Zika virus modulates human fibroblasts to enhance transmission success in a controlled lab-setting.

Transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) has been reported in 92 countries and the geographical spread of invasive virus-borne vectors has increased in recent years. Arboviruses naturally survive between vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors. Transmission success requires the mosquito to feed on viraemic hosts.

Influence of plasma exosomes from women living with HIV Stratified by HAND on monocyte subpopulations from healthy women without HIV.

The role of plasma exosomes from people living with HIV (PLWH) with HAND in the phenotypic profile of uninfected monocytes remains unknown. We hypothesized that these exosomes influence the CD14/CD16 phenotypical profile of uninfected monocytes in a time-dependent manner. Exosomes were collected via ultracentrifugation from the plasma of women living with HIV (WLWH) and healthy controls stratified according to their cognition into normal cognition (NC) or symptomatic neurocognitive impairment (SNI) groups.

Fabrication of Chitosan/PEO/Rosmarinic acid based nanofibrous mat for diabetic burn wound healing and its anti-bacterial efficacy in mice.

The pathophysiological relationship between wound healing impairment and diabetes is an intricate process. Burn injury among diabetes patients leads to neurological, vascular, and immunological abnormalities along with impaired activities of cell proliferation, collagen production, growth factors, and cytokine activities with huge bacterial infestation. In our study, we aimed to achieve a burn wound dressing material with the help of electrospun Chitosan/Polyethylene oxide/Rosmarinic acid (CS/PEO/RA) nanofibers.

The big, the small and the weird: A phylogenomic analysis of extant Priapulida.

Priapulida is a small phylum of 22 described species that are divided into two size classes (microscopic and macroscopic), distinguished by adult and larval morphology. Most priapulidans are rare or live in inaccessible habitats, and freshly collected material for molecular studies is difficult to obtain. With this study, we for the first time aim to resolve the phylogeny of extant Priapulida using transcriptomic, genomic, and morphological data.

Chronic unpredictable stress exposure disrupts testicular function by modulating germ cell-junctional dynamics and Nrf2/HO-1/IKKβ/NF-κB pathway.

The unpredictable nature of stress complicates understanding its relationship with male infertility. In this study, we investigated testicular germ cell and junctional dynamics in male mice following exposure to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Adult Parkes male mice were exposed to CUS for 35 days (one complete spermatogenic cycle), with a random stressor (restraint stress, water deprivation, food deprivation, light flashing, wet bedding, cage shaking, or cage tilting) applied once per day in an intermittent and unpredictable manner to avoid repeating the same stimulus on consecutive days.

An insight into the molecular mechanisms of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) mediated dysregulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis in Heteropneustes fossilis.

The study emphasises how ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are and how terrible they are for the environment, specifically because of their tendency to build up in living things and cause a variety of health problems, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. Due to POPs affinity for lipid-rich tissues, they accumulate in a variety of organs, where they cause metabolic disruption and initiate various anabolic pathways. Studies that use fish as a model organism clarify the metabolic effects of POPs, demonstrating non-adipose lipid accumulation and abnormal glucose homeostasis.

Characterization of Rugulopteryx okamurae algae: A source of bioactive peptides, omega-3 fatty acids, and volatile compounds.

This study provides a detailed characterization of the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae, highlighting its nutritional composition, mineral content, and potential bioactive compounds. This biomass contains 14.18 % protein, 21.

Rhizosphere bacterial communities of Namib Desert plant species: Evidence of specialised plant-microbe associations.

Rhizosphere microbial communities are intimately associated with plant root surfaces. The rhizosphere microbiome is recruited from the surrounding soil and is known to impact positively on the plant host via enhanced resistance to pathogens, increased nutrient availability, growth stimulation and increased resistance to desiccation. Desert ecosystems harbour a diversity of perennial and annual plant species, generally exhibiting considerable physiological adaptation to the low-water environment.

Global natural history infrastructure requires international solidarity, support, and investment in local capacity.

Amid global challenges like climate change, extinctions, and disease epidemics, science and society require nuanced, international solutions that are grounded in robust, interdisciplinary perspectives and datasets that span deep time. Natural history collections, from modern biological specimens to the archaeological and fossil records, are crucial tools for understanding cultural and biological processes that shape our modern world. At the same time, natural history collections in low and middle-income countries are at-risk and underresourced, imperiling efforts to build the infrastructure and scientific capacity necessary to tackle critical challenges.

Chitosan-Functionalized Fluorescent Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticle Loaded with Methotrexate: Future Theranostics for Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Herein, fluorescent calcium carbonate nanoclusters encapsulated with methotrexate (Mtx) and surface functionalized with chitosan (25 nm) (@Calmat) have been developed for the imaging and treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). These biocompatible, pH-sensitive nanoparticles demonstrate significant potential for targeted therapy and diagnostic applications. The efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell lines.

Why has the 'miracidium' of Notocotylidae (Trematoda: Digenea) lost all stage-specific traits?

Digeneans of the family Notocotylidae differ from other digeneans in their peculiar eggs. The eggs feature a pair of long filaments extending from their poles, and their contents differ significantly from what we expect to observe in the eggs of digeneans. Instead of a ciliated miracidium larva, the notocotylid egg contains a tiny few-celled mother sporocyst.

Wastewater biotreatment and bioaugmentation for remediation of contaminated sites at an oil recycling plant.

This work focused on the biotreatment of wastewater and contaminated soil in a used oil recycling plant located in Bizerte. A continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a trickling filter (TF) were used to treat stripped and collected wastewater, respectively. The CSTR was started up and stabilized for 90 days.

Effect of botanical powders and the assassin bug, Mont. and Sign. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) infesting yam chips.

Background: Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is the main pest of stored dried yam chips that causes significant losses in less than 3 months. The assassin bug, (Montrouzier & Signoret) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the African mahogany ( (Desv.) A.

Imprint of ancestral and modern threats in human mind - experience of fear, disgust, and anger.

Introduction: Threats to our survival are often posed by the environment in which humans have evolved or live today. Animal and human ancestors developed complex physiological and behavioral response systems to cope with two types of threats: immediate physical harm from predators or conspecifics, triggering fear, and the risk of infections from parasites and pathogens leading to the evolution of the behavioral immune system (BIS) with disgust as the key emotion. Here we ask whether the BIS has adapted to protect us from pandemic risks or poisoning by modern toxic substances.

An eastern Congolian endemic, or widespread but secretive? New data on the recently described (Anura, Hyperoliidae) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Great Lakes spiny reed frog () was recently described from transitional (submontane) forests at mid-elevations of the Albertine Rift mountains in the eastern Congolian region. Previously, because of its similarity, it had been understood to represent eastern populations of the unrelated , which is known mainly from Cameroon. Based on DNA barcoding, we document the westward extension of the known range of within lowland rainforests in the Northeastern and Central Congolian Lowland Forests.

Electrochemical Cyclization-Desulfurization Approach for the Synthesis of 1,3-Benzoxazines Using Cascade C-O and C-N Bond Formation.

A cost-effective, eco-friendly, and highly efficient one-pot electrochemical process has been described for the synthesis of 4-1,3-benzoxazine and 4,5-dihydro-1,3-benzoxazepine derivatives by employing 2-aminobenzyl alcohols, 2-(2-aminophenyl)ethan-1-ol, isothiocyanate derivatives, and TBAPF as an electrolyte. The developed method is accomplished at 25 °C with a constant current of 20 mA. Utilizing a graphite anode and a platinum cathode in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent, the devised metal-free electrochemical approach minimizes the production of waste and eliminates the need for external oxidizing agents.

Neurotensin via Type I Receptor Modulates the Endotoxemia Induced Oxido-Inflammatory Stress on the Sympathetic Adrenomedullary System of Mice Regulating NF-κβ/Nor-Epinephrine Pathway.

The present study investigated the role of the neurotensin/NTS in the modulation of the lipopolysaccharide/LPS induced dysfunction of the sympatho-adrenal-medullary system/SAM using both the NTS receptor 1/NTSR agonist PD149163/PD and antagonist SR48692 /SR. Forty eight mice were maintained in eight groups; Group I/control, Groups II, III, IV, and VII received LPS for 5 days further Group III/IV/VII received PD low dose/PD, PD high dose /PD and SR for 28 days respectively. Group V/VI received similar only PD and PD dose respectively whereas Group VIII was exposed to only SR for 28 days.

Melatonin modulation of the chronic dexamethasone-induced adrenal insufficiency.

Purpose: Chronic exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids/GCs, widely in use to treat many diseases, may compromise the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/HPA axis leading to a condition of adrenal insufficiency/AI. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the melatonin/MEL in amelioration of chronic dexamethasone (DEX)-induced AI.

Methods: Mice (Parkes Strain/Male/8 weeks old/30-33 g) were maintained in four groups (10 mice/group) for 30 days: Group 1/Control received intraperitoneal (i.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Shaping Immune Responses in Tephritidae Fruit Fly and Prospective Implications for Management.

The interaction of microbial communities with host immunity has become one of the most explored research areas with significant implications for pest control strategies. It has been found that the gut microbiota plays substantial roles in immune response regulation and host-gut microbiome symbiosis, as well as in pathogen resistance and overall fitness in Tephritidae fruit flies that are major pests of agricultural importance. In this review, we discuss the modulation of immune responses of Tephritidae fruit flies by the gut microbiota with particular emphasis on the general interactions between microbiota and the immune system.

Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss.

Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research.

Bat genomes illuminate adaptations to viral tolerance and disease resistance.

Zoonoses are infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans. Bats have been suggested to harbour more zoonotic viruses than any other mammalian order. Infections in bats are largely asymptomatic, indicating limited tissue-damaging inflammation and immunopathology.

Pivotal roles of Plasmodium falciparum lysophospholipid acyltransferase 1 in cell cycle progression and cytostome internalization.

The rapid intraerythrocytic replication of Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly species of malaria parasite, requires a quick but constant supply of phospholipids to support marked cell membrane expansion. In the malarial parasite, many enzymes functioning in phospholipid synthesis pathway have not been identified or characterized. Here, we identify P.

Factors contributing to helminth prevalence after repeated mass administration of medicines in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Over the past decade, Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) has been a key strategy for controlling schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. This longitudinal study, conducted from 2017 to 2019, evaluated the impact of interventions for controlling schistosomiasis (SCH) and STHs in recipient communities. A total of 1,046 pupils aged 5 to 16 years were enrolled, with Kato-Katz and urine filtration methods used for faecal and urine sample analysis.

Impact of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics on the biochemical status of Oreochromis niloticus under a predicted global warming scenario.

Plastic pollution and global warming are widespread issues that lead to several impacts on aquatic organisms. Despite harmful studies on both subjects, there are few studies on how temperature increases plastics' adverse effects on aquatic animals, mainly freshwater species. So, this study aims to clarify the potential impact of temperature increases on the toxicological properties of polyvinyl chloride nano-plastics (PVC-NPs) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by measuring biochemical and oxidative biomarkers.