Search Results (13,089)

Avocado (Persea americana Miller), a crop of major economic importance in Mexico, is threatened by several quarantine pests, and recent reports have suggested that the lance fly Neosilba batesi (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) may be responsible for significant yield losses. To clarify the role of this species, we surveyed avocados from six localities in Veracruz State on the Gulf coast of Mexico and identified lance flies using both morphological and molecular tools. None of the symptoms previously attributed to N. batesi infestation in Hass avocado were observed in any of the fruits inspected across the six localities. However, 90 fruits displayed clear signs of borer attack by Conotrachelus spp. or other primary pests, and 64 of these damaged fruits (60%) yielded lance flies. Hass avocados were rarely infested and hosted only N. batesi, whereas creole avocados (P. americana var. drymifolia) were hosts to N. batesi, N. glaberrima, N. recurva, and N. flavitarsis and an undescribed species (Neosilba sp.3) that was detected by analysis of the COI gene sequences of males. Additionally, Lonchaea cristula was reported for the first time emerging from creole avocado. Each avocado yielded an average of between 2.3 and 21.0 adult lance flies. Infestation was more frequent and numerous in fruits collected from the ground than in those harvested directly from trees, supporting the idea that lance flies preferentially exploit pre-damaged or fallen fruits. Indeed, lonchaeid eggs were frequently observed deposited on the periphery or inside oviposition holes created by other pests. Overall, our results indicate that Neosilba spp. act as secondary invaders in Veracruz, with no evidence of N. batesi behaving as a primary pest in this region. None of the avocados were infested by species of Tephritidae and none of the Neosilba species we identified appear to pose a threat to avocado production in Mexico. This study highlights the value of combining morphological and molecular tools for species identification and underscores the importance of differentiating between primary and secondary invaders in the context of avocado pest management. Full article

Cerci function as crucial sensory organs in insects, featuring a diverse array of sensilla on their surface, analogous to those found on antennae. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we characterized the ultrastructure and distribution of cercal sensilla in Hierodula patellifera (H. patellifera) and Statilia maculata (S. maculata). Results show that the cerci of H. patellifera and S. maculata are highly similar, with main differences observed in the number of cercal articles and the length of cerci. The cerci of both species and sexes are composed of multiple cylindrical articles, and there is variation in the number of types of sensilla on their surface articles within sex and individuals. Females possess more cercal articles than males, and their cerci are generally longer than those of males. In both sexes of these praying mantises, four types of cercal sensilla were identified: sensilla filiformia (Sf), sensilla chaetica (Sc), sensilla campaniformia (Sca) and cuticular pore (CP), with sensilla chaetica further classified into two subtypes (ScI, ScII). Sc are widely distributed over the entire cerci, while Sf are distributed in a circular pattern on the cercal articles. While the overall distribution patterns of cercal sensilla were conserved between the sexes, significant sexual dimorphism was observed in the morphological parameters of the sensory hairs, including their quantity, length, and basal diameter. Based on distinct sensilla arrangements on the cerci, we propose a novel zoning of the cerci into four parts (I–IV), which reflects a functional gradient specialized for reproductive roles: the proximal region is enriched with robust mechanoreceptors likely involved in mating and oviposition, the central region serves as a multimodal hub for integrating courtship and mating cues, and the distal region is simplified for close-range substrate assessment. These findings highlight the adaptive evolution of cercal sensilla in relation to reproductive behaviors and provide a morphological basis for future studies on mantis phylogeny and sensory ecology. Full article

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.) are essential pollinators in natural and agricultural ecosystems but face increasing threats across Europe from habitat loss, climate change, and intensive land use. Austria hosts 42 recognized bumblebee species, yet comprehensive molecular data have been lacking. Here, we present the first complete DNA barcode reference library for the Austrian bumblebee fauna, generated as part of the Austrian Barcode of Life initiative. This reference library includes 586 partial mitochondrial COI sequences. DNA barcoding successfully identified all species, with distinct Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) and no BIN sharing observed, demonstrating its reliability as a complementary method to traditional morphology-based identification. Intraspecific genetic diversity was generally low, though B. jonellus exhibited notable mitochondrial structure with a complex biogeographic pattern. Our results underscore the value of DNA barcoding as a straightforward tool for accurate species identification and biodiversity monitoring, even for non-experts, while also highlighting cryptic genetic variation within widely distributed species. This reference library provides a robust framework for taxonomic, ecological, and conservation research, and supports future metabarcoding-based monitoring efforts in Austria and beyond. Full article

The increase in the world population and consequent rise in food demand have led to the extensive use of chemical pesticides, causing environmental and health concerns. In response, biological control methods, particularly those involving microbial agents, have emerged as sustainable alternatives within integrated pest management. This study highlights the potential of Lysinibacillus fusiformis as a biocontrol agent against the dipteran Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a pest responsible for damaging soft-skinned fruits. Experimental treatments using vegetative cells, spores, and secondary metabolites of L. fusiformis on D. suzukii larvae demonstrated significant larvicidal effects, accompanied by observable changes in gut morphology under microscopy. Moreover, preliminary immunological assays showed the interference of this bacterium with the host immune system. All the results indicate the suitability of L. fusiformis for its possible integration into sustainable agricultural practices, although additional research is required to understand its applicability in the field. Full article

The industrial production of high-speed steel via continuous casting has been impeded by considerable technical obstacles, due to its high carbon content and fast cooling speed, which predispose it to severe segregation and poor high-temperature plasticity; thus, industrial continuous casting of high-speed steel is virtually nonexistent. In 2022, a curved continuous casting process was successfully applied in the production of M2 high-speed steel; in our previous study, it was found that the carbides were finer and better distributed in the billets by curved continuous casting than those in the billets by ingot casting. The change in carbides in the billets is significant in subsequent processes for M2 high-speed steel produced by curved continuous casting. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the high-temperature tensile properties of M2 high-speed steel produced by curved continuous casting. In this paper, high-temperature tensile tests were conducted using a GLEEBLE-3500 simulator (DSI, located in New York State, USA) at different temperatures and holding times with a certain strain rate to obtain the tensile strength and reduction of area, and then the morphology of carbides near the fracture surface was observed. The results showed that the tensile strength and reduction of area increased with the increase in temperature at 850 °C to 950 °C, and there existed a temperature range between 950 °C and 1120 °C with good thermoplasticity and a reduction of area from 45% to 50%. In addition, a sharp drop in thermoplasticity below 5% occurred at 1180 °C, which is due to the significant growth of carbides. The zero-strength temperature and plastic temperature were 1220 °C and 1200 °C, respectively. In addition, with the increase in holding time at 1150 °C, the reduction of area increased from 34% to 54%, and the tensile strength decreased from 92 MPa to 70 MPa and then increased to 82 MPa. The best solution for carbides in M2 high-speed steel produced by curved continuous casting occurred when the range of the P_HJ value was about 28.0 to 30.5. With the increase in P_HJ value, the shape of carbides gradually changed from fibrous to short rod-like and blocky during high-temperature diffusion. Full article

Records of Sarcocystis spp. diversity in rodents are relatively extensive; however, the increasing application of molecular approaches indicates that our current knowledge of these parasites remains incomplete. In the present study, morphological, genetic and phylogenetic data are provided on Sarcocystis arvalis n. sp. from the common vole (Microtus arvalis). Using light microscopy, the observed sarcocysts had a relatively thin (<1 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Via transmission electron microscopy, the sarcocyst wall thickness ranged from 0.7 to 1 μm, and the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane exhibited small knob-like blebs and was slightly wavy, type 1a. Based on 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, cox1 and rpoB loci, S. arvalis n. sp. showed the highest similarity with Sarcocystis myodes from the bank vole (Clethronomys glareolus). According to the phylogenetic placement, S. arvalis n. sp. is the most closely related to Sarcocystis spp. with a rodent–mammal lifecycle. Morphologically, S. arvalis n. sp. forms sarcocysts that share a lot of similarities with those of S. myodes, Sarcocystis ratti and Sarcocystis cernae and molecular analysis is necessary for accurate species identification. Based on the abundance of the hosts and the proportion of voles in their diet, the most likely definitive hosts of S. arvalis n. sp. are red foxes, stone martens, least weasels, and domestic cats. Full article

This study examines the potential use of rejected and discarded grains from the common bean industry as a starch source for producing plasticized films with glycerol. The observed morphological characteristics of starch granules from discarded grains were diverse, with round, oval, and kidney-like shapes and sizes ranging from 7 to 34 µm. We determined the pasting profile: the pasting temperature (GT) fell between 72 °C and 74 °C, while the peak viscosity (P_v) demonstrated a significant rise at 10% and 15% starch concentrations. To better understand pasting behavior, mathematical modeling was employed to predict P_v behavior, with an R² value of 0.98. All film formulations were successful, yielding transparent, homogeneous, odorless, flexible films with smooth surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the films revealed a flawless surface devoid of fissures, cracks, and pores, displaying a rough texture with a consistent structure and some starch granules resembling empty sacks due to amylose and amylopectin leaching. The highest tensile strength was observed with 6% starch and 1.5 mL of glycerol and the lowest with 4.5% starch and 3.9 mL of glycerol. The findings suggest that starch derived from discarded grains from the bean industry has unique characteristics and properties, making it a promising alternative source for intelligent packaging development. Full article

Background: Hofbauer cells (HBCs) are fetal-origin macrophages in the placental villous stroma that contribute to immune tolerance at the feto–maternal interface. They predominantly display an M2 phenotype, characterized by CD206 expression. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry and morphometric analysis, we quantified HBCs, assessed CD206 intensity and morphology, and evaluated apoptotic body accumulation in placental villi. Comparisons were made among pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and normoglycemic controls, as well as between male and female fetuses. Results: Significant effects of maternal diabetes and fetal sex on CD206 intensity were observed ([diagnosis: F = 2773.00, p < 0.0001; sex: F = 12.19, p = 0.0005]), with a strong interaction (F = 165.40, p < 0.0001). In controls, CD206 intensity was higher in female than male fetuses (p < 0.0001). Across groups, CD206 intensity decreased progressively from controls to GDM and T1DM, with a more pronounced reduction in females. Reduced CD206 was associated with elongation and irregular HBC morphology and increased IL-1β (r = −0.392, p = 0.003; r = −0.609, p < 0.0001) suggesting less tolerogenic phenotype. For apoptotic bodies, significant main effects of maternal diabetes and fetal sex were detected ([diagnosis: F = 97.16, p < 0.0001; sex: F = 15.88, p = 0.0001]). Accumulation increased progressively from controls to GDM and T1DM, with higher counts in males. Conclusions: Maternal diabetes is associated with reduced CD206 intensity, altered HBC morphology, and accumulation of apoptotic bodies in placental villi. Our results suggest greater HBC plasticity, potentially contributing to a tolerogenic placental environment in females. Full article

The paper presents designing thermomechanical processing routes for medium-carbon boron-bearing microalloyed steel and investigates their effect on microstructure–property characteristics obtained through controlled cooling directly from hot forging temperature. Direct cooling was carried out in situ within the industrial process of hot forging, replacing conventional heat treatment with slow and accelerated air cooling, realized with a fully automated fan-cooling laboratory conveyor which accommodates the desired cooling strategy. Comparative analysis of conventionally normalized and direct-cooled microstructure and mechanical properties obtained under varied thermo-mechanical conditions is presented to investigate the potential of medium-carbon microalloyed steel with boron addition for producing tailored properties comparable to those of the normalized condition. The obtained microstructure composed of grain-boundary ferrite and pearlite which resulted in tensile properties as good as Re ≈ 610 MPa, Rm ≈ 910 MPa, and elongation A5 ≥ 12%. Although the achieved microstructure–property parameters differ from those achieved through conventional normalizing (Rm ≤ 780 MPa, Re ≤ 460 MPa, and A ≥ 14%), they are considerable in terms of selected machinability aspects. The observed effect of the imposed treatment strategies on interlamellar spacing and morphology of ferrite showed possibilities regarding the control of mechanical properties and application of direct cooling as a beneficial alternative to conventional normalizing, where energy consumption is the main concern in manufacturing high-duty parts made of boron-bearing microalloyed steel 35MnTiB4. Full article

This work explores the impact of ergosterol (ERG) addition (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) on the physicochemical properties, conformational changes, and digestive characteristics of soy protein isolate (SPI) and wheat gluten (WG) processed by high-moisture extrusion. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of ERG significantly reduced the apparent viscosity and dynamic moduli of the feedstock system, enhancing melt fluidity and consequently reducing extrusion torque, die pressure, and specific mechanical energy. An appropriate amount of ERG (1.0%) effectively facilitated the development of a distinct fibrous morphology, increased the fibrous degree, lightened the color, and softened the texture. However, excessive addition weakened the fibrous structure due to excessively high fluidity. ERG influenced protein aggregation behavior through hydrophobic interactions, reduced thermal stability, and induced a transition in secondary structure from β-turns to α-helices. The in vitro digestibility initially decreased and then increased, with the lowest value observed at 1.0% ERG. This study indicates that ERG can elevate the performance and value of extruded products by modulating protein structure and rheological behavior, providing a theoretical basis for its application in plant-based meat analogue products. Full article

ZnO thin films were deposited on soda–lime glass substrates using the chemical spray pyrolysis method at a temperature of 500 °C. After the deposition, the substrates were irradiated with 10 keV H⁺ and Ar⁺ ions using a Colutron ion gun. We investigated the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the irradiated samples using Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Our results showed a slight decrease in the optical band gap of the irradiated samples, which can be attributed to the quantum confinement effect caused by changes in the crystallite size. The diffractograms displayed diffraction peaks corresponding to the characteristic planes of the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO, indicating that the films were polycrystalline with a preferential orientation along the c-axis. We also observed a reduction in the average crystallite size of the samples after ion irradiation. The morphological study showed that the average grain size increased and the shape changed from spherical in the pristine sample to flake-like after irradiation. Additionally, the samples irradiated with Ar⁺ ions exhibited a bimodal distribution in grain size, which is attributed to the defects and nucleation centers generated during the irradiation process. Full article

The pollen morphological characteristics of 16 pummelos and 4 other citrus germplasms from Vietnam, Thailand, and China were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Observations included equatorial view, polar view, and exine ornamentation. The results showed that the pollen of all tested materials was monads, prolate, or subprolate. The average polar axis length of the pollen ranged from 29.121 to 37.043 µm, and that of the equatorial axis ranged from 19.861 to 25.911 µm. A t-test revealed that the polar axis of pollen from Chinese pummelo germplasms was significantly longer than that of varieties from Southeast Asia, indicating certain geographical differentiation. The apertures were all colporate type, predominantly with four to five colpi (75% of grains); only four colpi were observed in the remainder (25%). The pollen exine ornamentation of pummelo germplasms was perforated, whereas that of other citrus types was reticulate. Pummelos exhibited a smaller pori diameter (0.264–0.673 µm) and wider distance between pori (0.581–1.118 µm), while other citrus species had larger lumina (1.253–1.684 µm) and narrower muri (0.443–0.664 µm). Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were performed based on pollen traits, and two principal component factors were extracted. The pummelo germplasms were divided into two subgroups: sweet pummelo and red pummelo, which demonstrated a correlation among their pollen morphology, flesh color, and flesh flavor. The phenotypic diversity of pollen among different pummelo germplasms may provide a valuable auxiliary reference for the identification and systematic classification of pummelos. Full article

Background/Objectives: Low vitamin D levels are associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and its association with AD, this study investigated whether vitamin D modulates amyloidogenesis and inflammation in the brains of diabetic mice. Methods: Five-week-old male C57BLKS/J-m+/m+(con) and C57BLKS/J-db/db (db) mice received diets with low or high vitamin D (LVD or HVD) for 8 weeks. Hippocampal neuronal morphology was assessed using H&E and Nissl staining, and Aβ levels, along with the mRNA expression of genes related to amyloidogenesis, amyloid degradation, inflammation, antioxidation, and neurotrophic factors, were measured in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results: High dietary vitamin D levels attenuated neuronal necrosis in db/db mice. Hippocampal App and Bace1 expression levels were higher in db/db mice; however, amyloidogenic gene (App, Bace1, Ps1) expression levels in both the hippocampus and PFC were significantly lower in db_HVD group compared with those in db_LVD group (all p < 0.05). Among control mice, PFC App and Ps1 expression levels were lower in con_HVD group than in con_LVD group. Nonetheless, Aβ42 protein levels were not affected by either diabetes or dietary vitamin D levels. Furthermore, lower hippocampal Iκbα and PFC Mcp-1 expression levels in db_HVD group than those in db_LVD group were observed, both upregulated in diabetic mice. Amyloid degradation-related gene or Vdr expression was not altered by dietary vitamin D levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vitamin D may exert neuroprotective effects on the hippocampus and PFC in diabetic mice by mitigating neuronal damage and suppressing amyloidogenic and inflammatory gene expression. Full article

The fracture behavior of the Al₄Cu₉ intermetallic compound at the interface of impact-welded Cu/Al joints remains insufficiently explored through integrated multiscale modeling and experimental validation. In this study, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, finite element (FE) analysis implemented in ABAQUS (version 2020) and a cohesive zone model (CZM) were combined with optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of the interface and crack initiation zones in impact-welded Cu/Al specimens to investigate crack propagation mechanisms under different defect configurations. The experimental specimens consisted of 1060 aluminum (Al) and oxygen-free high-conductivity (OFHC) copper, fabricated via impact welding and subsequently annealed at 250 °C for 100 h. The interfacial morphology and crack initiation features obtained from OM and SEM provided direct validation for the traction–separation (T-S) parameters extracted from MD and mapped into the FE model. The results indicate that composite defects (blunt crack + void) cause a significantly greater reduction in fracture energy and stress intensity factor than single defects and that defect effects outweigh temperature effects within the range of 200–500 K. The experimentally observed crack initiation locations were in strong agreement with simulation predictions. This integrated simulation–experiment approach not only elucidates the multiscale fracture mechanisms of the Al₄Cu₉ interface but also provides a physically validated basis for the reliability assessment and optimization of aerospace Cu/Al welded structures. Full article

The study investigated the diversity and ecology of Myxomycetes (Amoebozoa) along a vegetation gradient in the Cuzco department, Peru, spanning altitudes from 2500 to 4700 m. Field collections were carried out at six sites distributed across three distinct vegetation formations: non-Amazonian Forest, paramo, and high Andean zones with and without vegetation cover. The collected material was analyzed through direct observation, cultivation in moist chambers, and morphological identification, resulting in the record of 18 species, including three new records for Peru (Diderma circumdissilens, Licea tenera, and Perichaena luteola). Species richness was higher at lower altitudes and in environments with greater substrate availability, such as dead branches and mosses, but declined under extreme environmental conditions, particularly at high elevations. Principal component analysis revealed differences in community composition among the environments, associated with environmental variables and substrate types. The results highlight that the Peruvian Andes harbor a significant biodiversity of Myxomycetes, including species adapted to high-altitude conditions, reinforcing the importance of conservation and further study of these extreme ecosystems. We conclude that high mountain environments serve as biodiversity hotspots, and that future studies, including molecular techniques, are essential to understanding the distribution and adaptation of these organisms in the Andean environments. Full article