Search Results (4,182)

Cancer represents one of the major public health issues in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with increasing incidence and mortality rates as a result of late diagnosis, limited healthcare infrastructure, and financial difficulties. Traditional medicine plays an important role in healthcare across different populations in SSA, as more than 80% of the population depend on indigenous plant-based remedies for treating or managing different ailments, including cancer. This study aimed to document medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancer in SSA. A systematic search of all documents available in the last two decades (2006–2026) was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. After screening studies using the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 55 studies met the eligibility requirements and were selected for analysis based on their relevance to the topic, geographic scope, and reported applications in cancer management. The scientific names of the identified plant species and their taxonomic authorities were verified using the Plants of the World Online database. A total of 556 species, belonging to 110 families, were recorded as medicinal plants used to treat various forms of cancer in SSA. The top five families with the most frequently used plants were Fabaceae (51 species), Asteraceae (34 species), Euphorbiaceae (25 species), Apocynaceae (22 species) and Lamiaceae (22 species). Frequently cited plants include Kigelia africana, Annona muricata, Adansonia digitata, Carica papaya, and Tamarindus indica. A total of 11 plant parts were documented, with leaves (41.20%), roots (18.75%), and bark (17.25%) being the dominant plant parts utilised. The primary methods of preparation were decoction (38.23%), powdering and grinding (14.51%), and infusion and tea preparation (49.73%), while the main modes of administration were oral (66.88%) and topical (26.46%). The results show that traditional medicinal plants hold significant potential as sources of novel anticancer drugs in SSA. However, a significant gap exists between ethnobotanical knowledge, laboratory research, and clinical application. Rigorous pharmacological and toxicity evaluations and well-designed clinical trials on the identified medicinal plants are needed to integrate effective and safe plant-based therapies into evidence-based oncology. Full article

Objectives: A customizable 3D-bioprinted core-in-shell platform was developed for time-dependent oral colon delivery of live microorganisms. The system conveyed Lacticaseibacillus paracasei as a model bacterial species within a monolithic core, which was surrounded by a swellable hydroxypropyl cellulose barrier, imparting a lag phase of programmable duration, and by an enteric outer layer, protecting the dosage form during unpredictable gastric residence. Methods: Pastes of different compositions were investigated to shape the core. Core and core-in-shell units were fabricated from digital models using a bioprinter equipped with a high-precision plunger dispenser and pressure-based thermoplastic printhead. The printed units were characterized in terms of mass, dimensions, mechanical properties and release performance using paracetamol as a reference tracer. Bacterial viability was evaluated during screening of the formulation components and after each processing step by manual counting of colony-forming units. Results: A mannitol-based formulation was selected for fabrication of the core, offering a favorable balance of printability, physico-technological properties, release behavior and ability to preserve bacterial viability. Two-layer core-in-shell systems were manufactured via a dual-printing operating mode. The desired in vitro performance was attained, with no release under acidic conditions, a lag phase in pH 6.8 fluid and a subsequent release profile comparable with that generated by the core as such. Viability studies demonstrated that compounding, core printing, shell deposition and drying did not adversely affect L. paracasei survival. Conclusions: 3D bioprinting was proved to be a versatile technique for the manufacturing of oral colon delivery systems containing probiotics or live biotherapeutics. Full article

Subclinical bovine mastitis (SBM) is an inflammatory condition of the udder that remains a major concern for the dairy industry due to its high incidence and the direct and indirect associated costs. Antibiotics are widely used for prophylaxis and therapy in livestock, especially for SBM. However, overuse and misuse have contributed to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), enabling resistant bacteria to enter the food chain and potentially spread to humans. This study aimed to detect antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus and Streptococcus associated with SBM in dairy cows from Pioter, north-central Ecuador. For this, a commercial screening test, morphological and biochemical assays, standard culture techniques, mass spectrometry, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) were applied. Among 99 isolates, 77 were Staphylococcus and 22 were Streptococcus. Among the identified Staphylococcus isolates, S. aureus was the predominant species (36.4%). Resistance in Staphylococcus exceeded 70% for fosfomycin and was under 30% for the other antibiotics tested. In Streptococcus, S. uberis predominated (54.5%), with resistance primarily to penicillin and tetracycline (>50%). PCR identified mecA, nuc, and lukSF-PV genes in 7.8%, 29.9%, and 6.5% of Staphylococcus isolates, respectively. In Streptococcus, the ermB and blaZ genes were found in 18.2% and 50% of isolates, respectively. These data provide a baseline on SBM-associated AMR in the study area and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance and improved milking practices to mitigate risks to the dairy sector and public health. Full article

Identification of ligands targeting essential enzymes in Mycobacterium species remains an important strategy for anti-tuberculosis drug discovery. Here, a native mass spectrometry approach was employed using pooled 100-compound mixtures, enabling the direct detection of intact HPPK–ligand complexes in solution. Dual-mode MS acquisitions (low collision energy for complex detection and high collision energy for ligand confirmation), combined with an automated data analysis workflow, ensured robust identification of binding events from these complex samples. This strategy led to the identification of several HPPK-binding small molecules, all belonging to the dammarane triterpene glycoside (ginsenoside) class. Subsequent analysis of the hits revealed clear structure–affinity relationships, highlighting how specific aglycone modifications and glycosylation patterns influence binding to HPPK. Our findings expand the known chemical space of HPPK ligands and demonstrate the utility of native MS-based screening coupled with automated data analysis to uncover new ligand scaffolds for challenging enzyme targets. Full article

The development of sustainable and efficient plant growth substrates is crucial for modern agriculture. This study assessed the potential of plant pellets formulated from various lignocellulosic residues, either with or without bamboo biochar (BB-char) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to support seed germination and early seedling growth. Four types of residues, including coconut coir (CO), corn cob (CC), leaves from the genus Dipterocarpus (DL), and teak leaves (TL), were combined with soil and paper waste to produce eight pellet formulations, with commercial peat pellets serving as a control. Chemical analyses revealed significant variation among the pellet types, with pH values ranging from 6.40 to 7.65, electrical conductivity (EC) from 3.64 to 11.62 mS cm⁻¹, and differences in organic matter, carbon, and nutrient contents [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], reflecting the influence of residue type and the addition of BB-char and AMF. Phytotoxicity screening using aqueous extracts demonstrated species-specific responses, with cucumber exhibiting high tolerance across treatments, whereas chili seeds were more sensitive. Final germination percentage (FGP) and seedling growth assays in greenhouse conditions showed that pellets derived from CC and CO, particularly when combined with BB-char and AMF (T6 and T7), enhanced shoot and root development in carrot, chili, cucumber, and tomato, approaching the performance of commercial peat pellets. In contrast, DL- and TL-based pellets resulted in lower germination and growth. These findings indicate that both the physicochemical properties of lignocellulosic wastes and the combination of BB-char and AMF are important factors influencing pellet efficacy, highlighting the potential of CC- and CO-based pellets as sustainable peat alternatives for early-stage plant cultivation. Full article

Quantum dots such as CdS QDs have been extensively studied using human cells, plants, and unicellular eukaryotes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas ZnS QDs—considered low-toxicity alternatives to cadmium-based nanomaterials—remain comparatively underexplored. Following preliminary analyses of ZnS QDs’ effects on wild-type S. cerevisiae BY4742 growth, the Yeast Knock-Out collection, comprising ~4600 haploid mutants deleted in non-essential genes, was screened in the presence of ZnS QDs. Sensitive mutants were predominantly associated with mitochondrial functions, prompting further characterization of sod1Δ, glr1Δ, and of the hypersensitive mutant pos5Δ. This last mutant, which lacks a mitochondrial NADH kinase, showed hypersensitivity specific to ZnS QDs but not to CdS QDs or zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄). Flow cytometry analysis of the wild-type strain and the pos5Δ mutant detected no significant increase in reactive oxygen species after ZnS QD treatment. RNA-sequencing analyses of the wild-type strain and the pos5Δ mutant exposed to ZnS QDs (or ZnSO₄) revealed that ZnS QD exposure selectively modulated genes encoding mitochondrial proteins, metal-binding factors, and intracellular trafficking components. Comparison with published data on CdS QDs identified specific mechanisms involving protein synthesis and degradation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae once again proved its versatility for studying engineered nanomaterial interactions with biological systems. Full article

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases in aquaculture is essential for preventing major economic and ecological losses. Traditional culture-based methods focus on isolation of individual pathogens, and often are burdened with extended processing times, particularly during investigations of polymicrobial infections. Application of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing offers a rapid, culture-independent workflow for the identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens directly from fish tissues. Swab and organ samples from four cases (1: Salmo spp.; 2: Cyprinus carpio; 3: Salvelinus fontinalis; 4: Heniochus acuminatus) were analyzed using ONT long-read sequencing for metagenomic screening and bioinformatic classification. The results revealed case-, species-, and tissue-specific microbial profiles, with external tissues showing higher microbial diversity and internal organs enriched in pathogenic taxa. Dominant pathogens included Streptococcus iniae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas spp., and Saprolegnia parasitica, alongside opportunistic zoonotic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii. We demonstrate the potential for diagnostic application of ONT sequencing in investigations and detection of multi-pathogen infections, including assessments of microbial community structure changes during disease outbreaks in aquatic species. The presented workflow enables rapid, cost-effective, and comprehensive pathogen profiling, supporting early disease surveillance and improved management in aquatic veterinary practice. Full article

Fruits of edible plants belonging to the Rosoideae subfamily are widely consumed as foods or utilized as herbs by various traditional medicine systems. Although these plants are mostly known for their rich phenolic content, there are only limited studies exploiting the relationship between their phenolic composition and bioactivities. The present study constitutes an exploratory chemical and bioactivity screening of fruits harvested from the following eight wildly grown edible Rosoideae plant species: Rosa canina, Rosa sempervirens, Rosa pulverulenta, Rosa arvensis, Fragaria vesca, Rubus sanctus, Rubus idaeus and Sanguisorba officinalis. In this context, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the investigated fruits were determined, and the presence of selected individual phenolic compounds was quantified. In addition, their antioxidant properties were evaluated by applying the ABTS and DPPH• assays, and their antiproliferative properties were assessed against selected tumor cell lines. Finally, the antiviral properties of fruits were investigated against fourteen common viruses. Respective results highlighted ellagic acid as the prevailing phenolic molecule for six investigated species, whereas several extracts displayed varying levels of antioxidant activities and moderate antiproliferative effects in the tested models. Furthermore, most extracts exhibited an inhibitory effect against Influenza viruses A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B, displaying IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.6 to 4 μg/mL, comparable to currently used antiviral agents. Finally, the Rubus idaeus and Rosa canina fruit extracts were active against adenovirus-2. Since the bioactivities determined herein are based on single biological replicates, they are considered an indicative lead that provides an initial basis for prioritizing these edible Rosoideae species for future studies, which will involve a more detailed characterization of their bioactive phenolic constituents and more extensive, replicated biological experiments. Full article

The switch in land use of abandoned tailings can precondition their reuse as newly built parks. This study investigated the feasibility of reusing a remediated mercury (Hg) retorting site in Wanshan, Guizhou Province, China, as a functional urban park by assessing residual heavy metal risks and associated vegetation responses. Field investigations were conducted across 31 park sites distributed along an east–west geographical gradient from the former mining area to urban parks, using replicated plots to sample the surface soils and dominant plant species. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) in soil and plant tissues were quantified using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, and vegetation structure and diversity were evaluated using standard community indices. The results showed significant spatial variability in soil and plant metal concentrations, with higher levels generally observed near historically impacted areas of the mine. However, all soil metal concentrations were below the national safety thresholds. Plant tissues exhibit controlled metal accumulation within normal or regulated ranges, reflecting the effective screening of tolerant and hyperaccumulating species. Increasing heavy metal concentrations were associated with reduced vegetation coverage, height, and diversity along the gradient. Overall, the findings indicate that the reclaimed Hg retorting site almost met ecological safety requirements, but more data on deep soils, groundwater, and long-term observations are needed to draw more conclusive conclusions. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a chemically diverse family of persistent contaminants, the regulation of which is tightening rapidly in Europe and the United States. Granular activated carbon, selective ion exchange, and pressure-driven membranes remove many long-chain PFASs, but their performance is less robust for short-chain and ultrashort species, and all generate concentrated secondary waste streams. Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (DESs), including natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), have emerged as tunable liquid extractants able to concentrate PFASs into small solvent volumes that can be regenerated or coupled to destruction. This perspective differs from existing DES-PFAS reviews by converting qualitative solvent-selection arguments into a decision framework with explicit acceptance gates: broad PFAS affinity, a component-resolved non-migration specification for treated water, viscosity and mass-transfer limits, regenerability targets, and techno-economic/life-cycle benchmarking against incumbent processes. We refine the bifunctional DES design hypothesis by separating validated regimes from unresolved cases, identifying the reliability limits of COSMO-RS, molecular dynamics, and machine-learning screening, and defining tiered reporting requirements for early-stage studies. The central message is that PFAS-extracting DES should no longer be evaluated only by single-compound removal percentages; they must be judged as integrated, closed-loop treatment materials with solvent losses, regeneration stability, destruction compatibility, cost, and environmental impacts that are quantified from the outset. Full article

In this study, four Fusarium strains isolated from Poaceae plants infected by Claviceps spp. and one strain isolated from the stem of Cirsium arvense collected from two regions of Russia that are separated by a long distance were analyzed in detail. These fungi were accurately identified through a phylogenetic analysis of the fragments of translation elongation factor 1-α and RNA polymerase second largest subunit loci. Four of them belong to F. heterosporum species, and one strain, MFG 13060, together with the historical reference strain BBA 62226, forms a distinct lineage within the F. heterosporum species complex (FHSC). The morphological features of the anamorph structures of the fungi within the FHSC are presented. All the analyzed F. heterosporum strains are heterothallic and require a partner to mate. The fertile perithecia of F. heterosporum were obtained in a crossing experiment, and the teleomorph structures were characterized in detail. The screening of 19 mycotoxins typically produced by Fusarium fungi using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed the ability of the strains to produce only moniliformin on an autoclaved rice substrate. A reassessment of the species diversity, distribution, and significance of fungi belonging to the FHSC is necessary to elucidate the unclear relationships between F. heterosporum, Claviceps fungi, and cereal plants. Full article

The northern pike (Esox lucius) is an economically important cold-water fish species in northern China. It exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, yet the molecular mechanism underlying its sex differentiation remains unclear, which hinders the development of aquaculture. Whole-transcriptome sequencing is a powerful approach for screening sex-related genes; however, no such study has been reported for this species to date. In this study, gonadal tissues from three female and three male E. lucius were collected for whole-transcriptome sequencing. A total of 14,941 differentially expressed messengerRNAs, 119 differentially expressed microRNAs, 229 differentially expressed circularRNAs, and 2055 differentially expressed long non-codingRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in pathways closely associated with sex differentiation, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis and oocyte meiosis. Several key sex-biased genes were identified, including female-biased genes (FANCL, DDX5, SRSF5B) and male-biased genes (STAR, FDX1B, ITGA2B). Furthermore, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network involving dre-miR-107b was constructed, which may represent a candidate for further investigation into sex differentiation in E. lucius. This study provides the first comprehensive whole-transcriptome dataset of female and male gonads in E. lucius, identifies key sex-biased genes and core pathways involved in its sex differentiation, and thereby identifies the dre-miR-107b-centered ceRNA network and key sex-biased genes (FANCL, DDX5, SRSF5B, STAR, FDX1B, ITGA2B) as core molecular players in sex differentiation of this species. Full article

Ticks are important arthropod vectors that transmit various pathogens to humans, livestock, and wildlife, thereby contributing significantly to the global burden of vector-borne diseases. The tick microbiome, consisting of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other microorganisms, plays a crucial role in pathogen transmission dynamics and the emergence of new zoonotic diseases. This review examines the characteristics of tick vectors, the composition and dynamics of tick-associated microbiomes, and their implications for zoonotic disease transmission. We analyze current knowledge of tick-borne pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Rickettsia species, Anaplasma species, and Coxiella species, and highlight the potential for microbiome constituents to serve as reservoirs for emerging pathogens. The complex interactions between tick hosts, their microbiomes, and vertebrate hosts create opportunities for pathogen evolution and interspecies transmission. Recent advances in molecular techniques have revealed previously unknown microbial diversity within tick populations, suggesting that many potential zoonotic pathogens remain undiscovered. We discuss future research directions, including field screening methodologies for pathogen detection, microbiome-based risk assessment approaches, and the development of novel prevention strategies, including tick vaccines. Full article

Polyphenolic compounds extracted from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) were used as natural chelating ligands to synthesize copper–polyphenol complexes, which were subsequently immobilized on sericite to obtain hybrid organic–inorganic materials. The complexes were prepared under controlled pH and temperature conditions, yielding structures with different Cu–polyphenol ratios. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of Cu(II)–polyphenol chelates, partial reduction to Cu(I) species at higher pH values, and the deposition of mixed Cu₂O/CuO phases on the layered sericite substrate. Copper–polyphenol superstructures, copper nanoparticles, and copper oxide crystallites were heterogeneously distributed depending on synthesis conditions and metal–ligand ratios. The hybrid materials exhibited modified optical properties, combining the intrinsic reflectance of sericite with UV absorption from polyphenols and copper species. When incorporated into an emulsion matrix, the materials showed promising UV-screening performance, with SPF-equivalent values ranging from 7 to 33 depending on concentration. Antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that copper–polyphenol complexes displayed enhanced activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans compared to the natural extract, while sericite-supported hybrids retained selective efficacy, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. These results indicate the potential of dandelion-derived copper complexes and their sericite hybrids as multifunctional bioactive agents for cosmetic dermatology applications. Full article

Sorghum halepense is widely recognised as one of the most aggressive invasive perennial grasses affecting agricultural ecosystems worldwide. This systematic review synthesises existing scientific evidence on the ecological invasion dynamics, origin, distribution patterns, impacts on both biodiversity and livestock, and management strategies. A systematic literature review approach was employed to identify and evaluate peer-reviewed and grey literature. Relevant studies were retrieved from major scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and ResearchGate, using predefined search terms related to S. halepense, invasion, impact on native plants and livestock, and possible control measures. Articles were screened based on relevance, methodological quality, and thematic alignment with the objectives of the review. The results showed that Johnsongrass is making a gradual invasion in South Africa through seed production and rhizome systems. Sorghum halepense alters native species composition, subsequently reduces biodiversity, and outcompetes native species. Although it may provide forage under certain conditions, its accumulation of cyanogenic compounds and nitrates poses serious poisoning risks to herbivores. Management strategies such as mechanical, burning, and chemical methods vary in terms of effectiveness. Some of these measures are influenced by the genetic make-up of the plant, costs associated with each control measure and other environmental factors. This review highlights the need for integrated management approaches that balance invasive weed control with sustainable forage production. This review emphasises the importance of adopting integrated management strategies that effectively control both seed production and underground stems. Future research should prioritise climate-responsive management approaches, improved understanding of invasion ecology, and the development of cost-effective control measures. Bringing together policy makers and specialists in weed science, natural conservation science, and animal health will be essential for reaching consensus on the actions required to curb the expansion and reduce the economic losses associated with the abundance of Sorghum halepense in our ecosystems. Full article