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Amphibians under artificial light at night: Current knowledge, conservation challenges and future directions
No full textAmphibians have evolved under predictable light-dark cycles, with most species relying on darkness for foraging, reproduction, and predator avoidance. Introduction of artificial light at night (ALAN) is rapidly transforming nocturnal environments, creating novel ecological pressures. Despite amphibians being of global conservation concern, with over 40% of species currently threatened, they remain underrepresented in research on light pollution. In this review, we synthesise evidence from 34 studies examining the effects of ALAN on anurans and urodeles across various life stages, habitats, and experimental conditions. Findings indicate that ALAN can modify activity patterns, disrupt larval feeding and predator avoidance, impair reproductive signaling and success, and interfere with endocrine, metabolic, and oxidative physiological processes. Although these effects are highly context-dependent, varying by species, developmental stage, and light characteristics, they can have a profound negative impact on fitness-related traits. We highlight critical knowledge gaps, including limited data on spectral and intensity sensitivities, underlying physiological mechanisms, ecological interactions under natural conditions, and effects across diverse taxa and regions. Addressing these issues is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. Finally, we discuss existing mitigation approaches and the importance of incorporating ALAN into conservation planning to reduce the risk posed by light pollution. Recognising amphibians as sensitive bioindicators of nocturnal ecosystem health highlights their role in guiding broader conservation measures under increasing light pollution
Antioksidativna aktivnost i sadržaj odabranih mikronutrijenata u listovima vrste Asplenium ceterach
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the total phenolic compound content and antioxidant capacity of the ethanolic extract of Asplenium ceterach fronds, as well as the content of selected micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) in fronds collected in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The extract's total phenolic compound (TPC) concentration was 16.08 ± 0.08 mg GAE/gDW. It demonstrated DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀value of 29.28 ± 2.20 mg/mL. The hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity was significantly lower (IC₅₀= 1420.56 ± 35.72 μg/mL), indicating moderate effectiveness against this reactive oxygen species. The extract also showed hydroxyl radical scavenging ability, with 56.26 ± 1.05% residual •OH radicals under the tested conditions. Reducing power assays revealed that at 500 μg/mL, the extract reduced Fe³⁺to 1420.20 ± 53.67 mmol/L Fe²⁺equivalents, while its Cu²⁺reducing capacity was 423.14 ± 29.20 μg Trolox/mL at a TPC concentration of 300 μg/mL. The micronutrient levels in A. ceterach were as follows: Fe (164.57 ± 4.08 mg/kg) > Zn (15.61 ± 0.43 mg/kg) > Mn (12.39 ± 0.19 mg/kg) > Cu (1.62 ± 0.12 mg/kg). Our in vitro findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. ceterach could serve as a potential natural source of antioxidant compounds.Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio ispitivanje sadržaja fenolnih jedinjenja i antioksidativnog
kapaciteta etanolnog ekstrakta listova vrste Asplenium ceterach, sakupljene u Republici
Srpskoj (BiH). Takođe, cilj rada je bio i određivanje koncentracije odabranih mikronutrijenata
(Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn) u listovima ove vrste. Dobijeni rezultati su pokazali da je koncentracija
ukupnih fenolnih jedinjenja (TPC) u ekstraktu iznosila 16,08 ± 0,08 mg GAE/gDW. Ekstrakt
je pokazao i sposobnost uklanjanja DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radikala sa IC₅₀
vrijednošću od 29,28 ± 2,20 mg/mL. Kapacitet uklanjanja vodonik peroksida bio je značajno
niži (IC₅₀ = 1420,56 ± 35,72 μg/mL), što ukazuje na umjerenu efikasnost za uklanjanje ove
reaktivne vrste kiseonika. Ekstrakt je takođe pokazao sposobnost uklanjanja hidroksilnih
radikala, pri čemu je u ispitivanim uslovima izmjereno 56,26 ± 1,05% preostalog •OH radikala
nakon primjene ekstrakta. Pri koncentraciji od 500 μg/mL TPC, ekstrakt je redukovao Fe³⁺ sa vrijednošću od 1420,20 ± 53,67 mmol/L Fe²⁺ ekvivalenta, dok je njegov kapacitet redukcije
Cu²⁺ iznosio 423,14 ± 29,20 μg Trolox/mL pri TPC koncentraciji od 300 μg/mL. Koncentracije
mikronutrijenata u listovima vrste A. ceterach bile su sljedeće: Fe (164,57 ± 4,08 mg/kg) > Zn
(15,61 ± 0,43 mg/kg) > Mn (12,39 ± 0,19 mg/kg) > Cu (1,62 ± 0,12 mg/kg). Naši in vitro
rezultati ukazuju na to da bi etanolni ekstrakt listova vrste A. ceterach mogao poslužiti kao
potencijalni prirodni izvor antioksidativnih jedinjenja
nido-carborane conjugates with ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and fenoprofen: synthesis, characterization, COX inhibition potential and anticancer activity
No full textThe search for novel anticancer drugs with reduced side effects and innovative therapeutic approaches remains a significant challenge. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), known to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) – an enzyme overexpressed in certain tumors – offer a promising avenue for cancer therapy. Additionally, icosahedral carboranes are emerging as a class of compounds with significant potential in drug design. Combining these two moieties into a single molecule presents a compelling strategy to develop drugs with dual mode of action and enhanced efficacy. Here, we report nido-carborane–NSAID conjugates, linking NSAIDs (ibuprofen, flurbiprofen or fenoprofen) to 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate(−1) via methylene, ethylene or propylene spacers, which were prepared from their corresponding closo-carborane–NSAID conjugates. An efficient method for converting closo-carborane–NSAID conjugates to their corresponding nido derivatives is using CsF, without compromising the sensitive ester groups present in the system. The synthesized conjugates were thoroughly characterized using multinuclear (1H, 11B, and 13C) NMR spectroscopy. The nido-carborane conjugates demonstrated significantly enhanced COX inhibition potency compared to their closo-carborane counterparts, exhibiting a higher selectivity towards human COX-2. Furthermore, the nido-carborane conjugates with ibuprofen, flurbiprofen or fenoprofen incorporating propylene spacers 3b, 6b, and 9b, respectively, displayed the most potent activity against A549 lung cancer cells and in comparison to other tested molecules exhibited better selectivity towards malignant cells, as evidenced by selectivity index values. The main mechanism of action of these NSAID conjugates includes caspase dependent apoptosis synchronized by inhibited cell division and hyperproduction of superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrites
Changes in Adaptive Immunity in Autoimmune Diseases and Aging: Shared Features, Key Differences, and Implications for Immune Vulnerability
No full textImmunologically vulnerable populations (IVP) are particularly at risk of infection due to dysregulated immune responses.
Parallels, as well as contrasts, have been drawn between IVP with autoimmune diseases (AI DIS) and older adults, the two by far
most numerous IVP, related to their adaptive immune responses. Moreover, beyond the similarities and differences between these
two groups, there is accumulating evidence that immune aging can drive certain aspects of autoimmunity. This review integrates
existing knowledge regarding the dysregulation of adaptive immune responses in AI DIS and in older adults, while critically
examining the similarities, differences, and interrelations between the two in the context of immune responses to infection and
vaccination
Temporal Tracking of Metabolomic Shifts in In Vitro-Cultivated Kiwano Plants: A GC-MS, LC-HRMS-MS, and In Silico Candida spp. Protein and Enzyme Study
No full textCucumis metuliferus E. Mey or kiwano/African horned melon is a good source of bioactive compounds of various pharmacological and industrial importance. This study investigated metabolomic shifts in in vitro cultivated kiwano plants over ten weeks of maturity time through GC-MS and LC-HRMS-MS untargeted analysis of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Furthermore, in silico screening of the highly abundant volatile compounds from each sample was performed against three different proteins and enzymes of Candida spp. These results obtained from GC-MS and LC-HRMS-MS analysis highlight the potential of in vitro culture for enhancing the biosynthetic potential of C. metuliferus for sustainable and controlled production of target metabolites. Furthermore, this work also highlights the potential inhibitory properties of abundant volatile compounds in each stage of maturation period of C. metuliferus, providing a platform for further exploration of the therapeutic applications of C. metuliferus metabolites against Candida spp
The interplay between phenotypic plasticity and long-term evolution in shaping life history strategy in the seed beetle
No full textPhenotypic plasticity, the capacity of organisms to adjust to varying environments, could play various roles in the evolution of phenotype development. Host shift in phytophagous insects is a perfect setting for studying the interplay between plasticity of life history traits and the evolution of life history strategies on novel plant hosts. Utilizing the benefits of a long-term laboratory evolution experiment, we used populations of seed beetle [Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)] reared on three plant hosts [common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum, L.), and mung bean (Vigna radiata, (L.) R. Wilczek), all Fabaceae] for more than 150 generations. Reciprocal transplant experiments on inbred lines derived from these populations enabled the assessment of both long-term changes in beetles’ life history strategies and the alterations in their plastic capacity to adjust on diverse hosts. Our results demonstrate that seed beetle populations evolved distinct life history strategies, as well as different environmental sensitivity of life history traits. Beetles evolved on common beans showed stable pre-adult development within seeds of all three plant hosts but high variation in their reproductive output. On the other hand, populations adapted to chickpeas became specialised for development on chickpeas and constantly allocated more resources to reproduction. Populations evolved on mung beans were associated with high plasticity and variance in both larval survival and fecundity on all plant hosts, indicating the ongoing process of adaptation. This work is discussed in the context of how phenotypic plasticity induced by host shift can shape life history strategies, providing insights into the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of adaptation
Synchrotron Micro-X-Ray Fluorescence Elemental Imaging Reveals Zinc Distribution in the Hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola (Crassulaceae)
No full textSedum plumbizincicola is a zinc–cadmium (Zn–Cd) hyperaccumulator native to China with high potential for use in the phytore-mediation of contaminated soils in temperate climates. This study aimed to determine the Zn accumulation and distribution in S.plumbizincicola tissues grown on soils co-contaminated with Cd, Pb, and Zn. The efficiency of Zn accumulation was assessed inmonoculture and intercropping systems with Noccaea caerulescens. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry and synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence elemental imaging. Sedum plumbizincicola grown inmonoculture had significantly higher foliar Zn concentrations than the plants grown with N. caerulescens, with the leaf tips,petioles and nodes being the main sites of Zn localization in the aerial parts. The highest Zn concentrations were observed inthe epidermis and vascular system of both leaves and stems, with the distribution pattern differing between young and matureleaves. This study highlights the Zn localization patterns in S. plumbizincicola to improve our understanding of the underlyingmechanisms of Zn hyperaccumulation. Growing in monoculture, S. plumbizincicola is an effective candidate for Zn agrominingor phytoremediation of Zn- Cd contaminated soils, with less promising results when intercropped with N. caerulescen
Adrenocortical tissue dynamics and corticosteroid perturbation upon the experimental male estrogenization: reflections from animal and in vitro data about human treatment
No full textThe current topic of sex reassignment is often under strong ideological influence and requires an impartial scientific approach. Considering the importance of corticosteroid status during male-to-female transition for numerous health aspects, here we focus on the ‘transitional’ functional histology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and corticosteroid output, from the perspective of our experimental experience and the available literature, both experimentally and clinically oriented. In a model of orchidectomized, estradiol-treated adult male rats we observed an increase in aldosterone secretion, as well as in corticosterone synthesis and secretion, but also a decrease in DHEA secretion, all of which were accompanied by expansive changes in adrenal tissue. Available experimental and clinical literature data support our findings. It is known that glucocorticoid excess increases the risk of metabolic complications, elevated blood aldosterone levels may underlie systemic hypertension, while reduced DHEA secretion is associated with various physical and mental issues. These health risks should be kept in mind before possibly starting the male-to-female transition through orchidectomy and estradiol administration
Therapeutic Potential of Salvia rosmarinus: Seasonal and Geographical Variation in Phytochemical Composition, Bioactivity, and Synergistic Effects of Rosmarinic Acid with 5-FU
No full textSalvia rosmarinus Spenn. (rosemary) is a medicinal and aromatic plant of notable pharmacological value. This study evaluated the therapeutic properties of rosemary leaves collected from two Serbian continental (L1, L2) and one Montenegrin Mediterranean (L3) locations, harvested in November (N), March (M), and July (J). Extracts prepared with 70% methanol, 70% ethanol, and water were analyzed for chemical composition and biological activity. L3 extracts exhibited the highest polyphenolic content, with L3M methanolic extract showing the greatest total phenolic (134.60 mg GAE/g) and phenolic acid levels (211.96 mg CAE/g), and L3M ethanolic extract the highest flavonoid content (25.54 mg QE/g). LC/MS analysis identified 28 previously unreported compounds in Rosmarinus sp. extracts, revealing hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoid O-glycosides as the main constituents in S. rosmarinus. The alcoholic extracts were rich in 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, and verbenone. L3 extracts demonstrated the strongest antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory activities, often surpassing positive controls. L3J showed pronounced cytotoxicity against HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells (IC50 = 13.08 µg/mL after 24 h incubation), while showing non-cytotoxic effects on normal human keratinocytes (IC50 > 500 µg/mL). Finally, rosmarinic acid alone synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil (combination index < 0.8). This comprehensive study highlights the influence of geography, season, and solvent on phytochemical profile and bioactivity of rosemary extracts, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of distinct rosemary populations
Secondary metabolites and biochemical adaptations of Scilla lakusicii and S. litardierei to karst environments: a metabolomic perspective
No full textComprehensive metabolomic analysis on the leaf extracts of Scilla lakusicii and S. litardierei revealed the presence of 175 secondary metabolites. The identified compounds were categorized into several groups based on their chemical structures: hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, saponins, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoid aglycones, homoisoflavonoid glycosides, homoisoflavonoid aglycones, and other metabolites. Saponins were the most abundant in both species, with some detected for the first time in plant tissues. Regarding volatile compounds, extracts from both species contained α- and β-pinene, neophytadiene, and phytol. S. litardierei showed a higher capacity to neutralize DPPH radicals, while S. lakusicii was more effective in scavenging hydroxyl radicals and reducing Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions. Both species exhibited similar capacities for H2O2 removal and Fe chelation. In terms of anticandidal activity, S. lakusicii was particularly effective against Candida glabrata and resistant C. auris, the latter of which showed no response to the standard drug ketoconazole. S. litardierei was more effective against C. glabrata. Both extracts demonstrated significant efficacy against resistant Escherichia coli in terms of antibacterial activity, while S. litardierei proved more effective against resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, leaf extracts of both Scilla species displayed significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, attributable to their specific chemical composition. The richness of secondary metabolites and pronounced biological activity enable the adaptation of these Scilla species to karst environments