Search Results (174)

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a major health concern that can lead to various chronic diseases. Little is known about the anti-obesity effect of a standardized hot water extract from the stems of Ipomoea batatas (WIB). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of WIB as a natural alternative to conventional anti-obesity treatments by assessing its effects on body weight, fat accumulation, and key metabolic biomarkers in a high-fat diet-induced obesity model. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice. The mice were then treated orally with either orlistat (positive control) or WIB. Changes in body weight, food intake, and fat weight were measured, along with blood lipid profiles and adipokines. Western blot analyses were conducted to determine protein levels in each tissue. H&E staining in white adipose tissue and liver, and the gut microbiota composition were analyzed. Results: WIB treatment significantly reduced body weight and fat mass compared to the HFD group and demonstrated comparable effects to orlistat. WIB improved blood lipid profiles and adipokine levels. H&E staining revealed reduced fat accumulation in the white adipose tissue and liver. Also in those tissues, WIB restored expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. In brown adipose tissue, WIB enhanced AMPK phosphorylation and upregulated thermogenic-related proteins, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX-IV). Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that WIB normalized β-diversity and reversed HFD-induced phyla imbalances (notably in Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria). Conclusions: By reducing adiposity under the conditions tested in a murine model, improving metabolic markers, and favorably modulating gut microbiota, WIB demonstrates potential in mitigating obesity-related risks. These findings suggest that WIB may serve as a promising natural substance for the management of obesity. Further studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy and explore the potential underlying mechanisms in overweight or obese humans as a health supplement to help manage or prevent obesity. Full article

Nannochloropsis oceanica and Chlorococcum amblystomatis exhibit significant potential for protecting skin cells from oxidative stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions, owing to their high bioactive lipid content. This study aimed to evaluate their cytoprotective effects on the ultraviolet A (UVA)-perturbed proteome of 3D-cultured skin fibroblasts, using high-throughput proteomics. Chlorococcum amblystomatis lipid extract promoted a reduction in UVA-induced cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 and cell death protein 6 levels, alongside the restoration of ferritin light chain expression diminished by UVA. It downregulated the expression of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 and lactoylglutathione lyase, which were upregulated by UVA. Furthermore, the elevated superoxide dismutase [Mn] mitochondrial levels in the caspase-1 interactome emphasized the lipid extract’s role in mitigating oxidative stress-associated chronic inflammation by regulating caspase-1 activity. In addition to this notable redox balance-regulating and cytoprotective activity, conversely, the protein inflammation signaling mediated by UVA was regulated in terms of wound healing potential in the case of Nannochloropsis oceanica lipid extract. Following UVA radiation, it promoted the upregulation of complement component B, thrombospondin-1, MMP1, and fibulin-1. The results revealed that both lipid extracts effectively reversed the UVA-perturbed proteomic profile of fibroblasts, highlighting their therapeutic potential in protecting the skin from UV radiation. Full article

Citruses are one of the major fruit crops globally. Among Mediterranean citrus producers, Sicily (southern Italy) is renowned for its high-quality fresh fruit production. Phytophthora diseases are a serious issue for citrus production worldwide and Phytophthora nicotianae is a prevalent causal agent of root rot in most citrus growing areas globally and particularly in the Mediterranean region. This study reports the occurrence of Phytophthora inundata as a root pathogen of declining mature citrus trees in eastern Sicily in association with P. nicotianae. This is the first record of P. inundata on citrus in Europe and the Mediterranean region. The species was identified on the basis of a morphology and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, which included the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Pathogenicity tests on citrus saplings showed P. inundata was a less aggressive pathogen than P. nicotianae. However, the co-inoculation of both species produced more severe symptoms than inoculation with a single species, indicating an additive effect of these two pathogens and suggesting that opportunistic secondary pathogens like P. inundata may have a crucial role in complex diseases. Full article

Jewel beetles of the genus Sternocera are widely distributed across tropical regions, including Thailand and Lao PDR, where the green-legged S. aequisignata Saunders, 1866, and red-legged S. ruficornis Saunders, 1866, are commonly found. These jewel beetles have significant economic importance, as they are edible, and their iridescent wings are used to create jewelry, leading to high market demand and intensive harvesting. Additionally, their habitats are being rapidly destroyed, resulting in population decline. However, genetic information on these species remains limited. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity of S. aequisignata and S. ruficornis from various localities in Thailand and Lao PDR using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequences. High genetic diversity was observed, with 45 and 62 CO1 haplotypes and 35 and 28 16S rDNA haplotypes identified in S. aequisignata and S. ruficornis populations, respectively. Haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguish S. aequisignata from S. ruficornis. Based on CO1 sequences, S. aequisignata was divided into three distinct haplogroups (GG1–GG3). Haplogroup GG1 was the most widespread, occurring in both Thailand and Lao PDR, while haplogroups GG2 and GG3 were restricted to some localities in northern, western, and northeastern Thailand, as well as Lao PDR. These findings suggest the presence of cryptic diversity within S. aequisignata, with at least three genetically distinct groups. Further comprehensive studies on the biology, ecology, and genetic diversity of these jewel beetles across their distribution range are essential to better understand their evolutionary dynamics. Full article

Biomonitoring and environmental impact assessment of marine ecosystems are important for the effective management of petroleum platform activity. Eukaryote biodiversity in water and sediment near petroleum platforms in the Gulf of Thailand was surveyed using environmental DNA (eDNA) based on 18S ribosomal DNA variable region 4 (18S rDNA-V4), the full-length 18S rDNA gene (18S rDNA-FL), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Water and sediment samples were collected from three platforms. The water sample was also collected from a reference site located farther south, away from the platforms. Both 18S rDNA markers outperformed COI. A total of 1144 and 889 species were found in water and sediment when analyzed by 18S rDNA-V4, and 519 species were found in sediment when analyzed by 18S rDNA-FL. Only 99 species were found in water samples when analyzed by COI. Alpha-diversity (Shannon and Simpson Evenness) indices were significantly different in water (p < 0.05), but not in sediment (p > 0.05). Beta-diversity (PCoA and NDMS) revealed significant species components between different petroleum platforms (p < 0.01). Species distribution revealed biological connectivity between eukaryotes from different platforms suggesting the importance of platforms on ecological impacts. This study also illustrates the possible application of eDNA for monitoring ecological toxicity around petroleum platforms. Full article

Forensic entomology is concerned with the study of arthropods that assist in criminal investigations. Among them, necrophagous beetles (Coleoptera) play a crucial role as they are found in all stages of decomposition of corpses, which makes them valuable for forensic analysis. Accurate species identification is crucial for the effective use of entomological evidence. Efficient, cost-effective, and rapid methods are essential for this purpose. In the present study, we developed a novel assay that enables simple, inexpensive, and rapid identification of necrophagous beetle species. Using two primer sets targeting the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene and analyzing the resulting SYBR Green I melting curves, we were able to identify fourteen beetle species: Aleochara curtula (Goeze, 1777), Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Scriba, 1791), Creophilus maxillosus (Linnaeus, 1758), Dermestes undulatus (Brahm, 1790), Hister unicolor (Linnaeus, 1758), Margarinotus brunneus (Fabricius, 1775), Necrodes littoralis (Linnaeus, 1758), Nicrophorus investigator (Zetterstedt, 1824), Ontholestes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758), Oiceoptoma thoracicum (Linnaeus, 1758), Philonthus cognatus (Stephens, 1832), Saprinus planiusculus (Motschulsky, 1849), Silpha tristis (Illiger, 1798), and Thanatophilus rugosus (Linnaeus, 1758). Data on the melting temperature of the amplicon can be obtained within 60–90 min after DNA extraction. This study expands the understanding of the species composition of necrophagous Coleoptera, which is crucial for forensic entomology methods based on insect succession. Furthermore, it provides the first comprehensive data on necrophagous beetles in the vicinity of Kampinos National Park. Full article

Research on the effects of organic and inorganic Cu sources on metabolic processes and mechanisms in pigs is lacking. This study investigated the effects of different copper (Cu) sources and levels on hepatic Cu metabolism and transporter factors in growing pigs. Sixty healthy piglets (initial body weight 14.00 ± 0.30 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates of three pigs each. Four diets (AM, AH, BM, and BH) had different Cu sources [Cu sulphate (CuSO₄): A and Cu amino acids (Cu-AA): B] and levels [supplemented (120 mg/kg DM): M, supplemented (240 mg/kg DM): H]. The pre-feeding period was 7 days, followed by a 45-day feeding period. Slaughter and sample collection were carried out on the 46th day of the formal feeding period. Significant differences were considered at p < 0.05. The final weight and average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs in the Cu-AA groups were significantly higher than those in the CuSO₄ groups. Serum Cu increased with increasing Cu supplementation on days 20 and 40. Cu concentrations in muscle, liver, and liver subcellular organelles were higher in Cu-AA groups. In the CuSO₄ groups, Cu concentrations were higher in kidneys and faeces. In Cu-AA groups, both the Cu concentrations in lysosomes and cytosol were higher, and the activities of cathepsin D (CTSD), β-glucosidase (BGL), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in lysosomes and cytoplasm were higher. Comparisons between groups showed that liver mRNA of copper transporter protein 1 (CTR1), ATPase copper-transporting beta (ATP7B), ceruloplasmin (CP), antioxidant protein 1 (ATOX1), and metallothionein (MT) was lower in the CuSO₄ group than in the Cu-AA group, with the best performance at 120 mg/kg Cu. mRNAs for ATPase copper-transporting alpha (ATP7A), cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone 17 (COX17), and copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) showed a decreasing trend in the Cu-AA groups. Cu-AA is better for Cu deposition, enhances the utilisation of Cu, reduces Cu excretion, and promotes the expression of relevant enzymes and transporters in the liver. Full article

Ticks are well-known vectors of pathogens, posing considerable risks to livestock health and productivity. In Cameroon, where livestock production is vital, established tick species such as Amblyomma variegatum and Hyalomma truncatum are prevalent in key cattle-rearing areas. The recent introduction of the invasive, acaricide-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus further complicates control efforts. In this study, we deliver baseline data on the composition of tick species and their shifts within agroecological zone I (AEZ I) and agroecological zone III (AEZ III) of Cameroon, providing a foundation for targeted vector control strategies to ultimately reduce the risk of pathogen transmission. From 1100 ticks collected across two Cameroonian agroecological zones, H. truncatum (39.9%), A. variegatum (31%), and R. microplus (10.64%) were the most prevalent species, along with Rhipicephalus lunulatus (4.45%), Hyalomma rufipes (1.45%), Hyalomma marginatum (1.09%), Hyalomma dromedarii (0.45%), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.9%). Molecular identification using cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and 16s led to the identification of five additional species, Hyalomma nitidum (0.73%), Rhipicephalus simus (3.54%), Rhipicephalus sulcatus (2.64%), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (2.1%), and Rhipicephalus pusillus (1.1%). R. microplus emerged as the most dominant Rhipicephalus spp. in AEZ I, comprising 67.5% of the total Rhipicephalus ticks. In conclusion, we demonstrate the further spread of R. microplus, which represents a major source of vector-borne diseases, affecting both humans and animals. Full article

Urinary schistosomiasis is caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, which is predominantly found in Africa. The freshwater snail Bulinus globosus is its main intermediate host. The species that make up the B. globosus group are genetically complex, and their taxonomic status remains controversial. Genetic variation, heterozygosity, and DNA recombination in B. globosus were examined using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and the intron 3 region of the arginine kinase gene (AkInt3). A total of 81 B. globosus snails were collected from three different localities in Kwale County, Kenya. Genomic diversity, heterozygosity, DNA recombination, and haplotype network were calculated using AkInt3 sequences. Low polymorphism in the COI sequence divided B. globosus into six haplotypes (C1–C6). However, AkInt3 sequencing studies showed high polymorphisms, classifying 81 B. globosus snails into 44 haplotypes (H1–H44). These haplotypes were separated into three haplogroups (I–III). AkInt3 sequence heterozygosity was also found. DNA recombination haplotypes between haplogroups were commonly found in heterozygous samples. AkInt3 sequence studies showed high levels of genetic polymorphism and heterozygosity, supporting its use as a genetic marker for elucidating the population genetics of B. globosus. Furthermore, our study showed that B. globosus populations in Kenya form a “species complex”. Full article

Identifying fish eggs and understanding fish reproductive periods are necessary for informed fishery management. However, accurate the identification of fish eggs is difficult because eggs have few distinct characters, and their morphology varies ontogenetically. Using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, we identified fish eggs from ichthyoplankton samples collected in the summer and autumn of 2021 from southwestern Daya Bay, China. Of 567 fish eggs, 498 high-quality cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences were obtained, of which 116 eggs (23.3%) could be identified to species; 364 (73.1%) to genus, family and/or order; and 18 (3.6%) could not be assigned. Of 51 apparent taxa, 46 were identified to 6 orders, 19 families, and 30 genera; 20 to the species and 25 to the genus and/or family, and 1 to the order. Among these 51 taxa, 35 occurred in summer, 29 occurred in autumn, and 13 occurred in both seasons; 22 occurred only in summer and 16 only in autumn, indicating species-specific spawning periods. High-resolution photographs of eggs are provided to facilitate subsequent identification based on morphology. These results will facilitate the identification of spawning grounds and their protection, to more holistically manage fishery resources in Daya Bay, China. Full article

(1) Background: Tabanids are one of the most neglected and difficult-to-identify groups within the order Diptera despite their medical–veterinary importance. Since 2010, DNA barcoding has proved to be a promising method for the identification of horseflies in the Old World, but until now it had explored little with regards to Neotropical species. In Mexico, faunal studies continue to be focused on certain regions of the country, which has limited the generation of taxonomic keys. Here, we employed the DNA barcoding approach to contribute to the knowledge of horsefly species in one of the least explored biogeographic provinces in Mexico, the state of Veracruz. (2) Methods: Tabanids were collected at two localities using Malaise traps during two seasons. With a sampling effort of 300 h per trap per site, a total of 22 specimens were collected and identified using taxonomic keys and partial amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI). (3) Results: Five species of the Tabanus genus were identified through taxonomic keys, and three of these species were confirmed through molecular analyses: T. oculus, T. commixtus, and T. pungens. (4) Conclusions: This is the first contribution of the sequence data of the Tabanidae family for Mexico and demonstrates that DNA barcoding is a vital tool for the recognition of Neotropical species. Full article

DNA barcoding is an effective modern tool in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity research. Many new species have been discovered and described with DNA barcodes as part of their diagnostic features. We combined morphological examination and molecular species delimitation of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) gene using the automatic barcode gap discovery (ABGD) to investigate species boundaries. The genus Prochas Walkley (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Campopleginae) was first reported from China and is new for the Oriental and Eastern Palearctic regions. Using an integrative taxonomy method, two new species P. rugipunctata sp. nov. and P. striata sp. nov. are hereby described and illustrated. A key to the world species and a distribution map are provided. Full article

Achalinu ningshanensis (Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink, and Huang, 2022) was first described in Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China in 2022, based on seven female specimens. In this study, based on phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), cytochrome b (cyt b) gene fragments, and morphological examinations of specimens, we revise the taxonomic status of A. ningshanensis, and provide additional data on this species. The molecular phylogeny indicated that A. ningshanensis is nested in a highly supported monophyletic group, forming a sister taxon to A. spinalis, and is divided into two well-supported lineages, A and B, with an uncorrected p-distance between lineages from 3.6 to 4.3% for CO1. Therefore, we proposed that Lineage B from western Sichuan and southwestern Shaanxi is a new subspecies, Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov., and Lineage A from southern Shaanxi and northeastern Sichuan is allocated as Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis. Morphologically, the new subspecies can be distinguished from its congeners, especially from Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis, by the following characteristics: (1) the tail is relatively short, with a TAL/TL ratio of 0.202–0.226 in males, and 0.155–0.178 in females; (2) there are two pairs of chin-shields; (3) there are 21–22 maxillary teeth; (4) the length of the suture between internasals is significantly shorter than that between prefrontals, with an LSBI/LSBP ratio of 0.502–0.773; (5) there are six supralabials, with the fourth and fifth in contact with the eye; (6) there are five to six infralabials, and the first to third or fourth touches the first pair of chin-shields; (7) there is one hexagonal loreal, with an LorH/LorL ratio of 0.612–1.040; (8) the two anterior temporals are in contact with the eye; (9) there are 155–160 ventrals in males, and 165–174 in females; (10) there are 60–65 subcaudals in males, and 49–53 in females, which are not paired; and (11) the dorsum is iridescent and uniformly charcoal black, lacks a longitudinal vertebral line, and has a dark brown or dark gray ventral area. Full article

Clonorchis sinensis is an important zoonotic parasite that is mainly prevalent in China, Korea, Vietnam and the Russian Far East. To explore the genetic variation and population structure of C. sinensis, an in silico analysis was conducted based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. The sequences obtained from NCBI were truncated for further analyses, including haplotype network, phylogenetic, gene flow, diversity and neutrality analyses. The results showed that there were 20, 11 and 4 haplotypes for COX1, ITS1 and ITS2, respectively. The results of both the haplotype network and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the haplotypes for each type of sequence from the same country were not all clustered together. Haplotype diversity values were all lower than 0.5. Values of nucleotide diversity were higher than 0.005, except for ITS2. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs values were all negative, and p-values showed significant differences, indicating that the population of C. sinensis is growing. Fst values were all lower than 0.05. In conclusion, this study found that there are specific variations of C. sinensis in different countries, and the population of this parasite is growing with less genetic variation. The findings provide a crucial foundation for understanding the molecular epidemiology and population dynamics of C. sinensis. Full article

In this study, we investigated the anti-fatigue effects of black ginseng ginsenosides using exercise performance tests, serum analyses, and gene expression profiling. No significant differences in dietary intake or body weight were observed between groups. The low-dose black ginseng (LBG) group showed no significant improvements in swimming and rotating rod tests. In contrast, the medium (MBG)- and high-dose (HBG) groups showed notable increases in swimming time and significant improvements in the rotating rod test. All treatment groups exhibited longer running times, particularly the HBG group. Serum analysis revealed increased muscle and hepatic glycogen, catalase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels in the MBG and HBG groups, whereas lactate, lipid peroxide, and superoxide dismutase levels were decreased. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of key antioxidant and mitochondrial function genes, including those encoding cationic amino acid transporter 2, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-2, nuclear respiratory factor 1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, mitochondrial transcription factor A, cytochrome c oxidase II, and NADH–ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit 1, particularly in the HBG group, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved mitochondrial function. These findings suggested that black ginseng ginsenosides effectively mitigated fatigue. Full article