Search Results (765)

In Brazil, Plasmodium infections in non-human primates (NHPs) have been associated with P. simium and P. brasilianum, which are morphologically and genetically similar to the human-infecting species P. vivax and P. malariae, respectively. Surveillance and monitoring of wild NHPs are crucial for understanding the distribution of these parasites and assessing the risk of zoonotic transmission. This study aimed to detect the presence of Plasmodium spp. genetic material in Platyrrhini primates from 47 municipalities in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais. The animals were captured using Tomahawk-type live traps baited with fruit or immobilized with tranquilizer darts. Free-ranging individuals were chemically restrained via inhalation anesthesia using VetBag^® or intramuscular anesthesia injection. Blood samples were collected from the femoral vein. A total of 298 blood and tissue samples were collected from 10 primate species across five genera: Alouatta caraya (25), Alouatta guariba clamitans (1), Callicebus melanochir (1), Callithrix geoffroyi (28), Callithrix jacchus (4), Callithrix kuhlii (31), Callithrix penicillata (175), Callithrix spp. hybrids (15), Leontopithecus chrysomelas (16), Sapajus robustus (1), and Sapajus xanthosthernos (1). Molecular diagnosis was performed using a nested PCR targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S SSU rRNA) gene, followed by sequencing. Of the 298 samples analyzed, only one (0.3%) from Bahia tested positive for Plasmodium brasilianum/P. malariae. This represents the first detection of this parasite in a free-living C. geoffroyi in Brazil. These findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance of Plasmodium infections in NHPs to identify regions at risk for zoonotic transmission. Full article

The innate immune response is an important defense against invading pathogens. Stimulator of interferon gene (STING) plays an important role in the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-mediated activation of type I IFN responses. However, some viruses have evolved the ability to inhibit the function of STING and evade the host antiviral defenses. Understanding both the mechanism of action and the viruses targets of STING effector is important because of their importance to evade the host antiviral defenses. In this study, the STING (IpSTING) of Ictalurus punctatus was first identified and characterized. Subsequently, the yeast two-hybrid system (Y2HS) was used to screen for proteins from channel catfish virus (CCV, Ictalurid herpesvirus 1) that interact with IpSTING. The ORFs of the CCV were cloned into the pGBKT7 vector and expressed in the AH109 yeast strain. The bait protein expression was validated by autoactivation, and toxicity investigation compared with control (AH109 yeast strain transformed with empty pGBKT7 and pGADT7 vector). Two positive candidate proteins, ORF41 and ORF65, were identified through Y2HS screening as interacting with IpSTING. Their interactions were further validated using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). This represented the first identification of interactions between IpSTING and the CCV proteins ORF41 and ORF65. The data advanced our understanding of the functions of ORF41 and ORF65 and suggested that they might contribute to the evasion of host antiviral defenses. However, the interaction mechanism between IpSTING, and CCV proteins ORF41 and ORF65 still needs to be further explored. Full article

In the forest ecosystems of Central European Russia, the influence of forest edges on the spatial distribution of Drosophilidae was studied for the first time. The research was conducted during the period of 2021–2022 in the Republic of Mordovia. Beer traps baited with fermented beer and sugar were used to collect Drosophilidae. Two study plots were selected, differing in their forest edges, tree stands, and adjacent open ecosystems. In both cases, the forest directly bordered an open ecosystem. Edges serve as transitional biotopes, where both forest and meadow (open area) faunas coexist. Knowing that many drosophilid species prefer forest habitats, we designated forest interior sites as control points. Traps were set at heights of 1.5 m (lower) and 7.5 m (upper) on trees. A total of 936 specimens representing 27 species were collected. Nine species were common across all traps, while ten species were recorded only once. At the forest edges, 23 species were captured across both heights, compared to 19 species in the forest interiors. However, the total abundance at the forest edges was 370 specimens, while it was 1.5 times higher in the forest interiors. Both abundance and species richness varied between plots. Margalef’s index was higher at the forest edges than in the forest interiors, particularly at 1.5 m height at the edge and at 7.5 m height in the forest interior. Shannon and Simpson indices showed minimal variation across traps at different horizontal and vertical positions. The highest species diversity was observed among xylosaprobionts (9 species) and mycetophages (8 species). All ecological groups were represented at the forest edges, whereas only four groups were recorded in the forest interiors, with the phytosaprophagous species Scaptomyza pallida being absent. In general, both species richness and drosophilid abundance increased in the lower strata, both at the forest edge and within the interior. Using the R package Indicspecies, we identified Gitona distigma as an indicator species for the forest edge and Scaptodrosophila rufifrons as an indicator for the forest interior in the lower tier for both plots. In addition, Drosophila testacea, D. phalerata, and Phortica semivirgo were found to be indicator species for the lower tier in both plots, while Leucophenga quinquemaculata was identified as an indicator species for the upper tier at the second plot. Full article

This study assessed the host plant selection behavior of female stalk-eyed flies (SEFs) or Diopsis apicalis, where a Y-tube olfactometer was used to compare SEF attraction to the odor of leaves from four rice varieties (ITA306, WAB56-104, CG14, and RAM55). Another step of the evaluation consisted of pairing leaf odors from two rice varieties. Also, potted plants of the tested varieties were displayed in a screened cage and submitted to female SEF selection. The results indicated that the odor produced by leaves from rice varieties CG14, WAB56-104, and ITA306 significantly attracted SEFs, at rates of 81%, 70%, and 97%, respectively, while SEF females were rarely attracted by the odor of leaves from the resistant rice variety RAM55, at a rate of 35%. The results suggested that the use of a Y-tube olfactometer was similar to the use of a screened cage. The resistance exhibited by rice variety CG14 against SEFs is related to an antibiosis interaction acting as bait, while that in RAM55 is an antixenosis one. Farmers can plant the traditional CG14 variety on the edge of rice fields to draw SEFs and poison their larvae. However, RAM55 can be inserted in an intercropping system to repel SEFs from laying eggs. The authors recommend CG14 and RAM55 as candidates for breeding to create resistant lines against SEF. Full article

The transition from live bait (LF) feeding to compound feed (CF) feeding in aquaculture is of great production significance. In recent decades, cultivation with CF has become a focus for practitioners and researchers dealing with Siniperca chuatsi. This study focused on experimental subjects of S. chuatsi fed with CF and LF, using short-distance transportation as a stimulating factor. For the first time, the differences between S. chuatsi fed with CF and LF were analyzed from the perspective of stress response during transportation. This study found that after transportation stimulation, the activities of LZM and the contents of MDA, TGs, and glucose in the brain, liver, kidneys, muscles, stomach, pyloric caecum, intestines, and blood of S. chuatsi fed with CF were higher compared to S. chuatsi fed with LF (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the impacts of various diets on the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the intestine. In summary, this study found that S. chuatsi fed with CF could retain more energy after transport stimulation and exhibited stronger resistance to microbial stress, but they had a weaker antioxidant capacity. Therefore, in future research on CF for S. chuatsi, we need to focus on its ability to enhance antioxidant capacity. Full article

Forests in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. have been profoundly affected by human use over the last 150 years, with few old growth forests remaining. Such mature forests may harbor distinct communities and high biodiversity, particularly detritivores and their associated food webs. These communities, however, have been surveyed only rarely in comparisons of diversity and community composition between old and young forests. Here, we compare the mycophilous beetle communities of young and old deciduous forest stands in Southwestern Ohio (U.S.A.). We assess how the abundance and diversity of beetles associated with fungal sporocarps varies with forest age, downed woody debris, and invasive honeysuckle density. We surveyed fungus-associated beetles with baited traps at eight wooded parklands centered around Dayton, Ohio, conducting sampling three times over a growing season. In contrast to expectation, we found no clear effect of forest age on mycophilous beetle communities, but infestation by invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) negatively affected beetle abundance and diversity. Beetle abundance, richness, and community composition also strongly varied across seasonal sampling periods. Our surveys of mycophilous beetles in a Midwestern U.S. forest represent an initial step toward understanding how these communities are shaped by forest age and invasive species. Such information is crucial in managing forests to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Full article

Drosophilidae is a relatively small family within Diptera. However, species of this family occupy a wide range of ecological niches and are frequently found in synanthropic habitats. Additionally, some species are known agricultural pests. The dataset is based on collections of Drosophilidae from eleven regions of Russia. The dataset was uploaded to the GBIF platform in 2024. Published sources specifying exact localities and collection dates were also used. The database includes records dating back to 1867, with the majority of specimens collected by the authors between 2001 and 2024. Collection methods included net sweeping and bait trapping. The dataset contains 2830 occurrence records, with a total of 51,006 specimens of Drosophilidae studied. It includes data on 108 species from two subfamilies, covering 49 regions of Russia. Considering additional published sources, 188 species of Drosophilidae are currently known from Russia, with a complete species list provided. Among the most abundant species in the dataset, 10 species are represented by more than 1000 specimens: Drosophila obscura, Scaptodrosophila rufifrons, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila phalerata, Drosophila transversa, Drosophila kuntzei, Drosophila histrio, Drosophila testacea, Phortica semivirgo, and Drosophila immigrans. Conversely, 39 species are represented by fewer than 10 specimens in the dataset. Regarding ecological groupings, the most dominant groups are xylosaprobionts (39 species, 40.6%) and mycophages (30 species, 31.3%). Notably, in 2017, the quarantine pest Drosophila suzukii was detected in the European part of Russia. The current knowledge of the Drosophilidae fauna in Russia remains insufficient. Of the 15 regions, only one or two localities are represented in the dataset. The distribution limits and range boundaries of many species remain unknown. Moreover, the local faunas of more than half of Russia’s regions remain unexplored. Full article

Although biofloc technology (BFT) currently offers advantages such as improving aquaculture water quality, providing natural bait for cultured animals, and reducing pests and diseases, single BFT systems face technical bottlenecks, including the complex regulation of the carbon–nitrogen ratio, accumulation of suspended substances, and acidification of the bottom sludge. Therefore, constructing a composite system with complementary functions through technology integration, such as with aquaponics, biofilm technology, integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems (IMTAs), and recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs), has become the key path to breaking through industrialization barriers. This paper systematically reviews the action mechanisms, synergistic effects, and challenges of the four mainstream integration models incorporating BFT, providing theoretical support for the environmental–economic balance of intensive aquaculture. Full article

Since its introduction into the USA, the spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) has spread across the landscape relatively unchecked. With a wide host range, it is considered a serious pest of native forest species, as well as agricultural crops. Circle traps placed on Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae) are passive traps collecting SLF as they walk up and down the tree trunk. These traps are successful at detecting new populations of SLF, but this can be challenging to implement at a large scale due to costs and host availability. To improve and facilitate SLF trapping practices, we investigated three key trapping components: improved collection containers, placement on alternative hosts, and lure (methyl salicylate) impact. In initial trials comparing collection jars to removable plastic bags, the adult SLF catch was four times higher using the bag design. In a multi-state survey at varying population densities, the bag traps were comparable to the jar traps but were significantly more effective than BugBarrier^® tree bands, especially during the adult stage. Catch and detection in circle traps placed on alternative hosts, Acer spp. L. (Sapindales: Sapindalaceae) and Juglans nigra L. (Fagales: Juglandaceae), were comparable to those placed on the preferred host A. altissima, especially in the earlier life stages. Additionally, detection rates of methyl salicylate-baited traps on all three hosts were comparable to those on non-baited traps. These results suggest that circle traps fitted with bags provide higher trap catch and an improvement in sample quality. In addition, circle traps were equally effective when placed on maple and black walnut, while methyl salicylate lures do not enhance trap catch or detection. Full article

Spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby)) is a major cause of spruce (Picea spp.) mortality in western North America. We synthesized the literature on the chemical ecology of spruce beetle, focusing on efforts to reduce host tree losses. This literature dates back to the mid-20th century and focuses on spruce beetle populations in Alaska, U.S., western Canada, and the central and southern Rocky Mountains, U.S. Spruce beetle aggregation pheromone components include frontalin (1,5-dimethyl-6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane), seudenol (3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol), MCOL (1-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol), and verbenene (4-methylene-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene). The attraction of spruce beetle to one aggregation pheromone component is enhanced by the co-release of other aggregation pheromones and host compounds (e.g., α-pinene). Several baits that attract spruce beetles are commercially available and are used for survey and detection, population suppression, snag creation, and experimental purposes. The antiaggregation pheromone is MCH (3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one), which has been evaluated for reducing colonization of felled spruce since the 1970s. Beginning in the early 2000s, MCH has been evaluated for protecting live, standing spruce from colonization by and mortality attributed to spruce beetle. With a few exceptions, significant reductions in levels of spruce beetle colonization and/or spruce mortality were reported. More recent efforts have combined MCH with other repellents (e.g., nonhost compounds) in hope of increasing levels of tree protection. Today, several formulations of MCH are registered for tree protection purposes in the U.S. and Canada. Full article

Autoantibodies targeting cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase 1A (cN1A) are found in several autoimmune diseases, including inclusion body myositis (IBM), Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. While they have diagnostic relevance for IBM, little is known about the autoreactive B cells that produce these antibodies. To address this, we developed a robust protocol for the expression and site-specific biotinylation of recombinant human cN1A in Escherichia coli. The resulting antigen is suitable for generating double-labelled fluorescent baits for the isolation and characterisation of cN1A-specific B cells by flow cytometry. Site-specific biotinylation was achieved using the AviTag and BirA ligase, preserving the protein’s structure and immunoreactivity. Western blot analysis confirmed that the biotinylated cN1A was recognised by both human and rabbit anti-cN1A antibodies. Compared to conventional chemical biotinylation, this strategy minimises structural alterations that may affect antigen recognition. This approach provides a reliable method for producing biotinylated antigens for use in immunological assays. While demonstrated here for cN1A, the protocol can be adapted for other autoantigens to support studies of antigen-specific B cells in autoimmune diseases. Full article

Excessive bait wastage is a major issue in aquaculture, leading to higher farming costs, economic losses, and water pollution caused by bacterial growth from unremoved residual bait. To address this problem, we propose a bait residue detection and counting model named YOLOv8-BaitScan, based on an improved YOLO architecture. The key innovations are as follows: (1) By incorporating the channel prior convolutional attention (CPCA) into the final layer of the backbone, the model efficiently extracts spatial relationships and dynamically allocates weights across the channel and spatial dimensions. (2) The minimum points distance intersection over union (MPDIoU) loss function improves the model’s localization accuracy for bait bounding boxes. (3) The structure of the Neck network is optimized by adding a tiny-target detection layer, which improves the recall rate for small, distant bait targets and significantly reduces the miss rate. (4) We design the lightweight detection head named Detect-Efficient, incorporating the GhostConv and C2f-GDC module into the network to effectively reduce the overall number of parameters and computational cost of the model. The experimental results show that YOLOv8-BaitScan achieves strong performance across key metrics: The recall rate increased from 60.8% to 94.4%, mAP@50 rose from 80.1% to 97.1%, and the model’s number of parameters and computational load were reduced by 55.7% and 54.3%, respectively. The model significantly improves the accuracy and real-time detection capabilities for underwater bait and is more suitable for real-world aquaculture applications, providing technical support to achieve both economic and ecological benefits. Full article

The control of gene expression by cis-regulatory DNA sequences is a conserved genomic feature. The maize booster1 gene (b1) is a naturally occurring locus that serves as a mechanistic model for the control of gene expression from a distal cis element and a form of allelic interactions called paramutation. Two epi-alleles of b1 produce distinct pigmentation phenotypes correlated with transcriptional enhancement and the silencing of b1. These transcriptional dynamics depend on a hepta-tandem repeat sequence located 100 kb upstream of the b1 locus. In the heterozygous condition, the B′ epi-allele paramutates B-I, heritably converting the B-I epi-allele to the epigenetic state and expression level of B′, producing lightly pigmented plants. To identify b1TR-associated proteins, we used a targeted chromatin immunoprecipitation approach with a stably integrated transgenic b1TR locus. Applying a conservative filtering strategy, we detected several expected factors, including RNA Polymerase II, as well as the novel putative DNA-binding proteins ZAG4 and DDT4. ZAG4 and DDT4 activated GAL expression using b1TR as bait in yeast one-hybrid, supporting their potential interaction with this sequence. The identification of proteins uniquely associated with the UAS::b1TR chromatin provides insight into potential b1 regulatory factors and offers a foundation for future studies to investigate their roles in gene regulation. Full article

A possible tactic to survey and control Pine Wilt Disease is the use of semiochemical-baited traps to capture the insect-vector, the pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The most common chemical lure used is the Galloprotect Pack, which includes the aggregation pheromone ([2-undecyloxy] ethanol), a host monoterpene (α-pinene), and bark-beetle pheromones (ipsenol and 2-methyl-3-buten-1-ol). This lure also attracts non-target species, including bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) that use ipsenol (Ips sexdentatus (Boerner)) and 2-methyl-3-buten-1-ol (Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston)) as pheromones, but also large numbers of their natural enemies, Temnoscheila caerulea (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae), Aulonium ruficorne (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Colydiidae), and Thanasimus formicarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), and other saproxylic insects (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). These catches cause a decrease in biodiversity of the forest insect communities, and the removal of predatory insects may favour bark beetle outbreaks. Thus, our project objective was to test trap modifications to try to reduce catches of non-target insects. Modifying the multifunnel trap’s collection cup by placing a 0.5 cm mesh in the drainage hole allowed the escape of all predator beetles (Cleridae, Trogossitidae, Colydiidae, and Histeridae) in 2020, and retained only two Trogossitidae in 2021, against 249 specimens caught in the non-modified collection cup. This simple modification thus allowed the escape of almost all predators, while maintaining the traps’ efficiency at catching the target species, M. galloprovincialis. Full article

Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a key pest of olive groves. Adult monitoring is carried out by means of attractant traps of different shapes, which give relevant information for pest control such as the presence of adult flies in the field and their trend, female maturity and sex ratio. However, it is still not entirely clear whether a given density is sufficient for providing a reliable representation of flies in an olive grove. To investigate this question, an experiment was planned, consisting of arranging a high-density network of unbaited sticky panels (UTs) between panels baited with ammonium carbonate (BTs) deployed at a density of 2 traps/ha. The experiment was carried out in Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain and Tunisia. The percentage of BT over UT catches varied significantly among the different countries, with BTs ranging from 82% of catches in Italy to 27% in Greece. The Pearson correlation between BTs and UTs was significant under high captures but not significant at low densities. The index of aggregation showed an inverse relationship with baited catches. The distributions of males and females were nearly always positively spatially associated. According to the field data, BTs at the density of 2/ha provide a realistic estimate of the population in the field in the cases of established populations. However, in the periods without population establishment, a denser monitoring trap network is likely required to obtain a reliable estimation of the field population. Full article