Insecticide resistance in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is increasing and forms a serious barrier to sustainable agriculture through the reduction of pest control efficacy and alteration of the insect's biology. The toxicity of seven commonly used synthetic insecticides to six field populations of the pest was evaluated using a controlled diet incorporation bioassay. Most insecticides resulted in only low to moderate resistance (RR = 6.56-8.75), but very high levels of resistance to thiodicarb, especially in the PuL population (RR = 97.88), were confirmed by resistant ratio analysis to be the least toxic agent (RR = 88.71). In contrast, spinetoram was the most effective insecticide, eliciting the highest mortality (95.13%) and the lowest fecundity (2.93 eggs/female/day); the chronic toxicity of the insecticide also caused a significant delay in most crucial developmental stages, such as egg hatching, larval growth, and pupation, which were only marginally affected by thiodicarb. In addition, all the effective treatments, except thiodicarb, significantly reduced all the major parameters of population growth, such as rm, Tc, Ro, and the female proportion. The findings call for continuous monitoring of resistance and justify the rotation of such potent insecticides as spinetoram in the resistance management of S. frugiperda.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant public health issue, with diagnosis often complicated by non-specific symptoms and limited access to specialised tools. Early detection is vital for preventing long-term complications. The review examines diagnostic challenges, prognostic factors, management strategies, and future advancements in CO poisoning. It highlights the limitations of current diagnostic techniques such as blood carboxyhaemoglobin levels and pulse CO-oximetry, while exploring emerging methods for rapid detection. Prognosis is influenced by exposure severity and delayed treatment, which increases the risk of neurological damage. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) remains the primary treatment but is not always accessible. Advances in portable CO-oximeters and biomarkers offer potential for improved early diagnosis and monitoring. Addressing resource limitations and refining treatment protocols are crucial for better patient outcomes. Future research should focus on personalised management strategies and the integration of modern technologies to enhance care.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge globally. Recent innovations in diagnostic technology have opened new pathways for early detection, ongoing monitoring, and more individualized patient care, yet significant barriers persist in translating these advancements into clinical settings. This review highlights the cutting-edge diagnostic methods emerging from basic science research, including molecular assays, biosensors, and next-generation sequencing, and discusses the practical and logistical challenges involved in their implementation. By analyzing current trends in diagnostic techniques and management strategies, we identify critical gaps and propose integrative approaches to bridge the divide between laboratory innovation and effective clinical application. This work emphasizes the need for comprehensive education, supportive infrastructure, and multi-disciplinary collaborations to enhance the utility of these diagnostic innovations in improving outcomes in patients with HIV.
Gastrointestinal parasites play crucial roles in mortality and morbidity. They are most prevalent in rural areas. Parasitosis affects all age groups. Inchildren, it causes slow mental and physical growth, produces long-term effects, leads to a deficiency of vital nutrients, and hampers growth and development.This prospective study aimed to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitosis in stool samples among the people of Uttarakhand, especially of Dehradun,from January 2017 to January 2018. To identify intestinal parasites, 1528 samples were examined for consistency and the presence of any parasitic particlesusing the visual, direct wet mount, and concentration methods. The SPSS statistical program was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Differences with a pvalueof less than 0.05 were considered significant. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection rate was 32.85%. The prevalence of the parasites wasin the following order - Giardia lamblia (29.48%), Entamoeba histolytica (20.91%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.52%), Hymenolepis nana (7.96%), Trichuris trichiura(7.56%), Taenia sp. (7.17%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.97%), Ancylostoma duodenale (2.19%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.19%). The chi-square test (χ2 – 30 andP-value = 0.224) was insignificant, while Levene’s test was significant (F = 10.08, P-value = 0.008) of A. duodenale in both genders. Parasitosis of high levels wasdetected among the children. Health education, personal hygiene, and safe drinking water would reduce infection. However, designing specific controlmeasures requires proper identification. The present study may prove helpful for developing such measures for Uttarakhand in general and Dehradun inparticular.
Water quality index (WQI) of Narora channel and health of endemic fish Bagarius bagarius and plant Eichhornia crassipes , district Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, India were studied. Among the physicochemical properties of water, pH, D.O, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cd were above the recommended standards. These factors lead to high WQI (4124.83), indicating poor quality and not suitable for drinking and domestic usage. In fish tissues, the highest metal load was reported in the liver (58.29) and the lowest in the kidney (33.73). Heavy metals also cause a lowering of condition indices. As expected, decreased serum protein (− 63.41%) and liver glycogen (− 79.10%) were recorded in the exposed fish. However, blood glucose (47.22%) and serum glycogen (74.69%) showed elevation. In the plant, roots (21.50) contained the highest, and leaves (16.87) had the lowest heavy metal load. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) > 1, indicates hyperaccumulation of all metals. E. crassipes roots showed the highest translocation factor (TF) > 1 for Ni (1.57) and Zn (1.30). The high mobility factor (MF) reflected the suitability of E. crassipes for phytoextraction of Mn, Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni, and Cu. Moreover, Bagarius sp . consumption could not pose any non-cancer risk. Although, lower cancer risk can be expected from Ni and Cr.
AbstractTwo new species of the Polynema group of genera (Chalcidoidea: Mymaridae), Palaeoneura razii Anwar, Zeya and Usman sp. nov. and Acmopolynema misbahae Anwar, Zeya and Usman sp. nov. are described from India. Palaeoneura razii is quite remarkable in having short axillar setae and the posterior margin of the fore wing without a distinct lobe and curve. Hence, together with another described species, P. farmani Amer and Zeya from India, this new taxon is placed in the informal farmani species group of the genus Palaeoneura. In addition, we record new country and state records for two other species, A. dilemma Triapitsyn and Berezovskiy and A. malabaricum Subba Rao, respectively. A key to the Indian genera of the Polynema group is also provided.Article LSID: http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D844F28F-6883-4B17-B433-23D3231CE719 Species LSID: Palaeoneura razii Anwar, Zeya & Usman http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:864A3309-9A66-4722-8F1C-40F32E0AAB82 Acmopolynema misbahae Anwar, Zeya & Usman http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:E4721150-0824-4085-BEAD-376D7EBDE03
This study investigated the effect of heavy metals on Labeo rohita inhabiting the Yamuna River, India. Levels of heavy metals measured in the water were as follows: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Cd. Gill and liver tissue of exposed L. rohita showed a high metal pollution index, compared to reference fish collected from the Agra Canal. In the exposed fish, higher levels of creatinine and enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were observed, while the A:G index declined. Additionally, higher TLC, lymphocytes, respiratory burst, and nitric oxide synthase activity indicated a heightened immune response. Levels of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation were elevated, while catalase, glutathione S transferase, and glutathione was reduced. DNA of the exposed fish appeared deteriorated, with a greater mean tail length in comparison to the reference. Our results imply that Yamuna River water generates oxidative stress and DNA damage in L. rohita . As this river is a critical source of water and food to the native community, this could pose a threat to public health similar to that in the indicator organism.
This review looks at the toxicity and metabolism of bilirubin in terms of its pharmacological potential. Its role has gained importance as more research has revealed the functional significance and interrelationship between the gasotransmitters nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. The biological actions of bilirubin have mostly been characterized in the high micromolar range where toxic effects occur. However, it could also prove to be an important cytoprotector for brain tissue, which is inherently less equipped for antioxidant defense. Plasma bilirubin levels negatively correlate to a number of disease states. Higher levels of bilirubin that are still within the normal range provide a protective effect to the body. The effects on various disorders could be tested using controlled pharmacological upregulation of the molecule with animal models. At nanomolar concentrations, considerable benefits have been obtained when the molecule was delivered pharmacologically under in vitro or in vivo test conditions, particularly in neurodegenerative disorders and after tissue or organ transplantation. The induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1) via the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor or the use of bile pigments in the harvesting of diseased tissue are novel applications, and like every new therapy, should be used with caution. HMOX-1 is tissue specific, and in exceptional states, such as schizophrenia and specific types of renal disorder, the same therapy may have disastrous effects.
Mercury pollution and acute neurotoxicity of mercury is well known. The recent reports suggest the adverse effect of low dose mercury, though the available literature is still silent on its mechanism. This study was therefore undertaken to probe the effect of low dose methyl mercury induced heavy metal toxicity on free radical stress and its impact on behaviour of male albino rats. Male albino rats were exposed to 1 mg/kg body wt of methylmercury chloride for seven days, on day 8 they were tested for motor and memory functions. They were sacrificed later for biochemical estimations for rate of lipid peroxidation, nucleic acids, proteins in cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. There was an increase in the rate of lipid peroxidation showing methyl mercury induced free radical stress. The motor and memory functions demonstrated a clear decline, besides there was a lowering in the levels of nucleic acids and proteins as compared to controls. The results are important in view of recent reports that methyl mercury induced free radical stress results in early ageing and may serve as an initiating factor more specifically for neurodegenerative disorders like Alzeihemer's disease and dementias. The current findings support the notion that incorporating dietary antioxidants like curcumin, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol in routine diet from early age may help combat the risk of developing such disorders in ensuing years.
Industrial revolution has changed the face of the world forever, but it has also brought environmental pollution as a byproduct, which has increasingly become a burden on mankind. Mercury pollution is one such major area of concern. Mercury toxicity first came to public attention by way of the Minamata and Iraqi tragedies. Over a period of time, information about the toxicity of low dose chronic mercury exposure began trickling in. This assumes great importance in view of the easy access of the toxicant to man through food, water, air, cosmetic products, and even vaccines. Besides this, it is a well known occupational hazard for dental staff, chloralkali factory workers, gold miners, etc. Mercury is now suspected to be a causative agent of numerous disorders involving neurological, psychological, nephrological, immunological, cardiac, and reproductive systems. It is therefore imperative that stringent measures be taken to prevent these disorders that could result from mercury exposure.
Post Minamata incident there has been awareness about mercury toxicity even among the general public. Previous researches contributed a vast amount of data regarding acute mercury exposure, but gradually information about the low dose [Ninomiya, T., Ohmori, H., Hashimoto, K., Tsuruta, K., Ekino, S., 1995. Expansion of methylmercury poisoning outside minamata: an epidemiological study on chronic methylmercury poisoninig outside of Minamata. Environ. Res. 70 (1) 47–50; Lebel, J., Mergler, D., Lucotte, M., Amorim, M., Dolbec, J., Miranda, D., Arantes, G., Rheault, I., Pichet, P., 1996. Evidence of early nervous system dysfunction in Amazonian populations exposed to low-levels of methylmercury. Neurotoxicology 17 (1) 157–167] of mercury toxicity has been trickling in. With mercury contaminating rain-, ground- and sea-water no one is safe. Polluted water leads to mercury laced fish, meat and vegetable. In aquatic environments, inorganic mercury is microbiologically transformed into lipophilic organic compound ‘methylmercury’. This transformation makes mercury more prone to biomagnification in food chains. Consequently, populations with traditionally high dietary intake of food originating from fresh or marine environment have highest dietary exposure to mercury. Extensive research done on locals across the globe have already established this, persons who routinely consume fish or a particular species of fish are at an increased risk of methylmercury poisoning. The easy access of the toxicant to man through multiple pathways air, water, food, cosmetic products and even vaccines increase the exposure. Foetus and children are more susceptible towards mercury toxicity. Mothers consuming diet containing mercury pass the toxicant to foetus and to infants through breast milk. Decreased performance in areas of motor function and memory has been reported among children exposed to presumably safe mercury levels. Similarly, disruption of attention, fine motor function and verbal memory was also found in adults on exposure to low mercury levels. It is an occupational hazard for dental staff, chloralkali factory workers and goldminers, etc. Mercury has been found to be a causative agent of various sorts of disorders, including neurological, nephrological, immunological, cardiac, motor, reproductive and even genetic. Recently heavy metal mediated toxicity has been linked to diseases like Alzeihemer's, Parkinson's, Autism, Lupus, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. Besides this, it poses danger to wildlife. Therefore, it becomes imperative to spread the information regarding the threat of mercury exposure amongst the scientists and masses.