Search Results (195)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of acquired epilepsy, with a significant proportion of patients developing post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) even months or years after the initial injury. The identification of reliable imaging biomarkers able to predict epileptogenesis remains a major clinical challenge. In recent years, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and structural connectome analysis have emerged as promising tools to investigate brain network alterations associated with late seizure development. Machine learning approaches may further support the detection of predictive patterns in complex neuroimaging data. The goal of this study is to perform a binary classification between seizure-free and late seizure-affected patients following TBI, with a specific focus on the identification of the anatomical regions potentially connected with late seizure development. A dataset of 59 diffusion weighted images (DWI) scans from the EpiBioS4Rx project, including 42 seizure-free and 17 late seizure-affected TBI patients, was analyzed. A Random Forest classification algorithm was applied, incorporating network feature importance based on the Gini index to investigate model’s decisions and allow a clinical interpretation. The model reported a 69% ± 0.03 accuracy for discrimination and a 73% AUC ± 0.05. Despite the limited and imbalanced nature of the dataset, and the fact that the performance does not significantly exceed chance once all data-dependent steps are taken into account, our approach allows us to achieve accurate classification results compared to the literature and to identify brain regions potentially associated with epileptogenesis. Full article

Accurate prediction of invasive species diffusion is essential for effective management and ecological conservation. Existing spatio-temporal Cox process models face limitations due to the separability assumption, which fails to capture spatio-temporal coupling dynamics inherent in biological diffusion processes. This study proposes a Spatio-Temporal Interaction Kernel Cox (STIK-Cox) model that constructs a non-separable conditional intensity function integrating baseline intensity, spatial and temporal proximity kernels, seasonal fluctuation, and a spatio-temporal interaction term. The model employs maximum likelihood estimation with Limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno with Bounds (L-BFGS-B) optimisation and incorporates SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for interpretability analysis. Using the Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) monitoring dataset from Washington State, the model achieves a comprehensive accuracy score of 0.957, a capture rate of 98.74% at a 0.5° threshold, and a mean prediction error of 0.0802°. K-function analysis confirms effective capture of spatial clustering patterns, while SHAP analysis reveals longitude as the primary predictive driver. The non-separable design outperforms conventional methods including inverse distance weighting and Poisson point processes. This framework demonstrates the potential of non-separable spatio-temporal point processes for invasive species early warning, providing a scientific basis for targeted monitoring and resource allocation in ecological management. Full article

Understanding the climate-driven range dynamics of the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) is essential for ecological risk assessment and biodiversity management. This study utilized Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling to estimate current and future (2050) habitat suitability across the Western Palearctic. The model demonstrated strong predictive performance, yielding a mean cross-validation AUC of 0.95 ± 0.01 and a TSS of 0.78 ± 0.02, indicating high stability and discriminatory capacity. Jackknife analysis and response curves identified temperature annual range (bio7) and annual precipitation (bio12) as the primary environmental drivers. The species exhibits a distinct preference for moderate thermal variability and balanced moisture regimes, while extreme summer heat (bio5) and warm winter conditions (bio11) impose significant constraints. Current projections identify a high-suitability core concentrated within the Mediterranean basin. By mid-century, projections indicate a spatial reorganization marked by localized gains mainly in the eastern part of the study region alongside suitability losses across North Africa and parts of southern Europe. Multivariate Environmental Similarity Surface (MESS) analysis confirmed high model transferability across most expansion zones, despite increased uncertainty in hyper-arid and high-altitude regions. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of the V. orientalis climatic niche and provide a critical baseline for proactive biosecurity and monitoring in emerging high-risk regions. Given the global decline in Hymenoptera diversity, this study provides timely insights into species-specific responses to climate change, supporting broader efforts in biodiversity conservation and ecological risk assessment. Full article

Venom-mediated systemic toxicity is not fully understood. This study explored the dose-dependent effects of Vespa mandarinia venom (VMV) on mice via integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Subcutaneous VMV injection induced dose-dependent hypothermia: 80 μg caused severe transient hypothermia and partial mortality, while 40/60 μg led to reversible hypothermia within 24 h. Whole-blood sequencing identified 2400–3281 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) per group, including 1764 shared DEGs. Immune-related pathways were significantly activated, with hub genes validated by qRT-PCR. Serum metabolomics revealed alterations in organic acids, alkaloids, and other metabolites. Integrative transcriptome–metabolome analysis predicted the potential involvement of various pathways in VMV-induced toxicity, including ferroptosis (shared in low-dose VMV groups) and apoptosis. Cumulatively, this study confirms that VMV induces immunometabolic reprogramming, providing a molecular framework for understanding venom-induced systemic toxicity. Full article

Hymenoptera venom allergy is a cause of anaphylaxis, which significantly affects patients’ daily lives due to the constant fear of accidental stings. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only treatment capable of preventing severe systemic reactions (SSRs). Limited long-term real-life data are available, integrating both clinical and immunological outcomes. A five-year prospective observational study was conducted on 35 patients with a history of SSR who underwent VIT at a tertiary allergy center in Southern Italy; two of them had a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. Most patients were sensitized to Vespula, but others to Apis, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro, reflecting the exposure pattern characteristic of Mediterranean regions. Clinical outcomes following accidental re-stings and serological trends, including total IgE, venom-specific IgE, and baseline serum tryptase, were assessed at treatment initiation and after five years of maintenance therapy. During the entire follow-up, all patients tolerated VIT. No SSRs occurred after accidental stings in 17/35 patients, confirming clinical protection achieved with VIT. Vespula serum-specific IgE presented a highly significant decrease; total IgE, tryptase and specific IgE for Apis, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro showed a statistically significant decrease. Our findings reinforce the role of VIT as a well-tolerated, effective and disease-modifying treatment in a real-world setting. Full article

The invasive yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax has spread across Europe following its accidental introduction into France in 2004. This species adversely affects biodiversity, apiculture, pomiculture and viticulture, and human health. Current management relies predominantly on nest destruction; however, manual removal is often logistically challenging and costly because nests are typically located high in trees (up to 30 m), frequently necessitating vehicle-mounted lifts. Ground-based application of biocides using long injection lances is comparatively rapid and inexpensive, but in many countries, insecticides are not permitted because the products are not specifically authorized for hornet control. Consequently, alternative approaches are needed. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of activated charcoal for nest destruction in V. v. nigrithorax. We injected 145 nests with 50–100 g of activated charcoal and subsequently destroyed the nests. One week later, we assessed worker survival and the establishment of new nests. Emergency nest construction by surviving workers was observed in three of 145 cases (2.1%). This rate was comparable to that observed following insecticide treatment (two of 136 cases; 1.5%). Activated charcoal therefore appears to be similarly effective to insecticide-based control while offering advantages in terms of environmental compatibility, user safety, ease of handling, and legal applicability in Europe. Activated charcoal may represent a practical alternative to manual nest removal and unauthorized insecticide use. Full article

While the gut microbiota of pollen-carrying bees (e.g., honeybees and bumblebees) has been well studied, the gut microbiota of vespine wasps remains poorly understood. Unlike pollen-carrying bees, which primarily consume pollen and nectar, vespine wasp larvae mainly feed on insects, suggesting that their gut bacterial communities may be different. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the differences in larval gut bacterial communities between pollen-carrying bees and vespine wasps. Using datasets obtained from our own samplings and public resources released by other researchers, we compared the diversity and composition of larval gut bacterial communities between vespine wasps and pollen-carrying bees. Alpha diversity and beta diversity of bacterial communities were measured. Results showed that vespine wasp larvae harbored distinct gut bacterial communities from those of pollen-carrying bees, dominated by Leuconostoc, Hafnia-Obesumbacterium and Lactobacillus. Significant differences in bacterial composition were observed at both the community level and the dominant taxa level between pollen-carrying bee larvae and vespine wasp larvae. Moreover, significant differences were also found among larval gut bacteria of vespine wasps. These findings provide insights into the bacterial composition of aculeate wasps with different dietary habits. Full article

Vespa orientalis is an emerging pest in southern Italy, with increasing impacts on bees in apiculture and urban environments. This study assessed the attractiveness of three bait types—beer, canned peaches, and commercial fish-based cat food—used in transparent plastic bottle traps deployed in apiary and urban sites across the Campania region. Trapping was conducted from September to October in 15 apiaries and 10 urban areas. A total of 419 hornets (V. orientalis and V. crabro) were collected. V. crabro showed a strong preference for beer-baited traps, whereas V. orientalis did not exhibit significant bait preferences, although most captures occurred in protein-baited traps. Species composition differed between environments, with V. orientalis more prevalent in urban sites. Overall, low capture rates of V. orientalis despite high presence in apiaries suggest that conventional attractant-based trapping is poorly suited for this species, highlighting the need for behaviour-based monitoring tools. Full article

Background: In Pakistan, the number of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases is increasing significantly, attributed to risk factors such as injection drug use, sexual transmission, etc. However, transmission through hemodialysis units is not well documented. In 2024, an outbreak of HIV cases in Multan, Pakistan, drew alarm from local health authorities due to reports linking it to a large public hospital in South Punjab. Here, we report the molecular epidemiological investigation of the outbreak. Methods: Twenty-five hemodialysis patients identified during the outbreak were enrolled. Blood samples were subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the maximum-likelihood approach in IQ-TREE. For dating phylogenetics, a maximum clade credibility tree (MCC) was constructed using the BEAST tool. The MCC tree was constructed using the Bayesian Skyline model with an uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock. The VESPA program was used to identify amino acid signatures unique to outbreak sequences compared with Pakistani reference sequences. Results: A total of 25 patients (identified as part of the HIV outbreak) were enrolled. 96% (24 out of 25) also tested positive for Hepatitis C, while none tested positive for Hepatitis B. The age range of patients in the study was 23 to 72 years (median age: 44.88 years). In terms of gender distribution, 13 out of 25 were male. All the sequences were identified as HIV subtype CRF02_AG. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Multan sequences formed a well-supported monophyletic cluster, indicating shared recent origin. Signature pattern analysis identified a unique molecular fingerprint at 26 nucleotide positions, whereas molecular dating placed the emergence of the cluster between 2023 and 2024, consistent with the outbreak timing. Conclusions: Findings provide biologically plausible evidence of a point-source HIV outbreak linked to lapses in infection prevention and control practices at the hemodialysis unit. Full article

Background: Navigational bronchoscopy (NB) enables precise sampling of peripheral and central pulmonary nodules using shape-sensing or electromagnetic guidance. A major challenge is anesthesia-induced atelectasis, which alters lung anatomy, reduces registration accuracy, and is known to lower diagnostic accuracy. To counteract this, ventilatory protocols such as the Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis (VESPA) and the Lung Navigation Ventilation Protocol (LNVP) have been recommended. Their adoption and clinical impact, however, remain uncertain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 224 consecutive NB procedures performed under general anesthesia at a single academic medical center (January 2020–August 2024). Demographic, anesthetic, and ventilatory data were extracted from electronic records. Outcomes included navigational success (ability to reach the lesion) and diagnostic accuracy (concordance between bronchoscopic diagnosis and final clinical diagnosis after follow-up). Ventilatory practices were compared with published VESPA and LNVP recommendations. Results: Navigational success, defined as successful advancement of the bronchoscope to the target lesion with tissue acquisition, was achieved in 89.2% of cases. Overall diagnostic accuracy, defined as concordance between bronchoscopic diagnosis and final clinical diagnosis after follow-up, was 81.7%. Ventilatory management consistently diverged from recommended protocols. Most patients were ventilated with FiO₂ > 0.6, PEEP in the range of 7–10 cm H₂O, and tidal volumes of 300–500 mL. The only recommended maneuver systematically applied was recruitment immediately after intubation. Despite widespread deviation from both VESPA and LNVP, diagnostic performance remained favorable relative to published benchmarks. No major anesthesia-related complications occurred. Conclusions: In this retrospective series, navigational success comparable to published studies that adapted strict ventilation protocols was achieved with also comparable diagnostic accuracy without strict adherence to predefined ventilatory strategies. Recruitment maneuvers may represent the most influential component of current protocols, but institutional factors such as procedural expertise and case volume likely contributed to outcomes. Prospective studies are warranted to determine whether standardized ventilatory protocols are necessary for optimizing NB performance. Full article

The venom of the Asian hornet (Vespa affinis) comprises a complex mixture of biologically active substances, including various enzymes such as phospholipase A and hyaluronidase; amines such as histamine, serotonin, and catecholamines; peptides such as mastoparan and vespakinin; and other components including acetylcholine and antigen 5. This complexity reflects the highly evolved nature of V. affinis as a venomous insect. The composition of animal venoms often exhibits a certain degree of variability, making the study of biogenic amines particularly intriguing. The objective of this research was to confirm and identify the presence of tetradecylamine in the venom of Vespa affinis using the scientific computational analysis software MetFrag. In addition, the study aimed to construct the biosynthetic pathway of this compound and to predict its potential biological roles. The predicted biosynthetic route of tetradecylamine suggested its possible involvement in antibacterial activity. Antibacterial assays were performed against four bacterial strains Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results revealed that tetradecylamine exhibited notable inhibitory effects, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2, 4, 8, and 4 µg/mL, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 2, 4, 8, and 4 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted using penicillin-binding protein 2x (PBP2x, PDB ID: 5OIZ) as the target protein. Among eight tested ligands, streptomycin exhibited the highest binding affinity with a docking score of 64.76. In contrast, biogenic amines such as 2-phenylethylamine and tetradecylamine showed docking scores of 33.74 and 48.2, respectively. In the MurA protein (PDB ID: 3VCY), the biogenic amine ligand tetradecylamine exhibited a binding affinity comparable to that of certain reference drugs. Specifically, tetradecylamine achieved a GOLD score of 52.58, whereas ampicillin showed a higher score of 61.53. Notably, tetradecylamine demonstrated a higher binding affinity to the target protein compared with certain conventional antibiotics such as doxycycline and gentamycin. Full article

Social wasps, including hornets, are increasingly recognized not only as invasive pests but also as farmed insects; however, their gut microbiota and associated diseases remain poorly characterized. In indoor rearing facilities for the hornet Vespa analis in Dehong, Yunnan, China, we observed recurrent larval disease with weakness, larvae falling from the nests, and high mortality. To identify the causative agent and its effects on the gut community, we isolated bacteria from diseased larvae, characterized them by morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and then established an oral infection model. A red-pigmented isolate, designated YR2, was identified as Serratia marcescens. Oral inoculation with YR2 reproduced disease signs and significantly increased larval mortality, and a phenotypically consistent S. marcescens isolate was reisolated from infected larval guts. Amplicon sequencing showed that healthy larvae harbored gut communities dominated by Proteobacteria, whereas infection was associated with reduced diversity and a dysbiotic shift with enrichment of Enterobacterales. Our results support S. marcescens as a strong candidate pathogen associated with larval disease and mortality in Vespa analis under indoor-rearing conditions. Our findings provide a basis for pathogen surveillance and microbiota management in indoor hornet husbandry, and support improved biosecurity and health monitoring practices. Full article

To investigate how insect hair morphology influences pollination effectiveness, this study examined four common wild pollinators in Camellia oleifera plantations: two bee species (Colletes gigas and Apis cerana) and two hornet species (Vespa velutina and Vespa soror). We systematically measured hair length, hair density, and pollen loads on four body regions (head, thorax, abdomen, and legs). The results indicated that the following: (1) C. gigas possessed significantly longer and denser hairs across all body parts, especially on the legs, compared to the other three species. (2) Both the pollen load per body part and the total pollen load were markedly higher in C. gigas than in the other pollinators. The two hornet species did not differ significantly from A. cerana in pollen load, and even exceeded it in certain traits such as head hair length. (3) Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between total pollen load and both hair length (ρ = 0.545, p < 0.01) and hair density (ρ = 0.391, p < 0.01). Pollen loads on different body regions were also strongly positively correlated, suggesting functional synergy across the insect’s surface. Leg pollen load correlated positively with head and leg hair length, but negatively with head hair density. Notably, leg hair length and density showed a unique positive correlation, highlighting region-specific morphological adaptation. (4) Cluster analysis separated C. gigas from the other three species, which grouped together. In conclusion, hair length and density—particularly on the legs—are key morphological traits underpinning pollen-carrying efficiency in these pollinators. C. gigas demonstrates superior hair morphology and pollen-carrying performance, supporting its role as an effective pollinator of C. oleifera. This study provides a trait-based framework for identifying dominant pollinators and underscores that evaluating species with complex ecological roles, such as hornets, requires integrating morphological traits with broader behavioral and community contexts. Full article

The invasive hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax was first recorded in Spain in 2010 and in Italy in 2012. Control strategies to reduce V. v. nigrithorax infestation level in apiaries include nest neutralization and trapping of adult hornets. Trapping methods are simpler, more cost-effective, and can be implemented directly by beekeepers without the use of insecticides; however, they are usually poorly effective or selective. While assessing trap effectiveness is essential for reducing V. v. nigrithorax pressure on hives, evaluating trap selectivity is equally crucial to minimize the capture of non-target insects, such as honey bees and native hornets like Vespa crabro, which exist in a delicate balance with the honey bees. During autumn 2024, five combinations of commercially available mechanical traps, tested with both a homemade and a commercial bait, were evaluated in Spain and Italy to determine the most effective and selective option against V. v. nigrithorax. The mean daily capture rate was significantly lower in Italy (0.19 ± 0.07) than in Spain (1.82 ± 0.39). Significant differences were observed among the five trap–bait combinations (p < 0.0001), with the VelutinaTrap^® (BeeVital GmbH, Vienna, Austria) associated with a homemade bait (sugar, yeast, and water) being the most effective. When trap design was considered independently of bait, VelutinaTrap^® remained the most effective option (p < 0.0001). In contrast, no significant differences were detected between bait types when analyzed irrespective of trap design (p = 0.524). Concerning selectivity, even though all tested traps showed positive results against A. mellifera, the combination VelutinaTrap^® associated with the homemade bait significantly outperformed in V. crabro selectivity. Further research is needed to develop more effective traps for capturing V. v. nigrithorax and to investigate environmental factors that influence variations in the attractiveness of the same trap and bait combinations across different seasons and geographical areas. Full article

This study investigated the population dynamics of Vespa orientalis L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) across two consecutive seasons (2023–2024) in selected apiaries, with a focus on nest composition (eggs, larvae, and pupae) and the effectiveness of various bait traps for capturing the species. Monthly monitoring revealed the highest population peaks in October and the lowest in December. Notable inter-seasonal variations in population density were observed across the studied sites. The average number of individuals per nest varied between seasons, reflecting fluctuations in colony development and environmental factors. In 2023, the mean counts of cells, eggs, larvae, and pupae per nest were 30.14, 18.77, 13.33, and 20.88, respectively, while in 2024, they were 10.55, 14.81, 18.02, and 30.43. Among the tested attractants, grape juice proved the most effective, capturing an average of 511.67 hornets, followed by black honey (422.33 hornets), whereas the capturing trap caught only 5 hornets. These findings provide insights into the seasonal activity and reproductive status of V. orientalis and support the development of environmentally friendly capture strategies. Full article