Search Results (634)

Fecal retention is a distinctive reproductive strategy in certain leaf beetles, which enables females to use accumulated fecal material to protect their eggs and enhance offspring survival. The adult flea beetle Asiophrida xanthospilota (Baly, 1881) is a specialist herbivore that feeds on the leaves of Cotinus coggygria Scop. (Anacardiaceae). Using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-computed tomography, we described and illustrated the hindgut anatomy of adult female A. xanthospilota during the pre-mated and post-mated reproductive phases. We further examined the physiological changes in the hindgut associated with fecal retention, and assessed hindgut muscle activity across these two reproductive stages. The hindgut of adult A. xanthospilota consists of three regions: ileum, colon, and rectum. The ileum is a thin, straight or coiled, tube enclosed by malpighian tubules and supported by circular and longitudinal muscles. The colon lies between the ileum and rectum, possesses a chitinized cuticle, and is externally covered with tracheae and tracheoles. A rectal valve separates the colon from the rectum, which forms the posterior end of the alimentary canal and is characterized by intimal spines and robust circular muscles. During the post-mated phase, fecal retention causes pronounced dilation of the hindgut, substantially increasing the volume occupied by food remnants. Electromyographic recordings revealed high hindgut muscle activity in pre-mated females, characterized by short and variable bursts, whereas post-mated females exhibited reduced activity with longer and more sustained bursts. The functional implications of these specialized structural features are discussed. Overall, these morphological and physiological adaptations enhance the fecal retention strategy by increasing fecal capacity, regulating hindgut motility, and enabling the formation of a protective fecal case around the egg mass. Full article

Ladybird beetle, Serangium japonicum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is an important predatory natural enemy of whiteflies, and its mass rearing is crucial for biological control. This study evaluated the suitability of Corcyra cephalonica (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs as an alternative diet for adult S. japonicum by directly comparing it to the natural prey, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphs. Results showed that, compared to a B. tabaci diet, feeding on C. cephalonica eggs supported normal development and significantly extended the lifespan of adult S. japonicum, without compromising offspring quality (hatching rate, development, survival, or predatory capacity). However, the moth egg diet significantly impaired reproduction, causing delayed ovarian development, reduced vitellogenesis, and altered gene expression: downregulation of methoprene-tolerant, Juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase, Vitellogenin, and Vitellogenin receptor, and upregulation of Juvenile hormone esterase and Copper/zinc superoxide dismutase. Practically, this work defines C. cephalonica eggs as a suboptimal but viable supplementary diet for colony maintenance, but unsuitable as a sole diet for mass-rearing reproductively robust populations. Our findings explain the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the “reproduction–lifespan trade-off” in S. japonicum induced by feeding on C. cephalonica eggs, providing a mechanistic basis for its rational application in the mass production of natural enemies. Full article

Maternal exposure to infectious agents has been associated with an increased risk of mental disorders in offspring, such as autism spectrum disorder. Evidence suggests that maternal immune responses during infection can significantly impact the neurodevelopment of the offspring, potentially affecting central nervous system functions in the future. Inulin is an indigestible soluble fiber that acts as a prebiotic. It promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which can help inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether inulin treatment during pregnancy can mitigate or reduce the impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on the neurodevelopment of the offspring. Swiss mice were used in a dose–response study to evaluate the protective effects of inulin against maternal exposure to soluble Toxoplasma gondii antigen. Adult offspring of both sexes underwent behavioral assessments, and their gut microbiota was characterized. Both males and females in the soluble T. gondii antigen (STAg) group exhibited reduced sociability, as evidenced by the three-chamber social interaction test. Moreover, co-treatment with inulin mitigated this effect. Additionally, anhedonia was observed only in female offspring from the MIA group, but treatment with 1% and 3% inulin also mitigated this effect. The analysis of fecal microbiota showed significant differences between the STAg and inulin treatments at both the family and genus levels. Therefore, inulin appears to have a potential protective effect on the neurodevelopment of the offspring exposed to maternal antigenic challenges during pregnancy mediated by offspring microbiome modulations. Full article

Parental overprotection before adulthood can have enduring consequences for offspring, yet the mechanisms underlying its association with adult physical health are not fully understood. This study proposes trait emotional intelligence (trait-EI) as a pivotal mediating factor in this relationship. A sample of 459 university students (mean age = 22.42 years, SD = 1.43; 50.3% female, 49.7% male) completed measures assessing their recalled parental overprotection, trait-EI and physical health. Results from regression and mediation analyses revealed that parental overprotection was significantly negatively associated with both overall trait-EI and physical health. Critically, trait-EI was found to be a significant mediator, indicating that overprotective parenting impedes the development of trait-EI, which in turn translates into poorer health outcomes. Further analysis of the facets of trait-EI demonstrated that the intrapersonal and stress management dimensions were unique contributors to physical health, whereas interpersonal and adaptability skills were not. What’s more, a moderated mediation analysis showed that gender significantly moderated the pathway from parental overprotection to trait-EI, with the negative effect of overprotection on trait-EI being substantially stronger for male than for female offspring. These findings underscore the role of trait-EI as a central psychological mechanism translating early parenting experiences into long-term physical health and point to the need for gender-sensitive approaches in preventive health interventions. Full article

Insect parasitoids are key biological agents within terrestrial ecosystems, offering a promising avenue for controlling insect pests. Hyperparasitoids are a group of insects that lay their eggs in or on the body of parasitoid hosts, which can greatly hamper the effectiveness of parasitoids. To optimize their reproductive success, adult parasitoids/hyperparasitoids must find sufficient food sources and mate partners (when they do not reproduce parthenogenetically) and locate suitable hosts for their offspring. To complete these tasks, parasitoids largely rely on their ability to detect relevant chemical cues (semiochemicals or infochemicals). In the last three decades, the identities of semiochemicals and their ethological significance have been widely characterized, and the possibility of using these chemical cues in insect pest management has received a lot of attention. Insects have evolved a highly sensitive and sophisticated chemosensory system adept at navigating complex and dynamic chemical environments. In this review, we first summarize the semiochemicals used by insect parasitoids, primarily including semiochemicals involved in food location, host foraging, and mate finding, while also addressing semiochemicals employed by hyperparasitoids. Next, we discuss recent progress in elucidating the chemosensory mechanisms underlying parasitoid responses to semiochemicals, with a focus on olfactory and gustatory pathways. Finally, we evaluate the potential applications of semiochemicals in pest management, highlighting the roles of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. This paper aims to establish a theoretical framework for the effective employment of parasitoids in biological control of insect pests. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder in both children and adults. Pediatric MASLD, however, is not simply an early form of adult disease, as it exhibits distinct developmental, histological, and metabolic features. Emerging evidence suggests that these characteristics arise from a complex, multi-hit continuum that begins in utero. Maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, and poor diet quality during pregnancy have been associated with greater hepatic steatosis in offspring, raising the possibility that intrauterine exposure to dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and elevated free fatty acid flux may contribute to early hepatic lipid deposition. After birth, feeding behaviors such as a prolonged breastfeeding appear protective, whereas formula feeding, especially high added-sugar formulations, may accelerate rapid weight gain and increase susceptibility to later steatosis. Early childhood diets high in added sugars, saturated fats, and ultra-processed foods may further promote hepatic lipogenesis and inflammation and interact with underlying genetic susceptibility. Given the heterogeneity of available human cohort studies and mechanistic model systems, this narrative review summarizes converging evidence from prenatal, postnatal, and early childhood nutritional exposures and their relationship to offspring hepatic lipid accumulation, emphasizing early-life windows for intervention to reduce the burden of pediatric MASLD. Full article

Nuclear receptors are a family of ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate the development, reproduction, survival, and immune responses in insects. However, the structural, biological, and molecular functions of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) in aphids remain unknown. Aphids are small agricultural pests that directly affect crops due to their rapid reproductive ability, which is influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and photoperiod. In this study, we cloned full-length cDNA encoding HNF4 from the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii (A. gossypii, Hemiptera: Aphididae) (AgHNF4) and investigated its role in regulating lipid metabolic gene expression, aphid survival, and reproduction. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that AgHNF4 shares an evolutionary lineage with other hemipteran insects. The ligand binding domain region of AgHNF4 showed significance in nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. The expression pattern of AgHNF4 was detected in the stages of the aphid life cycle, with notable expression during the 2nd instar, 4th instar, and adult stages. Furthermore, to understand the role of HNF4 in regulating lipid metabolic genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and transport, HNF4-silenced A. gossypii individuals were analyzed. The results showed downregulation of lipid metabolic genes and reduced offspring production and survival rates. Therefore, A. gossypii HNF4 serves as a potential target for regulating lipid metabolism, and targeting HNF4 expression could offer a promising approach to aphid pest control. Full article

The prevalence of maternal obesity is rapidly increasing, which represents a major public health concern worldwide. Currently more than 50% of all adult women are overweight or obese, and this trend is reflected in women of child-bearing age. Maternal obesity is characterized by metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation, and is associated with health problems in both the mother and the offspring. Intrauterine programming occurs during embryonic and fetal development, a critical period not only for the formation of tissues and organs but also for the etiology of diseases later in life. The principal mechanisms underlying fetal programming in the offspring of obese mothers appear to involve DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling within progenitor cells. Aberrant DNA methylation patterns have been identified in genes involved in insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, and appetite regulation in the placenta and fetal tissues. Histone modifications, such as acetylation and methylation of histone tails, may also play a crucial role in modulating chromatin structure and accessibility of transcriptional machinery to DNA. The persistence of such modifications throughout life, and potentially across generations, can lead to permanent alterations in gene expression, thereby contributing to the intergenerational transmission of metabolic disorders. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of the current knowledge regarding the effects of maternal obesity on fetal development and the occurrence of fetal complications, as well as long-term complications observed in adulthood related to intrauterine exposure to maternal obesity, including hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, impaired insulin secretion and resistance, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The mechanisms underlying fetal programming are also discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association between health literacy (HL) and stress among family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methods: Older adults and their caregivers were recruited from the geriatric outpatient memory clinic of an Italian hospital. Caregiver stress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12). HL was measured using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and the Short Form of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Results: A total of 170 (71% females) caregivers, including spouses and offspring, were included in the analysis. According to the NVS, 53% demonstrated adequate HL, while 83% achieved adequate scores on the S-TOFHLA. The median GHQ-12 score was 15, with 48% presenting a score above 14, indicating higher stress levels; women reported significantly higher GHQ-12 scores than men. In a multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for sex, education, and number of care tasks provided, the S-TOFHLA score showed a borderline association with the GHQ-12 score (B = −1.45; p = 0.064). When characteristics of the care-recipient were added to the model, the S-TOFHLA score emerged as an independent predictor of the GHQ-12 score (B = −1.41; p = 0.048), along with female caregiver sex and behavioral and psychological symptoms in the care-recipients. Exploratory analysis suggested that the association between HL and stress was present among male but not female caregivers. Conclusions: HL was associated with psychological stress in caregivers of older adults with dementia, with the relationship appearing more pronounced among male caregivers. Full article

Pregnancy in adolescence represents a major nutritional challenge, with competing demands between maternal development and fetal growth. Choline is the essential nutrient with a critical role for fetal brain development and exhibits distinct metabolic patterns in pregnant adolescents aged 15–19 years compared to adult pregnant women. This narrative review examines the specific impact of choline status on fetal neurodevelopment in adolescent pregnancies. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases from 2000 to 2025, focusing on choline metabolism, placental transport mechanisms, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent pregnant women demonstrate reduced choline clearance (0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 mL/min/kg), decreased choline kinase activity (25–30% reduction), and reduced placental transporter expression (CTL1 reduced by 15–20%) compared to adults. These metabolic differences result in maternal–fetal competition for limited choline resources, potentially compromising fetal brain development during critical neurodevelopmental windows. The consequences include increased risk of neural tube defects, altered hippocampal development, and long-term cognitive impairments in offspring. Adolescent pregnancy creates a unique biochemical environment that may predispose to choline deficiency with lasting neurodevelopmental consequences, and current supplementation guidelines do not address adolescent-specific needs, pointing out the urgent requirement for appropriate age recommendations and targeted interventions to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

To evaluate the impact of secondary host selection by the autoparasitoid E. sophia on the fitness and biological control potential of its offspring, we compared the demographic traits, parasitism capacity, and host-feeding rates of populations reared on different secondary hosts: the heterospecific E. formosa and the conspecific E. sophia. Analyses conducted with TWOSEX-MSChart, CONSUME-MSChart, and TIMING-MSChart showed that the population reared on E. formosa and E. sophia as secondary hosts. The E. sophia population reared on E. formosa exhibited significantly shorter developmental times, extended adult longevity, and enhanced female reproductive output, characterized by higher fecundity and longer oviposition periods than the conspecific-reared group. This group also displayed superior host consumption, accelerated population growth, a shorter mean generation time, and improved biocontrol efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of secondary host optimization in mass rearing and offer a theoretical basis for improving the field performance of E. sophia. Full article

To better understand the motivation underlying harassment of adult matings by infants, we studied infant harassment behaviors in a multilevel social primate, wild (provisioned) Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana). Two harassment patterns were identified: care-seeking and sociable. Infants showed more frequent harassment in response to sexual activities of their mothers than non-mothers, with more care-seeking harassment directed to their mothers. The responses of mothers and non-mothers to infant harassment were different, with the former showing increased caretaking of their infants. Infants harassing non-mothers were more likely to receive aggression from the latter than infants harassing their own mothers. Overall, the more frequently infants harassed matings, the more care they received and the more attacks they received. We conclude that in Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys, infant harassment of their mother’s sexual activity is an effective behavioral tactic to receive more maternal care. It can therefore be interpreted as indirect support for the parent–offspring conflict hypothesis. Full article

Schizaphis graminum is the most important pest of wheat, and its feeding harm not only affects photosynthesis but also causes diseases, posing a serious threat to wheat production. We measured the contact killing and fumigation activities, population changes, enzyme activities, and nanoemulsion physicochemical property of Eupatorium fortune essential oil (EFEO) and pyrethrin against S. graminum and its natural enemy (Harmonia axyridis). Toxic effects of EFEO and pyrethrin increased with increasing concentration. After 24 h of contact killing, the LD₅₀ of S. graminum were 9.23 and 0.02 μg/head, respectively. Harmonia axyridis were 36.71 and 0.07 μg/head. The fumigation of EFEO LD₅₀ on S. graminum was 9.779 mg/L (y = 2.88x − 2.852). EFEO contains 28 chemical components, including l-Caryophyllene, Lily aldehyde, α-Terpineol, and Cineole. EFEO LD₅₀ significantly reduced the adult longevity, nymph production, and nymph production duration of the F0 S. graminum, while there were no significant differences in various parameters of offspring. The activity of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione-S-transferase, and carboxylesterase is significantly affected. The population decline rate of EFEO nanoemulsion is significantly higher than that of EFEO. This research aims to clarify the toxic effect of EFEO on S. graminum, providing a scientific basis for developing new plant essential oil preparations and nano preparations. Full article

New Zealand abalone (Haliotis iris) holds ecological, economic, and cultural value, with wild stocks supporting fisheries and an emerging aquaculture industry. Wild-caught adult abalone are often used as broodstock, but captivity can affect spawning and offspring quality. This study is the first to profile wild and farmed H. iris broodstock using histology, proximate composition, microbiome, and metabolomics analyses. Histology showed higher gonadal abnormalities in farmed abalone, while wild abalone exhibited increased ciliates in their gills, indicating richer marine–microorganism interactions. Microbiome analyses revealed a higher microbial richness and diversity in the buccal cavity of wild abalone. The core microbiota phyla across both groups included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Campylobacterota, Fusobacteria, and Firmicutes. Proximate analyses showed higher muscle protein in farmed abalone, while gonadal tissue partitioned by sex showed higher fat in females and higher protein in males. Metabolomics revealed altered amino acid metabolism in the adductor muscle, carboxylic acid metabolism in the gonad, and fatty acid metabolism in the foot. This investigation expands our understanding of the physiological and microbial differences between wild and farmed abalone, showing altered gonad and muscle conditions from prolonged captivity and highlighting the need for greater microbial diversity in cultured stocks. Full article

Individual vocal recognition is essential for social cohesion and survival among conspecifics. In sheep, it facilitates postnatal identification and strengthens the mother–offspring bond. Although vocal individuality has been well-documented in lambs and ewes, little is known about whether rams—typically reared separately in farming systems—exhibit acoustic distinctiveness. This study investigated whether rams express vocal individuality across different emotional contexts and whether their calls convey contextual information. Adult rams’ vocalizations were recorded across five emotionally distinct contexts: physical and visual isolation (morning and evening), auditory exposure to ewes’ bells without visual contact, feed anticipation, and feed denial. Implementing discriminant function analyses and linear mixed models, we assessed individual distinctiveness and contextual variation in acoustic parameters. Rams exhibited vocal individuality ranging from 59% to 80%, with higher distinctiveness in negative contexts compared to positive ones. Vocal distinctiveness persisted across contexts, albeit to a lesser degree, suggesting some degree of acoustic stability. Calls were classified above chance by context, suggesting rams use vocalizations to convey affective states. Formant dispersion and amplitude variation were the most informative raw acoustic parameters under negative from positive contexts. The findings indicate that rams exhibit context-dependent vocal individuality, potentially conveying affective states through vocalizations. Full article