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Insects are solely dependent on an innate immune system. Antimicrobial peptide production is the main immune response of insects. The molecular mechanisms underlying this reaction in Drosophila melanogaster involves the induction of antimicrobial peptide genes, which is regulated by the Toll and IMD pathways. The Toll pathway is mainly activated by fungi or Gram-positive bacteria and the IMD pathway by Gram-negative bacteria. In terms of comparative immunology, we investigated the antimicrobial peptide production system in the beetle, Tribolium castaneum, which differs from that in D. melanogaster. To obtain a more detailed understanding, we examined whether Pelle and Tube, orthologues of which in D. melanogaster are the Toll pathway components, contributed to antimicrobial peptide production and immune reactions. These two genes were not induced by challenges from any type of microbe, which in this case were Gram-positive bacteria, -negative bacteria and an eukaryote. Using Pelle and Tube knockdown pupae, it was demonstrated that Pelle and Tube are involved in the induction of Cec2 as a representative Toll pathway-dependent gene in T. castaneum by Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and eukaryote challenges. Furthermore, neither Pelle nor Tube contributed to immune defences against two entomopathogenic bacteria. These results, taken together with our previous findings, led to the conclusion that the Toll pathway immune signaling reported in D. melanogaster indeed occurs in T. castaneum, and the gene sets involved in Toll signal transduction in T. castaneum did not differ significantly from those in D. melanogaster, but transduced immune signals to challenges from Gram-positive bacteria, -negative bacteria and an eukaryote, which differed from those in D. melanogaster.

Abstract Metals, such as copper and silver, can be extremely toxic to bacteria at exceptionally low concentrations. Because of this biocidal activity, metals have been widely used as antimicrobial agents in a multitude of applications related with agriculture, healthcare, and the industry in general. A large number of microorganisms live in the human environment. if the balance of these creatures in nature is disturbed, the health of the individual and society will be threatened due to the production and emission of unpleasant odors and the reduction of health standards. The presence of microorganisms on textiles can cause adverse effects such as discoloration or staining on textiles, decomposition of fibrous materials, reduced strength, and eventually decay of textiles. Most fibers and polymers do not show resistance to the effects of microbes and by providing growth factors for microorganisms such as the right temperature and humidity, nutrients from sweat and fat from skin glands, dead skin cells as well as materials used in the stage of finishing the textiles causes the rapid growth and spread of various microbes. With the advent of nanotechnology, various industries and human daily life underwent changes. In recent years, increasing research on nanoparticles has led to the production of textiles with greater efficiency and added value. These modified textiles prevent the spread of unpleasant odors, the spread, and transmission of diseases. This article reviews the basics and principles of antimicrobial tetiles, as well as a brief overview of antimicrobial materials and nanostructures with antimicrobial properties. Resumo Metais como cobre e prata podem ser extremamente tóxicos para bactérias em concentrações excepcionalmente baixas. Devido a esta atividade biocida, os metais têm sido amplamente utilizados como agentes antimicrobianos em uma infinidade de aplicações relacionadas à agricultura, saúde e indústria em geral. Muitos microrganismos vivem no ambiente humano e, se o equilíbrio dessas criaturas na natureza for alterado, a saúde dos indivíduos e da sociedade estará ameaçada devido à produção e emissão de odores desagradáveis e à redução dos padrões de saúde. A presença de microrganismos em têxteis pode causar efeitos adversos, como descoloração ou manchas, decomposição de materiais fibrosos, resistência reduzida e, eventualmente, deterioração. A maioria das fibras e polímeros não apresenta resistência aos efeitos dos micróbios e fornecem fatores de crescimento para os microrganismos, como temperatura e umidade adequadas, nutrientes do suor e gordura das glândulas da pele, células mortas da pele, bem como materiais usados na etapa de acabamento causando crescimento e disseminação de vários micróbios. Com o advento da nanotecnologia, diversas indústrias e o cotidiano humano passaram por mudanças. Nos últimos anos, o aumento da pesquisa em nanopartículas levou à produção de têxteis com maior eficiência e valor agregado. Esses têxteis modificados evitam a propagação de odores desagradáveis, a propagação e a transmissão de doenças. Este artigo analisa os fundamentos e princípios dos têxteis antimicrobianos, bem como uma breve visão geral dos materiais antimicrobianos e nanoestruturas com propriedades antimicrobianas.

We previously demonstrated that two immune signaling pathways, Toll and IMD, were concomitantly activated in the model beetle Tribolium castaneum by challenges to their immune system by several species of microbes, including Gram-positive and -negative bacteria as well as yeast. This contrasts with the Drosophila immune system in which more specific pathway activation depending on the type of microbe is well established. We suggest that the activation of an indiscriminate immune pathway in T. castaneum is due in part to an unselective recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by the extracellular sensing modules of the two pathways. In order to obtain a more detailed understanding of the T. castaneum immune pathway, we investigated whether potential components of the T. castaneum IMD pathway, Caspar, DREDD and FADD, are involved in immune reactions triggered by microbial challenges. A sequence analysis of these three genes with the orthologues of other species, including insects, mouse and human, indicated that T. castaneum Caspar, DREDD and FADD functioned as immune signal transducers, which are usually induced by microbial challenges. However, these genes were not induced by microbial challenges. To establish whether these genes are involved in immune reactions, we used RNA interference-mediated knockdown of these genes to assess the microbial induction levels of the representative read-out antimicrobial peptide genes of the respective classes. The results indicated that these genes encode the canonical constituents of the IMD pathway of this beetle. DREDD and FADD influenced the induction of Toll-dependent antimicrobial peptide genes, providing novel crosstalk points between the two immune pathways, which appears to support indiscriminate pathway activation in T. castaneum. Furthermore, the phenotypes of DREDD or FADD knockdown pupae challenged by the two model bacterial pathogens correlated with AMP gene induction in the respective knockdowns, indicating that these intracellular factors contributed to antibacterial host defenses.

The opportunities for natural animal behaviours in pastures imply animal welfare benefits. Nevertheless, monitoring the animals can be challenging. The use of sensors, cameras, positioning equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles in large pastures has the potential to improve animal welfare surveillance. Directly or indirectly, sensors measure environmental factors together with the behaviour and physiological state of the animal, and deviations can trigger alarms for, e.g., disease, heat stress and imminent calving. Electronic positioning includes Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for the recording of animals at fixed points. Positioning units (GPS) mounted on collars can determine animal movements over large areas, determine their habitat and, somewhat, health and welfare. In combination with other sensors, such units can give information that helps to evaluate the welfare of free-ranging animals. Drones equipped with cameras can also locate and count the animals, as well as herd them. Digitally defined virtual fences can keep animals within a predefined area without the use of physical barriers, relying on acoustic signals and weak electric shocks. Due to individual variations in learning ability, some individuals may be exposed to numerous electric shocks, which might compromise their welfare. More research and development are required, especially regarding the use of drones and virtual fences.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and pre-pupae could be satisfactorily raised on household organic waste and used as poultry feed, offering a potential sustainable way to recycle untapped resources of waste. The present study was conducted to determine if whole (non-defatted) BSF larvae and pre-pupae raised on experimental household waste could substitute soybean meal and oil as ingredients for laying hen diets. While no significant differences in feed intake and the egg-laying rate of hens were observed throughout the experiment, egg weight and eggshell thickness were greater in the pre-pupae-fed group than in the other groups. Moreover, although diversity of the cecal microbiota was significantly higher in the pre-pupae-fed than in the control group, no significant differences in bacterial genera known to cause food poisoning were observed when comparing the treatment groups. Nonetheless, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations were significantly lower in the treatment than in the control group. Fat content in BSF was possibly related with the changes in the cecal microbiota. Hence, since BSF fat was deficient in essential fatty acids, special attention should be paid to the fat content and its fatty acid composition in the case of regular inclusion of BSF larvae and pre-pupae oil as an ingredient in poultry diets.

This review examines the significant role of methane emissions in the livestock industry, with a focus on cattle and their substantial impact on climate change. It highlights the importance of accurate measurement and management techniques for methane, a potent greenhouse gas accounting for 14–16% of global emissions. The study evaluates both conventional and AI-driven methods for detecting methane emissions from livestock, particularly emphasizing cattle contributions, and the need for region-specific formulas. Sections cover livestock methane emissions, the potential of AI technology, data collection issues, methane’s significance in carbon credit schemes, and current research and innovation. The review emphasizes the critical role of accurate measurement and estimation methods for effective climate change mitigation and reducing methane emissions from livestock operations. Overall, it provides a comprehensive overview of methane emissions in the livestock industry by synthesizing existing research and literature, aiming to improve knowledge and methods for mitigating climate change. Livestock-generated methane, especially from cattle, is highlighted as a crucial factor in climate change, and the review underscores the importance of integrating precise measurement and estimation techniques for effective mitigation.