Search Results (67)

This research pioneers the incorporation of grape pomace (GP) as a sustainable additive in unfired adobe construction materials, establishing a novel circular pathway that valorises agro-waste in zero-emission, low-energy building components. Five mix designs were developed with GP contents of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight, using a soil matrix composed of 15% clay, 25% silt, and 60% sand with a 20% water content. Comprehensive characterization included physical properties, mechanical performance, thermal behavior, acoustic properties, and durability assessment. The incorporation of GP demonstrated dose-dependent effects on all measured properties. Bulk density decreased linearly from 1951 kg/m³ (0%GP) to 1595 kg/m³ (10%GP), representing an 18.3% reduction. Optimal mechanical performance was achieved at a 2.5–5% GP content, with compressive strength ranging from 1.51–1.64 MPa and flexural strength of 0.56–0.80 MPa, while higher GP contents resulted in significant strength reductions. Thermal conductivity improved substantially, decreasing from 0.99 to 0.25 W/Mk (66% RH) with increasing GP content, indicating enhanced insulation properties. The sound insulation performance showed a single-value sound reduction index (Rw) of 41–43 dB for all compositions, making them suitable for facade applications. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between GP content and material properties. The results indicate an optimal GP content of around 5%, which balances mechanical integrity, thermal performance, and durability while providing environmental benefits through the valorization of agro-waste. This research offers a sustainable approach for producing low-energy, eco-friendly building materials by incorporating grape pomace into unfired adobe, promoting waste valorization and improved thermal and acoustical insulation for green construction. Further research is needed to assess durability performance, standardize production methods, and evaluate large-scale implementation. Full article

Use of dicamba, an auxin-mimic herbicide, has increased in recent years. Both the effects of dicamba on non-target plants and the determination of a biological model to determine the dicamba ecotoxicity dynamics are important to monitor the correct and safe use of this herbicide. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of low doses (simulating herbicide drift) and to determine the acute toxicity of dicamba to aquatic bioindicator species (Lemna minor, Pomacea canaliculate, Hyphessobrycon eques, and Danio rerio) and terrestrial non-target plants (Cucumis sativus, Solanum lycopersicum, and Lactuca sativa) in tropical conditions. Measurements of acute toxicity of dicamba at the concentrations that cause 50% of symptoms of injury (LC50) and other biometric variables were performed. Dicamba was virtually non-toxic to all aquatic bioindicator species (LC50 > 118.0 mg L⁻¹), while it was highly toxic to all terrestrial non-target plants (LC50 < 0.5 mg L⁻¹). Severe injury symptoms (70% to 100%) caused by application of low doses of dicamba were found for all non-target terrestrial plants. Severe injury symptoms (70% to 100%) caused by volatilization of dicamba were found only for S. lycopersicum. Since S. lycopersicum was found as the most sensitive non-target plant, showing high injury symptoms caused by dicamba and significant injury from volatilized dicamba, this species is suitable for environmental monitoring of dicamba applications. Full article

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF1) is a conserved calcium-binding protein involved in inflammatory and neuro-immune responses and expressed in Pomacea canaliculata (Pc-AIF1) during cephalic tentacle regeneration. Here, we investigated the expression and distribution of Pc-AIF1 in control conditions and during cephalic tentacle regeneration. A transcriptomic analysis of 315 RNA-seq datasets revealed maximal Pc-AIF1 expression in circulating hemocytes and hemocyte-rich tissues. Pc-AIF1 was also highly expressed in neural ganglia. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) evidenced Pc-AIF1 in circulating hemocytes and in the phagocytic hemocyte aggregates in the posterior kidney. qPCR showed the constitutive expression of Pc-AIF1 in cerebral ganglia. FISH experiments showed Pc-AIF1-positive cells within the cephalic tentacle blastema at 24 h post-amputation (hpa). Even if the amputation left them untouched, both the ipsilateral and contralateral cerebral ganglia increased Pc-AIF1 expression until 48 hpa. Immunocytochemical experiments evidenced positive cells to RCA120 (a microglial marker in mammals) among circulating hemocytes, in the connective tissue surrounding the cerebral ganglia, and within the regenerating tentacles. These findings suggest that Pc-AIF1 is a neuro-immune marker constitutively expressed in hemocyte populations and neural tissues; it is associated with the immediate hemocyte response to wounding and the neuro-immune interplay during the regeneration of sensory organs. Full article

The invertebrate neuropeptide F (NPF) signaling plays versatile roles in diverse biological activities and processes. Still, whether and how it mediates feeding and digestion in Pomacea canaliculate remain gaps in our knowledge. Herein, we first identified and characterized PcNPFR via bioinformatics analysis in P. canaliculate, which is a polyphagous herbivore with a voracious appetite that causes devastating damages to ecosystem functioning and services in colonized ranges. Double stranded RNA (dsRNA)-based RNA interference (RNAi) and exogenous rescue were utilized to decipher and substantiate underlying mechanisms whereby NPFR executed its modulatory functions. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny indicated that PcNPFR harbored typical seven transmembrane domains (7 TMD) and belonged to rhodopsin-like GPCRs, with amino acid sequence sharing 27.61–63.75% homology to orthologues. Spatio-temporal expression profiles revealed the lowest abundance of PcNPFR occurred in pleopod tissues and the egg stage, while it peaked in male snails and testes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that 4 µg dsNPFR and 10⁻⁶ M trNPF (NPFR agonist) were optimal doses to exert silencing and rescue effects, accordingly with sampling time at 3 days post treatments. Moreover, the dsNPFR injection (4 µg) at 1/3/5/7 day/s delivered silencing efficiency of 32.20–74.01%. After 3 days upon dsNPFR knockdown (4 µg), mRNA levels of ILP7/InR/Akt/PI3Kc/PI3K_R were significantly downregulated compared to dsGFP controls, except FOXO substantially upregulated at both transcript and translation levels. In addition, the activities of alpha-amylase, protease and lipase were significantly suppressed, accompanied by decreased leaf area consumption, attenuated feeding behavior and diminished feeding rate. Moreover, expression trends were opposite and proxies were partially or fully restored to baseline levels post exogenous compensation of trNPF, suggesting phenotypes specifically attributable to PcNPFR RNAi but not off-target effects. PcNPFR is implicated in both feeding and digestion by modulating the ISP pathway and digestive enzyme activities. It may serve as a promising molecular target for RNAi-based antifeedants to manage P. canaliculate invasion. Full article

The chemical composition of leaf essential oil of the harmful invasive species Chromolaena odorata collected in Vietnam was analyzed by GC/MS and chiral GC. All three essential oil samples (O1, O2 and O3) in this study fell into chemotype I characterized by α-pinene/geigerene/germacrene D/(E)-β-caryophyllene from a total of six different chemotypes. Chemotype I demonstrated larvicidal effects against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Aedes albopictus Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), Culex fuscocephala (Theobald, 1907) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), with 24 h LC₅₀ values ranging from 11.73 to 69.87 µg/mL. In contrast, its microemulsion formulation exhibited enhanced toxicity, yielding 24 h LC₅₀ values between 11.16 and 32.43 µg/mL. This chemotype also showed repellent efficacy against Ae. aegypti, with protection times ranging from 70.75 to 122.7 min. Fumigant toxicity was observed against Aedes aegypti, with LC₅₀ values of 40.27% at 0.5 h and 0.34% at 24 h. Molluscicidal activity was recorded with 48 h LC₅₀ values between 3.82 and 54.38 µg/mL against Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes, 1833), Pomacea canaliculate (Lamarck, 1822), Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805). Additionally, the chemotype exhibited acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 70.85 µg/mL. Antimicrobial potential was also demonstrated, with MIC values ranging from 2.0 to 128.0 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Candida albicans. The C. odorata essential oil can be considered as a potential bioresource for human health protection strategies. Full article

The impact of invasive alien species (IAS) is one of the direct factors causing global biodiversity decline and economic losses, and predicting the potential invasion risks of invasive species is crucial for developing prevention and control strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have shown that invasive species undergo rapid shifts in climate niche in invaded areas. Accurately quantifying the dynamic shifts in the climate niche of invasive species in invaded areas is crucial for developing a more accurate framework for early warning of invasive species risks. Pomacea canaliculata is a freshwater snail found in South America and has become one of the most aggressive aquatic species in the world. Since its introduction to China in 1981, it has rapidly spread and caused multiple serious damages to agriculture, ecology, and public health. Therefore, based on multi-source distribution data of P. canaliculata, this study calculated the climate niche overlap by Schoener’ s D, quantified the niche shifts between the P. canaliculata in native and invaded areas (China) via the COUE scheme (a unified terminology representing niche centroid shift, overlap, unfilling, and expansion), and analyzed their changes on a time scale. The results revealed that there have been significant climate niche shifts (Schoener’s D < 0.2, niche similarity tests p > 0.01, niche equivalence tests p < 0.01) between the native and invaded areas (China) of P. canaliculata, which does not support the climate niche conservation hypothesis. The minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio 6) and precipitation seasonality (Bio 15) were the key climate variables driving the climatic niche shift, and P. canaliculata can survive in colder and more arid regions than their native counterparts. The changes in the niche shifts in P. canaliculata on a time scale show significant temporal heterogeneity, and its invasion behavior in China presents a discontinuous and phased expansion pattern, with strong adaptability to new environments. The results are of great significance for the future development of more accurate ecological niche model (ENM), the formulation of more targeted prevention and control strategies, and the study of adaptive evolution mechanisms of invasive species. Full article

African swine fever virus (ASFV), a highly contagious and lethal virus affecting domestic and wild pigs, has raised global concerns due to its continued spread across Europe and Asia. While traditional transmission pathways involve suids and soft ticks, this study investigates the potential role of freshwater gastropods as environmental reservoirs capable of sustaining ASFV. We analysed ASFV survival in ten gastropod species after long-term co-incubation with the virus. Viral transcriptional activity, particularly of the late gene B646L and members of the multigene family MGF505, was evaluated in snail faeces up to nine weeks post-infection. Results revealed that several gastropods, including Melanoides tuberculata, Tarebia granifera, Physa fontinalis, and Pomacea bridgesii, support long-term persistence of ASFV, accompanied by increased MGF505 gene expression. Notably, the simultaneous activation of MGF5052R and MGF50511R significantly correlated with higher B646L expression and extended viral survival, suggesting a functional role in ASFV maintenance. Conversely, antiviral (AV) activity assays showed that some gastropod faeces reduced replication of the unrelated Influenza virus, hinting at induced host defences. A negative correlation was observed between AV activity and the expression of MGF505 2R/11R, implying that ASFV may suppress antiviral responses to facilitate persistence. These findings suggest that certain gastropods may serve as overlooked environmental hosts, contributing to ASFV epidemiology via long term viral shedding. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying ASFV–host interactions and to assess the ecological and epidemiological implications of gastropods in ASFV transmission cycles. Full article

Heavy metal and pesticide contaminations represent significant environmental and health hazards to humans and animals. Toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and copper (Cu) persist in the environment, bioaccumulating in beverages and food products from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Traditional remediation techniques, such as chemical precipitation and ion exchange, are effective but often costly and challenging to apply at a large scale. In recent years, grape pomace—a winemaking by-product rich in bioactive compounds—has emerged as a promising, low-cost biosorbent for the removal of such pollutants. Its high adsorption capacity, environmental friendliness, and availability make it a strong candidate for water and food decontamination processes. This study evaluates grape pomace and its biochar as sustainable biosorbents for heavy metal removal from water and soil, examining their adsorption efficiency, adsorption mechanisms, environmental benefits, advantages, limitations, and perspectives for future industrial-scale applications. Full article

Argentina is among the top consumers of herbicides, yet studies on their environmental and health impact remain scarce. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of herbicide exposure on Pomacea canaliculata as potential biomarkers of contamination. Specifically, we investigated whether paraquat (Pq) and fluroxypyr (Fx) alter enzymatic antioxidant defenses in tissues following acute exposure and induce histological modifications in the digestive gland (DG), particularly in symbiotic corpuscles, after chronic exposure. The nominal no-observed-effect concentration on lethality (NOEC_L) values were 3.62 µg/g dry mass (DM) for Pq and 10.42 µg/g DM for Fx. After acute exposure, superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the DG but increased in the kidney for both herbicides. Catalase activity decreased in the gills but increased in the kidneys of exposed snails, while glutathione-S-transferase activity increased in the DG and kidney after Pq exposure. Following chronic exposure (Pq: 1.45 µg/g DM; Fx: 6.94 µg/g DM), epithelial thickening and vacuolization were observed in Fx-exposed snails. Morphometric analysis of the DG showed that Pq reduced the epithelial occupancy of the symbiont’s vegetative form while increasing its cystic form. These findings indicate that both herbicides impact antioxidant defenses, DG function and host–symbiont interactions, reinforcing the suitability of P. canaliculata as bioindicator organisms. Full article

Aquatic alien species (AAS) have had a major impact on freshwater ecosystems, including Lake Naivasha in Kenya. Here, the ecosystem has undergone tremendous changes and multiple species introductions over the past 100 years, and molluscs have experienced a major decline in species diversity. The East African Rift Lakes have experienced a steady rise in lake levels since 2010. We investigated the impact of recent ecosystem changes on the lakes’ molluscs by determining the current mollusc diversity and its composition. We also reconstruct the history of faunal change and turnover over the last 100 years and discuss the future of molluscs in the lake and the implications in a One Health context. The combined effects of rising water levels and the decline of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii are likely to be responsible for the resurgence of Lake Naivasha’s mollusc fauna. The current fauna consists of three global invaders of American origin, one of which is new to East Africa (Pseudosuccinea columella) and another of which has only recently begun to spread (Pomacea canaliculata). A further three species are native to Africa, two of which are known from historical records, while one is new to Lake Naivasha (Bulinus forskalii). All native species are of public health (Biomphalaria sudanica) and veterinary health (Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus forskalii) concern. The current biodiversity of molluscs has reached the same level as in historical times, but the species composition is remarkably different. Full article

The perivitellin-2 (PV2) from snails is an unusual neuro and enterotoxin comprising a pore-forming domain of the Membrane Attack Complex and Perforin Family (MACPF) linked to a lectin. While both domains have membrane binding capabilities, PV2’s mechanism of action remains unclear. We studied the apple snail Pomacea maculata PV2’s (PmPV2’s) interaction with lipid membranes using various biophysical and cell biology approaches. In vitro studies showed that PmPV2 toxicity decreased when cholesterol (Chol) was diminished from enterocyte cell membranes. Chol enhanced PmPV2 association with phosphatidylcholine membranes but did not induce pore formation. In contrast, using rat brain lipid models, rich in glycolipids, PmPV2 exhibited high affinity and induced vesicle permeabilization. Negative stain electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed the formation of pore-like structures in brain lipid vesicles. Our findings suggest that Chol is a necessary lipid component and point to PmPV2–glycolipid interactions as potential activators critical to triggering PmPV2’s pore-forming activity, providing insights into this novel toxin’s mechanism. Full article

Apple juice processing by-product (apple pomace), considered as waste that generates important pollution problems, is also a rich source of bioactive compounds, including minerals, dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. The recovery and reuse of these valuable compounds from apple pomace into new food products combats environmental pollution, benefits the population and supports the circular economy. The current study proposes jelly candies made from apple pomace as an innovative way to valorize this by-product. The candies are analyzed from the point of view of the environmental impact and consumer acceptance. The environmental impact of the jelly candy was assessed by its carbon footprint (CF), calculated on the base of ingredients and equipment. The results showed a small CF value of 1.3946 kg CO₂ for 1 kg of jelly, emphasizing its minimal environmental impact. Consumer research was carried out through an online questionnaire to assess the customer acceptance of this product, and the results revealed significant interest. These findings were considered when the consumer-oriented marketing plan was developed for this healthy, clean label, eco-friendly and sustainable jelly candy, with a view to launching it on the market. Considering the origin of the main ingredient, the reduced environmental impact, and the high acceptability of the product, it can be concluded that the analyzed jelly candy represents a good solution for apple juice processing waste recovery, which supports the circular economy. Full article

Apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata), one of the 100 most serious invasive species in the world, have invaded mangrove wetlands due to their salinity tolerance. We firstly prepared a plant molluscicide against apple snails based on the mangrove Aegiceras corniculatum in coastal wetland. The effects of four mangrove extracts from A. corniculatum, including ethanol extract (EE), petroleum ether extract (PEE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and n-butanol extract (BE), were studied for molluscicidal activity against apple snails in a saline environment. The LC₅₀ values at 48 h of EE, PEE, EAE, and BE were 25 mg/L, 123 mg/L, 170 mg/L, and 14 mg/L, respectively. BE had the highest molluscicidal value (96.7%) against apple snails at 48 h. At 48 h, BE of A. corniculatum leaves significantly decreased the soluble sugar content, soluble protein content, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione of apple snails to 4.25 mg/g, 29.50 mg/g, 947.1 U/gprot, and 6.22 U/gprot, respectively, compared to those in the control. The increased BE concentration significantly enhanced the malondialdehyde and aspartate aminotransferase contents to 4.18 mmol/gprot and 18.9 U/gprot at 48 h. Furthermore, the damage in the hepatopancreas tissue of apple snails increased, and the cellular structure became necrotic as the concentration of BE from A. corniculatum increased. The content of palmitic acid in BE of A. corniculatum leaves was the highest (10.9%), possibly be a toxic ingredient against apple snails. The n-butanol extract of A. corniculatum leaves showed a potential to control apple snails in the brackish water, and its plantation was beneficial to control the further spread of apple snails in mangrove wetlands. Full article

The golden apple snail (GAS, Pomacea canaliculata) has invaded mangrove forests. The effect of water contaminated by metabolic activity of GAS feeding on Acanthus ilicifolius (T1), Sonneratia apetala (T2), and without food (CK) on the native mangrove black helmet snail (BHS, Neritina pulligera) was investigated under salinity conditions. The GAS deteriorated saline water quality (2.5‰). DO contents in T1 and T2 approached zero at 9 d. Compared to CK, the contents of COD, total N, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, and total P of the contaminated water in T1 increased by 297%, 205%, 262%, 210%, and 518% after 9 d, while these indicators in T2 increased by 74%, 31%, 57%, 326%, and 154%, respectively. The LC₅₀ of the contaminated water in T1 against the BHS reached 22.72%. The weight of the BHS exposed to the 100% contaminated water in T1 and T2 significantly decreased after exposure. The content of GPT of the BHS exposed to the 100%-contaminated water in T1 and T2 increased by 55% and 26%, while the MDA content increased by 38% and 34%. The 100%-contaminated water in T1 led to cell degeneration and incomplete structure in the hepatopancreas tissue of the BHS. The GAS feeding on holly mangroves can compete against native mangrove snails through water deterioration. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses an important problem, but limited information is available about the toxicology effects of Cd on freshwater invertebrates. We investigated the accumulation, oxidative stress, microbial community changes, and transcriptomic alterations in apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) under Cd stress. The snails were exposed to the 10 μg/L Cd solution for 16 days, followed by a 16-day elimination period. Our results showed that the liver accumulated the highest Cd concentration (17.41 μg/g), followed by the kidneys (8.00 μg/g) and intestine-stomach (6.68 μg/g), highlighting these tissues as primary targets for Cd accumulation. During the elimination period, Cd concentrations decreased in all tissues, with the head-foot and shell exhibiting over 30% elimination rates. Cd stress also resulted in reduced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione transferase (GST) compared to the control group. Notably, even after 16 days of depuration, the enzyme activities did not return to normal levels, indicating persistent toxicological effects. Cd exposure significantly reduced the diversity of gut microbiota in P. canaliculata. Moreover, transcriptome analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily associated with lysosome function, motor proteins, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, drug metabolism via cytochrome P450 (CYP450), arachidonic acid metabolism, and ECM–receptor interactions. These findings suggest that Cd stress predominantly disrupts cellular transport and metabolic processes. Overall, our study provides comprehensive insights into the toxicological impact of Cd on P. canaliculata and emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms underlying Cd toxicity in aquatic organisms. Full article