Megaraptora constitute a distinctive clade of Cretaceous theropods that evolved long and powerful arms, long and unsculptured skull and, particularly, highly pneumatized and slender skeletons in comparison to their relatives (e.g., tyrannosaurs). Furthermore, younger and late branching megaraptorans become progressively bigger and more pneumatic, which has been related with the extinction of carcharodontosaurids in the Cenomanian-Turonian limit and the niche shifting of megaraptorans as top predators of their ecosystems. Notwithstanding, the progressive increment of the pneumaticity and body mass could have more intimate relations that previously thought. Using recently published body estimations and segmented CT scan data, the relation between degrees of pneumatization vs. body mass of megaraptorids was evaluated in order to (1) confirm the increment of pneumaticity through phylogeny and (2) to test if the increment of pneumatization had any relation with the body mass of this clade. Moreover, CT data of sacral and caudal vertebrae and haemal archs of Aoniraptor and cervical, dorsal and caudal vertebrae and ribs of Maip reveal that pneumatic cavities occupy a huge proportion of bone volume, which probably reduced considerably the skeletal weight. Contrarily, similar data in non megaraptoran theropods like dorsal and sacral vertebrae Bicentenaria and cervical and dorsal vertebrae and ribs of Taurovenator, show notably lower volumes. Furthermore, body mass estimations based on femoral circumference (made in previous authors) and tibial circumference (made in this work) indicate that megaraptorids was 40–70
Many organisms act as environmental engineers by modifying the physical structure of their habitats and altering the availability of resources for other organisms. Mud wasps are known for building mud nests for their offspring, which are abandoned once the larvae complete metamorphosis and emerge as adults. Here, we compare the role of the mud wasps as ecosystem engineers in two different environments and analyze the influence of nest structure on the community of tenants in Veracruz, México. We sampled for abandoned nests (with at least one emergence opening) in human constructions and in a nearby forest area (medium subdeciduous tropical forest) measuring: their volume, number and diameter of openings, and the presence of tenants. Of the 88 sampled mud nests, 43
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening respiratory disorder with high mortality. Forsythiae Fructus (FF), a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for respiratory diseases, shows therapeutic potential against ALI, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood from a multi-omics perspective. This study integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and proteomics to elucidate the protective mechanisms of FF against ALI. The chemical profile of FF was characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS, and an LPS-induced ALI rat model was established for pharmacodynamic evaluation. The optimal dose group was selected for multi-omics analysis. A total of 95 compounds were identified, and integrated analysis revealed that 11 core components mediated anti-ALI effects by modulating 347 targets across 25 signaling pathways. Molecular docking and Western blot validation demonstrated that these targets are primarily associated with the PI3K-Akt/mTOR, MAPK/ERK/p-38, JAK-STAT, and PPARγ signaling pathways. This study provides a comprehensive multi-omics framework for understanding the mechanisms of FF against ALI.
The escalating popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly refurbished devices, presents critical public health concerns due to the unregulated nature and complex compositions of their e-liquids. This present research contributes to the significant knowledge gap by investigating undeclared toxic substances in refurbished vape e-liquids, hypothesizing that such products contain hazardous chemicals and heavy metals exceeding safety limits. A multi-faceted analytical approach was employed qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses. E-liquid was extracted from ten diverse refurbished vape samples using methanol. Ten refurbished vape e-liquid samples. Preliminary color tests and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) for initial organic compound detection (nicotine, cannabinoids, aldehydes, glycols, and phenols), followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) for comprehensive organic compound identification and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) for quantifying heavy metals after acid digestion. Color tests showed signs of nicotine, glycols, phenols, and a single cannabinoid in one of the samples; TLC had provided inconclusive results. Using GC-MS, the authors detected toxic aldehydes, esters, phthalate plasticizers, and the neurotoxin securinine. Based on FAAS testing, high levels of lead (104.06–112.53 ppm) and cadmium (5.40–6.25 ppm) were observed that were above acceptable limits. The authors relay the data observed solidifies previous speculation of significant chemical inconsistencies and effects to human health and safety; thus, emphasizing immediate action for regulation and public education.
The present study demonstrates the eco-friendly green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Passiflora foetida L., an ethnomedicinal plant traditionally employed by sacred grove-centric communities of Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal, for treating enteric disorders. The biogenic synthesis involved zinc nitrate as a precursor and aqueous leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, DLS, and zeta potential analysis, confirming their crystalline nature, spherical morphology ( 99.42 nm), and purity. The functional groups identified through FTIR suggested phytochemical-mediated stabilization. The nanoparticles exhibited potent antioxidant activity, particularly in DPPH and ABTS assays, demonstrating efficient radical scavenging with low IC50 values. Antibacterial evaluation revealed broad-spectrum efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with E. coli and S. typhimurium showing the highest sensitivity. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis confirmed dose-dependent inhibition. Cytotoxicity assessment using the WRL-68 human liver cell line indicated moderate toxicity only at higher concentrations (IC50= 471.05 µg/mL), suggesting good biocompatibility. Overall, the study highlights the potential of P. foetida-mediated ZnO- nanoparticles as promising antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, integrating traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge with green nanotechnology to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens and oxidative stress.
The present investigation evaluated the impact of bio-priming tomato seeds (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Pusa Ruby) with Trichoderma harzianum on seedling establishment and the suppression of early-stage diseases under controlled conditions over two consecutive growing seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25). A pot experiment with a randomized complete block design was employed, comprising untreated seeds (T0) as the control and bio-primed seeds (Th), with three replications per treatment. Bio-priming substantially enhanced seed performance, as reflected in improved germination (96.73
Floral characteristics such as shape, symmetry, coloration, and nectar rewards collectively influence pollinator preferences and drive plant–pollinator coevolution. In this study, we examined pollinator preferences in the sympatric congeneric species, Ixora chinensis and Ixora coccinea by integrating geometric morphometrics (GMM) analysis of flower, complemented by pollinator observations, temporal colour analysis, and biochemical assessment of nectar traits. GMM analysis showed greater phenotypic plasticity and fluctuating asymmetry in I. chinensis than in I. coccinea, with the two species occupying distinct regions of morphospace. In the present study, we found that Butterflies (Lepidoptera) emerged as the dominant pollinators, accounting for 69
Understanding how plants adjust to salinity is essential for the sustainable management of arid ecosystems. This study aims to examine the anatomical, ionic, physiological, and biochemical responses of Tamarix aphylla across various desert habitats. T. aphylla demonstrates adaptive strategies to survive under hyper-saline conditions. Three habitats were chosen: sand dunes, sandy plains, and saline areas. Five locations per habitat were sampled using 10 × 10 m quadrats, and soil and mature plants were collected for analysis. The findings showed that under saline circumstances, vascular bundle area (2170.97 μm²), cortical thickness (610.03 μm), and sclerenchyma thickness (120.39 μm) all attained their maximum values (p < 0.05). Ionic contents showed increased accumulation of Na⁺ (38.93 mg g⁻¹ DW), Cl⁻ (33.15 mg g⁻¹ DW), K⁺ (8.66 mg g⁻¹ DW), and Ca²⁺ (1.74 mg g⁻¹ DW) in plant roots under saline conditions. Physiological traits decreased in saline environments, with lower amounts of carotenoids (0.039 mg g⁻¹ FW), chlorophyll a (0.842 mg g⁻¹ FW), and chlorophyll b (0.312 mg g⁻¹ FW). However, contents of proline (396.12 µg g⁻¹ FW), total soluble sugars (32.62 mg g⁻¹ DW), and total soluble proteins (1946.4 µg g⁻¹ FW), as well as phenolics (9.56 µg g⁻¹ FW) and flavonoids (3.5 mg g⁻¹ DW), showed increased under saline conditions. Strong significant correlations (r > 0.9) between root ionic concentrations and important metabolic characteristics were also shown by Mantel test analysis. Overall results suggested that T. aphylla demonstrates a comprehensive adaptation strategy that includes biochemical defense, ionic homeostasis, and structural strengthening, allowing it to survive and thrive in extremely salty environments.
Urban nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly promoted as tools to make cities healthier, more climate-resilient and more equitable, but most reviews still rely on observational studies of greener versus less green neighbourhoods. This scoping review examined implemented urban NBS and blue-green infrastructure (BGI) (such as parks, greenways, blue-green corridors, vegetated barriers and wetlands) that were evaluated using quantitative designs measuring either health outcomes or health-relevant environmental exposures. Findings were organised using the three-pathway model of Markevych et al. (2017): restoration, instoration or behavioural activation, and mitigation of environmental exposures. Primary studies with evaluative or quasi-experimental design were searched in PubMed, including randomized trials, controlled before-after, difference-in-differences, and controlled field measurement. Eleven studies were included, results were summarized narratively, and risk of bias was assessed qualitatively using design-specific domains. Evidence from recent field and quasi-experimental studies reveals three complementary pathways through which NBS influence health. First, structured exposure programs in urban forests and parks produced consistent improvements in stress, mood, anxiety and, in some cases, sleep. Second, landscape-scale interventions such as greenways, canal restorations and large new parks were associated with increases in walking and cycling, better perceived safety and, at city level, narrower mortality or childhood overweight gaps between areas. Third, NBS designed for environmental protection reduced heat, airborne pollutants and potentially pathogenic microbial loads, demonstrating a protective function. Τhese findings indicate that urban NBS can operate as active public-health infrastructure. However, the evidence base remains small, with limited long-term follow-up and few studies linking environmental change directly to clinical outcomes. Future work should integrate health monitoring into NBS design to support evidence-based urban policy. Limitations include restriction of the search to PubMed and the absence of direct clinical outcome measurement in four included studies.
Arid-zone plant species persist under fluctuating environmental conditions through adjustments in structural and functional traits, making them valuable ecological indicators. This study aimed to identify key determinants of ecological dominance among representative taxa from diverse families inhabiting diverse arid habitats of Punjab, Pakistan. Morphological, anatomical, and physiological traits were quantified using standard microscopy and biochemical assays. Comparative analyses were conducted among species of Amaranthaceae (Suaeda fruticosa, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium murale), Tamaricaceae (Tamarix aphylla), Cyperaceae (Cyperus rotundus), and Poaceae (Dichanthium annulatum, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cynodon dactylon, Panicum antidotale) to determine adaptive trait syndromes associated with environmental stress tolerance. Marked interspecific variation reflected contrasting ecological strategies. Amaranthaceae species exhibited pronounced physiological plasticity. Chenopodium murale showed the highest catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, together with thicker root and stem tissues and enlarged cortical cells, indicating strong osmotic regulation, antioxidant defense, and mechanical support. Chenopodium album displayed greater midrib thickness and phloem area, suggesting enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and assimilate transport, whereas Suaeda fruticosa possessed traits linked to salt exclusion and improved water-use efficiency. Within Poaceae, Panicum antidotale attained maximum shoot length, vascular bundle area, and enzymatic activity, reflecting superior hydraulic conductance and stress resilience, while Cynodon dactylon showed reduced shoot and root growth under elevated Na⁺ soils, indicating ionic stress sensitivity. Tamarix aphylla expressed distinct antioxidant responses under highly alkaline conditions, and Cyperus rotundus developed extensive metaxylem vessels facilitating water transport in semi-arid soils. These adaptations help identify indicator species for saline land restoration and sustainable arid ecosystem management.
Environmental fungal pathogens relevant to human and animal health pose significant risks, particularly in regions with intensive farming and climate variability. Several taxa detected in Thailand’s clinical and environmental samples, such as Candida tropicalis, Talaromyces marneffei, and Mucor spp., are listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) Fungal Priority Pathogen List (FPPL). This study integrated next-generation sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding and decision tree models to characterize fungal communities and identify environmental conditions associated with pathogen absence across 18 provinces of Northeast Thailand. Soil samples (n = 121) from rice, cassava, sugarcane, and rubber tree fields were collected in 2022 and analyzed for eight environmental parameters: drought level, soil water content, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, soil temperature, and soil pH. Decision tree models were trained on these samples to derive absence conditions for nine WHO FPPL taxa, which were validated using an independent test dataset (n = 12) collected in 2025. Absence conditions for Falciformispora senegalensis, Mucor spp., and Talaromyces marneffei achieved perfect precision and recall in the test dataset. Precision is the proportion of samples predicted as absent that are truly absent, and recall is the proportion of truly absent samples correctly identified by the condition. Candida tropicalis, Curvularia lunata, and Lichtheimia spp. showed perfect precision but moderate recall (0.42–0.75). Conditions for Scedosporium spp. and Acremonium spp. did not generalize due to limited representation in the training data. Over three years, the fungal community became less diverse and more taxonomically consolidated, coinciding with drought intensification and nutrient shifts. Overall, combining metabarcoding with decision tree models provides a practical framework for identifying low-risk soils and supporting agricultural practices and public health surveillance.
Maintaining a physiological stoichiometric balance is a fundamental driver of foraging behaviour; yet, resource availability varies across trophic levels and vegetation strata. Therefore, primary consumers and predators may experience distinct nutritional opportunities between epigaeic and arboreal habitats. We investigated how ant communities respond to carbohydrates availability in the Brazilian Restinga – a coastal ecosystem characterized by sodium saturation and low carbohydrate availability. For that, we experimentally supplied carbohydrates (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, 20
In the present study, quantitative ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants utilized by the local communities for treating different human ailments in selected rural villages of Punjab, Pakistan has been documented. Semi-structured interviews and field surveys were employed to conduct field investigations from March 2024 to April 2025, with a total of 105 informants aged 18–70 years. The total number of plant species recorded and reported for the cure of 14 human ailments was 50 belonging to 25 families. Fabaceae was the dominant family with 6 species, among the documented families. The most abundant life form was herbs (26 species) and the most common part used was leaves (16 species). The highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC = 0.34) was found in Bombax ceiba, Cenchrus echinatus and Sonchus oleraceus. Spinacia oleracea had the highest Use Value (UV = 0.08) while the lowest UV was 0.03. Mentha canadensis recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL = 93
Leishmania parasites, which cause leishmaniasis—an extensive and growing public health concern in Pakistan—are only transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). This systematic literature review provides an overview of existing entomological surveillance conducted from 2015 to 2025, using rigorous biogeographical and ecological methodologies to describe patterns of species distributions, habitat associations and vector dynamics across Pakistan's diverse landscapes. Our synthesis of data from 73 studies shows that 32 species have been recorded from both the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera. Of these, Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli and Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot represent successful hematophagous phlebotomine vectors with potential for significant biogeographical expansion due to human-induced landscape alterations or changes caused by climate change. There are clear deficits in the number of entomological studies available in Gilgit-Baltistan, Southern Punjab and Eastern Balochistan compared to the hyperendemic districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (χ2 = 24.7, p < 0.001). Cryptic speciation of the Phlebotomus sergenti complex has been resolved via molecular phylogenetics, whereas ecological niche modelling suggests northward contractions under RCP climatic scenarios. The paper discusses important gaps in our understanding of the ecology of larval habitats, insecticide resistance monitoring, and thorough studies of vector incrimination beyond primary sites. We suggest that the biogeography of the sand fly vectors that transmit leishmaniasis in Pakistan is driven by their dynamic and climate-sensitive nature and, as such, should be a fundamental component of any strategy to control the disease. To this end, we propose a strategic framework that promotes an integrated and One Health-aligned national surveillance program to support evidence-based vector control and reduce the impact of disease using standardized molecular diagnostic tools, longitudinal monitoring techniques, and predictive spatial modelling.
The maxillary canal system in Cynognathus and Diademodon is described. The hypothesis that expansion of the maxillary sinus represents a synapomorphy of the clade Cynognathia is supported. A trend towards the reduction of the inferior palpebral ramus is proposed.
Oviposition-site selection is a key maternal decision in oviparous animals, involving trade-offs among incubation conditions, offspring performance, and maternal constraints. In amphisbaenians (worm lizards), a clade of highly specialized fossorial reptiles, oviposition has long been assumed to occur obligatorily in ant and termite nests, implying strong ecological specialization. Here, we re-evaluate this assumption using new field observations and a critical synthesis of published records. We describe a natural oviposition site of the smallhead worm lizard (Leposternon microcephalum) located in a soil cavity with no evidence of ants or termites and review 18 records from nine amphisbaenian species. Across species, eggs occur not only in ant and termite nests but also in subterranean cavities and decaying logs, indicating facultative rather than exclusive use of social-insect nests. A field inspection of 31 active ant nests during the reported oviposition season yielded no eggs or amphisbaenians. Additional evidence suggests some species excavate or modify underground chambers and that at least one species oviposits communally. These findings challenge the view of strict dependence on ant and termite nests and instead support oviposition-site choice in amphisbaenians as a flexible, context-dependent maternal behavior shaped by ecological trade-offs rather than rigid specialization. Standardized surveys across microhabitats and experimental tests of incubation environments are needed to clarify how availability, costs, and benefits interact to shape nesting decisions in fossorial reptiles. How animals choose where to lay their eggs can strongly influence offspring survival, yet this decision remains poorly understood in secretive, underground species. Worm lizards (amphisbaenians) have long been thought to depend on ant and termite nests for egg-laying, implying rigid ecological specialization. By combining new field observations with a critical reassessment of published records, this study shows that such behavioral decision is not obligatory. Instead, amphisbaenians use social-insect nests as part of a broader and flexible set of nesting options. Our findings highlight oviposition-site choice in these reptiles as a context-dependent maternal decision shaped by trade-offs among environmental conditions, risks, and constraints, rather than fixed dependence on a single nesting strategy. This work reframes amphisbaenian reproduction within a behavioral decision-making framework and underscores the importance of considering plasticity and detectability biases when interpreting nesting ecology in fossorial animals.
The welfare of free-roaming, captive wild or domestic animals housed outdoors is often questioned. How subjects perceive climatic conditions is not always well detected as it is highly subjective, depending on species, age and experience. Hence, decisions on housing rely mostly on human anthropomorphic perception. In particular, indicators of comfort and positive emotions remain poorly documented. Acoustic signals, however, offer a promising window into animals’ internal states. In the present study, we hypothesized that acoustic signals could be used to identify positive or negative perceptions of environmental conditions in horses. Horses possess a diverse acoustic repertoire and the snort produced by nostril vibration, has been identified as a likely indicator of calm, positive emotions. Over 3 weeks in early spring, acoustic production and time budget were recorded for 20 adult horses living outdoors on pasture. Meteorological conditions and pasture composition were monitored simultaneously. Results showed that snorts were the most frequent acoustic signal and that their production varied considerably across observation sessions. Snort production was highly correlated with temperature: horses produced more snorts and showed more relaxed behaviours when the temperature ranged between 15 and 20 °C. In contrast, lower temperatures around 5–8 °C were associated with more “static” behaviours (reflecting energy conservation) and less snorts. Finally, snorts were more frequent immediately after horses entered a new pasture with higher food diversity than just before leaving, when food diversity had become more restricted. These findings suggest that acoustic production may help identify the subjective perception that animals have from their environment, allowing more individualized and adapted management practices.
Contemporary analyses of allometric variation typically entail the fitting of a straight line to logarithmic transformations of the original data, with the slope for the line then being interpreted in the context of untransformed observations. In the process, investigators unwittingly commit statistical errors that may compromise the analyses and ensuing interpretations. Here, I re-examine published data for oxygen consumption vs. body mass in an ontogenetic series of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to illustrate both the problem and how to avoid it altogether by using nonlinear regression to examine untransformed observations. Whereas a straight line fitted to logarithmic transformations pointed to a two-parameter power equation with an allometric exponent of 0.78 for describing data on the linear scale, the best description for pattern in the original data is shown here to be a straight line with a non-zero intercept. The overall pattern of variation is allometric because of the intercept. However, the pattern of variation over the range in the data is isometric because the implied exponent for the predictor variable is 1. Findings reported here have important implications for the study of bivariate allometry, where the objective of primary importance is to accurately describe the pattern of variation in untransformed observations. The methods applied here provide a useful roadmap for attaining that objective.
The development of therapeutic agents with dual bioactivity represents a promising strategy in modern drug discovery. In this study, we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel series of pyrazole-thiazolidine hybrids (5a-f). The chemical structures of all synthesized compounds were unequivocally confirmed through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis. The entire series was evaluated for its in vitro biological potential, specifically as antidiabetic agents via α-amylase inhibition and as anticancer agents via cytotoxicity against the PC3 human prostate cancer cell line. In the α-amylase assay, compound 5d, bearing a para-nitro substituent, emerged as the most potent inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value of 15.90 ± 0.88 µg/mL, demonstrating activity nearly equipotent to the standard drug Acarbose. Conversely, in the anticancer screening, compound 5f, with a meta-hydroxyl group, displayed the highest cytotoxicity against PC3 cells (IC₅₀ = 108.39 ± 0.95 µg/ml). A striking divergent Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) was observed: para-electron-withdrawing groups were optimal for α-amylase inhibition, whereas meta-substitution was critical for anticancer activity. To rationalize these findings, comprehensive computational studies were performed. Molecular docking revealed distinct binding modes and interaction patterns for each biological target, which strongly correlated with the experimental results. Furthermore, 100-nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the most potent α-amylase inhibitors (5c and 5d) confirmed the formation of exceptionally stable protein-ligand complexes, elucidating the dynamic mechanism of inhibition at an atomic level. These results establish the pyrazole-thiazolidine scaffold as a highly promising and “tunable” chemotype for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
The activity patterns and feeding habits of primates are altered in response to habitat degradation and fluctuations in food availability. Among the Old-World monkey species, the De Brazza’s monkey (DM), Cercopithecus neglectus, is one of the understudied species in Africa. We evaluated the impact of habitat disturbance on activity patterns and diet of the DM in the three management focal zones (core, buffer and transition) of Bonga and Saja forests of the Kafa Biosphere Reserve. Data were collected using instantaneous scan sampling method from June 2022 to May 2023. Six groups of De Brazza’s monkeys (DMs)- one group from each management zone of the two forests- were observed twice a month. The proportion of time spent on each activity was calculated by dividing the number of records for each activity by the total number of activity records. Slightly more behavioral activities were recorded during the dry season (50.07
