Tarwendpanga F. X. Ouédraogo, Simon P. Sawadogo, Abdoul Azize Millogo
et al.
Abstract Background Malaria vectors reproduce through in-flight copulation within swarms, which remains poorly understood. Gaining insights into swarming and mating behavior is essential for optimizing novel vector control strategies including sterile insect technique, genetically modified mosquitoes, and behavior based intervention. This study investigates the factors influencing swarm dynamics and mating efficiency in Anopheles coluzzii. Methods We surveyed swarms across 40 residential compounds in Burkina Faso, georeferencing swarming sites and recording swarming times and height. In a subset of three compounds selected for detailed characterization, we also measured inter-swarm distances, counted swarm size from photography, and mating pairs through direct observation during swarming. Furthermore, we collected 30% of male mosquitoes from swarms to measure wing length and perform PCR analyses. We monitored environmental variables including temperature, humidity, wind speed, and luminosity. Finally, we performed spatial and statistical analysis using ArcGIS and R to determine how swarm and mating dynamics are correlated and how they depend on biological and environmental conditions. Results We identified 169 Anopheles coluzzii swarms and found strong evidence of spatial clustering (General G: P < 0.001; Moran’s I = 0.2, P < 0.001), with localized hotspots. Swarming occurred between 18:05 h and 18:45 h, extending into darkness at ~19:15 h. Swarms had an average height of 2.87 m (range: 1.0–3.2 m) and consisted of 83–2783 mosquitoes. Swarm size strongly predicted pairing success in Anopheles coluzzii (t = 9.16, P < 0.001) with larger swarms producing more pairs. However, individual pairing efficiency decreased with swarm size (t = −3.515, P < 0.001). Male size positively influenced individual pairing efficiency (t = 3.25, P = 0.002) but did not affect swarm size or total pairing frequency. Inter-swarm distances varied nonrandomly, suggesting interactions between neighboring and/or swarm markers. Conclusions This study shows that An. coluzzii swarming is shaped by both biological and environmental factors. While larger males achieved higher individual mating efficiency, swarm size was the strongest predictor of mating success. Larger swarms yielded more mating pairs overall, although efficiency declined with increasing density. In addition, swarms formed in clustered nonrandom patterns within compounds. These results highlight the interplay between male traits and environment in shaping swarming dynamics. Graphical Abstract
Mohamed A. M. El-Tabakh, Ahmed Z. I. Shehata, Ahmed M. Sadek
et al.
Abstract To develop economically viable and environmentally benign methodologies for organic reactions and reveal the practical utility of transitional natural compounds and their derivatives. In addition, a new research method to conduct docking studies against nuclear factors sheds light on the theoretical mechanism of action of Phlomis aurea extracts as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and repellent. The pharmacological potential of Phlomis aurea is investigated in this research by analysing its aqueous and petroleum ether extracts. So, to evaluate antioxidant activity, the DPPH scavenging test was used and compared against ascorbic acid; aqueous extract showed noteworthy activity. Both extracts demonstrated noteworthy efficacy against various pathogens, such as Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The anti-cancer activity was also assessed using in-vitro assay on a standard cell line (Wi38) and two cancer cell lines (MDA and HepG2). The sensitivity of starving female An. pharoensis to the studied extracts was higher than that of Cx. pipiens, suggesting that these extracts may have potential applications in vector control. Docking study against nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) (PDB ID: 3wn7), topoisomerase IV (PDB ID: 7lhz), COX protein (PDB ID: 6y3c), and Odorant Binding Protein 7 (OBP7) (PDB ID: 3r1o), to shed light on the theoretical mechanism expected as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and repellent effects against mosquitoes respectively, for galic acid as most significantly quantifying compounds on both extracts; highlighting the predicted mechanism of the proposed in-vitro assay, and confirming the present result.
Uzakov Gulom, Chudov Ivan, Yunusov Khudaynazar
et al.
Within the framework of the presented proceedings, the results of the conducted III International Conference on Current Issues of Breeding, Technology and Processing of Agricultural Crops, and Environment (CIBTA-III-2024).
Valeriy G. Narushin, Michael N. Romanov, Nili Avni-Magen
et al.
The phenomenon of cuckoos’ brood parasitism is well known and can be investigated using applied mathematical techniques. Among adaptive features of this phenomenon are certain egg parameters that ensure their shortened incubation period (I) and thus the successful survival of their offspring. In particular, the volume of a cuckoo egg is not less than, or exceeds, that of the host species, which should, in theory, increase I. Also, cuckoo eggs have thicker shell than that of nest hosts. Here, we analyzed the available geometric dimensions of eggs in 447 species and found an inverse correlation (−0.585, p < 0.05) between I and the shell thickness-to-egg surface area ratio (T/S). A mathematical relationship was derived to calculate I depending on T/S. This premise was confirmed by comparative calculations using egg images of two parasitic species, common (Cuculus canorus) and plaintive cuckoo (Cacomantis merulinus) and their hosts: great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), rufescent prinia (Prinia rufescens), and common tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius). An average calculated I value for cuckoo eggs was one day less than that for host eggs. Our findings unravel additional details of how cuckoos adapt to brood parasitism and specific host-parasite relationships.
Abstract Mosquitoes are notorious insects that transmit a wide range of infectious diseases, including zika, malaria, chikungunya, filariasis, and dengue. The overuse and incorrect application of synthetic pesticides to control mosquitoes has resulted in resistance development and environmental contamination, both of which have had a negative impact on human health. To address this issue, the larvicidal and pupicidal potential of acetone extract from Casearia tomentosa fruits was investigated. The extract was evaluated in a lab setting against all larval instars and pupa of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus, as well as against third instar larvae in a semi-field condition. Purified compounds through TLC were also tested against 3rd instar larvae of both mosquito and non-target organisms. The FT-IR and GC-MS analyses were used to characterise the extract. Morphological aberration caused by the acetone extract was observed using FESEM. The anal gills and respiratory siphon of both mosquitoes showed significant deformation from their normal state. 100 ppm was found to cause 100% larval mortality at 24 h of exposure in case of Cx. quinquefasciatus and at 72 h of exposure in Ae. albopictus larvae. After 72 h of exposure under in vitro conditions, the extract demonstrated considerable larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 38.33 and 47.56 against 3rd instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes albopictus, respectively. The acetone extract can be considered as a highly effective mosquito larvicidal agent that is safe for the environment. Graphical abstract
Matthew Scott Luskin, Lindsey Arnold, Adia Sovie
et al.
Abstract Fragments and edges account for most remaining forest habitats globally. Apex predators and megaherbivores often decline in these degraded habitats while smaller generalist omnivores can persist or thrive in forest edges, especially if they can utilize nonnative resources (“cross‐boundary food subsidies”). Outcomes for small‐medium carnivores (mesopredators) remain unclear or idiosyncratic. We tested responses of a widespread and common forest mesopredator to edges and the composition of the adjacent nonforested areas using 91 camera trapping surveys in Southeast Asia. Leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis and Prionailurus javanensis) showed a hump‐shaped relationship with forest cover and a positive association with oil palm plantations, but they did not increase near other types of nonnative land cover. Leopard cats' success in edges appears due to their hunting abundant rodent prey inside oil palm plantations, providing natural pest management for farmers. Abundant leopard cats also hunt and suppress native small vertebrates, which may trigger negative ecological cascades and suppress biodiversity in forest edges.
Environmental sciences, Human ecology. Anthropogeography
Gordon Fitch, Laura L. Figueroa, Hauke Koch
et al.
Floral nectar and pollen commonly contain diverse secondary metabolites. While these compounds are classically thought to play a role in plant defense, recent research indicates that they may also reduce disease in pollinators. Given that parasites have been implicated in ongoing bee declines, this discovery has spurred interest in the potential for ‘medicinal’ floral products to aid in pollinator conservation efforts. We review the evidence for antiparasitic effects of floral products on bee diseases, emphasizing the importance of investigating the mechanism underlying antiparasitic effects, including direct or host-mediated effects. We discuss the high specificity of antiparasitic effects of even very similar compounds, and highlight the need to consider how nonadditive effects of multiple compounds, and the post-ingestion transformation of metabolites, mediate the disease-reducing capacity of floral products. While the bulk of research on antiparasitic effects of floral products on bee parasites has been conducted in the lab, we review evidence for the impact of such effects in the field, and highlight areas for future research at the floral product-bee disease interface. Such research has great potential both to enhance our understanding of the role of parasites in shaping plant-bee interactions, and the role of plants in determining bee-parasite dynamics. This understanding may in turn reveal new avenues for pollinator conservation.
Marina Lalremruati, C. Lalmuansangi, Mary Zosangzuali
et al.
Abstract Background Mussaenda macrophylla is a shrub widely used in Mizo traditional practice for treatment of cancer, fever, cough, ulcer and dysentery. We have previously shown the antioxidant nature of the plant. In this study, we explore the anticancer activity of the aqueous extract of M. macrophylla (MMAE) using Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) bearing mice as our model. Results MMAE significantly inhibited the tumor growth and increased the survival time of the tumor bearing DLA mice. MMAE significantly increased the glutathione (GSH) levels; and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Consistently, MMAE decreased lipid peroxidation levels in DLA mice. Reduced RBC and hemoglobin levels were significantly reversed by MMAE treatment. MMAE also lowers the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine (CRE) levels that were otherwise elevated in the DLA control animals. Induction of DNA damage, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes in DLA bearing mice following MMAE treatment provide an insight into apoptosis based anticancer activities of M. macrophylla. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the role of the aqueous extract of M. macrophylla as a potential anticancer agent possibly targeting the apoptotic pathway. Graphical Abstract
A new morphologically distinct species of cowry (family Cypraeidae Rafinesque, 1815) is described from the Pliocene of Flinders Island, Tasmania. Austrocypraea jimgracei sp. nov. differs morphologically from other members of the genus and is particularly characterised by the development of a heavily callused labral margin, with a distinct marginal edge that bends up towards the dorsum centrally. This feature is unique within the genus. The new taxon is only the second known Austrocypraea from the Pliocene. A revised key to the known Austrocypraea fossil species is presented.
Hector Zumbado-Ulate, Kelsey Neam, Adrián García-Rodríguez
et al.
Understanding the threats to wildlife across space and time is essential for developing effective conservation strategies. In Mesoamerica (i.e., the region that extends from Central Mexico to the most southern point in Panama) at least 40% of amphibian species declined between the late 1970s and the early 2000s. Most of these declines have been linked with the destruction of suitable habitats for amphibians as well as the introduction and spread of the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, the causal agent of the disease known as chytridiomycosis. In this study, we quantified geographic and elevational ranges for direct-developing, stream-dwelling frog species (DSFS) in Mesoamerica. Within the range of each DSFS, we estimated the extent of suitable area for the occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and the types of land use to quantify habitat deterioration. To date, 33% of DSFS remain undetected since 2005 or before. At the regional level (i.e., Mesoamerica), as in previous studies, we found that narrow geographic and elevational ranges increased vulnerability to extinction. Nevertheless, the ranges of 83% of DSFS were composed of 50% or more high-quality habitats between the 1980s and 2005, when most species declined. We also found that on average, 80% of the range of each species currently overlaps with predicted suitable areas for the occurrence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. At the local and site level (i.e., focusing on two species ranges where extensive monitoring has been conducted even before decline occurred), we found that the present suitable habitat for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis corresponded with the reduction in predicted habitat suitability and climatic niche of DSFS. We also found that the location of remnant populations can be predicted by environmental factors, which can help identify regions where remnant populations of these declined species and others with similar ecology may occur. Combined, results from our regional and local analyses support the idea that Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was the main driver of DSFS declines and of the current lack of recent observations of fifteen DSFS. We used our results to propose specific actions for all DSFS included in this study. This study highlights the importance of considering multiple threats and spatial scales when assessing the status of declined and threatened species.
Kazybayeva Saule, Dolgikh Svetlana, Kulshanov Shokan
et al.
The intensification of viniculture involves the organization of the virus-tested planting material production, establishment of the basic parent plantings, certification of the virus-tested planting material with the control of genetic stability of the grape plants propagated in tissue culture. The modified nutritional medium was developed for microclonal propagation of vine in vitro with the content of the free amino acids: glycine and glutamine, increasing propagation factor up to 15% and the number of nodes on microplant up to 27%.
Sandra Mara Burin, Maira da Costa Cacemiro, Juçara Gastaldi Cominal
et al.
Abstract Background: Resistance to apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is associated with constitutive tyrosine kinase activity of the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein. The deregulated expression of apoptosis-related genes and alteration in epigenetic machinery may also contribute to apoptosis resistance in CML. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors target the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein and are used in CML treatment. The resistance of CML patients to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has guided the search for new compounds that may induce apoptosis in Bcr-Abl+ leukemic cells and improve the disease treatment. Methods: In the present study, we investigated whether the L-amino acid oxidase isolated from Bothrops moojeni snake venom (BmooLAAO-I) (i) was cytotoxic to Bcr-Abl+ cell lines (HL-60.Bcr-Abl, K562-S, and K562-R), HL-60 (acute promyelocytic leukemia) cells, the non-tumor cell line HEK-293, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); and (ii) affected epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and microRNAs expression in vitro. Results: BmooLAAO-I induced ROS production, apoptosis, and differential DNA methylation pattern of regulatory apoptosis genes. The toxin upregulated expression of the pro-apoptotic genes BID and FADD and downregulated DFFA expression in leukemic cell lines, as well as increased miR-16 expression - whose major predicted target is the anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 - in Bcr-Abl+ cells. Conclusion: BmooLAAO-I exerts selective antitumor action mediated by H2O2 release and induces apoptosis, and alterations in epigenetic mechanisms. These results support future investigations on the effect of BmooLAAO-I on in vivo models to determine its potential in CML therapy.
Photosymbiotic associations between heterotrophic hosts and photosynthetic algae play crucial roles in maintaining the trophic and structural integrity of coral reef ecosystems. The marine bivalve subfamily Fraginae contains both non-symbiotic and photosymbiotic lineages, making it an ideal comparative system to study the origin and evolutionary adaptations of photosymbiosis. The symbiotic species exhibit unique morphological adaptations to photosymbiosis. However, the basic biology of these photosymbiotic relationships, such as symbiont diversity and nutritional benefits, has not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we examined the general morphology of four Fraginae species occupying different depths (0–10 m): Corculum cardissa, Fragum fragum, Fragum scruposum, and Fragum sueziense. Abundant symbionts were found in the mantle, gill, and part of the foot, contained in tubular networks within host tissues. We used molecular phylogenetics to investigate the algal symbiont community of these Fraginae species. Results showed that symbionts from all four species are dinoflagellates belonging to the Symbiodinium clade C and we did not detect any host-specific or geographic-specific genetic structures within the symbionts. We also used stable carbon isotope analyses to examine whether the cockles are directly utilizing photosynthetically derived carbon sources. All species show less depleted 13C compared to filter-feeding bivalves, suggesting at least part of their organic carbon is derived directly from the symbionts. However, 13C depletion of Fragum sueziense collected from deeper habitats are less distinguishable from filter-feeding bivalves. This indicates that species in deeper habitats may rely less on photosymbiosis due to the reduced light availability. Given that the symbiotic fragines exhibit varying morphologies, habitats, and utilization of symbiont photosynthesis, the subfamily represents an ideal model system to study differential adaptations to photosymbiosis.
Dan G. O’Neill, Noel R. Coulson, David B. Church
et al.
Abstract Background The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) has been widely used for a variety of working roles. However, concerns for the health and welfare of the GSD have been widely aired and there is evidence that breed numbers are now in decline in the UK. Accurate demographic and disorder data could assist with breeding and clinical prioritisation. The VetCompassTM Programme collects clinical data on dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. This study included all VetCompassTM dogs under veterinary care during 2013. Demographic, mortality and clinical diagnosis data on GSDs were extracted and reported. Results GSDs dropped from 3.5% of the annual birth cohort in 2005 to 2.2% in 2013. The median longevity of GSDs was 10.3 years (IQR 8.0–12.1, range 0.2–17.0). The most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorder (16.3%) and inability to stand (14.9%). The most prevalent disorders recorded were otitis externa (n = 131, 7.89, 95% CI: 6.64–9.29), osteoarthritis (92, 5.54%, 95% CI: 4.49–6.75), diarrhoea (87, 5.24%, 95% CI: 4.22–6.42), overweight/obesity (86, 5.18%, 95% CI: 4.16–6.36) and aggression (79, 4.76%, 95% CI: 3.79–5.90). Conclusions This study identified that GSDs have been reducing in numbers in the UK in recent years. The most frequent disorders in GSDs were otitis externa, osteoarthritis, diarrhoea, overweight/obesity and aggression, whilst the most common causes of death were musculoskeletal disorders and inability to stand. Aggression was more prevalent in males than in females. These results may assist veterinarians to offer evidence-based advice at a breed level and help to identify priorities for GSD health that can improve the breed’s health and welfare.
de la Fuente Mario, Linares Rubén, Lissarrague José Ramón
One of the main objectives in Mediterranean vineyards is the water use efficiency due to its scarcity. During the growing season, total available water is significantly lower than the evaporative demand, being this a limiting factor for quality production. Beside other factors, the choice of an adequate training system can help mitigate this negative effect in regard with soil-plant hydric consumption. The use of porous systems can help plants establish a better leaf distribution inside the clusters area, providing more space and enhancing certain physiological processes, both in leaves and berries (de la Fuente et al., 2013), and causing a better utilization of natural resources.
Water consumption, dynamics and hydric relations in plants (water potential) and soil (soil water tension and capacity) have been studied on three different systems: sprawl system with 12 shoots m–1 (S1); sprawl system with 18 shoots m–1 (S2) and verti- cal positioned system or VSP with 12 shoots m–1 (VSP1). Yield, dry matter partitioning and berry and must composition have also been obtained at the maturity stage.
The main objective of this study was to show the differences in consumption and water use efficiency due to different canopy managements, and to quantify these effects on yield, berry and must composition.
The results showed that the vertical system (VSP1) benefited less from total available water at medium level (20; 30 and 50 cm) in the profile soil (0.5–1.5% available water vol.), in comparison with non-positioned and free systems (S1 and S2). On the other hand, S1 and S2 treatments caused more stress to the plant at midday from flowering to veraison (8–10%), but not during ripening. Sprawl system (S1) helps produce more balanced plants compared to VSP1, because it obtains higher number (and weight) of main leaves by shoot, increasing the number of secondary shoots and maximizing the canopy volume. No dif- ferences were observed in the number of clusters, berry size or yield between VSP1 and S1, but higher crop load treatment (S2) showed an evident yield increase (16%) at harvest.
Berry and must composition did not change (Brix, pH and total acidity) much, while the composition of anthocyanins improved with low exposure and non-positioned systems (S1 and S2).
In addition, both positive effects of sprawl treatments (crop load and training system) resulted in better yield and quality in Mediterranean semiarid conditions under the same inputs (sun, water and soil), causing higher efficiency of natural resources.