Search Results (176)

Coin spiders of the genus Herennia Thorell, 1877 are species-rich nephilids distributed across South, East, and Southeast Asia and Australasia. They are notable for ladder-shaped arboricolous webs, extreme sexual size dimorphism, and complex sexual behaviors. The most recent revision recognized 11 species, only 4 of which were described from both sexes. Here, we present a taxonomic revision integrating new morphological and molecular data and recognize 14 species. We describe three new species—H. eva Kuntner from Sulawesi, H. maj Kuntner from Vietnam, and H. tsoi Kuntner et al. from Taiwan—and document previously unknown males of H. oz Kuntner, 2005 from Australia and H. tone Kuntner, 2005 from the Philippines. We also extend the known distribution of H. papuana Thorell, 1881 from New Guinea to Australia. Although several molecular species-delimitation analyses suggest H. oz and H. etruscilla Kuntner, 2005 may be conspecific, consistent and diagnostic morphological differences support their recognition as distinct species. We provide an updated identification key to all valid Herennia species. Additional undescribed endemics are likely to occur across the Asian mainland and the rapidly disappearing forests of Southeast Asian and Australasian islands. The genus’ biogeographic pattern, shaped by an ancestrally broad distribution spanning the Wallace Line, may reflect repeated loss and regain of ballooning, a hypothesis that warrants experimental and comparative testing. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hysteroscopy has become the “gold standard” in assessing uterine cavity abnormalities, and currently it can be performed in an “office setting”. Although office hysteroscopy has a better level of comfort than operative hysteroscopy, pain is a common concern. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used for pre-procedure analgesia, but they may cause gastrointestinal side effects. Paracetamol offers to be a safer alternative, but its efficacy in this setting is limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral paracetamol with oral ketoprofen for pain management during office hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: Double-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial conducted at a single hysteroscopy center in Jakarta, Indonesia, over a 2-year period. Sixty women undergoing office hysteroscopy were randomized (1:1) to receive paracetamol 1000 mg orally or ketoprofen 100 mg orally 1 h before the procedure. Results: All participants completed the trial and were included in the analysis. The median visual analog score (VAS) during the procedure was 2 (range 0–8) in the paracetamol group versus 3 (range 0–6) in the ketoprofen group (p = 0.266). Median cramping scores 30 min post-procedure in the paracetamol group were 0 (range 0–5) vs. 0 (range 0–4) in the ketoprofen group, respectively (p = 0.499). Side effects occurred in 3 participants (10%) in the ketoprofen group and none of the paracetamol group. Comfort scores were high in both groups (median 9/10). No vagal reflexes were observed. Conclusions: Oral 1000 mg paracetamol was as effective as oral 100 mg ketoprofen for pain management during and after office hysteroscopy, with fewer side effects. Paracetamol may be a safe and cost-effective alternative for pre-procedure analgesia in office hysteroscopy. Full article

Hendra virus (HeV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus that poses a serious threat to human and equine health, yet no approved antivirals or vaccines currently exist. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of Hendra virus represents a critical and attractive target for antiviral drug development, given its essential role in both viral genome replication and mRNA transcription. Due to the lack of a human homolog, it is more druggable and less likely to cause host toxicity. Its sequence conservation among related paramyxoviruses further highlights its potential for the development of broad-spectrum inhibitors. This study offers the first comprehensive computational analysis of the Hendra virus RdRp, potentially promising FDA-approved drugs as possible inhibitors. A homology model of RdRp was generated in the absence of experimental three-dimensional (3D) structure, followed by virtual screening and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate the drug binding and stability. Based on the highest energy, four FDA-approved drugs selected were menadiol diphosphate (−49.88 kcal/mol), masoprocol (−39.69 kcal/mol), pamidronic acid (−34.29 kcal/mol), and dinoprostone (−46.90 kcal/mol). Furthermore, these compounds exhibited significant interactions with the catalytic GDNE motif. With strong conformational stability and pharmacokinetic profile, masoprocol and menadiol diphosphate showed the most stable and energetically favorable interactions within the RdRp active site. These findings suggest their potential as repurposed therapeutic candidates against Hendra virus infection and they provide a structural basis for the development of broad-spectrum paramyxovirus inhibitors, justifying additional experimental confirmation. Full article

Natural products derived from plants have been extensively developed as alternative medicines due to their relatively minimal side effects. Here we present the purification and characteristics of parasitic acid, a novel trinorditerpene from Dysoxylum parasiticum leaf extract, and investigate various bioactivities. The structure of this compound was elucidated using extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry, which revealed a unique trinorditerpene skeleton featuring a 3-carboxyfuran moiety. The purified trinorditerpene exhibited cytotoxicity against MCF-7 (IC₅₀ 29.0 ± 0.8 μg/mL), antioxidant effects in the DPPH radical scavenging assay (IC₅₀ 10.91 ± 0.04 μg/mL), and inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme (IC₅₀ 36 ± 1 μg/mL). Docking studies were also undertaken to explore the binding activities. This is the first report of a trinorditerpene-type diterpene from D. parasiticum with this unique combination of biological activities. Full article

This study investigates the corrosion inhibition efficiency of [2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole] and its Zn and Cu complexes for mild steel in 1.0 M HCl. The ligand was selected for its non-toxic profile and high electron density, favoring strong adsorption onto the metal surface. Electrochemical methods, including EIS, PDP, LPR, and CASP, were employed to evaluate the inhibitors’ performance. The results showed a significant decrease in corrosion current density and increased polarization resistance, with the Zn complex achieving the highest inhibition efficiency (93.8%). EIS fitting confirmed the formation of a protective film with high charge transfer and film resistance. Surface analyses by SEM and EDS revealed smoother steel morphology and inhibitor adsorption. XPS confirmed the presence of Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺and Cu²⁺ oxides, as well as all active inhibitor elements on the surface, supporting a mixed inhibition mechanism. The enhanced performance of the metal complexes is attributed to synergistic effects between the metal ions and the heterocyclic ligand, offering a promising strategy for the design of effective and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors. Full article

Objective: Establish an in vivo evaluation model focused on the attachment and entry stages of Hendra virus infection for protective immunity assessment. Methods: A golden hamster infection model based on recombinant Hendra-F/G pseudovirus was developed, and a luciferase luminescence assay was used to assess the optimal pseudoviral challenge in terms of route of infection, dose and detection time. The biodistribution of the pseudovirus in infected organs was evaluated using the IVIS spectral CT system. The protective effect of antibody prophylaxis was evaluated by measuring the luminescence intensity of pseudoviruses. Results: Intraperitoneal injection was identified as the optimal route of infection, and the optimal time of detection was 6 h post-challenge. Our model simulates the infection of the brain and lungs by live viruses, with the strongest infection occurring in the abdomen, especially in the intestinal organs. The dose of pseudovirus was linearly correlated with luminescence intensity. The infection model was able to differentiate the protective effect of monoclonal antibodies, with complete protection in the high-dose group. Conclusions: The recombinant Hendra-F/G pseudovirus hamster model allows the effective evaluation of prophylactic monoclonal antibodies, providing a crucial tool for studying Hendra virus infection and control strategies. Full article

The use of fish skin grafts as xenografts is a promising alternative for wound healing. Several studies have shown fish skin grafts to be a safer and more effective option compared to other alternatives, due to the large amount of fatty acids, including omega-3, which have been proven to promote wound healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fish skin grafts as wound dressing. A literature search up to March 2024 was conducted using the electronic databases of PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect. A total of 158 patients from six studies were included in this systematic review. All studies showed early wound healing using fish skin grafts; one study showed that wound healing was halved compared to paraffin gauze. Complete wound healing using fish skin grafts was noted as early as 30 days. Out of 114 patients treated with fish skin grafts, 1 patient showed signs of infection, and no patients showed allergic reactions. One study also found that fish skin grafts provide satisfactory wound scar quality. This study concludes that fish skin grafts are a great alternative and should be considered in wound treatment. The high omega-3 component that is preserved in fish skin grafts promotes faster wound healing and contains antibacterial agents that prevent infection. However, randomized control trials with a larger sample size are recommended to further assess the efficacy of fish skin grafts. Full article

Fruit bats in the genus Pteropus are the natural reservoirs for zoonotic paramyxoviruses, notably henipaviruses and pararubulaviruses, which are found across Southeast Asia and Oceania. The genetic and antigenic diversity of viruses in both genera, and region specificity, are ill-defined, limiting health security measures aimed at minimizing spillover. For example, Nipah virus has been isolated from bats in the Battambang province of western Cambodia, and surveys suggest bat foraging behaviors occur in close proximity to human settlements. However, there have been no historical cases of Nipah virus in Cambodia. Here, we use a multiplex microsphere immunoassay to identify cryptic human exposure to selected henipaviruses and pararubulaviruses in Cambodia. Convalescent human sera from persons presenting with acute respiratory illness were screened to detect the presence or absence of antibodies reactive with attachment glycoprotein antigens from Nipah virus, Hendra virus, Cedar virus, and Ghana virus, and a hemagglutinin-neuraminidase antigen from Menangle virus. In this sero-survey, we detected antibodies that were specifically reactive with Cedar virus and Menangle virus, including one serum sample that neutralized a recombinant Cedar virus. Additionally, we detected a pattern of cross-reactivity with Hendra virus, Cedar virus, and Ghana virus, suggesting previous infection by an antigenically-related henipavirus. We did not detect high antibody reactivity with the NiV glycoprotein. Future studies should expand serological surveillance for these transboundary pathogens, including genetic surveillance to aid in henipavirus discovery, and focused biosurveillance where interfaces with livestock and humans occur. Full article

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a vital role in the development and progression of breast cancer by regulating the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation in breast tissue. ERα inhibition is a key strategy in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Previous research modified chalcone compounds into pyrazoline benzenesulfonamide derivatives (Modifina) which show activity as an ERα inhibitor. This study aimed to design novel pyrazoline benzenesulfonamide derivatives (PBDs) as ERα antagonists using in silico approaches. Structure-based and ligand-based drug design approaches were used to create drug target molecules. A total of forty-five target molecules were initially designed and screened for drug likeness (Lipinski’s rule of five), cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics and toxicity using a web-based prediction tools. Promising candidates were subjected to molecular docking using AutoDock 4.2.6 to evaluate their binding interaction with ERα, followed by molecular dynamics simulations using AMBER20 to assess complex stability. A pharmacophore model was also generated using LigandScout 4.4.3 Advanced. The molecular docking results identified PBD-17 and PBD-20 as the most promising compounds, with binding free energies (ΔG) of −11.21 kcal/mol and −11.15 kcal/mol, respectively. Both formed hydrogen bonds with key ERα residues ARG394, GLU353, and LEU387. MM-PBSA further supported these findings, with binding energies of −58.23 kJ/mol for PDB-17 and −139.46 kJ/mol for PDB-20, compared to −145.31 kJ/mol, for the reference compound, 4-OHT. Although slightly less favorable than 4-OHT, PBD-20 demonstrated a more stable interaction with ERα than PBD-17. Furthermore, pharmacophore screening showed that both PBD-17 and PBD-20 aligned well with the generated model, each achieving a match score of 45.20. These findings suggest that PBD-17 and PBD-20 are promising lead compounds for the development of a potent ERα inhibitor in breast cancer therapy. Full article

Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), which both belong to the genus henipavirus, are zoonotic pathogens that cause severe systemic, neurological, and/or respiratory disease in humans and a variety of mammals. Therefore, monitoring viral prevalence in natural reservoirs and rapidly diagnosing cases of henipavirus infection are critical to limiting the spread of these viruses. Current laboratory methods for detecting NiV and HeV include virus isolation, reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and antigen detection via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), all of which require highly trained personnel and specialized equipment. Here, we describe the development of a point-of-care customized immunochromatographic lateral flow (ILF) assay that uses recombinant human ephrin B2 as a capture ligand on the test line and a NiV-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the conjugate pad to detect NiV and HeV. The ILF assay detects NiV and HeV with a diagnostic specificity of 94.4% and has no cross-reactivity with other viruses. This rapid test may be suitable for field testing and in countries with limited laboratory resources. Full article

Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV) are two highly pathogenic RNA viruses with zoonotic potential, which can cause severe diseases with high mortality rates (50–100%) in humans and animals. Given this context, these viruses are classified as Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) pathogens, thus limiting research studies. Despite the high case fatalities, there are currently no human vaccines available for either virus, owing in part to the limitations in research and hesitancy in funding. In the absence of widespread vaccination, diagnostic tests are crucial for the rapid identification of cases and disease surveillance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenesis of NiV and HeV to contextualize a detailed assessment of the available diagnostic tools. We examined molecular and serological assays, including RT-PCR, ELISA, and LAMP, highlighting sample sources, detection windows, and performance. Diagnostic considerations across human and animal hosts are discussed, with emphasis on outbreak applicability and field-readiness, given the need for diagnostic assays that are suitable for use in low-income areas. Further development of diagnostic assays, including isothermal amplification tests and other next-generation approaches, is recommended to fill the gap in rapid, point-of-care diagnostics. Full article

Nipah and Hendra viruses are lethal zoonotic pathogens with no approved vaccines or therapeutics. mRNA produced via in vitro transcription enables endogenous protein expression and cost reduction. Here, we systematically screened natural and artificial untranslated regions (UTRs) and identified an optimal combination for expressing henipavirus-neutralizing antibody 1E5. We generated mRNA-1E5 encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-1E5-LNPs). In vitro, mRNA-1E5-LNPs achieved functional antibody expression levels of >1500 ng/mL. In BALB/c mice, intravenous administration of mRNA-1E5-LNPs induced rapid antibody elevation (peak at day 3), without hepatic toxicity or tissue inflammation. We established two Hendra pseudovirus models in biosafety level 2 facilities to evaluate the efficacy of mRNA-1E5-LNPs. Low-dose prophylactic administration effectively blocked entry of the Hendra pseudovirus. Notably, a single 0.5 mg/kg dose of mRNA-1E5-LNPs, stored at 4 °C for two months and administered 7 days prior, provided good protection. Our findings provide a therapeutic strategy for henipaviral infections and a blueprint for the development of mRNA-based antibodies against emerging viruses. Full article

The accurate and timely estimation of earthquake magnitude is essential for effective tsunami early warning, particularly in seismically active regions such as Indonesia. Conventional seismic approaches are often hindered by magnitude saturation in significant events (Mw > 7.5), resulting in systematically underestimated magnitudes. To address this limitation, we develop a regional peak ground displacement (PGD) scaling law using high-rate GNSS (HR-GNSS) data from 21 moderate to large earthquakes in Indonesia. Based on 87 PGD observations, we construct a regression model that relates PGD, hypocentral distance, and moment magnitude (Mw). The PGD-derived magnitudes (MPGD) exhibit strong concordance with catalog moment magnitudes, achieving a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 0.21 and surpassing the accuracy of previously published global models. Retrospective analyses reveal that MPGD estimates converge within 2–3 min for well-recorded events and remain robust, even for great and tsunamigenic earthquakes. These results underscore the potential of HR-GNSS data to complement conventional seismic networks, providing rapid and reliable magnitude estimates for operational tsunami early warning in Indonesia. Full article

Based on their high mechanical strength, Ti-based high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are of great potential as materials for high-performance reduced-diameter dental implants. Despite previous studies demonstrating their corrosion resistance in various simulated body fluids, their resistance in simulated buccal conditions has yet to be confirmed. In this work, the corrosion behavior of two Ti-based HEAs, TiZrHfNb, and TiZrHfNbTa was evaluated in comparison to CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V in artificial saliva (AS) solution and in AS with fluoride ion content (ASF). A set of electrochemical tests (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic polarization, and Mott–Schottky) was employed and complemented with surface characterization analyses (scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) to determine dissolution and passivation mechanisms of the alloys. In general, the HEAs exhibited a far superior corrosion resistance compared to CP-Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloys in both solutions. In the AS solution, the TiZrHfNb exhibited the highest polarization resistance and pitting potential, indicating a high corrosion resistance due to the formation of a robust passive layer. Whilst in the ASF solution, the TiZrHfNbTa showed a greater corrosion resistance due to the synergistic effect of Nb and Ta oxides that enhanced passive film stability. This finding emphasizes the role of Ta in elevating the corrosion resistance of Ti-based HEAs in the presence of fluoride ions and confirms the importance of chemical composition optimization in the development of next-generation dental alloys. Based on its electrochemical corrosion behavior, TiZrHfNbTa HEAs are promising new materials for high-performance reduced-diameter dental implants. Full article