Abstract Background The ant fauna of southern Portugal remains insufficiently documented, with relevant gaps in both distributional knowledge and taxonomic resolution. Historical sampling has been geographically uneven, and several species complexes require modern reassessment. This study aimed to provide an updated overview of ant assemblages in southern Portugal, focusing on poorly surveyed areas and evaluating distributional novelties and taxonomic uncertainties. Results In May 2025, an extensive field survey was conducted across the districts of Algarve, southern Setúbal, and Baixo Alentejo, primarily targeting undisturbed and rural habitats. A total of 58 species belonging to three subfamilies were recorded, with Myrmicinae representing the most diverse group. The assemblage reflects a typically Mediterranean composition, dominated by thermophilous ground-nesting species and complemented by a diverse arboreal component within Formicinae. Three species are newly recorded for Portugal: Tapinoma magnum , Plagiolepis pyrenaica , and Messor erwini . Several additional taxa represent significant southern Portuguese range extensions, including Camponotus ruber , Camponotus gestroi , Myrmica aloba , and Temnothorax alfacarensis . Multiple cryptic taxa were detected, including two potentially undescribed species ( Formica sp. 1 and Temnothorax sp. 1), highlighting unresolved taxonomic complexity. Conclusions The results substantially refine current knowledge of southern Portuguese ant diversity and confirm that the regional fauna remains incompletely characterized. The detection of cryptic and potentially undescribed taxa emphasizes the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches combining detailed morphological analyses and molecular data. Continued targeted surveys and critical reassessment of historical records are essential to achieve a more complete and stable understanding of Portugal’s myrmecofauna.
Pomacea figulina is a neotropical freshwater gastropod that has emerged as a promising native biomonitor due to its ecological characteristics and sensitivity to environmental contaminants. However, the lack of standardized laboratory rearing protocols limits its use in ecotoxicological bioassays and environmental monitoring. This study aimed to establish a controlled laboratory culture protocol for P. figulina, with emphasis on survival and growth performance, to support its future application in ecotoxicological research. Egg masses were collected in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil, and incubated under controlled conditions for 20 days. After hatching, 120 individuals were randomly distributed among 40 aquariums and maintained for 10 weeks at constant temperature and aeration. Four dietary treatments were tested: (1) commercial fish food, (2) fresh kale, (3) a mixture of fish food and kale, and (4) a laboratory-produced diet composed of fish food, eggshells, agar, and water. Individuals fed the mixed diet (TR3) and the fish food-only diet (TR1) exhibited the greatest growth performance in both body mass and shell length, being statistically indistinguishable from each other. The laboratory-produced diet (TR4) resulted in intermediate growth performance, which differed significantly from both TR1 and TR3, but stood out by showing the highest survival rate (lowest mortality) among all treatments. Conversely, the kale-only diet (TR2) showed the lowest growth performance and the highest mortality rate. Overall, diet was identified as a key factor influencing growth and survival, with growth primarily associated with protein-rich diets combined with plant sources, and survival closely linked to dietary mineral composition, although water quality and characteristics of the egg clutches may also have contributed to the observed variation among treatments. Nutritional composition plays a decisive role in the success of laboratory rearing of P. figulina. While protein-rich diets optimize growth, the use of a calcium-supplemented laboratory diet provides a reliable foundation for maximizing survival under controlled conditions. These findings reinforce the suitability of P. figulina as a model organism for ecotoxicological bioassays and environmental biomonitoring, contributing to the development of standardized methodologies for Neotropical freshwater mollusks.
Abstract Background High-ceiling diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) promote water and electrolyte excretion by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to osmotic and ionic imbalance. Accordingly, its potent diuretic action may induce osmotic stress in water-regulating organisms such as terrestrial snails. The molluscicidal activity of furosemide was evaluated against the glassy clover snail, Monacha obstructa , under laboratory conditions and compared with that of metaldehyde as a conventional molluscicide. Treatments were applied using bait method for 72 h. To investigate the mode of action of both treatments, the activities of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Acid Phosphatase (ACP) enzymes were assessed. Results Our findings established significant differences in the toxicological efficacy of furosemide and metaldehyde against the target land snail. Metaldehyde showed higher toxicity, with LC 50 and LC 90 values of 1.98 and 3.69%, respectively, compared to 9.06 and 13.62% for furosemide. The estimated Relative Toxicity Index (RTI) value showed that metaldehyde was approximately 4.6 times more toxic than furosemide against M. obstructa , demonstrating its superior molluscicidal activity. Biochemical analyses revealed that ACP activity was not significantly affected by both treatments, whereas ALP activity responded markedly to exposure. Metaldehyde induced a pronounced increase in ALP activity, while furosemide caused a slight reduction relative to the control, indicating differential physiological responses to the tested compounds. Conclusions The obtained data provide the first evidence that the loop diuretic furosemide exerts measurable molluscicidal activity against M. obstructa and induces biochemical responses, although it was less effective than metaldehyde. The differential response of ALP and ACP further highlights the value of ALP as a sensitive biomarker of toxic stress and supports the potential of drug repurposing as a promising approach for terrestrial snail management.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Physical activity, including aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), and yoga (YG), has been shown to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and mobilize CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which play a vital role in tissue repair and immune function. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these exercise modalities on HSCs mobilization and cardiorespiratory fitness in T2DM patients. In this prospective interventional study, 120 participants (25–40 years) with T2DM were randomly assigned to one of four groups: AE, RE, YG, or a control (CN) group. Each group performed 50-minute supervised exercise sessions, three times per week, for 16 weeks. At 0, 8, 16 weeks, peripheral blood CD34 + cell count, Heart Rate, VO₂ max, and VCO₂ were measured. All exercises groups significantly increased peripheral blood CD34 + HSCs counts at both 8th (all p < 0.05; +30.77
Abstract Background The eusocial termite plays crucial role in soil processes such as nutrient cycling, structure maintenance, and pest population regulation, which are essential for ecosystem services. This soil insects responds to disturbances and soil quality and can serve as a bioindicator of ecological disruptions; however, its diversity and responses to land uses have not been studied in the tropical deciduous habitat. Methods This study was conducted in various natural and managed habitats of the tropical dry deciduous region of Sambalpur district, Odisha, India. Termites were sampled bimonthly over two consecutive years, 2021–22. The collection involved a 50 × 2 m transect. Diversity indices and correlations with soil physicochemical properties were analyzed. Results During this period, 16 termite species were recorded, of which seven belong to mound-building termites and nine subterranean termites. Termite species Odontotermes obesus were dominant in all the land use habitats, whereas Coptotermes ceylonicus was least encountered and only recorded in human-disturbed forest sites. Conclusions The study demonstrates that land-use practices have a substantial impact on termite diversity and community organization. Disturbed forest areas displayed greater species richness and diversity, while irrigated agricultural lands had the lowest species diversity due to poor oversight. It emphasizes the importance of preserving semi-natural and forest-covered habitats for soil health and ecological balance, as well as the shift in species composition that favors dominant species.
Abstract Background Chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction is a major cause of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), infertility, and follicular depletion. Cyclophosphamide (CP), a widely used alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, exerts pronounced gonadotoxic effects through DNA damage, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and inflammatory signaling. Objective To evaluate the protective and therapeutic effects of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract against CP-induced ovarian dysfunction in rats. Methods Thirty-six mature female albino rats were randomly allocated into six groups: negative control, CP-treated groups (protective and therapeutic timing), W. somnifera -treated group, and combined CP + W. somnifera groups (protective and therapeutic paradigms). Ovarian dysfunction was induced by a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (200 mg/kg). Ovarian histopathology, oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, serum reproductive hormones, DNA damage using alkaline and neutral comet assays, and ovarian expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TGF-β) were assessed. Results CP administration induced marked ovarian injury, as evidenced by significant DNA damage, upregulation of TNF-α and TGF-β, disruption of gonadotropin-estradiol balance, elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress, and pronounced histopathological degeneration. Administration of W. somnifera , particularly in the protective regimen, significantly attenuated CP-induced DNA fragmentation, reduced oxidative and inflammatory markers, partially normalized hormonal profiles, and preserved ovarian histoarchitecture compared with CP-only groups. Overall, the protective regimen showed greater efficacy than the therapeutic regimen. Conclusion W. somnifera exerted significant protective and therapeutic effects against CP-induced ovarian toxicity, primarily through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and genoprotective mechanisms. These findings support further investigation of W. somnifera as a potential adjunctive strategy to mitigate chemotherapy-associated ovarian toxicity.
Anastrozole is a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor widely used in breast cancer therapy to suppress estrogen production; however, its prolonged use has been associated with adverse hepatic and renal effects. Natural products rich in bioactive constituents, such as Fragaria ananassa (strawberry), have attracted interest for their potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals present in an alcoholic strawberry extract and to evaluate its effects on liver and kidney tissues, as well as related biochemical parameters, in anastrozole-treated female rats. A total of twenty-four female albino rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 6 each): Group 1 received normal saline for 51 days and served as the control; Group 2 received anastrozole for 21 days; Group 3 received anastrozole followed by strawberry extract administration from day 22 to day 51; and Group 4 received strawberry extract for 30 days. All treatments were administered orally. Serum biochemical markers of liver and kidney function were assessed, and histopathological examinations of hepatic and renal tissues were performed. The strawberry extract was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for mineral analysis. HPLC and AAS analyses confirmed the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals, vitamins, and essential minerals in the strawberry extract. Anastrozole administration induced marked histopathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues, including inflammatory changes, sinusoidal disruption, necrosis, glomerular congestion, and a significant reduction in glomerular diameter (p < 0.05). These alterations were accompanied by significant elevations in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine levels (p < 0.05). Administration of strawberry extract following anastrozole exposure was associated with significant improvement in both histological features and biochemical parameters. The findings indicate that administration of strawberry extract was associated with significant improvements in biochemical markers and histopathological features of anastrozole-induced hepatorenal injury in female rats. These findings support the potential ameliorative role of strawberry-derived bioactive compounds; however, further mechanistic studies and clinical investigations are required before translation to human applications.
Heavy metals (HMs), particularly lead, accumulate in organisms due to environmental pollution, posing significant health risks. Plant-based treatments are emerging as potential mitigators for heavy metal toxicity. Thus, this study evaluate the hepatorenal protective effects of Withania coagulans (W. coagulans) methanolic leaf extract against lead-induced toxicity in mice. Eighteen mice were divided into three groups, each containing 6 mice: a control group, an exposed group (60 mg/kg BW lead acetate), and a treatment group (pretreated with 160 mg/kg BW W. coagulans leaf extract followed by lead acetate exposure). After four weeks, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of hepatorenal markers, and tissues were examined histologically. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc testwere performed for statistical analysis. The administration of lead acetate in the exposed group significantly elevated hepatic biomarkers (ALP, ALT, AST), confirming lead-induced liver toxicity. The protective group, treated with W. coagulans methanolic leaf extract, showed a significant decrease in these markers (P < 0.05), indicating a protective effect. Although improvements were also observed in renal markers in the protective group but none of the measured renal biomarkers differed significantly between the exposed and treatment groups. Histological examination revealed liver and kidney degeneration in the exposed group, while the protective group showed restored tissue architecture. W. coagulans methanolic leaf extract significantly reduced lead-induced hepatic toxicity in mice. While renal protection was less pronounced, the extract demonstrated potential as a hepatoprotective agent. Further investigations are recommended to explore its mechanisms of action and to investigate its potential clinical applications.
Abstract Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common food additive, has been documented to induce oxidative stress associated with reproductive pathologies. Abelmoschus esculentus leaf diet (AELD), a feed formulation with reported nutritional and medicinal properties, was explored in this study for its mitigative effect on MSG-induced uterine pathologies. Methods Eighteen (18) female Wistar rats were equally allotted into three groups ( n = 6): Group A (control): 1 mL/kg distilled water, B: 1000 mg/kg/day MSG only by oral gavage, and C: 1000 mg/kg/day MSG + 20% Abelmoschus esculentus feed formulation. Rats were exposed for 60 days, while AELD was introduced from the 31st day of treatment. Body weight change, relative uterus weight, oxidant-antioxidant markers (total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, in addition to histology and immunostaining of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), were analysed. Results MSG increased body weight change, relative uterus weight, TP, MDA, and FSH levels in group B as compared to the control group. Contrarily, MSG decreased CAT and SOD activities, GSH and BCL-2 levels when compared to the control. AELD reversed all these parameters in group C except for the non-significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in relative uterus weight induced by AELD. The AELD attenuated MSG-induced uterine pathologies of hyperplastic epithelium, cellular inflammation, mild to marked vascular congestion with mild haemorrhage, myometrial thickening due to cellular infiltration, fibrosis, and mild to moderate hypertrophy of glands in group C. Conclusion The AELD demonstrated mitigative potentials in MSG-induced uterine anomalies by reducing body weight, oxidative stress, FSH levels, and architectural pathologies while stimulating the BCL-2 reactivity and antioxidant statuses of the rats.
Abstract Background The Fall armyworm, originally indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, causing significant reductions in maize productivity. This study evaluated the bio-efficacy of seed and leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Jatropha curcas (physic nut) against Fall armyworm infestation under field conditions. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with five treatments. A. indica seed extract (SEAI), A. indica leaf extract (LEAI), J. curcas seed extract (SEJC), J. curcas leaf extract (LEJC) and an untreated control. The treatments were applied at a concentration of 150 g/L and replicated three times. Data were collected on larval populations, percentage infestation, leaf damage and grain yield. Results Results showed that, SEAI significantly reduced FAW larval population to 0.67 larvae per 10 maize plants after the third spray and recorded the lowest maize damage (10.0%,), in comparison, with untreated control plots (66.7%). The maize plots treated with seed extract of A. indica exhibited the lowest leaf damage score of 1.33. Grain yield was significantly enhanced by botanical treatments with SEAI producing the highest yield (2781.73 kg/ha), followed by SEJC (2581.73kg/ha), LEAI (2541.67 kg/ha), and LEJC (2180.20 kg/ha) while untreated control yielded 1666.10 kg/ha. Conclusion This suggests that A. indica and J. curcas extracts may serve as alternatives for synthetic insecticides for the management of Fall armyworm to enhance maize yields.
Pesticide exposure is a growing health concern globally because of its toxic effects on vital organs. Present research was conducted to investigate the effects of bromoxynil on the liver and kidney, along with the protective potential of Nigella sativa extract. Experimental animals were divided into four groups: control(Co), Nigella sativa extract alone(NS), bromoxynil-treated (BO), and combined treatment(BO + NS). Histological, micrometric and blood chemical parameters were measured following 10,15- and 25-days experimental period. Biochemical analysis revealed that bromoxynil exposure significantly increased serum liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and renal function markers (urea, creatinine), over different experimental periods indicating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Hematological alterations including reduced red blood cells and hemoglobin with increased white blood cells reflected systemic stress. Histological examinations confirmed these findings, where bromoxynil caused severe hepatic alterations such as vacuolated hepatocytes, pyknotic nuclei and disrupted sinusoidal architecture while kidney sections showed shrunken glomeruli, widened periglomerular spaces and degenerated tubular cells. In contrast, animals treated with Nigella sativa displayed marked improvement. The extract stabilized liver and kidney functions restored hematological balance and preserved normal tissue structures. Overall, our findings highlight the dual threat of bromoxynil toxicity and the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa in protecting vital organs against pesticide induced damage.
Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) are pervasive environmental pollutants known to accumulate in terrestrial ecosystems and enter the food chain, posing significant risks to economically important insects. In sericulture, silkworms are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal exposure through contaminated host plants, which can impair growth, metabolism, and silk production. Antheraea mylitta, an important wild sericigenous insect, is highly sensitive to environmental stressors, yet limited information is available on its response to heavy metal toxicity. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cd and Pb on the morphological, biochemical, and cocoon quality parameters of the silkworm A. mylitta. Larvae (5th instar) of A. mylitta were fed on Terminalia arjuna leaves were supplemented with trace elements Cd and Pb for 7 days. Experimental animals, comprising control (group I: without exposure of Cd and Pb) and all treated groups (groups II, III and IV), were exposed to Cd and Pb in different concentrations of 0.1 ppm, 1 ppm, and 10 ppm, respectively. Compared to the control, a dose-dependent variation was observed in morphological indices, including larval body length and weight, along with noticeable colour changes. Biochemical analysis revealed a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in protein and carbohydrate contents, while catalase activity showed a stress-associated variation in treated groups. Cocoon quality parameters, such as cocoon weight, shell weight, and shell ratio, were also significantly reduced at higher concentrations (1 and 10 ppm). The results suggest that Cd and Pb have a profound effect on its growth, biochemical indices, and cocoon quality in A. mylitta in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate potential risks of heavy metal contamination to tasar sericulture under polluted environmental conditions.
Inflammation-driven disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis require safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, we purified and identified a soil-derived fungal isolate. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential was evaluated using integrated chemical, biological, and computational approaches. Morphological characteristics combined with 18 S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the isolate as Penicillium chrysogenum (GenBank accession: PV110187.1), validating its taxonomic identity for downstream investigations. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling of the methanolic extract revealed a chemically diverse metabolome dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acid esters and terpenoid constituents. The most abundant constituents were methyl 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate (43.21
The fate and effect of Bt toxin have always been an ecological concern in agricultural soil due to widespread cultivation of genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The Cry1Ac toxin, released from the Bt cotton plant, enters the soil ecosystem primarily through post-harvest plant residues and root exudates, where it may persist and interact with non-target soil organisms. Earthworms, particularly Eisenia fetida, are ubiquitous soil organisms that ingest organic residues and are widely used as bioindicators of soil ecotoxicity. The aim of this study is to assess the changes occurring in earthworms in response to different concentrations of the Cry1Ac toxin in vermicompost due to the addition of Bt-cotton crop residues under controlled laboratory conditions. Changes in growth rates and phosphatase enzyme activity were also monitored at regular intervals. Regimen In vitro research has provided insight into the effects on earthworms of the mulching transgenic crop residues in vermicompost. In this study, the effects of amending substrate (the diet of E. fetida) with transgenic cotton crop residues on the phosphatase enzyme of E. fetida are quantified as key biochemical biomarkers reflecting metabolic status, cellular turnover, and nutrient mineralization processes in earthworms. Exposure to the Cry1Ac toxin at the given concentration did not significantly affect the growth rate or the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the ecological implications of the potential ecological implications of Bt cotton cultivation on non-target soil fauna. Through amalgamation of growth and enzymatic biomarkers, the research provides valuable insights into the sub-lethal concentrations impact of Cry1Ac toxin on earthworm species. Such explorations are crucial for establishing sustainable agricultural practices vis-à-vis ensuring the ecological safety of Bt-transgenic crops. Though the results showed minimal short-term risk to E. fetida, the ecological safety of integrating Bt-cotton residues into sustainable soil management techniques, however remains a question and relies on long-term and field-based research to assess sub-lethal and cumulative impacts.
Abstract Background Aflatoxin contamination is a global concern that imperils food security and aquaculture. This study was focused on evaluating the toxicological impact of Aflatoxin B1 on fish growth, hematological parameters, and oxidative stress markers in the liver, kidneys, and gill tissues of Channa punctata. Additionally, a superficial examination of the gill tissue was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 2 weeks of acclimatization, following LD50 estimation (6.5 mg/kg), the sublethal dosages (1/10, 1/20, and 1/40 of LD50) were calculated. The fish specimens (70 ± 4 g) were then subjected to three sublethal doses of Aflatoxin B1 (11.4 µg, 22.8 µg, 45.5 µg), with one group serving as a control. The toxin was first dissolved in a medium of 0.04% DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) to create a stock solution; each dose had a final volume of 0.5 mL (toxin and DMSO), ready to be administered via the intraperitoneal route . Result After 28 days of exposure, significant depletion was observed in the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and derived erythrocytic indices. Moreover, dose-dependent increases in lipid peroxidation alongside significant reductions in antioxidant enzyme (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH) levels in liver, kidney, and gill tissues. SEM revealed gill surface deformities as the toxin concentration was increased; severe alteration was observed in high Aflatoxin B1 concentration(45.5 µg). Conclusion The observed deviations of these parameters from optimum were evident; depletion in hematological indices indicates hematotoxicity, a decrease in antioxidants suggests oxidative stress, and also the surface erosion in gills indicates histopathology induced by Aflatoxin B1. Collectively, it was concluded that AFB1 contamination is a serious matter of concern, as it affects the sustainability of aquaculture and also raises food safety concerns for humans who consume these fish. It emphasizes the critical necessity for strategies to prevent or mitigate the aflatoxin effects.
Abstract Background Probiotics are increasingly used in aquaculture to improve growth, enhance immune responses, and reduce antibiotic dependence. This study evaluated the effects of dietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus on growth performance, non-specific immunity, serum biochemical profiles, and disease resistance of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) against Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 7966). A 45-day feeding trial was conducted using four groups (control and three probiotic treatments: 1 × 10⁸, 2.5 × 10⁸, and 5 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed), each in triplicate. Results Among the probiotic-fed groups, fish receiving 2.5 × 10⁸ CFU/g (T2) showed the best overall performance, with significantly improved growth and enhanced innate immune responses, including higher nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) activity, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels compared to the control (P < 0.05). Probiotic supplementation also improved serum protein profiles, showing increased total protein, albumin, and globulin levels, and reduced serum glucose, SGPT, and SGOT levels relative to the control. Expression analysis revealed significant modulation of hmgb1 across examined tissues (P < 0.05), with downregulation during probiotic feeding, whereas bacterial challenge induced upregulation in immune-related organs (kidney and spleen). In addition, probiotic-fed fish exhibited higher survival following A. hydrophila challenge. Conclusion Overall, dietary Lactobacillus rhamnosus at 2.5 × 10⁸ CFU/g feed showed comparatively better performance in enhancing growth, immunocompetence and resistance of P. hypophthalmus against A. hydrophila.
Abstract Background Widely used antineoplastic drugs, including vincristine (VCT), are known to be genotoxic and cause side effects in humans and animals. Consequently, there is a need to explore the antineoplastic potential of notable medicinal plants. This study investigated the role of Tridax procumbens (TDP), a medicinal plant with beneficial ethnopharmacological properties, on VCT-induced genotoxicity and histological alterations in male Wistar rats. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were equally divided into eight groups (A–H) and treated as follows: Group A (control) received 1 mL/kg distilled water, Group B: VCT (0.1 mg/kg), Groups C–E: TDP (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), and Groups F–H: VCT plus TDP at the varying doses. The treatment lasted for ten days, after which histological examinations and genotoxicity tests were conducted. Results There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the body weight change of VCT-treated rats. On the contrary, TDP dose-dependently increased the body weight of treated rats. VCT induced notable histological changes in the testes, epididymis, and kidneys, which were ameliorated in the groups co-treated with TDP. VCT also significantly (p < 0.05) increased micronucleus formation and macrophage infiltration in the bone marrow compared to the control. Co-treatment with TDP dose-dependently reduced these effects. Conclusion These findings suggest that Tridax procumbens may offer protective effects against VCT-induced disruption in organ weight changes, histological alterations, and genotoxicity parameters, highlighting its potential use as an alternative or adjunct anticancer agent.
Abstract Background The Buthidae, is the largest and most widely distributed scorpion family that encompasses more than 1300 species worldwide and includes several medically important scorpions. Though they pose significant public health risks, there is a critical knowledge gap about the species-environmental interactions of Buthidae species in India. The present study addresses this by systematically mapping Buthidae species distributions across Central India in ArcGIS environment and finding out their suitable habitats using Maximum entropy modeling approach. The study also aims to identify the key environmental predictors of habitat suitability using Jackknife analysis. Results The spatial patterns revealed scattered or an evenly distribution of most of the species except Hottentotta rugiscutis and Buthoscorpio politus , which show more or less a clustered distribution. Species distribution model demonstrated significant variation in minimum ( ≤ 22%) and maximum predictive performances (≥ 83%) across scorpion species. Suitable habitat for all species found to be diffused except H. rugiscutis and B. politus , for which the area under curve value was found to be excellent (≥ 90%) and very good (≥ 80%<90%), respectively. The highest suitable habitat was found for H. jabalpurensis (56.6%) and the lowest for H. rugiscutis (13%). For most species, hydrological factors like precipitation and relative humidity were key determinants of scorpion distribution in the study area. The result demonstrated clear interspecific variation in model performance and environmental drivers that play a critical role in niche partitioning through microhabitat stratification. Most species were found to be habitat specialists that are adapted to human settlements. Central Madhya Pradesh and Northwest Chhattisgarh emerged as high-risk regions for scorpion envenomation risks. Conclusion This study brought into light the first predictive framework for medically significant Buthidae scorpions in Central India, integrating field surveys with species distribution modeling to provide critical insights to understand interspecific variation in model performance and environmental drivers in spatial segregation. The overall outcome of the study will no doubt help in management of Buthid scorpions in Central India for their conservation and better addressing of human-scorpion interactions in this region.
Abstract Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a gynaecological disorder associated with complex metabolic and endocrine disruptions in the reproductive aged women worldwide. The purpose of the present investigation is to provide some solid evidence for role of the herb Teucrium stocksianum in the treatment of PCOS related ovarian and metabolic derangements. Methods To investigate these possibilities, prepubertal female rats (n = 24) were initially divided in a random manner into two groups: Group I/control (n = 6) received sesame seed oil, and Group II/experimental (n = 18) received testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneously for 6 weeks. On week 7th, Group I continued to serve as control group whereas Group II animals were confirmed for PCOS induction and were equally divided into 3 treatment groups (6 rats each): Group A (TP) continued to receive testosterone propionate, Group B (TP + TSB) received Teucrium stocksianum (500 mg/kg body weight), and Group C (TP + MET) received 250 mg/kg body weight metformin. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study to examine the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estrogen, progesterone and antihyperlipidemic parameters. Ovarian and uterine tissues were used to identify the histopathological changes in all groups. Results Based on the results, prepubertal rats treated with testosterone exhibited endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive abnormalities parallel to those observed clinically in women with PCOS. Our results have shown potential therapeutic effects of Teucrium stocksianum, as significantly improved FPG, FINS, IGFBP-1, VEGF, FSH, LH, TC, HDL and LDL levels were observed whereas nonsignificant changes were observed in terms of IGF-1 and triglyceride levels in the treatment groups. Furthermore, Teucrium stocksianum also reversed the morphological changes in the ovarian and uterine tissues of the rats when compared to the TP rats. Conclusion These findings imply that treatment with Teucrium restored the ovarian imbalances and insulin insensitivity caused by hyperandrogenism and has the ability to minimize the endocrine and metabolic aberrations, suggesting its potential effectiveness in the management of PCOS.
Accurate identification of Aedes mosquitoes is essential for effective surveillance of arboviral diseases. Due to morphological similarities and vectorial potential of Aedes vittatus (Bigot), an important bridge vector of several arboviruses, i.e., dengue, chikungunya and Zika, was initially classified with Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). This study applied an integrative taxonomic approach to compare Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus using a combination of visual morphological diagnostics, quantitative morphometric measurements and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing. Comparative analyses included cluster analysis of phenotypic traits and phylogeny based on COI sequences. Morphologically, 61 Aedes vittatus is an important bridge vector of arboviruses globally. Integrative approaches used to study the relationship with previous kin Aedes vectors. Aedes vittatus differs from Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in morphology, morphometrics and genetics.
