Clerodendrum japonicum (C. japonicum) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat the dozens of diseases in China. However, scientific evidence for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) treatment of C. japonicum used in traditional medicine is lacking. This study evaluated whether C. japonicum ameliorates the PF and the potential molecular mechanism of C. japonicum treatment in vivo and in vitro. We used the PF rat model in vivo. The lung coefficient, HE and Masson staining were used to evaluate the lung tissues injury. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to evaluate the organelle structural changes. The inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α were detected using ELISA assay. ROS, MDA and GSH were measured to explore the oxidative stress. Western blotting, immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-qPCR were performed to observe the expressions of PF and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway related genes and proteins. Firstly, C. japonicum could effectively alleviate the PF injury in rat model. C. japonicum could effectively inhibit the levels of inflammatory factors in PF animal model, at the same time, C. japonicum could reasonably regulate oxidative stress factors in PF animal model. Furthermore, TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in the PF animal model and C. japonicum could inhibit the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway in PF treatment effectively. C. japonicum might attenuate the PF in the PF rat model in vivo through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. These findings suggested that C. japonicum might act as a promising TCM to treat the PF.
{"title":"Traditional Chinese Medicine Clerodendrum japonicum (C. japonicum) Ameliorates the Pulmonary Fibrosis through Inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway","authors":"Jiangcun Wei, Chenglong Wang, Jianlong Zhou, Yunli Tang, Qingmei Deng, Hong Lei, Liping Qin, Zujie Qin","doi":"10.1134/s1062359024600028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359024600028","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p><i>Clerodendrum japonicum</i> (<i>C. japonicum</i>) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used to treat the dozens of diseases in China. However, scientific evidence for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) treatment of <i>C. japonicum</i> used in traditional medicine is lacking. This study evaluated whether <i>C. japonicum</i> ameliorates the PF and the potential molecular mechanism of <i>C. japonicum</i> treatment in vivo and in vitro. We used the PF rat model in vivo<i>.</i> The lung coefficient, HE and Masson staining were used to evaluate the lung tissues injury. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to evaluate the organelle structural changes. The inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α were detected using ELISA assay. ROS, MDA and GSH were measured to explore the oxidative stress. Western blotting, immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-qPCR were performed to observe the expressions of PF and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway related genes and proteins. Firstly, <i>C. japonicum</i> could effectively alleviate the PF injury in rat model. <i>C. japonicum</i> could effectively inhibit the levels of inflammatory factors in PF animal model, at the same time, <i>C. japonicum</i> could reasonably regulate oxidative stress factors in PF animal model. Furthermore, TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in the PF animal model and <i>C. japonicum</i> could inhibit the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway in PF treatment effectively. <i>C. japonicum</i> might attenuate the PF in the PF rat model in vivo through inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. These findings suggested that <i>C. japonicum</i> might act as a promising TCM to treat the PF.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"39 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023606134
Masood Ahamed, Komal Verma, Yash Pal Sharma
Abstract
The genus Agaricus is a saprophytic and cosmopolitan genus occurring in diverse type of habitats. In the present study, we report three interesting species of genus Agaricus viz., A. sinoplacomyces, A. sylvaticus and A. subrufescens, from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Identification was carried out through combined morpho-anatomical and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequence analysis. Agaricus sinoplacomyces is recorded for the first time from India while A. sylvaticus and A. subrufescens are reported for the first time from Jammu and Kashmir. Detailed morphological descriptions, colour photographs, line drawings, and molecular phylogeny are provided.
摘要姬松茸属(Agaricus)是一种吸食性和世界性的菌属,分布于不同类型的栖息地。在本研究中,我们报告了来自查谟和克什米尔不同地区的三个有趣的姬松茸属物种,即 A. sinoplacomyces、A. sylvaticus 和 A. subrufescens。通过形态解剖学和核糖体内部转录间隔序列(nrITS)综合分析进行鉴定。姬松茸(Agaricus sinoplacomyces)为印度首次记录,而A. sylvaticus和A. subrufescens为查谟和克什米尔首次报道。报告提供了详细的形态描述、彩色照片、线条图和分子系统发育。
{"title":"Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Three Agaricus Species from Jammu and Kashmir, India","authors":"Masood Ahamed, Komal Verma, Yash Pal Sharma","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023606134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023606134","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>The genus <i>Agaricus</i> is a saprophytic and cosmopolitan genus occurring in diverse type of habitats. In the present study, we report three interesting species of genus <i>Agaricus</i> viz., <i>A. sinoplacomyces</i>, <i>A</i>. <i>sylvaticus</i> and <i>A. subrufescens</i>, from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Identification was carried out through combined morpho-anatomical and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) sequence analysis. <i>Agaricus sinoplacomyces</i> is recorded for the first time from India while <i>A</i>. <i>sylvaticus</i> and <i>A. subrufescens</i> are reported for the first time from Jammu and Kashmir. Detailed morphological descriptions, colour photographs, line drawings, and molecular phylogeny are provided.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"97 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023606146
Vishal Kumar, Dalip Kumar Upreti, Sanjeeva Nayaka
Abstract
Three species of the genus Psora are recognized in India including Psora crenata (Taylor) Reinke, P. decipiens (Hedw.) Hoffm. and P. himalayana (C. Bab.) Timdal. Among them, P. crenata is described as a new record to the lichen biota of India. Descriptions, illustrations and distributions are provided for each species together with a key to all species of Psora known from India.
{"title":"Morpho-taxonomic Revision of the Lichen Genus Psora Hoffm. (Psoraceae, Lecanorales) from India","authors":"Vishal Kumar, Dalip Kumar Upreti, Sanjeeva Nayaka","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023606146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023606146","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>Three species of the genus <i>Psora</i> are recognized in India including <i>Psora crenata</i> (Taylor) Reinke, <i>P. decipiens</i> (Hedw.) Hoffm. and <i>P. himalayana</i> (C. Bab.) Timdal. Among them, <i>P. crenata</i> is described as a new record to the lichen biota of India. Descriptions, illustrations and distributions are provided for each species together with a key to all species of <i>Psora</i> known from India.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023605256
Clarice Maria de Araújo-Silva, Kássio de Castro Araújo, Robson Waldemar Ávila, Etielle Barroso Andrade
Abstract
Animal food is one of the most important ecological aspects of one species. Studying this factor is fundamental to understanding their life history, microhabitat use, and interactions with other species. Amphibians are an interesting group to understand the food chains because they interact with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Among them, Trachycephalus typhonius is a widespread treefrog in South America but there is still a lack of knowledge about its natural history. Therefore, we described the feeding habits of T. typhonius from a relictual humid forest mountain in Brazilian semiarid. The present study was conducted in the Maranguape mountain, Ceará state, Brazil during the rainy season from April to May 2019. We collected the individuals using visual and auditory searches. Overall, we found 24 specimens of T. typhonius, in which all of them had stomach contents. We identified 11 prey categories, in which coleopterans and orthopterans were the most important prey item for this species’ diet. It is also important to point out that plant pieces were found in the stomach of eight individuals, which might suggest a purposeful consumption. Additionally, we found no significant differences regarding the abundance, richness, and composition of prey items consumed by males and females. In contrast, we observed individuals with largest mouth breadth tend to select prey items more volumetric. Overall, our study is the pioneer to investigate the feeding habits of T. typhonius from a montane ecosystem in Brazilian semiarid region and contributes to increasing the knowledge about its natural history.
{"title":"Unveiling the Diet Composition of Trachycephalus typhonius (Linnaeus, 1758) from a Relictual Mountain in Brazilian Semiarid","authors":"Clarice Maria de Araújo-Silva, Kássio de Castro Araújo, Robson Waldemar Ávila, Etielle Barroso Andrade","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023605256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023605256","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>Animal food is one of the most important ecological aspects of one species. Studying this factor is fundamental to understanding their life history, microhabitat use, and interactions with other species. Amphibians are an interesting group to understand the food chains because they interact with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Among them, <i>Trachycephalus typhonius</i> is a widespread treefrog in South America but there is still a lack of knowledge about its natural history. Therefore, we described the feeding habits of <i>T. typhonius</i> from a relictual humid forest mountain in Brazilian semiarid. The present study was conducted in the Maranguape mountain, Ceará state, Brazil during the rainy season from April to May 2019. We collected the individuals using visual and auditory searches. Overall, we found 24 specimens of <i>T. typhonius</i>, in which all of them had stomach contents. We identified 11 prey categories, in which coleopterans and orthopterans were the most important prey item for this species’ diet. It is also important to point out that plant pieces were found in the stomach of eight individuals, which might suggest a purposeful consumption. Additionally, we found no significant differences regarding the abundance, richness, and composition of prey items consumed by males and females. In contrast, we observed individuals with largest mouth breadth tend to select prey items more volumetric. Overall, our study is the pioneer to investigate the feeding habits of <i>T. typhonius</i> from a montane ecosystem in Brazilian semiarid region and contributes to increasing the knowledge about its natural history.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"76 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195940","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023606572
Aruna Yadav, Deepak Rai
Abstract
Mandothi Wetlands located in district Jhajjar of Haryana, India is about 1000 acres of farmland, serves as a crucial habitat for numerous species of winter migratory birds. From December 2021 to March 2023, fortnightly periodic visits were made to the area by using scan sampling and point-cum-line transect methods. A total of 54 winter migratory birds’ species were recorded including 33 genera, 19 families, and 8 orders. Order Charadriiformes was highly diverse with the presence of 17 species in the study area. Feeding guild analysis expressed that Insectivores were the dominant ones among all guilds. As per the IUCN Red List criteria, 48 species were classified as least concern (LC) whereas, 3 species were classified as Near Threatened (NT) i.e., Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, and 3 species were classified as Vulnerable (VU) such as Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga and Common Pochard Aythya ferina globally. Study area holds a significant role in sustaining the diversity of birds and also facing various stress factors thus it needs to be conserved.
{"title":"Diversity and IUCN Status of Winter Migratory Avifauna of Mandothi Wetlands, Haryana (India)","authors":"Aruna Yadav, Deepak Rai","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023606572","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023606572","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>Mandothi Wetlands located in district Jhajjar of Haryana, India is about 1000 acres of farmland, serves as a crucial habitat for numerous species of winter migratory birds. From December 2021 to March 2023, fortnightly periodic visits were made to the area by using scan sampling and point-cum-line transect methods. A total of 54 winter migratory birds’ species were recorded including 33 genera, 19 families, and 8 orders. Order Charadriiformes was highly diverse with the presence of 17 species in the study area. Feeding guild analysis expressed that Insectivores were the dominant ones among all guilds. As per the IUCN Red List criteria, 48 species were classified as least concern (LC) whereas, 3 species were classified as Near Threatened (NT) i.e., Ferruginous Duck <i>Aythya nyroca</i>, Eurasian Curlew <i>Numenius arquata,</i> Curlew Sandpiper <i>Calidris ferruginea</i>, and 3 species were classified as Vulnerable (VU) such as Eastern Imperial Eagle <i>Aquila heliaca</i>, Greater Spotted Eagle <i>Clanga clanga</i> and Common Pochard <i>Aythya ferina</i> globally. Study area holds a significant role in sustaining the diversity of birds and also facing various stress factors thus it needs to be conserved.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"90 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aporcelaimellus obtusicaudatus was recovered from mustard and sugarcane fields of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India. The present species was identified through morphology, molecular and phylogenetic analysis. The Indian populations are characterized by having females with a body length (1.7–3.4 mm), lip region (4.9–8.8 µm), Amphids 6–9 µm, odontostyle length (15.7–26.4 µm), neck length (374.6–745.1 µm), pharyngeal expansion occupying 45–60% of neck length, simple uterus (67.4–124.3 µm), V = 49.1–58.7, female tail (32–44.9 µm, c = 41.1–105, c' = 0.5–1.3) with short, conoid, rounded terminus to convex conical. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and 28S rDNA revealed A. obtusicaudatus as a paraphyly. The present populations of Indian A. obtusicaudatus (OM269524; OP020675) placed close to deposited Indian sequence (OP048816; OP048823) and Slovakian populations of A. obtusicaudatus (MH206119). The result of 28S rDNA phylogeny showed that the present population (OM258706) placed close to other populations of the same species from India (OM418794) with 0.55 posterior probability supports. The haplotype analysis based on 28S rDNA revealed 6 haplotypes, which displayed low nucleotide (π = 0.013) diversity. In contrast, haplotype diversity (Hd) was 1.00, and the number of segregating sites (S) was 14. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the various populations into two clades, and the result showed German populations placed into two clades, which showed high variability in haplotype supported by the haplotype network. Tajima (D) and Fu’s Fs were found to be negative (P > 0.05), whereas the overall FST value was 0.31040 (P = 0.118). In conclusion, genetic analysis revealed 31.04% variation among groups/populations and 68.95 within populations, indicating a low genetic variation between the same populations of A. obtusicaudatus belonging to the same country.
{"title":"Molecular Characterization and Haplotype Diversity of Aporcelaimellus obtusicaudatus (Bastian, 1865) Altherr, 1968 (Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from India","authors":"Himani Sharma, Ashok Kumar Chaubey, Ebrahim Shokoohi","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023604378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023604378","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p><i>Aporcelaimellus obtusicaudatus</i> was recovered from mustard and sugarcane fields of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, India. The present species was identified through morphology, molecular and phylogenetic analysis. The Indian populations are characterized by having females with a body length (1.7–3.4 mm), lip region (4.9–8.8 µm), Amphids 6–9 µm, odontostyle length (15.7–26.4 µm), neck length (374.6–745.1 µm), pharyngeal expansion occupying 45–60% of neck length, simple uterus (67.4–124.3 µm), <i>V</i> = 49.1–58.7, female tail (32–44.9 µm, <i>c</i> = 41.1–105, <i>c</i>' = 0.5–1.3) with short, conoid, rounded terminus to convex conical. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 18S and 28S rDNA revealed <i>A. obtusicaudatus</i> as a paraphyly. The present populations of Indian <i>A. obtusicaudatus</i> (OM269524; OP020675) placed close to deposited Indian sequence (OP048816; OP048823) and Slovakian populations of <i>A. obtusicaudatus</i> (MH206119). The result of 28S rDNA phylogeny showed that the present population (OM258706) placed close to other populations of the same species from India (OM418794) with 0.55 posterior probability supports. The haplotype analysis based on 28S rDNA revealed 6 haplotypes, which displayed low nucleotide (π = 0.013) diversity. In contrast, haplotype diversity (Hd) was 1.00, and the number of segregating sites (S) was 14. The phylogenetic analysis grouped the various populations into two clades, and the result showed German populations placed into two clades, which showed high variability in haplotype supported by the haplotype network. Tajima (D) and Fu’s Fs were found to be negative (<i>P</i> > 0.05), whereas the overall FST value was 0.31040 (<i>P</i> = 0.118). In conclusion, genetic analysis revealed 31.04% variation among groups/populations and 68.95 within populations, indicating a low genetic variation between the same populations of <i>A. obtusicaudatus</i> belonging to the same country.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023606195
M. Eivani, S. Gholipour Miarkolae, J. Ebrahimian, F. Karimani, S. M. Khoshnazar
Abstract
Melissa officinalis (MO) is a valuable medicinal herb from the Lamiaceae family, MO extracts possess different beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, and anti-depression. It seems that phytochemicals found in MO including flavonols (luteolin and apigenin) and polyphenols (rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid) are responsible for the beneficial effects of MO. The present study aimed to assess the role of opioid receptors in the effect of MO in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in stressed rats. Male hooded rats received oral administration of MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), with or without intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (1 mg/kg), and were exposed to 30 min stress, then anxiety-like and OCD-like behaviors were evaluated using light/dark box and marble burying test. Our results showed that oral administration of MO has anxiolytic effects and a reduction in OCD-like behavior in stressed rats that could be inhibited by injection of naloxone. On the other hand, in silico study showed that phytochemicals found in MO have a possible affinity for opioid receptors. Taken together, these data revealed that the opioid receptors may be involved in the anxiolytic effect of MO in stressed rats.
摘要 香紫苏(Melissa officinalis,MO)是一种珍贵的唇形科药材,MO 提取物具有不同的功效,包括抗炎、抗氧化、增强记忆、抗焦虑和抗抑郁。看来,MO 中的植物化学物质,包括黄酮醇(木犀草素和芹菜素)和多酚(迷迭香酸和咖啡酸),是 MO 产生有益作用的原因。本研究旨在评估阿片受体在 MO 对应激大鼠焦虑症和强迫症(OCD)影响中的作用。雄性戴帽大鼠在口服或不口服纳洛酮(1 mg/kg)的情况下分别接受MO(50、100和200 mg/kg),并暴露于30分钟的应激反应中,然后用光/暗箱和大理石埋藏试验评估焦虑样和强迫症样行为。我们的研究结果表明,口服 MO 有抗焦虑作用,并能减少应激大鼠的强迫症样行为,而注射纳洛酮可抑制这种作用。另一方面,硅学研究表明,MO 中的植物化学物质可能与阿片受体有亲和力。综上所述,这些数据表明阿片受体可能参与了 MO 对应激大鼠的抗焦虑作用。
{"title":"Melissa officinalis Interaction with Opioid Receptors Attenuates Stress-Induced Anxiety-Like and OCD-Like Behaviors","authors":"M. Eivani, S. Gholipour Miarkolae, J. Ebrahimian, F. Karimani, S. M. Khoshnazar","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023606195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023606195","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p><i>Melissa officinalis</i> (MO) is a valuable medicinal herb from the Lamiaceae family, MO extracts possess different beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, and anti-depression. It seems that phytochemicals found in MO including flavonols (luteolin and apigenin) and polyphenols (rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid) are responsible for the beneficial effects of MO. The present study aimed to assess the role of opioid receptors in the effect of MO in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in stressed rats. Male hooded rats received oral administration of MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), with or without intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (1 mg/kg), and were exposed to 30 min stress, then anxiety-like and OCD-like behaviors were evaluated using light/dark box and marble burying test. Our results showed that oral administration of MO has anxiolytic effects and a reduction in OCD-like behavior in stressed rats that could be inhibited by injection of naloxone. On the other hand, <i>in silico</i> study showed that phytochemicals found in MO have a possible affinity for opioid receptors. Taken together, these data revealed that the opioid receptors may be involved in the anxiolytic effect of MO in stressed rats.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"88 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359024606554
N. Ertorun, M. B. Mutlu
Abstract
Mayflies, recognized for their hemimetabolous life cycle and ephemeral adult phase, exhibit diverse larval forms categorized as burrowing, flattened, swimming, and creeping. Ameletus inopinatus Eaton, 1887, a member of the Ameletidae family within the order Ephemeroptera, undergoes aquatic development and is commonly found in the tranquil stretches of small rivers or streams, particularly among stones and boulders. This study focused on A. inopinatus nymphs collected from Yarımca village in Eskişehir, Turkiye. Employing molecular techniques and culture-independent methods, rRNA-based analyses were conducted to characterize the archaeal and bacterial communities within the nymphs’ gut. Microbial DNA was extracted from the gut, and PCR amplification targeted 16S rRNA genes for both Archaea and Bacteria domains. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) separated the amplified products, yielding six distinct bands with Bacteria-specific primers. The subsequent analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing from DGGE bands revealed a predominance of the Proteobacteria phylum within the gut lumen. Complementary investigations into prokaryotic diversity employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Total DAPI cell counts indicated a microbial cell population of approximately 106 ± 0.18 in the samples. The overarching conclusion derived from these findings is that the microbial community within the Ameletus inopinatus gut is predominantly associated with the Bacteria domain. Recognizing the ecological importance of this symbiotic relationship, the coexistence of mayflies with specific microbial communities is emphasized, underscoring the potential mutualistic roles played by these microorganisms in the life cycle and ecological dynamics of Ameletus inopinatus. This research not only contributes valuable insights into the microbial ecology of mayfly nymphs but also underscores the significance of understanding the intricate relationships between insects and their associated microorganisms for broader ecological perspectives and potential applications in environmental management.
{"title":"Reveal of Gut Microbiota of Nymphs Ameletus inopinatus (Eaton), 1887 (Ephemeroptera: Ameletidae) with Molecular and Microbiological Analyzes","authors":"N. Ertorun, M. B. Mutlu","doi":"10.1134/s1062359024606554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359024606554","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>Mayflies, recognized for their hemimetabolous life cycle and ephemeral adult phase, exhibit diverse larval forms categorized as burrowing, flattened, swimming, and creeping. <i>Ameletus inopinatus</i> Eaton, 1887, a member of the Ameletidae family within the order Ephemeroptera, undergoes aquatic development and is commonly found in the tranquil stretches of small rivers or streams, particularly among stones and boulders. This study focused on <i>A. inopinatus</i> nymphs collected from Yarımca village in Eskişehir, Turkiye. Employing molecular techniques and culture-independent methods, rRNA-based analyses were conducted to characterize the archaeal and bacterial communities within the nymphs’ gut. Microbial DNA was extracted from the gut, and PCR amplification targeted 16S rRNA genes for both Archaea and Bacteria domains. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) separated the amplified products, yielding six distinct bands with Bacteria-specific primers. The subsequent analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing from DGGE bands revealed a predominance of the Proteobacteria phylum within the gut lumen. Complementary investigations into prokaryotic diversity employed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Total DAPI cell counts indicated a microbial cell population of approximately 10<sup>6</sup> ± 0.18 in the samples. The overarching conclusion derived from these findings is that the microbial community within the <i>Ameletus inopinatus</i> gut is predominantly associated with the Bacteria domain. Recognizing the ecological importance of this symbiotic relationship, the coexistence of mayflies with specific microbial communities is emphasized, underscoring the potential mutualistic roles played by these microorganisms in the life cycle and ecological dynamics of <i>Ameletus inopinatus</i>. This research not only contributes valuable insights into the microbial ecology of mayfly nymphs but also underscores the significance of understanding the intricate relationships between insects and their associated microorganisms for broader ecological perspectives and potential applications in environmental management.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"31 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s106235902360592x
B. Baycan, D. Kurtul, B. Boran, C. N. Özgül, Ç. Gül, M. Tosunoğlu
Abstract
The reproductive strategies of reptiles vary according to many factors. In lizards, intraspecific and interspecific competition, and environmental and seasonal factors affect their reproductive biology. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of testis sizes in the sympatrically coexisting species, Podarcis muralis and Podarcis tauricus, located in Kofçaz, Kırklareli, Turkey, considering both intra-species and inter-species variations. Changes in body sizes and testis sizes according to months were monitored. As a result, it was determined that in both species, there was a positive correlation between body size and testis size, and that in P. tauricus, both body and testis sizes were higher compared to P. muralis, showing a significant difference. It was also observed that in the P. muralis species, the testis size reached its peak value in April (mean daily temperature 9.9°C), while in the P. tauricus species, it reached the highest value in May (mean daily temperature 15.5°C). It was found that the testis size in P. muralis reached its lowest value in August (mean daily temperature 23.8°C), while in P. tauricus, it was lowest in September (mean daily temperature 20.2°C). The fact that testis size is high in different months in these two sympatric species suggests that their active breeding periods differ.
{"title":"Testicular Morphologies of Two Sympatric Podarcis Species","authors":"B. Baycan, D. Kurtul, B. Boran, C. N. Özgül, Ç. Gül, M. Tosunoğlu","doi":"10.1134/s106235902360592x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s106235902360592x","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>The reproductive strategies of reptiles vary according to many factors. In lizards, intraspecific and interspecific competition, and environmental and seasonal factors affect their reproductive biology. This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of testis sizes in the sympatrically coexisting species, <i>Podarcis muralis</i> and <i>Podarcis tauricus</i>, located in Kofçaz, Kırklareli, Turkey, considering both intra-species and inter-species variations. Changes in body sizes and testis sizes according to months were monitored. As a result, it was determined that in both species, there was a positive correlation between body size and testis size, and that in <i>P. tauricus</i>, both body and testis sizes were higher compared to <i>P. muralis</i>, showing a significant difference. It was also observed that in the <i>P. muralis</i> species, the testis size reached its peak value in April (mean daily temperature 9.9°C), while in the <i>P. tauricus</i> species, it reached the highest value in May (mean daily temperature 15.5°C). It was found that the testis size in <i>P. muralis</i> reached its lowest value in August (mean daily temperature 23.8°C), while in <i>P. tauricus</i>, it was lowest in September (mean daily temperature 20.2°C). The fact that testis size is high in different months in these two sympatric species suggests that their active breeding periods differ.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"26 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-31DOI: 10.1134/s1062359023605992
Tzu-Pi Chen, Chia-Hsuan Hsu, Yuan-Mou Chang, Sin-Tung Choi, Shi-Sheng Liu
Abstract
Land hermit crabs play a pivotal role in ecosystems as scavengers, contributing to the nutrient cycle in coastal forests and serving as a food source for various consumers. Nevertheless, they are subjected to large-scale capture for the pet trade in multiple regions. It is imperative to expand our knowledge of land hermit crabs to enhance conservation efforts. Taiwan is located in the transition zone between tropical and subtropical regions with rich biodiversity. Seven land hermit crab (Family: Coenobitidae) species have been identified here, namely Birgus latro, Coenobita brevimanus, C. cavipes, C. perlatus, C. purpureus, C. rugosus, and C. violascens. This article introduces the scientific record of the 8th species, Coenobita pseudorugosus, in Taiwan. Further ecological research of C. pseudorugosus is essential to deepen our understanding of this species and ensure its conservation status.
{"title":"New Record of Land Hermit Crabs Coenobita pseudorugosus Nakasone, 1988 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura: Coenobitidae) from Taiwan","authors":"Tzu-Pi Chen, Chia-Hsuan Hsu, Yuan-Mou Chang, Sin-Tung Choi, Shi-Sheng Liu","doi":"10.1134/s1062359023605992","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1134/s1062359023605992","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Abstract</h3><p>Land hermit crabs play a pivotal role in ecosystems as scavengers, contributing to the nutrient cycle in coastal forests and serving as a food source for various consumers. Nevertheless, they are subjected to large-scale capture for the pet trade in multiple regions. It is imperative to expand our knowledge of land hermit crabs to enhance conservation efforts. Taiwan is located in the transition zone between tropical and subtropical regions with rich biodiversity. Seven land hermit crab (Family: Coenobitidae) species have been identified here, namely <i>Birgus latro</i>, <i>Coenobita brevimanus</i>, <i>C. cavipes</i>, <i>C. perlatus</i>, <i>C. purpureus</i>, <i>C. rugosus</i>, and <i>C. violascens</i>. This article introduces the scientific record of the 8th species, <i>Coenobita pseudorugosus</i>, in Taiwan. Further ecological research of <i>C. pseudorugosus</i> is essential to deepen our understanding of this species and ensure its conservation status.</p>","PeriodicalId":55366,"journal":{"name":"Biology Bulletin","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.5,"publicationDate":"2024-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141195726","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}