Search Results (1,499)

The white-spotted jellyfish, Phyllorhiza punctata, is an invasive species with significant ecological and economic relevance spreading across various regions. While its ecological impact is well-documented, its molecular and biochemical characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, we integrate proteomic data generated by LC-MS/MS with publicly available transcriptomic information to characterize P. punctata, analyzing differential protein expression across three distinct tissues: oral arms, mantle, and gonads. A total of 2764 proteins and 25,045 peptides were identified, including several venom components such as jellyfish toxins (JFTs) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which were further investigated and compared to toxins from other species. Enrichment analyses revealed clear tissue-specific functions. Additionally, deep learning and machine learning tools identified 274 promising AMP candidates, including the α-helical, β-sheet, and αβ-motif peptides. This dataset provides new insights into the protein composition of P. punctata and highlights strong AMP candidates for further characterization, underscoring the biotechnological potential of underexplored cnidarian species. Full article

The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is a devastating pest native to Central America that can cause severe damage to over 35 pepper varieties. Global trade in peppers has significantly increased the risk of its spread and expansion. Moreover, future climate change may add more uncertainty to its distribution, resulting in considerable ecological and economic damage globally. Therefore, we employed an ensemble model combining Random Forests and CLIMEX to predict the potential global distribution of A. eugenii in historical and future climate scenarios. The results indicated that the maximum temperature of the warmest month is an important variable affecting global A. eugenii distribution. Under the historical climate scenario, the potential global distribution of A. eugenii is concentrated in the Midwestern and Southern United States, Central America, the La Plata Plain, parts of the Brazilian Plateau, the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, sub-Saharan Africa, Northern and Southern China, Southern India, Indochina Peninsula, and coastal area in Eastern Australia. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and China, are projected to expand toward higher latitudes. In China, the number of highly suitable areas is expected to increase significantly, mainly in the south and north. Contrastingly, suitable areas in Central America, northern South America, the Brazilian Plateau, India, and the Indochina Peninsula will become less suitable. The total land area suitable for A. eugenii under historical and future low- and high-emission climate scenarios accounted for 73.12, 66.82, and 75.97% of the global land area (except for Antarctica), respectively. The high-suitability areas identified by both models decreased by 19.05 and 35.02% under low- and high-emission scenarios, respectively. Building on these findings, we inferred the future expansion trends of A. eugenii globally. Furthermore, we provide early warning of A. eugenii invasion and a scientific basis for its spread and outbreak, facilitating the development of effective quarantine and control measures. Full article

Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (Pss) is a Gram-negative bacterium first documented in North America, and is the causal agent of Stewart’s disease in maize (Zea mays), especially in sweet corn. First identified in North America, it is primarily spread by insect vectors like the corn flea beetle (Chaetocnema Pulicaria) in the United States. However, Pss has since spread globally—reaching parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe—mainly through the international seed trade. Although this trade is limited, it has still facilitated the pathogen’s global movement, as evidenced by numerous phytosanitary interceptions. Recent studies in Italy, as indicated in the EFSA journal, reported that potential alternative vectors were identified, including Phyllotreta spp. and the invasive Asian brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys); the latter tested positive in PCR screenings, raising concerns due to its broad host range and global distribution. This information has prompted studies to verify the ability of Halyomorpha halys to vector Pss to assess the risk and prevent the further spread of Pss in Europe. In this study, we explored the potential transmission of Pss by the brown marmorated stink bugs in maize plants, following its feeding on Pss-inoculated maize, as well as the presence of Pss within the insect’s body. Full article

Aortic valve diseases affect a significant percentage of the population, and with the extension of survival expectancy, they are expected to increase furthermore. Surgical treatment of aortic valve diseases mainly includes valve replacement and, rarely, its repair. The technology of both surgical and transcatheter valves is evolving, and new prosthetic valves with improved characteristics are available, e.g., longer lifespan, faster implantation, better hemodynamic performance with better effective orifice area, suitable for small aortic annuli, etc. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are constantly evolving and spreading. New access sites are used for transcatheter valve implantation. The Heart Team determines the most appropriate intervention for each patient based on their anatomical and clinical profiles, aiming to optimize long-term outcomes. Full article

Objectives: Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a Gram-negative organism, is a well-recognized cause of hospital outbreaks, often linked to a contaminated shared source, such as multidose medications. In this study, we report an outbreak of Bcc infections in a tertiary care hospital, associated with the intrinsic contamination of a prepared solution used in interventional radiology (IR) procedures. Additionally, we provide a detailed explanation of the interventions implemented to control and interrupt the outbreak. Methods: Records from the infection control committee from 1 January 2023 to 31 October 2024 were screened to identify cases with Bcc growth in cultured blood, urine, or respiratory samples. Clinical and laboratory data were collected in March 2025. Bacterial identification was performed using conventional methods and MALDI-TOF (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Controls were matched to cases by ward, date of initial growth, and duration of hospitalization. Demographic and clinical data of these patients were systematically collected and analyzed. Microbiological cultures were obtained from environmental objects of concern and certain medications. Results: A total of 82 Burkholderia species were identified. We enrolled 77 cases and 77 matched controls. The source of contamination was identified in ready-to-use intravenous medications (remifentanil and magnesium preparations) in the IR department. These preparations were compounded in advance by the team and were used repeatedly. Although the outbreak originated from contaminated IV medications used in IR, secondary transmission likely affected 28 non-IR patients via fomites, shared environments, and possible lapses in isolation precautions. The mortality rate among the cases was 16.9%. Infection with Bcc was associated with prolonged intensive care unit stays (p = 0.018) and an extended overall hospitalization duration (p < 0.001); however, it was not associated with increased mortality. The enforcement of contact precautions and comprehensive environmental decontamination successfully reduced the incidence of the Bcc outbreak. No pathogens were detected in cultures obtained after the disinfection. Conclusions: The hospital transmission of Bcc is likely driven by cross-contamination, invasive medical procedures, and the administration of contaminated medications. Implementing stringent infection control measures such as staff retraining, updated policies on medication use, enhanced environmental decontamination, and strict adherence to isolation precautions has proven effective in curbing the spread of virulent and transmissible Bcc. Full article

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is a dangerous invasive insect. These ants rely on releasing an alarm pheromone, mainly composed of 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylptrazine (EDMP), to warn nestmates of danger and trigger group defense or escape behaviors. This study found two NPC2 proteins in the ant antennae: SinvNPC2a and SinvNPC2b. SinvNPC2a was highly expressed in the antennae; phylogenetic analysis also suggests that SinvNPC2 likely possesses conserved olfactory recognition functions. By knocking down the SinvNPC2a gene, we found that the electrophysiological response of ant antennae to EDMP became weaker. More importantly, ants lacking SinvNPC2a showed significantly reduced movement range and speed when exposed to EDMP, compared to normal ants not treated with RNAi. These ants did not spread out quickly. Furthermore, tests showed that the purified SinvNPC2a protein could directly bind to EDMP molecules. Computer modeling also showed that they fit together tightly. These findings provide direct evidence that the SinvNPC2a protein plays a key role in helping fire ants detect the EDMP alarm pheromone. It enables the ants to sense this chemical signal, allowing ant colonies to respond quickly. Understanding this mechanism improves our knowledge of how insects smell things. It also suggests a potential molecular target for developing new methods to control fire ants, such as using RNAi to block its function. Full article

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has been identified as one of the most harmful invasive weed species in Europe due to its allergenic pollen and competitive growth in diverse habitats. In the first part of this review [Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology], its biological characteristics and ecological behavior were described in detail. In the current paper, control strategies are summarized, focusing on integrated weed management adapted to the specific habitat where the species causes damage—arable land, semi-natural vegetation, urban areas, or along linear infrastructures. A range of management methods is reviewed, including agrotechnical, mechanical, physical, thermal, biological, and chemical approaches. Particular attention is given to the spread of herbicide resistance and the need for diversified, habitat-specific interventions. Among biological control options, the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage, a leaf beetle native to North America, is highlighted. Furthermore, innovative technologies such as UAV-assisted weed mapping, site-specific herbicide application, and autonomous weeding robots are discussed as environmentally sustainable tools. The role of legal regulations and pollen monitoring networks—particularly those implemented in Hungary—is also emphasized. By combining traditional and advanced methods within a coordinated framework, effective and ecologically sound ragweed control can be achieved. Full article

Introduction: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid progenitors. While it primarily affects the bone marrow, extramedullary relapse occurs in 3–5% of cases, and it is linked to poor prognosis. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement presents diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms. CNS manifestations include leptomeningeal dissemination, nerve infiltration, parenchymal lesions, and myeloid sarcoma, occurring at any disease stage and frequently asymptomatic. Methods: A 62-year-old man with a recent history of AML in remission presented with diplopia and aching paresthesias in the left periorbital region spreading to the left frontal area. The diagnostic workup included neurological and hematological evaluation, lumbar puncture, brain CT, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, and dermatological evaluation with skin biopsy due to the appearance of nodular skin lesions on the abdomen and thorax. Results: Neurological evaluation showed hypoesthesia in the left mandibular region, consistent with left trigeminal nerve involvement, extending to the periorbital and frontal areas, and impaired adduction of the left eye with divergent strabismus in the primary position due to left oculomotor nerve palsy. Brain MRI showed an equivocal thickening of the left oculomotor nerve without enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis initially showed elevated protein (47 mg/dL) with negative cytology; a repeat lumbar puncture one week later detected leukemic cells. Skin biopsy revealed cutaneous AML localization. A diagnosis of AML relapse with CNS and cutaneous localization was made. Salvage therapy with FLAG-IDA-VEN (fludarabine, cytarabine, idarubicin, venetoclax) and intrathecal methotrexate, cytarabine, and dexamethasone was started. Subsequent lumbar punctures were negative for leukemic cells. Due to high-risk status and extramedullary disease, the patient underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Post-transplant aplasia was complicated by septic shock; the patient succumbed to an invasive fungal infection. Conclusions: This case illustrates the diagnostic complexity and poor prognosis of extramedullary AML relapse involving the CNS. Early recognition of neurological signs, including cranial nerve dysfunction, is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. Although initial investigations were negative, further analyses—including repeated CSF examinations and skin biopsy—led to the identification of leukemic involvement. Although neuroleukemiosis cannot be confirmed without nerve biopsy, the combination of clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and CSF data strongly supports the diagnosis of extramedullary relapse of AML. Multidisciplinary evaluation remains essential for detecting extramedullary relapse. Despite treatment achieving CSF clearance, the prognosis remains unfavorable, underscoring the need for vigilant clinical suspicion in hematologic patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Full article

Migrastatic strategies are considered as candidate therapeutic approaches to suppress cancer invasion into local surrounding tissues and metastatic spread. The F-actin cytoskeleton is responsible for key properties regulating (cancer) cell migration. The cortical F-actin network controls cell stiffness, which, in turn, determines cell migration strategies and efficiency. Moreover, the dynamic remodeling of F-actin networks mediating filopodia, lamellipodia, and F-actin stress fibers is crucial for cell migration. Here, we have used a conditional knockout approach to delete cofilin, an F-actin-binding protein that controls severing. We find that the deletion of cofilin prevents the migration of cancer cells from tumoroids into the surrounding extracellular matrix without affecting their viability. This identifies cofilin as a candidate target to suppress metastatic spread. Pharmacological inhibitors interfering with F-actin dynamics have been developed but their effects are pleiotropic, including severe toxicity, and their impact on 3D tumor cell migration has not been tested or separated from this toxicity. Using concentration ranges of a panel of inhibitors, we select cytochalasins based on the suppression of 2D migration at non-toxic concentrations. We then show that these attenuate the escape of tumor cells from tumoroids and their migration into the surrounding extracellular matrix without toxicity in 3D cultures. This effect is accompanied by suppression of cell stiffness at such non-toxic concentrations, as measured by acoustic force spectroscopy. These findings identify cytochalasins B and D as candidate migrastatic drugs to suppress metastatic spread. Full article

The black fig fly, Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), is an invasive pest recently introduced to Mexico, where it has rapidly spread across fig-producing regions. Despite its economic importance, effective monitoring strategies remain poorly studied. The present study evaluated the response of S. adipata adults to visual (color) and olfactory (attractant) cues under laboratory and field conditions in fig orchards. No significant color preferences were observed in laboratory choice tests using nine colors or in field trials using traps of four different colors. In the laboratory, traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate solution, torula yeast + borax, or Captor + borax, captured similar numbers of flies, whereas CeraTrap^® was less attractive. Traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate were more effective than 2% ammonium acetate, though attraction was comparable when ammonium acetate was diluted to 0.2% or 0.02%. In the field, torula yeast + borax and 2% ammonium sulfate mixed with fig latex outperformed the 2% ammonium sulfate solution alone, although seasonal variation influenced trap performance. A high proportion of field-captured females were sexually immature. Torula yeast + borax attracted high numbers of non-target insects and other lonchaeid species, which reduced its specificity. In contrast, traps containing fig latex mixtures showed higher selectivity, although some S. adipata adults could not be sexed due to specimen degradation. These findings highlight the value of torula yeast pellets and 2% ammonium sulfate plus fig latex for monitoring this pest, but merit validation in field studies performed over the entire crop cycle across both wet and dry seasons. Future studies should evaluate other proteins, ammonium salt combinations and fig latex volatiles in order to develop effective and selective monitoring or mass trapping tools targeted at this invasive pest. Full article

Background: Increased IL-1β levels may promote carcinogenesis and metastasis by affecting tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, thus modulating the TME and immune response. Here, we aimed to test whether tumor-derived small EVs (TEVs) isolated from sensitive and osimertinib-resistant (OR) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells may promote EMT via fibronectin binding to α5β1 integrin as well as suppress the immune system and if these effects may be favored by IL-1β. Methods: TEVs were isolated from control, OR, and IL-1β-stimulated NSCLC cells. Expressions of fibronectin and PD-L1 were screened in TEVs and the mRNA levels of vimentin and SMAD3 were also assessed in cancer cells after TEV co-culturing. Furthermore, to detect the effect on immune cells, we co-cultured TEVs with lung cancer patients’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Results: TEVs were positive for fibronectin and the highest protein levels were found in TEVs obtained from the OR and IL-1β-stimulated cells. TEV-mediated activation of α5β1 signaling led to the upregulation of vimentin and SMAD3 mRNA in NSCLC cells and stimulated cell migration. EVs also increased PD-1, CTLA-4, FOXP3, TNF-α, IL-12, and INF-γ mRNA in lung cancer patients’ immune cells. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that TEVs promote EMT in NSCLC cells by the activation of the fibronectin–α5β1 axis. Finally, IL-1β stimulation induces TEV release with biological properties similar to OR TEVs, thus leading to cancer invasion and immune suppression and suggesting that inflammation can promote tumor spreading. Full article

As tumor research has deepened, the deregulation of cellular metabolism has emerged as yet another recognized hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells adapt different biochemical pathways to support their rapid growth, proliferation, and invasion, resulting in distinct anabolic and catabolic activities compared with healthy tissues. Certain metabolic shifts, such as altered glucose and glutamine utilization and increased de novo fatty acid synthesis, are critical early on, while others may become essential only during metastasis. These metabolic adaptations are closely shaped by, and in turn remodel, the tumor microenvironment, creating favorable conditions for their spread. Anticancer metabolic strategies should integrate pharmacological approaches aimed at inhibiting specific biochemical pathways with well-defined dietary interventions as adjunctive therapies, considering also the role of gut microbiota in modulating diet and treatment responses. Given the established link between the consumption of foods rich in saturated fatty acids and sugars and an increased cancer risk, the effects of diet cannot be ignored. However, current evidence from controlled and multicenter clinical trials remains insufficient to provide definitive clinical recommendations. Further research using modern omics methods, such as metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics, is necessary to understand the changes in the metabolic profiles of various cancers at different stages of their development and to determine the potential for modifying these profiles through pharmacological agents and dietary modifications. Therefore, clinical trials should combine standard treatments with novel approaches targeting metabolic reprogramming, such as inhibition of specific enzymes and transporters or binding proteins, alongside the implementation of dietary restrictions that limit nutrient availability for tumor growth. However, to optimize therapeutic efficacy, a precision medicine approach should be adopted that balances the destruction of cancer cells with the protection of healthy ones. This approach, among others, should be based on cell type-specific metabolic profiling, which is crucial for personalizing oncology treatment. Full article

Arundo donax L. has been introduced in markets worldwide due to its economic value. However, it is listed in the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species because it easily escapes from cultivation, and forms dense monospecific stands in riparian areas, agricultural areas, and grassland areas along roadsides, including in protected areas. This species grows rapidly and produces large amounts of biomass due to its high photosynthetic ability. It spreads asexually through ramets, in addition to stem and rhizome fragments. Wildfires, flooding, and human activity promote its distribution and domination. It can adapt to various habitats and tolerate various adverse environmental conditions, such as cold temperatures, drought, flooding, and high salinity. A. donax exhibits defense mechanisms against biotic stressors, including herbivores and pathogens. It produces indole alkaloids, such as bufotenidine and gramine, as well as other alkaloids that are toxic to herbivorous mammals, insects, parasitic nematodes, and pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. A. donax accumulates high concentrations of phytoliths, which also protect against pathogen infection and herbivory. Only a few herbivores and pathogens have been reported to significantly damage A. donax growth and populations. Additionally, A. donax exhibits allelopathic activity against competing plant species, though the allelochemicals involved have yet to be identified. These characteristics may contribute to its infestation, survival, and population expansion in new habitats as an invasive plant species. Dense monospecific stands of A. donax alter ecosystem structures and functions. These stands impact abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, and increasing the risk of erosion, flooding, and intense fires. The stands also negatively affect biotic processes by reducing plant diversity and richness, as well as the fitness of habitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. Eradicating A. donax from a habitat requires an ongoing, long-term integrated management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Human activity has also contributed to the spread of A. donax populations. There is an urgent need to address its invasive traits. This is the first review focusing on the invasive mechanisms of this plant in terms of adaptation to abiotic and biotic stressors, particularly physiological adaptation. Full article

Background: Treatment of metastatic cancer remains a challenge, because cancer cells acquire resistance even to the most contemporary therapies. This study analyzed the role of the phosphoprotein Stathmin 1 (STMN1) in regulating cancer cell growth and metastatic potential. Methods: Public datasets with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and breast cancer (BC) were analyzed to determine the interrelationship between STMN1, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and MET proto-oncogene (MET) expression, overall survival, and response to chemotherapy. Site-directed mutagenesis, cell cycle analysis, proliferation, and migration and invasion assays determined the impact of STMN1 phosphorylation on proliferation and metastatic potential. Results: Increased STMN1 associates with HGF and MET gene expression in mCRPC, and taxane chemotherapy further increases HGF expression. STMN1 and HGF are highest, and overall survival is poorest in mCRPC in the liver compared to other sites, implying the metastatic site influences their expression levels and potentially the pattern of metastatic spread. Increased STMN1 and MET also predict taxane responsiveness in BC patients. Analysis of STMN1 serine (S)16, 25, 38, and 63 determined that total (t) STMN1 and STMN1 S16 phosphorylation (pSTMN1^S16) are co-regulated by HGF/MET during cell cycle progression, pSTMN1^S16 alone can promote cell proliferation, and pSTMN1^S16 shortens the cell cycle similar to HGF treatment, while STMN1^S16 dephosphorylation lengthens the cell cycle to arrest cell growth in G2/M, similar to HGF plus the MET inhibitor AMG337. Importantly, STMN1^S16 does not promote metastasis. Conclusions: Selectively inhibiting STMN1^S16 phosphorylation may provide an alternative strategy for inhibiting MET-mediated cell growth to eliminate metastatic cancer cells and inhibit further metastasis. Full article

Ailanthus altissima (AA) is an invasive tree species rapidly spreading worldwide, colonizing both urban and agricultural or forestry environments. This three-year study aimed to assess its effects on the growth and yield traits of the Koroneiki olive cultivar under co-cultivation in pots, combined with two irrigation regimes, full and deficit irrigation (60% of full). Within each irrigation regime, olive trees were grown either in the presence or absence (control) of AA. The trial evaluated several parameters, including vegetative growth, yield traits, and oil quality characteristics. Co-cultivation with AA had no significant impact on tree growth after three years, though it significantly reduced oil content per fruit. Antioxidant capacity of the oil improved under deficit irrigation, while AA presence did not significantly affect it, except for an increase in o-diphenol concentration. Neither the fatty acid profile nor squalene levels were significantly influenced by either treatment. Fruit weight and color were primarily affected by deficit irrigation. During storage, olive oil quality declined significantly, with pre-harvest treatments (presence or absence of AA and full or deficit irrigation regime) playing a critical role in modulating several quality parameters. In conclusion, the presence of AA near olive trees did not substantially affect the key quality indices of the olive oil, which remained within the criteria for classification as extra virgin. Full article