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Urban nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly promoted as tools to make cities healthier, more climate-resilient and more equitable, but most reviews still rely on observational studies of greener versus less green neighbourhoods. This scoping review examined implemented urban NBS and blue-green infrastructure (BGI) (such as parks, greenways, blue-green corridors, vegetated barriers and wetlands) that were evaluated using quantitative designs measuring either health outcomes or health-relevant environmental exposures. Findings were organised using the three-pathway model of Markevych et al. (2017): restoration, instoration or behavioural activation, and mitigation of environmental exposures. Primary studies with evaluative or quasi-experimental design were searched in PubMed, including randomized trials, controlled before-after, difference-in-differences, and controlled field measurement. Eleven studies were included, results were summarized narratively, and risk of bias was assessed qualitatively using design-specific domains. Evidence from recent field and quasi-experimental studies reveals three complementary pathways through which NBS influence health. First, structured exposure programs in urban forests and parks produced consistent improvements in stress, mood, anxiety and, in some cases, sleep. Second, landscape-scale interventions such as greenways, canal restorations and large new parks were associated with increases in walking and cycling, better perceived safety and, at city level, narrower mortality or childhood overweight gaps between areas. Third, NBS designed for environmental protection reduced heat, airborne pollutants and potentially pathogenic microbial loads, demonstrating a protective function. Τhese findings indicate that urban NBS can operate as active public-health infrastructure. However, the evidence base remains small, with limited long-term follow-up and few studies linking environmental change directly to clinical outcomes. Future work should integrate health monitoring into NBS design to support evidence-based urban policy. Limitations include restriction of the search to PubMed and the absence of direct clinical outcome measurement in four included studies.

Metallic pollution is an emerging and underappreciated stressor contributing to global bee declines, yet the evidence base remains fragmented across metals, taxa, endpoints, and geographic regions. Here, we provide the first hypothesis-driven scientometric synthesis of the global literature on metallic pollutants and bees. Using Web of Science records, we compiled 154 experimental and field-based studies and quantitatively tested five predictions regarding taxonomic, methodological, and thematic biases. Publication output increased sharply after 2013, with China, the United States, and Brazil leading research activity. Research effort was disproportionately concentrated on managed honey bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana), adult workers, and dietary exposure pathways, while larvae, wild bee taxa, and environmentally mediated exposures were less examined. Physiological, behavioural and mortality endpoints dominated the literature, whereas reproductive and microbiome impacts remained major blind spots. Adverse outcomes predominate across metals, although essential elements (Zn, Cu, Se) tended to produce less severe effects than non-essential toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg), this difference disappeared when exposure concentration and duration were considered. Experimental concentrations varied significantly among metals in food-based exposure studies, indicating substantial heterogeneity in dosing regimes across the literature. Multi-metal studies were not statistically underrepresented, although only a narrow subset of metal combinations has been repeatedly tested. Overall, this synthesis highlights strong structural biases in current knowledge production and identifies priorities for future research, including broader taxonomic coverage, inclusion of early life stages, standardised field-realistic exposures, and integration of chronic, sublethal, and multi-stressor scenarios. Expanding evidence toward more ecologically representative designs will be essential for robust risk assessment of metallic contamination in pollinator communities.

The rising global burden of cancer has intensified the search for novel anticancer agents derived from natural sources, with mushrooms emerging as a rich source of bioactive metabolites. This study provides the first comparative evaluation of the toxic A. bresadolanus and the edible A. hortensis in terms of their fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles and antiproliferative effects against human lung (A549) and colon (HT-29) carcinoma cell lines, alongside cytotoxicity toward normal 3T3 fibroblasts. GC–MS analysis revealed distinct lipid compositions between the two species, with A. hortensis exhibiting higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), whereas A. bresadolanus was enriched in sterol derivatives such as Δ7,22-ergostadienol. Both extracts inhibited cancer cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner; however, A. hortensis demonstrated greater selectivity, preserving higher fibroblast viability relative to A. bresadolanus. The observed correlation between unsaturated fatty acid content and selective cytotoxicity suggests that lipid composition may contribute to the antitumor potential of mushroom extracts, though further studies are needed to establish causality. These findings identify A. hortensis as a candidate for further investigation as a source of lipid-derived bioactive compounds in future in vivo studies and provide a biochemical basis for the rational selection of Agaricus species in nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.

Vertical stratification and climatic seasonality influence the structuring of butterfly communities in tropical forests. This study assessed how vertical stratification (canopy vs. understory) and seasonal variation affect fruit-feeding butterfly (Nymphalidae) assemblages in a Brazilian tropical dry forest (TDF), and how these patterns relate to climatic variables and food resource availability. Sampling was conducted monthly over one year in the northern Espinhaço Range, within the Caatinga domain. Twenty 25 × 4 m plots were established, each with two Van Someren-Rydon traps (understory at 1 m and canopy at ≥ 6 m). Monthly measurements included temperature, humidity, light, precipitation, and zoochoric fruit availability. We recorded 2,166 individuals from 51 species, with Biblidinae and Satyrini representing over 70% of the community. Hamadryas februa was dominant in the understory, while Biblis hyperia nectanabis prevailed in the canopy. Species composition differed between vertical strata, indicating niche partitioning likely driven by microclimatic variation. Temporal patterns also influenced diversity: species richness peaked during the hottest months, and abundance peaked in the driest month, about two months after the rainy season's peak. Subfamilies and tribes showed distinct seasonal peaks, suggesting temporal niche partitioning and reduced intergroup competition. Our findings highlight that vertical and seasonal gradients shape butterfly communities in TDFs. The high diversity and spatial-temporal dynamics observed emphasize the ecological value of the Caatinga and the need to consider vertical structure and seasonality in conservation strategies for TDFs, highly threatened and understudied ecosystems in Brazil.

Earprint biometrics has been proposed as a forensic identification method based on the distinctive morphology of the external human ear and the prints it may leave on surfaces during criminal activity. Since the late twentieth century, earprints have occasionally been introduced as evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings in several jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and the United States. Despite these applications, the scientific validity of earprint comparison remains contested. This article presents a narrative review of the forensic, anthropological, and legal literature on earprint identification. It examines the development of earprint research from early anthropometric approaches to contemporary digital and automated comparison techniques. Particular attention is given to the anatomical basis of ear morphology, the classification of earprints, and the methodological frameworks used in forensic comparison. The review also evaluates empirical studies addressing variability in earprint deposition, examiner subjectivity, and the absence of validated statistical models for assessing evidential strength. The medico-legal implications of earprint evidence are examined through analysis of forensic casework and appellate decisions in which earprint testimony played a significant role. These cases illustrate the risks associated with the premature adoption of forensic techniques lacking standardized protocols and empirically established error rates. The review concludes that although earprints may provide investigative information and potentially corroborative evidence, current scientific limitations prevent their reliable use as independent identification evidence. Future progress requires standardized international protocols, large-scale validation studies, probabilistic interpretation frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration between forensic scientists, statisticians, and legal scholars.

The Central-marginal hypothesis predicts that populations occurring at the periphery of a species' geographic distribution experience more adverse environmental conditions, resulting in reduced population density, lower fitness, and potential morphological changes. In insects, morphological traits are strongly associated with ecological performance and resource acquisition, making them useful indicators of how populations respond to environmental gradients. Here, we investigated whether populations of the ant Dinoponera quadriceps differ in activity density and morphofunctional traits between the center and edge of the species' geographic distribution along the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Brazil. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps in two sites approximately 610 km apart. Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to evaluate differences in activity density and trait variation between sites, and a Principal Component Analysis summarized multivariate body size variation. The activity density of D. quadriceps was -higher in the central population in the full dataset but this difference was not robust to the removal of a single outlier trap. A positive correlation between D. quadriceps activity density and richness of other ant species was observed in the full dataset but also disappeared after outlier exclusion. Individuals from the marginal population exhibited significantly smaller overall body size. Additionally, trait-specific differences emerged, with marginal individuals displaying larger cephalic index, longer femora, and larger eyes. These findings suggest that peripheral environments impose energetic constraints that reduce body size while favoring morphological adjustments that enhance locomotor and sensory efficiency, highlighting the importance of intraspecific functional variation in understanding species responses at geographic range limits.

How dead bodies decay is useful forensically. Necrophagous astigmatan mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) commonly attacking cadavers change from protein-seeking Type 1 surface feeding omnivores to interstitial Type 2 fragmentary feeding obligate fungivore / microbiovores as human body decomposition progresses after death. An analytical occlusive method shows that at each forensic decay stage the chelae of the astigmatans are designed to bite foodstuff differently. Fixed chelal digits are more ‘toothy’ than moveable digits in such sarcoptiform mites. Variation in fixed digit design is all about the size and pattern of peaks (‘peakiness’) for biting, while astigmatan moveable digit variation is mainly about the size and pattern of valleys (’gullet-ness’) for the ‘scooping’ of decaying material. Foodstuff caught on the moveable digit is thus masticated against the fixed digit like an ‘excavation-bucket’ machine used for handling aggregates in building construction. Lardoglyphus zacheri has a distinct chela suitable to slice flesh and grip myofibrils. Acarus siro through Sancassania berlesei to Tyrophagus putrescentiae show a cline in digit design from a dry material ‘demolition crusher’ with rough surface digits, through a wet chunk and slice feeder, to a specialist multifunctional saprophage. Sancassania berlesei is unlikely to actively burrow into flesh. Trophic niche width increases from stage 2 (bloated putrefaction) as soft food specialist species invade. Niche width markedly widens at stage 5 (mummified dry desiccated bones and remains), as incorporation into a soil with diverse saprophagous mites is coming to completion.

Cordyceps is a traditional medicinal fungus belonging to the species Ophiocordyceps sinensis. It grows in the alpine ecological zone of the Tibetan Plateau and exhibits dual characteristics of both insects and fungi. The primary species include Cordyceps sinensis and Cordyceps militaris. Rich in bioactive components such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, adenosine, and peptides, cordyceps demonstrates broad applications in immune regulation, anti-tumor activity, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection. Cordyceps sinensis and its components show great therapeutic potential in neurological diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease through multi-level and multi-target actions However, current research faces challenges including unclear mechanisms of action and insufficient clinical translation. In this review, we analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying cordyceps’ neuroprotective effects, including the regulating of apoptosis, improvement of mitochondrial function, and promoting of nerve repair. Utilizing network pharmacology, we explore the multi-targeted actions of cordyceps and predict the key pathways. Further we summarize the research progress in the integrated multi-omics analyses (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics), to reveal the synergistic roles of cordyceps components in treating neurological disorders and identify potential molecular biomarkers. Additionally, we highlight the findings from preclinical experiments and animal models on cordyceps-based drugs, discussing their advantages and challenges for clinical application. Future studies should prioritize systematic exploration of standardized drug development, advanced multi-omics integration, and rigorous clinical trials. This will provide a more robust scientific foundation and practical guidance for the treatment of neurological diseases with cordyceps.

Understanding the evolution of polymorphisms, such as colour polymorphisms, is a key aim in evolutionary biology. Accurate, objective description of the different colour variants is crucial to correctly explore colour polymorphisms, a task that can be hindered by the existence of cryptic morphs. Colour polymorphisms are common in many lizards, including lacertids (fam. Lacertidae). The common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, shows a complex colour polymorphism involving up to five discrete morphs that differ in their ventral coloration: white, yellow, and orange pure morphs, as well as white-orange and yellow-orange mosaic morphs. Here we report that colour polymorphism in this species is more complex than hitherto appreciated due to the presence of two different types of white coloration: one absorbing and another reflecting in the near ultraviolet (UV). Our results show that both colours are found in all populations although in different frequencies. Visual models indicate that both whites are likely to be perceived by the lizards as distinct colour categories. No equivalent cryptic colour variation was found among yellow or orange animals. However, the two whites are also present in white-orange mosaics. As both whites are present in different adult individuals from the same population, it seems more adequate to describe the ventral polymorphism of P. muralis as comprising not five, but seven morphs: UV-absorbing white (UV-white), UV-reflecting white (UV+white), yellow and orange pure morphs, as well as UV-white-orange, UV+white-orange, and yellow-orange mosaic morphs. Our results demonstrate that the two types of white are also found in other Podarcis species as well as in other lacertids, revealing that this phenomenon is not a derived character restricted to Podarcis. The existence of cryptic morphs highlights the impact of relying on anthropomorphic descriptions in studies of colour polymorphisms.

Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. is a widely distributed yet increasingly threatened multipurpose tree of tropical Asia with significant ethnomedicinal, nutritional, and ecological importance. Despite its recognized value, a comprehensive synthesis integrating recent advances in phytochemistry, propagation biology, and conservation genetics remains limited. This review compiles current knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, propagation strategies, and conservation status based on literature available up to March 2025. The species is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly pentacyclic triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and phenolics, which underpin its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and anticancer properties. However, most studies rely on crude extracts and short term assays, with limited mechanistic, pharmacokinetic, and long-term toxicological validation. Regeneration is constrained by low seed viability, recalcitrant seed behavior, and poor natural recruitment, while vegetative propagation methods show moderate success and emerging micropropagation approaches require further validation. Increasing anthropogenic pressures and habitat degradation have led to regional population declines, highlighting the need for comprehensive genetic, demographic, and conservation assessments. Future priorities include standardized phytochemical profiling, bioassay-guided isolation, rigorous toxicological evaluation, scalable propagation protocols, and population-level genetic studies to support sustainable utilization and long-term conservation.

Tigers are often targeted for their body parts, particularly bones, which are highly prized in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) market for their medicinal properties. Due to their high demand and dwindling tiger population, the illegal wildlife market has seen a rise in substitutes for tiger bone. Therefore, to support legal action and enforce regulations, verifying the authenticity of suspected tiger bone products is crucial. In the present study, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics were utilized to differentiate the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) bone samples. The ATR-FTIR bone spectra of both species were visually compared and subsequently subjected to chemometric analysis. Three chemometric tools, including PCA, SVM, and PLS-DA, were employed, which successfully differentiated the bone spectra of the two species with accuracies of 91.66%, 97.92%, and 100%, respectively. Cross-validation indicated that the PLS-DA model outperformed the SVM model, leading to further validation studies only carried out for the PLS-DA model. The external validation and blind testing of the PLS-DA model yielded 100% accuracy. Furthermore, the PLS-DA model successfully distinguished water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bone samples from those of the Royal Bengal Tiger and Indian Leopard, categorizing all three species into distinct classes with 100% accuracy. This study demonstrated a quick, reliable, and cost-effective method for differentiating the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, and water buffalo bones using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics, even in powder form without having any morphological characteristics.

Latania verschaffeltii Lem. (Arecaceae) remains chemically understudied, and investigating its secondary-metabolite profile may provide insights into biochemical diversity while identifying compounds with antimicrobial and antiviral potential. This study evaluated the antibacterial, antifungal, and anti–hepatitis A virus (HAV) activities of the methanolic extract and n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, along with catechin and (6 S,9 S)-roseoside isolated from L. verschaffeltii leaves. Ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions showed strong antibacterial activity (inhibition zones 17–44 mm), comparable to gentamicin (19–30 mm), while the methanolic extract was moderate (25–36 mm). Catechin and roseoside exhibited notable antibacterial potency (MICs 2.58–12.05 µM and 3.23–9.05 µM, respectively) and inhibited C. albicans (MICs 1.72 and 2.59 µM), matching or surpassing fluconazole (2.45 µM). Antifungal testing revealed strong activity of the methanolic extract and aqueous fraction against C. albicans (25 and 29 mm), however, no activity was recorded against A. niger. Antiviral testing against hepatitis A virus showed the n-hexane fraction and methanolic extract had the highest inhibition, with 75.49% and 66.95% at 62.5 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. Non-toxic concentrations ranged between 62.5 and 125 µg/mL. The molecular docking targeting DNA gyrase and HAV 3 C protease supported the inhibitory potential of catechin and roseoside. Overall, L. verschaffeltii represents a promising source of bioactive secondary metabolites with antimicrobial and antiviral potential, providing chemotaxonomic insight into this underexplored species.

Flight is a crucial locomotion strategy in insects, facilitating predator avoidance, foraging, and mating. However, when its energetic costs outweigh the benefits, flight capabilities can be lost secondarily. Flight loss has been studied in species exhibiting intraspecific polymorphisms, whereas both proximate and ultimate factors remain poorly understood in monomorphically flightless species. This study investigates the mechanisms of flight loss in Prosopocoilus hachijoensis, a flightless stag beetle, through comparison with flight-capable Prosopocoilus species. We hypothesized that flight muscle atrophy is a proximate factor, whereas reduced dependence on flight and increased reliance on terrestrial locomotion are the ultimate factors. We conducted field sampling in the Izu Islands, Japan, to examine morphological and behavioral traits related to both flight and walking. All species attempted flight, including the flightless P. hachijoensis. Wing reduction was observed in P. hachijoensis females and flight muscle atrophy was exclusive to this species. Allometric analyses revealed that P. hachijoensis exhibits reduced relative wing size compared with flight-capable congeners. While both male and female P. hachijoensis exhibited a smaller ratio of tarsal length to total leg length, the males’ walking speed did not differ from their congeners. In contrast, females of P. hachijoensis walked faster and showed a lower immobility frequency. We concluded that flight muscle atrophy is a proximate factor for flight loss in P. hachijoensis, and increased reliance on walking as locomotion may represent a potential ultimate factor underlying flight loss.

Leishmania parasites, which cause leishmaniasis-an extensive and growing public health concern in Pakistan-are only transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). This systematic literature review provides an overview of existing entomological surveillance conducted from 2015 to 2025, using rigorous biogeographical and ecological methodologies to describe patterns of species distributions, habitat associations and vector dynamics across Pakistan's diverse landscapes. Our synthesis of data from 73 studies shows that 32 species have been recorded from both the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera. Of these,&#xa0;Phlebotomus papatasi&#xa0;Scopoli and&#xa0;Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot represent successful hematophagous phlebotomine vectors with potential for significant biogeographical expansion due to human-induced landscape alterations or changes caused by climate change. There are clear deficits in the number of entomological studies available in Gilgit-Baltistan, Southern Punjab and Eastern Balochistan compared to the hyperendemic districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (&#x3c7;2&#x2009;=&#x2009;24.7, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Cryptic speciation of the Phlebotomus sergenti complex has been resolved via molecular phylogenetics, whereas ecological niche modelling suggests northward contractions under RCP climatic scenarios. The paper discusses important gaps in our understanding of the ecology of larval habitats, insecticide resistance monitoring, and thorough studies of vector incrimination beyond primary sites. We suggest that the biogeography of the sand fly vectors that transmit leishmaniasis in Pakistan is driven by their dynamic and climate-sensitive nature and, as such, should be a fundamental component of any strategy to control the disease. To this end, we propose a strategic framework that promotes an integrated and One Health-aligned national surveillance program to support evidence-based vector control and reduce the impact of disease using standardized molecular diagnostic tools, longitudinal monitoring techniques, and predictive spatial modelling.

In the desert areas with indigenous communities, they have a rich array of traditional knowledge regarding the usage of medicinal plants and this has become a major form of their primary health care practices. This broad ethnobotanical strategy in the desert ecosystems and the exploration revealed indigenous knowledge, sustainable resource use, and community well-being can be enhanced through the adoption of the traditions of healing. The data collection of the medicinal plants were conducted from Thal desert using semi-structured interviews, guided field interviews, direct observation, focus group discussions, and surveys, between spring and monsoon 2022.The analysis was done in terms of qualitative as well as quantitative indices; Use value (UV), Relative Frequency of citation (RFC) and Cultural Value Index (CVI). An extensive survey documented about 111 plant species of 26 families, of which Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae, were mostly represented, which were typical practices found in Thal desert. Among others, it is worth noting that Tribulus terrestris, Tecomella undulata, and Tamarix aphylla were the most commonly used plants. The most used part of plants was leaves and herbal preparation of traditional remedies mainly the raw, powder and paste application form. In the quantitative analysis, Ziziphus nummularia was found to have the highest RFC value (0.52), while Iphione grantioides had the least RFC value (0.05),The survey uses quantitative ethnobotanical measures, such as the UV, RFC and CVI importance indices to measure and record the indigenous knowledge in a systematic manner in the context of primary health care. Folk tradition in the primary health care practices with an ethnomedical approach to the Thal desert is not only an improved way of improving the well-being of the community, but also an indication of a need to use resources in a sustainable manner.

Mandevilla venulosa is an endemic species of rocky outcrops in high-altitude fields of the Serra da Pedra Branca, located in Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, within the Atlantic Forest phytogeographic domain. Secretory structures are common in Apocynaceae and may provide useful anatomical and taxonomic information. This study aimed to describe the anatomy and histochemistry of colleters and laticifers in M. venulosa. Fresh vegetative samples were collected and processed using standard microscopy techniques and subjected to histochemical tests. The colleters observed correspond to the standard type, composed of a central parenchymatic region surrounded by a uniseriate palisade secretory epidermis, with dense cytoplasm and a thin cuticle. During the secretory phase, they release a viscous and translucent fluid. The secretion contains polysaccharides, mucilage, pectins, and proteins, compounds associated with protection against desiccation and microbial activity. Articulated and anastomosing laticifers occur in all vegetative organs, forming early in development and producing latexes with organ-specific chemical compositions: a milky, hydrophobic latex in aerial parts (rich in lipids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenolics) and a yellow, hydrophilic latex in the tuberous root (containing polysaccharides, mucilage, proteins, and phenolics). Colleters are involved in protecting developing regions and preventing the desiccation of young organs. On the other hand, laticifers contribute to herbivory control due to their phenolic composition. This study contributes to the anatomical knowledge of secretory structures in Mandevilla. Notably, it provides the first evidence that latex composition may vary among different organs within the same species, highlighting the relevance of including subterranean structures in future studies to better understand latex diversity in the genus.

A defining feature of eusociality is the presence of a lifelong sterile caste, such as workers and soldiers, that forgo reproduction entirely. In many species, however, workers are not absolutely sterile but are instead functionally sterile&#x2014;they retain reproductive potential that can be expressed under certain conditions. Why this potential persists despite the evolutionary expectation of trait loss remains an open question. In this study, we present the first field-based evidence that worker-derived male reproductives, previously known only from laboratory observations, can successfully reproduce under natural conditions in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. A survey of 702 field colonies identified one colony containing only worker-derived kings. Microsatellite genotyping confirmed that these individuals reproduced via mother&#x2013;son mating (i.e., within-colony inbreeding), and the caste fate of their offspring matched the expected pattern for matings between worker-derived kings and nymph-derived queens. Importantly, no male nymphs&#x2014;the usual precursors of male reproductives&#x2014;were present in the colony. Further investigation revealed that 40% of surveyed colonies (6 out of 15) entirely lacked male nymphs, indicating that such conditions may occur with non-negligible frequency in the wild. These findings suggest that worker-derived males gain rare but functional reproductive opportunities when typical male reproductives are absent, thereby maintaining their reproductive capacity over evolutionary timescales. This study provides important insight into the mechanisms that preserve reproductive totipotency in eusocial workers and underscores the value of examining reproductive roles in natural contexts to better understand the evolution of permanent sterility and true superorganismality.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) has been extensively reported for its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing properties mediated through multiple biochemical pathways. This study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using fenugreek seed extract and the investigation of their antidiabetic activity through an integrated in vitro and in silico approach. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of secondary metabolites. The in vitro enzyme inhibition assays revealed promising suppression of digestive enzymes: &#x3b1;-amylase (88.72%) and &#x3b1;-glucosidase (91.02%) at 500&#xa0;&#xb5;g/mL, indicating a postprandial glucose-lowering capacity. UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak at 546&#xa0;nm while XRD and FTIR analyses respectively confirmed the crystalline nature and the functional group that were involved in CuNP stabilization. Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies showed significant interactions between the CuNP-ligand conjugates and the diabetes-associated target genes. Moreover, ADMET analysis of the ligands, thymol and anthranilic acid, indicated good oral bioavailability. Overall, the findings demonstrate in vitro antidiabetic activity, while the proposed molecular targets and pathways derived from the network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses were employed as computational, hypotheses-generating approaches and the mechanisms have not been experimentally validated. This integrated phyto-nanoparticle strategy represents a promising cost-effective and sustainable nanotherapeutic approach for diabetes management.

Junipers are a vital component of the montane ecosystems in the Hindu Kush, and their regeneration and healthy recruitment are critical for the long-term sustainability of these woodlands. However, the current regeneration status and the environmental and socio-ecological drivers shaping it remain insufficiently investigated. We assessed the natural regeneration of junipers from 30 stands (300 plots) and examined the environmental factors, disturbance gradients, and stand structural attributes that influence their patterns. Cluster analysis identified three distinct community types (hereafter C-I to C-III); each represents various regeneration dynamics and disturbance levels. Overall, regeneration was poor (seedling density&#x2009;<&#x2009;46&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;4.54 individuals ha&#x2212;&#x2009;1) and significantly declined with disturbance intensity (R&#xb2;= 0.39; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Importantly, regeneration varied among the communities, with significantly higher seedlings and saplings recorded in C-I (least disturbed) compared to C-II and C-III (moderately and highly disturbed, respectively) (p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). Redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that regeneration was positively associated with soil clay, phosphorus, potassium, water availability, saturation, and field capacity, with a moderate impact from structural attributes. However, elevation, sand, and bulk density were negative drivers. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that topography exerted a strong negative (PC= -0.87), while soil factors had a strong positive effects (PC&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.49) on regeneration, with climate showing a minimal effect. Our findings suggest that these woodlands exhibit considerably low regeneration, highlighting the urgent need for management interventions. Efforts should focus on improving soil conditions and addressing topography-related limitations, while controlling human-induced disturbances such as deforestation to maintain healthy woodland dynamics.