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Background: The intestinal epithelial barrier is the first line of defense against pathogens and noxious substances entering the body from the outside world. Through proliferation and differentiation, intestinal stem cells play vital roles in tissue regeneration, repair, and the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is caused by the disruption of intestinal homeostasis through the invasion of toxic compounds and pathogenic microorganisms. Hylotelephium erythrostictum (Miq.) H. Ohba (H. erythrostictum) is a plant with diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antirheumatic properties. However, the roles of H. erythrostictum and its bioactive compounds in the treatment of intestinal injury are unknown. Methods: We examined the protective effects of H. erythrostictum water extract (HEWE) and H. erythrostictum butanol extract (HEBE) on Drosophila intestinal injury caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or Erwinia carotovoracarotovora 15 (Ecc15). Results: Our findings demonstrated that both HEWE and HEBE significantly prolonged the lifespan of flies fed toxic compounds, reduced cell mortality, and maintained intestinal integrity and gut acid‒base homeostasis. Furthermore, both HEWE and HEBE eliminated DSS-induced ROS accumulation, alleviated the increases in antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) and intestinal lipid droplets caused by Ecc15 infection, and prevented excessive ISC proliferation and differentiation by inhibiting the JNK, EGFR, and JAK/STAT pathways. In addition, they reversed the significant changes in the proportions of the gut microbiota induced by DSS. The bioactive compounds contained in H. erythrostictum extracts have sufficient potential for use as natural therapeutic agents for the treatment of IBD in humans. Conclusion: Our results suggest that HEWE and HEBE are highly effective in reducing intestinal inflammation and thus have the potential to be viable therapeutic agents for the treatment of gut inflammation. Clinical trial number: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Applied Veterinary Science & Technology is the property of Universitas Airlangga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Moose (Alces alces) in boreal habitats feed and rest where they are exposed to Dipteran flies and the parasites they carry. We collected 31,905 flies during the summer from 12 habituated moose on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Moose flies, Haematobosca alcis (Snow), Diptera: Muscidae—a species that completes its entire life cycle on or around moose—accounted for 91% of flies collected; the reminder of the flies collected included mosquitoes (Culicidae), black flies (Simuliidae), and deer flies (Tabanidae). Flies impose physiological costs for moose, e.g. vectors for parasites such as Legworm (Onchocerca spp.) which causes sores on the hind legs of moose. We found that the number of sores present on the hind legs of moose is positively correlated with body fat, which suggests a correlation between gains of energy and damage from flies. We also found that the number of sores is negatively correlated with serum albumin, which is indicative of an inflammatory response and body protein being used to repair injuries from flies and parasites. The number or type of flies present on a Moose were not correlated with the concentration of corticosteroids in saliva or feces. Flies do not elicit a stress response in moose even though the costs of repairing wounds and resisting infections of those wounds likely reduce gains of protein from summer foraging. Moose can tolerate the injuries from biting flies with regular gains from summer foraging but exposure to insect-borne parasites poses a risk to reproduction and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In flies (Diptera), the ovary displays several distinct patterns of the follicular epithelium formation and diversification. Two main patterns have been identified in the true flies or Brachycera, namely the Rhagio type and the Drosophila type. These patterns align with the traditional division of Brachycera into Orthorrhapha and Cyclorrhapha. However, studies of the follicular epithelium morphogenesis in cyclorrhaphans other than Drosophila are scarce. We characterise the developmental changes associated with the emergence of follicle cell (FC) diversity in two cyclorrhaphans belonging to the family Tephritidae (Brachycera, Cyclorrhapha). Our analysis revealed that the diversification of FCs in these species shows characteristics of both the Rhagio and Drosophila types. First, a distinct cluster of FCs, consisting of polar cells and border‐like cells, differentiates at the posterior pole of the ovarian follicle. This feature is unique to the Rhagio type and has only been reported in species representing the Orthorrhapha group. Second, morphological criteria have identified a significantly smaller number of subpopulations of FCs than in Drosophila. Furthermore, while the general pattern of FC migration is similar to that of Drosophila, the distinctive migration of the anterior‐dorsal FCs is absent. In the studied tephritids, the migration of the anterior polar cell/border cell cluster towards the anterior pole of the oocyte is followed by the posterior migration of the main body cuboidal FCs to cover the expanding oocyte. Finally, during the onset of vitellogenesis, a distinct subset of FCs migrates towards the centre of the ovarian follicle to cover the oocyte's anterior pole. Our study also highlights specific actions of some FCs that accompany the migration process, which has not been previously documented in cyclorrhaphans. These results support the hypothesis that the posterior and centripetal migrations of morphologically unique FC subsets arose in the common ancestor of Cyclorrhapha. These events appear to have occurred fairly recently in the evolutionary timeline of Diptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms produce a great variety of defense chemical compounds to protect themselves from fungivores. Alpha‐amanitin is one of such compounds found in some Amanita mushrooms. The present study focuses on the effect of α‐amanitin on adult survival in 17 drosophilid species including mycophagous ones from the subgenus Drosophila and the genus Hirtodrosophila and nonmycophagous ones of the subgenera Drosophila, Siphlodora and Sophophora. The results showed that all the essential fungivores and some partially mycophagous species from different lineages are tolerant to this lethal toxin at a concentration of 50 μg/mL, suggesting that the α‐amanitin tolerance may have been acquired more or less independently of the evolution of mycophagy in the family Drosophilidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Anthomyiidae (Diptera) has received very little attention in Portugal and as a consequence the state of knowledge of this group of flies in the country is very insufficient. Until now, only 20 species were known for mainland Portugal, but non-systematic sampling carried out over more than 10 years allowed the discovery of 52 new species for the country, 12 of which are also new to the fauna of the Iberian Peninsula, and three additional species new to mainland Portugal (that had already been reported to the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira). An updated checklist of the species that are currently known in mainland Portugal is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The sterile insect technique (SIT) of Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata depends on the ability of male to compete successfully against wild male in obtaining matings with wild females. Methods: To evaluate mass and wild reared the sexual performance and compatibility of medflies has been conducted in a series of field cages test. At the same time, this study has been done in the laboratory domestication as well. Three populations have been tested in this research: wild flies from of Perth Hills stone; Western Australia and Norwood road, Maida Vale, Perth; semi-wild flies after 7 to 10 generation in the lab. and a mass-reared and wild strains of flies were used in the study. Result: All the field cages have been indicating that all population of medfly are all most the same. There is no significant difference in the number of egg and sex ratio of wild population. In the mass- reared males, the performed of males are significantly poorer than wild male in achieve mating with wild female. The study has been showed that mating performances are reduced in mass-reared and semi-wild fly after 8 to 11 generation in laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is the main causative agent of flystrike of sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Female flies lay eggs in an open wound or natural orifice, and the developing larvae eat the host's tissues, a condition called myiasis. To improve our understanding of host-seeking behavior, we quantified gene expression in male and female antennae based on their behavior. Methods: A spatial olfactometer was used to evaluate the olfactory response of L. cuprina mated males and gravid females to fresh or rotting beef. Antennal RNA-Seq analysis was used to identify sensory receptors differentially expressed between groups. Results: Lucilia cuprina females were more attracted to rotten compared to fresh beef (> fivefold increase). However, males and some females did not respond to either type of beef. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on antennae dissected from attracted females, non-attracted females and males. Transcripts encoding sensory receptors from 11 gene families were identified above a threshold (≥ 5 transcript per million) including 49 ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs), two ammonium transporters (AMTs), 37 odorant receptors (ORs), 16 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 5 gustatory receptors (GRs), 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 9 CD36-sensory neuron membrane proteins (CD36/SNMPs), 4 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 4 myeloid lipid-recognition (ML) and Niemann-Pick C2 disease proteins (ML/NPC2), 2 pickpocket receptors (PPKs) and 3 transient receptor potential channels (TRPs). Differential expression analyses identified sex-biased sensory receptors. Conclusions: We identified sensory receptors that were differentially expressed between the antennae of both sexes and hence may be associated with host detection by female flies. The most promising for future investigations were as follows: an odorant receptor (LcupOR46) which is female-biased in L. cuprina and Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel, 1858; an ABC transporter (ABC G23.1) that was the sole sensory receptor upregulated in the antennae of females attracted to rotting beef compared to non-attracted females; a female-biased ammonia transporter (AMT_Rh50), which was previously associated with ammonium detection in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830. This is the first report suggesting a possible role for ABC transporters in L. cuprina olfaction and potentially in other insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many environmental features are cyclic, with predictable changes across the day, seasons and latitudes. Additionally, anthropogenic, artificial-light-induced changes in photoperiod or shiftwork-driven novel light/dark cycles also occur. Endogenous timekeepers or circadian clocks help organisms cope with such changes. The remarkable plasticity of clocks is evident in the waveforms of behavioural and molecular rhythms they govern. Despite detailed mechanistic insights into the functioning of the circadian clock, practical means to manipulate activity waveform are lacking. Previous studies using a nocturnal rodent model showed that novel light regimes caused locomotor activity to bifurcate such that mice showed two bouts of activity restricted to the dimly lit phases. Here, we explore the generalizability of these findings and leverage the genetic toolkit of Drosophila melanogaster to obtain mechanistic insights into this unique phenomenon. We find that dim scotopic illumination of specific durations induces circadian photoreceptor CRYPTOCHROME-dependent activity bifurcation in male flies. We show circadian reorganization of the pacemaker circuit, wherein the 'evening' neurons regulate the timing of both bouts of activity under novel light regimes. Our findings indicate that such environmental regimes can be exploited to design light cycles, which can ease the circadian waveform into synchronizing with challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to observe, contextualize, and analyze the multifaceted religious fungal foundations of Moscow Conceptualism within the context of Slavic and European esoteric mythological praxis. By unveiling the thematic basis of their transgressive spiritual endeavors, this study seeks to enhance our comprehension of this artistic and literary movement in the Western world. Besides exploring the erotic aesthetics associated with mushrooms, significant attention is devoted to various flies, as the biological vitality of the mukhomor ('fly agaric' or amanita muscaria) is inconceivable without them. Moscow Conceptualist visionaries, including Andrey Monastyrsky, Ilia Kabakov, Elagina and Makarevich, and the Mukhomor Moscow collectives, along with their no less famous colleague from Leningrad, Sergey Kuriokhin, emerge not only as artists but also as literary innovators. They seamlessly integrate advancements from the realm of art, giving rise to a novel form of religiously symbiotic semiosis. Consequently, the traditional boundaries between diverse art forms become blurred, marking a distinctive characteristic that aligns with international contemporary avant-garde aesthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An insecticidal efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) synthesised from aqueous leaf extract of Eucalyptus tereticornis, was carried out against adults, larval and pupal stages of Haematobia flies. In in vitro adulticidal and larvicidal assays the mortality ranged between 30.0 to 67.0 and 5.0 to 75.0 per cent in treated groups after 24 hours at different concentrations, respectively. The inhibition of pupation ranged between 5.0 to 30.0 per cent after 24 hours by dipping method. The lethal concentration values were calculated for all the assays. The probit analysis revealed the significant (p<0.05) effect at different concentrations of AgNPs synthesised from aqueous leaf extract of E. tereticornis on adults, larvae and pupal mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Moose (Alces alces) in the boreal forest habitats of Alaska are unlike other northern ungulates because they tolerate high densities of flies (Diptera) even though flies cause wounds and infections during the warm summer months. Moose move to find food and to find relief from overheating (hyperthermia) but do they avoid flies? We used GPS collars to measure the rate of movement (m⋅h−1) and the time spent (min⋅day−1) by enclosed moose in four habitats: wetlands, black spruce, early seral boreal forest, and late seral boreal forest. Fly traps were used in each habitat to quantify spatio‐temporal abundance. Average daily air temperatures increased into July when peak biomass of forage for moose was greatest in early seral boreal forest habitats (424.46 vs. 25.15 kg⋅ha−1 on average in the other habitats). Average daily air temperatures were 1.7°C cooler in black spruce than other habitats, but fly abundance was greatest in black spruce (approximately 4‐fold greater on average than the other habitats). Moose increased their movement rate with counts of biting flies (mosquitoes, black flies, horse and deer flies), but not non‐biting flies (coprophagous flies). However, as air temperature increased (above 14.7°C) moose spent more time in fly‐abundant black spruce, than early seral boreal forest, showing great tolerance for mosquitoes. Warm summer temperatures appear to cause moose to trade‐off foraging in fly‐sparse habitats for resting and dissipating heat in shady, wet habitats with abundant flies that adversely affect the fitness of moose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrates lack the immune machinery underlying vertebrate-like acquired immunity. However, in many insects past infection by the same pathogen can 'prime' the immune response, resulting in improved survival upon reinfection. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis and epidemiological consequences of innate immune priming in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster when infected with the gram-negative bacterial pathogen Providencia rettgeri. We find that priming in response to P. rettgeri infection is long-lasting and sexually dimorphic response. We further explore the epidemiological consequences of immune priming and find it has the potential to curtail pathogen transmission by reducing pathogen shedding and spread. The enhanced survival of individuals previously exposed to a non-lethal bacterial inoculum coincided with a transient decrease in bacterial loads, and we provide strong evidence that the effect of priming requires the IMD-responsive antimicrobial-peptide Diptericin-B in the fat body. Further, we show that while Diptericin B is the main effector of bacterial clearance, it is not sufficient for immune priming, which requires regulation of IMD by peptidoglycan recognition proteins. This work underscores the plasticity and complexity of invertebrate responses to infection, providing novel experimental evidence for the effects of innate immune priming on population-level epidemiological outcomes. Author summary: When we are vaccinated, our immune response is able to respond quickly if we are ever exposed to the same pathogen in the future. Unlike humans, the immune systems of invertebrates, such as insects, are not capable of the same type of specific immune memory. However, much work has shown that insects previously exposed to an inactivated pathogen will fare better if they are re-infected–a phenomenon broadly called "immune priming". How insects are able to do this is an exciting focus of current research. We investigated immune priming in the fruit fly, a powerful model system for infection and immunity. We found that exposure to an inactivated form of the bacterial fly pathogen Providencia rettgeri resulted in flies surviving a subsequent live infection. This effect lasted several days, was stronger in male flies, and was seen in different fly genetic backgrounds. We uncovered that priming requires a specific immune response in the fly fat-body (the equivalent to a fly 'liver') that produces an antimicrobial protein called Diptericin. We also found that primed flies were able to keep pathogen growth lower, and that this reduced their ability to spread the infection to other flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moose (Alces alces) in the boreal forest habitats of Alaska are unlike other northern ungulates because they tolerate high densities of flies (Diptera) even though flies cause wounds and infections during the warm summer months. Moose move to find food and to find relief from overheating (hyperthermia) but do they avoid flies? We used GPS collars to measure the rate of movement (m⋅h−1) and the time spent (min⋅day−1) by enclosed moose in four habitats: wetlands, black spruce, early seral boreal forest, and late seral boreal forest. Fly traps were used in each habitat to quantify spatio‐temporal abundance. Average daily air temperatures increased into July when peak biomass of forage for moose was greatest in early seral boreal forest habitats (424.46 vs. 25.15 kg⋅ha−1 on average in the other habitats). Average daily air temperatures were 1.7°C cooler in black spruce than other habitats, but fly abundance was greatest in black spruce (approximately 4‐fold greater on average than the other habitats). Moose increased their movement rate with counts of biting flies (mosquitoes, black flies, horse and deer flies), but not non‐biting flies (coprophagous flies). However, as air temperature increased (above 14.7°C) moose spent more time in fly‐abundant black spruce, than early seral boreal forest, showing great tolerance for mosquitoes. Warm summer temperatures appear to cause moose to trade‐off foraging in fly‐sparse habitats for resting and dissipating heat in shady, wet habitats with abundant flies that adversely affect the fitness of moose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is a naturally derived polymer that has significant potential for use as a bioinsecticide. Despite this, there is a lack of research as to the efficacy of chitosan for many insect pest species. The apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one such pest for which chitosan toxicity has not been explored. In this study, the toxicity of chitosan for R. pomonella adults was tested via no-choice feeding assays. An aging trial was further used to test the mortality of flies provided dried chitosan-sucrose treatments (CST), which were aged for 0 or 3 days in greenhouse conditions. This study found that the CST is toxic for R. pomonella adults when ingested, leading to a significant increase in the rate of mortality compared to control groups. The use of dried chitosan, however, did not change the mortality of flies, suggesting this will not be an effective delivery mechanism. Effective biopesticide delivery systems have not been defined for chitosan use outside of a laboratory, indicating the need for further research testing delivery mechanisms. It is suggested that an effective method of delivery can be as a food-based bait in attract-and-kill traps, as chitosan must be ingested to kill flies. Forming a viscous solution, chitosan may be best suited to these lure systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wolbachia is a maternally inherited intracellular bacterium that is considered to be the most plentiful endosymbiont found in arthropods. It reproductively manipulates its host to increase the chances of being transmitted to the insect progeny; and it is currently used as a means of suppressing disease vector populations or controlling vector-borne diseases. Studies of the dissemination and prevalence of Wolbachia among its arthropod hosts are important for its possible use as a biological control agent. The molecular identification of Wolbachia relies on different primers sets due to Wolbachia strain variation. Here, we screened for the presence of Wolbachia in a broad range of Brachycera fly species (Diptera), collected from different regions of Iran, using nine genetic markers (wsp, ftsZ, fbpA, gatB, CoxA, gltA, GroEL dnaA, and 16s rRNA), for detecting, assessing the sensitivity of primers for detection, and phylogeny of this bacterium. The overall incidence of Wolbachia among 22 species from six families was 27.3%. The most commonly positive fly species were Pollenia sp. and Hydrotaea armipes. However, the bacterium was not found in the most medically important flies or in potential human disease vectors, including Musca domestica, Sarcophaga spp., Calliphora vicinia, Lucilia sericata, and Chrysomya albiceps. The primer sets of 16s rRNA with 53.0% and gatB with 52.0% were the most sensitive primers for detecting Wolbachia. Blast search, phylogenetic, and MLST analysis of the different locus sequences of Wolbachia show that all the six distantly related fly species likely belonging to supergroup A. Our study showed some primer sets generated false negatives in many of the samples, emphasizing the importance of using different loci in detecting Wolbachia. The study provides the groundwork for future studies of a Wolbachia-based program for control of flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) possesses extensive pharmacological activities associated with anti‐tumour, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti‐ageing effects of A. argyi extract (AAE) on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ageing model by detecting antioxidant enzyme activities and the mRNA level of antioxidant genes. RESULTS: AAE could significantly lengthen the mean lifespan, 50% survival days, and maximum lifespan of D. melanogaster, especially when the amount of AAE added reached 6.68 mg mL−1, the mean lifespan of both female and male flies increased by 23.74% and 22.30%, respectively, indicating the effective life extension effect of AAE. At the same time, AAE could improve the climbing ability and tolerance to hydrogen peroxide in D. melanogaster. In addition, the addition of AAE effectively increased the activities of copper‐zinc‐containing superoxide dismutase, manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase and catalase in D. melanogaster and reduced the contents of malondialdehyde. Moreover, when reared with diets containing AAE, the expression of antioxidant‐related genes SOD1, SOD2 and CAT was up‐regulated in D. melanogaster and down‐regulated for MTH genes. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that AAE effectively enhances the antioxidant capacity of D. melanogaster and has potential applications as an antioxidant and anti‐ageing agent in the nutraceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macronutrient intake impacts physiology, behavior, and gene expression in a wide range of organisms. We used the response surface methodology to compare how life history traits, lifespan, and reproduction differ as a function of protein and carbohydrate intakes under choice and no-choice feeding regimens in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We found that when offered a choice of nutritionally complementary foods mated female flies regulated toward a protein to carbohydrate ratio (P:C) that was associated with shortened lifespan and maximal egg production when compared to response surfaces derived from flies fed 1 of a range of fixed diets differing in P:C (no-choice regimen). This difference in lifespan between choice and no-choice feeding was not seen in males or virgin flies, reflecting the fact that increased protein intake is triggered by mating to support egg production. However, whereas in mated females a higher P:C intake was associated with greater egg production under both choice and no-choice feeding, contrary to expectations, choice-fed mated flies laid fewer eggs than no-choice flies on equivalent macronutrient intakes, perhaps reflecting that they had to ingest twice the volume of food to attain an equivalent intake of nutrients than no-choice flies on a diet of equivalent P:C ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor and cognitive aging can severely affect life quality of elderly people and burden health care systems. In search for diagnostic behavioral biomarkers, it has been suggested that walking speed can predict forms of cognitive decline, but in humans, it remains challenging to separate the effects of biological aging and lifestyle. We examined a possible association of motor and cognitive decline in Drosophila, a genetic model organism of healthy aging. Long term courtship memory is present in young male flies but absent already during mid life (4–8 weeks). By contrast, courtship learning index and short term memory (STM) are surprisingly robust and remain stable through mid (4–8 weeks) and healthy late life (>8 weeks), until courtship performance collapses suddenly at ~4.5 days prior to death. By contrast, climbing speed declines gradually during late life (>8 weeks). The collapse of courtship performance and short term memory close to the end of life occur later and progress with a different time course than the gradual late life decline in climbing speed. Thus, during healthy aging in male Drosophila, climbing and courtship motor behaviors decline differentially. Moreover, cognitive and motor performances decline at different time courses. Differential behavioral decline during aging may indicate different underlying causes, or alternatively, a common cause but different thresholds for defects in different behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an environmental factor, temperature impacts the distribution of species and influences interspecific competition. The molecular chaperones encoded by small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are essential for rapid, appropriate responses to environmental stress. This study focuses on Hsp20.8 , which encodes a temperature-responsive sHsp in Liriomyza trifolii , an insect pest that infests both agricultural and ornamental crops. Hsp20.8 expression was highest at 39℃ in L. trifolii pupae and adults, and expression levels were greater in pupae than in adults. Recombinant Hsp20.8 was expressed in Escherichia coli and conferred a higher survival rate than the empty vector to bacterial cells exposed to heat stress. RNA interference experiments were conducted using L. trifolii adults and prepupae and the knockdown of Hsp20.8 expression increased mortality in L. trifolii during heat stress. The results expand our understanding of sHsp function in Liriomyza spp. and the ongoing adaptation of this pest to climate change. In addition, this study is also important for predicting the distribution of invasive species and proposing new prevention and control strategies based on temperature adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of investigating the distribution, biology, and role of zoophilic flies Hermetia illucens of the family Stratiomyidae in the occurrence of myiasis in mammals lies in the ability of these flies to parasitise animals, which poses a threat to their health and life. The purpose of this review was to analyse scientific research on the possible spread of Hermetia illucens flies as a potential pathogen of parasitic diseases in Ukraine. The study employed the methods of analysis, comparison, and synthesis of scientific sources. It was found that the natural habitat of these flies is the countries of South and North America with tropical and subtropical climates. However, these flies are also found in European countries, namely: Portugal, Spain, Malta, France, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. To intensify biotechnology in the agricultural sector, the larvae of Hermetia illucens flies are used as an ecological utiliser of organic agricultural residues. It is believed that the main reason for the emergence of Hermetia illucens flies in Europe is their importation into seaports and subsequent introduction into coastal areas. Considering the above, it is possible that Hermetia illucens flies may also appear in Ukraine (in the southwestern regions). Cases of larval parasitism of these flies in mammals have been established. They were mostly detected as parasites in the gastrointestinal tract. Their ability to cause typical enteric myiasis has been confirmed. Larval parasitism is non-specific: diarrhoea (faeces with blood and mucus), flatulence, vomiting, loss of consciousness, etc. The larvae can also parasitise under the skin, forming boils. A frequent cause of human infestation is the consumption of unwashed, overripe fruit and vegetables on which these flies lay their eggs. The results of the review can be used to develop methods for controlling the spread and reproduction of Hermetia illucens flies, as a species whose larvae are capable of parasitising mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectoparasites are arthropods that live outside the host and either attach to or burrow into the host's skin. Arthropods of particular veterinary interest are lice, fleas, mites and flies. This article focuses on Anoplura and Mallophaga lice, as well as green bottle and blue bottle flies. It includes an overview of their morphology, life cycle, effect on their host and the related treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects have innate immunity comprising cellular and humoral defense reactions. Nodulation is a predominant cellular immune response to bacterial infections and the prophenoloxidase (PPO)-activating system acts in nodulation with a melanization reaction that darkens the nodules and produces reactive oxygen species that probably kill the bacteria. Although several eicosanoid actions have been reported in insect immune functions, these actions are relatively understudied among dipterans. We addressed this gap by exploring nodulation reactions to bacterial infections in the 3rd instar of the flesh fly Thomsonea argyrostoma. The Gram-positive bacterium, Micrococcus luteus, was injected either alone or coupled with eicosanoids biosynthesis inhibitors (EBIs). Nodulation exhibits a maximum at 24 h post injection. At zero time of control larvae, a constitutive level of phenoloxidase (PO) was found in plasma. Intrahemocoelic injection of M. luteus induces biosynthesis of PPO in hemocytes, and also its release into and activation in plasma via M. luteus challenge. EBIs suppress nodulation and PPO content of both hemocytes and plasma, but not PO content of plasma. The results imply the mediation of eicosanoids in PPO biosynthesis in hemocytes and its release, but not its activation in plasma. The injection of biogenic monoamines Octopamine (OA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) elevates nodulation and PPO biosynthesis and its activation in plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of forensic entomology, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart 1843) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) has proven to be an important species for postmortem interval (PMI) assessment in criminal investigations. The developmental patterns of C. rufifacies exhibit temperature-dependent variations that are geographically specific, and these variations are influenced by seasonal changes. Hence, understanding the geographically specific development patterns of C. rufifacies in response to temperature and seasonal changes is crucial for improving the accuracy of PMI predictions. In the present study, we examined the developmental rates of C. rufifacies across a temperature gradient (20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C). Primary objective of present study was to gather precise developmental data essential for calculating the post-mortem interval (PMI) within varying temperature ranges. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of seasonal variations, encompassing the summer, rainy and winter seasons, on the growth and developmental patterns of C. rufifacies. The results of present studies show that temperature significantly affects the growth and development of C. rufifacies. The length of developmental stages and morphological parameters varied seasonally, with longer duration and colder temperatures in winter and shorter duration and warmer temperatures in summer. The finding that faster development was directly correlated with higher temperatures highlighted the significance of temperature in affecting an insect's life cycle. Our research highlights the necessity of gathering information on evolution trends that are specific to a given area in order to accurately calculate PMI in forensic entomological investigations. Understanding the interactions between temperature, seasonal variation, and morphological traits is critical for establishing baseline data for PMI estimates. The accuracy of PMI estimates will ultimately increase thanks to this information, and forensic entomologists will have even more opportunities to contribute to forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bactrocera minax is a devastating pest of citrus fruits. However, there have been no effective control measures before. Few reports on the sex pheromones of B. minax are available. RESULTS: In this study, nine of the volatile compounds in adult females were identified using headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Among them, d‐limonene, caprolactam, 2‐Nitro‐1H‐imidazole, and creatinine could evoke antennal responses in males. Field bioassays showed that only d‐limonene could lure male flies, with a relative lure rate of 78.18% in all tested samples, which was significantly higher than that of paraffin oil control, while all volatile compounds did not have any lure effective to female flies. Moreover, d‐limonene was diluted with paraffin oil into differential concentrations, the lure effect on males was better at 100, 500, and 800 μL d‐limonene mL−1 than pure d‐limonene (1000 μL mL−1). The relative male lure rate of d‐limonene at 100 μL mL−1 was 85.88%, which was significantly higher than that of food−baits (14.12%) on day 3. However, d‐limonene was unattractive to female and male Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus tau. Further kinetic analysis showed that female adults released d‐limonene around 15‐day post eclosion. Electroantennography 1 results showed that 500 μL mL−1 d‐limonene evoked the strongest responses to antennae of 10‐ to 25‐day‐old male flies. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that d‐limonene could be a sex pheromone from female flies of B. minax, and it could be used as a male‐specific sex attractant for B. minax. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis typically requires tight end-to-end chromosome pairing. However, in Drosophila spermatogenesis, male flies segregate their chromosomes without classic synaptonemal complex formation and without recombination, instead compartmentalizing homologs into subnuclear domains known as chromosome territories (CTs). How homologs find each other in the nucleus and are separated into CTs has been one of the biggest riddles in chromosome biology. Here, we discuss our current understanding of pairing and CT formation in flies and review recent data on how homologs are linked and partitioned during meiosis in male flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fundamental investigations into the location, load, and persistence of microbes, whether beneficial or detrimental, are scarce. Many questions about the retention and survival of microbes on various surfaces, as well as the load necessary for spread, exist. To answer these questions, we must know more about where to find various microbes and in what concentrations, the composition of the microbial communities, and the extent of dissemination between various elements. This study investigated the diversity, composition, and relative abundance of the communities associated with manure, lagoons, troughs, house flies, and stable flies present at a dairy, implementing two different free-stall management systems: flow-through and cross-vent. Shotgun metagenomics at the community level was used to compare the microbiomes within the dairy, allowing confident interpretation at the species level. Results: The results showed that there were significant difference in microbial composition between not only each of the dairy elements but also management styles. The primary exceptions were the microbiomes of the house fly and the stable fly. Their compositions heavily overlapped with one another, but interestingly, not with the other components sampled. Additionally, both species of flies carried more pathogens than the other elements of the dairy, indicating that they may not share these organisms with the other components, or that the environments offered by the other components are unsatisfactory for the survival of some pathogens.. Conclusion: The lack of overlapping pathogen profiles suggests a lack of transfer from flies to other dairy elements. Dairy health data, showing a low incidence of disease, suggests minimal sharing of bacteria by the flies at a level required for infection, given the health program of this dairy. While flies did carry a multitude of pathogenic bacteria, the mere presence of the bacteria associated with the flies did not necessarily translate into high risk leading to morbidity and mortality at this dairy. Thus, using flies as the sole sentinel of dairy health may not be appropriate for all bacterial pathogens or dairies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rate of solid waste generation, especially in Malaysia, has become one of the major concerns for environmental and public health issues. Food waste accounts for the highest percentage of solid waste that ends up in landfills. Due to the living nature of humans and their involvement in agricultural, industrial, and municipal activities, the disposal of food waste happens on a regular basis. Due to the absence of an incineration plant, these wastes are commonly sent into landfills which are considered to be the most cost-effective method for disposal. Nevertheless, consideration for an alternative disposal method such as composting shall not be ruled out entirely. One of the established methods for composting food waste is the utilization of the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly. A study was conducted to assess the growth and nutritional composition, waste reduction capacity and nutritional composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) reared on food waste. We found that the larvae reared with the food waste and effective microorganism (EM), LFWEM (BSFL reared with a mixture of food waste and effective microorganisms), have a slightly better relative growth rate (2.66 ± 0.35 day-1) compared to larvae reared with only food waste (2.44 ± 0.17 day-1). The waste reduction index was higher in the LFWEM group (5.36 ± 0.18 g/day) compared to the control group, LFC (BSFL reared with chicken feed) (4.85 ± 0.03 g/day) and the LFW (BSFL reared with food waste) group (5.13 ± 0.17 g/day). The nutritional composition of the BSFL reared using food waste shows some potential as it surpasses some of the amount of essential amino acids including Arginine, Histidine, Threonine and Valine, found in the commercially available animal feeds. This finding serves as a baseline to propose potential replacements for animal protein by using BSFL reared with food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), are important biting pests of dairy cattle and other livestock. These flies develop in decaying organic matter, such as soiled animal bedding. As part of a larger study of management options in organic dairy production, leftover debris from two winter housing systems, outdoor straw packs and indoor sawdust compost barns, were analyzed for the numbers and size of stable flies produced the following summer. The study was conducted at the University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris. During winter, independently managed groups of 20 cows were housed from November to May in replicate housing systems. After the cows were moved to summer pasture, fly traps were assembled in the leftover piles (n = 4): emergence traps to quantify stable fly emergence and Olson traps to study ambient adults. The size of the emerged flies and 30 ambient adult females were measured. The sampled females were also dissected to determine the gonotrophic age. During peak emergence in both years, straw piles produced significantly more stable flies than compost bedding, but the adults were equal in size. The Olson traps showed adults were equally abundant at both sources. Over 60% of the females dissected were previtellogenic, indicating local emergence. Compost bedding is useful in managing stable fly numbers, while straw presents a serious stable fly production liability if not disposed of properly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in Mexican amber is described as Cyphomyia mexicana sp. nov. Diagnostic features of the new fossil include a tapering antennal flagellum, with the last three flagellomeres nearly cylindrical in shape, the terminal flagellomere appearing as an arista-like style, the presence of three transverse light bands fused on the posterior portion of the scutum, and the scutellum entirely covered by short and appressed setae. While the new fossil species has the typical wing venation and body shape found in extant Neotropical species of Cyphomyia, the body, wing colour and setal pattern on the thorax and abdomen resembles that of a group of species containing C. wiedemanni Gerstaecker, 1857. The fossil cannot be assigned to any extant or extinct species of Cyphomyia, due to its unique antennae. This is the first fossil species of Cyphomyia in amber and the fourth fossil species of Stratiomyidae from Mexican amber. Cyphomyia rohweri, the only other fossil species assigned to the genus, is more similar to undescribed stratiomyids from Florissan beds, which are not Cyphomyia, so, in this paper, we place C. rohweri as incertae sedis in the Clitellariinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval habitats of blood-feeding stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), overlap with foraging sites of black blow flies, Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We tested the hypothesis that bacteria in blow fly excreta inform oviposition decisions by female stable flies. In laboratory 2-choice bioassays, we offered gravid female stable flies fabric-covered agar plates as oviposition sites that were kept sterile or inoculated with either a blend of 7 bacterial strains isolated from blow fly excreta (7-isolate-blend) or individual bacterial isolates from that blend. The 7-isolate-blend deterred oviposition by female stable flies, as did either of 2 strains of Morganella morganii subsp. sibonii. Conversely, Exiguobacterium sp. and Serratia marcescens each prompted oviposition by flies. The flies' oviposition decisions appear to be guided by bacteria-derived semiochemicals as the bacteria could not be physically accessed. Oviposition deterrence caused by semiochemicals of the 7-isolate-blend may help stable flies avoid competition with blow flies. The semiochemicals of bioactive bacterial strains could be developed as trap lures to attract and capture flies and deter their oviposition in select larval habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gravid female stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), oviposit in many types of organic substrates, including animal feces, but there is limited information as to which factors mediate attraction and oviposition. Here, we (1) tested effects of oviposition site moisture and odor on attraction and oviposition by flies, and (2) selected a highly effective oviposition site (fly rearing medium) to determine the key constituent(s) that mediate(s) attraction and oviposition. In moving‐ and still‐air olfactometers as well as large laboratory rooms, we show that (1) odor and moisture of oviposition sites play distinguishable functional roles in the close‐range attraction of gravid female flies and their propensity to oviposit, (2) rearing medium containing fish food, wheat bran, wood chips, and a watery solution of ammonium bicarbonate [(NH4)HCO₃, releasing NH3 and CO2] is a more appealing oviposition site to female flies than is cow feces, (3) ammonium bicarbonate in this medium is the key constituent for stable fly attraction and oviposition, (4) NH3 alone or in combination with CO2, but not CO2 alone, attracts stable flies and induces oviposition, and (5) NH3/CO2 and fish food in combination are more attractive than NH3/CO2 or fish food alone. With fecal bacteria reportedly emitting NH3, and with stable fly larval development reportedly reliant on (fecal) microbes, it follows that gravid female flies may be guided by airborne microbe‐derived cues originating from prospective oviposition sites. Isolating these microbes and identifying their odorants could enable the development of a synthetic odor blend which, coupled with NH3 and CO2, may prove highly effective as a trap lure to capture gravid female stable flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many haematophagous insects use the heat emitted by warm‐blooded animals as a cue for locating suitable hosts. Blood‐feeding stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), are known to respond to visual and olfactory host cues. However, the effects of thermal host cues on the foraging behaviour of these flies remain largely unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that host‐foraging stable flies preferentially land on objects with host‐like temperature, and on objects with both visual and thermal host‐like cues. In laboratory bioassays, stable flies were offered a choice between paired temperature‐controlled copper discs. Flies preferentially landed on the disc with a host‐like temperature (40 °C), discriminating against discs that were cooler (26 or 35 °C) or warmer (50 or 60 °C) than vertebrate hosts. Flies that were well fed and thus not in foraging mode, or host‐foraging flies that were offered infrared radiation but not the conductive and convective heat of different temperature discs, failed to discriminate between the stimuli. In greenhouse experiments, when flies were offered a choice between paired barrels as surrogate hosts, flies preferentially landed on barrels that were both thermally and visually appealing (38–39 °C, black), discriminating against barrels that were cold (10 °C), white, or both cold and white. Thermal cues augmented the overall landing responses of flies but their initial (mid‐range) attraction to barrels was mediated by visual cues. Overall, the data suggest that thermal host cues affect the host‐foraging behaviour of stable flies primarily at close range, prompting landing on a host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhabitants in the forest ecosystem store energy for their own use and then give it to their predators. There is animal territorialism in the forest ecosystem. Large animals need a larger territory to harvest their needs. Some species mark the boundaries of their territory with their urine to prevent other species from intruding. Natural plant saps are usually the first step of the food chain. Ants, larvae, and flies that consume the natural plant juices are usually the second step of the food chain. Anteaters, larvae‐eating birds, and frogs constitute the third step. Pumas and jaguars, wolves, tigers, and lions eat the anteaters, frogs, and birds. The average exergy efficiency of going from the nth step to n + 1 step is 0.078‐fold of the previous step. Energy storage efficiency of any species depends on the path they follow. The longer the path is, the smaller will be the energy stored by each of the species efficiency down the food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biting flies and associated pathogens are the major health constraints on camel production and productivity and are implicated in causing significant economic losses in the pastoralist community in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of biting flies and their associated pathogens in relation to different risk factors in camels in the Amibara district, from October 2019 to April 2020. A total of 480 camels were examined for biting flies and associated pathogens. The study revealed that overall, 87% (418/480) and 18% (87/480) of camels were infested by one or more biting flies and infected with Trypanosoma evansi during the study period, respectively. The collected biting flies were identified into a total of 3 genera: Hippobosca, Stomoxys, and Tabanus under the stereomicroscope. In the present study, Hippobosca (40.4%) was the most prevalent biting fly, followed by Stomoxys (31%) and Tabanus (28.6%), which affected camels in the study area. Among camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi, 7.3% and 16% were positive for parasitological and serological tests, respectively. Age, body condition score, and season appeared to have a significant effect (p ≤ 0.005) on the prevalence of biting flies and T. evansi on dromedaries. According to the findings of this study, biting flies and Trypanosoma evansi were the most common limitations on camel health, production, and productivity in the study area. As a result of the possible threat of biting flies' infestation and Trypanosoma evansi on camels, all-around attention is required in terms of strategic acaricide application, proper antiprotozoal drug use, and raising knowledge about acaricide use to prevent and control biting flies' infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tribe Dacini, within the sub-family Dacinae of the Tephritidae family, includes major fruit flies within the genera Zeugodacus, Bactrocera, and Dacus. The Bactrocera spp., which were previously grouped into subgenera Zeugodacus and Bactrocera, have been treated as separate genera in recent years. These dacine flies are widely spread in fruits and vegetables. The first dacine fruit fly, i.e. D. (Callantra) nepalensis reported in 1964 from Nepal is still a holotype. Altogether, 27 species have been reported in Nepal from three genera-Dacus (6), Zeugodacus (8), and Bactrocera (13), of which 10 species are attracted to cue-lure, 7 species to methyl eugenol, 2 species to zingerone, 1 species to lati-lure and 5 species to more than one lure, while lure for 2 species are unknown. Among them, 7 species are oligophagous pests, 6 species are polyphagous pests, and the pest status of 14 species is unknown. Fruit fly infestation and damage have been recorded in different crops such as; 5 species on cucurbits, 2 species on different fruits, 4 species on different fruits and vegetables, 1 species on citrus fruits, and 1 species on solanaceous vegetables. Three species; Z. cucurbitae, Z. tau, and B. minax, have been recorded from infested fruit cultures of cucurbits and sweet orange too. However, pest status, preferred hosts, and biology of many species remain yet to be explored and reported from Nepal. Further studies are necessary focusing on fruit fly species of economic importance concerning host preference for developing appropriate management strategy. Efforts are needed to identify the fruit fly species that inflict actual damage to the hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Euepalpus Townsend, 1908 is a small Neotropical genus of bristle flies (Diptera: Tachinidae: Tachinini), which includes two valid species whose taxonomy is unclear, mainly because males and females are sexually dimorphic. Males exhibit a pair of sexual patches on the dorsal surface of abdominal tergite 5, an unusual feature in Tachinidae. Here, the genus is revised, including a key to species and detailed descriptions and illustrations of the type material and males and females of each species. The male and female terminalia of Euepalpus species are described for the first time. Finally, I discuss the occurrence and distribution of sexual patches in Tachinini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity changes multiple factors in the environment, which can have positive or negative synergistic effects on organisms. However, few studies have explored the causal effects of multiple anthropogenic factors, such as urbanization and invasive species, on animals and the mechanisms that mediate these interactions. This study examines the influence of urbanization on the detrimental effect of invasive avian vampire flies (Philornis downsi) on endemic Darwin's finches in the Galápagos Islands. We experimentally manipulated nest fly abundance in urban and non‐urban locations and then characterized nestling health, fledging success, diet, and gene expression patterns related to host defense. Fledging success of non‐parasitized nestlings from urban (79%) and non‐urban (75%) nests did not differ significantly. However, parasitized, non‐urban nestlings lost more blood, and fewer nestlings survived (8%) compared to urban nestlings (50%). Stable isotopic values (δ15N) from urban nestling feces were higher than those from non‐urban nestlings, suggesting that urban nestlings are consuming more protein. δ15N values correlated negatively with parasite abundance, which suggests that diet might influence host defenses (e.g., tolerance and resistance). Parasitized, urban nestlings differentially expressed genes within pathways associated with red blood cell production (tolerance) and pro‐inflammatory response (innate immunological resistance), compared to parasitized, non‐urban nestlings. In contrast, parasitized non‐urban nestlings differentially expressed genes within pathways associated with immunoglobulin production (adaptive immunological resistance). Our results suggest that urban nestlings are investing more in pro‐inflammatory responses to resist parasites but also recovering more blood cells to tolerate blood loss. Although non‐urban nestlings are mounting an adaptive immune response, it is likely a last effort by the immune system rather than an effective defense against avian vampire flies since few nestlings survived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional records of Clusiidae (2 species), Acartophthalmidae (1), Opomyzidae (4), Anthomyzidae (5), Aulacigastridae (3), Stenomicridae (1), Periscelididae (4), Asteiidae (2) and Odiniidae (3) obtained in 2023 during the bioinventory field work in the Gemer in Central Slovakia are presented. Notes on distribution, biology, faunistics in Slovakia and/or nature conservation importance are given for the most interesting records. Two species are new additions to the fauna of Slovakia, viz. Podocera delicata (Collin, 1944), Stenomicridae (new easternmost record) and Periscelis (Myodris) piricercus Carles-Tolrá & Verdugo Páez, 2009, Periscelididae (new northernmost record). First records of Geomyza subnigra Drake, 1992 (Opomyzidae) and Typhamyza bifasciata (Wood, 1911) (Anthomyzidae) from the Cerová vrchovina PLA are given. Apart from the above faunal additions, the following rare or otherwise significant species have again been recorded from the Cerová vrchovina PLA: Aulacigaster falcata Papp, 1998 (Aulacigastridae), Periscelis (M.) haennii Pollini Paltrinieri & Roháček, 2022, P. (P.) winnertzii Egger, 1862 (Periscelididae), Neoalticomerus fabricius Withers & Papp, 2012, N. formosus (Loew, 1844) and Odinia trinotata Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Odiniidae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) is known for its antioxidant properties, although little is known about its developmental safety effects, particularly on adult neural function under basal redox and oxidative stress conditions. Therefore, this study sought to address this gap by conducting three complementary protocols using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate these effects. The initial assays revealed that second-stage larvae consumed diets supplemented with various concentrations of camu-camu uniformly, establishing a 50% lethal concentration at 4.799 mg/mL. Hence, non-lethal (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL) and sub-lethal (5 and 10 mg/mL) concentrations were then chosen to evaluate the effects of camu-camu on preimaginal development and adult neural function. Our observations showed that camu-camu impacts the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reactive species, and lipoperoxidation. Notably, sub-lethal concentrations decreased preimaginal viability and locomotor activity, negatively influenced geotaxis and acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased reactive species, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity in flies. Additionally, the protective effects of camu-camu against oxidative stress induced by iron (20 mM) were assessed. Flies supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL of camu-camu during the larval period showed improved neural viability and function, and this supplementation was found to protect against oxidative stress. These findings are instrumental in evaluating the safety and efficacy of commercial supplements based on camu-camu, offering significant insights for future research and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fly control has always been a hot topic for dairy farmers, because there are not a lot of viable options to alleviate fly pressure. Dairy cows on pasture are commonly disturbed by many fly species, and dairy cow behavior may be affected by different fly species. In an experimental research trial, there was a strong relationship between the number of flies and the number of defensive behaviors of cows of different lactations. Milk yield was not affected by low fly numbers, indicating that greater than 40 horn flies per cow are needed to potentially lower the milk production of grazing dairy cows. To improve profitability, farmers need to properly identify key pasture flies, understand their biology and habitat, monitor their populations, and then reduce the fly population through mechanical or biological management techniques. Thirty-four crossbred dairy cows were observed on pasture six times per week from June to August 2014 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center grazing dairy in Morris, MN, for defensive behaviors in response to three species of muscid flies. Counts of stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)), horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)), and face flies (Musca autumnalis DeGeer) were recorded before and after pasture observation. Individual cows were monitored for 5 min intervals to observe the frequencies of five different defensive behaviors: front and back leg stomps, head tosses, skin twitches, and tail swishes. Fly numbers averaged 5 stable flies per leg, 37 horn flies per side, and 1 face fly per face during the study. The fly counts and behavior frequencies increased with ambient temperature. The results showed a very strong relationship between the numbers of flies and numbers of defensive behaviors, though correlations between specific flies and behaviors were low. Younger cows had fewer stable flies and horn flies than older cows. The thresholds of flies to lower production for pastured organic dairy cows may be greater than 5 for stable flies, 37 for horn flies, and 1 for face flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stridulatory sound-making organs evolved in a group of flies—the family Phoridae—by modifications of the microstructure of foreleg segments present in the shared ancestor of the clade (Phoridae + Opetiidae). The opetiids are the only group amongst the lower Cyclorrhapha in which plausible homologous structures could be found, though in a less derived condition. On the forefemur of Opetia there are numerous elongate, flattened microtrichia that in basal phorids are organized into a curved linear group (the scraper) which are scraped against a curved, ridged carina on the forecoxa (the file). The file was possibly derived from an extremely unusual set of three setae that have transverse sculpturing and sockets that limit lateral motion, and which are distributed across the opetiid forecoxa. In some phorid lineages, these setae seem to be fused into the forecoxa forming the linear ridged surface against which the scraper on the forefemur could be moved. The relationship between opetiids and phorids dates back to the Cretaceous, and this pattern of file and scraper can be clearly seen in some 100 mya Myanmar amber phorid fly fossils. These structures shared between opetiids and phorids suggest that these two families may be sister groups amongst the Platypezoidea. Different modifications of the forelegs of other higher flies may have similar roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biting flies (Diptera) transmit pathogens that cause many important diseases in humans as well as domestic and wild animals. The networks of feeding interactions linking these insects to their hosts, and how they vary geographically and in response to human land‐use, are currently poorly documented but are relevant to understanding cross‐species disease transmission. We compiled a database of biting Diptera–host interactions from the literature to investigate how key interaction network metrics vary latitudinally and with human land‐use. Interaction evenness and H2' (a measure of the degree of network specificity) did not vary significantly with latitude. Compared to near‐natural habitats, interaction evenness was significantly lower in agricultural habitats, where networks were dominated by relatively few species pairs, but there was no evidence that the presence of humans and their domesticated animals within networks led to systematic shifts in network structure. We discuss the epidemiological relevance of these results and the implications for predicting and mitigating future spill‐over events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oestrid flies (Diptera: Oestridae) are obligate parasites of mammals during their larval stage and show anatomical adaptations for the infestation of host tissues. Unlike the species that parasitize domestic mammals, those oestrid species that infest wild mammal hosts remain poorly known. With the use of x‐ray micro‐computed tomography, we describe for the first time the anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of the second and third larval instars of Pharyngomyia picta (Meigen), a parasite of cervids that, like other species within the subfamily Oestrinae, causes nasopharyngeal myiasis. Both larval instars of P. picta show a pair of remarkably large salivary glands arranged in a characteristic 'glandular band', a convoluted and thickly uniform midgut and a greatly enlarged distal region of the anterior pair of Malpighian tubules. These anatomical features also have been described in other species within the subfamily Oestrinae, whereas they differ from the observations in other oestrid subfamilies. We discuss the potential functional significance of the anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of Oestrinae larvae as specific adaptations to parasitize the nasopharyngeal cavities of mammal hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first study on the use of sound recordings to assess the activity of carrion flies as an alternative to labour intensive physical capture and identification with limited time resolution. Daily recordings were made of the fly activity on human cadavers in a simulated disaster scenario at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER). The recordings were manually analysed for flight sounds and compared to the local environmental data. The results showed that the number of flight sounds was significantly affected by the temperature, daylight, and moderate to high rainfall but not by humidity. Reference recordings were also made of Blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), House flies (Diptera: Muscidae) and the Black Soldier flies (Stratiomyidae: Hermetia illucens) in a commercial fly farm and used to build a statistical classification model to test the feasibility of audio recognition for successional studies. Successional arrival and departure patterns were not observed for the recorded flies, although this could be the result of ineffective audio classification algorithm. Further in-depth studies are currently being done on different species and variations within the same species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spread and adaptation of horseflies to new habitats, driven by global climate change, threatens not only animal health but also human well-being. Objective: This article addresses the significant health risks posed by horseflies, which are known carriers of multiple pathogens causing up to 25 different infectious, parasitic, and viral diseases, including anthrax, tularemia, leptospirosis, and anaplasmosis. Methodology: The study provided an overview based on an extensive literature review from 1929 to 2022, analyzing both Russian and English publications. Results: The 2011 tularemia outbreak in Norway, linked to lemming population surges, and the higher susceptibility among men in Slovakia's annual tularemia cases highlight the role of animal reservoirs and gender in disease transmission. Leptospirosis, prevalent globally except in cold regions, is influenced by climate events, with significant public health impacts observed in various regions, including Russia and the Philippines following natural disasters. Anaplasmosis, transmitted by insects and ticks and more prevalent in warmer months, remains under-researched, with its rising threat exemplified by the growing ixodes tick population in Belarus. Conclusion: In conclusion, understanding the epidemiology and sources of these diseases, along with recognizing the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence their transmission, is vital. The study underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance, research, and preventive measures to mitigate the impact of these infectious diseases on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous studies and recommendations, the acceptance of treatments involving medicinal maggots in many clinics has been slow. Several factors may account for this, including the gender of nurses administering the treatment, their level of work experience, and their perceived level of personal stress. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of selected variables (gender, work experience, stress level) on the readiness of nurses to administer maggot debridement therapy (MDT), which is a form of biodebridement. The study population was a cohort of 290 wound care nurses providing specialist care for patients with chronic wounds. It was assumed that the identified variables may determine the implementation of larval therapy in everyday professional practice. A subsample of 35 men and 35 women was further analyzed to determine if gender, work experience, and/or personal stress levels were correlated with attitudes towards the utilization of maggots in biodebridement. Assessment tools included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the MDT 10 Perception Assessment Questionnaire, a protocol by which the subject ranked six wound photographs in order of repulsiveness and responded to questions regarding demographic variables, which include education and work experience. The visual perception of pictures of a wound with larvae is indirectly an indicator of the attitude towards larval therapy. Selection of the photograph with maggots on the wound as the most repulsive image was associated with a personal appraisal of not being ready to implement maggot therapy (chi-square = 8.430, p = 0.015). Low work experience (chi-square = 14.039, df = 4, p = 0.007), and low readiness for MDT (chi-square = 8.430, df = 2, p = 0.015) were also associated with unpreparedness to administer maggot therapy. Neither gender nor perceived stress level were exclusively associated with disgust for maggots or lack of readiness to implement MDT. Low professional experience and a deficit of knowledge in maggot therapy may negatively affect the readiness of nurses to administer biodebridement. Gender and personal stress levels do not affect nurses' readiness to utilize larval therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims We investigate extraintestinal pathogenic genes (ExPEC) related to virulence of Escherichia coli in flies from the dairy environment. Methods and Results We collected 217 flies from nine dairy farms, which were submitted to microbiological culture. Fifty-one E. coli were identified using mass spectrometry. Eleven dipteran families were identified, with a predominance of Muscidae, and a minor frequency of Tachinidae, Drosophilidae, Sphaeroceridae, Ulidiidae, Syrphidae, Chloropidae, Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Piophilidae. A panel of 16 virulence-encoding genes related to ExPEC infections were investigated, which revealed predominance of serum resistance (traT , 31/51 = 60.8%; ompT , 29/51 = 56.9%), iron uptake (irp2 , 17/51 = 33.3%, iucD 11/51 = 21.6%), and adhesins (papC , 6/51 = 11.8%; papA , 5/51 = 9.8%). Conclusions Our findings reveal Dipterans from milking environment carrying ExPEC virulence-encoding genes also identified in clinical bovine E. coli -induced infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]