Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 661 in total

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  1. Kluge N, Sivaruban T, Srinivasan P, Barathy S, Isack R
    Zootaxa, 2024 Mar 04;5418(5):528-550.
    PMID: 38480342 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5418.5.5
    The European species Nigrobaetis gracilis (Bogoescu & Tabacaru 1957) and more than 19 Asian and African species of Nigrobaetis Kazlauskas (in Novikova & Kluge) 1987 belong to the subgenus Margobaetis Kang & Yang 1994, which is characterized by peculiar asymmetric eggs and narrow paraglossa of larval labium. A new synonymy is established: Nigrobaetis (Margobaetis) minutus (Mller-Liebenau 1984) = N. paramakalyani Kubendran & Balasubramanian in Kubendran et al. 2015 = N. sumbensis Kaltenbach & Gattolliat 2023, synn.n.; winged stages (male and female imagines and subimagines) and eggs of this species are described for the first time. N. (M.) minutus is widely distributed on Oriental Region, being revealed in West Malaysia, Southern India, Sumba and Sulawesi islands in Indonesia. Winged stages (male and female imagines and subimagines) and eggs of Nigrobaetis (Margobaetis) klugei Sivaruban et al. 2022 are described for the first time.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  2. Ivorra T, Rahimi R, Goh TG, Azmiera N, Nur-Aliah NA, Low VL, et al.
    Int J Legal Med, 2024 Mar;138(2):677-683.
    PMID: 37211557 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03023-z
    A partially skeletonized human corpse was found in bushes in Selangor, Malaysia in June 2020. Entomological evidence was collected during the autopsy and sent to the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) for minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) analysis. Standard protocols were applied when processing preserved and live insect specimens of both larval and pupal stages. Entomological evidence revealed that the corpse was colonized by Chrysomya nigripes Aubertin, 1932 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Diamesus osculans (Vigors, 1825) (Coleoptera: Silphidae). Chrysomya nigripes was chosen as the PMImin indicator as this fly species is an earlier colonizer compared to D. osculans beetle larvae which their presence is the indicative of late stage of decomposition. For the present case, the pupae of C. nigripes were the oldest insect evidence collected and based on the available developmental data, the estimated minimum PMI was established between 9 and 12 days. It is noteworthy to highlight that this is the first record of D. osculans colonization on a human corpse.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  3. Syed Mohd Daud SM, Heo CC, Mohd Yusof MYP, Khoo LS, Chainchel Singh MK, Mahmood MS, et al.
    J Forensic Sci, 2024 Mar;69(2):542-553.
    PMID: 38402526 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15466
    Manual ground searches and cadaver dogs are traditional methods for locating remains, but they can be time- and resource-intensive, resulting in the decomposition of bodies and delay in victim identification. Therefore, thermal imaging has been proposed as a potentially useful tool for detecting remains based on their temperature. This study investigated the potential of a novel search technique of thermal drones to detect surface remains through the detection of maggot mass temperatures. Two trials were carried out at Selangor, Malaysia, each utilizing 12 healthy male Oryctolagus cuniculus European white rabbits and DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone China, equipped with a thermal camera; Zenmuse H20T to record the thermal imaging footage of the carcasses at various heights (15, 30, 60-100 m) for 14 days for each trial. Our results demonstrated that the larval masses and corresponding heat emissions were at their largest during the active decay stage; therefore, all the carcasses were observable in thermal images on day 5 and remained until day 7. Statistical analyses showed that (1) no statistically significant differences in thermal images between clothed and unclothed subjects (p > 0.05); (2) 15 m above ground level was proven to be the optimal height, as it showed the greatest contrast between the carcass heat signature and the background (p 
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  4. Taufek NM, Mohamad Zulkifli NFN, Hamizah AN
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Jan 01;349:119467.
    PMID: 37976636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119467
    Innovative solutions are needed to limit environmental effect and optimise resource use as food waste generation rises worldwide. This study investigates the potential of upcycling food waste from fresh markets using Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as a sustainable approach. This study explored four fresh market food waste substrates for BSFL bioconversion: discarded fish waste (FI), slaughtered chicken waste (CHI), vegetable waste (VEG), and a 1:1:1 combination of all three (MIX). Soybean curd residue (SCR) was treated as the control substrate. The effects on larval growth, nutritional content, and waste bioconversion rates were examined. The larvae growth rate was strongly impacted by waste type, with BSF-fed CHI and MIX gaining 18.0 and 16.7 mg/d, respectively, followed by BSF-fed with SCR (12.2 mg/d), FI (8.9 mg/d) and VEG (7.6 mg/d). The waste type did not substantially alter BSFL length. The survival rate of the BSFL fed with the food waste studied ranges from 95 to 98.47%, with SCR being the highest. Our findings indicated that BSFL can effectively convert a variety of fresh market food waste into valuable biomass. CHI waste produced the highest larval biomass and bioconversion rate followed by MIX, SCR, FI and VEG. The different waste stream has a major influence on BSFL biomass nutrition. BSFL nutritional composition is independent of the substrate's nutritional content, indicating no direct correlation between substrate and BSFL biomass nutritional composition. SCR waste produced the highest protein content of BSFL (50.49%), followed by VEG (32.61%), MIX (32.57%), FI (31.03%) and CHI (29.06%). SCR waste also produced BSFL biomass with lowest lipid content (26.55%) compared to other waste which resulted into BSFL with lipid levels ranging from 42.92% to 53.72%. BSFL-fed with SCR is the most suitable to be used as an alternative animal's feed based on the protein and lipid levels, while defatting procedure is necessary for the other waste-fed BSFL to render it suitability as animal feed alternatives. Based on bioconversion rate, BSFL growth, and lipid content, the MIX and CHI waste might be viable substrates for future research.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva/chemistry
  5. Liu G, Tiang MF, Ma S, Wei Z, Liang X, Sajab MS, et al.
    PeerJ, 2024;12:e16995.
    PMID: 38426145 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16995
    BACKGROUND: Hermetia illucens (HI), commonly known as the black soldier fly, has been recognized for its prowess in resource utilization and environmental protection because of its ability to transform organic waste into animal feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. However, the potential of the black soldier fly's high protein content for more than cheap feedstock is still largely unexplored.

    METHODS: This study innovatively explores the potential of H. illucens larvae (HIL) protein as a peptone substitute for microbial culture media. Four commercial proteases (alkaline protease, trypsin, trypsase, and papain) were explored to hydrolyze the defatted HIL, and the experimental conditions were optimized via response surface methodology experimental design. The hydrolysate of the defatted HIL was subsequently vacuum freeze-dried and deployed as a growth medium for three bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli) to determine the growth kinetics between the HIL peptone and commercial peptone.

    RESULTS: The optimal conditions were 1.70% w/w complex enzyme (alkaline protease: trypsin at 1:1 ratio) at pH 7.0 and 54 °C for a duration of 4 h. Under these conditions, the hydrolysis of defatted HIL yielded 19.25% ±0.49%. A growth kinetic analysis showed no significant difference in growth parameters (μmax, Xmax, and λ) between the HIL peptone and commercial peptone, demonstrating that the HIL hydrolysate could serve as an effective, low-cost alternative to commercial peptone. This study introduces an innovative approach to HIL protein resource utilization, broadening its application beyond its current use in animal feed.

    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  6. Nik Abdull Halim NMH, Mohd Jamili AF, Che Dom N, Abd Rahman NH, Jamal Kareem Z, Dapari R
    PLoS One, 2024;19(2):e0298738.
    PMID: 38412167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298738
    INTRODUCTION: Wireless communication connects billions of people worldwide, relying on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Generally, fifth-generation (5G) networks shift RF carriers to higher frequencies. Although radio, cell phones, and television have benefitted humans for decades, higher carrier frequencies can present potential health risks. Insects closely associated with humans (such as mosquitoes) can undergo increased RF absorption and dielectric heating. This process inadvertently impacts the insects' behaviour, morphology, and physiology, which can influence their spread. Therefore, this study examined the impact of RF exposure on Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, which are prevalent in indoor environments with higher RF exposure risk. The morphologies of Ae. aegypti eggs and their developments into Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were investigated.

    METHODS: A total of 30 eggs were exposed to RF radiation at three frequencies: baseline, 900 MHz, and 18 GHz. Each frequency was tested in triplicate. Several parameters were assessed through daily observations in an insectarium, including hatching responses, development times, larval numbers, and pupation periods until the emergence of adult insects.

    RESULTS: This study revealed that the hatching rate for the 900 MHz group was the highest (79 ± 10.54%) compared to other exposures (p = 0.87). The adult emergence rate for the 900 MHz group was also the lowest at 33 ± 2.77%. A significant difference between the groups was demonstrated in the statistical analysis (p = 0.03).

    CONCLUSION: This work highlighted the morphology sensitivity of Ae. aegypti eggs and their developments in the aquatic phase to RF radiation, potentially altering their life cycle.

    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  7. Posos-Parra O, Mota-Sanchez D, Pittendrigh BR, Wise JC, DiFonzo CD, Patterson E
    PLoS One, 2024;19(2):e0295928.
    PMID: 38394153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295928
    The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is one of the most destructive pests of corn. New infestations have been reported in the East Hemisphere, reaching India, China, Malaysia, and Australia, causing severe destruction to corn and other crops. In Puerto Rico, practical resistance to different mode of action compounds has been reported in cornfields. In this study, we characterized the inheritance of resistance to chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide and identified the possible cross-resistance to cyantraniliprole and cyclaniliprole. The Puerto Rican (PR) strain showed high levels of resistance to flubendiamide (RR50 = 2,762-fold) and chlorantraniliprole (RR50 = 96-fold). The inheritance of resistance showed an autosomal inheritance for chlorantraniliprole and an X-linked inheritance for flubendiamide. The trend of the dominance of resistance demonstrated an incompletely recessive trait for H1 (♂ SUS × ♀ PR) × and an incompletely dominant trait for H2 (♀ SUS × ♂ PR) × for flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole. The PR strain showed no significant presence of detoxification enzymes (using synergists: PBO, DEF, DEM, and VER) to chlorantraniliprole; however, for flubendiamide the SR = 2.7 (DEM), SR = 3.2 (DEF) and SR = 7.6 (VER) indicated the role of esterases, glutathione S- transferases and ABC transporters in the metabolism of flubendiamide. The PR strain showed high and low cross-resistance to cyantraniliprole (74-fold) and cyclaniliprole (11-fold), respectively. Incomplete recessiveness might lead to the survival of heterozygous individuals when the decay of diamide residue occurs in plant tissues. These results highlight the importance of adopting diverse pest management strategies, including insecticide rotating to manage FAW populations in Puerto Rico and other continents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  8. El Mahmoudi A, Fegrouche R, Tachallait H, Lumaret JP, Arshad S, Karrouchi K, et al.
    Pest Manag Sci, 2023 Dec;79(12):4847-4857.
    PMID: 37500586 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7686
    BACKGROUND: Sphodroxia maroccana Ley is a pest of cork oak crops that damages the roots of seedlings and can severely impair cork oak regeneration. Since the banning of carbosulfan and chlorpyriphos, which were widely used against the larvae of Sphodroxia maroccana because of their harmful impact on the environment, until now there has been no pesticide against these pests. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to develop highly effective insecticidal molecules with novel scaffolds. Isoxazolines are a class of insecticides that act on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel allosteric modulators. In this work, a green synthesis of novel 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoline-sulfonamide derivatives was achieved in water via ultrasound-assisted four-component reactions, and their insecticidal activities against fourth-instar larvae of S. maroccana were evaluated.

    RESULTS: Most of the tested compounds showed insecticidal activity compared to fluralaner as positive control and commercially available insecticide. Especially, the isoxazoline-secondary sulfonamides containing halogens (Br and Cl) on the phenyl group attached to the isoxazoline, 6g (LC50  = 0.31 mg/mL), 6j (LC50  = 0.38 mg/mL), 6k (LC50  = 0.18 mg/mL), 6L (LC50  = 0.49 mg/mL), 6m (LC50  = 0.24 mg/mL), 6q (LC50  = 0.46 mg/mL), exhibited much higher larvicidal activity than fluralaner (LC50  = 0.99 mg/mL).

    CONCLUSION: Novel isoxazolines containing sulfonamide moieties were designed, synthesized and confirmed by two single-crystal structures of 4e and 6q. Their bioassay results showed significant larvicidal activity with significant morphological changes in vivo. These results will lay the foundation for the further discovery and development of isoxazoline-sulfonamide derivatives as novel crop protection larvicides of cork oak. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  9. Aupalee K, Srisuka W, Taai K, Takaoka H, Saeung A
    J Med Entomol, 2023 Nov 14;60(6):1330-1342.
    PMID: 37669777 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad118
    Simulium (Asiosimulium) khongchiamense sp. nov. is described based on females, males, pupae, and mature larvae collected from Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand. It is characterized in the female by the medium-long sensory vesicle, scutum with 3 dark longitudinal vittae and elongate cercus; in the male by the number of upper-eye (large) facets in 17 or 18 vertical rows and 18 or 19 horizontal rows, hind basitarsus moderately enlarged and ventral plate with the posterior margin moderately concave medially; in the pupa by the head and thoracic integument sparsely covered with tubercles and gill of arborescent type with 32 or 33 filaments; and in the larva by the postgenal cleft deep, reaching the posterior margin of the hypostoma and sheath of the subesophageal ganglion dark pigmented. DNA analysis based on COI gene of all known species of the subgenus Asiosimulium, except for S. shanense and S. suchitrae, indicated that this new species can be clearly differentiated from all other related species (S. phurueaense, S. oblongum, S. saeungae, S. furvum, and S. wanchaii) with interspecific genetic distances ranging between 4.79% and 19.18%. This is the eighth species of the subgenus Asiosimulium. Taxonomic notes are given to distinguish this new species from the 7 known species members in its same subgenus. Additionally, keys to species of all members in the subgenus Asiosimulium are provided.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva/genetics
  10. Kolesnichenko KA, Kotlobay AA
    Zootaxa, 2023 Nov 09;5369(2):223-238.
    PMID: 38220718 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5369.2.3
    This article presents characteristics of the habitats of Melitaea gina Higgins, 1941 and describes the behavior of adults under natural conditions, their host plant, egg chorion, caterpillars, and pupa morphology. The morphology of the early stages and the taxonomy of M. gina are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva/anatomy & histology
  11. Wan-Norafikah O, Aliah-Diyanah S, Atiqah-Izzah Z, Chen CD, Sofian-Azirun M, Lailatul-Nadhirah A, et al.
    Exp Parasitol, 2023 Nov;254:108627.
    PMID: 37802180 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108627
    Temephos is the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended larvicide and is still being utilized worldwide to control larvae of dengue vectors; Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The efficacy of a commercial temephos product; Temebate® to exterminate the local populations of Ae. albopictus larvae originated from different land use particularly dengue-risk and dengue-free housing localities as well as agrarian localities including oil palm plantations, rubber estates and paddy fields was assessed to verify its bioefficacy in these localities. Field populations of Ae. albopictus larvae were attained via a larval survey at each study locality. Each Ae. albopictus larval population was subjected to a 24-h larval bioassay using Temebate® at operational dosage of 1 mg/L. Almost all Ae. albopictus larval populations demonstrated mortalities between 7.00% and 100.00% by the end of the first 4 h of Temebate® exposure with the resistance ratios between 0.94 and 8.33. After 24 h of Temebate® exposure, all sixteen Ae. albopictus larval populations exhibited increased mortalities with ten of them showing 100% mortalities. These results confirmed the relevance of Temebate® to be continuously used by the residents of these localities as their control efforts against dengue vectors. Nevertheless, Temebate® application by consumers in dengue-risk localities need to be carefully monitored to prevent further development of temephos resistance among Ae. albopictus populations and substantiated with other vector control approaches.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  12. Low SY, Lau SF, Ahmad NI, Sharma RSK, Rosli MZ, Mohd-Taib FS, et al.
    Zoonoses Public Health, 2023 Nov;70(7):636-646.
    PMID: 37403513 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13072
    Angiostrongylus malaysiensis is a potential zoonotic parasite, which reported to co-occur with A. cantonensis in human cerebrospinal fluid. It is a heteroxenous nematode that primarily develops through the early larval stages in gastropods and attains sexual maturity within rats. This study was conducted to determine the host species responsible for the reservoir of A. malaysiensis and investigate the risk factor for transmission among the hosts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in six recreational parks. The rats were trapped alive using steel wire traps with bait, while the gastropods were collected by active searching. The rats were euthanized and dissected to collect any adult worms observed. The molecular detection of A. malaysiensis was performed by PCR on gastropod tissue samples. Biotic and landscape factors were recorded for risk factor analysis. In total, 82 rats and 330 gastropods were collected throughout the study. Overall, 3.64% of gastropods and 32.9% of rats were infected with A. malaysiensis. Rattus tiomanicus (Malayan wood rat) and Parmarion martensi (Yellow-shelled semi-slug) were found as important hosts for A. malaysiensis. Host species, sampling site and macrohabitat type are risk factors associated with the prevalence of A. malaysiensis infection in rats. For gastropods, host species and sampling site are risk factors that correlate with the parasite detection. In total, 128 adult A. malaysiensis were recovered from the infected rats. The mean intensity of infection with adult A. malaysiensis was 4.65 for Rattus rattus complex and 4.90 for R. tiomanicus. Adult worms were found in the pulmonary artery or right ventricle, while eggs and first-stage larvae were found in capillaries of the caudal lung lobe. Infected lungs showed extravasated red blood cells in the alveolar spaces. The pulmonary arteries in the infected lung lobe were thickened. Kepong Metropolitan Park is the hotspot area for A. malaysiensis in Kuala Lumpur. These results provide essential information for public health officials to develop targeted interventions to reduce the transmission of A. malaysiensis in urban areas, particularly in recreational parks.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  13. Agus Nurjana M, Srikandi Y, Wijatmiko TJ, Hidayah N, Isnawati R, Octaviani O, et al.
    J Water Health, 2023 Nov;21(11):1741-1746.
    PMID: 38017604 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2023.270
    One of the factors that influence the development of mosquitoes is the water container. This study was performed to determine the relationship between the characteristics of water containers and the preferable conditions for laying eggs by Aedes sp. A single larva method was conducted during March 2019 in 300 houses in two villages (Turikale and Adatongeng) at Maros Regency, Indonesia. In total, 1,269 water containers were considered, and among them buckets were found to be the most common container. Logistic regression analysis showed that the type, container location, and weekly drainage were related to the presence of larvae/pupae in the Maros Regency (p-value < 0.05). Non-water containers, which are kept indoors and are not drained at least once a week, have a greater chance of breeding Aedes sp. More attention is given to non-water containers that are located inside the house. Prevention activities, especially draining water containers properly at least once a week ensures that they do not become breeding sites for Aedes sp. mosquitoes and helps to prevent the transmission of dengue viral fever.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  14. Zhang Y, Liu S, De Meyer M, Liao Z, Zhao Y, Virgilio M, et al.
    J Adv Res, 2023 Nov;53:61-74.
    PMID: 36574947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.12.012
    INTRODUCTION: The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis is one of the most destructive agricultural pests worldwide, with highly debated species delimitation, origin, and global spread routes.

    OBJECTIVES: Our study intended to (i) resolve the taxonomic uncertainties between B. dorsalis and B. carambolae, (ii) reveal the population structure and global invasion routes of B. dorsalis across Asia, Africa, and Oceania, and (iii) identify genomic regions that are responsible for the thermal adaptation of B. dorsalis.

    METHODS: Based on a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome assembly, we explored the population relationship using a genome-scale single nucleotide polymorphism dataset generated from the resequencing data of 487 B. dorsalis genomes and 25 B. carambolae genomes. Genome-wide association studies and silencing using RNA interference were used to identify and verify the candidate genes associated with extreme thermal stress.

    RESULTS: We showed that B. dorsalis originates from the Southern India region with three independent invasion and spread routes worldwide: (i) from Northern India to Northern Southeast Asia, then to Southern Southeast Asia; (ii) from Northern India to Northern Southeast Asian, then to China and Hawaii; and (iii) from Southern India toward the African mainland, then to Madagascar, which is mainly facilitated by human activities including trade and immigration. Twenty-seven genes were identified by a genome-wide association study to be associated with 11 temperature bioclimatic variables. The Cyp6a9 gene may enhance the thermal adaptation of B. dorsalis and thus boost its invasion, which tended to be upregulated at a hardening temperature of 38 °C. Functional verification using RNA interference silencing against Cyp6a9, led to the specific decrease in Cyp6a9 expression, reducing the survival rate of dsRNA-feeding larvae exposed to extreme thermal stress of 45 °C after heat hardening treatments in B. dorsalis.

    CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into the evolutionary history and genetic basis of temperature adaptation in B. dorsalis.

    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  15. Suriyakala G, Sathiyaraj S, Balasundaram M, Murugan K, Babujanarthanam R, Gandhi AD
    Bioprocess Biosyst Eng, 2023 Oct;46(10):1483-1498.
    PMID: 37552312 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-023-02915-z
    In the current scenario, many synthetic chemicals have used long-term to control pests and mosquitoes, leading to the resistance of strains and toxicity effect on human beings. To overcome the adverse problem in recent advances, the scientific community is looking into nanofabricated pesticides and mosquitoes. This study aims to synthesize the recyclable chitosan-coated cadmium nanoparticles (Ch-CdNps) using Plumeria alba flower extract, which was further applied for insecticidal and mosquitocidal activities. The synthesized Ch-CdNps were confirmed by UV spectroscopy and FTIR analysis. The XRD, TEM, and DLS results confirmed the crystallinity with a spherical shape at 80-100 nm. The insecticidal activity proves that Ch-CdNps inhibited Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura at 100 ppm. In mosquitocidal, LC50 values of larvicidal of 1st instar were 4.116, 4.33, and 4.564 µg/mL, and the remaining three stages of instars, pupicidal, adulticidal, longevity, fecundity, and ovicidal assays inhibit the Anopheles stephensi followed by Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Further, the first-order kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange was confirmed. Based on the obtained results, Ch-CdNps can inhibit the pest, mosquitoes, and photocatalytic degradation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  16. Harikrishnan S, Sudarshan S, Sivasubramani K, Nandini MS, Narenkumar J, Ramachandran V, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Sep 13;13(1):15153.
    PMID: 37704703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42475-6
    The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has resulted in a number of issues, including a rise in insecticide-resistant organisms, environmental degradation, and a hazard to human health. As a result, new microbial derived insecticides that are safe for human health and the environment are urgently needed. In this study, rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced from Enterobacter cloacae SJ2 was used to evaluate the toxicity towards mosquito larvae (Culex quinquefasciatus) and termites (Odontotermes obesus). Results showed dose dependent mortality rate was observed between the treatments. The 48 h LC50 (median lethal concentration) values of the biosurfactant were determined for termite and mosquito larvae following the non-linear regression curve fit method. Results showed larvicidal activity and anti-termite activity of biosurfactants with 48 h LC50 value (95% confidence interval) of 26.49 mg/L (25.40 to 27.57) and 33.43 mg/L (31.09 to 35.68), respectively. According to a histopathological investigation, the biosurfactant treatment caused substantial tissue damage in cellular organelles of larvae and termites. The findings of this study suggest that the microbial biosurfactant produced by E. cloacae SJ2 is an excellent and potentially effective agent for controlling Cx. quinquefasciatus and O. obesus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  17. Shettima A, Ishak IH, Lau B, Abu Hasan H, Miswan N, Othman N
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2023 Sep;17(9):e0011604.
    PMID: 37721966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011604
    Synthetic insecticides are the primary vector control method used globally. However, the widespread use of insecticides is a major cause of insecticide-resistance in mosquitoes. Hence, this study aimed at elucidating permethrin and temephos-resistant protein expression profiles in Ae. aegypti using quantitative proteomics. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti from Penang Island dengue hotspot and non-hotspot against 0.75% permethrin and 31.25 mg/l temephos using WHO bioassay method. Protein extracts from the mosquitoes were then analysed using LC-ESI-MS/MS for protein identification and quantification via label-free quantitative proteomics (LFQ). Next, Perseus 1.6.14.0 statistical software was used to perform differential protein expression analysis using ANOVA and Student's t-test. The t-test selected proteins with≥2.0-fold change (FC) and ≥2 unique peptides for gene expression validation via qPCR. Finally, STRING software was used for functional ontology enrichment and protein-protein interactions (PPI). The WHO bioassay showed resistance with 28% and 53% mortalities in adult mosquitoes exposed to permethrin from the hotspot and non-hotspot areas. Meanwhile, the susceptibility of Ae. aegypti larvae revealed high resistance to temephos in hotspot and non-hotspot regions with 80% and 91% mortalities. The LFQ analyses revealed 501 and 557 (q-value <0.05) differentially expressed proteins in adults and larvae Ae. aegypti. The t-test showed 114 upregulated and 74 downregulated proteins in adult resistant versus laboratory strains exposed to permethrin. Meanwhile, 13 upregulated and 105 downregulated proteins were observed in larvae resistant versus laboratory strains exposed to temephos. The t-test revealed the upregulation of sodium/potassium-dependent ATPase β2 in adult permethrin resistant strain, H15 domain-containing protein, 60S ribosomal protein, and PB protein in larvae temephos resistant strain. The downregulation of troponin I, enolase phosphatase E1, glucosidase 2β was observed in adult permethrin resistant strain and tubulin β chain in larvae temephos resistant strain. Furthermore, the gene expression by qPCR revealed similar gene expression patterns in the above eight differentially expressed proteins. The PPI of differentially expressed proteins showed a p-value at <1.0 x 10-16 in permethrin and temephos resistant Ae. aegypti. Significantly enriched pathways in differentially expressed proteins revealed metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, glycolysis, and citrate cycle. In conclusion, this study has shown differentially expressed proteins and highlighted upregulated and downregulated proteins associated with insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti. The validated differentially expressed proteins merit further investigation as a potential protein marker to monitor and predict insecticide resistance in field Ae. aegypti. The LC-MS/MS data were submitted into the MASSIVE database with identifier no: MSV000089259.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  18. Putt QY, Ya'cob Z, Adler PH, Chen CD, Hew YX, Izwan-Anas N, et al.
    Parasit Vectors, 2023 Aug 07;16(1):266.
    PMID: 37545007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05892-0
    BACKGROUND: Prompt and precise identification of black flies (Simuliidae) is crucial, given their biting behaviour and significant impact on human and animal health. To address the challenges presented by morphology and chromosomes in black fly taxonomy, along with the limited availability of molecular data pertaining to the black fly fauna in Vietnam, this study employed DNA-based approaches. Specifically, we used mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes to distinguish nominal species of black flies in Vietnam.

    METHODS: In this study, 135 mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences were established for 45 species in the genus Simulium in Vietnam, encompassing three subgenera (Gomphostilbia, Nevermannia, and Simulium), with 64 paratypes of 27 species and 16 topotypes of six species. Of these COI sequences, 71, representing 27 species, are reported for the first time.

    RESULTS: Combined with GenBank sequences of specimens from Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, a total of 234 DNA barcodes of 53 nominal species resulted in a 71% success rate for species identification. Species from the non-monophyletic Simulium asakoae, S. feuerborni, S. multistriatum, S. striatum, S. tuberosum, and S. variegatum species groups were associated with ambiguous or incorrect identifications. Pairwise distances, phylogenetics, and species delimitation analyses revealed a high level of cryptic diversity, with discovery of 15 cryptic taxa. The current study also revealed the limited utility of a fast-evolving nuclear gene, big zinc finger (BZF), in discriminating closely related, morphologically similar nominal species of the S. asakoae species group.

    CONCLUSION: This study represents the first comprehensive molecular genetic analysis of the black fly fauna in Vietnam to our knowledge, providing a foundation for future research. DNA barcoding exhibits varying levels of differentiating efficiency across species groups but is valuable in the discovery of cryptic diversity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  19. Tan KS, Azman AS, Hassandarvish P, Amelia-Yap ZH, Tan TK, Low VL
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Aug 03;24(15).
    PMID: 37569772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512398
    The insecticidal activity of Streptomyces sp. KSF103 ethyl acetate (EA) extract against mosquitoes is known; however, the underlying mechanism behind this activity remains elusive. In this study, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to investigate changes in the protein profile of Aedes aegypti larvae and adults treated with lethal concentrations of 50 (LC50) EA extract. By comparing the treated and untreated mosquitoes, this study aimed to identify proteins or pathways that exhibit alterations, potentially serving as targets for future insecticide development. Treatment with a lethal concentration of EA extract upregulated 15 proteins in larvae, while in adults, 16 proteins were upregulated, and two proteins were downregulated. These proteins were associated with metabolism, protein regulation/degradation, energy production, cellular organization and structure, enzyme activity, and catalysis, as well as calcium ion transport and homeostasis. Notably, ATP synthase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), and ATP citrate synthase were significantly expressed in both groups. Gene ontology analysis indicated a focus on energy metabolic processes. Molecular docking revealed a strong interaction between dodemorph, selagine (compounds from the EA extract), and FBA, suggesting FBA as a potential protein target for insecticide development. Further studies such as Western blot and transcriptomic analyses are warranted to validate the findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
  20. Srisuka W, Takaoka H, Aupalee K, Saeung A
    Acta Trop, 2023 Aug;244:106947.
    PMID: 37196907 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106947
    A new black fly species, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) wijiti, is described based on adult females, males, pupal exuviae and mature larvae from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. This new species is placed in the Simulium ceylonicum species-group. It is distinguished from four Thai members of the S. ceylonicum species-group [S. (G.) curtatum Jitklang et al., S. (G.) pangsidaense Takaoka, Srisuka & Saeung, S. (G.) sheilae Takaoka & Davies, and S. (G.) trangense Jitklang et al.], in the female by the short to medium long sensory vesicle; in the male by the large number of upper-eye (large) facets in 15 vertical columns and 15 or 16 horizontal rows; in the pupa by the dorsum of abdominal segments darkened; and in the larva by the antenna as long as or slightly shorter than the stem of the labral fan (longer than the stem of the labral fan in four other species). Phylogenetic analysis based on the COI gene sequences revealed that this new species is genetically closely related to S. leparense of the S. ceylonicum species-group, but is clearly separated from the latter species, and also from the three Thai related species (S. curtatum, S. sheilae and S. trangense) of the same species-group with interspecific genetic distances ranging from 9.65% to 12.67%. This is the fifth member of the S. ceylonicum species-group recorded from Thailand.
    Matched MeSH terms: Larva
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