Search Results (3,461)

Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), or medfly, is an invasive pest widespread in Argentina, where standardized management methods, such as cultural and chemical controls, are commonly implemented. The success in controlling medfly populations depends on implementing preventive, sustainable, long-term, and eco-friendly eradication/control strategies across all invaded environments. One strategy may involve augmentative biological control using parasitoids adapted to local conditions, such as Ganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a Neotropical-native parasitoid that mostly forages on tephritid larvae in a broad range of fallen fruit. Two hypotheses were tested in the current study: (1) G. pelleranoi females are more efficient in controlling medfly larvae infesting different fruits as the density of released females progressively increases, and (2) such parasitoid-induced host mortality capacity remains when host density is increased. Parasitism (reproductive effects) and additional host mortality (non-reproductive effects) were the indicator variables of parasitoid-induced host ability. Trials were performed in field cages (semi-field conditions) using two medfly-multiplier host fruit species, namely sour orange and peach, and with variations in both parasitoid release and host larval densities. Three major findings were highlighted: (1) G. pelleranoi females successfully parasitized host larvae on peach and sour orange, regardless of their strongly differing physical features, although medfly larvae in peaches were significantly more susceptible to the parasitoid; (2) medfly mortality significantly increased in both peach and sour orange relative to the gradual increase in released G. pelleranoi females, regardless of the increase in host density offered to parasitoids; and (3) G. pelleranoi females induced a substantially high host die-off rate when the additional mortality was added to the analysis, which was not revealed when parasitism alone was regarded as a medfly mortality variable. Such outcomes may provide relevant information for implementing an augmentative biological control against medfly using indigenous parasitoid species within an eco-friendly fruit fly pest management approach. Full article

Culturally unsafe mental health services contribute to persistent inequities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, yet existing cultural safety frameworks lack clear, prioritised, community-endorsed implementation guidance. This study aimed to establish Aboriginal consensus on cultural safety principles, implementation priorities and practical actions for culturally safe mental health services. A three-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 37 Aboriginal participants from Western Australia with expertise in mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and lived experience. In Round 1, participants completed an online survey rating the importance of cultural safety principles and identifying those requiring urgent action. In Rounds 2 and 3, facilitated yarning sessions reviewed findings, refined principles, grouped them into implementation domains, and identified priority actions. Aboriginal Participatory Action Research ensured Aboriginal leadership and governance throughout. All principles achieved strong consensus for importance. The most urgent priorities were trustworthiness, Aboriginal governance, trauma-informed care, addressing racism and strengthening the Aboriginal workforce. Participants organised the refined principles into six implementation domains, with Leadership and Governance identified as foundational to reform. Trustworthiness was reframed as an aspirational outcome requiring structural change. This study provides a community-endorsed, prioritised framework for translating cultural safety principles into mental health service practice and policy. Full article

Microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere and phyllosphere are recognized as fundamental components influencing essential plant processes, including nutrient acquisition, growth promotion, and tolerance to stress. Biological control agents (BCAs), such as Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp., are widely applied in citrus crops. However, while BCAs effectiveness against plant pathogens is widely established, their resulting impact on indigenous, non-target bacterial and fungal communities remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the non-target effects of two commercial microbial formulations—one containing Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012 and T. gamsii ICC 080, and the other Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713—on the resident microbiomes of Citrus volkameriana seedlings by using the amplicon-based metagenomic analysis, targeting the 16S rRNA and ITS1 regions. The application of the Trichoderma formulation as a soil drench in the rhizosphere resulted in minimal changes to the overall composition and diversity (α- and β-diversity) of the bacterial communities. This stability is considered a desirable trait for overall soil health. However, specific taxonomic changes were observed, such as a notable decrease in the genus Rhodococcus (0.4% vs. 1.5% in controls) among bacteria. In the fungal communities, the treatment led to a significant shift in phylum relative abundance, characterized by an increase in Basidiomycota (38% vs. 28% in controls) and a corresponding decrease in Ascomycota (51% vs. 56% in controls). Successful colonization was confirmed by a substantially higher relative abundance of the inoculated Trichoderma genus compared to control plants (1.4% vs. 0.1% in controls). Conversely, the foliar application of the Bacillus product induced a substantial restructuring of the phyllosphere bacterial community. This treatment caused a statistically significant reduction in bacterial α-diversity and a clear differentiation in community composition (β-diversity) relative to untreated controls. The successful colonization by the BCA resulted in the dominance of the Bacillus genus in the treated samples (27% vs. 2% in controls). Importantly, this ecological shift was accompanied by the enrichment of other beneficial bacterial taxa, including Sphingomonas (15% vs. 4% in controls) and the Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia group (4% vs. 2% in controls). While fungal phyla abundances remained generally stable in the phyllosphere, specific genera such as Cladosporium (15% vs. 23% in controls) and Symmetrospora (21% vs. 13% in controls) prevailed post-treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of considering non-target microbiome shift when implementing microbial biocontrol strategies in citrus production systems, since in this study was demonstrated that commercial BCAs exert a markedly differential influence based on the compartment of application: Trichoderma promoted ecological stability in the rhizosphere, whereas Bacillus induced a directional community shift in the phyllosphere. Full article

The Mediterranean Sea is both a global biodiversity hotspot and the world’s most heavily invaded marine region, where non-indigenous species arrivals are accelerating under intensifying shipping, Suez Canal traffic, aquaculture, and climate warming. Yet, despite rapidly growing research activity, a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature on Mediterranean marine invasions has been lacking. This study provides the first Mediterranean-wide combined bibliometric and topic-modeling analysis of invasive marine species research, using 3521 unique documents retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. We quantify temporal growth in publications and citations, map the conceptual structure of the field through co-citation, co-word, and topic modeling, and reveal pronounced regional and thematic biases. Latent Dirichlet Allocation resolves 13 coherent topics, dominated by first records of non-native species, invasive macroalgae, alien species diversity, and ecological impacts, with strong signals for Lessepsian migration and climate-driven range shifts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spatial and thematic analyses reveal pronounced regional biases, with invasion hotspots in the Aegean and Levantine seas contrasted by comparatively sparse coverage of western and central sub-basins, and notable gaps in predictive modeling and socioeconomic assessments. The results underscore the need to rebalance effort toward under-studied regions and themes, while leveraging existing collaboration networks and methodological advances to support MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) implementation, International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, and broader ecosystem-based management. The reproducible framework presented here offers a baseline for periodically tracking research evolution and guiding adaptive, transboundary governance of Mediterranean marine bio-invasions. Full article

Indigenous pigs constitute crucial genetic reservoirs. Adipose tissue is central to pig growth and metabolism, yet its molecular ontogeny remains poorly characterized in indigenous breeds such as the Ningxiang pig. We employed mass spectrometry to profile backfat proteomes across six postnatal stages (60–360 days). Proteomes clearly separated early (60–120 days) from late stages (300–360 days). Older pigs showed enrichment in processes linked to energy metabolism, translation, immune function, and mitochondrial activity. We identified 43 lipid metabolism proteins exhibiting significant age-dependent abundance. Weighted co-abundance network analysis revealed four protein modules significantly correlated with lean meat percentage, fat percentage, and carcass weight. Intramodular analysis identified four hub proteins—ALDH18A1, FABP4, FBP1, and HADHB—as putative candidates associated with lipid transport, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation. This study links temporal proteomic profiles with key carcass traits, providing a data resource and a network-based framework for future research. Full article

South Africa’s food system reflects a growing imbalance between nutritionally rich indigenous foods and the increasing dominance of commercially processed alternatives. Despite well documented health, cultural, and environmental benefits, indigenous leafy vegetables and edible insects remain marginal within formal markets and everyday diets. This systematic review synthesised 141 empirical and theoretical studies to examine how household attitudes, consumption behaviours, and market structures interact to shape the role of indigenous foods in South Africa. The review identifies a consistent pattern in which positive perceptions of indigenous foods do not translate into regular consumption. Rural households continue to utilise these foods as part of seasonal and livelihood strategies, while uptake in urban areas remains uneven and context specific. Emerging interest among certain consumer segments highlights potential for product diversification and market development, particularly where indigenous foods are adapted to align with modern preferences. However, this potential is constrained by weak value chain integration, limited standardisation, and the absence of reliable consumption data. These structural limitations restrict both market participation and consumer access, reinforcing the peripheral position of indigenous foods within the broader food system. The findings suggest improving availability, strengthening markets, and enhancing positioning critical for inclusion of indigenous foods in diets. Full article

Small-scale inland fisheries in the Amazon are critical for food security, yet their sustainability is increasingly threatened by overexploitation and environmental degradation. In data-limited contexts such as the northern Ecuadorian Amazon, the absence of continuous monitoring constrains the development of adaptive management strategies. This study develops an integrated socio-ecological baseline to support the establishment of fisheries agreements in five Indigenous communities of the Napo and Aguarico rivers. Through a participatory monitoring approach, we generated reproductive parameters (gonadosomatic index, fecundity, size at first maturity), population structure metrics, and length–weight relationships for key subsistence species across three hydrological phases. Reproductive investment exhibited marked seasonality, with peak gonadosomatic indices during rising waters in most species, identifying a critical period for protection. Life-history strategies ranged from high-fecundity periodic strategists to low-fecundity equilibrium species, implying differentiated vulnerability to harvesting. Community perceptions prioritized large migratory catfish and floodplain habitats, aligning with biological indicators of vulnerability. High performance in technical training demonstrated the feasibility of long-term local monitoring systems. By linking biological indicators with local ecological knowledge, this study proposes a pathway from baseline assessment to adaptive co-management. The framework presented here provides a transferable model for strengthening sustainability, governance, and food security in tropical small-scale fisheries facing persistent data limitations. Full article

Background: Indigenous African fruits, like the African horned cucumber (Cucumis metuliferus), are abundant in nutrients and serve as a source of food and raw materials for manufacturing value-added products in both rural and urban areas. This review presents a comparative analysis of selected fruits in the Cucurbitaceae family, specifically in terms of the phytochemical, biochemical and mineral constituents, as well as nutritional contribution, and aims to explore how the African horned cucumber measures up to its counterparts by comparing their nutritional content against the recommended daily intake (RDI). Material and Methods: A literature search—using the keywords ‘African horned cucumber’, ‘Cucurbitaceae fruits’, ‘biochemical constituents’, ‘indigenous fruits’ and ‘recommended daily intake’—was used to gather credible data suitable for this review paper. Findings and Conclusions: The published peer-reviewed literature reveals that the African horned cucumber—with its nutrient-rich profile boasting high levels of calcium (19%), potassium (28%), magnesium (78.1%), sodium (10.7%), zinc (12.7%), beta carotene (15.5%), vitamin C (4.1%), vitamin E (15.2%), total flavonoids (0.28%), and total phenols (0.7%)—holds the promise of contributing significantly to the human diet while aligning with the RDI and dietary guidelines, as documented in studies, further underscoring its potential to meet nutritional needs and enhance health, thus supporting its consideration for commercialisation. Full article

The objectives of this paper were to assess the genetic diversity, population structure, genetic differentiation, and phylogenetic relationships among seven duck populations using 14 microsatellite (MS) markers. This paper included 176 individuals representing seven duck populations of Bangladesh: indigenous duck (BLD), Nageswari (NAG), Rupali (RUP), Jinding (JIN), Pekin (PEK), BAU Black and White (BWC), and BAU White (WHC). A total of 133 alleles were observed with a mean of 9.50 alleles per locus. Genetic diversity was evaluated using measures such as allele frequency, observed and expected heterozygosity, and Shannon’s information index with average values of 5.44 ± 0.31, 0.59 ± 0.02, 0.64 ± 0.02, and 1.28 ± 0.05, respectively. Population differentiation and inbreeding analysis (F-statistics) indicated moderate genetic diversity and a slight degree of inbreeding across populations. Analysis of molecular variance indicated that 75% of the total genetic diversity was attributable to the within-population variation, whereas 9% and 16% were attributed to the variation among individuals and population differentiation, respectively. Indigenous duck populations (BLD, NAG, and RUP) had a close genetic relationship with JIN ducks and an intermediate relationship with two crossbreds (BWC and WHC), and the highest genetic distance was observed with PEK ducks. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Bangladeshi indigenous duck populations formed a single cluster, while the two crossbreds (BWC and WHC) and PEK exhibited their distinct genetic identities in separate clusters. Furthermore, structure analysis at K = 2 to 5 confirmed the distinct genetic architecture (ΔK = 4.00) of the studied duck populations. This paper provides important insights into genetic diversity measures and population differentiation that will be helpful in future genetic improvement, conservation initiatives, and the design of appropriate breeding programs. Full article

Dezhou donkey is a premium indigenous Chinese livestock breed with high economic value for meat, hide and medicinal uses, and growth rate is a core trait determining farming profitability. However, the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying divergent growth rates in this breed have not been fully characterized, with no integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic studies reported. Here, 12 age-matched healthy male Dezhou donkeys were assigned to faster-growing (n = 6) and slower-growing (n = 6) groups by average daily gain, followed by plasma transcriptome sequencing and untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics. We identified 480 differentially expressed genes, with the slower-growing group enriching in immune/inflammatory/apoptotic pathways, and the faster-growing group in energy metabolism and transmembrane transport. Lipids and lipid-like molecules represented the largest proportion (44.9%) of the differential metabolites; the slower-growing group was enriched in lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory mediators, while the faster-growing group was enriched in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Integrated analysis revealed core pathways (cAMP signaling, arachidonic acid/unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis) and key candidate genes/metabolites. Our findings clarify that excessive lipid peroxidation and inflammatory imbalance restrict growth, while efficient energy metabolism promotes faster growth, providing theoretical support for genetic improvement and precision nutrition of Dezhou donkeys. Full article

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of society who must be protected at all costs. Zimbabwe has a long history of disjointed formal and indigenous social protection systems, which have resulted in the exclusion of many children, leading to high levels of child abuse, neglect, exploitation and violence. In policy and practice, there is a strong bias towards the ineffective statist formal system, yet the indigenous social protection system is the mainstay for the protection of most children. The study aimed to explore how asset-based community development can be used as a strategy to integrate the fragmented formal and indigenous social protection systems for sustainable child protection. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design was employed, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 76 participants. The study findings indicate that asset-based community development by positioning the indigenous social protection system at the centre of the social protection framework provides a blueprint for a community-led and integrated social protection system, which can translate into effective child protection. This system, which utilises a wider network of community and external resources, can counteract the limits of fragmented social protection and sustainably promote child protection among impoverished households in Zimbabwe and similar contexts. The recommendation is that asset-based community development should be promoted as a strategy towards integrated social protection and sustainable child protection. Full article

Mongolian horses are an indigenous Chinese breed known for their endurance capacity, yet quantitative descriptions of their gait-related kinematic characteristics remain limited. This pilot exploratory study aimed to describe the kinematics of Mongolian horses during walk, slow trot, and fast trot, and to examine whether selected variables differed between race-result groups in a 12 km endurance race. Forty-six horses were classified into an excellent group and an ordinary group based on the result of a single race. Kinematic data were collected using optical motion capture and three-dimensional skeletal modelling. Separate gait-specific linear mixed-effects models were fitted, with horse identity as a random effect and group and speed as fixed effects. The results showed gait-dependent between-group differences. During walk, the excellent group had significantly greater range of motion of the tarsal, hip, and elbow joints, as well as a greater maximum forelimb retraction angle (all p < 0.001). During slow trot, the excellent group showed significantly greater stride length (p = 0.009), elbow joint range of motion (p < 0.001), minimum hindlimb forward extension angle (p = 0.033), and minimum forelimb forward extension angle (p = 0.004). During fast trot, the between-group differences were most pronounced, with significantly greater stride length (p < 0.001) and range of motion of the tarsal joint (p < 0.001), hip joint (p = 0.015), and elbow joint (p = 0.014), together with greater maximum hindlimb retraction angle (p = 0.001) and minimum forelimb forward extension angle (p = 0.026). Overall, these findings provide preliminary evidence that gait-related kinematic differences may exist between race-result groups in Mongolian horses. However, because this was an exploratory study based on a single race, the findings should be interpreted cautiously and require validation in larger and more diverse cohorts. Full article

A robust analysis of water use in major food production systems is crucial for improving their productivity and sustainability in water-scarce arid and semi-arid regions like Punjab (India) facing the depletion of groundwater resources. This study aimed to assess blue water use and blue water productivity in dairy farming systems across different farm sizes in Punjab. Comprehensive monitoring and assessment of water use over a full year (from July 2022 to June 2023) was conducted on 24 dairy farm sheds in Punjab, revealing significant variability in their blue water use (measured in L per adult animal per day) and blue water productivity quantified as kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) produced per m³ of the blue water consumed. The variability was influenced by factors such as livestock species, farm size (medium with 15–25 livestock, large with 25–100 livestock, and commercial with >100 livestock), bathing and servicing routines, and energy use patterns. The average dairy livestock total blue water consumption varied from 112 ± 14 to 131 ± 19 L per adult animal per day, with 20–40% higher livestock drinking water and about six times higher livestock bathing and serving water used during the summer months. Interestingly, a large share (45%) of the average total blue water consumption is contributed by indirect water consumption via the use of energy (electricity and diesel) in dairy farm sheds. Dairy milk blue water productivity was quantified higher, ranging from 154 ± 11 to 225 ± 59 kg FPCM per m³ in buffalo- and crossbred cattle-based dairy farm sheds. However, indigenous cattle showed a lower blue water productivity ranging from 56 to 97 kg FPCM per m³, reflecting their lower milk yields and limited use of intensified management practices. The state-level water scarcity footprint (WSF) of Punjab dairy farm sheds was quantified at 4870 million m³ world-eq, which showed a significant spatial variation among Punjab districts. However, the results of this study offer novel seasonally and spatially disaggregated benchmarks of blue water consumption, blue water productivity, and the water scarcity footprint of Punjab’s dairy farming sheds. This new information is crucial for the development of locally calibrated and validated models for improving the water productivity and sustainability of dairy farming across Punjab and other similar arid and semi-arid regions in Southeast Asian countries. Full article

Saskatoon berry (SB), a traditional food of Indigenous people, has been associated with cardiometabolic benefits in animal models; however, its effects on humans remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of dried SB consumption on cardiometabolic outcomes, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles in healthy adults. In a 10-week, single-arm, and open-label trial, 20 healthy adults consumed 40 g/day of freeze-dried whole SB. Biochemical measures, physical exams, dietary records, participant feedback, and fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota composition and fecal SCFAs were profiled using 16S-rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. SB intake significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-c), systolic blood pressure, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, while increasing dietary fiber intake. Fiber intake was negatively correlated with TC, LDL-c and non-HDL-c (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of fecal Prevotellaceae increased after SB consumption and was positively correlated with multiple fecal SCFAs (p < 0.05–0.0001), while being negatively associated with lipid profiles and blood pressure. No adverse cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal dysfunction were observed; however, the significant increase in sugar intake may pose a risk for elevated blood glucose. Therefore, limiting other high-sugar foods during SB supplementation may be advisable for individuals with glucose intolerance. Overall, SB intake improved glucose and lipid metabolism and lowered blood pressure and inflammatory markers in healthy adults. These cardiometabolic benefits may be mediated by fiber and anthocyanins in SB and through modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA production; however, further confirmation is needed in subsequent randomized controlled trials. Full article

Petroleum hydrocarbons frequently contaminate arid oilfield soils, but remediation is challenging because these soils typically contain little organic matter, retain little moisture, and are exposed to high temperatures, that hinder natural attenuation. This study evaluated indigenous bioaugmentation of an aged crude oil-contaminated sandy soil from the Burgan oilfield in Kuwait, in contrast to exogenous commercial microbial products and to natural attenuation. In a 140-day bench-scale tray study, aged crude oil–contaminated soil from the Burgan oilfield (initial TPH 2.49–4.78%, dry wt.) was treated with an enriched indigenous consortium, a commercial consortium, or no inoculum under controlled moisture, nutrient, and aeration conditions. TPH was quantified as hexane-extractable material, and degradation kinetics were evaluated using a first-order model. A statistical comparison of replicate-derived decay constants (k) was conducted using one-way ANOVA and subsequent post hoc testing. Among the replicated treatments, the indigenous consortium showed the strongest performance. In the low-TPH indigenous group, TPH removal reached 63.8 ± 3.1% and fell below 1% by day 140; at higher starting TPH, removal remained substantial but slower. Commercial inoculation was less effective and more variable, while uninoculated controls showed minimal decline. The decay constant for the indigenous (0.0053–0.0075 day⁻¹) was much higher (p < 0.001) than those in commercial (0.0025 day⁻¹) and natural attenuation (0.0005 day⁻¹). Furthermore, the model fit was robust for indigenous treatments (R² = 0.89–0.91) but weaker for commercial and uninoculated controls. The study findings demonstrate that bioaugmentation utilizing well-adapted indigenous consortia offers a statistically validated and kinetically predictable strategy for TPH remediation in desert soils. Full article