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Furuta K, Byrne J, Luat K, Cheung C, Carter DO, Tipton L, Perrault Uptmor KA. Volatile organic compounds produced during postmortem processes can be linked via chromatographic profiles to individual postmortem bacterial species. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1728:465017. [PMID: 38797136 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Decomposition odor is produced during postmortem mammalian tissue breakdown by bacteria, insects, and intrinsic chemical processes. Past research has not thoroughly investigated which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be linked directly to individual bacterial species on decomposing remains. The purpose of this study was to profile the VOCs produced over time by individual species of bacteria using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) to expand our foundational knowledge of what each bacterial species contributes to decomposition odor. Five different species of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Ignatzschineria indica, Ignatzschineria ureiclastica, Curtobacterium luteum, and Vagococcus lutrae) were cultured on standard nutrient agar individually and monitored daily using solid phase microextraction arrow (SPME Arrow) and GC×GC in combination with quadrupole mass spectrometry (qMS) and flame ionization detection (FID). The GC×GC-qMS/FID approach was used to generate rich VOC profiles that represented the bacterial species' metabolic VOC production longitudinally. The data obtained from the chromatographic output was used to compare with a prior study using one-dimensional GC-qMS, and also between each of the five species to investigate the extent of overlap between species. No single VOC could be found in all five bacterial species investigated, and there was little overlap in the profile between species. To further visualize these differences, chromatographic peak data was investigated using two different ordination strategies, principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The two ordination strategies were compared with each other using a Procrustes analysis. This was performed to understand differences in ordination strategies between the separation science community and chemical ecological community. Overall, ordination strategies were found to produce similar results, as evidenced by the correlation of PCA and PCoA in the Procrustes analysis. All analysis strategies yielded distinct VOC profiles for each species. Further study of additional species will support understanding of the holistic view of decomposition odor from a chemical ecology perspective, and further support our understanding of the production of decomposition odor that culminates from such a complex environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Furuta
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States
| | - Julianne Byrne
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States
| | - Kawailani Luat
- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States
| | - Cynthia Cheung
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States
| | - Laura Tipton
- School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States; Departments of Biology and Mathematics & Statistics, James Madison University, United States
| | - Katelynn A Perrault Uptmor
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, United States; Nontargeted Separations Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, William & Mary, United States.
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Dawson BM, Ueland M, Carter DO, Mclntyre D, Barton PS. Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:509-518. [PMID: 37491634 PMCID: PMC10861637 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years and revealed complex interactions among biological and environmental factors that affect rates of decay. Yet this complexity remains to be fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We suggest there is both opportunity and a need to use recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and its applications to understanding the PMI. Here we synthesise knowledge of the biological and environmental factors driving variation in decomposition and the acknowledged limitations among current models of the PMI. To guide improvement in this area, we introduce a conceptual framework that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates throughout the decomposition process. Our framework reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PMI research, and calls for an adaptive research cycle that aims to reduce uncertainty in PMI estimates via experimentation, modelling, and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Dawson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - David O Carter
- Forensic Sciences Unit, School of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Donna Mclntyre
- Graduate Research School, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
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3
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Abu El-Ghiet UM, Salman Alhuraysi AM, Yousry Elsheikh TM, El-Sakhawy MAM. Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Some Wild Plants for Adult Females of Chrysomya albiceps with Medical and Veterinary Importance. Pak J Biol Sci 2024; 27:8-17. [PMID: 38413393 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2024.8.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> is widely spread worldwide, causing myiasis in both humans and animals and playing a mechanical role in the spreading of helminths, viruses and bacteria. Searching for new and safe alternative control methods is very important to eliminate the transmission of pathogens. This study aims to determine the oviposition-deterrent activity of <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> wild plants against adult <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i>. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The effect of plant extracts from <i>Juniperus procera</i>, <i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> and <i>Hypoestes forskaolii</i> plants were tested against adult females of <i>Chrysomya albiceps</i> for oviposition deterrent or repellency. These extracts resulted in oviposition deterrent efficacy for adult females of <i>C. albiceps</i> based on the plant type, plant part (leaves or stems), extract type (methanol, acetone and petroleum ether) and tested dose. <b>Results:</b> The highest anti-oviposition activity against <i>C. albiceps</i> females presented from <i>A. absinthium</i> stems acetone extract at a dose of 1 mg cm<sup>2</sup> by 100 %, while at 0.5 mg cm<sup>2</sup> recorded remarkable repellency by 86.7% as compared with the control treatment. According to the dose-response relationship, <i>A. absinthium</i> methanol and acetone extracts were ED<sub>50</sub> values of 0.85, 0.319 mg cm<sup>2</sup> (leaves) and 1.88, 0.576 mg cm<sup>2</sup> (stems), followed by <i>J. procera</i> methanol extract by 0.983 mg cm<sup>2</sup> (leaves) and 0.98 mg cm<sup>2</sup> (stems), respectively achieved highest oviposition deterrent efficiency as compared with other extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> The high repellency activities of these extracts can be utilized to stop <i>C. albiceps</i> flies from laying eggs on wounds and transmitting myiasis diseases to humans and animals and could potentially replace pesticides used in the future control programs of flies.
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Shao S, Yang L, Hu G, Li L, Wang Y, Tao L. Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106985. [PMID: 37473953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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Bambaradeniya YTB, Magni PA, Dadour IR. Traumatic sheep myiasis: A review of the current understanding. Vet Parasitol 2023; 314:109853. [PMID: 36577285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Myiasis, or the infestation of live humans and vertebrate animals by dipterous larvae, is a health issue worldwide. The economic impact and potential threat to animal health and wellbeing of this disease under the animal husbandry sector is considerable. Sheep are a highly vulnerable livestock category exposed to myiasis (sheep strike), due to several unique predisposing factors that attract flies. The successful mitigation of this disease relies on a thorough understanding of fly population dynamics associated with the change in weather patterns and the evaluation of this disease through different branches of science such as chemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology. The present review provides a summary of the existing knowledge of strike in sheep, discussed in relation to the application of volatile organic compounds, metagenomics, and molecular biology, and their use regarding implementing fly control strategies such as traps, and to increase the resilience of sheep to this disease through improving their health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y T B Bambaradeniya
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - P A Magni
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Murdoch University Singapore, King's Centre, Singapore.
| | - I R Dadour
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia; Source Certain, PO Box 1570, Wangara DC, Western Australia 6947, Australia.
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von Hoermann C, Benbow ME, Rottler-Hoermann AM, Lackner T, Sommer D, Receveur JP, Bässler C, Heurich M, Müller J. Factors influencing carrion communities are only partially consistent with those of deadwood necromass. Oecologia 2023; 201:537-547. [PMID: 36697878 PMCID: PMC9943954 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Research on decomposer communities has traditionally focused on plant litter or deadwood. Even though carrion forms highly nutrient-rich necromass that enhance ecosystem heterogeneity, the factors influencing saprophytic communities remain largely unknown. For deadwood, experiments have shown that different drivers determine beetles (i.e., decay stage, microclimate, and space), fungi (i.e., decay stage and tree species) and bacteria (decay stage only) assemblages. To test the hypothesis that similar factors also structure carrion communities, we sampled 29 carcasses exposed for 30 days that included Cervus elaphus (N = 6), Capreolus capreolus (N = 18), and Vulpes vulpes (N = 5) in a mountain forest throughout decomposition. Beetles were collected with pitfall traps, while microbial communities were characterized using amplicon sequencing. Assemblages were determined with a focus from rare to dominant species using Hill numbers. With increasing focus on dominant species, the relative importance of carcass identity on beetles and space on bacteria increased, while only succession and microclimate remained relevant for fungi. For beetle and bacteria with focus on dominant species, host identity was more important than microclimate, which is in marked contrast to deadwood. We conclude that factors influencing carrion saprophytic assemblages show some consistency, but also differences from those of deadwood assemblages, suggesting that short-lived carrion and long-lasting deadwood both provide a resource pulse with different adaptions in insects and microbes. As with deadwood, a high diversity of carcass species under multiple decay stages and different microclimates support a diverse decomposer community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian von Hoermann
- grid.452215.50000 0004 7590 7184Department of Conservation and Research, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - M. Eric Benbow
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Entomology, Department of Osteopathic Specialties, AgBioResearch and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Ann-Marie Rottler-Hoermann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tomáš Lackner
- grid.452215.50000 0004 7590 7184Department of Conservation and Research, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - David Sommer
- grid.4491.80000 0004 1937 116XDepartment of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic
- grid.15866.3c0000 0001 2238 631XDepartment of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 1176, 16521 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph P. Receveur
- grid.17088.360000 0001 2150 1785Department of Entomology, Department of Osteopathic Specialties, AgBioResearch and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Claus Bässler
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Conservation Biology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- grid.452215.50000 0004 7590 7184Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - Marco Heurich
- grid.452215.50000 0004 7590 7184Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
- grid.5963.9Chair of Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Forest and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Science, 2480 Koppang, Norway
| | - Jörg Müller
- grid.452215.50000 0004 7590 7184Department of Conservation and Research, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, University of Würzburg, 96181 Rauhenebrach, Germany
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Butterworth NJ, Benbow ME, Barton PS. The ephemeral resource patch concept. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 98:697-726. [PMID: 36517934 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ephemeral resource patches (ERPs) - short lived resources including dung, carrion, temporary pools, rotting vegetation, decaying wood, and fungi - are found throughout every ecosystem. Their short-lived dynamics greatly enhance ecosystem heterogeneity and have shaped the evolutionary trajectories of a wide range of organisms - from bacteria to insects and amphibians. Despite this, there has been no attempt to distinguish ERPs clearly from other resource types, to identify their shared spatiotemporal characteristics, or to articulate their broad ecological and evolutionary influences on biotic communities. Here, we define ERPs as any distinct consumable resources which (i) are homogeneous (genetically, chemically, or structurally) relative to the surrounding matrix, (ii) host a discrete multitrophic community consisting of species that cannot replicate solely in any of the surrounding matrix, and (iii) cannot maintain a balance between depletion and renewal, which in turn, prevents multiple generations of consumers/users or reaching a community equilibrium. We outline the wide range of ERPs that fit these criteria, propose 12 spatiotemporal characteristics along which ERPs can vary, and synthesise a large body of literature that relates ERP dynamics to ecological and evolutionary theory. We draw this knowledge together and present a new unifying conceptual framework that incorporates how ERPs have shaped the adaptive trajectories of organisms, the structure of ecosystems, and how they can be integrated into biodiversity management and conservation. Future research should focus on how inter- and intra-resource variation occurs in nature - with a particular focus on resource × environment × genotype interactions. This will likely reveal novel adaptive strategies, aid the development of new eco-evolutionary theory, and greatly improve our understanding of the form and function of organisms and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Butterworth
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University Wellington Road Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney 15 Broadway Ultimo NSW 2007 Australia
| | - M. Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program Michigan State University 220 Trowbridge Rd East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - Philip S. Barton
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University University Drive, Mount Helen VIC 3350 Australia
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Tarone AM, Mann AE, Zhang Y, Zascavage RR, Mitchell EA, Morales E, Rusch TW, Allen MS. The devil is in the details: Variable impacts of season, BMI, sampling site temperature, and presence of insects on the post-mortem microbiome. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1064904. [PMID: 36569070 PMCID: PMC9768039 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1064904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Post-mortem microbial communities are increasingly investigated as proxy evidence for a variety of factors of interest in forensic science. The reported predictive power of the microbial community to determine aspects of the individual's post-mortem history (e.g., the post-mortem interval) varies substantially among published research. This observed variation is partially driven by the local environment or the individual themselves. In the current study, we investigated the impact of BMI, sex, insect activity, season, repeat sampling, decomposition time, and temperature on the microbial community sampled from donated human remains in San Marcos, TX using a high-throughput gene-fragment metabarcoding approach. Materials and methods In the current study, we investigated the impact of BMI, sex, insect activity, season, repeat sampling, decomposition time, and temperature on the microbial community sampled from donated human remains in San Marcos, TX using a high-throughput gene-fragment metabarcoding approach. Results We found that season, temperature at the sampling site, BMI, and sex had a significant effect on the post-mortem microbiome, the presence of insects has a homogenizing influence on the total bacterial community, and that community consistency from repeat sampling decreases as the decomposition process progresses. Moreover, we demonstrate the importance of temperature at the site of sampling on the abundance of important diagnostic taxa. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that while the bacterial community or specific bacterial species may prove to be useful for forensic applications, a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underpinning microbial decomposition will greatly increase the utility of microbial evidence in forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Allison E. Mann
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States,Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Roxanne R. Zascavage
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Edgar Morales
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Travis W. Rusch
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States,Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Michael S. Allen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Michael S. Allen,
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Hjelmen CE, Yuan Y, Parrott JJ, McGuane AS, Srivastav SP, Purcell AC, Pimsler ML, Sze SH, Tarone AM. Identification and Characterization of Small RNA Markers of Age in the Blow Fly Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:948. [PMID: 36292896 PMCID: PMC9603907 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blow fly development is important in decomposition ecology, agriculture, and forensics. Much of the impact of these species is from immature samples, thus knowledge of their development is important to enhance or ameliorate their effects. One application of this information is the estimation of immature insect age to provide temporal information for death investigations. While traditional markers of age such as stage and size are generally accurate, they lack precision in later developmental stages. We used miRNA sequencing to measure miRNA expression, throughout development, of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and identified 217 miRNAs present across the samples. Ten were identified to be significantly differentially expressed in larval samples and seventeen were found to be significantly differentially expressed in intrapuparial samples. Twenty-eight miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between sexes. Expression patterns of two miRNAs, miR-92b and bantam, were qPCR-validated in intrapuparial samples; these and likely food-derived miRNAs appear to be stable markers of age in C. macellaria. Our results support the use of miRNAs for developmental markers of age and suggest further investigations across species and under a range of abiotic and biotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E. Hjelmen
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Parrott
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | | | - Satyam P. Srivastav
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Amanda C. Purcell
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Meaghan L. Pimsler
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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10
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Stoffolano JG. Synanthropic Flies-A Review Including How They Obtain Nutrients, along with Pathogens, Store Them in the Crop and Mechanisms of Transmission. INSECTS 2022; 13:776. [PMID: 36135477 PMCID: PMC9500719 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An attempt has been made to provide a broad review of synanthropic flies and, not just a survey of their involvement in human pathogen transmission. It also emphasizes that the crop organ of calliphorids, sarcophagids, and muscids was an evolutionary development and has served and assisted non-blood feeding flies in obtaining food, as well as pathogens, prior to the origin of humans. Insects are believed to be present on earth about 400 million years ago (MYA). Thus, prior to the origin of primates, there was adequate time for these flies to become associated with various animals and to serve as important transmitters of pathogens associated with them prior to the advent of early hominids and modern humans. Through the process of fly crop regurgitation, numerous pathogens are still readily being made available to primates and other animals. Several studies using invertebrate-derived DNA = iDNA meta-techniques have been able to identify, not only the source the fly had fed on, but also if it had fed on their feces or the animal's body fluids. Since these flies are known to feed on both vertebrate fluids (i.e., from wounds, saliva, mucus, or tears), as well as those of other animals, and their feces, identification of the reservoir host, amplification hosts, and associated pathogens is essential in identifying emerging infectious diseases. New molecular tools, along with a focus on the crop, and what is in it, should provide a better understanding and development of whether these flies are involved in emerging infectious diseases. If so, epidemiological models in the future might be better at predicting future epidemics or pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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11
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Deel HL, Montoya S, King K, Emmons AL, Huhn C, Lynne AM, Metcalf JL, Bucheli SR. The microbiome of fly organs and fly-human microbial transfer during decomposition. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 340:111425. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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von Hoermann C, Weithmann S, Sikorski J, Nevo O, Szpila K, Grzywacz A, Grunwald JE, Reckel F, Overmann J, Steiger S, Ayasse M. Linking bacteria, volatiles and insects on carrion: the role of temporal and spatial factors regulating inter-kingdom communication via volatiles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220555. [PMID: 36061525 PMCID: PMC9428529 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multi-kingdom community complexity and the chemically mediated dynamics between bacteria and insects have recently received increased attention in carrion research. However, the strength of these inter-kingdom interactions and the factors that regulate them are poorly studied. We used 75 piglet cadavers across three forest regions to survey the relationship between three actors (epinecrotic bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flies) during the first 4 days of decomposition and the factors that regulate this interdependence. The results showed a dynamic bacterial change during decomposition (temperature-time index) and across the forest management gradient, but not between regions. Similarly, VOC emission was dynamic across a temperature-time index and the forest management gradient but did not differ between regions. However, fly occurrence was dynamic across both space and time. The strong interdependence between the three actors was mainly regulated by the temperature-time index and the study regions, thereby revealing regulation at temporal and spatial scales. Additionally, the actor interdependence was stable across a gradient of forest management intensity. By combining different actors of decomposition, we have expanded our knowledge of the holistic mechanisms regulating carrion community dynamics and inter-kingdom interactions, an important precondition for better describing food web dynamics and entire ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian von Hoermann
- Department of Conservation and Research, Bavarian Forest National Park, Grafenau, Germany
| | - Sandra Weithmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Sikorski
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Omer Nevo
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Szpila
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Andrzej Grzywacz
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Jan-Eric Grunwald
- Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, SG 204, Microtraces/Biology, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Reckel
- Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, SG 204, Microtraces/Biology, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Department of Evolutionary Animal Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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13
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Dawson BM, Wallman JF, Evans MJ, Butterworth NJ, Barton PS. Priority effects and density promote coexistence between the facultative predator Chrysomya rufifacies and its competitor Calliphora stygia. Oecologia 2022; 199:181-191. [PMID: 35501402 PMCID: PMC9119899 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-022-05175-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Highly competitive ephemeral resources like carrion tend to support much greater diversity relative to longer-lived resources. The coexistence of diverse communities on short-lived carrion is a delicate balance, maintained by several processes including competition. Despite this balance, few studies have investigated the effect of competition on carrion, limiting our understanding of how competition drives coexistence. We investigated how priority effects and larval density influence coexistence between two blowfly species, the facultative predator Chrysomya rufifacies and its competitor Calliphora stygia, which occupy broadly similar niches but differ in their ecological strategies for exploiting carrion. We examined how adult oviposition, larval survival, developmental duration, and adult fitness were affected by the presence of differently aged heterospecific larval masses, and how these measures varied under three larval densities. We found C. rufifacies larval survival was lowest in conspecific masses with low larval densities. In heterospecific masses, survival increased, particularly at high larval density, with priority effects having minimal effect, suggesting a dependency on collective exodigestion. For C. stygia, we found survival to be constant across larval densities in a conspecific mass. In heterospecific masses, survival decreased drastically when C. rufifacies arrived first, regardless of larval density, suggesting C. stygia is temporally constrained to avoid competition with C. rufifacies. Neither species appeared to completely outcompete the other, as they were either constrained by density requirements (C. rufifacies) or priority effects (C. stygia). Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the ecological processes allowing for coexistence on a competitively intense, ephemeral resource such as carrion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake M Dawson
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - James F Wallman
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nathan J Butterworth
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
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14
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Bhattacherjee R, De S, Sharma G, Ghosh S, Mishra S, Suman DS, Banerjee D. Prevalence of mouthpart sensilla and protease producing symbiotic gut bacteria in the forensic fly Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794): Insight from foraging to digestion. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106380. [PMID: 35217030 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) is a globally prevalent forensically important species that helps to estimate accurate postmortem interval since the death. This fly occasionally causes cutaneous myiasis and transmits several pathogenic bacteria. To understand their ability of corpse detection and digestion of protein-rich meal, the present study describes the mouthpart sensilla and assessment of protease producing symbiotic gut bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the prevalence of trichoid sensilla (Tr), basiconic sensilla (Ba) and microtrichia (Mr) on labellar lobes, haustellum and maxillary palps of mouthparts. Bacterial particles of both rod (small and large) and spherical shaped were detected in the gut of C. megacephala using SEM. The bacterial density was higher on the foregut and midgut in comparison to the hindgut. From 72 bacterial isolates, 10 isolates from the foregut region showed considerable protease-producing efficacy ranging between 3.98 - 6.83 GHR and 9.73 - 34.68 U/ml protease. Among these, the most promising protease-producing bacterial isolate showed 16S rDNA sequence similarity (99.85%) with Chryseobacterium artocarpi DNA. This bacterium was the first report from flies. The findings of the study might help in better understanding of the role of sensilla in host perception and foregut symbiotic bacterial association in protein digestion in C. megacephala.
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15
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McKenna CH, Asgari D, Crippen TL, Zheng L, Sherman RA, Tomberlin JK, Meisel RP, Tarone AM. Gene expression in Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii identifies shared and microbe-specific induction of immune genes. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:85-100. [PMID: 34613655 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a continuing challenge in medicine. There are various strategies for expanding antibiotic therapeutic repertoires, including the use of blow flies. Their larvae exhibit strong antibiotic and antibiofilm properties that alter microbiome communities. One species, Lucilia sericata, is used to treat problematic wounds due to its debridement capabilities and its excretions and secretions that kill some pathogenic bacteria. There is much to be learned about how L. sericata interacts with microbiomes at the molecular level. To address this deficiency, gene expression was assessed after feeding exposure (1 h or 4 h) to two clinically problematic pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The results identified immunity-related genes that were differentially expressed when exposed to these pathogens, as well as non-immune genes possibly involved in gut responses to bacterial infection. There was a greater response to P. aeruginosa that increased over time, while few genes responded to A. baumannii exposure, and expression was not time-dependent. The response to feeding on pathogens indicates a few common responses and features distinct to each pathogen, which is useful in improving the wound debridement therapy and helps to develop biomimetic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H McKenna
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - D Asgari
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T L Crippen
- Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, College Station, TX, USA
| | - L Zheng
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R A Sherman
- BioTherapeutics, Education and Research (BTER) Foundation, Irvine, CA, USA
- Monarch Labs, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - J K Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - R P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A M Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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16
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Iancu L, Angelescu IR, Paun VI, Henríquez-Castillo C, Lavin P, Purcarea C. Microbiome pattern of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and feeding substrate in the presence of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15296. [PMID: 34315964 PMCID: PMC8316364 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94761-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbial diversity and quantitative dynamics during the insect’s development stages constitute recently developed putative tools in forensic and medical studies. Meanwhile, little is known on the role of insects in spreading foodborne pathogenic bacteria and on the impact of these pathogens on the overall insects and feeding substrate microbiome composition. Here, we provide the first characterization of the bacterial communities harbored in adult and immature stages of Lucilia sericata, one of the first colonizers of decomposed human remains, in the presence of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica using 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing and qPCR. The pathogen transmission from the wild adults to the second generation was observed, with a 101.25× quantitative increase. The microbial patterns from both insect and liver samples were not influenced by the artificial introduction of this pathogenic foodborne bacteria, being dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Overall, our results provided a first detailed overview of the insect and decomposed substrate microbiome in the presence of a human pathogen, advancing the knowledge on the role of microbes as postmortem interval estimators and the transmission of pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Iancu
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania. .,Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58202, USA.
| | - Iulia Roxana Angelescu
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victoria Ioana Paun
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carlos Henríquez-Castillo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, 1781421, Coquimbo, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, 1781421, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Paris Lavin
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.,Laboratorio de Complejidad Microbiana y Ecología Funcional, Instituto Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Cristina Purcarea
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
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17
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Disruption of the odorant coreceptor Orco impairs foraging and host finding behaviors in the New World screwworm fly. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11379. [PMID: 34059738 PMCID: PMC8167109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of obligate ectoparasitism in blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has intrigued scientists for over a century, and surprisingly, the genetics underlying this lifestyle remain largely unknown. Blowflies use odors to locate food and oviposition sites; therefore, olfaction might have played a central role in niche specialization within the group. In insects, the coreceptor Orco is a required partner for all odorant receptors (ORs), a major gene family involved in olfactory-evoked behaviors. Hence, we characterized the Orco gene in the New World screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax, a blowfly that is an obligate ectoparasite of warm-blooded animals. In contrast, most of the closely related blowflies are scavengers that lay their eggs on dead animals. We show that the screwworm Orco orthologue (ChomOrco) is highly conserved within Diptera, showing signals of strong purifying selection. Expression of ChomOrco is broadly detectable in chemosensory appendages, and is related to morphological, developmental, and behavioral aspects of the screwworm biology. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt ChomOrco and evaluate the consequences of losing the OR function on screwworm behavior. In two-choice assays, Orco mutants displayed an impaired response to floral-like and animal host-associated odors, suggesting that OR-mediated olfaction is involved in foraging and host-seeking behaviors in C. hominivorax. These results broaden our understanding of the chemoreception basis of niche occupancy by blowflies.
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18
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Olafson PU, Aksoy S, Attardo GM, Buckmeier G, Chen X, Coates CJ, Davis M, Dykema J, Emrich SJ, Friedrich M, Holmes CJ, Ioannidis P, Jansen EN, Jennings EC, Lawson D, Martinson EO, Maslen GL, Meisel RP, Murphy TD, Nayduch D, Nelson DR, Oyen KJ, Raszick TJ, Ribeiro JMC, Robertson HM, Rosendale AJ, Sackton TB, Saelao P, Swiger SL, Sze SH, Tarone AM, Taylor DB, Warren WC, Waterhouse RM, Weirauch MT, Werren JH, Wilson RK, Zdobnov EM, Benoit JB. The genome of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, reveals potential mechanisms underlying reproduction, host interactions, and novel targets for pest control. BMC Biol 2021; 19:41. [PMID: 33750380 PMCID: PMC7944917 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, is a major blood-feeding pest of livestock that has near worldwide distribution, causing an annual cost of over $2 billion for control and product loss in the USA alone. Control of these flies has been limited to increased sanitary management practices and insecticide application for suppressing larval stages. Few genetic and molecular resources are available to help in developing novel methods for controlling stable flies. Results This study examines stable fly biology by utilizing a combination of high-quality genome sequencing and RNA-Seq analyses targeting multiple developmental stages and tissues. In conjunction, 1600 genes were manually curated to characterize genetic features related to stable fly reproduction, vector host interactions, host-microbe dynamics, and putative targets for control. Most notable was characterization of genes associated with reproduction and identification of expanded gene families with functional associations to vision, chemosensation, immunity, and metabolic detoxification pathways. Conclusions The combined sequencing, assembly, and curation of the male stable fly genome followed by RNA-Seq and downstream analyses provide insights necessary to understand the biology of this important pest. These resources and new data will provide the groundwork for expanding the tools available to control stable fly infestations. The close relationship of Stomoxys to other blood-feeding (horn flies and Glossina) and non-blood-feeding flies (house flies, medflies, Drosophila) will facilitate understanding of the evolutionary processes associated with development of blood feeding among the Cyclorrhapha. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-00975-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia U Olafson
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA.
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Geoffrey M Attardo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Greta Buckmeier
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoting Chen
- The Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Coates
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Megan Davis
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Justin Dykema
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Scott J Emrich
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Markus Friedrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Panagiotis Ioannidis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Evan N Jansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily C Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Lawson
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Gareth L Maslen
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory, The European Bioinformatics Institute, The Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Richard P Meisel
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana Nayduch
- Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kennan J Oyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tyler J Raszick
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Hugh M Robertson
- Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Timothy B Sackton
- Informatics Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Perot Saelao
- Livestock Arthropod Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Sonja L Swiger
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Stephenville, TX, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Aaron M Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David B Taylor
- Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- University of Missouri, Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthew T Weirauch
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Divisions of Biomedical Informatics and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Richard K Wilson
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.,College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Evgeny M Zdobnov
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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19
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Bioactivity of Different Chemotypes of Oregano Essential Oil against the Blowfly Calliphora vomitoria Vector of Foodborne Pathogens. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12010052. [PMID: 33440619 PMCID: PMC7826667 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Calliphora vomitoria L. is a very common synanthropic blowfly. Since it is attracted by human food, it plays a main role in the transmission of foodborne diseases. Among aromatic plant essential oils (EOs), those of spices are the most suitable to protect food from insect pests. In the present work, we determined the bioactivity of three oregano EOs against C. vomitoria. The chemical analyses showed that the EOs belonged to three chemotypes, one with a prevalence of carvacrol and two with a prevalence of thymol. The bioassays showed that the bioactivity of the EOs significantly varies among chemotypes, with the thymol chemotype showing an overall higher efficacy compared to the carvacrol one. Abstract Blowflies play a substantial role as vectors of microorganisms, including human pathogens. The control of these insect pests is an important aspect of the prevention of foodborne diseases, which represent a significant public health threat worldwide. Among aromatic plants, spices essential oils (EOs) are the most suitable to protect food from insect pests. In this study, we determined the chemical composition of three oregano EOs and assessed their toxicity and deterrence to oviposition against the blowfly Calliphora vomitoria L. The chemical analyses showed that the EOs belonged to three chemotypes: one with a prevalence of carvacrol, the carvacrol chemotype (CC; carvacrol, 81.5%), and two with a prevalence of thymol, the thymol/p-cymene and thymol/γ-terpinene chemotypes (TCC and TTC; thymol, 43.8, and 36.7%, respectively). The bioassays showed that although all the three EOs chemotypes are able to exert a toxic activity against C. vomitoria adults (LD50 from 0.14 to 0.31 μL insect−1) and eggs (LC50 from 0.008 to 0.038 μL cm−2) as well as deter the oviposition (Oviposition Activity Index, OAI, from 0.40 ± 0.04 to 0.87 ± 0.02), the bioactivity of oregano EOs significantly varies among the chemotypes, with the thymol-rich EOs (TCC and TTC) overall demonstrating more effectiveness than the carvacrol-rich (CC) EO.
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20
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Revisiting the concept of entomotoxicology. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:282-286. [PMID: 33024952 PMCID: PMC7530288 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Until now, the term entomotoxicology has only been used in medico-legal sciences. However, entomotoxicology as a whole has a much wider scope and forensic entomotoxicology is just one of its branches. Based on the literature a wider definition of the term is presented. Today, we can distinguish two major branches of entomotoxicology: 1) Forensic entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as evidence of the presence of xenobiotics in decomposing tissue during an investigation and 2) Environmental entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as bioindicators of environmental pollution in non-criminal circumstances. While forensic entomotoxicology is a relatively new discipline, research in environmental entomotoxicology began as far back as the 1920s. A review of the work in entomotoxicology from the last 6 years is presented, covering several interesting new trends. This article aims to redefine entomotoxicology, which should increase awareness to bring more collaborations and multidisciplinary between related scientific fields.
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21
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Andere AA, Pimsler ML, Tarone AM, Picard CJ. The genomes of a monogenic fly: views of primitive sex chromosomes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15728. [PMID: 32978490 PMCID: PMC7519133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72880-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of male and female offspring is often determined by the presence of specific sex chromosomes which control sex-specific expression, and sex chromosomes evolve through reduced recombination and specialized gene content. Here we present the genomes of Chrysomya rufifacies, a monogenic blow fly (females produce female or male offspring, exclusively) by separately sequencing and assembling each type of female and the male. The genomes (> 25X coverage) do not appear to have any sex-linked Muller F elements (typical for many Diptera) and exhibit little differentiation between groups supporting the morphological assessments of C. rufifacies homomorphic chromosomes. Males in this species are associated with a unimodal coverage distribution while females exhibit bimodal coverage distributions, suggesting a potential difference in genomic architecture. The presence of the individual-sex draft genomes herein provides new clues regarding the origination and evolution of the diverse sex-determining mechanisms observed within Diptera. Additional genomic analysis of sex chromosomes and sex-determining genes of other blow flies will allow a refined evolutionary understanding of how flies with a typical X/Y heterogametic amphogeny (male and female offspring in similar ratios) sex determination systems evolved into one with a dominant factor that results in single sex progeny in a chromosomally monomorphic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne A. Andere
- Department of Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Meaghan L. Pimsler
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX USA
| | - Christine J. Picard
- Department of Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN USA
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22
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Iancu L, Necula-Petrareanu G, Purcarea C. Potential bacterial biomarkers for insect colonization in forensic cases: preliminary quantitative data on Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica and Ignatzschineria indica dynamics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8497. [PMID: 32444702 PMCID: PMC7244533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65471-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last decades, forensic microbiology became an emerging complementary tool in criminalistics. Although the insect-microbe interactions regarding pathogen transmission were extensively studied, only scarce information is available on bacterial transfer from necrophagous insects to host tissues. Our data provides the first report on the occurrence of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica and Ignatzschineria indica in Lucilia illustris Meigen, 1826 (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and the quantitative dynamics of the two bacterial species along the insect life-stages and transfer to beef and pork host tissues using qPCR gyrase b specific primers. The content of both bacterial species increased along the insect life stages. W. chitiniclastica was detected in all developmental stages independent of the feeding substrate. I. indica was measurable with 102 gene copies ng−1 DNA threshold starting from the third instar larvae when feeding on beef, and from the egg stage with a 102× higher representation when using the pork substrate. The transfer of bacterial species to both tissues occurred after 3 colonization days except for I. indica that was visible in beef liver only during day 5. Considering the utilization of pork tissues as human analogues, these quantitative microbial dynamics data provides first insect-specific bacterial candidates as potential colonization biomarkers in forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Iancu
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania.
| | | | - Cristina Purcarea
- Institute of Biology Bucharest of Romanian Academy, Splaiul Independentei, 296, 060031, Bucharest, Romania
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Maleki-Ravasan N, Ahmadi N, Soroushzadeh Z, Raz AA, Zakeri S, Dinparast Djadid N. New Insights Into Culturable and Unculturable Bacteria Across the Life History of Medicinal Maggots Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:505. [PMID: 32322242 PMCID: PMC7156559 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the nutritional ecology of dung- and carrion-feeding, bacteria are the integral part of Lucilia sericata life cycle. Nevertheless, the disinfected larvae of the blowfly are applied to treat human chronic wounds in a biosurgery named maggot debridement therapy (MDT). To realize the effects of location/diet on the gut bacteria, to infer the role of bacteria in the blowfly ecology plus in the MDT process, and to disclose bacteria circulating horizontally in and vertically between generations, bacterial communities associated with L. sericata specimens from various sources were investigated using culture-based and culture-independent methods. In total, 265 bacteria, including 20 families, 28 genera, and 40 species, were identified in many sources of the L. sericata. Culture-dependent method identified a number of 144 bacterial isolates, including 21 species, in flies reared in an insectary; specimens were collected from the field, and third-instar larvae retrieved from chronic wounds of patients. Metagenetic approach exposed the occurrences of 121 operational taxonomic units comprising of 32 bacterial species from immature and adult stages of L. sericata. Gammaproteobacteria was distinguished as the dominant class of bacteria by both methods. Bacteria came into the life cycle of L. sericata over the foods and transovarially infected eggs. Enterococcus faecalis, Myroides phaeus, Proteus species, Providencia vermicola, and Serratia marcescens were exchanged among individuals via transstadial transmission. Factors, including diets, feeding status, identification tool, gut compartment, and life stage, governed the bacteria species. Herein, we reemphasized that L. sericata is thoroughly connected to the bacteria both in numerous gut compartments and in different life stages. Among all, transstadially transmitted bacteria are underlined, indicating the lack of antagonistic effect of the larval excretions/secretions on these resident bacteria. While the culture-dependent method generated useful data on the viable aerobic gut bacteria, metagenomic method enabled us to identify bacteria directly from the tissues without any need for cultivation and to facilitate the identification of anaerobic and unculturable bacteria. These findings are planned to pave the way for further research to determine the role of each bacterial species/strain in the insect ecology, as well as in antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseh Maleki-Ravasan
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Ahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Soroushzadeh
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Uriel Y, Gries R, Tu L, Carroll C, Zhai H, Moore M, Gries G. The fly factor phenomenon is mediated by interkingdom signaling between bacterial symbionts and their blow fly hosts. INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 27:256-265. [PMID: 30047567 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We tested the recent hypothesis that the "fly factor" phenomenon (food currently or previously fed on by flies attracts more flies than the same type of food kept inaccessible to flies) is mediated by bacterial symbionts deposited with feces or regurgitated by feeding flies. We allowed laboratory-reared black blow flies, Phormia regina (Meigen), to feed and defecate on bacterial Luria-Bertani medium solidified with agar, and isolated seven morphologically distinct bacterial colonies. We identified these using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. In two-choice laboratory experiments, traps baited with cultures of Proteus mirabilis Hauser, Morganella morganii subsp. sibonii Jensen, or Serratia marcescens Bizio, captured significantly more flies than corresponding control jars baited with tryptic soy agar only. A mixture of seven bacterial strains as a trap bait was more attractive to flies than a single bacterial isolate (M. m. sibonii). In a field experiment, traps baited with agar cultures of P. mirabilis and M. m. sibonii in combination captured significantly more flies than traps baited with either bacterial isolate alone or the agar control. As evident by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the odor profiles of bacterial isolates differ, which may explain the additive effect of bacteria to the attractiveness of bacterial trap baits. As "generalist bacteria," P. mirabilis and M. m. sibonii growing on animal protein (beef liver) or plant protein (tofu) are similarly effective in attracting flies. Bacteria-derived airborne semiochemicals appear to mediate foraging by flies and to inform their feeding and oviposition decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonathan Uriel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Regine Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lorna Tu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cassandra Carroll
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Huimin Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margo Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gerhard Gries
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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Chen B, Liu M, Rubenstein DR, Sun S, Liu J, Lin Y, Shen S. A chemically triggered transition from conflict to cooperation in burying beetles. Ecol Lett 2020; 23:467-475. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo‐Fei Chen
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Mark Liu
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Dustin R. Rubenstein
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology Columbia University 1200 Amsterdam Avenue New York NY 10027 USA
| | - Syuan‐Jyun Sun
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Jian‐Nan Liu
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Yu‐Heng Lin
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
| | - Sheng‐Feng Shen
- Biodiversity Research Center Academia Sinica Taipei 11529 Taiwan
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26
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Hu G, Wang M, Wang Y, Liao M, Hu J, Zhang Y, Yu Y, Wang J. Estimation of post-mortem interval based on insect species present on a corpse found in a suitcase. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 306:110046. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.110046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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27
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Wohlfahrt D, Woolf MS, Singh B. A survey of bacteria associated with various life stages of primary colonizers: Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina. Sci Justice 2019; 60:173-179. [PMID: 32111291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blow flies are common primary colonizers of carrion, play an important role in the transfer of microbes between environments, and serve as a vector for many human pathogens. While some investigation has begun regarding the bacteria associated with different life stages of blow flies, a well replicated study is currently not available for the majority of blow flies. This study investigated bacteria associated with successive life stages of blow fly species Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina. A total of 38 samples were collected from four true replicates of L. sericata and P. regina. Variable region four (V4) of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) was amplified and sequenced on MiSeq FGx sequencing platform using universal 16S rDNA primers and dual-index sequencing strategy. Bacterial communities associated with different life stages of L. sericata and P. regina didn't differ significantly from each other. In both blow fly species, Bacilli (e.g., Lactococcus) and Gammaproteobacteria (e.g., Providencia) constituted >95% of all bacterial classes across all life stages. At the genus level, Vagococcus and Leuconostoc were present at relatively high abundances in L. sericata whereas Yersinia and Proteus were present at comparatively high abundances in P. regina. Overall, information on bacterial structures associated with various life stages of blow flies can help scientists in better understanding or management of vector-borne pathogen dispersal and in increasing the accuracy of microbial evidence based postmortem interval (PMI) prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Wohlfahrt
- Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - M Shane Woolf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Baneshwar Singh
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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28
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Abstract
Two areas of research that have greatly increased in attention are: dipterans as vectors and the microbes they are capable of vectoring. Because it is the front-end of the fly that first encounters these microbes, this review focuses on the legs, mouthparts, and foregut, which includes the crop as major structures involved in dipteran vectoring ability. The legs and mouthparts are generally involved in mechanical transmission of microbes. However, the crop is involved in more than just mechanical transmission, for it is within the lumen of the crop that microbes are taken up with the meal of the fly, stored, and it is within the lumen that horizontal transmission of bacterial resistance has been demonstrated. In addition to storage of microbes, the crop is also involved in depositing the microbes via a process known as regurgitation. Various aspects of crop regulation are discussed and specific examples of crop involvement with microorganisms are discussed. The importance of biofilm and biofilm formation are presented, as well as, some physical parameters of the crop that might either facilitate or inhibit biofilm formation. Finally, there is a brief discussion of dipteran model systems for studying crop microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Stoffolano
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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29
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Recinos-Aguilar YM, García-García MD, Malo EA, Cruz-López L, Rojas JC. The Colonization of Necrophagous Larvae Accelerates the Decomposition of Chicken Carcass and the Emission of Volatile Attractants for Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1590-1597. [PMID: 31265073 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The decomposition of a living being involves a series of changes produced by a number of interacting abiotic and biotic factors. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the colonization of blowflies on the decomposition of chicken carcasses and on the emission of sulfur compounds. The loss of the mass of carcasses and the release rate of sulfur compounds were compared for 30 d in chicken carcasses with and without blowflies in field conditions. The tissue degradation was slower in the carcasses without insects compared to those colonized by blowflies. The decomposition stages of fresh, bloated, active decay, and advanced decay were observed in the carcasses without flies; while the decomposition stages of fresh, active decay, advanced decay, and dry remains were identified in carcasses with flies. Two sulfur compounds, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, were present during the entire decomposition process. The emission of these compounds is not directly associated with the presence of the blowflies' immature stages during the whole decomposition process. However, in cadavers with insects, the highest emission of both compounds occurred in day 2, while in cadavers without insects, the peak of emission was observed in day 4. In addition, the presence of the larval stages I and II of Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) matched with the peak of emission of both compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yensy María Recinos-Aguilar
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Maria Dolores García-García
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Murcia, España
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
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30
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Rusch TW, Adutwumwaah A, Beebe LE, Tomberlin JK, Tarone AM. The upper thermal tolerance of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius (Diptera: Calliphoridae). J Therm Biol 2019; 85:102405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.102405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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31
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Junkins EN, Speck M, Carter DO. The microbiology, pH, and oxidation reduction potential of larval masses in decomposing carcasses on Oahu, Hawaii. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 67:37-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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32
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Yakovlev AY, Kruglikova AA, Chernysh SI. Calliphoridae Flies in Medical Biotechnology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s0013873819030023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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33
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Pechal JL, Crippen TL, Cammack JA, Tomberlin JK, Benbow ME. Microbial communities of salmon resource subsidies and associated necrophagous consumers during decomposition: Potential of cross-ecosystem microbial dispersal. FOOD WEBS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2019.e00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Anyagaligbo O, Bernard J, Greenhalgh A, Cooper RL. The effects of bacterial endotoxin (LPS) on cardiac function in a medicinal blow fly (Phaenicia sericata) and a fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 217:15-24. [PMID: 30448591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are known to have direct effects on mammalian heart cells; thus, LPS is likely to have some effects in other cardiac models. Drosophila melanogaster was used since it serves as a model for cardiac physiology. Larvae of blow flies (Phaenicia sericata) commonly used as therapy for debriding dead tissue, are exposed to high levels of bacterial endotoxins, but their mechanisms of LPS resistance are not entirely understood. Comparative effects of LPS on heart rate (HR) were examined for both Drosophila and blowfly larvae. Acute 10-min direct exposure of in situ heart tubes with saline containing 1, 100, and 500 μg/ml LPS from two common bacterial stains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens) revealed a dose-dependent effect. The effects differed between the two fly models. Larval hearts of Drosophila stopped rapidly in low Ca2+ containing saline, but the hearts of blow flies appear unaffected for >30 min. S. marcescens increased HR initially in Drosophila followed by a reduction for low and high doses, but no change was observed in larvae of blow flies. Whereas P. aeruginosa at a high dose decreased HR in larvae of Drosophila but increased HR in larvae of blow flies. The goal of this study is to better the understanding in the direct action of LPS on HR. Knowing the acute and direct actions of LPS exposure on HR in different species of larvae may aid in understanding the underlying mechanisms in other animals during septicemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogechi Anyagaligbo
- Department of Biology, Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
| | - Jate Bernard
- Department of Biology, Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
| | - Abigail Greenhalgh
- Department of Biology, Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA
| | - Robin L Cooper
- Department of Biology, Center for Muscle Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0225, USA.
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Alvarez Garcia DM, Pérez-Hérazo A, Amat E. Spatial and Temporal Variation of the Blowflies Community (Diptera: Calliphoridae) From an Urban Area in Northern South America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:464-471. [PMID: 30535268 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are necrophagous flies with ecological, medical, veterinary, and forensic importance. These flies carry pathogens that they spread to animals and humans, and produce myiasis. Furthermore, they are useful tools in forensic science as indicators of postmortem intervals, and in biomedicine they are successfully used in larval therapy. This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal variation of the blowflies community from the urban area of Sincelejo City, located in the Colombian Caribbean region. Samplings were conducted from May 2012 to April 2013, using Van Someren Rydon-traps baited with bovine meat, fish, and chicken that decomposed for 48 h. Six species were registered, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775) was the most abundant, followed by Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), while Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) presented the least individuals. The blowflies community did not change significantly throughout the sampling months or between the periods of low or high rainfall, nor was it influenced by weather variables. Although the species composition was the same in all sampled localities, species abundances presented significant differences. The possible causes of this pattern are discussed herein. Sex ratios were female biased for all the recorded species, except C. idioidea. Our findings provide the first assessment of the blowflies community from the urban area of Sincelejo City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivys M Alvarez Garcia
- Laboratorio de Sistemática e Biogeografia de Insecta, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil CEP
- Grupo de Investigación en Zoología y Ecología, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Antonio Pérez-Hérazo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología Vegetal, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | - Eduardo Amat
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Forenses y Salud-GICFS, Tecnológico de Antioquia-Institución Universitaria, Medellín, Colombia
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36
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Dibner H, Mangca Valdez C, Carter DO. An Experiment to Characterize the Decomposer Community Associated with Carcasses (
Sus scrofa domesticus
) on Oahu, Hawaii. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1412-1420. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Dibner
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy Forensic Sciences Unit Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu HI 96816
- SNA International, supporting Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Laboratory Joint Base Pearl Harbor‐Hickam Honolulu HI 96853
| | - Chelsie Mangca Valdez
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy Forensic Sciences Unit Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu HI 96816
- Division of Social Sciences University of Hawaii – West Oahu Kapolei HI 96707
| | - David O. Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy Forensic Sciences Unit Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Chaminade University of Honolulu Honolulu HI 96816
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Spatial Distribution of Forensically Significant Blow Flies in Subfamily Luciliinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand: Observations and Modeling Using GIS. INSECTS 2018; 9:insects9040181. [PMID: 30513924 PMCID: PMC6315425 DOI: 10.3390/insects9040181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Blow flies of the subfamily Luciliinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are one of the main forensically important subfamilies globally. In addition to being used to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin), assuming colonization occurred after death, blow fly specimens found infesting a human corpse are used to determine if the corpse was relocated or if the individual ingested narcotics prior to death. The presence of these blow flies in a given area is strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, such as temperature, elevation, and habitat. Having this information, along with geographical distributions and the characteristics of preferred habitats, is necessary to better understand the biology of this group. This study aimed to characterize the spatial distribution of Luciliinae throughout 18 sampling sites within six ecozones (disturbed mixed deciduous forest, mixed deciduous forest, mixed orchard, paddy field, lowland village, and city/town) in central Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand over one year (May 2009–May 2010). The purpose of the study was to elucidate the relationship of blow fly species composition with environmental abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, light intensity), and to predict the distribution of the common species within this subfamily using GIS. Adult collections were performed biweekly, baited with one-day-old beef offal. A total of 2331 Luciliinae flies trapped, comprising eight species, of which the four predominant species were Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann) (n = 1428; 61.3%), Lucilia porphyrina (Walker) (n = 381; 16.3%), Hemipyrellia pulchra (Wiedemann) (n = 293; 12.6%), and Lucilia papuensis Macquart (n = 129; 5.5%). Population density across species varied seasonally, peaking in August 2009 coinciding with the rainy season. Predicting population composition was based on a model developed with ArcGIS 9.2, which utilized environmental variables (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) in conjunction with abundance data. Models indicated H. ligurriens had the most widespread geographic distribution, while H. pulchra was predicted to occur largely in mixed orchards and lowland villages. Lucilia porphyrina and L. papuensis were less widespread, restricted mainly to mixed deciduous forest. This model, along with knowledge of forensic information, may be useful under certain investigations where the corpse may have been relocated.
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38
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Matos MPV, Konstantynova KI, Mohr RM, Jackson GP. Analysis of the 13C isotope ratios of amino acids in the larvae, pupae and adult stages of Calliphora vicina blow flies and their carrion food sources. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:7943-7954. [PMID: 30357442 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1416-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult blow flies are one of the first necrophagous insects to colonize fresh carcasses. The eggs they lay hatch into larvae, which then feed on the decomposing body. Like all organisms, blow flies "are what they eat," meaning that the isotopic composition of their body tissues reflects their diet. This manuscript combines ecology with a forensic application by using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to understand the relationship between the δ13C of amino acids in different carrion sources and the blow fly that feed on them. We also measure the amino acid-level fractionation that occurs at each major life stage of the blow flies. Adult blow flies from a commercial strain of Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) oviposited on raw pork muscle, beef muscle, or chicken liver. Larvae, pupae, and adult blow flies from each carrion were selected for amino acid compound-specific isotope analysis. Canonical discriminant analysis showed that flies were correctly classified to specific carrion types in 100% (original rules) and 96.8% (leave-one-out cross-validation [LOOCV]) of cases. Regarding life stages, we obtained 100% and 71% of correct classification in original rules and LOOCV, respectively. The isotope ratios of most of the essential amino acids did not significantly change between life stages (at 95% CI). However, some non-essential amino acids (Ala, Ser, and Glu) and some conditionally essential amino acids (Gly and Pro) were isotopically depleted in the adult stage. Except for the essential amino acids, the amino acids in larvae and pupae were enriched in 13C, and adult blow flies were depleted in 13C relative to the carrion on which they fed. These results make it possible to exclude potential sources of carrion as larval food. Amino acid-specific IRMS could help inform entomologists whether a fly has just arrived from another location to feed on a corpse or has emerged from a pupa whose feedstock was the corpse. Such insight could enhance the significance of blow flies for post-mortem interval determinations. The analytical ability to link organisms from one trophic level to another through the use of compound-specific isotope analysis of amino acids could have wide-reaching consequences in a variety of disciplines. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayara P V Matos
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Kateryna I Konstantynova
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Rachel M Mohr
- Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA
| | - Glen P Jackson
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA. .,Department of Forensic and Investigative Science, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506-6121, USA.
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Klong-Klaew T, Ngoen-Klan R, Moophayak K, Sukontason K, Irvine KN, Tomberlin JK, Somboon P, Chareonviriyaphap T, Kurahashi H, Sukontason KL. Predicting Geographic Distribution of Forensically Significant Blow Flies of Subfamily Chrysomyinae (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Northern Thailand. INSECTS 2018; 9:E106. [PMID: 30134628 PMCID: PMC6165117 DOI: 10.3390/insects9030106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are carrion-breeding flies that are commonly used as evidence in forensic investigation. An adequate knowledge of ecological and geographical data of blow fly has a direct application in forensic science, as far as estimating time of colonization or corpse relocation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of four species of Chrysomyinae (Chrysomya pinguis, Chrysomya chani, Chrysomya villeneuvi, and Ceylonomyia nigripes) across six land use types in central Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Eighteen study sites were selected for sampling across three districts of Chiang Mai province (Mueang Chiang Mai, Mae Rim, and Hang Dong). Adult flies were collected every two weeks using a funnel trap baited with 1-day tainted beef offal. The predicted geographic distributions of forensically important blow fly species were modeled using the computer program ArcGIS, based on selected climatic variables (temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity) recorded at study sites. During the study period, 1298 adult flies were collected, with peak fly occurrence during summer (April⁻May). Seasonal fluctuation patterns varied depending on fly species. Climatic factors displayed diverse impact on associated fly populations. Identified species were restricted mainly to mixed deciduous forests (MDF) especially in the mountainous area. None of these flies were trapped in an urban area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tunwadee Klong-Klaew
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Ratchadawan Ngoen-Klan
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
| | | | - Kom Sukontason
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | - Kim N Irvine
- National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore.
| | - Jeffery K Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Pradya Somboon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
| | | | - Hiromu Kurahashi
- Department of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Kabkaew L Sukontason
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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Wescott DJ. Recent advances in forensic anthropology: decomposition research. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 3:327-342. [PMID: 30788450 PMCID: PMC6374978 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1488571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Decomposition research is still in its infancy, but significant advances have occurred within forensic anthropology and other disciplines in the past several decades. Decomposition research in forensic anthropology has primarily focused on estimating the postmortem interval (PMI), detecting clandestine remains, and interpreting the context of the scene. Additionally, while much of the work has focused on forensic-related questions, an interdisciplinary focus on the ecology of decomposition has also advanced our knowledge. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the fundamental shifts that have occurred to advance decomposition research, such as the role of primary extrinsic factors, the application of decomposition research to the detection of clandestine remains and the estimation of the PMI in forensic anthropology casework. Future research in decomposition should focus on the collection of standardized data, the incorporation of ecological and evolutionary theory, more rigorous statistical analyses, examination of extended PMIs, greater emphasis on aquatic decomposition and interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary research, and the use of human cadavers to get forensically reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wescott
- Department of Anthropology, Texas State University, Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State, San Marcos, TX, USA
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Russell SM, Chittick VA, Sangweme DT, Lampert EC. Potential of saprophage Diptera to acquire culturable livestock-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Zoonoses Public Health 2017; 65:e216-e221. [PMID: 29218843 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance among bacteria is one of the most intractable challenges in 21st-century public health. Dipterans that associate with livestock, livestock waste products and cadavers have the potential to acquire livestock-associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria (LA-ARB) and transmit them to humans. In this study, piglet cadavers were used to attract saprophage dipterans from the environment and those dipterans were sampled for the presence of LA-ARB. In the first trial, culturable microbes resistant to both aminoglycoside and β-lactam antibiotics were found in all cadavers and masses of dipteran larvae, and in three-quarters of adult dipterans. In the second trial, over 130 culturable bacterial colonies resistant to β-lactams were isolated from the cadavers, larval and adult dipterans. Over 100 of those colonies were coliform or metabolically similar bacteria. Adult dipterans carried β-lactam resistant staphylococci, whereas those bacterial types were absent from larval dipterans and cadavers, suggesting they were picked up from elsewhere in the environment. This research indicates that LA-ARB are ubiquitous in pig farms, and dipterans have the potential to carry medically important microbes. Further research is encouraged to determine the extent to which dipterans acquire microbes from animal agriculture relative to other environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Russell
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, USA
| | - V A Chittick
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA, USA
| | - D T Sangweme
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA, USA
| | - E C Lampert
- Department of Biology, University of North Georgia, Oakwood, GA, USA
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Pacheco VA, Hans KR, VanLaerhoven SL. The Relationship Between Surface Area and Volume of Common Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Oviposition Sites and Carrion Body Mass. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1278-1284. [PMID: 28535281 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Female blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) demonstrate site preferences when ovipositing on carrion. Preference for oviposition sites is believed to reflect the suitability of the site such that the most preferred locations provide offspring with the greatest chance of survival. A number of factors might influence female choice, including area available for oviposition. For species known to aggregate during oviposition, the surface area of oviposition sites may be a key factor in the decision-making process. Using ImageJ, the surface area or volume of eight common oviposition sites on 13 fetal pig (Sus scrofa domesticus L.) carcasses was measured. Regression analysis was used to determine if body mass could predict the area or volume available for oviposition. We observed significant positive relationships between size of oviposition sites and body mass for all eight oviposition sites. The strongest relationships were observed for the face (R2 = 0.86) and legs (R2 = 0.84). To test the predictive capacity of this relationship, a blind validation study was performed. Five pigs of various body masses were randomly selected, and the available space of the eight sites was estimated using the regression equations. The validation study confirmed that the regression equations for most oviposition sites demonstrated their predictive capacity based on 95% prediction intervals. This research provides a tool that can be used to correct for differences in oviposition site area or volume between carcasses of varying mass so that researchers may gain a greater understanding of the oviposition preferences and aggregation behaviors in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Pacheco
- Department of Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - K R Hans
- Department of Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
- Department of Biology, Delaware State University, 1200 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
| | - S L VanLaerhoven
- Department of Biology, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
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Genome Sequence of a Providencia stuartii Strain Isolated from Luciliasericata Salivary Glands. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2017; 5:5/17/e00250-17. [PMID: 28450516 PMCID: PMC5408114 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.00250-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We present here the draft genome sequence of a Providencia stuartii strain, derived from the salivary glands of larval Lucilia sericata, a common blow fly important to forensic, medical, and veterinary science. The genome sequence will help dissect coinfections involving P. stuartii and Proteus mirabilis, as well as blow fly–bacteria interactions.
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