Biologija

Title

Lietuvos mokslų akademija — 2024-12-16

Screening the phytochemical components of Ruta montana L. for their inhibitory activity to reduce the progress of osteoarthritis: an in silico study

Imane Abdelli — 2024-12-16

The species Ruta montana L. is well known for its medicinal characteristics. It is employed in traditional medicine where its constituent parts include a variety of physiologically active chemicals that give it its therapeutic potential. Our in silico research on the ligand molecules of R. montana L. shows the inhibitory efficacy of these compounds on the enzymes aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4) and aggrecanase-2 (ADAMTS-5) responsible for the degradation of human articular cartilage in osteoarthritis. By using molecular docking simulation, the interaction between the ligand molecules of the plant researched and these enzymes was identified. These compounds scored higher in the in silico research of the components 2-Undecanol acetate, 2-Nonanol acetate, Nonan-2-one, Psoralen, and Undecan-2-one, corresponding to a larger inhibitory activity when compared to those of the commercially available medications for osteoarthritis.

Study of acute toxicity of the biomass of Cladophora sp. and phycocyanin for Daphnia magna

Nataliia Hudz — 2024-12-16

In the current economic conditions, an active search is conducted for cost-effective and well-balanced feeds and feed mixtures for fish farming. The development of functional feeds using biomass of wild algae is becoming a central focus in the fish feed production. Although these supplements offer a promising path to sustainable and environmentally friendly fish feeding, their impact on the ecosystem requires detailed research. The aim of the study was to determine the acute response of Daphnia magna to the influence of new feed products derived from the wild algae of the Baltic Sea, phycocyanin on its own, and their binary mixture. The study was conducted using the standard aquatic toxicology method. To establish the 48-hour LC50, the probit analysis method was used. The results showed that D. magna is more sensitive to the effects of phycocyanin, with the following order of toxicity: phycocyanin > the mixture (1:1) > the biomass of Cladophora sp. The median lethal concentrations at 48 h were 100 mg/l, 920 mg/l, and 1720 mg/l, respectively. The obtained data allows to refer the tested compounds to low-hazard substances according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). The observed effects were compared with the effects of the mixture noticed in the toxic units (TU) model. In 48 hours, the mixture of the dry biomass of Cladophora sp. and phycocyanin at a ratio of 1:1 exhibited synergism. The obtained results will allow choosing the optimal ratio of the raw materials used in fish feeds without inflicting harm to the aquatic ecosystem and loss of their nutritional value.

The importance of berries of some invasive shrub species in the diet of birds in an urbanised habitat in South African grasslands

Grzegorz Kopij — 2024-12-16

Fruits play an important role as a source of diet for many bird species in southern Africa. In some areas, e.g., in the Highveld, planting of fruit trees and berries in urbanised areas may cause expansion of the population and the range of some frugivore birds. A study on birds feeding on fruits was carried out in an urbanised habitat in the Highveld. Out of 51 bird species recorded in the study area, four were found to feed regularly on berries of exotic tree/shrub species, namely Onychognathus morio, Pycnonotus nigricans, Zosterops pallidus, and Colius striatus. In the dry season, Pyracantha angustifolia was by far the most important in that regard (62.5%), followed by Melia azedarach (21.1%). Other exotic berry species were picked much less often. Birds fed on berries mostly in June, July and August, i.e., in the dry season (85% of recorded birds). Although berries were still available later, they were taken by birds only sporadically. This study suggests that, at least in grasslands and semideserts of southern Africa, planting fruit trees and shrubs in urbanised areas may contribute to the expansion of the range and/or the population increase of some frugivorous species.

Spatial and seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters and the water quality index at the Okhuaihe River in Ikpe Community, Edo State, Nigeria

Omorede Odigie — 2024-12-16

The scarcity of clean water in rural Nigerian communities leads to dependence on streams and rivers which are often polluted by domestic and industrial activities distorting the quality of water. Freshwater ecosystems, which are important for global biodiversity, are constantly burdened with threats from environmental changes as well as human misuse. This study was aimed at investigating the spatial and temporal variations of physico-chemical parameters and the water quality index (WQI) of the Okhuaihe River in Ikpe, Edo state, Nigeria, used for different domestic activities. The study assessed parameters like air and water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, flow rate, total dissolved solids, phosphate, chloride, iron, zinc, and manganese at four stations over a six-month period. Samples such as air and water temperature and pH were collected and measured in situ, while others were collected using polyethylene bottles and a 250 ml amber bottle for biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Results indicated that while some physico-chemical parameters like the width, the flow rate, and phosphate showed considerable differences, most did not differ significantly. Temporally, there were significant seasonal variations in air temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, zinc, and manganese. The WQI calculations showed that the water quality at all stations was within safe limits for human consumption and supported aquatic life. Despite some fluctuations due to seasonal changes and anthropogenic activities, the overall quality remained suitable for domestic use. This underscores the importance of constant monitoring and management of water resources to allay pollution and ensure sustainable water supply in rural communities.

Effects of different anticoagulants on the haematology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abdullateef Abiodun Ajadi — 2024-12-16

Blood preservatives (anticoagulants) prevent blood from clotting while ensuring that the concentration of the component to be analysed stays constant prior to the analytical procedures. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different anticoagulants, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), fluoride oxalate, sodium citrate and lithium heparin, on the haematological parameters of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Forty fish were obtained and separated into four groups representing the four treatments. Blood samples were collected from ten fish from each group and stored in separate anticoagulant laden bottles. Lithium heparin was used as control in this experiment. Each sample was processed, and values of the parameters were recorded. The RBC, haemoglobin, and PCV of the anticoagulants used were similar as no significant difference (P > 0.05) was revealed among the treatments. The heterophil levels of fluoride oxalate treatment group was significantly higher than control, this in turn led to an increase in HLR (heterophil-lymphocyte ratio). Therefore, the haematologic alteration observed in this study, which include heterophilia associated with fluoride oxalate anticoagulant, should be put into consideration when making a choice of anticoagulants for haematological analysis in C. gariepinus.

Serological prevalence of the Coxiella burnetii infection in humans in the age group of 0–20 years in some regions of North Macedonia

Mije Reçi — 2024-12-16

The aim of this study was to identify the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in humans and to examine the variation of infection in females and males in the age group of 0–20 years in some regions of North Macedonia. Blood samples were collected from 142 random people from five regions. These patients were tested for antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive test was based on the cut-off value, which in this case was over 0.5 optical density (OD). Of 74 female serums examined, seven samples resulted positive (9.45%), and of 68 male serums examined, five resulted positive (7.35%). In total, the infection percentage was approximate in both sexes; the differences depended on the regions. These findings on Q fever in humans can be used to improve the visibility of this zoonotic disease especially in North Macedonia, where very little information is available on C. burnetii infections. These findings will help local health authorities to focus on the origin of the problem and facilitate the application of preventive measures.