Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFCM) combined with a molecular tagging technique called Recognition of Individual Genes by Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (RING-FISH) provides the ability to differentiate toxin producing cells on a rapid basis. Evaluation of the IFCM method demonstrated the ability to detect signal intensity for toxin producing cells after hybridization of RNA probes with a microcystin-synthetase gene. IFCM data show signal amplification of the probe detected mainly on the outside of the cell(s) created by the toxin, accumulating mostly on the cell surface and creating a ring-shaped (halo) pattern. Our IFCM RING-FISH method can detect and delineate between toxic and non-toxic cells when applied to the specific case of Microcystis aeruginosa targeting the microcystin - synthetase gene. As such, early differentiation and detection of toxin producing cyanobacteria using either (or both) qPCR and IFCM can provide a means to improve the management of water resources to avoid public health risks.
The effect of environmental pollutants on male reproductive function is a significant concern. Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), are notorious for their detrimental effects among these pollutants. These metals are categorized as hazardous substances such as pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and industrial chemicals. Human exposure to lead and cadmium through various organic and inorganic sources poses a severe risk to male reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cd and Pb on the reproductive function of male rats, providing insights into the mechanisms of toxicity and highlighting broader implications for human health. An extensive literature review was conducted to gather data on the reproductive toxicities of Cd and Pb. This study evaluated the impact of these metals on testicular function, spermatogenesis, and hormonal regulation in male rats. Experimental studies involving controlled exposure of male rats to Cd and Pb were conducted to determine specific reproductive outcomes. Exposure to both Cd and Pb leads to significant reproductive dysfunction in male rats. Cd exposure results in testicular degeneration, androgen deprivation, and antiandrogenic actions, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and hormonal imbalances. Pb exposure has been associated with similar adverse effects, including testicular degeneration and premature aging. Both metals have been confirmed as reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors, posing serious risks to reproductive health. Given the evidence for the reproductive toxicity of Cd and Pb, it is crucial to implement stricter regulatory measures to limit human exposure to these heavy metals. Future research should focus on developing effective interventions and remediation strategies to mitigate the effects of these toxicants on reproductive health. Public awareness campaigns are also needed to educate communities about heavy metal exposure risks and to promote safer environmental practices.
Culture tubes are commonly used for the in vitro growth of plant tissues. Plants grown in culture tubes can vary in phenotype within the tube, with tissues nearer the surface of the medium being more hyperhydric than those nearer the cap. This is most common in unvented tubes and with medium gelled with gellan gum rather than agar. This study examined whether a gradient in humidity or water availability exists within the culture tube that might explain differences in growth related to distance from the medium. To measure humidity, microsensors were placed at three levels within tubes capped with solid or vented caps with gel medium and repeated with agar medium. Readings were compared with ambient levels outside of the tube for six weeks, under conditions of 16 hrs light:8 hrs dark each day. Humidity in the unvented tubes was mostly saturated. In contrast, humidity in the vented tubes showed a strong vertical gradient. In both vented and unvented tubes, humidity near the medium was higher than near the cap. The experiments with agar and gel gave similar results. To examine water availability, uptake into cellulose or cotton plugs was measured. Water uptake was significantly greater from gel than from agar medium, and only agar showed a significant gradient in the plugs through that time period, regardless of venting. Both the humidity gradients and water uptake differences suggest that one or both may account for differences in exposure of the tissues to water and could affect phenotype depending on the sensitivity of the species and distance of the tissue from the medium.
Background: There is a contradictory observation referring as the “African enigma” illustrating that in sub-Saharan Africa where H. pylori infection prevalence is high, gastric cancer incidence is lower. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between this infection and histopathological condition in gastric mucosa. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among dyspeptic patients attending Gastroenterology Unit in hospitals in Cameroon from October 2020 to October 2022. The study was approved by the Cameroon Ethical Committee of Medical Sciences. Gastric biopsies were collected from patient for H. pylori detection using both the rapid urease test and histological examination, and for the assessment of the different histological features of the gastric mucosa. Result: The prevalence of H. pylori was 57.89% among the 532 patients enrolled. Chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer was found in 46.11, 18.74, 5.89, 14.95, and 4.00% of cases respectively. The rate of H. pylori infection was 55.25, 51.69, 60.71, 73.24, and 68.42% in patients with chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and gastric cancer respectively (p= 0.0434). Infected participant were 1.223(0.8484-1.762), 1.363(0.8583-2.166), 1.132(0.5182-2.473), 2.221(1.268-3.893) and 1.604(0.5990-4.297) more time in risk to develop chronic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, metaplasia, dysplasia and gastric cancer respectively. Neutrophil activity were present in 57.89% of infected patients, of which 52.91, 61.35, and 59.38% cases were with mild, moderate, and severe activity respectively. Conclusion: Our findings showed that the prevalence of precancerous and cancerous lesions are slightly higher to those found in low risk groups for gastric cancer area, and that H. pylori infection is a risk factor in the development of these affections in our milieu.
This article presents the results of scientific research conducted in 1999-2023 on the study of species composition of Tamarix pests distributed in the deserts of Northwestern Uzbekistan. A complete list of 7 Orders (Thysanoptera, Homoptera, Heteroptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, and Euacarina), 4 Suborders, 30 Families and 175 species belonging to composition of Tamarix pests is provided for the first time in Uzbekistan. Studies have identified 175 species on the Tamarix plant, with 41 species living in the plant stem, 28 species in the leaves, 4 species in the roots, 2 species in the flowers, and the remaining 100 species are found in the mixed parts.
The CEC is an indicator of the soil's capacity to retain and exchange nutrient cations with the roots of plants. In the Sudanian savannas with Andropogon gayanus, hydromorphic soils exhibit a silty-clay texture and a specific large area, which enables the retention of cations in a manner that differs from that observed in sandy soils. It was hypothesised that the CEC and the exchangeable bases of the arable soil layer in the savannas of western Burkina Faso would display significant increases due to the substantial environmental changes that occur during the fallow period. To test this hypothesis, a comparison was made between the soil fertility of the savanna and fallow areas and that of cultivated plots, which served as control sites for this study. A total of 15 plots were selected for analysis, with five plots allocated to each situation. The vegetation and soil characteristics of the plots have been duly described. Soil samples were obtained from the 0-20 cm depth interval to create composite samples. The laboratory analysis encompassed a range of parameters, including texture, pH-H2O and pH-KCl, carbon, nitrogen, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable bases. The observations led to the classification of the soils as tropical ferruginous hydromorphic with iron and manganese oxides. The original materials displayed a silty-clayey properties. The granulometric study has demonstrated that the superficial horizon of the soil is predominantly composed of silt- and clay-sized particles. This results in a considerable capacity for retention in exchangeable bases. The woody vegetation of savannas exhibits a greater diversity and richness of flora than that of fallows. This has a significant impact on the enhancement of the CEC, due to the beneficial effects of plant debris with diverse organic compositions. The overall pH is weakly acidic, with a range of 6.24 to 6.41 (pH-H2O). The soil of savannas exhibits higher concentrations of carbon (0.67% C) and nitrogen (0.059% N) than that of fallow (0.5% N, 0.04% N) and cultivated fields (0.34% C, 0.03% N). The observation of chemical balances has enabled the identification of savannas as conducive to optimal plant nutrition. Overall, savannas enhance the CEC and the bases exchangeable, despite the values being below the recommended threshold for tropical ferruginous hydromorphic soils. It is therefore necessary to implement measures to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance agricultural productivity in this region, where soils are naturally deficient in nutrients.
Sea turtles are among the most threatened group of marine animals, with all species at risk for an assortment of anthropogenic factors including pollution, over-fishing bycatch, and climate change. As the threats to these large aquatic reptiles continue to increase, populations may be facing declines in many areas of their native home ranges. Therefore, new techniques that allow for population monitoring alongside more traditional methods are needed to increase our understanding of these ocean-dwelling vertebrates. Due to their unique biology, sea turtles are often readily observed in near-shore waters and on beach habitats. I assessed the presence and general demography of sea turtles within the USA on the citizen science platform, iNaturalist and report on major findings related to mortalities, age classes, and states where observations are concentrated. iNaturalist observations in this publication represent 8,089 green, 1,171 loggerhead, 312 kemp’s ridley, 129 leatherback, 128 hawksbill, and 17 olive ridley sea turtles. Observations consisted primarily of adult age classes (85.9%), with moralities representing only 10.2%, and the majority of images showing beach habitat (55%) versus open water (44.8%). The number of observations increased annually indicating the potential for this citizen science application to provide valuable population trend data for conservation managers and future study of their nesting and behavioral biology worldwide.
Purpose: Purpose of research is Mesenchymal tissue infections due to Microorganisms Clostridium perfringens had been defined with inside for loads of years. Bacteria Clostridium gas gangrenous stays an crucial reason of incidence and mortality with inside the world. Methodology: The methodology is summarized as follows of take a look at became to document a case of a affected person recognized of myelodysplastic syndrome , submitted to uterine curettage and developing with spontaneous gas gangrenous 8 hours after surgical operation . Female affected person, Twenty eight years old, with a registry of ache within side the distal 3rd of the decrease legs, radiating to the popliteal fossa, with worsening on palpation and motion of the legs, attached via way of means of an boom in temperature and quantity place (1). She Suffering pyrexia, hyperemia or nearby trauma, evolving to septic shock. Angiotomography of the extremities and pelvis found out a presence of gas permeating in muscular bundles of thigh and leg. Findings: The mixture of records and medical analysis, radiological take alook at showedthe syndromes’ prognosis of spontaneous gas gangrenous. Despite excessive fee of suspected enhance scientific outcomes, such infections development so speedy that loss of life might also additionally precede prognosis, however, early popularity and competitive treatment, along with open or percutaneous drainage. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Parenteral antibiotics in opposition to Clostridia need to be right away initiated, in addition to scientific assist measures.
Young Myrmica sabuleti worker ants aged at most a few weeks and settled in small single-cohort colonies, were learned, by operant conditioning, to recognize either 2 or 3 dots displayed on a stand. When tested in front of two stands bearing different numbers of dots, one even and the other odd, their response was always higher towards the stand bearing the same parity as the one learned. They thus reacted to the parity corresponding to the number of dots they have learned to associate with the reward. These young ants were sensitive to the parity of a number of dots ranging from 1 to at least 6, but could not discriminate their parity when in front of 5 and 6. They were somewhat more responsive towards an even number than towards an odd number, having learned a number with this parity. A preceding study showed that older workers (experienced foragers) are sensitive to the parity of numbers of dots ranging from 1 to at least 7, and this equally whether the numbers are odd or even. Their limit of parity discrimination of close numbers is in front of 6 and 7. It therefore appears that, although present early on, the sensitivity of young workers to parity of numbers of elements and to number discrimination has to improve over the course of their lives, perhaps through an age-related maturation process, or through acquired experience.
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the role of plant secondary metabolites in insect herbivore resistance in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Plant secondary metabolites in Kenya play a vital role in defending against insect herbivores. These compounds, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolics found in crops like maize, beans, and tomatoes, act as chemical deterrents and toxins, altering herbivore feeding behavior and physiology. This defense mechanism is crucial for sustainable pest management in agriculture, offering natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides and promoting ecological balance. Ongoing research explores optimizing these compounds for effective pest control strategies across diverse environmental conditions in Kenya. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Optimal defense theory (ODT), induced defense theory (IDT) & resource availability hypothesis may be used to anchor future studies on role of plant secondary metabolites in insect herbivore resistance in Kenya. In agricultural and horticultural practices, leveraging knowledge of plant secondary metabolites can enhance pest management strategies. From a policy perspective, recognizing the ecological benefits of plant secondary metabolites can inform agricultural policies aimed at promoting sustainable practices and reducing chemical inputs.
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the effect of biochar application on soil microbial communities in degraded lands in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Biochar application in degraded Australian lands has been found to significantly enhance soil microbial communities by increasing diversity and fostering beneficial shifts in composition. Studies indicate that biochar promotes microbial activity through improved soil structure and nutrient availability, supporting essential processes like nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. This amendment also helps mitigate soil degradation, providing stable habitat conditions that sustain microbial populations over the long term. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Microbial Community Succession Theory, Carbon Sequestration Theory & Nutrient Cycling Theory may be used to anchor future studies on effect of biochar application on soil microbial communities in degraded lands in Australia. Biochar application provides tangible benefits by improving soil structure, water retention capacity, and nutrient cycling efficiency in degraded lands. Biochar aligns with global sustainability goals by offering a climate-smart solution to land degradation and carbon management. Policies promoting biochar use can incentivize sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts by sequestering carbon in soils over the long term.
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the effect of forest fragmentation on fungal diversity in tropical rainforests in Argentina. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on forest fragmentation in Argentina's tropical rainforests shows it significantly reduces fungal species diversity. Fragmented areas support fewer species than intact forests due to habitat loss and altered environmental conditions. Edge effects further exacerbate changes, favoring species adapted to disturbed habitats. Long-term effects continue to alter fungal community structure post-fragmentation. Conservation efforts must prioritize maintaining forest connectivity to mitigate these impacts on fungal diversity critical for ecosystem functioning in tropical rainforests. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Met population theory, edge effects theory & intermediate disturbance hypothesis may be used to anchor future studies on effect of forest fragmentation on fungal diversity in tropical rainforests in Argentina. Implement habitat management practices that prioritize the preservation of large, contiguous forest patches to maintain fungal species richness and diversity. Advocate for policies that designate and protect large-scale forest reserves and corridors to conserve fungal biodiversity. Incorporate scientific findings into land-use planning and management strategies to ensure sustainable forest management practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between human disturbance and bat species diversity in urban green spaces in Costa Rica. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Studies on urban green spaces in Costa Rica reveal that human disturbance, such as habitat fragmentation and artificial lighting, generally reduces bat species diversity. While some adaptable species may thrive, overall bat richness and abundance decline due to habitat loss and alteration. Conservation efforts should focus on mitigating these impacts to sustain diverse bat populations in urban environments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Habitat fragmentation theory, behavioral ecology theory & ecosystem services theory may be used to anchor future studies on relationship between human disturbance and bat species diversity in urban green spaces in Costa Rica In practice, it is essential to integrate biodiversity conservation into urban planning frameworks. Policy recommendations focus on incorporating biodiversity conservation goals into urban development policies and regulations. Policies should support the designation of green infrastructure networks and protected areas within urban landscapes to maintain ecological connectivity for bats and other wildlife.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation in Brazil Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play diverse and pivotal roles in gene regulation across various biological processes. From microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) to circular RNAs (circRNAs) and transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), ncRNAs participate in fine-tuning gene expression at multiple levels, including transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation. These molecules act as crucial regulators of cellular homeostasis, development and disease pathogenesis. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Central dogma of molecular biology & competitive endogenous rna (cerna) hypothesis may be used to anchor future studies on role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation in Brazil. Leveraging the dysregulated expression of non-coding RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers will facilitate the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. By targeting specific non-coding RNAs associated with disease states, clinicians can tailor treatment regimens to individual patients, improving efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. Policymakers should prioritize funding for non-coding RNA research, recognizing its significance in advancing biomedical knowledge and improving healthcare outcomes. Educational institutions and professional organizations should incorporate non-coding RNA biology into undergraduate and graduate curricula, as well as continuing education programs for healthcare professionals.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore antibiotic resistance mechanisms and strategies for combating resistance in Germany Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: antibiotic resistance represents a complex and evolving challenge to public health in Germany. Mechanisms such as efflux pumps, mobile genetic elements, and enzymatic degradation contribute to the resilience of bacteria against antibiotics. However, strategic interventions have been identified to combat resistance effectively. Exploration of alternative therapies like bacteriophage therapy offers promising avenues for addressing antibiotic-resistant infections, especially in light of increasing resistance rates. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Evolutionary theory of antibiotic resistance & Game Theory in Antibiotic Stewardship may be used to anchor future studies on antibiotic resistance mechanisms and strategies for combating resistance in Germany. Implement antimicrobial stewardship programs across healthcare settings to optimize antibiotic use. These programs should involve prescriber education, antibiotic guidelines, and regular audits to promote appropriate prescribing practices and minimize unnecessary antibiotic exposure. Prioritize infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and infection control protocols, to reduce the spread of resistant pathogens within healthcare facilities and communities. Enact policies to regulate the use of antibiotics in human health, veterinary medicine, and agriculture. This includes restrictions on antibiotic use in food production, bans on over-the-counter antibiotic sales, and incentives for the development of new antibiotics.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of environmental factors on embryonic development and fetal programming Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed compelling evidence linking various environmental exposures, including air pollution, maternal nutrition, smoking, stress, chemical contaminants, and heavy metals, to adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term health consequences for offspring. The study also highlighted the critical role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, in mediating the effects of environmental factors on gene expression and cellular function during embryogenesis. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) theory & Fetal Programming theory may be used to anchor future studies on the influence of environmental factors on embryonic development and fetal programming. Incorporate comprehensive assessments of environmental exposures into routine prenatal care. Healthcare providers should consider factors such as maternal diet, smoking status, stress levels, chemical exposures, and air quality when counseling pregnant individuals. Advocate for stricter environmental regulations aimed at reducing exposure to air pollutants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances during pregnancy. Tailor interventions based on individual risk profiles and environmental exposures. For example, provide targeted nutritional counseling, smoking cessation programs, stress management support, and referrals for environmental health assessments as part of prenatal care services.
Coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19), a contagious infection brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has been reported throughout the world. In addition to respiratory issues, a growing number of patients have been suffering ischemic strokes. The goal of this study is to examine the features of ischemic stroke following SARS-CoV-2/Covid 19 infection and to offer helpful reference resources for ensuing therapeutic care.
Categorizing numbers into even and odd is an ability held by humans that has recently been found to be also held by honeybees. We examined whether ants could also make such parity discrimination. Working on the species Myrmica sabuleti, we learned the ants of two colonies to associate 2 black circles with a reward and 5 of these circles with the absence of a reward, as well as learned the ants of two other colonies to associate 3 of these same cues with a reward and 4 of these cues with the absence of a reward. By collectively testing foragers of each colony in a separate tray in front of these cues, it was first verified during three days if they dully learned the ‘correct’ cue. Thereafter, while the ants continued to be trained, foragers of each colony were collectively subjected to nine successive choice tests, each day in front of a pair of cues different from the one used during the learning process. The cues used during these tests differed from those used to train the ants by the number and size of the dots, the cumulative surface of the dots, the perimeter of their area (surfaces and perimeters being maintained equal between the cues) and their layout. A ‘correct’ cue had the same parity (even or odd) as the cue learned during training. The tested ants each time consistently responded to the number that had the same parity as that of the number they learned during conditioning. This sensitivity to the number parity occurred from the number 1 until the number 7. Discrimination between 7 and 8 dots was beyond the ant capability.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the effects of environmental changes on species diversity Methodology: This study adopted a desktop methodology. This study used secondary data from which include review of existing literature from already published studies and reports that was easily accessed through online journals and libraries Findings: The study found that environmental changes, such as deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and urbanization, lead to a decline in species diversity. Climate change has emerged as a critical driver of changes in species diversity. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and sea-level rise have caused shifts in species distributions, changes in community composition, and reductions in species richness. Pollution including water and air pollution, has detrimental effects on species diversity especially in aquatic ecosystems. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on the theory of island biogeography which was propounded by Robert MacArthur and E. O. Wilson and niche theory which was originally proposed by G.E. Hutchinson. The study recommended that conservation efforts should prioritize habitat preservation and restoration. Protecting and restoring natural habitats is crucial for maintaining species diversity. Conservation practices should focus on minimizing habitat loss, creating ecological corridors, and rehabilitating degraded habitats. Environmental policies and regulations should be designed to mitigate the drivers of environmental change and promote sustainable practices.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to examine the role of molecular chaperones in polypeptide. Methodology: This study adopted a desktop methodology. This study used secondary data from which include review of existing literature from already published studies and reports that was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that molecular chaperones assist in the folding of polypeptides by stabilizing intermediate folding states and preventing the aggregation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. Molecular chaperones are crucial in preventing protein misfolding and aggregation-associated diseases, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative disorders Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was anchored on The Kinetic Partitioning Model was Proposed by Susan L. Lindquist and Levinthal's Paradox and the Hierarchical Folding Model and was proposed by Cyrus Levinthal. The study recommended support funding initiatives and research grants that focus on investigating the role of molecular chaperones in protein folding and their implications in various fields, including biotechnology, medicine, and drug discovery. Promote interdisciplinary research efforts to address the challenges and opportunities associated with chaperone-mediated folding.
