Optimization and establishment of laboratory rearing conditions for Cimex lectularius L. against variable temperature and relative humidity

Emerging infestations of bed bugs are affecting normal human lifestyle globally. This study has been designed to optimize the rearing conditions for Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera), to support the scientific research on them. Bed bugs have been projected onto three different temperature (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C) and relative humidity (50%, 70%, and 90%) conditions to check their overall growth and survival rate. Adult mortality, weight loss, egg laying, percentage hatching, hatching initiation and completion, nymph mortality, and molting have been evaluated to optimize the best conditions. The temperature at 25 °C with 90% RH showed minimum mortality for adults (female 13.33 ± 3.33% and male 6.67 ± 3.33%) and nymphs (13.33 ± 3.33%), while maximum egg laying (40.33 ± 1.86), with highest percentage hatching (98.23 ± 0.58%). At 30 °C with 90% RH, hatching initiation and completion (5.19 ± 0.12 days and 7.23 ± 0.16 days) as well as molting initiation and completion (3.73 ± 0.12 days and 7.00 ± 0.24 days) were found to be fastest. Thus, it can be concluded that 25 °C with 90% RH is ideal for rearing of adults and 30 °C with 90% RH is appropriate for rapid growth of nymphs.

Host proteins interact with viral elements and affect the life cycle of highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H7N9

Host-virus interactions can significantly impact the viral life cycle and pathogenesis; however, our understanding of the specific host factors involved in highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus H7N9 (HPAI H7N9) infection is currently restricted. Herein, we designed and synthesized 65 small interfering RNAs targeting host genes potentially associated with various aspects of RNA virus life cycles. Afterward, HPAI H7N9 viruses were isolated and RNA interference was used to screen for host factors likely to be involved in the life cycle of HPAI H7N9. Moreover, the research entailed assessing the associations between host proteins and HPAI H7N9 proteins. Twelve key host proteins were identified: Annexin A (ANXA)2, ANXA5, adaptor related protein complex 2 subunit sigma 1 (AP2S1), adaptor related protein complex 3 subunit sigma 1 (AP3S1), ATP synthase F1 subunit alpha (ATP5A1), COPI coat complex subunit alpha (COP)A, COPG1, heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 1A (HSPA)1A, HSPA8, heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1), RAB11B, and RAB18. Co-immunoprecipitation revealed intricate interactions between viral proteins (hemagglutinin, matrix 1 protein, neuraminidase, nucleoprotein, polymerase basic 1, and polymerase basic 2) and these host proteins, presumably playing a crucial role in modulating the life cycle of HPAI H7N9. Notably, ANXA5, AP2S1, AP3S1, ATP5A1, HSP90A1, and RAB18, were identified as novel interactors with HPAI H7N9 proteins rather than other influenza A viruses (IAVs). These findings underscore the significance of host-viral protein interactions in shaping the dynamics of HPAI H7N9 infection, while highlighting subtle variations compared with other IAVs. Deeper understanding of these interactions holds promise to advance disease treatment and prevention strategies.

Smith) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) corn and rice strains microbiota revealed minor changes across life cycle and strain endosymbiont association

Background

Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is a pest that poses a significant threat to corn production worldwide, causing millions of dollars in losses. The species has evolved into two strains (corn and rice) that differ in their genetics, reproductive isolation, and resistance to insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxins. The microbiota plays an important role in insects' physiology, nutrient acquisition, and response to chemical and biological controls. Several studies have been carried out on FAW microbiota from larvae guts using laboratory or field samples and a couple of studies have analyzed the corn strain microbiota across its life cycle. This investigation reveals the first comparison between corn strain (CS) and rice strain (RS) of FAW during different developmental insect stages and, more importantly, endosymbiont detection in both strains, highlighting the importance of studying both FAW populations and samples from different stages.

Methods

The composition of microbiota during the life cycle of the FAW corn and rice strains was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using the MiSeq system. Additionally, culture-dependent techniques were used to isolate gut bacteria and the Transcribed Internal Spacer-ITS, 16S rRNA, and gyrB genes were examined to enhance bacterial identification.

Results

Richness, diversity, and bacterial composition changed significantly across the life cycle of FAW. Most diversity was observed in eggs and males. Differences in gut microbiota diversity between CS and RS were minor. However, Leuconostoc, A2, Klebsiella, Lachnoclostridium, Spiroplasma, and Mucispirilum were mainly associated with RS and Colidextribacter, Pelomonas, Weissella, and Arsenophonus to CS, suggesting that FAW strains differ in several genera according to the host plant. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla during FAW metamorphosis. Illeobacterium, Ralstonia, and Burkholderia exhibited similar abundancies in both strains. Enterococcus was identified as a conserved taxon across the entire FAW life cycle. Microbiota core communities mainly consisted of Enterococcus and Illeobacterium. A positive correlation was found between Spiroplasma with RS (sampled from eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults) and Arsenophonus (sampled from eggs, larvae, and adults) with CS. Enterococcus mundtii was predominant in all developmental stages. Previous studies have suggested its importance in FAW response to B. thuringensis. Our results are relevant for the characterization of FAW corn and rice strains microbiota to develop new strategies for their control. Detection of Arsenophonus in CS and Spiroplasma in RS are promising for the improvement of this pest management, as these bacteria induce male killing and larvae fitness reduction in other Lepidoptera species.

Lepocreadiidae (Trematoda) associated with gelatinous zooplankton (Cnidaria and Ctenophora) and fishes in Australian and Japanese waters

We examined gelatinous zooplankton from off eastern Australia for lepocreadiid trematode metacercariae. From 221 specimens of 17 species of cnidarian medusae and 218 specimens of four species of ctenophores, infections were found in seven cnidarian and two ctenophore species. Metacercariae were distinguished using cox1 mtDNA, ITS2 rDNA and morphology. We identified three species of Prodistomum Linton, 1910 [P. keyam Bray & Cribb, 1996, P. orientale (Layman, 1930), and Prodistomum Type 3], two species of Opechona Looss, 1907 [O. kahawai Bray & Cribb, 2003 and O. cf. olssoni], and Cephalolepidapedon saba Yamaguti, 1970. Two species were found in cnidarians and ctenophores, three only in cnidarians, and one only in a ctenophore. Three Australian fishes were identified as definitive hosts; four species were collected from Scomber australasicus and one each from Arripis trutta and Monodactylus argenteus. Transmission of trematodes to these fishes by ingestion of gelatinous zooplankton is plausible given their mid-water feeding habits, although such predation is rarely reported. Combined morphological and molecular analyses of adult trematodes identified two cox1 types for C. saba, three cox1 types and species of Opechona, and six cox1 types and five species of Prodistomum of which only two are identified to species. All three genera are widely distributed geographically and have unresolved taxonomic issues. Levels of distinction between the recognised species varied dramatically for morphology, the three molecular markers, and host distribution. Phylogenetic analysis of 28S rDNA data extends previous findings that species of Opechona and Prodistomum do not form monophyletic clades.

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense group 2 experimental in vivo life cycle: from procyclic to bloodstream form

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg) group 2 is a subgroup of trypanosomes able to infect humans and is found in West and Central Africa. Unlike other agents causing sleeping sickness, such as Tbg group 1 and Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Tbg2 lacks the typical molecular markers associated with resistance to human serum. Only 36 strains of Tbg2 have been documented, and therefore, very limited research has been conducted despite their zoonotic nature. Some of these strains are only available in their procyclic form, which hinders human serum resistance assays and mechanistic studies. Furthermore, the understanding of Tbg2's potential to infect tsetse flies and mammalian hosts is limited. In this study, 165 Glossina palpalis gambiensis flies were experimentally infected with procyclic Tbg2 parasites. It was found that 35 days post-infection, 43 flies out of the 80 still alive were found to be Tbg2 PCR-positive in the saliva. These flies were able to infect 3 out of the 4 mice used for blood-feeding. Dissection revealed that only six flies in fact carried mature infections in their midguts and salivary glands. Importantly, a single fly with a mature infection was sufficient to infect a mammalian host. This Tbg2 transmission success confirms that Tbg2 strains can establish in tsetse flies and infect mammalian hosts. This study describes an effective in vivo protocol for transforming Tbg2 from procyclic to bloodstream form, reproducing the complete Tbg2 cycle from G. p. gambiensis to mice. These findings provide valuable insights into Tbg2's host infectivity, and will facilitate further research on mechanisms of human serum resistance.

A cyst-forming coccidian with large geographical range infecting forest and commensal rodents: Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov

BACKGROUND

The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known.

METHODS

Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China.

RESULTS

We identified a new species, Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov., that features a relatively wide geographic distribution and infects both commensal and forest-inhabiting intermediate hosts. Sarcocystis sporocysts collected from rat snakes (Coelognathus radiatus, C. flavolineatus) in Thailand induced development of sarcocysts in experimental SD rats showing a type 10a cyst wall ultrastructure that was identical with those found in Rattus norvegicus from China and the forest rat Maxomys whiteheadi in Borneo. Its cystozoites had equal sizes in all intermediate hosts and locations, while sporocysts and cystozoites were distinct from other Sarcocystis species. Partial 28S rRNA sequences of S. muricoelognathis from M. whiteheadi were largely identical to those from R. norvegicus in China but distinct from newly sequenced Sarcocystis zuoi. The phylogeny of the nuclear 18S rRNA gene placed S. muricoelognathis within the so-called S. zuoi complex, including Sarcocystis attenuati, S. kani, S. scandentiborneensis and S. zuoi, while the latter clustered with the new species. However, the phylogeny of the ITS1-region confirmed the distinction between S. muricoelognathis and S. zuoi. Moreover, all three gene trees suggested that an isolate previously addressed as S. zuoi from Thailand (KU341120) is conspecific with S. muricoelognathis. Partial mitochondrial cox1 sequences of S. muricoelognathis were almost identical with those from other members of the group suggesting a shared, recent ancestry. Additionally, we isolated two partial 28S rRNA Sarcocystis sequences from Low's squirrel Sundasciurus lowii that clustered with those of S. scandentiborneensis from treeshews.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide strong evidence of broad geographic distributions of rodent-associated Sarcocystis and host shifts between commensal and forest small mammal species, even if the known host associations remain likely only snapshots of the true associations.

Downscaling of environmental indicators: A review

Environmental indicators at different scales are important for environmental management, daily life, and scientific research. Because of the lack of statistics below a national scale for many environmental indicators, scholars have developed various downscaling methods to obtain finer-scale and diverse forms of data for different environmental indicators. However, the existing downscaling methods for environmental indicators are diverse and fragmented. Here, we reviewed the downscaling methods by reclassifying the environmental indicators from a life cycle perspective into five categories: natural resources use and related attributes; material and energy consumption; environmental discharge; climate change; and environmental footprints. We first provide a general introduction to downscaling theory in the environmental field, including definitions, techniques, and evolution. We then elaborate on downscaling methods and make an inventory of the five categories of environmental indicators. We summarize the downscaling methods commonly applied to specific indicators, scale transformation, the strengths and limitations of corresponding methods, and provide specific examples. Next, we discuss ways to select or construct downscaling methods based on four principles: objective orientation, data accessibility, model feasibility, and model adjustment. Finally, we explore the future direction of downscaling and provide insights for improving downscaling for environmental indicators. In this review, we generalize and clarify the downscaling techniques for environmental indicators, which will help facilitate the appropriate selection of downscaling methods by researchers.

Sustainable crop production: Highlights on economic, environmental and social life cycle thinking

Seeking multi-dimensional inclusion is one of the most global concerns of the crop production sector worldwide. Socio-eco-effectiveness or socio-eco-efficiency optimization plays a crucial role in future strategy establishment. Life cycle is a widely used approach examining economic, environmental, and social impacts. Recently, life cycle thinking approaches have been increasingly utilized to bring to light useful perceptions of the crop production processes. This study aims to apply a systematic review and prescriptive analytics to critically investigate the life cycle thinking approaches application according to sustainability pyramid aspects, life cycle thinking unicity, goal and scope variability, functional units' causality, system boundary' diversity, involved aspect' concentration, indicators, impacts categories and influencing variables distribution, as well as to define a first datasheet model and directive axis to apply per aspect and family for socio-eco-effectiveness or socio-eco-efficiency evaluation. Over 295 peer-reviewed studies from 2019 to the middle of 2023, 52 reviews and articles gathered from Web of Science and Scopus meet the criteria to be analyzed. Our inspection revealed that related reviews are few, approximately 2 %. Moving from the traditional life cycle perspective to the sustainability pyramid approach, the indicators applied by researchers were classified per aspect and family belonging. A deductive analysis was carried out to narrow the impact categories, and the influencing factors to the population's main interests: four economic (input status, resources consumption, waste, and Costs of Life Cycle), eight environmental (Climate Change, Global Warming, Ozone, Acidification, Eutrophication, Photochemical Oxidation, Abiotic Depletion, and Toxicity), and three social families (Human Toxicity, employment, and Ionizing Radiation). The results combination highlights the construction need for a directive datasheet model to address the optimizing problem under the identified families and aspects constraints, as well as to envisage the units and methods worldwide standardization's necessity for spatial-temporal studies comparison in the present, the past, and the future.

Microbiome changes through the ontogeny of the marine sponge Crambe crambe

BACKGROUND

Poriferans (sponges) are highly adaptable organisms that can thrive in diverse marine and freshwater environments due, in part, to their close associations with internal microbial communities. This sponge microbiome can be acquired from the surrounding environment (horizontal acquisition) or obtained from the parents during the reproductive process through a variety of mechanisms (vertical transfer), typically resulting in the presence of symbiotic microbes throughout all stages of sponge development. How and to what extent the different components of the microbiome are transferred to the developmental stages remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the microbiome composition of a common, low-microbial-abundance, Atlantic-Mediterranean sponge, Crambe crambe, throughout its ontogeny, including adult individuals, brooded larvae, lecithotrophic free-swimming larvae, newly settled juveniles still lacking osculum, and juveniles with a functional osculum for filter feeding.

RESULTS

Using 16S rRNA gene analysis, we detected distinct microbiome compositions in each ontogenetic stage, with variations in composition, relative abundance, and diversity of microbial species. However, a particular dominant symbiont, Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis, previously described as the main symbiont of C. crambe, consistently occurred throughout all stages, an omnipresence that suggests vertical transmission from parents to offspring. This symbiont fluctuated in relative abundance across developmental stages, with pronounced prevalence in lecithotrophic stages. A major shift in microbial composition occurred as new settlers completed osculum formation and acquired filter-feeding capacity. Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis decreased significatively at this point. Microbial diversity peaked in filter-feeding stages, contrasting with the lower diversity of lecithotrophic stages. Furthermore, individual specific transmission patterns were detected, with greater microbial similarity between larvae and their respective parents compared to non-parental conspecifics.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest a putative vertical transmission of the dominant symbiont, which could provide some metabolic advantage to non-filtering developmental stages of C. crambe. The increase in microbiome diversity with the onset of filter-feeding stages likely reflects enhanced interaction with environmental microbes, facilitating horizontal transmission. Conversely, lower microbiome diversity in lecithotrophic stages, prior to filter feeding, suggests incomplete symbiont transfer or potential symbiont digestion. This research provides novel information on the dynamics of the microbiome through sponge ontogeny, on the strategies for symbiont acquisition at each ontogenetic stage, and on the potential importance of symbionts during larval development.

First species record of Strigea falconis Szidat, 1928 (Trematoda, Strigeidae) from gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus in Iceland-pros and cons of a complex life cycle

Strigea falconis is a common parasite of birds of prey and owls widely distributed in the Holarctic. We aimed to characterise S. falconis from Iceland via integrative taxonomic approach and to contribute to the understanding of its circulation in the Holarctic. We recovered adult S. falconis from two gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) collected in 2011 and 2012 in Iceland (Reykjanes Peninsula, Westfjords) and characterised them by morphological and molecular genetic (D2 of rDNA, cox1, ND1 of the mDNA) methods. We provide the first species record of S. falconis in Iceland which to the best of our knowledge is its northernmost distributional range. The presence of S. falconis in Iceland is surprising, as there are no suitable intermediate hosts allowing completion of its life cycle. Gyrfalcons are fully sedentary in Iceland; thus, the only plausible explanation is that they acquired their infection by preying upon migratory birds arriving from Europe. Our data indicate that the most likely candidates are Anseriformes and Charadriiformes. Also, we corroborate the wide geographical distribution of S. falconis, as we found a high degree of similarity between our haplotypes and sequences of mesocercariae from frogs in France and of a metacercaria from Turdus naumanni in Japan, and adults from Buteo buteo and Circus aeruginosus from the Czech Republic. The case of Strigea falconis shows the advantages of a complex life cycle and also depicts its pitfalls when a parasite is introduced to a new area with no suitable intermediate hosts. In Iceland, gyrfalcons are apparently dead-end hosts for S. falconis.

The Distribution of Sarcocsytis Species Described by Ungulates-Canids Life Cycle in Intestines of Small Predators of the Family Mustelidae

PURPOSE

Using molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common definitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystis species using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as definitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids.

METHODS

Small intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of five different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified based on species-specific PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing.

RESULTS

Six Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) defined by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the first time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2%). Overall, 76% of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. morae were most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

The current finding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystis species.

Cleaner production evaluation system for textile industry: An empirical study from LCA perspectives

The contradiction between the rapid textile expansion and intensive energy consumption, highly environmental pollution calls for the adoption of cleaner production (CP). However, current evaluation system mainly targeted on CP at production stage, guidance and support on the life cycle assessment is still in its infancy. Meanwhile few studies brought the combination of water conservation and carbon reduction into considerations. This study compared the existing CP evaluation systems including guidelines for the whole industry, standards for textile industry and indicators for the dyeing and finishing sector by quantifying the differences of indicator score compositions. Comparisons analysis from six aspects suggested that all the evaluation systems had relevant indicators regarding "pollutant emissions". "Management", "process equipment and techniques" and "resource and energy consumption" have also been well concerned while "product characteristic" seemed to be overlooked at current stage. From the perspective of whole life cycle, the key of textile processing is the "printing and dyeing" (44.23 %) followed by "fabric manufacturing"(28.85 %) and setting (15.38 %). With regards to the environmental impacts, resources depletion gained the highest attention since their indicator scores reached up to 25.71 %, 18.47 % and 20.62 % for EMAS, ERG 2018 and HJ-1852006. Cleaner production awareness and social impact also played significant roles in ISO 14031:2021 and WMG. Subsequently, a set of new comprehensive CP evaluation indicator system was established, including 3 scopes and 7 goals. The newly-built indicator system incorporated with life cycle perspectives gave a powerful tool to measure the CP level in textile industry and of CP will benefit from water reuse and energy utilization with high efficiency.

Life stage-specific effects of tire particle leachates on the cosmopolitan planktonic copepod Acartia tonsa

Tire wear particles (TWP) are a major source of microplastics in the aquatic environment and the ecological impacts of their leachates are of major environmental concern. Among marine biota, copepods are the most abundant animals in the ocean and a main link between primary producers and higher trophic levels in the marine food webs. In this study, we determined the acute lethal and sublethal effects of tire particle leachates on different life stages of the cosmopolitan planktonic copepod Acartia tonsa. Median lethal concentration (LC50, 48 h) ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 g L-1 depending on the life stages, being nauplii and copepodites more sensitive to tire particle leachates than adults. The median effective concentration (EC50, 48 h) for hatching was higher than 1 g L-1, indicating a relatively low sensitivity of hatching to tire particle leachates. However, metamorphosis (from nauplius VI to copepodite I) was notably reduced by tire particle leachates with an EC50 (48 h) of 0.23 g L-1 and the absence of metamorphosis at 1 g L-1, suggesting a strong developmental delay or endocrine disruption. Leachates also caused a significant decrease (10-22%) in the body length of nauplii and copepodites after exposure to TWP leachates (0.25 and 0.5 g L-1). We tested a battery of enzymatic biomarkers in A. tonsa adult stages, but a sublethal concentration of 50 mg L-1 of tire particle leachates did not cause a statistically significant effect on the measured enzymatic activities. Our results show that tire particle leachates can negatively impact the development, metamorphosis, and survival of planktonic copepods. More field data on concentrations of TWPs and the fate and persistence of their leached additives is needed for a better assessment of the risk of tire particle pollution on marine food webs.

Transcriptome variation in banded newt (Ommatotriton vittatus) during its life cycle and habitat transition

Israel represents the southern limit of the distribution of the banded newt (Ommatotriton vittatus). The life cycle of O. vittatus includes several distinct phases: eggs, aquatic larvae, a terrestrial phase and an aquatic reproductive phase. We investigated differences in gene expression during the life cycle and transition of banded newts between terrestrial and aquatic habitats using mRNA-seq. We identified ∼10 k genes that were differentially expressed (DE) in one of the pairwise comparisons between 3 groups: 1 - terrestrial newts (males and females), 2 - aquatic newts (males and females), 3 - aquatic larvae before metamorphosis. The groups were clearly defined by Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The greatest difference was between aquatic newts (males and females) and aquatic larvae: ∼7.4 k DE genes. Of special interest were the ∼2.4 k genes DE between the aquatic and terrestrial phenotypes. These included prominent candidates with known roles in kidney function (uromodulin homologs were strongly associated with aquatic lifestyle), tissue structure (keratins), and the thyroid hormone signaling modulator DUOXA1. Additional developmental and metabolic pathways overrepresented among the identified DE genes included "epidermis development", "nervous system development", "nucleotide-sugar biosynthesis". Overall, both metamorphosis and environmental transition of banded newts involve extensive transcriptomic remodeling involving developmental, metabolic, and cellular pathways. Understanding the roles of these pathways and individual genes is instrumental for studies of transition between habitats, especially those affected by climate change. Furthermore, the phenotypic flexibility of the newt and the underlying regulation of gene expression can shed light on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.

Immature Stages, Natural History and Population Biology of Opoptera syme (Hübner, 1821), (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) from Southeastern Brazil

The present study describes the immature stages of Opoptera syme (Hübner, [1821]) using SEM and Micro-CT to generate 2D and 3D models to study the morphology and chaetotaxy, and present information on the natural history, behavior, and population biology. In laboratory, eggs were laid singly, and the isolated larvae passed through six to seven instars. Host plant in the study site is unknown, but larvae are known to feed on bamboos; in laboratory, larvae accepted the ornamental bamboo Bambusa textilis McClure, 1940. Adults are diurnal and univoltine, flying from December to April (the austral summer). The present study adds information to the biology and natural history of Brassolini, an iconic and still poorly known tribe of Neotropical butterflies.

A systematic review of life-cycle GHG emissions from intensive pig farming: Accounting and mitigation

Pork accounts for approximately 35 % of the global meat supply, with approximately 747 million tons of CO2e greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. To meet the increasing demand for pork, intensive farming is becoming the priority rearing system owing to its higher productivity. Given the climate transformation ambitions of the pig industry but the lack of knowledge and data, we conducted a systematic review of studies published in the period of 2010-2022 from a life-cycle perspective, with a focus on greenhouse gas emissions accounting and mitigation. The significant variations in systematic harmonized global warming intensities (GWIs) can be primarily attributed to differences in accounting approaches, activity data, technologies and geographical conditions. To understand more, we broke down the entire life cycle and revealed the underlying reasons for modelling mechanisms and data from the main emitters (e.g., feeding, pig rearing, and manure management). These findings are expected to support and improve the transparency, consistency, and comprehensiveness of life-cycle GHG emissions accounting in pig farming. Potential mitigation measures were also reviewed and discussed to provide insights to support the sustainable development of the pig industry.

SARS-CoV-2-Virus structure and life cycle

This book chapter presents a concise overview of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores viral classification based on morphology and nucleic acid composition with a focus on DNA and RNA viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 structure including the structural as well as nonstructural proteins in detail, and the viral replication mechanisms. The chapter then delves into the characteristics and diversity of coronaviruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, highlighting its similarities with other beta-coronaviruses. The replication and transcription complex, RNA elongation, and capping, as well as the role of accessory proteins in viral replication and modulation of the host immune response is discussed extensively.

How can the environmental sustainability of healthcare products be taken into account throughout their life cycle?

Healthcare product procurement accounts for around 50% of the French healthcare system's greenhouse gas emissions. This lesson learned from the publication of the Shift Project's work in November 2021 has been a catalyst within the healthcare system, accelerating the consideration and implementation of actions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the healthcare system, before, during and after care. In addition to their carbon footprint, healthcare products have a wide range of environmental impacts, including on water, air and soil, throughout their entire life cycle. We have chosen to divide this life cycle into four main stages: from research and development to production, distribution and market access, use and finally end-of-life management. Analysis of the regulatory framework at each stage and of existing initiatives described in the literature or by those in the field have structured and fuelled our thinking. We found that existing regulations focus exclusively on the health risk, with little or no consideration of the environmental risk, which is in itself a health risk. Furthermore, the implementation of certain structuring actions during the first 3 stages of the life cycle would make it possible to simplify or even eliminate the major problem of waste management associated with the end-of-life of healthcare products. With this in mind, we have produced 9 recommendations to ensure that the environmental impact of healthcare products is better taken into account throughout their life cycle.

Basic Management Strategies by Life Cycle for Treatment of the Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Interventions for targeted symptoms are important when setting treatment strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental disabilities. Especially, the goal should be to achieve individual "niche construction" by allowing them to select and adjust an environment where they can demonstrate their special characteristics and strengths. In addition, these choices should vary depending on the stage of development of each person with ASD and developmental disabilities. It is necessary to establish a detailed and systematic plan for diagnosis and treatment necessary for infants and toddlers, school placement in school age, and employment or self-reliance in adult transition period to establish customized treatment strategies that fit the individual level of people with ASD and developmental disabilities.

Effects of population variations and temperature on Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) development: implications for estimating the postmortem interval

Forensic entomology requires knowledge of the developmental rates of the species that colonize a body after death to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI). These developmental rates may vary depending not only on the species but also on the geographic location due to population differences. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to determine the developmental duration of the forensically important fly Chrysomya megacephala under constant controlled and field condition temperatures and to compare these results, through a meta-analysis, with data reported by other authors on populations from different localities. For this, C. megacephala colonies were established in the laboratory, and the duration of the life cycle was studied at two controlled temperatures (25 °C and 27 °C) and field conditions (27.5 ± 3.2 °C). Analysis of variance was performed to determine differences in developmental time and larval length between constant laboratory temperatures and field conditions. A generalized linear model was performed with predictor variables extracted from the literature (diet, relative humidity, latitude, longitude) to evaluate the effect of population variation on developmental times. The results showed significant differences in developmental times between 25 and 27 °C. As expected, the complete life cycle of C. megacephala was shorter at 27 °C. Finally, the meta-analysis suggested differences between the developmental times of different populations, based on temperature and geographic location. The results of this study provide fundamental developmental data to use C. megacephala in PMI estimations. Finally, we suggest that, when making expert reports, information from local populations should be used to determine a more accurate and reliable PMI.

Effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the life cycle of biomass energy production and conversion under different straw recycling modes

With the gradual growth of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the agricultural cultivation cycle, GHG emissions specific to the production and conversion of biomass energy is becoming increasingly problematic. Current studies lack analysis of net GHG emissions generated during full life cycle of agricultural cultivation, straw use and bioenergy production. This study measures the global warming potential of biomass energy production and conversion processes under different agricultural cultivation cycle systems based on life cycle approach, accompanied by four straw treatment methods: fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, flash pyrolysis and anaerobic fermentation. The demonstration of Heilongjiang Province showed that the net GHG emissions of rice and soybean over 52.39% and 101.57% higher than those of corn, respectively. The amount of standard coal saved by fast pyrolysis treatment, slow pyrolysis treatment and anaerobic fermentation treatment of straw was only 38.38%, 78.02% and 61.98% of that of flash pyrolysis treatment. The relationship between environmental pressure and economic growth was decoupled during 2011-2017 and coupled in 2017-2020. This study contributes to green production of biomass energy. The methodology in this paper can be used to account for and assess the carbon effect of the entire straw recycling chain in any region.

Comparison of in vitro growth characteristics of Cryptosporidium hominis (IdA15G1) and Cryptosporidium parvum (Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1)

Cryptosporidium is a major cause of diarrhoeal disease and mortality in young children in resource-poor countries, for which no vaccines or adequate therapeutic options are available. Infection in humans is primarily caused by two species: C. hominis and C. parvum. Despite C. hominis being the dominant species infecting humans in most countries, very little is known about its growth characteristics and life cycle in vitro, given that the majority of our knowledge of the in vitro development of Cryptosporidium has been based on C. parvum. In the present study, the growth and development of two C. parvum isolates (subtypes Iowa-IIaA17G2R1 and IIaA18G3R1) and one C. hominis isolate (subtype IdA15G1) in HCT-8 cells were examined and compared at 24 h and 48 h using morphological data acquired with scanning electron microscopy. Our data indicated no significant differences in the proportion of meronts or merozoites between species or subtypes at either time-point. Sexual development was observed at the 48-h time-point across both species through observations of both microgamonts and macrogamonts, with a higher frequency of macrogamont observations in C. hominis (IdA15G1) cultures at 48-h post-infection compared to both C. parvum subtypes. This corresponded to differences in the proportion of trophozoites observed at the same time point. No differences in proportion of microgamonts were observed between the three subtypes, which were rarely observed across all cultures. In summary, our data indicate that asexual development of C. hominis is similar to that of C. parvum, while sexual development is accelerated in C. hominis. This study provides new insights into differences in the in vitro growth characteristics of C. hominis when compared to C. parvum, which will facilitate our understanding of the sexual development of both species.

Reproductive strategies of the parasitic flatworm Thaparocleidus vistulensis (Siwak, 1932) (platyhelminthes, monogenea) infecting the European catfish Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758

The life cycle of Thaparocleidus vistulensis (Siwak, 1932), a host-specific monogenean parasite of European catfish (Silurus glanis Linnaeus, 1758), was investigated by detailed observation of infection dynamics, egg development, hatching rate and in vitro survival rates of the parasite at different life stages at 23 °C. A total of 30 naive fingerlings were infected in three exposure trials by co-habitation with donor fish carrying adult parasites. Two fish were dissected every two days during the 10-day experimental period to explore the development of larvae and juvenile parasites on the host gills. Freshly laid eggs by adult monogeneans were collected and observed daily under a light microscope until hatching. A total of 445 eggs were collected and distributed into wells of 96-well microtiter plates containing filtered fish tank water to determine their hatching rates. A similar method was used to investigate the survival rates of isolated parasites at different developmental stages (larvae, juveniles, and adults). T. vistulensis populations on the European catfish in fish tanks increased markedly within ten days, dependent on the severity of the initial infection levels of the donor fish. The first eggs hatched three to four days after oviposition, and the hatching rate peaked on the fifth day (89.7%). The survival rate for freely swimming oncomiracidia without host was 7.4% after five days, whereas isolated juvenile and adult parasites showed a higher dependence of host contact (survival rates three days post-isolation of 0.9% and 1.6%, respectively). The data allows prediction of parasite-host dynamics and may improve control of gill-disease in cultured European catfish stocks in fish farms.

A NEW EIMERIA SPECIES (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) PARASITIZING COMMERCIAL CHUKAR PARTRIDGES (ALECTORIS CHUKAR) IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

A commercial producer hatching and rearing chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) in Ontario, Canada had flocks experiencing coccidiosis. Microscopic analysis of Eimeria species isolated from a field sample indicated the presence of 2 distinct oocyst morphotypes; the most abundant species was determined to be Eimeria chapmani, based on oocyst morphology and sequence-based genotyping, and the less abundant, second Eimeria sp. was an undescribed parasite. Oocysts of the unknown Eimeria sp. were large and oval-shaped; dimensions averaged 27.9 μm by 17.0 μm (shape index = 1.65 μm). Oocysts contained at least 1 polar granule and 4 almond-shaped sporocysts with average dimensions measuring 12.5 μm by 6.9 μm (shape index = 1.83). Each sporocyst featured a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; a sporocyst contained 2 sporozoites that each possessed a small anterior refractile body and a larger posterior refractile body. Virtually all oocysts sporulated after 24 hr when suspended in potassium dichromate at room temperature (22 C) on a rotary platform. Experimental infections with various doses of oocysts demonstrated elevated parasite shedding from birds gavaged with higher challenge doses; fecundity generally decreased in heavier infections. The approximate prepatent period of the parasite was 4-5 days (unsporulated oocysts observed histologically at 90 hr postinfection and in feces by day 5) and patency lasted until day 12 postinfection. To characterize the endogenous development of the Eimeria sp., tissues were collected at 8 regions along the intestinal tract (including the ceca and rectum) every 6 hr throughout the estimated prepatent period. Parasites were observed to infect the descending and ascending duodenum, midjejunum, proximal and distal ileum, and the ceca. The endogenous stages identified included intracellular sporozoites, 3 generations of merogony, and gametogonic stages. Sequences of the mitochondrial genome (GenBank MW934555) and nuclear 18S ribosomal DNA (GenBank MW934259) were obtained using polymerase chain reaction amplification for Sanger sequencing, and these were unique from all published sequences on GenBank. Molecular data, in conjunction with the unique biology of the Eimeria sp. isolated from the chukar partridge flock, support that this coccidium is new to science.

The elucidation of the life cycle of Saccocoelioides nanii Szidat, 1954 (Digenea: Haploporidae) using molecular techniques

In South America, the knowledge of trematode diversity parasitizing freshwater fishes is still scarce, as less than 5% of the freshwater fish fauna has been examined for parasites. A similar situation applies to studies on digenean life cycles, which have become increasingly rare. Among the digenean families parasitizing freshwater fishes in the region, Haploporidae is considered the richest in species diversity. However, information about the developmental stages of haploporid life cycles remains fragmentary. Particularly, in Argentina, nine cercariae attributed to the family Haploporidae have been described using morphological analysis, and only two life cycles of this family have been completely elucidated. In this study a new type of cercaria, morphologically assigned to the family Haploporidae and collected from the snail Heleobia parchappii (Cochliopidae) in Los Padres shallow lake, Buenos Aires province, was identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The molecular analysis, based on 28S and ITS2 sequences, revealed that the cercariae were 100% identical to adult specimens of Saccocoelioides nanii (Haploporidae) parasitizing the fish Prochilodus lineatus (Prochilodontidae) from Los Talas, Buenos Aires province. Our results not only provide information about the life cycle of S.nanii but also show that a molecular and morphological approach can be extremely useful in identifying the developmental stages of digeneans and elucidating their life cycles.

Comprehensive understanding of the life history of harmful raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo: Integrating in situ and in vitro observations

Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae) is widely recognized as a species responsible for harmful algal blooms worldwide. The species has long been speculated to possess a more complex life history, attributed to the diverse morphological variations observed during cell cultivation. However, the understanding of its life history has remained insufficient due to limitations in observing transitions between life cycle stages in vitro and challenges associated with in situ investigations. In this study, a combination of in vitro (laboratory-based) and in situ (field-based) observations was employed to define the life cycle stages of H. akashiwo and elucidate the pathways of transition between these stages. Notably, novel homothallic sexual reproduction processes involving the fusion of hologametes and the subsequent formation of zygotes were observed for the first time in vitro. These zygotes were found to either divide into vegetative cells (Pathway I) or undergo enlargement, resulting in the formation of multiple cells with multiple nuclei (Pathway II). Furthermore, this study provides the first documentation of large cells and cell clusters in situ, including intermediate stages referred to as large cells with ongoing cytoplasmic division that serve as a bridge between these two cell types. The observed zygotes in vitro exhibited a large size (21.9-51.8 µm) and multinucleated characteristics, similar to the large cells (38.2-45.8 μm) and cell clusters observed in situ. This finding suggests that the large cells observed in situ were zygotes undergoing cell division to form cell clusters (Pathway III). Moreover, based on the striking similarities in cell morphology and nuclear size between the cells comprising the cell cluster (2.7-4.4 μm) and the cyst clusters of this species, along with the synchronized germination characteristics of cyst clusters, it is proposed that the cell cluster serves as a precursor to cysts. By integrating the in situ and in vitro observations, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the previously poorly understood life history of H. akashiwo.

Anti-hepatitis B virus activities of natural products and their antiviral mechanisms

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continue to pose a significant global public health challenge. Currently, the approved treatments for CHB are limited to interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs, both of which have their limitations, and achieving a complete cure remains an elusive goal. Therefore, the identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of novel antiviral strategies are of utmost importance. Natural products (NPs) constitute a class of substances known for their diverse chemical structures, wide-ranging biological activities, and low toxicity profiles. They have shown promise as potential candidates for combating various diseases, with a substantial number demonstrating anti-HBV properties. This comprehensive review focuses on the current applications of NPs in the fight against HBV and provides a summary of their antiviral mechanisms, considering their impact on the viral life cycle and host hepatocytes. By offering insights into the world of anti-HBV NPs, this review aims to furnish valuable information to support the future development of antiviral drugs.

Natural intelligence and the 'economy' of social emotions: A connection with AI sentiment analysis

By approaching the concept of Natural Intelligence a new path may be open in a variety of theoretical and applied problems on social emotions. There is no doubt that intelligence emerges as a biological/informational phenomenon, although paradoxically a consistent elaboration of that concept has been missing. Regarding emotions, they have been keeping an unclear status, being often restricted to the anthropological or to ethological approaches closer to the behaviorist paradigm. Herein we propose a different track, centered in the life cycle advancement. The life cycle in its integrity becomes the nucleus of natural intelligence's informational processes, including the consistent expression of emotions along the maximization of fitness occasions. In human societies, the overall 'economy' of social emotions is manifest, showing up in the conspicuous interplay between bonding processes and different classes of social emotions. The essential link between natural intelligence, emotions, and the life cycle of individuals may harmonize with current progresses - and blind spots - of artificial intelligence fields such as 'sentiment analysis.'

ESCAPE PROCESSES IN EMBRYOS OF DICYEMIDS (PHYLUM DICYEMIDA)

Dicyemid mesozoans usually consist of 10 to 40 cells. They are characterized by 2 distinct embryos, vermiform and infusoriform, that develop within the axial cell of the adult. The means of escape of each embryo from the parent body was studied in Dicyema japonicum and Dicyema misakiense, parasites of Octopus sinensis. There were no differences in means of escape between species or embryo type, apparently due to morphological constraints whereby the parents (nematogen or rhombogen) share a similar body organization. Escapes were effected through the gap between adjacent peripheral cells of the adult, rupturing the axial cell membrane and the membrane that envelopes the embryo. After the embryo escaped, the path was closed by the enveloping membrane left behind by the embryo. Vermiform embryos can escape from any region of the body, although more embryos were observed to escape from anterior regions than from posterior regions. Infusoriform embryos escaped from both anterior and posterior regions in the axial cell, with more embryos observed to escape from the posterior regions. The different escape regions for the 2 types of embryo are presumably related to the adult body plan lacking a genital opening, so each different type of embryo has its appropriate site of escape.

Life history of Apocarchesium arndti Norf & Foissner, 2010 (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) including recognition of a novel type of zooid

Apocarchesium rosettum and A. arndti were originally discovered in Japan (Lake Biwa) and Germany (River Rhine), respectively. We report the first record of A. arndti in the Danube and provide a detailed description of its colony development. Our findings support the theory of moderate endemicity and reveal a new, smaller zooid type in A. arndti. This zooid remains attached to the colony, connected to the stalk myoneme but lacks an aboral ciliary wreath. Unlike microzooids, it is incapable of leaving the colony. It exhibits a less spherical shape and arises from the fourth division of the colony-founder cell. Although its specific function is unknown, it is hypothesized to support the stalk dish. Our results have significant implications for understanding the systematics of vorticellids, suggesting their ancestral nature as colonial organisms characterized by a helically contracting stalk myoneme. Furthermore, the exclusive retention of the stalk myoneme by the parental cell after binary fission may serve as a synapomorphy for the Vorticellidae. We provide a descriptive analysis of the ecological environment and microhabitat of A. arndti in the Danube, revealing its preference for well-developed, detritus-rich biofilms during summer, absence in late winter and spring, emergence during peak summer, and subsequent decline until mid-winter.

Ecological Burden of Modern Surgery: An Analysis of Total Knee Replacement's Life Cycle

Background

It is estimated that surgical procedures account for 20%-30% of the greenhouse gases emissions from health-care systems. Total knee replacements (TKR) are one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthopaedics. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the environmental impacts generated by TKRs, the factors that generate the most emissions, and those that can be easily modified.

Methods

To calculate the life cycle carbon footprint of a posterior stabilized cemented TKR performed in a single orthopaedic surgery department, 17 TKRs performed between October 12 and 20, 2020 by 4 senior surgeons were analysed. The analysis of the life cycle included the manufacture of the implant, from raw materials to distribution; the journey made by patients and staff; and the surgery including all consumables required to facilitate the procedure.

Results

The overall life cycle carbon footprint of a single TKR was 190.5 kg of CO2. This consisted of 53.7 kg CO2 (28%) for the manufacture of the prosthesis, 50.9 kg CO2 (27%) for travel, 57.1 kg CO2 (30%) for surgery, and 28.8 kg CO2 (15%) for waste management. This is comparable to a New York-Detroit direct flight.

Conclusions

The production of a total knee prosthesis, throughout its life cycle, generates emissions with important consequences on the environment and therefore on our health. Although much data are currently missing to make precise estimates, and especially regarding benefits in terms of patient function and its impact on carbon emissions, these data serve as a starting point for other more detailed or comparative studies.

Nesting Behavior, Phenology, and Bionomics of the High Andean Leaf-Cutter Bee Megachile (Cressoniella) amparo

Megachile amparo (González, Revista Colombiana De Entomología 32(1):93-96, 2006) is the only high Andean leaf-cutter bee reported in Colombia and is possibly endemic to the Colombian Andes. Although it is frequently observed, even in urban areas, its biology and ecology remain unknown. The present study aimed to describe detailed aspects of its bionomy. Trap-nests were installed on the Campus of the Nueva Granada University (Cajicá, Colombia) from June/2018 to March/2020. The trap-nests were wooden blocks (25 × 15 × 14 cm) with 30 cavities of Ø = 1 cm and different lengths (50 mm, 75 mm, and 100 mm) lined with waxed paper straws. During the observations, an increasing number of trap-nests were installed, increasing from 250 to 720 cavities. The trap-nests were monitored three times a week, recording both the date the start and end building by female. Most of the nest were maintained in the field to estimate the sex ratio, cell survival, and total development time under natural conditions. Thirty-two nests were removed at different times of the observation period to establish number of cells per nest, and cells built per female per day. We incubated 20 cells from different nests at 18 °C, 22 °C, 26 °C, and 32 °C to estimate the base temperature, thermal constant k (developmental time in degree days), and cell survival. Young cells of different positions were dissected and weighed to characterize food provision and brood cells. Computerized tomography-CT scans were performed in 30 brood cells to determine if diapause occurred during prepupal stage. Females nested 7- and 10-cm-long cavities and the number of cells per nest varied with cavity length. The brood cells had a length of 1.23 ± 0.12 cm and a diameter of 0.92 ± 0.05 cm. The female spends 1.17 ± 0.29 days to build a brood cell. Food provision varied according to the position of the brood cell in the nest. The adults of M. amparo present a marked seasonality being more active during dry months. Base temperature and thermal constant k were different for males and females. The sex ratio is female biased (1.9:1), and cell survival in the field was 89% with no cleptoparasites or predators recorded.

Transgenic overexpression of heat shock protein (HSP83) enhances protein kinase A activity, disrupts GP63 surface protease expression and alters promastigote morphology in Leishmania amazonensis

Leishmania parasites undergo morphological changes during their infectious life cycle, including developmental transitions within the sandfly vector, culminating in metacyclic stages that are pre-adapted for infection. Upon entering vertebrate host phagocytes, Leishmania differentiate into intracellular amastigotes, the form that is ultimately transmitted back to the vector to complete the life cycle. Although environmental conditions that induce these cellular transitions are well-established, molecular mechanisms governing Leishmania morphologic differentiation in response to these cues remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies indicate a key role for HSP83 in both promastigote metacyclogenesis and amastigote differentiation. To further elucidate HSP83 functions in the Leishmania lifecycle, we examined the biological impact of experimentally elevating HSP83 gene expression in Leishmania. Significantly, HSP83 overexpression was associated with altered metacyclic morphology, increased protein kinase A (PKA) activity and decreased expression of the Leishmania major surface protease, GP63. Corroborating these findings, overexpression of the L. amazonensis PKA catalytic subunit resulted in a largely similar phenotype. Our findings demonstrate for the first time in Leishmania, a functional link between HSP83 and PKA in the control of Leishmania gene expression, replication and morphogenesis.

The potential GHGs reduction of co-processing aviation biofuel in life cycle

The challenge of drop-in jet biofuel should couple the reduction of GHGs emission in whole life cycle with economic competitiveness and achieving performance without reducing performance of engine and aircraft. Co-processing was recognized a promising solution due to availability of existing refining infrastructure and facilities. Based on the LCA approach, the quantitative LCA assessment model (AF-3E) has been established for discovering potential GHGs reduction by co-processing. Typical representatives of oily feedstock, including used cooking oil, soybean, rapeseed, peanut, corn oil, Xanthoceras sorbifolia, jatropha and algae, were compared co-processing with HEFA-SPK blend on GHGs and energy consumption in the whole life. Computational framework is integrated into 3 sub-models and 4 modules, which include feedstocks model, fuel model, flight model and electricity module, hydrogen module, methanol module, hexane module. In flight model, the emissions were investigated at LTO condition and cruise condition and transfer to six types of typical aircraft widely used by similarity criterion. Co-processing achieve less energy consumption and GHGs emission than HEFA-SPK blend, which is attributed to less energy consumption in fuel stage. Used cooking oil conducts 8.17% GHGs reduction in 5% bio-feedstock co-processing and 6.39% in 5% HEFA-SPK jet biofuel blend compared with petroleum-based jet fuel. By sensitivity analysis, the vital factors on GHGs have been extracted in whole life cycle. The purpose of this paper is to discover the advantages and vital factors of co-processing. The results would enhance the interests in both LCA and co-processing for sustainable aviation biofuel.

Morphological, molecular, and life cycle characteristics of Phaeocystis globosa Scherffel (Prymnesiophyceae) in the Southeast China Sea

Phaeocystis globosa blooms frequently occur in the Southeast China Sea and cause significant negative impacts on coastal ecology and mariculture. The P. globosa blooms in southeastern China are very different compared to those of European strains, suggesting that differences may exist in their morphological, phylogenetic, and life history traits. In this study, seven strains of P. globosa isolated from Southeast China Sea that were typical strains of algal blooms in the region, in addition to one strain from the Gulf of Mexico (CCMP629), were comprehensively evaluated to better understand region-specific differences of the species. Significant differences were not observed in the internal cell structures and other characteristics compared to those of European strains, while differences in cell surface structures were apparent. For example, small and large flagellated Chinese P. globosa cells exhibited two flagella with slightly unequal lengths and a short haptonema, the surfaces of small flagellated cells were not covered by scales, and colony cell diameters were smaller. 18S rRNA sequence phylogenetic analysis also revealed that P. globosa comprised a species complex with two ecotypes (warm- and cold-water types), of which the strains from the southeastern coast of China and CCMP629 belonged to the warm-water type. In addition, the life cycles and variable modes of P. globosa colony formation were evaluated in detail. The algal bloom may be due to the rapid colonies formation by budding and colony fragments. These results provide new insights into the life cycle of P. globosa and highlight the differences in morphological and phylogenetic relationships between strains from the southeast coast of China and those from coastal European regions.

Comparative transcriptome profiling of Eimeria tenella in various developmental stages and functional analysis of an ApiAP2 transcription factor exclusively expressed during sporogony

BACKGROUND

The apicomplexan parasites Eimeria spp. are the causative agents of coccidiosis, a disease with a significant global impact on the poultry industry. The complex life cycle of Eimeria spp. involves exogenous (sporogony) and endogenous (schizogony and gametogony) stages. Unfortunately, the genetic regulation of these highly dynamic processes, particularly for genes involved in specific developmental phases, is not well understood.

METHODS

In this study, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis to identify expressed genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at seven time points representing different developmental stages of Eimeria tenella. We then performed K-means clustering along with co-expression analysis to identify functionally enriched gene clusters. Additionally, we predicted apicomplexan AP2 transcription factors in E. tenella using bioinformatics methods. Finally, we generated overexpression and knockout strains of ETH2_0411800 to observe its impact on E. tenella development.

RESULTS

In total, we identified 7329 genes that are expressed during various developmental stages, with 3342 genes exhibiting differential expression during development. Using K-means clustering along with co-expression analysis, we identified clusters functionally enriched for oocyte meiosis, cell cycle, and signaling pathway. Among the 53 predicted ApiAP2 transcription factors, ETH2_0411800 was found to be exclusively expressed during sporogony. The ETH2_0411800 overexpression and knockout strains did not exhibit significant differences in oocyst size or output compared to the parental strain, while the resulting ETH2_0411800 knockout parasite showed a relatively small oocyst output.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our research suggest that ETH2_0411800 is not essential for the growth and development of E. tenella. Our study provides insights into the gene expression dynamics and is a valuable resource for exploring the roles of transcription factor genes in regulating the development of Eimeria parasites.

Development of the livestock pathogen Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) simiae in the tsetse fly with description of putative sexual stages from the proboscis

BACKGROUND

Tsetse-transmitted African animal trypanosomiasis is recognised as an important disease of ruminant livestock in sub-Saharan Africa, but also affects domestic pigs, with Trypanosoma simiae notable as a virulent suid pathogen that can rapidly cause death. Trypanosoma simiae is widespread in tsetse-infested regions, but its biology has been little studied compared to T. brucei and T. congolense.

METHODS

Trypanosoma simiae procyclics were cultured in vitro and transfected using protocols developed for T. brucei. Genetically modified lines, as well as wild-type trypanosomes, were transmitted through tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes, to study T. simiae development in the tsetse midgut, proventriculus and proboscis. The development of proventricular trypanosomes was also studied in vitro. Image and mensural data were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A PFR1::YFP line successfully completed development in tsetse, but a YFP::HOP1 line failed to progress beyond midgut infection. Analysis of image and mensural data confirmed that the vector developmental cycles of T. simiae and T. congolense are closely similar, but we also found putative sexual stages in T. simiae, as judged by morphological similarity to these stages in T. brucei. Putative meiotic dividers were abundant among T. simiae trypanosomes in the proboscis, characterised by a large posterior nucleus and two anterior kinetoplasts. Putative gametes and other meiotic intermediates were also identified by characteristic morphology. In vitro development of proventricular forms of T. simiae followed the pattern previously observed for T. congolense: long proventricular trypanosomes rapidly attached to the substrate and shortened markedly before commencing cell division.

CONCLUSIONS

To date, T. brucei is the only tsetse-transmitted trypanosome with experimentally proven capability to undergo sexual reproduction, which occurs in the fly salivary glands. By analogy, sexual stages of T. simiae or T. congolense are predicted to occur in the proboscis, where the corresponding portion of the developmental cycle takes place. While no such stages have been observed in T. congolense, for T. simiae putative sexual stages were abundant in the tsetse proboscis. Although our initial attempt to demonstrate expression of a YFP-tagged, meiosis-specific protein was unsuccessful, the future application of transgenic approaches will facilitate the identification of meiotic stages and hybrids in T. simiae.

Myxozoan survey of thicklip grey mullet Chelon labrosus reinforces successful radiation of Myxobolus in mugiliform hosts

A myxozoan survey was performed on specimens of thicklip grey mullet Chelon labrosus (Risso) captured from the Douro River estuary, northern Portugal. Eleven new species, all belonging to the genus Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 (M. abdominalis n. sp., M. aestuarium n. sp., M. caudalis n. sp., M. chelonari n. sp., M. cucurbitiformis n. sp., M. douroensis n. sp., M. intestinicola n. sp., M. invictus n. sp., M. labicola n. sp., M. peritonaei n. sp., and M. pinnula n. sp.) are described based on microscopic and molecular data, confirming the known high radiation of these myxozoans in mullets. Additionally, Myxobolus pupkoi Gupta et al., 2022 is reported for the first time from C. labrosus, bringing forth a novel case of morphological plasticity between geographic isolates. We consider that molecular-based comparisons are imperative for the description of mugiliform-infecting Myxobolus, with distance estimation further matching two of the novel Myxobolus spp. with sphaeractinomyxon types previously reported from another Portuguese estuary. This finding supports sphaeractinomyxon as specific life cycle counterparts of Myxobolus that infect mullets. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA retrieved a monophyletic clade of mugiliform-infecting myxobolids comprising well-supported lineages of species parasitizing mullets from the genera Chelon, Mugil, Crenimugil, and Planiliza. The existence of more than one Chelon- and Planiliza-infecting lineage reveals that myxobolids parasitized members of these genera multiple times during their evolution. Lastly, the elevated number of unmatched sphaeractinomyxon sequences included in the Chelon-infecting lineages clearly shows that Myxobolus diversity hosted by this genus remains underrated.

[Status Quo and Prospects of Research on Precision Nursing of Life-Cycle Health and Disease]

With the changing lifestyle and spectrum of diseases among Chinese people, the life-cycle approach to health has been given national strategic importance. Over the past decade, global nursing researchers have gradually started to pay more attention to the research related to precision nursing at different stages of the life cycle. Researchers have applied multi-omics to explore the pathogenesis and novel biomarkers of relevant symptoms in tumor patients or patients with chronic diseases in order to manage symptoms with better precision. However, systematic theories of precision nursing of life-cycle health and disease have not yet been developed, and the research field and its implications still need to be continuously expanded and innovated. In the nursing discipline, the advantages of interdisciplinary integration should be given full play and the precise and effective resolution of life-cycle health problems should be taken as its goal. Through accurately defining key quantitative objective indicators of nursing care, the nursing discipline will be able to achieve early identification of life-cycle health problems, clarify the occurrence and patterns of change in life-cycle health problems, and gain a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms. Precise and effective nursing-related technologies and products of non-medication and non-surgery nature should be developed to achieve better precision in nursing interventions, thereby effectively promoting recovery from diseases and improving the overall health of the people.

Do flushed biodegradable wet wipes really degrade?

Consumer wet wipes sold as biodegradable and flushable have tripled in market size in the last decade (>$3 billion in 2022), spurred by concerns over their potential harmful impact. Whilst predominantly composed of cellulosic fibres such as cotton, rayon, or wood pulp, these have been found to persist in sewers and in the environment in near equal abundance to their 'synthetic' counterparts. These questions whether flushed biodegradable wet wipes really degrade. Working from first principles, we therefore explore the physicochemical composition, environmental interactions, and degradation processes throughout the entire life cycle of cellulosic wet wipe fibres, from production to environmental fate, to understand their degradation behaviour in wastewater and freshwater systems. The results highlight that >50 % of biodegradable and flushable wipes are commonly manufactured with both biological biodegradable cellulose-based fibres and low-degradable synthetic fibres, and that they contain various property-enhancing chemical additives that can limit degradation. Whilst cellulose fibres in wet wipes are highly prone to physical fragmentation, their molecular degradation is difficult within the environment. This is due to the physicochemical manufacturing properties of wet wipes and the usually inadequate ambient conditions for its breakdown, creating persistent and possibly biologically harmful microfibres. We conclude that currently, most flushed biodegradable wet wipes do not really degrade, and that more empirical investigations are needed on their in-situ degradation behaviour and the environmental and manufacturing processes that may influence this breakdown. In doing so, full life cycle approaches to wet wipes should be adopted, considering their manufacturing properties, consumer disposal behaviour, and environmental implications.

Chironomus calligraphus Goeldi, 1905 (Diptera: Chironomidae) Larvae: Feeding Habits, Growth, and Maturation

Chironomus calligraphus Goeldi, 1905 has a flexible life cycle with several generations per year, which can be modified by the quality and type of food. To categorize the functional feeding group of the species, food preference was evaluated in larval instars III and IV, through laboratory experiments and gut content analysis. To evaluate the influence of the type of food on the duration of the life cycle growth and maturation, experiments were carried out. Instar III preferred conditioned leaves and animal food, while instar IV preferred algae and fine particulate organic matter. Gut contents of instar IV collected from streams showed increased consumption of fine particulate organic matter than other items. All these observations allowed us to assign the species to the gatherer collector group. The duration of the life cycle varied between the different types of foods, being the conditioned leaves, animal food, and algae the items that caused a greater growth in the larvae and a faster passage to the pupal instar. Our results suggest that the opportunistic feeding behavior of C. calligraphus allows it to use several different foods, but the quality of the foods influences the length of the life cycle and this contributes to its plasticity.

Flubendiamide induced genetic and cellular damages directly influence the life cycle of the oriental leaf worm, Spodoptera litura

Indiscriminate uses of insecticide greatly damage the environment as well as non-target organisms. Thus, multiple levels of bioassays can help better management of our environment. Flubendiamide is a phthalic acid diamide insecticide that ceases the function of insect muscle leading to paralysis and death. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of Flubendiamide on the life cycle of Spodoptera litura vis-a-vis the mode of action. Fourth instar larvae of the same age (120 ± 2 h) and size were fed with different concentrations (20-80 μg/mL) of Flubendiamide for 12-72 h. We performed a pharmacokinetics study, different biochemical assays, p450, Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and other genes expression analyses by Real-Time PCR and gross damages by Dye exclusion assay and histopathology. Our results demonstrate that the mean concentration of Flubendiamide after 48 h is 9.907 μg/mL and (i) altered the molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction at 80 μg/mL (24 h) (ii) increases all oxidative stress parameters (ROS/RNS, MDA, 8OHdG), decreases oxidative defense mechanisms (SOD, CAT, GST) at 80 μg/mL (48 h) and p450 in a time and concentration-dependent manner, (iii) activates CncC/Maf apoptotic pathways at 80 μg/mL concentration at 24 h while the expression declined from 48 h onwards, (iii) downregulates the EcR expression in a time and concentration-dependent manner, which might be responsible for disturbed molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction, and (iv) increase the expression of apoptotic genes (Caspase 1, -3, and - 5), in time and concentration-dependent manner causing gross morphological and histological damages. In conclusion, indiscriminate use of this insecticide can affect the ecosystem and have the capacity to cause multiple hazardous effects on experimental organisms. Thus, it warrants further investigations to improve and optimize the integrated pest management packages, including Flubendiamide for better management.

iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis reveals invasion-related proteins among three developmental stages of Eimeria necatrix

Eimeria necatrix is an obligate intracellular parasite that has a complex life cycle and causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry. To better understand the cellular invasion mechanism of E. necatrix and develop new measures against its infection, we conducted isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis to investigate protein abundance across different life cycle stages, including unsporulated oocysts (UO), sporozoites (SZ) and second-generation merozoites (MZ-2). Our analysis identified a total of 3606 proteins, among which 1725, 1724, 2143 and 2386 were annotated by the Gene Ontology (GO), EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and InterPro (IPR) databases, respectively. We also identified 388, 300 and 592 differentially abundant proteins in SZ vs UO, SZ vs MZ-2 and MZ-2 vs UO, respectively. Further analysis revealed that 118 differentially abundant proteins were involved in cellular invasion and could be categorized into eight groups. These findings provide valuable insights into protein abundance across the different life cycle stages of E. necatrix and offer candidate proteins for future studies on cellular invasion and other biological processes. SIGNIFICANCE: Eimeria necatrix is an obligate intracellular parasite results in huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Understanding proteomic variations across the life cycle stages of E. necatrix may offer proteins related to cellular invasion of E. necatrix, and provide resources for the development of new treatment and prevention interventions against E. necatrix infection. The current data provide an overall summary of the protein abundance across the three life cycle stages of E. necatrix. We identified differentially abundant proteins potential related to cellular invasion. The candidate proteins we identified will form the basis of future studies for cellular invasion. This work also will help in the development of novel strategies for coccidiosis control.

Description and life cycle of a new species of the genus Arachnanthus (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Ceriantharia) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Background

Ceriantharia is a subclass of the phylum Cnidaria, which comprises tube-dwelling marine invertebrates. This subclass is composed of three families, including Arachnactidae, with two known genera. Currently, the genus Arachnanthus has five valid species recorded from Australia, the Mediterranean Sea and both the Southern and Northern Pacific Ocean. However, at the moment, there is no record of organisms of this family from the South Atlantic Ocean. Besides that, the life cycle of any species of the genus Arachnanthus is known. The present study describes a new species of the genus Arachnanthus and its life cycle, based on specimens from Uruguay and South of Brazil.

Methods

Larvae were collected by plankton net in Rio Grande-Brazil and the development and external morphology of these specimens were observed in the laboratory during two years, and subsequently described. Additionally, nine adult ceriantharians correspondent to the larvae from Rio Grande were collected in Uruguay and their external and internal anatomies, and cnidome were described.

Results

Arachnanthus errans sp. nov. exhibited a free-swimming, short-lived cerinula larvae that spent short-time on the plankton. The larva developed into small and translucent polyps with a short actinopharynx, one pair of mesenteries attached to a siphonoglyph, and a medium first pair of metamesenteries. Further, the adult polyp displayed an unprecedented locomotion behavior in Ceriantharia that is first reported here, it can crawl under and in between the sediment.

Molecular and Morphological Characterizations of the Fish Parasitic Isopod Mothocya parvostis (Crustacea: Cymothoidae) Parasitizing Optional Intermediate Hosts: Juveniles of the Cobaltcap Silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae and Yellowfin Seabream Acanthopagrus latus

Mothocya parvostis (Isopoda: Cymothoidae) is a parasitic crustacean that infests the opercular cavities of fishes. Its main final host is the Japanese halfbeak, Hyporhamphus sajori. However, M. parvostis also infests the black sea bream, Acanthopagrus schelgelii, as an optional intermediate host. Understanding the use of optional intermediate hosts is important for understanding the life history of Cymothoidae, and further information should be obtained. In this study, we aim to investigate the life cycle of M. parvostis. We collected and examined 20 mancae and 144 juveniles of M. parvostis from 129 cobaltcap silversides, Hypoatherina tsurugae, and 494 yellowfin seabreams, Acanthopagrus latus. Molecular analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene and 16S rRNA genes revealed that cymothoid mancae and juveniles from the two fish species were identified to be M. parvostis. All M. parvostis on H. tsurugae and A. latus might be mancae or juveniles, with no adult parasites; thus, H. tsurugae and A. latus juveniles were optional intermediate hosts of M. parvostis. In the results of morphological description, M. parvostis juveniles infesting the final host H. sajori lacked swimming setae, while juveniles parasitizing the two optional intermediate hosts had them. Mothocya parvostis mancae infested juveniles of both species just after metamorphosis, grew with the host. As the fish grows further, the parasite detached from the fish. The parasitic status of M. parvostis in the three optional intermediate hosts indicated that M. parvostis likely reproduced from June to December, and different optional intermediate hosts were used depending on the time of year in Hiroshima Bay. Therefore, a parasitic strategy involving optional intermediate hosts might increase the infestation success of M. parvostis to H. sajori.

Infection of Atlantic tripletail Lobotes surinamensis (Teleostei: Lobotidae) by brain metacercariae Cardiocephaloides medioconiger (Digenea: Strigeidae)

Three juvenile Atlantic tripletail Lobotes surinamensis caught opportunistically in Charleston Harbor (South Carolina, USA) and maintained in captivity for over three months displayed an altered swimming behavior. While no direct causation can be demonstrated herein, fish were infected in their brain by strigeid trematode larvae (metacercariae) of Cardiocephaloides medioconiger, which were identified via ITS2 and 28S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Histology showed nonencysted metacercariae within the brain ventricle between the optic tectum and tegmentum, causing distortion of tegmental parenchyma. Aggregates of mononuclear inflammatory cells were in the ventricle adjacent to metacercariae. Metacercarial infection by Cardiocephaloides medioconiger has been reported from the brain and eyes of only two other fish species from the northern US Atlantic coast: the grey mullet Mugil cephalus and silverside Menidia menidia, but this identification is problematic and needs molecular verification. Atlantic tripletail is a new report as a second intermediate host for C. medioconiger and South Carolina is a new locality. Cardiocephaloides species in general have a low host specificity and infection by C. medioconiger could propagate to other fishes and affect neighboring natural ecosystems.

Quatrefoil light traps for free-swimming stages of cymothoid parasitic isopods and seasonal variation in their species compositions in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan

Cymothoid parasitic isopods infest a wide range of fish of different taxa living in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. Most research on the reproductive season of Cymothoidae has been done by collecting or monitoring host fish afflicted with cymothoid parasites. However, collecting ecological data on cymothoid species that infest non-commercial or endangered fishes is complex and challenging. We used a quatrefoil light trap to investigate the seasonal change in species composition of cymothoid free-swimming stages in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. We also collected preliminary data for efficient light-trap sampling and showed its effectiveness in cymothoid-related research. From October 2020 to December 2021, 613 cymothoid free-swimming stages were sampled monthly. All obtained individuals were identified as Mothocya parvostis (596), Ceratothoa verrucosa (12), and Ceratothoa carinata (5) by DNA barcoding using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA gene sequences. Based on the number of M. parvostis mancae collected each month, M. parvostis was anticipated to reproduce from June to December, with two reproduction peaks each year, and C. verrucosa and C. carinata were expected to reproduce in June, July, and September, and September and October, respectively. In addition, free-swimming juveniles were captured, presumably after they had left their optional intermediate hosts. Furthermore, the most effective time to harvest cymothoids with light traps may be during high tide on the night of the new moon. This study serves as a methodological framework for future research on cymothoids using light traps.

Development of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation for the Analysis of Histone Modifications in Red Macroalga Neopyropia yezoensis (Rhodophyta)

Epigenetic regulation by histone modification can activate or repress transcription through changes in chromatin dynamics and regulates development and the response to environmental signals in both animals and plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is an indispensable tool to identify histones with specific post-translational modifications. The lack of a ChIP technique for macroalgae has hindered understanding of the role of histone modification in the expression of genes in this organism. In this study, a ChIP method with several modifications, based on existing protocols for plant cells, has been developed for the red macroalga, Neopyropia yezoensis, that consists of a heterogeneous alternation of macroscopic leaf-like gametophytes and microscopic filamentous sporophytes. ChIP method coupled with qPCR enables the identification of a histone mark in generation-specific genes from N. yezoensis. The results indicate that acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 in the 5' flanking and coding regions from generation-specific genes was maintained at relatively high levels, even in generation-repressed gene expression. The use of this ChIP method will contribute significantly to identify the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms through histone modifications that control a variety of biological processes in red macroalgae.

Metapolystoma ohlerianum n. sp. (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) from Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis (Anura: Mantellidae)

PURPOSE

Despite Madagascar's high amphibian diversity of more than 400 species, only a few polystome species are known from the island. The dissection of frogs from museum collections, together with amphibian and parasite surveys conducted in Madagascar led to the discovery of an undescribed polystome infecting Aglyptodactylus madagascariensis. The purpose of this study is to formally describe this species.

METHODS

Polystomes recovered from A. madagascariensis were stained (Acetocarmine) and mounted (Canada balsam) to facilitate morphometrics and taxonomic drawings. Some specimens were fixed in absolute alcohol, a Bayesian tree inferred from the analysis of concatenated 18S, 28S and COI gene sequences was constructed and pairwise distances were calculated. Parasites collected from archived hosts in museums were used for histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

Polystomes recovered from A. madagascariensis display characteristics of the genus Metapolystoma and morphologically differed from all other known metapolystomes. The Bayesian phylogeny shows that Metapolystoma n. sp. ex. A. madagascariensis and M. falcatum are sister species with high Bayesian posterior probability. Histological and SEM investigations contributed to morphological descriptions.

CONCLUSIONS

Morphological examination supported by phylogenetic analysis and genetic divergences revealed distinct differences from all known metapolystome species, supporting the description of a new species. Differences between the life cycles of Metapolystoma and Polystoma provided additional evidence for the validity of that genus as taxon. Whereas Polystoma may display ovoviviparity on rare occasions after incomplete egg expulsion towards the end of the breeding season, Metapolystoma displays true ovoviviparity. We emphasize the need for parasite surveys in Madagascar and recommended for museum material to be examined for polystomes to provide supplementary material and localities for further field investigation.