-
Veterinary World Jan 2024Oxygen concentration is an essential water quality parameter for aquaculture systems. Recently, supersaturated dissolved oxygen (DO) has been widely used in aquaculture...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Oxygen concentration is an essential water quality parameter for aquaculture systems. Recently, supersaturated dissolved oxygen (DO) has been widely used in aquaculture systems to prevent oxygen depletion; however, the long-term effects of supersaturated DO exposure on aquatic animals have not been studied. In this study, we examined the effects of supersaturated DO on the growth, survival, and gene expression of Pacific white shrimp ().
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Specific pathogen-free shrimp with a body weight of 8.22 ± 0.03 g were randomly assigned to two groups with four replicates at a density of 15 shrimps per tank. Shrimp were cultivated in recirculating tanks containing 50 L of 15 ppt seawater in each replicate. Oxygen was supplied at 5 mg/L to the control tanks using an air microbubble generator and at 15 mg/L to the treatment tanks using a pure oxygen microbubble generator. Shrimp were fed commercial feed pellets containing 39% protein at 4% of their body weight per day for 30 days. Average daily growth (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on days 15 and 30. Shrimp molting was measured every day. Individual hemolymph samples were obtained and analyzed for total hemocyte count, differential hemocyte count, and expression of growth- and immune-related genes at the end of the experiment.
RESULTS
Long-term exposure to supersaturated DO significantly affected shrimp growth. After 30 days of supersaturated DO treatment, the final weight and ADG were 14.73 ± 0.16 g and 0.22 ± 0.04, respectively. Shrimp treated with normal aeration showed significantly lower weight (12.13 ± 0.13 g) and ADG (0.13 ± 0.00) compared with the control group. FCR was 1.55 ± 0.04 in the treatment group and 2.51 ± 0.09 in the control group. Notably, the shrimp molting count was 1.55-fold higher in the supersaturated DO treatment than in the supersaturated DO treatment. The expression of growth-related genes, such as alpha-amylase, cathepsin L, and chitotriosidase, was 1.40-, 1.48-, and 1.35-fold higher, respectively, after supersaturated DO treatment. Moreover, the treatment increased the expression of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor, crustin, penaeidin3, and heat shock protein 70 genes by 1.23-, 2.07-, 4.20-, and 679.04-fold, respectively, compared to the controls.
CONCLUSION
Supersaturated DO increased growth and ADG production and decreased FCR. Furthermore, enhanced immune-related gene expression by supersaturated DO may improve shrimp health and reduce disease risk during cultivation.
PubMed: 38406361
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.50-58 -
Microorganisms Feb 2024The wetlands of southwestern Siberia (SWS) are a crossroads of bird migration routes, bringing avian influenza (AIV) strains that were previously isolated in different...
The wetlands of southwestern Siberia (SWS) are a crossroads of bird migration routes, bringing avian influenza (AIV) strains that were previously isolated in different regions of the continent to Siberia. It is known that Anseriformes that breed in SWS migrate for the winter to central Hindustan or further west, while their migration routes to southeast Asia (SEA) remain unconfirmed. Here, we mapped the molting sites of the migrating Common Teals () via analyzing stable hydrogen isotope content in feathers of hunters' prey and supplemented the analysis with the genetic structure of viruses isolated from teals in the same region. Post-breeding molt of autumn teals most likely occurred within the study region, whereas probable pre-breeding molting grounds of spring teals were in the south of Hindustan. This link was supported by viral phylogenetic analysis, which showed a close relationship between SWS isolates and viruses from south and southeast Asia. Most viral segments have the highest genetic similarity and the closest phylogenetic relationships with viruses from teal wintering areas in southeast Asian countries, including India and Korea. We assume that the winter molt of SWS breeding teals on the Hindustan coast suggests contacts with the local avifauna, including species migrating along the coast to SEA. Perhaps this is one of the vectors of AIV transmission within Eurasia.
PubMed: 38399761
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020357 -
Insects Feb 2024The tea black tussock moth (), a devastating pest in Chinese tea plantations, uses a ternary Type-II pheromone blend containing (3,6)--9,10-epoxyhenicosa-3,6-diene...
The tea black tussock moth (), a devastating pest in Chinese tea plantations, uses a ternary Type-II pheromone blend containing (3,6)--9,10-epoxyhenicosa-3,6-diene (3,6,epo9-21:H), (3,6,11)--9,10-epoxyhenicosa-3,6,11-triene (3,6,epo9,11-21:H), and (3,6)-henicosa-3,6-dien-11-one (3,6-21:11-one) for mate communication. To elucidate the P450 candidates associated with the biosynthesis of these sex pheromone components, we sequenced the female pheromone gland and the abdomen excluding the pheromone gland. A total of 75 DbP450s were identified. Function annotation suggested six CYPs were orthologous genes that are linked to molting hormone metabolism, and eight antennae specifically and significantly up-regulated CYPs may play roles in odorant processing. Based on a combination of comparative RNAseq, phylogenetic, and tissue expression pattern analysis, one CYP4G with abdomen specifically predominant expression pattern was likely to be the P450 decarbonylase, while the pheromone-gland specifically and most abundant CYP341B65 was the most promising epoxidase candidate for the sex pheromone biosynthesis. Collectively, our research laid a valuable basis not only for further functional elucidation of the candidate P450 decarbonylase and epoxidase for the sex pheromone biosynthesis but also for understanding the physiological functions and functional diversity of the CYP gene superfamily in the .
PubMed: 38392558
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020139 -
Insects Feb 2024(Sauaia & Alves, 1968) is a sciarid that has been continuously cultured in the laboratory for nearly 60 years. Studies on this species have contributed to the...
(Sauaia & Alves, 1968) is a sciarid that has been continuously cultured in the laboratory for nearly 60 years. Studies on this species have contributed to the understanding of DNA puffs, which are characteristic of Sciaridae, and to the knowledge of more general aspects of insect biology, including cell death, nucleolar organization, and the role of the hormone ecdysone during molting. The genome of has now been sequenced, and it is the third publicly available sciarid genome. The aim of this work is to expand the current knowledge on . The morphology of the adults is revisited. The morphology of larvae and pupae is described, together with the behavior of immature stages under laboratory conditions. Cytogenetic maps of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes are presented, together with a comparative analysis of the mitotic chromosomes of six different sciarid species. was originally described as a species of and recently moved to We examine here the systematic position of in the latter genus. Our results extend the characterization of an unconventional model organism and constitute an important resource for those working on the cytogenetics, ecology, taxonomy, and phylogenetic systematics of sciarids.
PubMed: 38392537
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020118 -
Insects Feb 2024Immature mosquitoes are thought to breathe only atmospheric air through their siphons despite reports of prolonged submerged survival. We studied the survival of...
Immature mosquitoes are thought to breathe only atmospheric air through their siphons despite reports of prolonged submerged survival. We studied the survival of last-instar larvae of fully submerged at different temperatures and measured the oxygen consumption from air and water-dissolved larvae and pupae of this species under different conditions. Larvae survived much longer than expected, reaching 50% mortality only after 58, 10, and 5 days at 15°, 25°, and 35 °C, respectively. Larval to pupa molt was only observed in larvae with access to air, whereas individuals kept submerged never molted. Although most of the oxygen was obtained from the air, larvae obtained 12.72% of their oxygen from the water, while pupae took only 5.32%. In both media, temperature affected the respiration rate of the larvae, with relatively close Q values (1.56 and 1.83 for water and air, respectively). A similar pattern of O consumption was observed in , whose larvae obtained 12.14% of their oxygen from the water. The detailed quantification of oxygen consumption by mosquito larvae showed that water-dissolved oxygen is not negligible and physiologically relevant, challenging the idea that mosquito larvae only breathe atmospheric oxygen.
PubMed: 38392518
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020099 -
Parasites & Vectors Feb 2024Hyalomma marginatum and H. rufipes are two-host tick species, which are mainly distributed in southern Europe, Africa to central Asia but may also be found in Central...
BACKGROUND
Hyalomma marginatum and H. rufipes are two-host tick species, which are mainly distributed in southern Europe, Africa to central Asia but may also be found in Central and Northern Europe through introduction by migratory birds.
METHODS
Ticks were collected while feeding or crawling on animals and humans, or from the environment, in different regions in Germany, between 2019 and 2021 in a citizen science study and from 2022 to 2023 in the wake of this study.
RESULTS
From 2019 to 2023, a total of 212 Hyalomma adult ticks were detected in Germany. This included 132 H. marginatum and 43 H. rufipes ticks sent to research institutions and 37 photographic records that were only identified to genus level. The number of detected ticks varied over the years, with the highest number of 119 specimens recorded in 2019, followed by 57 in 2020. Most of the specimens were collected from horses, while some were collected from other animals, humans or found crawling on human clothes or other objects inside or outside houses. The screening of 175 specimens for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and of 132 specimens for Babesia/Theileria spp. by PCR gave negative results, while human-pathogenic Rickettsia were detected in 44% (77/175) of the total samples. Subsequent amplicon sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of representative samples determined the species of 41 Rickettsia aeschlimannii and one R. slovaca sequences.
CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of climatic factors indicated a significantly higher probability of Hyalomma occurrence at locations with higher average spring temperature during the years 2019 and 2020 compared to randomly generated pseudo-absence locations. Dry and hot conditions probably facilitated Hyalomma nymphs' survival and molting into adults during these years.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Horses; Molting; Phylogeny; Ixodidae; Ticks; Germany; Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38374119
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06175-y -
MBio Mar 2024Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major concern for the ruminant industry worldwide and result in significant production losses. Naturally occurring...
Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major concern for the ruminant industry worldwide and result in significant production losses. Naturally occurring polyparasitism and increasing drug resistance that potentiate disease outcomes are observed among the most prevalent GINs of veterinary importance. Within the five major taxonomic clades, clade Va represents a group of GINs that predominantly affect the abomasum or small intestine of ruminants. However, the development of effective broad-spectrum anthelmintics against ruminant clade Va GINs has been challenged by a lack of comprehensive druggable genome resources. Here, we first assembled draft genomes for three clade Va species (, , and ) and compared them with closely related ruminant GINs. Genome-wide phylogenetic reconstruction showed a relationship among ruminant GINs structured by taxonomic classification. Orthogroup (OG) inference and functional enrichment analyses identified 220 clade Va-specific and Va-conserved OGs, enriched for functions related to cell cycle and cellular senescence. Further transcriptomic analysis identified 61 taxonomically and functionally conserved clade Va OGs that may function as drug targets for new broad-spectrum anthelmintics. Chemogenomic screening identified 11 compounds targeting homologs of these OGs, thus having potential anthelmintic activity. In phenotypic assays, three kinase inhibitors (digitoxigenin, K-252a, and staurosporine) exhibited broad-spectrum anthelmintic activities against clade Va GINs by obstructing the motility of exsheathed L3 (xL3) or molting of xL3 to L4. These results demonstrate valuable applications of the new ruminant GIN genomes in gaining better insights into their life cycles and offer a contemporary approach to discovering the next generation of anthelmintics.IMPORTANCEGastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections in ruminants are caused by parasites that inhibit normal function in the digestive tract of cattle, sheep, and goats, thereby causing morbidity and mortality. Coinfection and increasing drug resistance to current therapeutic agents will continue to worsen disease outcomes and impose significant production losses on domestic livestock producers worldwide. In combination with ongoing therapeutic efforts, advancing the discovery of new drugs with novel modes of action is critical for better controlling GIN infections. The significance of this study is in assembling and characterizing new GIN genomes of , and for facilitating a multi-omics approach to identify novel, biologically conserved drug targets for five major GINs of veterinary importance. With this information, we were then able to demonstrate the potential of commercially available compounds as new anthelmintics.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Sheep; Phylogeny; Nematoda; Ruminants; Anthelmintics; Nematode Infections; Goats; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 38358246
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00095-24 -
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular... Apr 2024Compounds classified as benzoylphenylurea (BPU), such as diflubenzuron (DFB), are used as insecticides. Although BPU disrupts molting by inhibiting chitin biosynthesis...
Compounds classified as benzoylphenylurea (BPU), such as diflubenzuron (DFB), are used as insecticides. Although BPU disrupts molting by inhibiting chitin biosynthesis and exhibits insecticidal activity, their exact mode of action remains unknown. Since epidermal cells proliferate and morphologically change from squamous to columnar cells during the early stages of insect molting, we speculate that a transition similar to that from epithelium to mesenchyme occurs and that BPU may inhibit this transition. Here, we addressed this possibility. We found that DFB decreases actin expression in insect cells (the tissue cultures of insect integument). Detailed analysis in Schneider S2 cells reveals that DFB inhibits the expression of actin isoforms (Act5C and Act42A) and the Drosophila ortholog of myocardin-related transcription factor (Mrtf), leading to cell growth suppression. Proteomics identified the Drosophila ortholog of prohibitin (Phb1D and Phb2E) as one of the DFB-binding proteins. DFB inhibits the interaction between Phb1D and Phb2E and induces mitochondrial dysfunction. The knock-down of Phb2E suppresses the expression of Act5C, Act42A, and Mrtf, leading to cell growth inhibition. Thus, the disruption of Phb function is a possible novel target of DFB.
Topics: Animals; Diflubenzuron; Actins; Insecticides; Drosophila
PubMed: 38342197
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104088 -
Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications 2024[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/5949086.].
Retracted: Synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO)-Titanium Dioxide (TiO)-Chitosan-Farnesol Nanocomposites and Assessment of Their Anticancer Potential in Human Leukemic MOLT-4 Cell Line.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/5949086.].
PubMed: 38298492
DOI: 10.1155/2024/9821307 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Ecdysteroid molting hormone synthesis is directed by a pair of molting glands or Y-organs (YOs), and this synthesis is inhibited by molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH). MIH is...
Ecdysteroid molting hormone synthesis is directed by a pair of molting glands or Y-organs (YOs), and this synthesis is inhibited by molt-inhibiting hormone (MIH). MIH is a member of the crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) neuropeptide superfamily, which includes CHH and insect ion transport peptide (ITP). It is hypothesized that the MIH receptor is a Class A (Rhodopsin-like) G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). The YO of the blackback land crab, , expresses 49 Class A GPCRs, three of which (Gl-CHHR-A9, -A10, and -A12) were provisionally assigned as CHH-like receptors. CrusTome, a transcriptome database assembled from 189 crustaceans and 12 ecdysozoan outgroups, was used to deorphanize candidate MIH/CHH GPCRs, relying on sequence homology to three functionally characterized ITP receptors (BNGR-A2, BNGR-A24, and BNGR-A34) in the silk moth, . Phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignments across major taxonomic groups revealed extensive expansion and diversification of crustacean A2, A24, and A34 receptors, designated CHH Family Receptor Candidates (CFRCs). The A2 clade was divided into three subclades; A24 clade was divided into five subclades; and A34 was divided into six subclades. The subclades were distinguished by conserved motifs in extracellular loop (ECL) 2 and ECL3 in the ligand-binding region. Eleven of the 14 subclades occurred in decapod crustaceans. In , seven CFRC sequences, designated Gl-CFRC-A2α1, -A24α, -A24β1, -A24β2, -A34α2, -A34β1, and -A34β2, were identified; the three A34 sequences corresponded to Gl-GPCR-A12, -A9, and A10, respectively. ECL2 in all the CFRC sequences had a two-stranded β-sheet structure similar to human Class A GPCRs, whereas the ECL2 of decapod CFRC-A34β1/β2 had an additional two-stranded β-sheet. We hypothesize that this second β-sheet on ECL2 plays a role in MIH/CHH binding and activation, which will be investigated further with functional assays.
Topics: Humans; Phylogeny; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Invertebrate Hormones; Piperidones; Benzeneacetamides; Arthropod Proteins
PubMed: 38298185
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1322800