What is the fruit fly?5 answersThe fruit fly, scientifically known as Drosophila melanogaster, is a widely studied model organism due to its genetic characteristics, nervous system, rapid reproduction, and cost-effectiveness. In addition to its role in biomedical research, fruit flies are also significant in agriculture, with various species identified in different regions like Ordu province in Turkey. Furthermore, new species like Dacimita curvifasciatus have been discovered in India, showcasing the diversity within the fruit fly family. In pest control, the sterile insect technique is employed to manage economically important pests like Anastrepha obliqua in Mexico, with research focusing on the impact of gut microorganisms on fly physiology and fitness. Overall, the fruit fly serves as a valuable tool in various fields, from genetics and neuroscience to agriculture and pest management.
What is sea cucumber?4 answersSea cucumbers are primitive marine animals that are widely distributed in various ocean habitats. They are significant nutritional food and are harvested for their economic value. Sea cucumbers are known for their healing properties and general well-being. They play important roles in the marine ecosystem, such as mineralization of sediments and nutrient cycling. Sea cucumbers have medicinal benefits and are used in traditional medicine. They contain fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, and their extracts have antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sea cucumbers are also associated with diverse microorganisms that produce bioactive natural products. The supply of sea cucumbers is declining due to overfishing, and aquaculture is needed to sustain their ecological, social, and economic benefits.
What is sciatica?4 answersSciatica is a chronic condition characterized by low back pain that radiates down to the sciatic nerve innervation area in the posterior thigh. It is a common type of pain affecting the sciatic nerve, causing tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg. The condition can be caused by compression or irritation of nerves in the lower back. There is a lack of consensus on diagnostic and treatment guidelines for sciatica, leading to different diagnostic methods and treatment options. The management and treatment of sciatica are still unclear, with ambiguous evidence on the use of painkillers, surgical interventions, and alternative options. The prevalence of low back pain is high worldwide, making it important to raise knowledge and awareness about sciatica in the health professional community and the general public.
What are the biological activities of Holothuria extracts?5 answersHolothuria extracts have shown various biological activities. Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS) extracted from sea cucumbers exhibits potential biological actions including inhibition of blood clotting and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota extracts have demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, making them a potential source for discovering new antibiotics. Holothuria scabra extracts have been found to have neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease, reducing Aβ deposition and improving neurological defects. Extracts from Holothuria parva have shown a stimulatory effect on enzyme activity and have the potential to be used as a novel supplementary medicine for decreasing intestinal glucose uptake in diabetic individuals. Sea cucumber Holothuria parva muscle protein hydrolysates have exhibited antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities, making them suitable for medical purposes.
Does the holothuria leucospiluta extract have anti fungal activity?5 answersHolothuria leucospilota extract has been found to have antifungal activity against various fungal strains such as A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. brasiliensis, and C. albicans. The antifungal activity was observed in aqueous-methanol, methanol, chloroform, and n-hexane extracts of the body wall, guts, and white strings of the sea cucumber. The body wall extract at a concentration of 2000 μg/ml showed inhibitory effects on the growth of all four fungal strains. The white string extract also exhibited inhibitory effects on A. niger, A. fumigatus, and A. brasiliensis at concentrations of 1000 to 2000 μg/ml, with the best inhibitory effect observed on A. flavus. However, the guts extract did not show any antifungal activity. Therefore, the holothuria leucospilota extract does have antifungal activity, particularly in the body wall and white strings of the sea cucumber.
What is scopus?5 answersScopus is not mentioned in any of the provided abstracts.