Natural antimicrobial agents, particularly plant extracts from Urtica dioica, Mentha piperita, Plantago lanceolata and Cynara scolymus, have attracted considerable attention due to their broad biological activity driven by diverse bioactive compounds and synergistic effects. The efficacy of these extracts depends on plant species, chemical composition, extraction method, and solvent, emphasizing the need for systematic evaluation of ethanolic and aqueous extracts as potential alternatives to synthetic antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Urtica dioica, Mentha piperita, Plantago lanceolata and Cynara scolymus. Reliability was ensured through triplicate testing and standardised methodology (well diffusion method, 100 mg/ml concentration), confirming that the results are representative and statistically valid. Findings indicate that ethanolic extracts demonstrated significantly stronger antimicrobial activity than aqueous extracts (p < 0.05), particularly against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis) and the fungus Candida albicans, while Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica) were largely resistant except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mentha piperita and P. lanceolate ethanolic extracts exhibited the broadest and most potent antimicrobial spectrum, U. dioica and C. scolymus leaves showed weaker activity but remain valuable sources of bioactive compounds.
This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics, heavy metal contamination, and water quality of the surface water from the Okpare Olomu River in Ughelli South, Delta State, Nigeria. Water samples from four stations were analysed for physicochemical parameters, heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn), and the total hydrocarbon content (THC). The pH ranged from 5.71 to 5.86, indicating slightly acidic water. Electrical conductivity (17.23–24.23 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (6.18–13.46 mg/L), and total suspended solids (71.20–75.20 mg/L) were low, while dissolved oxygen (5.12–6.24 mg/L) and biochemical oxygen demand (3.34–7.43 mg/L) reflected moderate water quality. Heavy metal concentrations followed the order: Fe (0.86–2.35 mg/L) > Pb (0.00–0.23 mg/L) > Cd (0.02–0.07 mg/L) > Cr (0.06–0.12 mg/L) > Cu (0.06–0.09 mg/L) > Zn (0.13–0.16 mg/L) > Mn (0.01–0.02 mg/L), with Fe, Pb, and Cd exceeding the permissible limits established by NESREA, USEPA, and the WHO. THC ranged 2.85–3.62 mg/L. The Water Quality Index (WQI: 136.21–1113.24) classified all stations as Grade E and unsuitable for drinking, while the Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI: 0.66–2.20) indicated station 2 as severely polluted, stations 1 and 3 as moderately polluted, and station 4 as slightly polluted. Health risk assessment revealed non-carcinogenic risk due to arsenic exposure (HI > 1), and integrated carcinogenic risk suggested a high potential for cancer among consumers. These findings highlight the urgent need for mitigation strategies, continuous monitoring, and public health interventions to reduce heavy metal contamination and protect communities dependent on the Okpare Olomu River.
Upon the first discovery, this publication provides the results of the examination and documentation of the female genitalia of Dvidulopsis Stonis & Diškus, an endemic Neotropical genus previously known only from male specimens. It also describes Stigmella mariusi Stonis & Diškus, sp. nov., a previously overlooked Acalypha-feeding species of Nepticulidae from the western premontane Amazon.
This study evaluated four landraces of local dill (Anethum graveolens) from Ardabil, Moghan, Mashhad, and Kerman, with the objective of assessing genetic and phytochemical variabilities. Plants were cultivated under field conditions on loamy soil and harvested at full flowering, the stage associated with maximum production of essential oil. Essential oils were extracted from leaves and flowers using low-temperature oven drying (40°C) and assessed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for measuring major constituents, including carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, myristicin, dill ether, and dillapiole. Genotype × trait biplot analysis explained 82% of the total variation, and positive associations were observed between myristicin and dill ether, as well as between α-terpinene and α-pinene, while negative correlations were found between these compounds and α-terpinolene, dibutyl phthalate, and other minor constituents. Trait discrimination and representativeness analyses identified β-pinene and sabinene as the most informative for differentiating genotypes, followed by 1-terpineol, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and 5-epi-neointermedeol. Although highly abundant, such traits as essential oil, carvone, and limonene exhibited low discriminative potential. Among genotypes, Moghan displayed the highest essential oil, D-carvone, and l-limonene content, consistent with a seed-type chemotype dominated by carvone and limonene. Ardabil was rich in myristicin, dill ether, and α-phellandrene, representing a herb-type chemotype. Mashhad emerged as the most favourable genotype overall, combining desirable essential oil yield with moderate stability, while Kerman exhibited a high and stable dillapiole content, making it suitable for applications requiring consistent essential oil quality.
Metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns about their uptake by aquatic organisms and subsequent biomagnification along the aquatic food chain. This study determined trace metal distribution in Tilapia zillii and Synodontis schall from the Siluko River in Edo State, Nigeria. Fresh fish samples were harvested monthly from September 2021 to August 2022 with the assistance of artisanal fishermen. Trace metal contents in the gills, liver, and muscles were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The metal pollution index (MPI) was used to estimate the extent of metal bioaccumulation in the fishes. Results showed species variation in metal accumulation in various organs: T. zillii had a higher mean content of Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe in all the organs, while S. schall had a higher mean content of Ni, Cr, and Pb in all the organs. The MPI values ranged from 5.28 to 5.94 in the organs of T. zillii and S. schall. The order of MPI values in T. zillii was muscles > liver > gills; in S. schall, it was liver > gills > muscles. The results indicate trace metal contamination of fishes due to aquatic pollution. High MPI values is an indication of the degree of metal pollution of the Siluko River and the high susceptibility of these metals to bioaccumulation in the fishes. This predisposes the fishes to metal toxicity and portends health risk to fish consumers. The continuous monitoring of activities within the river watershed to mitigate heavy metal pollution is recommended.
The intensification of the effects of climate change and the necessity of using climate-resilient methods and improving nutritional conditions, replacing chemical fertilisers with organic fertilisers and saving water consumption should be heightened in semi-arid regions. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different doses of NPK chemical fertilisers (CH0: no use of NPK fertiliser, CH50: application of 50% of the recommended dose of NPK, CH100: application of 100% of the recommended dose of NPK) and different levels of animal manure (0, 5, and 10 t ha–1: FYM0, FYM5 and FYM10) under different soil moisture conditions (full irrigation (FI) and rainfed with one supplementary irrigation at the spike stage (SI)) on winter wheat performance in Hamedan area. Under FI conditions, the lateral growth of the canopy increased strongly with the use of chemical fertilisers. However, the longitudinal growth and internode distances increased with the combined application of chemical and organic fertilisers. Under SI, the application of FYM10 + CH50 had a greater effect on yield components. Grain weight decreased under both irrigation regimes with the increase in the consumption of NPK fertilisers. The highest grain yield (4790 kg ha–1) was obtained for plants grown under FI + FYM10 + CH100 and plants grown with FYM10 + CH50 (4425 ha–1). Under the SI conditions, the highest yield was recorded with the utilization of FYM10 + CH50 (2644), and FYM10 + CH0 (2549), and the lowest yield was recorded under FYM0. Taken together, the use of chemical fertilisers under FI conditions is inevitable to increase the grain yield, and the replacement of NPK fertiliser with the current applied amounts of animal fertilisers could not be adequate to improve the grain yield considerably.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to severe complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunity of the target population against the measles virus by assessing the presence of IgG antibodies. A total of 176 individuals were tested using the ELISA method. Fourteen participants (7.95%) were found to be non-immune, primarily from the 1976–1981 and 1982–1987 birth cohorts. The highest proportion of seronegative individuals (17.4%) was observed among those with unknown vaccination status. No significant differences were found between sexes. Most participants were from Kaunas, which also accounted for the majority of seronegative cases.
Electroporation is a phenomenon when a brief application of a strong electric field affects biological membranes, temporarily increasing their permeability to ions and molecules. As a result, transient pores are created in the plasma membrane. During this process, electrochemical reactions occur both at the electrode-solution interface and within the medium, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can impair cell viability. In this study, we investigated the effects of ROS induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and electroporation on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, as well as the potential antioxidant protection provided by quercetin. CHO cell suspensions were exposed to various concentrations of H2O2 and quercetin and electroporated using a single 2 ms duration electric field pulse of varying intensities (0.5–2.0 kV/cm). Cell viability was evaluated using a colony formation assay, and ROS levels were assessed via Amplex Red fluorescence. Quercetin showed no cytotoxicity up to 2 µM, but reduced cell viability at higher concentrations. It significantly improved survival in cells exposed to H2O2 across all tested concentrations, with the most notable effect observed at 10 µM H2O2, increasing viability. Similarly, quercetin enhanced post-electroporation viability by 11% and 17% at 0.5 and 1.0 kV/cm, respectively. However, at 2.0 kV/cm, its protective effect was no longer observed. These results suggest that quercetin mitigates oxidative stress induced by both chemical and physical stimuli and may be a useful cytoprotective agent in electroporation-based biomedical applications.
The genus Bartonella consists at least 45 officially recognised species and three subspecies of gram-negative, intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of mammalian hosts. Notably, 14 of these species have been associated with human diseases. Deer keds have been identified as key vectors in the transmission of various Bartonella strains associated with ruminants. However, data on the prevalence of Bartonella spp. in deer keds and their cervid hosts in Lithuania remain limited. In this study, we investigated the presence of Bartonella spp. in cervids and deer keds parasitising these hosts. A total of 586 deer keds of two species, Lipoptena cervi (n = 264) and Lipoptena fortisetosa (n = 322), were collected from the furs of 14 hunted cervids (five moose, seven roe deer, and two red deer) in Lithuania during 2016 and 2017. Deer ked samples, along with spleen samples from the host animals, were screened for Bartonella DNA using nested PCR targeting the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region. Bartonella DNA was detected at a high prevalence in both species of deer keds, with a higher infection rate observed in Lipoptena cervi and in 42.86% of the examined spleen samples of animals. Sequence analysis of the ITS region and rpoB gene revealed two distinct Bartonella lineages: both deer ked species were infected with Bartonella strains closely related to B. schoenbuchensis, B. chomelii, and B. capreoli, while moose harboured Bartonella strains most closely related to B. bovis. This study is the first confirmed detection of Bartonella spp. in both L. cervi and L. fortisetosa from cervids in Lithuania. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Bartonella spp. in L. fortisetosa in the Baltic countries.
A five-year-old male Boerboel was presented with the complaint of oral lesion noticed upon routine examination and consultation, with no complaint of inappetence or anorexia. Following the gross evaluation and surgical excision of the mass, histopathological examination was performed. It revealed a highly vascularised tissue with a diffuse fibroblast proliferation and marked inflammatory cellular infiltration. A low mitotic index with no atypical division of the neoplastic cells was observed. The mononuclear cellular infiltration was consistent with inflammatory features of the tumour. Following the gross and histopathological examinations, in addition to non-bone invasion, the diagnosis of fibromatous epulis was established.
Cladocera, generally known as water fleas, are microcrustaceans that assist as biological indicators of water quality. This study observed the spatial-seasonal variation in the species composition, abundance, distribution, and diversity of Cladocera in the Okhuaihe River, Ikpe, Benin City, Nigeria, from August 2021 to January 2022. By means of standard methods, six families encompassing 75 individuals were documented. Station 4 recorded the highest abundance (64 individuals), while station 1 had the lowest (three individuals). Chydoridae (33.33%) was the most dominant family, trailed by Sididae (26.67%), Moinidae (16.00%), Daphniidae (14.67%), Bosminidae (8.00%), and Macrothricidae (1.33%). Species richness and diversity were at their peak in station 4 and lowest in station 2. Evenness was highest in station 1, while dominance peaked in Station s. Daphniidae exhibited a positive correlation with turbidity, while Macrothricidae correlated positively with sulphate and turbidity. The study established that the Okhuaihe River maintains good water quality, with a Cladocera community characteristic of tropical freshwater habitats, but with low diversity. The diversity of Cladocera did not fully mirror the physicochemical conditions. Continuous monitoring is suggested to detect water quality deviations early, as subsequently increased anthropogenic activities could negatively influence and impact species abundance, richness, and diversity.
This review aimed to summarise the available literature on the prevalence and distribution of Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania spp., Anaplasma spp., Borrelia spp., and Rickettsia spp. in wild canids (foxes, wolves, jackals, and raccoon dogs) across Europe from 2010 to 2024. A total of 25 published studies were analysed. For each study, data on host species, country, sample size, detection methods, and pathogen prevalence were extracted and compared. All six pathogens were detected in foxes, which showed the highest prevalence rates compared to other canids. Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp. were the most frequently studied pathogens. Pathogen prevalence varied by host species and geographical location, with higher rates generally observed in Central and Southern Europe. Foxes appear to play a key role as potential reservoirs for multiple vector-borne pathogens. Climatic conditions, host behaviour, and vector distribution are likely contributing factors. Further research is needed, particularly on jackals and raccoon dogs, which remain understudied.
The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed attention to the entanglement of politics, health, and the governance of life. Measures such as lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, digital contact tracing, and quarantine protocols reveal that public health policy operates not merely as a technical or medical response, but as a form of political power acting directly upon bodies and populations. By examining how states enacted exceptional measures under conditions of crisis, this paper highlights both the potency and the fragility of sovereign control. Comparative case studies demonstrate how legal frameworks, political cultures, and ideological assumptions shape not only policy responses but also the differential valuation of life during health emergencies. Ultimately, the article argues that public health crises are not solely biomedical events, but deeply political phenomena.
Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are maintenance hosts for different species of vector-borne pathogens. However, there are not many studies reporting the presence of pathogens and their co-infections in live red deer populations during winter season. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence and prevalence of vector-borne infections in red deer during winter to determine the persistence of these infections. Blood samples were analysed from 38 free-ranging adult red deer that had been chemically immobilised during winter season in Norway. Thirty animals (78.9%) were infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., or Bartonella spp. Seven animals were co-infected with two pathogens, and four animals had triple infections. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of A. phagocytophilum, Babesia divergens, Babesia odocoilei, Babesia bovis, and Bartonella schoenbuchensis. This study shows that free-ranging red deer can be considered as a potential host for zoonotic and nonzoonotic pathogens in Norway.
The trophic association of Nepticulidae with Nothofagus in Andean Patagonia has been speculated about but never conclusively demonstrated. This study provides the first definitive evidence that the species of the Stigmella purpurimaculae group are leaf miners of Nothofagus spp., with documented mines and male genital structure analysis of two species reared from Nothofagus. Additionally, we describe three new Stigmella species from Honduras, which, despite the geographic distance from Andean Patagonia, share key genital traits with the S. purpurimaculae group. While these species exhibit some external differences, their morphological similarities raise intriguing questions about potential evolutionary connections.
A fragment of the results of a theoretical analytical systematisation of existing scientific data on the electromagnetic mechanisms of cellular signaling is presented. This is a continuation of the theoretical development of the magneto-electrochemical theory of metabolism (2019–2025). The aim of the theoretical research was to create a concept of electromagnetic communication of cells, to deepen fundamental knowledge, and to find new promising approaches to solving the problem of chronic noncommunicable diseases. General scientific methods of system analysis of literature review were applied in the study, which resulted in a working promising model of the concept of electromagnetic cellular communication. The article is focused on biophotonic signaling and the role of the extracellular matrix in its implementation. The research shows that the concept of biophoton signaling is a promising working model for scientific discussion and for further study into the role of electromagnetic fields in the phenomenon of biological cell life in vivo. The state of the extracellular matrix is an important biological aspect for the implementation of the phenomena of life and health and the quantum pathogenesis of noncommunicable diseases.
Fruits play an important role as a source of diet for many bird species in southern Africa. In some areas, e.g., in the Highveld, planting of fruit trees and berries in urbanised areas may cause expansion of the population and the range of some frugivore birds. A study on birds feeding on fruits was carried out in an urbanised habitat in the Highveld. Out of 51 bird species recorded in the study area, four were found to feed regularly on berries of exotic tree/shrub species, namely Onychognathus morio, Pycnonotus nigricans, Zosterops pallidus, and Colius striatus. In the dry season, Pyracantha angustifolia was by far the most important in that regard (62.5%), followed by Melia azedarach (21.1%). Other exotic berry species were picked much less often. Birds fed on berries mostly in June, July and August, i.e., in the dry season (85% of recorded birds). Although berries were still available later, they were taken by birds only sporadically. This study suggests that, at least in grasslands and semideserts of southern Africa, planting fruit trees and shrubs in urbanised areas may contribute to the expansion of the range and/or the population increase of some frugivorous species.
The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in humans and to examine the variation of infection in females and males in the age group of 0–20 years in some regions of North Macedonia. Blood samples were collected from 142 random people from five regions. These patients were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive test was based on the cut-off value, which in this case was over 0.5 optical density (OD). Of 74 female serums examined, seven samples resulted positive (9.45%), and of 68 male serums examined, five resulted positive (7.35%). In total, the infection percentage was approximate in both sexes; the differences depended on the regions. These findings on Q fever in humans can be used to improve the visibility of this zoonotic disease especially in North Macedonia, where very little information is available on C. burnetii infections. These findings will help local health authorities to focus on the origin of the problem and facilitate the application of preventive measures.
Blood preservatives (anticoagulants) prevent blood from clotting while ensuring that the concentration of the component to be analysed stays constant prior to the analytical procedures. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different anticoagulants, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), fluoride oxalate, sodium citrate and lithium heparin, on the haematological parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Forty fish were obtained and separated into four groups representing the four treatments. Blood samples were collected from ten fish from each group and stored in separate anticoagulant laden bottles. Lithium heparin was used as control in this experiment. Each sample was processed, and values of the parameters were recorded. The RBC, haemoglobin, and PCV of the anticoagulants used were similar as no significant difference (P > 0.05) was revealed among the treatments. The heterophil levels of fluoride oxalate treatment group was significantly higher than control, this in turn led to an increase in HLR (heterophil-lymphocyte ratio). Therefore, the haematologic alteration observed in this study, which include heterophilia associated with fluoride oxalate anticoagulant, should be put into consideration when making a choice of anticoagulants for haematological analysis in C. gariepinus.
In the current economic conditions, an active search is conducted for cost-effective and well-balanced feeds and feed mixtures for fish farming. The development of functional feeds using biomass of wild algae is becoming a central focus in the fish feed production. Although these supplements offer a promising path to sustainable and environmentally friendly fish feeding, their impact on the ecosystem requires detailed research. The aim of the study was to determine the acute response of Daphnia magna to the influence of new feed products derived from the wild algae of the Baltic Sea, phycocyanin on its own, and their binary mixture. The study was conducted using the standard aquatic toxicology method. To establish the 48-hour LC50, the probit analysis method was used. The results showed that D. magna is more sensitive to the effects of phycocyanin, with the following order of toxicity: phycocyanin > the mixture (1:1) > the biomass of Cladophora sp. The median lethal concentrations at 48 h were 100 mg/l, 920 mg/l, and 1720 mg/l, respectively. The obtained data allows to refer the tested compounds to low-hazard substances according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The observed effects were compared with the effects of the mixture noticed in the toxic units (TU) model. In 48 hours, the mixture of the dry biomass of Cladophora sp. and phycocyanin at a ratio of 1:1 exhibited synergism. The obtained results will allow choosing the optimal ratio of the raw materials used in fish feeds without inflicting harm to the aquatic ecosystem and loss of their nutritional value.
