis in endemic regions.
文摘Pesticides are chemical substances used to eliminate various pests.Currently,more than two million tons of pesticides are used annually in developing and developed countries.One of the chronic diseases associated with pesticide poisoning is diabetes.This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of action involved in the development of diabetes after pesticide poisoning.Relevant information was collected between January and May 2024,using databases such as PubMed,Google Academic,and Elsevier.Pesticides reduce the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1)in the intestine,thereby decreasing the release of insulin.Moreover,pesticides are metabolized to acetic acid by intestinal microbiota.This contributes to gluconeogenesis in the liver.In addition,the accumulation of pesticides in adipose tissue affects pancreatic beta-cells(β-cells)through increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the release of leptin,resulting in insulin resistance and impairments of appetite control and energy balance.These alterations caused by pesticides can contribute to the development of diabetes by affecting many organic systems.
文摘Urban green spaces and parks offer opportunities for retaining and increasing bird richness, diversity, and species abundance. However, urbanisation influences predator–prey interactions, leading to high predation rates in urban areas, in the UK notably through the presence of large populations of domestic cats and increased populations of synanthropic species, such as rats and squirrels. These high predation rates are assumed to be a significant cause of reproductive failure in birds. Some ecologists advocate for the use of buffer zones with reduced human influence to reduce potential hunting pressure in eco-sensitive areas. However, the buffer effect on predation rates of nesting birds in suburban areas is rarely investigated. In this study, we investigated how edge effects (how close nest sites are to housing) and nest height (i.e., ground vs. above-ground) affected nest predation rates in a suburban park using camera traps to monitor artificial nests containing quail eggs. Our hypothesis was that nests in the buffer area (<300 m inward from university boundary) and at low height would suffer higher predation rates than nests in the core area (>300 m from the university boundary) and at height, as the buffer zone effect, and ease of access to ground predators would result in higher predation rates. We found no significant effect of nest height in nest predation rates. However, contrary to our expectations, nests in the core zone suffered higher predation rates than those in the buffer zone, and corvids were responsible for almost half of the egg loss events. We speculate that this may be a consequence of higher levels of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, dog walking, vehicles) adjacent to our buffer zone acting as a deterrent to avian nest predators. This work suggests that protecting urban sites from disturbance may not always act to support bird abundance.
