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Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of two dairy camel milk products: yoghurt and cheese
No full textThis work focused on producing yoghurt and cheese from camel milk and assessing their physicochemical features along with biological activities. Converting camel milk into fermented products such as yoghurt and cheese is a common preservation approach; however, it remains challenging due to the difficulty of achieving proper coagulation. In this study, camel milk cheese was prepared using enzymatic extracts derived from kiwi and artichoke and compared with cheese obtained with commercial chymosin. The analyses revealed that the cheeses differed in their physicochemical profiles: kiwi extract produced a more acidic product with a higher protein concentration (40.25 g/L) than that obtained with artichoke extract (32.43 g/L). Cheese yield was also greater with the plant enzymes (22.66% for kiwi and 21.06% for artichoke) compared with chymosin (15.55%). Camel milk yoghurt displayed notable physicochemical properties, including elevated protein levels (23.44 g/L), high viscosity (300 cP), and considerable lactose, acidity, and ash content. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Results showed a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant activity, with camel yoghurt and cheese exhibiting maximum values of 61.58% and 14.9%, respectively, when compared with ascorbic acid. Antibacterial potential was determined using the agar diffusion method against seven pathogenic bacteria. Both camel milk yoghurt and cheese demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on all tested strains
Perceptions and awareness of invasive species in the Brazilian Federal District: implications for controlling the giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica)
No full textThe giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica) is among the world’s most damaging invasive species, threatening biodiversity, agriculture, and public health. Effective management requires understanding public perceptions, awareness, and engagement, yet sociodemographic drivers of these remain understudied. Here, we evaluate how education, age, and awareness influence attitudes toward L. fulica and its management in the Brazilian Federal District. Using structured questionnaires from 613 respondents, we assessed: (1) sociodemographic correlates of perceived knowledge on invasive species, (2) public perceptions and attitudes of invasive species in general and specifically towards L. fulica, and (3) evaluation of trust in governmental communication and management efforts. Older and more educated individuals exhibited significantly greater awareness of invasive species and L. fulica specifically. However, while higher awareness predicted more negative perceptions of the snail, it did not correlate with proactive control behaviors. Public satisfaction with government management efforts was strongly tied to self-reported knowledge of the snail’s impacts, highlighting a gap between awareness and actionable responses. Our results underscore the need for targeted outreach programs prioritizing younger and less-educated demographics. We propose that generalized education on biological invasions can bolster the success of species-specific campaigns. These insights are critical for designing inclusive policies that enhance community participation in L. fulica management, offering a model for engagement in regions facing similar invasion challenges
Recent additional records of the little-known mydas fly, Nemomydas gruenbergi (Hermann, 1914) (Diptera, Mydidae), from Iriomote Island, southern Japan, with the first documentation of mating and oviposition
No full textMydas flies (Diptera, Mydidae) are primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions, with few records from East Asia. In Japan, Nemomydas gruenbergi (Hermann, 1914) is the only known species, previously reported mainly from southern Iriomote and Ishigaki Islands in the Yaeyama Islands, with very few records from northern Iriomote. Here, we report newly confirmed occurrences from northern Iriomote Island, based on direct observations and specimen collections conducted in summer. Observations include, for the first time to our knowledge, photographic documentation of a mating pair and confirmed oviposition behavior
Hydrolysis probe-based real-time PCR as an SNP genotyping method: an application in pharmacogenetic study of lung cancer patients
No full textSingle-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play a crucial role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to diseases and influencing their response to drugs. Among the various techniques available for SNP genotyping, hydrolysis probe-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has emerged as a highly sensitive and cost-effective method, offering both accuracy and specificity. This method has proven particularly valuable in lung cancer research, where its potential to advance pharmacogenetics holds immense promise. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with genetic variations serving as critical markers for both screening and treatment. This review examines the principles, mechanisms, and applications of probes in SNP genotyping, with a focus on method validation and quality control. Hydrolysis probes are distinguished by their high sensitivity and specificity but face challenges such as inconsistent quality control and limitations in multiplex assays. This review underscores the importance of robust validation processes in ensuring the reliability of research findings and facilitating the translation of basic studies into clinical applications. By addressing these challenges, hydrolysis probe-based SNP genotyping can significantly contribute to advancing personalized medicine, particularly in the context of lung cancer research
Seasonal variations in the biological characteristics and biochemical composition of bluemouth rockfish, Helicolenus dactylopterus (Actinopterygii, Perciformes, Sebastidae), in the central Mediterranean Sea
No full textThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the annual biological cycle and biochemical composition of the bluemouth rockfish, Helicolenus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809), collected in 2022, from the northern Tunisian coast. We investigated seasonal variations in biological indices (condition, gonadosomatic, and relative growth) and biochemical constituents (lipids, proteins, glycogen, and fatty acids). Our key finding is a defined cold-season (winter) spawning period, evidenced by a significant peak in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) coinciding with a depletion of somatic condition, hepatic glycogen, and lipid reserves. Spawning was associated with a pronounced shift in energy allocation, with lipid and glycogen levels in muscle tissue decreasing by up to 92% and 88%, respectively, in winter. Biochemically, the species exhibited high protein content (41–77 mg · g–1) and was rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly in warm seasons (PUFA n-3 = 28%). The fatty acid profile (FA) was dominated by PUFA > MUFA > SFA year-round, with notable differences in energy reserves between sexes, as females showed higher energy mobilization for reproduction. These results provide crucial insights into the reproductive biology and energy allocation strategy of H. dactylopterus, underscoring its vulnerability to fishing pressure during spawning and its consistent nutritional value, which is vital for sustainable management in the Mediterranean
Sentinel-2 satellite image application for establishing a coral reef distribution map in Bai Tu Long National Park, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
No full textCoral reef ecosystems are crucial in coastal areas, providing valuable ecosystem services to humans. They are highly biodiverse and act as significant carbon sinks. Coral reef ecosystem conservation is a pressing issue for the world's most vulnerable ecosystems. Mapping coral reef ecosystems using satellite imagery enables informed decision-making for their restoration and protection, facilitating effective management strategies. With the help of machine-learning models and object-based image analysis (OBIA), this study constructed a map showing where coral reef ecosystems are found in Bai Tu Long National Park, Vietnam. The map was created using Sentinel-2 satellite images. The classification results revealed an overall accuracy (OA) of 91.70%, corresponding to a kappa coefficient of 0.89. The highest spectral reflection characteristic for coral reef ecosystems is in the blue spectral band and the lowest is in the SWIR2 spectral band. To understand the composition of these reefs, field surveys were conducted. The results of field surveys revealed that the coral reef ecosystem in Bai Tu Long National Park included nine families, 20 varieties and 32 species. Finally, this study has shown that a map of the distribution of coral reef ecosystems via satellite images and an object-based image analysis method combined with a machine-learning model is a valuable tool for the management and conservation of coral reef ecosystems. The findings of this study play an important role in providing data for the restoration and conservation of coral reef ecosystems in coastal areas
Two new species of Euphranta Loew (Diptera, Tephritidae, Trypetinae, Adramini) from India
No full textTwo new species of Euphranta Loew are described from India, namely Euphranta goniothalami David & Hancock, sp. nov. reared from seeds of an endemic shrub, Goniothalamus keralensis E.S.S. Kumar, Shaju, Roy & Raj Kumar, in Valara, Idukki district (which is a part of the Western Ghats mountains), and Euphranta undulata David & Hancock, sp. nov. from Meghalaya, Northeast India. An updated key to all Euphranta species known to occur in India is also provided
Caribbean Amphipoda (Crustacea) of Panama. Part V: parvorder Amphilochidira
No full textThe parvorder Amphilochidira includes 1,152 described species in 24 families. Amphilochidiran amphipods retain many plesiomorphic character states and are thought to represent the ancestral state of amphipods. Many amphipods in this parvorder cling to substrates such as algae or sponges. Nineteen species from four families within the parvorder are documented from Bocas del Toro, Panama, including one new species, Apolochus dragensis sp. nov. Range extensions are documented for eight species, including two species previously documented only from the Pacific Ocean. All species are diagnosed and an identification key to the Amphilochidira amphipods of Panama is provided herein
Solanum stellaticalycinum, a new simple-leaved species of the Pteroidea clade from Peru (Potato Clade, Solanum, Solanaceae)
No full textA new species from the montane forests in central Peru belonging to the Pteroidea clade of Solanum is described and illustrated. Solanum stellaticalycinum M.A.Cueva, Treviño & D.Sotomayor, sp. nov. is known only from the Yanachaga-Chemillén National Park and adjacent areas (Prov. Oxapampa, Dept. Pasco, Peru). With simple leaves, it is morphologically similar to S. anceps Ruiz & Pav., a widespread species in South America, and to S. angustialatum Bitter and S. incurvum Ruiz & Pav., both known from the montane forests of northern and central Peru. Solanum stellaticalycinum is distinguished from all these by its purple pedicels and flowers with linear to narrowly triangular calyx lobes, a membranous corolla with lanceolate lobes and ovoid-conical, smooth or slightly rugose fruits. Here we discuss the taxonomic affinities, distribution and conservation status of this new species. We also include a key to all species of Pteroidea with complete distributions at the country level and department level distributions within Peru
Advanced two-component microbial inoculant development for enhancing the productivity of agricultural crops
No full textThe present study investigates the effectiveness of microbiological preparations in enhancing growth and productivity of key agricultural crops, including barley, maize, sunflower, and root crops (table beet, sugar beet, and potato) under field conditions. The experimental design included four replicates per treatment, with statistical analysis. For maize, the application of microbial consortia resulted in significant improvements in biometric and yield parameters compared to the untreated control. The most pronounced effect was observed with Preparation No.1 (Azotobacter chroococcum MDC 6111 in combination with Pseudomonas tritici MDC 9168), which increased plant height by 31.4%, ear mass by 63.2%, and 1000-grain weight by 35.1%, corresponding to a total yield increase of 35.1%. In sunflowers, similar trends were detected. Preparation No.1 led to a 24.8% increase in plant height and a 56.1% increase in 1000-seed weight. Preparation No.3 (Azotobacter chroococcum MDC 6111) also demonstrated a notable positive effect (yield increase of 42.3%), while Preparation No.2 (commercial mineral fertilizer “Nitroammophoska”) showed only marginal improvement. Regarding root crops, Preparation No.1 markedly enhanced productivity. In table beet, yield reached 14.51 ± 0.91 kg/10 m2 versus 5.89 ± 0.42 kg/10 m2 in the control. Sugar beet yield increased by 2.4-fold, and potato yield by 27.9%. Preparation No.2 showed moderate effectiveness in beets. These findings emphasizing the role of rhizosphere microorganisms in nutrient mobilization, hormonal regulation, and stress resistance. The study supports the use of microbial inoculants, particularly Preparation No.1, as a sustainable tool to improve crop productivity in diverse agroecosystems