Former small-scale gold mining areas in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, are characterized by acidic, nutrient-poor sandy soils and potential residual mercury (Hg) contamination. The reuse of such land for agriculture raises concerns regarding soil degradation, heavy metal accumulation, and plant stress. This study evaluated phytochemical responses and rhizosphere functional microbes of rice, peanut, and oil palm cultivated on acidic post-gold-mining soils with low mercury levels. Soils were strongly acidic, low in nutrients, and exhibited low cation exchange capacity. Mercury concentrations in rhizosphere soils ranged from 0.006 to 0.015 mg/kg, while plant tissues were below the detection limit (<0.004 mg/kg), indicating negligible Hg accumulation. Despite low mercury levels, plants showed significant physiological responses associated with edaphic stress. Peanuts exhibited the most pronounced phytochemical response, reflected in high chlorophyll and phenolic metabolite accumulation. Oil palm showed limited Hg accumulation and stable physiological traits. Functional rhizosphere microbes were present in all crops, with higher densities in peanut and oil palm rhizospheres, reflecting active plant–microbe interactions under degraded soil conditions. Overall, crop adaptation in post-mining landscapes appears to be driven primarily by acidic and nutrient-deficient soils rather than by current mercury toxicity. Enhanced antioxidant metabolism together with functional rhizosphere microbes may support plant establishment and contribute to ecological rehabilitation of degraded post-gold-mining land.

The aim of this study was to examine the pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiology, diagnostic strategies, and treatment approaches for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) allergy based on clinical data obtained in routine allergy practice. The study combined an analysis of the scientific literature with a retrospective clinical analysis of adult patients who presented to an allergy department with suspected NSAID hypersensitivity. Clinical data were derived from patient medical records and included documented reactions to NSAIDs, diagnostic procedures performed as part of standard care (medical history assessment, skin testing, laboratory investigations, basophil activation testing, and drug provocation tests), and applied therapeutic strategies. The clinical analysis identified two principal reaction mechanisms: immediate-type hypersensitivity mediated by IgE-dependent immune activation and immediate non-immunological hypersensitivity associated with cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibition. Clinical manifestations ranged from cutaneous reactions to severe systemic responses, including anaphylaxis, as well as chronic conditions such as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease. The diagnostic value and practical limitations of the applied methods were evaluated in the clinical setting. Individualised management strategies, including avoidance of the causative NSAID, the use of alternative agents such as selective COX-2 inhibitors, pharmacological treatment of acute reactions, and desensitisation protocols, were summarised based on observed clinical practice. By integrating real-world clinical data with current scientific evidence, this study provides a clinically grounded overview of NSAID allergy and highlights the importance of personalised diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in everyday medical practice. The findings may be useful for allergists, immunologists, and general practitioners involved in the management of patients with suspected NSAID hypersensitivity.

Diarrhea remains a major gastrointestinal disorder, and plant-based interventions are increasingly explored for therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the antidiarrheal-associated effects and systemic tolerability of Paederia foetida Linn. leaf extract in Wistar rats with diarrhea induced by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). Rats were divided into six groups: three doses of extract-treated rats (400, 800, and 1,600 mg/kg body weight), Diapet®-treated rats, only EPEC-induced rats, and healthy rats. Body weight, feed intake, fecal consistency, hematological and biochemical parameters, and fecal bacterial profiles were assessed. The 400 mg/kg BW dose (P1) demonstrated the most consistent antidiarrheal effects across evaluated parameters. Rats in this group maintained body weight (mean change 3.3 ± 2.1 g) and consumed a higher proportion of the offered feed (72.33 ± 24.82%) compared with EPEC-induced rats (44.00 ± 8.72%), with values comparable to the Diapet®-treated group. Fecal consistency improved to predominantly solid stools, similar to those observed in healthy and Diapet®-treated rats, whereas higher extract doses were associated with semi-solid stools and reduced feed intake. Hematological analysis indicated that most parameters in the 400 mg/kg BW group remained within physiological reference ranges. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were also within the normal range at this dose (37.1 ± 5.6 U/L), while elevations in ALT and AST were observed at higher extract doses (800 and 1,600 mg/kg BW). Analysis of fecal bacterial profiles revealed no detectable Salmonella or Shigella colonies in the 400 mg/kg BW group, whereas these bacteria were detected in other experimental groups. In contrast, E. coli counts remained relatively stable across groups. Overall, this study provides preclinical evidence that P. foetida leaf extract exhibits dose-dependent antidiarrheal-associated effects in this experimental model, with the 400 mg/kg BW dose demonstrating the most favorable balance between efficacy-related outcomes and systemic tolerability in an EPEC-induced rat model. These findings support further investigation of P. foetida as a potential natural antidiarrheal candidate.

Lavandula dentata, commonly known as “el khouzama” in Algeria, is a medicinal plant widely recognized for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In the context of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the harmful effects of oxidative stress, the flowers and leaves of L. dentata may offer a promising natural alternative. This work aims to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from the aerial parts of L. dentata. Both extracts significantly inhibited DPPH free radicals, with the ethanolic extract showing greater efficiency (IC₅₀ = 0.53 ± 0.06 mg/mL). The aqueous extract reduced ferric iron to ferrous iron to a significantly higher extent (99.21 ± 0.06 mM Fe²⁺/g extract) compared with the ethanolic extract (69.22 ± 0.13 mM Fe²⁺/g extract) (p < 0.05). The ethanolic extract exhibited a total antioxidant capacity of approximately 19.15 ± 0.01 mg Eq AA/g DM, which was higher than that of the aqueous extract (8.64 ± 0.02 mg Eq AA/g DM) (p > 0.05). The evaluation of antimicrobial activity using the agar diffusion method and MIC determination revealed that all seven microbial strains were highly sensitive to the ethanolic extract, which produced inhibition zones ranging from 13 ± 0 to 17 ± 2.45 mm (p < 0.01). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 40 ± 0 mg/mL for all strains. The aqueous extract was effective only against E. hirae and C. albicans, producing inhibition zones of 14.67 ± 0.47 mm and 11.33 ± 1.00 mm, respectively, with MIC values of 7.5 ± 4.33 and 8.33 ± 2.89 mg/mL (p > 0.05). Overall, L. dentata demonstrates potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential application in the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries.

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) powder (MP) has emerged as a promising sustainable protein source due to its high nutritional value and low environmental footprint. However, its technological performance in food systems remains fragmented across studies. This review addresses the central question: “How is mealworm powder applied in food technology, and what impacts does it have on nutritional quality, physicochemical properties, sensory attributes, and product safety?” The analysis synthesizes recent findings on MP production processes, compositional characteristics, and its incorporation into various food matrices, including bread, biscuits, pasta, and meat analogues. Overall, evidence shows that MP enhances protein content, modifies textural and functional properties, and can contribute to desirable sensory attributes when used at appropriate substitution levels. Key limitations include potential allergenicity, flavour impacts influenced by processing, and variability in consumer acceptance. This review highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating MP into food products, underscoring its potential role in the development of sustainable and diversified protein sources.

Mosquito vectors pose a significant threat to human society due to their high morbidity rate. In this study, the effectiveness of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), derived from Mammea americana L. leaf extracts, was assessed against the 3rd instar larvae of three vector mosquitoes, namely Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, and Aedes albopictus. Furthermore, the study characterizes the synthesized nanoparticles through various spectroscopic techniques. Synthesized AgNPs and CuONPs from the M. americana leaves were mostly quasi spherical and oval-shaped, having Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) bands at the peaks of 420 nm and 290 nm. When exposed to 0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ppm of metal nanoparticles, the larvicidal activity of silver nanoparticles was found to be superior to that of copper oxide nanoparticles. The lowest LC50 values for larvicidal and pupicidal activities were calculated as 0.17 ppm and 14.13 ppm against 3rd instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and pupae of Cx. vishnui, respectively. After 72 h of exposure, both MNPs had no impact on the non-targeted organisms. Both MNPs (AgNPs and CuONPs) exposed larvae showed significant reduction in essential esterase enzymes, specifically acetylcholinesterase, α- and β-carboxyl esterase, and GST enzymes compared to the untreated larvae. The overall findings of this research demonstrated that the AgNPs and CuONPs synthesized from M. americana leaf extracts can act as efficient and eco-friendly natural mosquitocidal agents.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been one of the most widespread diseases in recent times, leading to a significant increase in mortality rates. SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the Coronaviridae family and has mutated into several variants, increasing disease severity and reducing immunity among populations. Although extensive research is ongoing, no definitive treatment for COVID-19 currently exists. Seaweeds are a major source of food, medicine, and fertilizer worldwide. This study aims to determine whether the chemical constituents of seaweeds possess antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Chemical compounds from five seaweed species (Fucus spiralis, Salicornia virginica, Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii, Sargassum muticum, and Chondrus crispus) were selected for analysis. Molecular docking was performed between SARS-CoV-2 proteins and the chemical constituents of these seaweeds. The results were compared with Remdesivir. Among all the compounds tested, Phlorotannin A and Atropine demonstrated better binding affinity and interaction than Remdesivir, with binding energies of -6.42 kcal/mol and -7.32 kcal/mol against protein 7BZ5, and -6.27 kcal/mol and -6.35 kcal/mol against protein 6LZG, respectively. Drug-likeness screening was conducted to exclude ligands with large molecular weights, and ADMET studies indicated better absorption and lower toxicity for the selected compounds. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity assays showed dose-dependent effects attributable to the bioactive compounds present in the seaweeds, suggesting their potential for developing COVID-19 therapeutics.

Excessive use of plastic in life can result in the accumulation of plastic waste that endangers the environment. Plastics are made from fossil fuels, coal, petroleum, and natural gas, which make plastic properties difficult to degrade. The application of bioplastics can overcome this problem because it comes from organic materials such as starch, cellulose, and lignin that can be decomposed. Bioplastics have the same functional quality as conventional plastics and are environmentally friendly because they can be degraded with the help of soil bacteria without producing toxic compounds. This study aimed to detect and determine the biodegradation potential of bioplastics by bacterial isolates obtained from the nutmeg plantation soil of West Seram Regency, Maluku, Indonesia. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD). Nutmeg plantation soil samples were taken from 5 different points, which were given 3 treatments on soil weight, namely P1, P2, and P3, as well as control using a mixture of 5 points of soil samples and adding Pseudomonas putida. There were 6 isolates characterized as having similarities with the genus Pseudomonas and Bacillus from nutmeg plantation soil samples. The percentage of biodegradation of genus Pseudomonas from isolates S1I2.1 was 40.02%, S2I2.2 of 48.08%, S2I1.1 of 65.41%. While genus Bacillus from isolate S1I2.1 showed a biodegradation value of 63.83%, followed by isolates S2I3.1 of 58.37%, and S3I2.1 of 55.48%. In conclusion, bacteria isolated from nutmeg plantation soil are known to have the potential to degrade bioplastics as seen from their ability to reduce plastic contained in investigated samples.

Sodium metavanadate (SMV) is an inorganic compound that can enter the human body through multiple pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption, or intentional consumption. The present study evaluated the toxicity profile of SVM and its impact on haematological and biochemical parameters using Wistar rat models. Ten (10) healthy male mice (20-30 g) and twenty (20) male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for acute toxicity and experimental studies, respectively. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of sodium metavanadate (SMV) was determined using Lorke’s method. The twenty (20) male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four (4) groups (n = 5 per group). Group I served as the control and received tap water, while Groups II, III, and IV were administered 7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg of SMV, respectively via oral gavage for twenty-eight (28) days. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical analysis following standard protocols. Also, Liver tissue samples were harvested and analysed histologically to assess structural alterations. The LD₅₀ of SMV was determined to be 80 mg/kg. The findings from this study indicate that SMV exposure resulted in a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, plasma albumin, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cells, white blood cells, and lymphocyte counts in the experimental groups compared to the control (p < 0.05). Conversely, a significant increase was observed in the mean levels of malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein among the experimental animals relative to the control (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis of liver tissue further revealed pronounced Kupffer cell hypertrophy, sinusoidal congestion, and disruption of hepatic architecture. Evidence from this study suggests that SMV exposure may induce anaemia and immunosuppression by disrupting red and white blood cell indices. This effect is likely mediated through increased oxidative stress, which contributes to hepatotoxicity and structural alterations in liver cytoarchitecture.

Notulae Scientia Biologicae (http://www.notulaebiologicae.ro), Issue 1, Volume 17, 2025: The papers published in this issue represent interesting novelties in different topics of life science. Among the exciting research or reviews, we invite readers to find news about: Study of puncture vine (Tribulus terrestris L.), and the important roles of its chemical ingredients; The bioactive compounds in bilimbi leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) as natural-based anticancer targeting on VEGFR-2: In silico studies; Prevalence and risk of antibiotic-resistant E. coli and strain O157:H7 spread in waste water, chicken, and handlers: A case study; Anatomical assessment of the development of testes and ovaries in red Sokoto goat (Capra hircus); Development and optimization of levofloxacin in-situ emulgel to manage ocular bacterial infections; Anti-sickling potential and bioactive metabolites from edible oil-yielding crop Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.; Phytochemistry, bioactive potential and chemical characterization of culturable freshwater microalgae Chlorococcum infusionum (Schrank) Meneghini; Proanthocyanidin from grape seed against rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster: Insights from behavioural and antioxidant studies; Antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of Cajanus scarabaeoides seed extracts: A comparative study of solvent-based phytochemical extraction; Evaluation of the resilience of Rhizophagus intraradices inoculated on hybrid Brachiaria grass ‘Mavuno’; Callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L.), effect of disinfection and hormonal treatments; In vitro propagation and germplasm conservation of three emblematic forest species of Peru.