Introduction: This study investigates insulin-like 3 (INSL3), also known as Leydig cell-specific insulin-like peptide (LEY I-L), within the framework of evolutionary biology. It examines key aspects of gene structure, such as dynamics and intronic phase, and employs bioinformatics tools to explore both the ancestral and modern functional roles of Insl3.
Insulin-like 3 (INSL3) belongs to a superfamily of peptides, growth factors, and hormones that includes insulin, IGF, and relaxin. INSL3 is primarily produced as a pre-prohormone in the somatic cells of the gonads, particularly in the Leydig cells of the testes and theca cells of ovarian follicles. cDNA sequences of INSL3 have been isolated from several vertebrate species. The structure of the INSL3 gene is similar to that of insulin and relaxin, consisting of two exons and one intron.


Investigation Methods: In silico analyses to determine and compare the structure of the Insl3 coding gene across vertebrate, invertebrate genomes, and ancestral chordate genomes.


Results: Bioinformatics analyses presented here and performed on nearly all known insl3 genes and cDNA sequences from the database reveal that the insl3 gene structure is conserved among fish and various non-mammalian vertebrate species, although intron lengths differ. 
In silico resuls provide also evidence for a gain-of-function role of a single copy of the insl3 gene in mammalian testis development; zebrafish insl3 proximal promoter reveal the presence of the same point mutation in the binding site of a key transcription factor that affects the promoter activity of mouse and human INSL3. This mutation negatively impacts the transcription of the insulin-like 3 gene in Leydig cells. Since the gene for the binding factor is present in the zebrafish genome, the proposed hypothesis suggests that the key role of the new Insl3 in testicular descent and in testis development might also arise from a point mutation in its DNA binding site on the promoter.

Biological adaptation has traditionally been regarded as a process driven by evolution, as well as an ecological consequence of the niche reconstruction of habitats. The question remains whether direct niche reconstruction and evolution result in comparable adaptiveness. Our study addresses this question by establishing a comparative framework designed to compare the strategies of niche optimization and experimental evolution for an increase in bacterial fitness. To address this issue, we employed two approaches in parallel, using the Escherichia coli strain carrying a reduced genome. As an evolutionary strategy, we conducted experimental evolution in a defined minimal medium to acquire the evolved strains carrying genetic mutations that compensate for the reduced genome. As an ecological strategy, we employed machine learning to predict and optimize the chemical compositions of the minimal medium used for experimental evolution. The results showed that both strategies successfully increased the growth fitness of the genome-reduced Escherichia coli strain. Transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the similarities and differences in the changes in gene expression caused by the two strategies. Specific biological processes and transcriptional regulations were observed in response to niche optimization and experimental evolution. The findings provided us with insights into how niche reconstruction and genome evolution compensated for the genome reduction in bacteria. Our study demonstrated that biological adaptation can be confined to genetic changes during evolution as well as achieved by reconfiguring the niche environment, which is comparable to fitness increase.

Parasites of the genus Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa) are best known for their two-host lifecycle, which relies on prey–predator ecological relationships. All species produce sporocysts in the intestines of definitive hosts. However, while most Sarcocystis species form sarcocysts in the muscles of their intermediate hosts, some species develop them in the brains of intermediate hosts. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Sarcocystis in the brains of small mammals from Lithuania and to perform a comprehensive analysis of their genetic variability.

In the period of 2021–2025, a total of 1528 small mammals (voles, mice, and shrews) belonging to 11 species were captured, and their brains were analysed for the presence of Sarcocystis cysts using microscopical and molecular techniques. The isolated parasites were genetically characterized using nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1, ITS2), mitochondrial (cox1, cytb), and apicoplast (rpoB) markers.

Based on the light microscopy and DNA sequence analysis, Sarcocystis glareoli was identified in three rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, Clethrionomys glareolus, and Microtus arvalis) and in a single eulipotyphlan species (Sorex araneus). By contrast to other Sarcocystis species, S. microti, known to form cysts in the brains of small mammals, was not observed. Statistically significantly, the highest prevalence of S. glareoli (11.5%) was established in Clethrionomys glareolus, while in other positive animals the infection rate did not exceed 2%. Some intraspecific genetic variability was observed in rRNA internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that S. glareoli is closely related to S. jamaicensis, S. microti, and several undescribed Sarcocystis species using rodents as their intermediate hosts and raptors as their definitive hosts. The obtained results enhance the understanding of S. glareoli epidemiology, aid in its differentiation from related taxa, and advance phylogenetic insights into Sarcocystis species with small mammals as intermediate hosts.

The current global population trend is towards greater concentration in cities, which presents a potential negative risk to wetlands and the species that inhabit them, especially birds, when they are encroached upon by urban growth that destroys the vegetation used for perching, roosting, nesting, and feeding. Bird species capable of adapting to urban environments are the ones that ensure their permanence and success over other species with less adaptive capacity. Therefore, in the present study, the abundance and distribution of the Mexican Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus were obtained in two urban wetlands with different levels of urbanization and land-use policies. The point count method was used, and the behavior of the species, types of vegetation, urban infrastructure, and human activities were also recorded. The results showed that the lowest abundance occurred in the wetland that was the most urbanized, with a land-use policy for urban development, intensive recreational use, and a preference for street lighting and sidewalks. In contrast, the highest abundance was found in the wetland with a land-use policy focused on protection, showing habitat preference for areas with trees and guided visit activities for environmental education. It can therefore be concluded that this species develops better in less urbanized environments with abundant trees.

Artificial water bodies located within urban areas play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, as they act as remnants of the original ecosystems and provide alternative habitats for aquatic birds.

This study was conducted in an artificial lake located within the city of Xalapa, Mexico, known as “Lago USBI”. Data collection was carried out using the fixed-radius point count method, recording all aquatic bird individuals observed within a 20-meter radius for 10-minute intervals. Bird identification was performed using specialized field guides, and weekly observations were conducted from February to April 2024. The relative abundance of each species was calculated, and its conservation status was classified according to the categories of the IUCN Red List.

A total of five heron species (Ardeidae) were identified, all categorized as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. The recorded species and their respective relative abundance values were as follows: Butorides virescens (78%), Ardea alba (11%), Egretta thula (5%), Ardea herodias (4%), and Nyctanassa violacea (2%).

Although the lake “Lago USBI” is an artificial habitat, it hosts 31% of the heron species reported for Mexico. Despite all being listed as “Least Concern,” these species warrant attention in environmental conservation studies, as they are often ecologically associated with other key species, thus providing indirect protection.

The findings of this study highlight the ecological importance of artificial water bodies as alternative habitats for species in urban environments. Consequently, this research underscores the potential of such habitats as valuable sites for future studies on urban ecology and heron community dynamics.

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a pervasive environmental pollutant of global concern due to their persistence, small size, and ability to disperse across ecosystems. While research on MPs has advanced considerably in aquatic environments, terrestrial systems—and especially wild mammal species—remain largely understudied. This systematic review compiles and analyzes 19 studies published between 2021 and mid-2025 that investigated the occurrence of MPs in the feces of wild terrestrial mammals. For each study, data were extracted on host species, geographic location, sampling effort, quantification metrics, and laboratory methodologies. Current evidence reveals strong geographic biases, with most studies concentrated in a few countries, while entire regions such as Central America, Africa, and Australia, as well as subregions like Central Asia and the Middle East, remain unrepresented. MPs were detected in 41 mammal species from 12 taxonomic orders, though both taxonomic and spatial coverage remain limited. Analytical procedures commonly included drying at ≥40 °C, sieving, and chemical digestion, with microscopy as the predominant identification technique. Hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and potassium hydroxide were the most widely used reagents. Quantification metrics varied markedly among studies, hindering comparability. As this research field continues to expand, developing standardized, transparent, and reproducible protocols will be essential to generate reliable and policy-relevant data on terrestrial MP contamination.

The White mulberry (Morus alba L.), also known as "Toot" in Arabic, is a member of the Moraceae family. The leaves of the white mulberry, which is widely grown all over the world, are the main food source for silkworms. It is cultivated for its fruit in North African nations, and it is also eaten as a vegetable in some European countries. The leaves are used to make tea and powdered juice in Japan. The plant's fruits, leaves, roots, branches, and bark are all used in traditional medical systems, for their potential to promote health and provide antioxidants.

White mulberry is abundant in bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavanols, anthocyanins, as well as essential macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and aromatic volatile compounds. These naturally occurring substances exhibit potent biological activity and provide notable pharmacological benefits in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.

This work characterised and assessed phenotypic variation within this species. Forty-four qualitative and quantitative morphological characters pertaining to the tree, flowers, and fruit were evaluated across thirteen natural accessions sampled throughout its native Moroccan range. Significant intraspecific phenotypic variability was indicated by the analysis of variance, which showed significant variations between accessions for most characteristics. Moreover, the principal component analysis allowed for the classification of M. alba accessions into three distinct morphological categories. These observations reveal a great phenotypic diversity among the natural specimens of this species in Morocco. The study highlighted the phenotypic diversity that could serve as an attractive approach to consider the valorisation of this species in Morocco.

Malaria remains a global health crisis, primarily driven by drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains, necessitating the urgent discovery of novel and safe antimalarial agents. The aim of this study was to identify potent inhibitors against four essential P. falciparum enzymes: PfCullin-2, PfNADP-IDH, PfPKG, and PfAMA1. This study employed a structure-based in silico approach, combining molecular docking, drug-likeness and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) analyses, to screen phytochemicals from Dioclea reflexa. Molecular docking results identified three potent lead compounds with high binding affinities (ΔG) often surpassing or equaling standard antimalarial drugs. The most potent hit was the phytosterol β-Sitosterol which showed a maximum affinity of −10.7 kcal/mol against PfCullin-2, exceeding the affinity of the control drug Atovaquone (−10.4 kcal/mol). Moreover, Lupeol (triterpenoid) was a dual inhibitor, demonstrating significantly superior binding to PfNADP-IDH (−9.6 kcal/mol) and PfAMA1 (−8.4 kcal/mol) compared to Primaquine (−5.7 and −6.6 kcal/mol, respectively). The flavonoid 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone exhibited a docking score of −8.9 kcal/mol against PfPKG, comparable to the reference drug Artemisinin (−9.2 kcal/mol). Pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed a trade-off between potency and drug-likeness. While β-Sitosterol and Lupeol are the most potent binders against the malaria target receptors, their high lipophilicity resulted in one Lipinski violation and predicted poor aqueous solubility. In contrast, 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone showed zero Lipinski violations and good solubility, establishing it as the most drug-like candidate. Toxicity screening predicted all three compounds to be inactive for major risks including hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. However, β-Sitosterol and Lupeol were flagged for neurotoxicity, while 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone was flagged for nephrotoxicity.

Background:

Current vaccination and therapeutic strategies have not effectively controlled pneumonic cases in sheep. A better understanding of the nature, pathology, and etiological factors of ovine pneumonia is essential for improved prevention and management, particularly in Nigeria.

Methods:

A total of 828 sheep from different regions of Nigeria were evaluated ante- and post-mortem for pulmonary consolidation in relation to breed, age, sex, clinical signs, and body condition. Lung samples were examined using histopathology, bacterial culture, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) cytopathology. Paraffin-embedded tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically for viral antigens—Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—and bacterial antigens—Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh), Pasteurella multocida (Pm), and Mycoplasma mycoides var. capri (Mmvc). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α = 0.05.

Results:

Pneumonia occurred in 56% of sheep, with higher susceptibility in Yankasa breed (38%) and females (39.5%). Histopathological patterns included interstitial (24%), bronchointerstitial (18%), bronchopneumonia (12%), and granulomatous pneumonia (2%). BALf showed elevated neutrophils, lymphocytes, and macrophages in pneumonic lungs. The predominant bacterial isolates were E. coli, Mh, and Pm. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong viral antigen staining in bronchointerstitial pneumonia and bacterial antigen in bronchopneumonia. Co-infections were frequent, particularly PPRV with Mh (63%).

Conclusion:

Pneumonia is common among young and Yankasa sheep in Nigeria, with PPRV and RSV as key viral agents, often complicated by M. haemolytica. Effective control may require a multivalent vaccine incorporating these pathogens.

Background:

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and economically important viral disease of sheep and goats, posing a major threat to livestock production and food security in developing regions. While pulmonary and systemic manifestations of PPR virus (PPRV) infection are well documented, the intestinal pathology remains poorly described.

Methods:

Twenty-one small ruminants (15 goats and 6 sheep) of varying ages were examined for clinical signs, gross lesions, and intestinal pathology. Intestinal samples were processed for histopathology, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry to detect PPRV antigen and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and NF-κB). Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially at α = 0.05.

Results:

Most affected animals (85.7%) were ≤1 year old. Sheep exhibited more severe gastrointestinal signs (89%) than goats (63%), while goats showed greater systemic and respiratory involvement (91%). Intestinal lesions such as button ulcers and zebra stripes were more frequent in sheep (77%) than goats (59%). Histopathology revealed variable villous atrophy, stunting, matting, clubbing, forking, and necrosis, with sloughing of enterocytes and cryptal cell necrosis. Some cases showed cryptal hyperplasia and submucosal lymphocytic infiltration, suggestive of early infection. Notably, mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue hyperplasia and cytokine (IL-1, NF-κB) expression were more pronounced in goats. PPRV antigens were strongly immunolocalized in both enterocytes and cryptal cells, confirming viral replication in intestinal tissues.

Conclusion:

PPRV infection produces significant enteric pathology in small ruminants. Goats exhibit stronger mucosal and cytokine responses than sheep, indicating species-specific differences in intestinal pathogenesis and immune modulation.