Search Results (5,511)

This study investigates the growth characteristics of Salmonella enteritidis (S. enteritidis) in liquid whole egg under both isothermal and non-isothermal storage conditions to understand the risks associated with inadequate temperature management in the egg industry. Using controlled laboratory simulations, liquid whole egg samples inoculated with S. enteritidis were stored under various isothermal (5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 °C) and non-isothermal conditions (5–10, 15–20, 25–30, 35–40, and 45–50 °C). The growth behavior of the S. enteritidis was analyzed using a two-step predictive modeling approach. First, growth kinetic parameters were estimated using a primary model, and then the effects of temperature on the estimated specific growth rate and lag time were described using a secondary model. Independent growth data under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions were used to evaluate the models. The results showed that S. enteritidis exhibits different growth characteristics depending on temperature conditions, emphasizing the need for strict temperature control to prevent foodborne illnesses. To address this, a predictive growth model tailored for non-isothermal conditions was developed and validated using experimental data, demonstrating its reliability in predicting S. enteritidis behavior under dynamic temperature scenarios. Additionally, temperature management technologies were proposed and tested to improve food safety during refrigerated storage. This study provides a scientific basis for improving food safety protocols in the egg industry, thereby protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence amid temperature fluctuations. Full article

Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temperature is an abiotic factor that greatly influences the development of insects. The larval development of H. aurescens lasts longer at 27 ± 1 °C than it does at 29 ± 1 °C, affecting the growth of newly hatched larvae into adults. The females larviposited three times more at 27 °C than they did at 29 °C, and the number of days laying larvae was also greater. At 27 °C, they laid larvae for 38 days, whereas, at 29 °C, the females larviposited for 21 days. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the exochorion with SEM, as in the other sarcophagid species. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The second instar has anterior spiracles present on the first thoracic segment, with six or seven ramifications aligned regularly. On the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparium morphology is similar to that of the third-instar larvae. Full article

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a serious pest of maize in the USA and Europe. Microbial plant biostimulants such as bacteria, fungi, and algae are designed to stimulate plant nutrition and growth, with some hypothesized to also possess insecticidal properties. We tested 10 biostimulants (four bacteria, five fungi, and one alga) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Most biostimulants did not affect the eggs, larvae, or adults of D.v. virgifera. However, in the laboratory, 10% of biostimulants improved egg hatching, and 40% killed some larvae, including the fungi Beauveria bassiana, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Trichoderma asperellum, and the bacterium Ensifer meliloti. Under potted-plant conditions in the greenhouse, these insecticidal effects were not detectable. However, several biostimulants slightly increased height and shoot length of uninfested maize plants, but reduced volume and length of their roots as well as above-ground biomass. Interestingly, 30% of the biostimulants enhanced the plant’s defence against larvae, for example, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. subtilis, and E. meliloti. These may warrant further research into their modes of action as well as field trials to better understand and optimize their potential use in sustainable and integrated pest management. Full article

Cirrhinus mrigala is an important edible fish with a significant aquaculture contribution in Southeast Asian countries. The current study aims to enhance our understanding of the developmental biology of Cirrhinus mrigala, which is crucial for implementing sustainable fish farming practices. To induce spermiation and ovulation in Cirrhinus mrigala brooders, the synthetic hormone Ovaprim^® (GnRH + dopamine inhibitor) was administrated as a single injection dose of 0.2 mL/kg to males and 0.4 mL/kg to females. After induction, the fish spawned, and the eggs produced were fertilized artificially and cell division commenced successfully. The characteristics of each larval developmental stage were closely observed and recorded using a time-lapse imaging technique. The fertilized eggs were spherical, demersal, and non-adhesive throughout their incubation period. The spawned eggs ranged in diameter from 2.1 mm to 2.13 mm and possessed circular yolk sacs. The gastrula stage initiated approximately 4 h after fertilization, with 25% of the yolk sphere covered by blastoderm, reaching 75% coverage at the end of the gastrula stage, approximately 6 h post fertilization. Organogenesis was marked by the formation of notochord and the visibility of rudimentary organs such as the heart, eyes, and gills, followed by tail movement, which was observed at the time of hatching. Compared to other cyprinid fishes, C. mrigala exhibited distinct features at certain stages of embryonic development. Blood circulation was observed to start at the onset of hatching. The lengths of the newly hatched larvae ranged from 2.9 to 3.2 mm, smaller than other reports on induced breeding in carps. The findings of the present study provide a detailed reference for the embryonic development of C. mrigala, which will assist its future research endeavors and large-scale seed production for sustainable aquaculture. Full article

Rifaximin and rifampicin are good broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The irrational use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary clinics could threaten public health and food safety. It is necessary to develop a reliable detection method of the residue for enhancing the rational supervision of the use of such drugs, reducing and slowing down the generation of bacterial resistance, and promoting animal food safety and human health. So, this study developed an LC-MS/MS method for the detection of rifaximin and rifampicin residues in animal-origin foods. The residual rifaximin and rifampicin of homogenized test materials were extracted with acetonitrile-dichloromethane solution or acetonitrile in the presence of anhydrous sodium sulfate and vitamin C, purified by dispersible solid phase extraction, determined by LC-MS/MS, and quantified by the internal standard method. The specificity, sensitivity, matrix effect, accuracy, and precision of the method were investigated in the edible tissues of cattle, swine, or chicken. In addition, the stability of the standard stock solution and the standard working solution was also investigated. The method was suitable for the muscle, liver, kidney, fat, milk, and eggs of cattle, swine, or chicken, as well as fish and shrimp. The specificity of the method was good, and the detection of the analytes was not affected by different matrices. Both the LOD and LOQ of the two analytes were 5 μg/kg and 10 μg/kg, respectively. The results of matrix effects in each tissue were in the range of 80–120%; there were no significant matrix effects. The average accuracy of rifaximin and rifampicin in different foodstuffs of animal origin was between 80% and 120%, and the method precision was below 20% (RSD). The proposed method showed good performance for determination, which could be employed for the extraction, purification, and detection of residual rifaximin and rifampicin in edible animal tissues. The pretreatment procedure of tissue samples was simple and feasible. The method was highly specific, stable, reliable, and with high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, which met the requirements of quantitative detection of veterinary drug residues. Full article

The use of nanoparticles in the industry carries the risk of their release into the environment. Based on the presumption that the primary graphene oxide (GO) toxicity mechanism is reactive oxygen species production in the cell, the question arises as to whether well-known antioxidants can protect the cell or significantly reduce the effects of GO. This study focused on the possible remedial effect of vitamin C in Acheta domesticus intoxicated with GO for whole lives. The reproduction potential was measured at the level of Vitellogenin (Vg) gene expression, Vg protein expression, hatching success, and share of nutrition in the developing egg. There was no simple relationship between the Vg gene’s expression and the Vg protein content. Despite fewer eggs laid in the vitamin C groups, hatching success was high, and egg composition did not differ significantly. The exceptions were GO20 and GO20 + Vit. C groups, with a shift in the lipid content in the egg. Most likely, ascorbic acid impacts the level of Vg gene expression but does not affect the production of Vg protein or the quality of eggs laid. Low GO concentration in food did not cause adverse effects, but the relationship between GO toxicity and its concentration should be investigated more thoroughly. Full article

(1) Introduction: Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) are one of the most common causes of disease in the world. Clinical diagnosis of most parasitic diseases is difficult because they do not produce characteristic symptoms. (2) Methods: The PubMed, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library medical databases were reviewed using the following phrases: “parasitic infections and diagnostics”, “intestinal parasites”, “gastrointestinal parasites”, “parasitic infections and diagnostics”, and their combinations. (3) Results and Conclusions: Correct diagnosis of GIP involves determining the presence of a parasite and establishing a relationship between parasite invasion and disease symptoms. The diagnostic process should consider the possibility of the coexistence of infection with several parasites at the same time. In such a situation, diagnostics should be planned with consideration of their frequency in each population and the local epidemiological situation. The importance of the proper interpretation of laboratory test results, based on good knowledge of the biology of the parasite, should be emphasized. The presence of the parasite may not be causally related to the disease symptoms. Due to wide access to laboratories, patients often decide to perform tests themselves without clinical justification. Research is carried out using various methods which are often unreliable. This review briefly covers current laboratory methods for diagnosing the most common gastrointestinal parasitic diseases in Europe. In particular, we provide useful information on the following aspects: (i) what to look for and where to look for it (suitability of feces, blood, duodenal contents, material taken from endoscopy or biopsy, tissue samples, and locations for searching for eggs, cysts, parasites, parasite genetic material, and characteristics of immune responses indicating parasitic infections); (ii) when material should be collected for diagnosis and/or to check the effectiveness of treatment; (iii) how—that is, by what methods—laboratory diagnostics should be carried out. Here, the advantages and disadvantages of direct and indirect methods of detecting parasites will be discussed. False-positive or false-negative results are a problem facing many tests. Available tests have different sensitivities and specificities. Therefore, especially in doubtful situations, tests for the presence of the pathogen should be performed using various available methods. It is important that the methods used make it possible to distinguish an active infection from a past infection. Finally, we present laboratory “case reports”, in which we will discuss the diagnostic procedure that allows for the successful identification of parasites. Additionally, we briefly present the possibilities of using artificial intelligence to improve the effectiveness of diagnosing parasitic diseases. Full article

(1) Background: Improving feed efficiency and the vitality of the reproductive system in the late stage of the egg-laying period is of great significance for prolonging the egg-laying cycle and improving egg quality. In the present study, a new flavonoid, which was extracted from kudzu leaf, was chosen to investigate its effects on the productive performance and egg quality of late-laying hens. (2) Methods: A total of 360 500-day-old Hy-Line Brown layer hens were randomly divided into a control treatment group (no KLF supplementation), and groups that received 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0% KLF supplement treatments. Each treatment contained 6 replicates, with 10 hens in each replicate. Productive performance metrics, including the daily egg production, egg weight, the number of deformed eggs, egg quality, egg density, egg shape index, eggshell strength, yolk color, and the Haugh unit, were meticulously recorded for each replicate. Furthermore, microbial communities and hypothalamus gene expressions were investigated based on the results of the productive performance and egg quality. (3) Results: KLF supplementation significantly decreased the deformity rate while significantly increasing the eggshell strength in the finishing phase afterward (p < 0.05). Specifically, hens supplemented with 0.6% KLF possessed the lowest deformed egg rate. KLF supplementation significantly increased the relative abundances of Bifidobacterium sp., Blautia sp., Lactococcus sp., and Lactobacillus sp., while significantly decreasing Parasutterella sp. and Escherichia-Shigella sp. (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the interactive analysis showed the hypothalamus gene expression mainly interacted with probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp., through ribosome biogenesis, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and cAMP signaling pathways. (4) Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicate that KLF supplementation significantly proliferated probiotics, such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which may have further interacted with hypothalamus genes, thus decreasing the deformity rate while increasing eggshell strength in the finishing phase. Full article

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive species native to China. It was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014. It is known to cause great economic damage by destroying various crops, specifically grape vines, and therefore, several efforts have been made to control and mitigate its spread from the Northeast. Canine detection is a useful detection tool; however, it is crucial to understand the volatile organic compounds emitting by this pest to better direct canine training paradigms to prevent false alerts and to understand potential volatile markers of importance indicative of this species. The purpose of this study is to address the gap in research regarding the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of SLF to better inform pest control mitigation strategies. Instrumental analysis was performed utilizing SPME-GC/MS on cold-killed SLF eggs, dried crickets, and tree bark. Differences in detected VOCs within each sample set depicted distinctive odor profiles for each matrix tested. Storage of these samples also depicted VOC accumulation variation as a function of time, thereby providing implications for long-term storage and sample handling for these types of training aids in canine applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and their receptors are major regulators of reproduction in mammals and are absent in insects. We previously established transgenic Drosophila lines expressing a constitutively active human LH receptor variant (LHR^D578Y) and the wild-type receptor (LHR^wt; inactive in the absence of an agonist). That study showed that ubiquitously expression of LHR^D578Y—but not of LHR^wt—resulted in pupal lethality, and targeted expression in midline cells resulted in thorax/bristles defects. To further study the Drosophila model for an in vivo drug screening platform, we investigated here whether expressing LHR^D578Y in the fly gonads alters reproduction, as shown in a transgenic mice model. Methods: The receptor was expressed in somatic cells of the gonads using the tissue-specific traffic jam-Gal4 driver. Western blot analysis confirmed receptor expression in the ovaries. Results: A fecundity assay indicated that the ectopic expression of LHR^D578Y resulted in a decrease in egg laying compared to control flies carrying, but not expressing the transgene (~40% decrease in two independent fly lines, p < 0.001). No significant reduction in the number of laid eggs was seen in flies expressing the LHR^WT (<10% decrease compared to non-driven flies, p > 0.05). The decreased egg laying demonstrates a phenotype of the active receptor in the fly gonads, the prime target organs of the gonadotropins in mammals. We suggest that this versatile Drosophila model can be used for the pharmacological search for gonadotropin modulators. Conclusions: This is expected to provide: (a) new mimetic drug candidates (receptor-agonists/signaling-activators) for assisted reproduction treatment, (b) blockers for potential fertility regulation, and (c) leads relevant for the purpose of managing extra gonadotropic reported activities. Full article

Background: Our aim was to identify dietary patterns by the level of maternal education that contribute to BMI, fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in children at age 5 and to assess if these dietary patterns are related to BMI at age 10. Methods: Per group (low/middle/high level), Reduced Rank Regression (RRR) was used to derive dietary patterns for the response variables BMI z-score, FMI, and FFMI in 1728 children at age 5 in the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) cohort. Regression analyses were then used to determine the association with BMI at age 10. Results: In each group, pattern 1 was characterized by its own cluster of food groups. Low: water/tea, savory snacks, sugar, low-fat meat, and fruits; middle: water/tea, low-fat cheese, fish, low-fat dairy, fruit drink, low-fat meat, and eggs; and high: low-fat cheese, fruits, whole-grain breakfast products, and low-fat and processed meat. Additionally, in each group, pattern 1 was positively associated with BMI z-scores at age 10 (low: β ≤ 0.43 [95% CI ≤ 0.21; 0.66], p < 0.001, middle: β ≤ 0.23 [0.09; 0.36], p ≤ 0.001, and high: β ≤ 0.24 [0.18; 0.30], p < 0.001). Conclusions: The dietary patterns stratified by the level of maternal education are characterized by different food groups. But in all the groups, pattern 1 is positively associated with BMI at age 10. Full article

The liver plays an important role in regulating lipid metabolism in animals. This study investigated the function and mechanism of lncLLM in liver lipid metabolism in hens at the peak of egg production. The effect of lncLLM on intracellular lipid content in LMH cells was evaluated by qPCR, Oil Red O staining, and detection of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) content. The interaction between lncLLM and MYH9 was confirmed by RNA purification chromatin fractionation (CHIRP) and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis. The results showed that lncLLM increased the intracellular content of TG and TC and promoted the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis. It was further found that lncLLM had a negative regulatory effect on the expression level of MYH9 protein in LMH cells. The intracellular TG and TC content of MYH9 knockdown cells increased, and the expression of genes related to lipid decomposition was significantly reduced. In addition, this study confirmed that the role of lncLLM is at least partly through mediating the ubiquitination of MYH9 protein to accelerate the degradation of MYH9 protein. This discovery provides a new molecular target for improving egg-laying performance in hens and treating fatty liver disease in humans. Full article

Background: Active compounds from plants and herbs are increasingly incorporated into modern medical systems to address cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic medicinal plant and culinary herb that is popular worldwide. Methods: Protective effects against cellular damage were assessed in the H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) experimental model. The identities of phytochemicals in FVSE were determined by GC-MS analysis. The phytochemical’s potential for nutrients and pharmacokinetic properties was assessed by ADMET analysis. Results: GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extracts of F. vulgare identified 41 bioactive compounds, with four prominent ones: anethole, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone, ethoxydimethylphenylsilane, and para-anisaldehyde diethyl acetal. Among these, anethole stands out due to its potential for nutrients and pharmacokinetic properties assessed by ADMET analysis, such as bioavailability, lipophilicity, flexibility, and compliance with Lipinski’s Rule of Five. In the H/R injury model of H9C2 heart myoblast cells, FVSE and anethole suppressed H/R-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA double-strand break damage, nuclear condensation, and the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Conclusions: These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of FVSE and its prominent component, anethole, in the treatment of CVDs, particularly those associated with hypoxia-induced damage. Full article

Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a widespread and serious mite pest that infests tomato plants and causes economic losses worldwide. We investigated the acaricidal efficacy of two isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Metarhizium robertsii (WG-7) and Beauveria bassiana (WG-12) alone and in combination with abamectin when applied topically to tomato leaf discs in the laboratory against T. urticae. We also evaluated the establishment and proliferation of T. urticae mite life stages on tomato plants in the greenhouse after application of each of the above treatments. The combination of abamectin with each EPF caused 100% mortality in T. urticae immatures after 2 days while each EPF or abamectin alone caused moderate mortality, not exceeding 74.2% 3 days post-exposure. Complete (100%) mortality of adults was observed after 5 days in leaf discs treated with M. robertsii plus abamectin whereas B. bassiana plus abamectin caused 100% mortality after 7 days. The mean number of eggs, emerged immatures, and adults were significantly reduced on both sides of the leaves (i.e., abaxial and adaxial sides) after using the combined application of M. robertsii or B. bassiana plus abamectin, compared to abamectin alone and controls. Our results reveal that the acaricidal efficacy of abamectin combined with either EPF was significantly better in managing the T. urticae life stages than either treatment alone under greenhouse conditions. Full article

To tackle the shortcomings of the Dung Beetle Optimization (DBO) Algorithm, which include slow convergence speed, an imbalance between exploration and exploitation, and susceptibility to local optima, a Somersault Foraging and Elite Opposition-Based Learning Dung Beetle Optimization (SFEDBO) Algorithm is proposed. This algorithm utilizes an elite opposition-based learning strategy as the method for generating the initial population, resulting in a more diverse initial population. To address the imbalance between exploration and exploitation in the algorithm, an adaptive strategy is employed to dynamically adjust the number of dung beetles and eggs with each iteration of the population. Inspired by the Manta Ray Foraging Optimization (MRFO) algorithm, we utilize its somersault foraging strategy to perturb the position of the optimal individual, thereby enhancing the algorithm’s ability to escape from local optima. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed improvements, the SFEDBO algorithm is utilized to optimize 23 benchmark test functions. The results show that the SFEDBO algorithm achieves better solution accuracy and stability, outperforming the DBO algorithm in terms of optimization results on the test functions. Finally, the SFEDBO algorithm was applied to the practical application problems of pressure vessel design, tension/extension spring design, and 3D unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning, and better optimization results were obtained. The research shows that the SFEDBO algorithm proposed in this paper is applicable to actual optimization problems and has better performance. Full article