Search Results (1,690)

Glanders is a highly contagious and often fatal zoonotic disease of equids caused by Burkholderia mallei, a pathogen of significant concern due to its potential for bioterrorism. In Brazil, glanders remains endemic, particularly among working equids in the Northeast region. Diagnostic confirmation typically involves serology, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), although false-negative PCR results have been increasingly reported. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and analytical sensitivity of four B. mallei-specific PCR primer sets using samples from 30 seropositive equids. Microbiological cultures were obtained from various organs and swabs, followed by PCR targeting four genomic regions: fliP-IS407A(a), fliP-IS407A(b), Burk457, and Bm17. All animals were confirmed positive for B. mallei via culture, but PCR detection rates varied significantly across primer sets. The fliP-IS407A(b) primer set showed the highest sensitivity, detecting 86% of samples, while the WOAH-recommended fliP-IS407A(a) set had the lowest performance (13.4%). Analytical sensitivity assays confirmed that fliP-IS407A(b) and Bm17 primers detected DNA concentrations as low as 0.007 ng, outperforming the others. These findings suggest that certain widely used primer sets may lack sufficient sensitivity for reliable detection of B. mallei, especially in chronically infected animals with low bacterial loads. The study underscores the need for ongoing validation of molecular diagnostics to improve the detection and control of glanders in endemic regions. Full article

Cholesterol accumulation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet changes in cholesterol homeostasis in MASLD remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to examine alterations in cholesterol synthesis and absorption by measuring plasma levels of endogenous cholesterol precursors (as markers of synthesis) and phytosterols (as indicators of absorption). A total of 124 MASLD patients and 43 healthy individuals were included. Our results showed higher plasma concentrations of lathosterol in the MASLD group (p = 0.006), in parallel with comparable concentrations of desmosterol (p = 0.472) and all analyzed phytosterols in both groups. Correlation analysis showed that both lathosterol and desmosterol were positively associated with non-invasive hepatic steatosis indices: FLI, HSI, and TyG index (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate linear regression further confirmed that these synthesis markers remained significant predictors of FLI (p = 0.010), HSI (p = 0.013), and TyG index (p = 0.002), even after adjusting for other relevant variables. These findings indicate that MASLD is associated with a shift in cholesterol homeostasis towards enhanced endogenous cholesterol synthesis. Full article

Background: Restrictive lung disease (RLD) is a potential complication in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its relationship with insulin resistance and liver-related metabolic dysfunction remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between lung function and metabolic markers in T2D and retrospectively assessed whether metabolic improvements from dietary intervention were accompanied by changes in lung function. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 184 individuals (101 with T2D, 33 with prediabetes, and 50 glucose-tolerant individuals). Lung function parameters—vital capacity (VC), total lung capacity by plethysmography (TLC-B), and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (TL_CO)—were assessed alongside metabolic markers including HOMA2-IR, fatty liver index (FLI), NAFLD score, and Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4). In a subset of 54 T2D participants, lung function was reassessed after six months following either a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD, n = 14), Mediterranean diet (n = 13), or no dietary intervention (n = 27). Results: T2D participants had significantly lower VC and TLC-B compared to glucose-tolerant and prediabetic individuals, with 18–21% falling below clinical thresholds for RLD. Lung volumes were negatively correlated with HOMA2-IR, FLI, NAFLD score, and FIB-4 across the cohort and within the T2D group. Although the FMD intervention led to significant improvements in HOMA2-IR and FLI, no corresponding changes in lung function were observed over the six-month period. Conclusions: Restrictive lung impairment in T2D is associated with insulin resistance and markers of liver steatosis and fibrosis. While short-term dietary interventions can improve metabolic parameters, their effect on lung function may require a longer duration or additional interventions and targeted follow-up. These findings highlight the relevance of pulmonary assessment in individuals with metabolic dysfunction. Full article

Pardosa pseudoannulata plays an important role in the biological control of insect pests. The inclusion of yeast in the culture medium is very important for the growth, development, and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster, but there have been few studies on the influence of nutrients in the culture medium on spider development. In order to explore the effects of different yeast treatments on the growth and development of D. melanogaster and as a predator, P.  pseudoannulata, three treatments (no yeast, active yeast added, and inactivated yeast added) were adopted to modify the conventional D. melanogaster culture medium. The addition of yeast to the medium shortened the development time from larva to pupation in D. melanogaster. The emergence and larval developmental times of D. melanogaster reared with activated yeast were shorter than those of the group without yeast addition, which promoted D. melanogaster emergence and increased body weight. The addition of yeast to the medium increased the fat, protein, and glucose content in D. melanogaster. The addition of activated yeast shortened the developmental time of P.  pseudoannulata at the second instar stage but had no effect on other instars. Different yeast treat-ments in the medium had no effect on the body length or body weight of P.  pseudoannulata. Adding yeast to D. melanogaster culture medium can increase the total fat content in P.  pseudoannulata, but it has no effect on glucose and total protein in P.  pseudoannulata. Our study shows the importance of yeast to the growth and development of fruit flies. Full article

The rising demand for sustainable protein is driving interest in insects as a raw material for advanced food ingredients. This review collates and critically analyses over 300 studies on the conversion of crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies, and other farmed species into powders, protein isolates, oils, and chitosan-rich fibers with targeted techno-functional roles. This survey maps how thermal pre-treatments, blanch–dry–mill routes, enzymatic hydrolysis, and isoelectric solubilization–precipitation preserve or enhance the water- and oil-holding capacity, emulsification, foaming, and gelation, while also mitigating off-flavors, allergenicity, and microbial risks. A meta-analysis shows insect flours can absorb up to 3.2 g of water g⁻¹, stabilize oil-in-water emulsions for 14 days at 4 °C, and form gels with 180 kPa strength, outperforming or matching eggs, soy, or whey in specific applications. Case studies demonstrate a successful incorporation at 5–15% into bakery, meat analogs and dairy alternatives without sensory penalties, and chitin-derived chitosan films extend the bread shelf life by three days. Comparative life-cycle data indicate 45–80% lower greenhouse gas emissions and land use than equivalent animal-derived ingredients. Collectively, the evidence positions insect-based ingredients as versatile, safe, and climate-smart tools to enhance food quality and sustainability, while outlining research gaps in allergen mitigation, consumer acceptance, and regulatory harmonization. Full article

Background: Environmental exposures, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in conjunction with social and behavioral factors, can significantly impact liver health. This research investigates the combined effects of PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), alcohol consumption, smoking, income, and education on liver function among the U.S. population, utilizing data from the 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods: PFAS concentrations in blood samples were analyzed using online solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting levels of PFAS. Liver function was evaluated using biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin, and the fatty liver index (FLI). Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression analyses were employed to assess the associations between exposures and liver outcomes. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was utilized to explore the nonlinear and interactive effects of these exposures. To determine the relative influence of each factor on liver health, Posterior Inclusion Probabilities (PIPs) were calculated. Results: Linear regression analyses indicated that income and education were inversely associated with several liver injury biomarkers, while alcohol use and smoking demonstrated stronger and more consistent associations. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) further highlighted alcohol and smoking as the most influential predictors, particularly for GGT and total bilirubin, with posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) close to 1.0. In contrast, PFAS showed weaker associations. Regression coefficients were small and largely non-significant, and PIPs were comparatively lower across most liver outcomes. Notably, education had a higher PIP for ALT and GGT than PFAS, suggesting a more protective role in liver health. People with higher education levels tend to live healthier lifestyles, have better access to healthcare, and are generally more aware of health risks. These factors can all help reduce the risk of liver problems. Overall mixture effects demonstrated nonlinear trends, including U-shaped relationships for ALT and GGT, and inverse associations for AST, FLI, and ALP. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of considering both environmental and social–behavioral determinants in liver health. While PFAS exposures remain a long-term concern, modifiable lifestyle and structural factors, particularly alcohol, smoking, income, and education, exert more immediate and pronounced effects on hepatic biomarkers in the general population. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ewing sarcoma (ES), a highly aggressive bone and soft tissue cancer occurring in children and young adults, is defined by the ETS fusion oncoprotein EWS::FLI1. Although event-free survival rates remain high in ES patients with localized disease, those with metastatic or relapsed disease face poor long-term survival odds. Topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) inhibitors are commonly used therapeutics in ES relapse regimens. Methods: In this work, we used a genome-wide CRISPR knockout library screen to identify the deletion of the TOP1 gene as a mechanism for resistance to topoisomerase 1 inhibitors. Using isogenic cell line models, we performed a high-throughput small-molecule screen to discover a small molecule, GNF-7, which had an IC50 that was 10-fold lower in TOP1-deficient cells when compared to the wild-type cells. Results: The characterization of GNF-7 demonstrated the molecule was highly active in the inhibition of CSK, p38α, EphA2, Lyn, and ZAK and specifically downregulated genes induced by the EWS::FLI1 fusion oncoprotein. Conclusions: Together, these results suggest that GNF-7 or small molecules with a similar kinase profile could be effective treatments for ES patients in combination with TOP1 inhibitors or for those patients who have developed resistance to TOP1 inhibitors. Full article

The Phoridae are relatively common insects on buried corpses, and their developmental information plays an important role in estimating post-burial interval (PBI) for buried corpses. Developmental time, larval body length, and intra-puparial developmental changes in two forensically important phorid flies, Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) and Dohrniphora cornuta (Bigot, 1857) (Diptera: Phoridae), were studied in sandy loam with 20% moisture content at 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C. The juvenile development time of both species decreased with increasing temperature. At 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C, the larval development time of M. scalaris was 165.18 ± 2.96 h, 119.72 ± 2.74 h, 90.28 ± 3.54 h, and 63.04 ± 3.45 h, respectively, with corresponding intra-puparial development times of 606.67 ± 3.38 h, 404.62 ± 3.28 h, 269.22 ± 6.04 h, and 237.57 ± 3.41 h. For D. cornuta, the larval development time was 249.37 ± 4.88 h, 154.59 ± 1.81 h, 108.80 ± 2.65 h, and 86.04 ± 3.91 h, respectively, while the intra-puparial development time was 593.37 ± 4.75 h, 414.23 ± 3.51 h, 261.02 ± 3.16 h, and 236.52 ± 2.66 h. The larval body length of both species showed a cubic curve relationship with development time. Based on the morphological characteristics, the intra-puparial period of both species were divided into 12 substages. As the temperature increased, the time required for both species to reach each substage decreased significantly. The present study enriches the developmental information of the two Phoridae species and provides a reference basis for using these two phorid flies to estimate the post-burial interval (PBI) of corpses in China. Full article

The pupal stage in necrophagous flies represents the longest and least morphologically distinct phase of development, posing a persistent challenge for accurately estimating postmortem intervals (PMI) in forensic investigations. Here, we present a novel molecular approach to pupal age estimation in Sarcophaga peregrina, a forensically important species, by profiling microRNA (miRNA) expression dynamics. High-throughput sequencing across early, mid, and late pupal stages identified 191 known miRNAs, of which nine exhibited distinct monotonic temporal trends. Six miRNAs (miR-210-3p, miR-285, miR-927-5p, miR-956-3p, miR-92b, and miR-275-5p) were validated by qRT-PCR and demonstrated consistent time-dependent expression patterns. Polynomial regression models revealed a strong correlation between miRNA abundance and developmental age (R² = 0.88–0.99). Functional enrichment analyses of predicted miRNA targets highlighted their roles in key regulatory pathways, including ecdysteroid signaling, hypoxia response, autophagy, and energy metabolism. This study establishes, for the first time, a robust miRNA-based framework for estimating pupal age in forensic entomology, underscoring the potential of miRNAs as temporally precise biomarkers for PMI estimation. 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

(1) Background: Phoridae is a relatively large and understudied family of Diptera. Species within this family occupy diverse ecological niches across a wide range of habitats. (2) Methods: The dataset is based on Phoridae specimens collected in the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia). Sampling was conducted from 2019 to 2024 using six collection methods: hand-held sweep nets, pitfall traps, beer traps, pan traps, Malaise traps, and window traps. (3) Results: The dataset includes 4713 occurrence records from the Republic of Mordovia, comprising a total of 15,701 Phoridae specimens. It provides data on 271 species. The highest species richness was recorded in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (226 species, 83.4%). Fewer species were documented in the fauna of the National Park “Smolny” (177 species, 65.3%), with comparable diversity observed in other parts of the region. Ten species were dominant in the dataset (Megaselia pusilla, Triphleba opaca, Megaselia angusta agg., Diplonevra funebris, Megaselia brevicostalis, Megaselia plurispinulosa, Megaselia minuta, Megaselia lutea, Megaselia lactipennis, and Megaselia flavicans). A total of 139 species were represented by fewer than ten specimens each. Seasonal dynamics varied across habitats: in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, both species richness and specimen abundance were already high in April, peaking in June. In contrast, in the National Park “Smolny”, peak values were observed in August. (4) Conclusions: We have listed 151 new recorded species from Russia in this list. Currently, the Phoridae fauna of the Republic of Mordovia is among the best-studied in Russia. The distribution of many species has become clearer, with the Mordovia State Nature Reserve demonstrating the highest biodiversity compared to other areas of the region. Full article

Natural products, characterized by their structural novelty, multi-target capabilities, and favorable toxicity profiles, represent a prominent reservoir for the discovery of innovative anticancer therapeutics. In the current investigation, we identified ajuforrestin A, a diterpenoid compound extracted from Ajuga lupulina Maxim, as a potent agent against lung cancer. In vitro, this compound markedly curtailed the proliferation of A549 cells. Mechanistic explorations revealed that ajuforrestin A could arrest A549 cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, provoke apoptosis in cancer cells, and impede their migration by modulating the STAT3 and FAK signaling cascades. Angiogenesis is indispensable for tumor formation, progression, and metastatic dissemination. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-2 are established as crucial mediators in tumor neovascularization, a process fundamental to both the expansion of tumor cells and the development of new blood vessels within the tumor milieu. Through the combined application of a Tg(fli1:EGFP) zebrafish model and SPR experimentation, we furnished strong evidence for the ability of ajuforrestin A to obstruct tumor angiogenesis via selective engagement with VEGFR-2. Finally, a zebrafish xenograft tumor model demonstrated that ajuforrestin A could effectively restrain tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Ajuforrestin A therefore shows considerable promise as a lead compound for the future development of therapies against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Full article

Forensic entomotoxicology is a subdiscipline that utilizes necrophagous insects as bioindicators for detecting drugs and toxicants in decomposed remains, particularly in cases where conventional biological matrices are no longer available. Toxic substances can profoundly alter insect development, physiology, and community succession, potentially impacting the accuracy of postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. This review systematically summarizes the effects of various xenobiotics, including pesticides, illicit drugs, sedatives, heavy metals, and antibiotics on larval growth, physiological traits, and gut microbial composition in forensically relevant flies. However, most studies to date have relied primarily on phenotypic observations, with limited insight into underlying molecular mechanisms. Significant interspecies and dose-dependent variability also exists in the absorption, metabolism, and physiological responses to xenobiotics. We highlight recent advances in multi-omics technologies that facilitate the identification of molecular biomarkers associated with xenobiotic exposure, particularly within the insect detoxification system. Key components such as cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters play essential roles in xenobiotic metabolism and insecticide resistance. Additionally, the insect fat body serves as a central hub for detoxification, hormonal regulation, and energy metabolism. It integrates signals related to xenobiotic exposure and modulates larval development, making it a promising model for future mechanistic studies in insect toxicology. Altogether, this review offers a comprehensive and reliable framework for understanding the complex interactions between toxic substance exposure, insect ecology, and decomposition in forensic investigations. Full article

Insect pests remain a major threat to agricultural productivity, particularly in open-field cropping systems where conventional monitoring methods are labor-intensive and lack scalability. This study presents the design, implementation, and field evaluation of a neural network-guided smart trap specifically developed to monitor and selectively capture nocturnal insect pests under real agricultural conditions. The proposed trap integrates light and rain sensors, servo-controlled mechanical gates, and a single-layer perceptron neural network deployed on an ATmega-2560 microcontroller by Microchip Technology Inc. (Chandler, AZ, USA). The perceptron processes normalized sensor inputs to autonomously decide, in real time, whether to open or close the gate, thereby enhancing the selectivity of insect capture. The system features a removable tray containing a food-based attractant and yellow and green LEDs designed to lure target species such as moths and flies from the orders Lepidoptera and Diptera. Field trials were conducted between June and August 2023 in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico, under diverse environmental conditions. Captured insects were analyzed and classified using the iNaturalist platform, with the successful identification of key pest species including Tetanolita floridiana, Synchlora spp., Estigmene acrea, Sphingomorpha chlorea, Gymnoscelis rufifasciata, and Musca domestica, while minimizing the capture of non-target organisms such as Carpophilus spp., Hexagenia limbata, and Chrysoperla spp. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences in capture rates across environmental conditions. The results highlight the potential of this low-cost device to improve pest monitoring accuracy, and lay the groundwork for the future integration of more advanced AI-based classification and species recognition systems targeting nocturnal Lepidoptera and other pest insects. Full article

The black fig fly, Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), is an invasive pest recently introduced to Mexico, where it has rapidly spread across fig-producing regions. Despite its economic importance, effective monitoring strategies remain poorly studied. The present study evaluated the response of S. adipata adults to visual (color) and olfactory (attractant) cues under laboratory and field conditions in fig orchards. No significant color preferences were observed in laboratory choice tests using nine colors or in field trials using traps of four different colors. In the laboratory, traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate solution, torula yeast + borax, or Captor + borax, captured similar numbers of flies, whereas CeraTrap^® was less attractive. Traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate were more effective than 2% ammonium acetate, though attraction was comparable when ammonium acetate was diluted to 0.2% or 0.02%. In the field, torula yeast + borax and 2% ammonium sulfate mixed with fig latex outperformed the 2% ammonium sulfate solution alone, although seasonal variation influenced trap performance. A high proportion of field-captured females were sexually immature. Torula yeast + borax attracted high numbers of non-target insects and other lonchaeid species, which reduced its specificity. In contrast, traps containing fig latex mixtures showed higher selectivity, although some S. adipata adults could not be sexed due to specimen degradation. These findings highlight the value of torula yeast pellets and 2% ammonium sulfate plus fig latex for monitoring this pest, but merit validation in field studies performed over the entire crop cycle across both wet and dry seasons. Future studies should evaluate other proteins, ammonium salt combinations and fig latex volatiles in order to develop effective and selective monitoring or mass trapping tools targeted at this invasive pest. Full article