Search Results (294)

The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen. Full article

This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of DNA preservation in hard tissues (bones and teeth) for applications in forensic and archaeogenetic analyses. It presents bone structure, DNA location in bones and teeth, and extensive information about postmortem DNA location and preservation. Aged bones are a challenging biological material for DNA isolation due to their low DNA content, degraded DNA, and the potential presence of PCR inhibitors. In addition, the binding of DNA to the mineral matrix necessitates the inclusion of a demineralization process in extraction, and its contribution to the resulting increase in both DNA quality and quantity is explained. Guidelines and recommendations on bone sample selection to obtain higher DNA yields are discussed in terms of past, recent, and possible future recommendations. Interskeletal and intraskeletal differences in DNA yield are also explained. Recent studies have shown that current recommendations for the genetic identification of skeletal remains, including femurs, tibias, and teeth, may not be the most effective sampling approach. Moreover, when mass disasters and mass graves with commingled skeletal remains are considered, there is a greater possibility that the recommended set of skeletal elements will not be available for sampling and subsequent genetic testing. This review highlights interskeletal and intraskeletal variability in DNA yield, with a focus on studies conducted on poorly preserved skeletal remains, including both postwar (1945) victims from Slovenia and ancient human skeletons. Special emphasis is placed on anatomical differences and potential mechanisms influencing DNA preservation, as demonstrated in research on both modern and historical skeletons. Finally, the petrous part of the temporal bone and tooth cementum were reviewed in greater detail because they have been recognized as an optimal sampling type in both ancient DNA studies and routine forensic case analyses. Our experiences with the Second World War and archaeological petrous bones are discussed and compared to those of other bone types. Full article

Chrysomya megacephala, as one of the common blowflies, displays biological characteristics, such as ovoviviparity and carrion-feeding adaptation. Thus, this species is generally considered of significant ecological, medical, and forensic importance. However, without a high-quality pseudo-chromosome genome for C. megacephala, elucidating its evolutionary trajectory proved difficult. Herein, we assembled and analyzed a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the C. megacephala, combined with PacBio HiFi long reads, Hi-C data, and Illumina reads. The pseudo-chromosomes assembly of C. megacephala spans 629.44 Mb, with 97.05% anchored to five chromosomes. Final assembly includes 1056 contigs (N50 = 1.68 Mb), and 97 scaffolds (N50 = 121.37 Mb), achieving 98.90% BUSCO completeness (n = 1367). Gene annotation predicted 17,071 protein-coding genes (95.60% BUSCO completeness), while repeat masking identified 244.26 Mb (38.82%) as repetitive elements. Additionally, 3740 non-coding RNAs were characterized. Gene family analyses resulted in 10,579 gene families, containing 151 gene families that experienced rapid evolution. Comparative genomic analyses showed that the expanded genes are related to reproduction and necrophagous habits. In addition, we annotated the gene family P450s, CCEs, IRs, GRs, and ORs, all of which represent remarkable expansion, playing a crucial role in the mechanism of locating the hosts for forensic insects. Our research establishes a high-quality genome sequence to facilitate subsequent molecular investigations into significant species within forensic entomology. Full article

Eutrophication has intensified in lacustrine systems across the American continent, which has been primarily driven by human activities such as intensive agriculture, wastewater discharge, and land-use change. This phenomenon adversely affects water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. However, studies addressing the historical evolution of trophic states in lakes and reservoirs remain limited—particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In this context, sedimentary records serve as invaluable archives for reconstructing the environmental history of water bodies. Paleolimnological approaches enable the development of robust chronologies to further analyze physical, geochemical, and biological proxies to infer long-term changes in primary productivity and trophic status. This review synthesizes the main methodologies used in paleolimnological research focused on trophic state reconstruction with particular attention to the utility of proxies such as fossil pigments, diatoms, chironomids, and elemental geochemistry. It further underscores the need to broaden spatial research coverage, fostering interdisciplinary integration and the use of emerging tools such as sedimentary DNA among others. High-resolution temporal records are critical for disentangling natural variability from anthropogenically induced changes, providing essential evidence to inform science-based lake management and restoration strategies under anthropogenic and climate pressures. Full article

Tear film alterations are commonly associated with ocular pathology. The tear film plays a vital role in maintaining the optical properties of the cornea and contains essential elements required for healing and preserving the integrity of the ocular surface. As a biological fluid, the tear film is easily collected using non-invasive techniques, making it a promising candidate for analysis and often referred to as an ideal biofluid. Several studies have attempted to identify biomarkers in the tear film that could be linked to systemic or ocular disorders, with the goal of developing tools for diagnosis or even early prevention. The quality and quantity of the tear film are influenced by hormonal status, emotional experiences related to social and familial events, and the work environment. Systemic disorders are often reflected at the ocular level through alterations in the tear film. Obesity is a well-recognized public health concern, extensively studied and investigated, much like other common systemic conditions. The presence of low-grade, chronic inflammation associated with excess body weight has been validated in several studies. The strategies for preventing obesity induced dry eye disease are based on regular physical activity, maintaining adequate hydration through sufficient fluid intake, weight loss, and the supplementation of essential fatty acids. This narrative literature review aims to highlight the tear film alterations associated with obesity. The article is intended for ophthalmologists, general practitioners, nutritionists, and researchers. Full article

Coumarin and cytisine and their derivatives have significant biological activity. In addition, the electronic properties of coumarin derivatives are very sensitive to the molecular environment, which allows for their use as sensors for bioluminescent imaging. Due to the fact that cytisine exhibits high activity in binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a compound combining parts of cytisine and coumarin may have a broader spectrum of biological activity and also act as a photoactive element for promising use in optoelectronic devices. This article reports the synthesis of a crystalline cytisine–coumarin complex (IUPAC: N-(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carbonyl)cytisine), along with the results of both theoretical and experimental investigations of its structural and electronic properties. The structure of this new compound was established on the basis of X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data and was confirmed through density functional theory calculations using periodic crystal and single-molecule approaches. Interpretations of the IR absorption peaks and the atomic patterns of the vibrational modes are given. The electronic band structure and the contributions of individual atoms to the electronic density of states are analyzed. The structural and optical properties considered may be useful for quality control of the compound and for studying similar matrices. Full article

Skeletal muscle is one of the largest tissues in the body. It is of great significance to analyze the molecular mechanism of skeletal muscle development for the further study of meat quality improvement and muscle diseases. CircRNA has been reported to be involved in many biological processes, but further research is needed in skeletal muscle. In this study, we detected the authenticity, stability, and spatio-temporal expression characteristics of circHOMER1 and its effect on the proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of muscle cells, and analyzed its possible molecular mechanism. The results showed that circHOMER1 exists in the skeletal muscle of the Ningxiang pig, is more stable than linear RNA, and is significantly upregulated in adipose tissue and during the early growth of myoblasts. In terms of function, overexpression of circHOMER1 significantly promoted the expression levels of proliferation marker genes and proteins and significantly increased the EdU positive cell rate, optical density (OD) value (at 450 nm), and proportion of S-phase cells. Overexpression of circHOMER1 also significantly promoted the expression levels of apoptosis marker genes and proteins and significantly increased the proportions of cells in Q2 (with late apoptosis) and Q3 (with early apoptosis). Overexpression of circHOMER1 significantly inhibited the expression levels of differentiation marker genes and proteins, significantly inhibited the differentiation index, and decreased the proportion of 5-nucleus muscle fibers. Conversely, opposite results were obtained after circHOMER1 interference. In terms of molecules mechanism, subcellular localization analysis showed that circHOMER1 was mainly distributed in cytoplasm, and mechanism analysis showed that circHOMER1 participated in myoblast development by forming a 4-element interaction network with 4 miRNAs, 2 lncRNAs, and 20 mRNAs, and possibly regulated myoblast development by encoding 79 amino acids. To sum up, we verified that circHOMER1 promoted the proliferation and apoptosis of myoblasts and inhibited their differentiation. It may regulate the development of myoblasts through ceRNA or by encoding small peptides. These results provided a reference for the regulation mechanism of muscle development and the breeding of Ningxiang pigs. Full article

The ecological assessment of rivers under the Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires the use of biological quality elements (BQEs) across defined abiotic types of rivers. However, limited evidence exists on how well biological indices perform across multiple typological classes, particularly under the influence of complex, overlapping stressors. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of four biological indices (IO—diatoms, MIR—macrophytes, MMI_PL—benthic macroinvertebrates, and EFI + PL—fish) in 16 river sites in southern Poland. These were classified into four abiotic types (5, 6, 12, and 17) and subjected to varying levels of human pressure. Biological, physical and chemical, and hydromorphological data were collected along environmental gradients including conductivity, nutrient enrichment, and habitat modification. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate patterns in community composition and index responsiveness. The IO and MMI_PL indices were the most consistent and sensitive in distinguishing between reference and degraded river conditions. MIR and EFI + PL were more variable, especially in lowland rivers, and showed stronger associations with habitat structure and oxygen levels. Conductivity emerged as a key driver of biological responses across all BQEs, with clear taxonomical shifts observed. The results support the need to consider both typological context and local environmental variation in ecological classification. The findings underscore the need for typology-aware, pressure-specific biomonitoring strategies that combine multiple organism groups and integrate continuous environmental variables. Such approaches can enhance the ecological realism and diagnostic accuracy of river assessment systems, supporting more effective water resource management across diverse hydroecological contexts. Full article

As a type II ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP-II) toxin, Ricin has garnered widespread recognition due to its inherent qualities as an easily prepared and highly stable substance, posing serious implications as a potential chemical and biological terrorist threat. For the detection of ricin, traditional immunoassay technologies, including methods like peptide cleavage combined with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or the more commonly used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), have offered reliable results. However, these techniques are unfortunately limited by the requirement of a complex sample pretreatment process, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. In an effort to overcome these limitations, a highly sensitive and selective method was introduced via metal element labeling combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in this research. The method centered on designing and synthesizing a europium-labeled compound (DOTA-NHS-Eu) that specifically targets the amino groups (-NH₂) on ricin. The compound, coupled with the application of specific magnetic beads, achieved the specific enrichment and subsequent quantitative detection of ricin by ICP-MS, which is based on the amount of europium element present. The established method demonstrated high specificity for ricin recognition, with a signal response to bovine serum protein that was found to be less than 10% of that for ricin. Furthermore, the calibration curve created for the method (y = 81.543x + 674.02 (R² > 0.99)) for quantifying ricin in a concentration range of 1.0–100 μg/mL demonstrated good linearity. The method was further evidenced by the limit of detection and quantitation results of 0.1 and 1.89 μg/mL, respectively. Collectively, these findings suggested that the research has offered a highly sensitive and selective method for ricin detection, which was not only easy to operate but also provided efficient results. The scheme showed great potential for the verification of chemical weapons and the destruction of toxic chemicals, therefore representing a significant advancement in the field of biomolecular detection and analysis. Full article

This review aims to increase attention on present water quality issues on Central Asia, finding gaps in the literature on ways to address treatment needs, and help ensure future use of Central Asia surface waters and groundwater for all beneficial uses. Central Asia is a landlocked region known for its harsh climatic conditions and scarce water resources, despite being home to some of the world’s largest internal drainage basins. The available literature suggests that increasing salinity has rendered water unsuitable for irrigation and consumption; hazardous trace elements are found throughout Central Asia, most often associated with mining and industrial sources; and that legacy pesticides influence water quality, particularly in agriculturally influenced basins. This study also focuses on the effects of municipal and industrial wastewater discharge. Additionally, the impact of inadequately treated wastewater on water resources is analyzed through a review of available data and reports regarding surface and groundwater quantity and quality. Given the challenges of water scarcity and accessibility, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming increasingly important, offering a valuable alternative that necessitates careful oversight to ensure public health, environmental sustainability, and water security. However, due to insufficient financial and technical resources, along with underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, many urban areas lack adequate wastewater treatment facilities, significantly constraining their safe and sustainable reuse. Proper management of wastewater effluent is critical, as it directly influences the quality of both surface and groundwater, which serve as key sources for drinking water and irrigation. Due to their persistent and biologically active nature even at trace levels, we discuss contaminants of emerging concern such as antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and modern agrochemicals. This review thus highlights gaps in the literature reporting on impacts of wastewater inputs to water quality in Central Asia. It is recommended that future research and efforts should focus on exploring sustainable solutions for water quality management and pollution control to assure environmental sustainability and public health. Full article

Pollution caused by N and P is a significant contributor to water eutrophication. While traditional biological treatment processes can remove some N and P elements from water, the effluent quality often fails to meet the stringent requirements of sensitive areas. The autotrophic denitrification’s simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal pro-cess, known for its low operating cost and minimal sludge production, has garnered considerable attention from researchers. In this study, natural pyrite was used for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in a denitrification system, and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated. The results indicate that the N and P removal efficiency was influenced by empty bed contact time (EBCT) and the pH value. The highest NO₃⁻-N removal rate of 90.24% was achieved at an EBCT of 8 h, while the PO₄³⁻-P removal rate reached 81.58% at an EBCT of 12 h. The addition of a carbon source enhanced the synergistic autotrophic/heterotrophic denitrification, significantly improving phosphorus removal with an increasing C/N ratio. Microbial characteristics analysis revealed that, at the phylum level, Chlorobiota, Bacteroidota, and Chloroflexota played a crucial role in heterotrophic autotrophic denitrification. At the genus level, Thauera, Aridibacter, and Gemmatimonas were key players in heterotrophic denitrification, while Thiobacillus, Rhodoplanes, and Geobacter were associated with autotrophic denitrification. Full article

Biological invasions are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss globally, affecting the quality of ecosystem services, the economy, and public health. Research on the presence, distribution, impacts, and introduction pathways of invasive alien species is essential for understanding and tackling the invasion process. Continental, coastal, and marine aquatic ecosystems of the Yucatan Peninsula concentrate a high number of native species; however, the states that are in the region (Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo) also have the largest loss of natural capital at the national level. The presence of aquatic invasive species has contributed to this downward trend, mainly in protected areas. For this research, an analysis of the national biodiversity information system, the global biodiversity information facility, and the specialized scientific literature was carried out to determine the presence of aquatic invasive species within the protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula and adjacent marine zone. The results indicated that there are 22 documented aquatic invasive species in 25 protected areas, which were classified into the following taxonomic groups: marine macroalgae (3 species), plants (2), inland and marine fish (11), crustaceans (2), mollusks (2), and hydrozoans (2). A total of 15 of these species had a very high invasiveness score, 6 had a high score, and 1 had a medium score. This research will be useful in strengthening regional public policy and guiding decision makers on the management of aquatic invasive species, mainly for those that are seriously affecting aquatic ecosystems, such as Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus and P. pardalis in freshwater protected areas and Pterois volitans in marine protected areas. Efficient management strategies will be a key element in the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and for sustainable regional development. Full article

This study investigates the impact of volcanic ash from Cotopaxi Volcano on the nutritional quality and biological traits of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivated in the Cotopaxi region. Methods: Samples collected from exposed and unexposed areas were used to characterize the volcanic ash influence on the metabolic aspects of the potato crop. The colorimetric method; DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays; and ICP-OES were used to better understand potatoes’ reaction to the stress. Results: Antioxidant activity was significantly higher (4.80 ± 2.38 µmol Trolox g⁻¹ DW-DPPH assay; 11.05 ± 2.57 µmol Trolox g⁻¹ DW-ABTS assay; and 11.96 ± 4.57 µmol Fe²⁺ g⁻¹ DW-FRAP assay) in ash-exposed samples, suggesting enhanced stress responses. The bioactive compounds studied followed a comparable trend, with high content in the exposed tubers. Also, significant changes in elemental composition were registered: Potassium levels decreased in unexposed samples, while magnesium and iron levels increased. Metallic elements (zinc; lithium; boron; manganese; barium; lead; nickel; chromium; indium) were in concentrations <0.01 mg/kg. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that volcanic ash alters the metabolic and antioxidant profiles of potato tubers, enhancing nutraceutical properties while posing food safety risks due to heavy metals. This dual impact highlights the challenges and opportunities for agriculture in volcanic regions like Cotopaxi. Full article

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to significant deterioration in patients’ quality of life. Biologic therapy, including the use of ustekinumab (UST), is a modern approach to treating the moderate to severe form of CD, especially in patients refractory to traditional treatments. UST, which acts as an interleukin IL-12 and IL-23 antagonist, has shown high efficacy in reducing inflammation, improving quality of life, and promoting mucosal regeneration and fistula healing. However, the use of biologic therapies, such as UST, has challenges related to the timing of treatment and patient response, including the problem of immunogenicity. To determine the clinical efficacy and safety profile of UST in the treatment of CD, a review of the literature published in the PubMed database over the last 5 years was conducted. After excluding articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, we analyzed 42 clinical studies. The review discusses the available data on the efficacy and safety of UST, as well as its comparison with other biologic therapies, such as infliximab and adalimumab. UST, although not significantly greater to adalimumab, has lower immunogenicity and higher treatment retention. The therapeutic value of UST is also confirmed by biosimilars such as ABP 65 and FYB202, which show comparable efficacy and safety profile. The analysis of predictive biomarkers, such as serum drug levels and baseline eosinophil levels, could be an important element in the future personalization of CD treatment. The review’s findings point to the importance of further research to improve the tailoring of therapies to individual patients and improve long-term treatment outcomes. Full article

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the definitive treatment for end-stage hip osteoarthritis, reliably relieving pain and restoring joint function. However, patient-reported quality of life (QoL) after THA remains heterogeneous, with recovery trajectories influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. A comprehensive synthesis of these determinants is lacking, limiting our ability to optimize individualized perioperative care and long-term outcomes. This review examines the various factors impacting quality of life (QoL) before and after hip arthroplasty. An analysis of 67 studies reveals significant postoperative enhancements in physical function, pain alleviation, and overall patient satisfaction. Identified key factors encompass physical activity, mental health status (anxiety and depression), lifestyle choices (diet and weight management), and social support systems, particularly from spouses and family members. The review indicates that, although these elements positively influence recovery, it also recognizes limitations including dependence on subjective, self-reported QoL measures, possible selection biases, and inconsistencies in study design. The results indicate that a com-prehensive, patient-focused strategy—integrating organized rehabilitation, psychological assistance, and family engagement—can markedly improve recovery and long-term QoL for arthroplasty patients. Nonetheless, additional research employing standardized protocols and extended follow-up durations is essential to corroborate these findings and guide clinical practice. The early implementation of tailored, multidisciplinary perioperative pathways—including structured rehabilitation programs, routine psychological screening and intervention, nutritional counseling for weight management, and active family involvement—may optimize functional recovery, reduce complications, and maximize long-term QoL in patients undergoing THA. This review highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to enhance post-surgical quality of life, thereby advancing the understanding of patient-centered recovery strategies in orthopedic care. Full article