The natural populations of Dactylorhiza hatagirea have been greatly affected due to incessant exploitation. As such, studies on its population attributes together with habitat suitability and environmental factors affecting its distribution are needed to be undertaken for its conservation in nature. Present study aimed at accessing an impact of anthropogenic pressure on population structure and locate suitable habitats for the conservation of this critically endangered orchid. Considerable changes in the phytosociological attributes were observed on account of the changing magnitude and extent of anthropogenic threat in their natural abode. The distribution pattern of species indicated that more than 90% of the populations exhibit substantially aggregated spatial distribution. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) distribution modelling algorithm was used to predict suitable habitat and potential area for its cultivation and reintroduction. Twenty-seven occurrence records, nineteen bioclimatic variables, altitude, and slope were used. MaxEnt map output gave the habitat suitability for this species and predicted its distribution in the North-Western Himalayas of India for approximately 616 km2. Jackknifing indicated that maximum temperature of warmest month, annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the driest quarter, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter were the governing factors for its distribution and hence, presented a higher gain with respect to other variables. According to permutation importance, precipitation seasonality and mean temperature of wettest quarter shows the prominent impact on the habitat distribution. Results of AUC (area under curve) were statistically significant (0.940) and the line of predicted omission falls very close to an omission on training samples, validating a better run of the model. Response curves revealed a probable increase in the occurrence of D. hatagirea with an increase in mean temperature of the wettest quarter and maximum temperature of the warmest month contributed more than 50% to predicted habitat suitability. Direct field observations concurrent with predicted habitat suitability and google-earth images represent greater model thresholds for successful inception of the species. Together, the study proposes that the species can be conserved in or near its present-day natural habitats and is equally effective in determining the possible habitats for its cultivation and reintroduction.
Neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by progressive neuronal loss and cognitive impairments, pose a significant global health challenge. This study explores the potential of nanotherapeutics as a promising approach to enhance drug delivery across physiological barriers, particularly the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B-CSFB). By employing nanoparticles, this research aims to address critical challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. The multifactorial nature of these disorders necessitates innovative solutions that leverage nanomedicine to improve drug solubility, circulation time, and targeted delivery while minimizing off-target effects. The findings underscore the importance of advancing nanomedicine applications to develop effective therapeutic strategies that can alleviate the burden of neurodegenerative diseases on individuals and healthcare systems.
27 September 2023 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
The microbiota-brain interaction is a complex network connecting gut microbiota to the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the central nervous system (CNS) that are crucial for neurotransmission and neurological health. Metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), neurotransmitters, and neuromodulators from the gut microbiota influence behavior and brain function. This review focuses on the study related with gut bacteria, including Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus species, producing various metabolites in gut including bile acids, SCFA, histamine, and others to communicate with the brain or CNS. Dysbiosis can lead to neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, PD, and AD. SCFAs from gut bacteria bind to the free fatty acid receptors of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), affecting neurones and influencing neuroactivity. Gut bacteria also produce neurotransmitters that regulate growth hormone release through interactions with the CNS and endocrine systems. Brain signals interact directly with the pituitary and adrenal glands through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which in turn communicates with enteroendocrine cells (EECs). Investigating probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes could open new avenues for treatment for mental and neurological problems.