Scientifica最新文献

Iron deficiency (ID) and ID anemia (IDA) are global health concerns that tend to affect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and those living in areas disproportionately affected by environmental health hazards. A review of the literature was conducted using the top ten chemicals of public health concern as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, in combination with the terms "iron deficiency" and "anemia." Both epidemiological and controlled experimental studies were considered. Eight contaminants or exposure classifications were ultimately considered to be within the scope of this review: lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, indoor and ambient air pollution, asbestos, dioxin and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and fluoride. Lead, cadmium, indoor and ambient air pollution, and fluoride are reliably linked to higher IDA prevalence and lower hematological parameters, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count, all indicators of anemia. Direct measures of ID are less frequently reported. Further research studies, particularly controlled exposure studies, are needed to determine the importance of arsenic and mercury in contributing to the global ID and IDA burden. There is limited evidence that supplemental or dietary iron fortification can ameliorate the effects of lead, but not fluoride, and the efficacy of fortification has not been widely studied in the context of the remaining contaminants. Asbestos, dioxin, and dioxin-like PCBs are linked to anemia; however, the role of iron homeostasis is more complex and tends to include iron bioaccumulation. The narrative review has identified a need for renewed effort to address environmental factors beyond diet and nutrition when implementing ID and IDA interventions.

The present study explores the ichthyodiversity of a Cyprinid fish. A total of 622 fish samples were collected from five different sites of the Kurram River and identified using standard keys for identification. Out of 622 collected fish samples, 188 were related to the family Cyprinidae comprised of 19 species such as Barilius vagra, Barilius modestus, Barilius pakistanicus, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, Carassius auratus, Salmophasia punjabensis, Amblypharyngodon mola, Gara gotyla, Puntius conchonius, Puntius chola, Puntius sophore, Puntius ticto, Tor putitora, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schizothorax labiatus, Labeo diplocheilus, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The current study explores 5 new species, i.e., Schizothorax labiatus, Schizothorax esocinus, Amblypharyngodon mola, Puntius chola, and Salmophasia punjabensis for the first time, which are not reported in the earlier work. Principal component analysis (PCA) and diversity indices were analyzed using XLSTAT in conjunction with Microsoft Excel 2019 to assess the correlation and richness of fish diversity. To check the water quality of the River Kurram, the following parameters were examined: temperature, copper, pH, nitrate, alkalinity, chlorine, total hardness, iron, nitrite, and lead. All the recorded physicochemical parameters remained within the safe limits throughout the study period.

The global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria presents a major threat to public health, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections. This study aimed to identify bacterial pathogens in surface water and sewage samples from the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, and evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility. A total of 60 water samples were collected from four distinct locations and analyzed using a combination of culture-based techniques, conventional PCR, and advanced molecular techniques (Sanger sequencing). Eight prevalent bacterial species were identified: Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.6%), Escherichia fergusonii (15%), Enterobacter bugandensis (13.3%), Bacillus paramycoides (8.3%), Comamonas jiangduensis (8.3%), Bacillus albus (6.6%), Klebsiella quasivariicola (5%), and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of the bacterial isolates, and the phylogenetic tree analysis revealed distinct genetic divergence of the Bangladeshi isolates compared to global reference strains. Antibiotic susceptibility against 10 commonly used antibiotics was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, revealing a varying degree of resistance patterns. All isolated bacteria exhibited susceptibility to imipenem, levofloxacin, amikacin, and azithromycin, while significant resistance was noted against cefradine, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone. Notably, 44% of the bacterial isolates were identified as multi-drug-resistant (MDR), with K. pneumoniae (69.23%), E. bugandensis (62.5%), and E. fergusonii (55.55%) exhibiting the highest resistance. In contrast, K. quasivariicola and C. jiangduensis exhibited no MDR traits. The multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranged from 0.30 to 0.60 among the isolates. These findings highlight the significant contamination of water sources with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, underscoring the urgent need for effective management practices to mitigate public health risks.

Climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, is an economically important freshwater fish in Indonesia. The climbing perch, also known as betok, has emerged as a prominent species in aquaculture due to its air-breathing ability, which allows the climbing perch to thrive in low dissolved oxygen environments. However, there is a lack of information on the genetic diversity of climbing perch from potential sources of populations as candidates for sustainable culture development. This study aimed to analyze the similarity, genetic distance, and diversity of climbing perch from Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan Islands. We examined 21 truss morphometric characters to determine the intrapopulation variation. In addition, to assess genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship between populations of climbing perch, we used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) with primers OPA 07, OPC 02, and OPC 05. The result showed that the population of climbing perch from Kalimantan shows higher similarity with the population from Sumatera (49.97%) than the population from Java (24.96%). Climbing perch from Kalimantan showed the highest polymorphism and heterozygosity of 39.29% and 0.16%, respectively. The interpopulation genetic distance between Kalimantan, Sumatera, and Java ranged from 0.17 to 0.39. The result suggests that the climbing perch from Kalimantan has potential as a candidate for the culture development of the climbing perch.

The gelada (Theropithecus gelada), Ethiopia's only endemic primate and the last surviving graminivorous cercopithecid, was studied in Susgen Natural Forest, South Wollo, to examine seasonal variations in activity budgets and ranging ecology. From February to August 2023, encompassing both dry and wet seasons, 3519 behavioral scans were collected from 1680 group observations using instantaneous scan sampling at 15-min intervals (07:00-17:00 h). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U), while home ranges were mapped via minimum convex polygon (MCP) and kernel density estimation (KDE). Results revealed that geladas allocated 43.2% of their time to feeding, 15% to movement, 15.5% to social activities, 13.1% to resting, and 13.2% to other behaviors. Dry seasons elicited significantly greater feeding effort (46.1% vs. 40.4%; p < 0.05) and daily travel distances (3658.4 ± 0.902 m vs. 3132.1 ± 2.367 m in wet season; Mann-Whitney U, p ≤ 0.05), with home ranges analyzed through the MCP method expanding to 190.1 ha in dry season as compared with 118.18 ha in wet season. KDE analysis identified the intensive use of core areas (54 ha) within broader ranges (164.95 ha). These findings underscore how geladas in human-modified landscapes face chronic nutritional stress, adapting through extended foraging and ranging patterns. We recommend immediate conservation measures, including habitat restoration and buffer zone establishment, to mitigate anthropogenic pressures on this threatened endemic species.

The ban on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry encourages an active search for highly effective alternatives with additional properties, one of which is ultrafine particles (UFP) of metallic nature. The objective of the presented work was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of newly synthesized UFP Co₃O₄ and Mn₂O₃, including determination of their biological activity on the model of luminescent bacterial strain and potentiating effect on rumen digestion in ruminants using an in situ method. In parallel, the activity of proteinase, lipase, amylase, and cellulase, as well as nitrogen forms, microbial biomass, and the number of protozoa in 1 mL of rumen fluid, were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for Mn₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ UFP were 3.9 × 10^-2 and 1.2 × 10^-3 mg/mL, respectively. The digestibility coefficient with the introduction of Mn₂O₃ UFP (39.0 mg/kg dry matter of feed) increased relative to the control by 6.6% (p = 0.012); Co₃O₄ UFP (0.6 mg/kg) by 12.7% (p = 0.012). Cellulolytic, amylolytic, and lipolytic activities in the group with Mn₂O₃ UFP increased by 18.2%, 515.5%, and 122.6% times compared to control, respectively. Proteinase activity decreased by 7.7% compared to control. Similar indicators in the group with Co₃O₄ UFP were +35.1%, +210.3%, +74.2, and +8.8%. Other indicators changed accordingly. Thus, UFP Mn₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ demonstrated significant potential as effectors of digestive processes in the rumen, stimulating the reproduction of protozoa and the enzymatic activity of the microbiome, which in combination ensured an increase in the digestibility of dry matter of feed. In other words, they can be used in the future as feed additives for ruminants. However, to fully understand the mechanisms of their action, it is also necessary to analyze the microbiome and metabolic pathways in the rumen.

As potent therapeutic agents, the pharmacological potentials of natural substances have been the subject of recent research. Around the world, numerous tribes and ethnic communities have long used Annona reticulata Linn. (Family: Annonaceae) to treat variety of illnesses. Diverse therapeutic effects, including anthelmintic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic, antiulcer, and antinociceptive properties are demonstrated by the plant. The current study assessed the plant's antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities along with identifying probable responsible compounds for these effects via GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant potential was assessed using six assays. In DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging tests, good antioxidant property was demonstrated by test fraction with observed IC₅₀ values of 83.72 and 107.92 μg/mL. The extract's reducing potential was found to enhance with enhancing concentration. The 139.5 ± 7.21 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g extract was obtained as the total antioxidant capacity value. The calculated total phenolic and flavonoid contents values for the extract were 69.73 ± 0.26 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 93.62 ± 0.15 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract. The extract showed promising cytotoxic property in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. In this study, the observed LC₅₀ value for the extract was 114.12 μg/mL; while the value for vincristine sulfate was 1.63 μg/mL. The extract's in vivo anticancer activity against EAC cell line was also remarkable. The 400 mg/kg of body weight dose of methanolic leaf extract showed tumor weight and EAC cell number values of 3.20 ± 0.20 g and 8.40 ± 0.51 cells/mL; both of these values were lower than the values obtained from the standard drug 5-fluorouracil.

Background: Sanitation workers are also known as 'garbage workers' who play a significant role in the sanitation chain. For many generations, sanitation workers' level of knowledge regarding hygiene practices remains low due to a lack of educational programs on hygiene. As a result, they are widely exposed to hygiene-related diseases such as cholera, skin infections and various other diseases, increasing their risk of mortality to 40%. This review aims to explore the global impact of educational programs on the hygiene knowledge and practices of sanitation workers. Methods: The systematic literature search was conducted for studies published between 2013 and 2023 using the following databases: MEDLINE (via EBSCOHost), PubMed and Google Scholar to identify quantitative studies on the subject. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Evaluation Instruments. Data extracted from the included articles were presented using a summary of findings table and presented graphically through charts and tables, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The PRISMA flow diagram was used to present the article selection process. Results: The systematic review included 15 eligible studies from a total of 2777 articles. At least 60% (n = 9) of the reviewed studies found educational program relating to hygiene to have a positive impact on sanitation workers' hygiene knowledge and practices. However, most (n = 7) studies indicated that the efficacy of programs on hygiene knowledge and practices is indirectly influenced by educational background, age and work experience (predictor factors). Conclusion: Educational programs regarding hygiene have the potential to significantly improve sanitation workers knowledge and practices. Findings also suggest the implementation of active and intensive intervention programs to improve sanitation workers hygiene knowledge and practices.

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that infect living plant tissues internally without producing obvious symptoms of infection, existing in a symbiotic relationship with plants for a portion of their life cycle. Currently, endophytic fungi serve as alternate sources for the production of new bioactive chemicals with great efficacy. This study aimed to examine the antimigration and anti-invasion capabilities of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus aculeatus extract, isolated from Capsicum annuum L., utilizing in vitro and in silico methods. This study isolated the endophytic fungus A. aculeatus from the leaves of C. annuum L. LC-MS analysis revealed fifty-five active components within the extract. Ten compounds exhibited favorable results in the in silico assessment. Computational predictions indicate that tajixanthone methanoate (-8.80 kcal/mol) and aspernigerin (-12.95 kcal/mol) exhibited high binding affinity against MMP-2. The A. aculeatus extract demonstrated antiproliferative activity with an IC₅₀ value of 286.36 ± 122.57 μg/mL. The extract, at noncytotoxic concentrations, reduced the migration and invasion of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, A. aculeatus extract demonstrated a marked reduction in MMP-2 activity. According to these results, the compounds may serve as antimigration and anti-invasion agents by inhibiting the MMP-2 protein. The results demonstrated that A. aculeatus extract derived from C. annuum L. inhibited A549 cell migration and invasion via reducing MMP-2 activity. The findings indicated that A. aculeatus extract derived from C. annuum L. may be utilized for the treatment of lung cancer.

This study was conducted during the 2024 growing season at the Palm Research Station in Al-Zafaraniya, Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 54 uniform date palm trees (Khastawi and Khadhrawi cultivars), approximately 15 years old and planted at 10-m spacing, were selected for experimental treatments. The objective was to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of nano NPK fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g·L^-1), applied in six foliar doses, and three concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 2, and 4 mL·L^-1), applied in four foliar doses, as well as their interaction, on date yield, and fruit quality. The results revealed significant improvements in all measured traits. Total date yield per tree increased from 29.81 kg in the control to 68.95 kg with the N3S3 treatment. Average bunch weight rose from 7.45 kg to 17.23 kg, and fruit set percentage increased from 66.15% to 79.90%. The Khastawi cultivar produced higher bunch weight and total date yield, whereas Khadhrawi excelled in individual date size and dimensions. The most effective treatment combination was nano NPK at 4 g/L with potassium silicate at 2 mL/L (N3S2), which yielded optimal results across most traits. These findings confirm that the integration of nano-fertilizers and potassium silicate foliar sprays can significantly enhance the productivity and fruit quality of dates under arid environmental conditions.