Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are biological control agents that naturally kill insect pests, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms behind the recovery process, where infective juveniles (IJs) transition to a parasitic state upon contact with the host, remain unclear. This study investigates the stimulatory effect of insect-derived materials on the recovery of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora IJs. Three materials from Galleria mellonella larvae-bioactive homogenates from live and frozen larvae, and heat-inactivated homogenate-were tested, along with non-host stimuli including filtered water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). While none of the materials induced complete recovery of IJs, all triggered the release of excreted/secreted products (ESPs), with consistent protein concentrations across treatments. However, mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in ESP protein composition. IJs exposed to PBS released the highest number of proteins, while bioactive homogenates induced the fewest. Proteins linked to host-parasite interactions, such as alpha-2-macroglobulins and trypsin inhibitor-like proteins, were more abundant in ESPs following exposure to insect-derived materials and PBS. Interestingly, nematodes exposed to water released a substantial number of proteins, comparable to stimulation by heat-inactivated homogenates, though their protein profiles were distinct, reflecting stress responses in the former and host-parasite interaction-related proteins in the latter. Our findings demonstrate that both host-derived and non-biological stimuli can trigger IJs recovery and ESPs release, underscoring the complexity of host-nematode interactions. These results provide novel insights into molecular mechanisms underlying H. bacteriophora parasitism and may contribute to optimizing biocontrol strategies through a better understanding of nematode activation and released ESPs.

• MeSH
• biologická kontrola škůdců MeSH
• hmyz MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita * MeSH
• larva MeSH
• můry parazitologie   MeSH
• proteiny červů metabolismus   MeSH
• Rhabditida fyziologie   MeSH
• Rhabditoidea fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• proteiny červů MeSH

Iceland is an isolated, sub-Arctic, oceanic island of volcanic origin in the northern North Atlantic. With a limited faunal diversity and being the most northern point in the distributional range for some species, it is an intriguing model region to study parasite biodiversity and biogeography. Since 2006, there has been a history of intense biodiversity discoveries of freshwater trematodes (Trematoda, Digenea), thanks to the use of integrative taxonomic methods. The majority of digeneans (28 out of 41 known) were characterised with molecular genetic methods and morphological analyses, with some of their life-cycle stages and geographical distribution assessed. A surprising diversity has been discovered, comprising species of the families Allocreadiidae, Cyclocoeliidae, Diplostomidae, Echinostomatidae, Gorgoderidae, Plagiorchiidae, Notocotylidae, Schistosomatidae, and Strigeidae. Many of the recorded species complete their life cycles within Iceland, with three snail species (Ampullaceana balthica, Gyraulus parvus, Physa acuta) known as intermediate hosts. No trematodes endemic for Iceland were found; they appear to be generalists with wide geographical ranges dispersed mainly by migratory birds. Interestingly, fish trematodes recorded in Iceland were found in mainland Europe, indicating that they might be dispersed by anadromous fishes, by human activity, or by migratory birds carrying intermediate hosts. The trematode fauna is mainly Palaearctic, with few species recorded in North America. We highlight the ongoing need for precise species identification via integrative taxonomic methods, which is a baseline for any further ecological studies and adequate epidemiological and conservation measures. Also, there is still a need of obtaining well-preserved vouchers of adults for definite species delimitation.

• Klíčová slova
• Digenea, Gastropoda, Lymnaeidae, Planorbidae, cercariae,
• MeSH
• biodiverzita * MeSH
• hlemýždi parazitologie   MeSH
• infekce červy třídy Trematoda * parazitologie   veterinární   epidemiologie   MeSH
• ryby parazitologie   MeSH
• sladká voda * parazitologie   MeSH
• stadia vývoje MeSH
• Trematoda * klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Island MeSH

Temperate plants show a rapid seasonal turnover in various leaf traits and defenses. Such trends in plant defenses can potentially drive seasonal shifts in the specialization of insect herbivores. We quantified how non-volatile leaf metabolites, inducible volatile organic compounds (VOCs), C:N ratio and leaf toughness changed between the early, middle, and late seasons in five Salicaceae species and one Salix hybrid. We also explored seasonal trends in overall trait variation among the studied plants. We tested whether seasonal changes in dietary specialization of leaf-chewing larvae and adult beetles related to changes in the studied host-plant traits. Trait turnover occurred mainly through changes in VOCs and seasonal increase in traits that directly lower herbivore feeding efficiency. The overall variation in leaf traits was highest in the early season, with seasonal intraspecific variation being 33% smaller than the variation among species sampled at one time point. Although less frequently than we expected, the two groups of insect herbivores showed seasonal changes in specialization. The significant trends in herbivore specialization included peaks in the middle season for larval specialization based on VOCs and host phylogenetic relatedness and for adult beetle specialization based on C:N ratio plus leaf toughness. The detected species-specific trends in host-plant traits, their intraspecific variability, and differential trends among insect herbivores highlight the importance of considering seasonal variation when predicting trends in plant-herbivore interactions.

• Klíčová slova
• Chemical defenses, Leaf toughness, Salicinoids, Tannins, Volatile organic compounds,
• MeSH
• brouci fyziologie   MeSH
• býložravci * MeSH
• hmyz fyziologie   MeSH
• larva fyziologie   MeSH
• listy rostlin * MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• Salicaceae * MeSH
• těkavé organické sloučeniny analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• těkavé organické sloučeniny MeSH

Toxocara canis is a widespread parasite of canids with a wide range of paratenic hosts, but also one of the overlooked agents causing nervous system infections of humans. Previous experimental infections of mice demonstrated the impact of high infection doses of larvae on neurobehavioral disorders and pathological changes. In contrast to previous studies, we aimed to investigate the long-term (up to 100 weeks) impact of low- to high-dose infection in mice. We focused on their physical condition, motor skills, and the accompanying pathologies in the brain. Three groups of BALB/c mice were infected with 10, 100, and 1000 T. canis larvae/mouse and specific anti-T. canis excretory-secretory antigens immunoglobulin G antibody response, general condition, and motor skills were tested in defined intervals within 100 weeks after infection. The number of larvae in selected organs was assessed and the pathological changes in the brain were studied histologically. As a result, subtle to severe impairments in general condition and motor skills were detected, with generally earlier onsets occurring the higher the infection dose was. The specific immunoglobulin G antibody levels corresponding to the infection dose were detected in all infected groups. Necrosis, cellular infiltrations, and foamy cells developed in moderate- and high-infection dose mice, in contrast with hemorrhages detected in all groups. This study demonstrated the long-term negative impact of T. canis infection on the paratenic host, particularly at moderate and high infectious doses. Although pathological changes in the brain were observed even in low-infection dose mice, their physical and motor condition was comparable to the control group.

• Klíčová slova
• Toxocara canis, brain pathology, helminth infection, mice, motor impairment, nematode infection, parasite, toxocarosis,
• MeSH
• imunoglobulin G * krev   MeSH
• larva MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• mozek * parazitologie   patologie   MeSH
• myši inbrední BALB C * MeSH
• myši MeSH
• protilátky helmintové * krev   MeSH
• Toxocara canis * imunologie   MeSH
• toxokaróza * parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• imunoglobulin G * MeSH
• protilátky helmintové * MeSH

Amphotericin B (AmB) is one of the most effective antifungal drugs, with a strong, dose-dependent activity against most Candida and Aspergillus species responsible for life-threatening infections. However, AmB is severely toxic, which hinders its broad use. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate that prodrugging AmB considerably decreases AmB toxicity without affecting its fungicidal activity. For this purpose, we modified the AmB structure by attaching a designer phosphate promoiety, thereby switching off its mode of action and preventing its toxic effects. The original fungicidal activity of AmB was then restored upon prodrug activation by host plasma enzymes. These AmB prodrugs showed a safer toxicity profile than commercial AmB deoxycholate in Candida and Aspergillus species and significantly prolonged larval survival of infected Galleria mellonella larvae. Based on these findings, prodrugging toxic antifungals may be a viable strategy for broadening the antifungal arsenal, opening up opportunities for targeted prodrug design.

• Klíčová slova
• Amphotericin, Antifungal, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Fungal infection, Galleria mellonella, Prodrugs, Toxicity,
• MeSH
• amfotericin B * farmakologie   MeSH
• antifungální látky * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• Aspergillus účinky léků   MeSH
• Candida účinky léků   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
• molekulární struktura MeSH
• můry účinky léků   MeSH
• prekurzory léčiv * farmakologie   chemie   chemická syntéza   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• amfotericin B * MeSH
• antifungální látky * MeSH
• prekurzory léčiv * MeSH

BACKGROUND: Parasitism as a life strategy has independently evolved multiple times within the eukaryotic tree of life. Each lineage has developed mechanisms to invade hosts, exploit resources, and ensure replication, but our knowledge of survival mechanisms in many parasitic taxa remain extremely limited. One such group is the Myxozoa, which are obligate, dixenous cnidarians. Evidence suggests that myxozoans evolved from free-living ancestors to endoparasites around 600 million years ago and are likely one of the first metazoan parasites on Earth. Some myxozoans pose significant threats to farmed and wild fish populations, negatively impacting aquaculture and fish stocks; one such example is Sphaerospora molnari, which forms spores in the gills of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), disrupting gill epithelia and causing somatic and respiratory failure. Sphaerospora molnari undergoes sequential development in different organs of its host, with large numbers of morphologically distinct stages occurring in the blood, liver, and gills of carp. We hypothesize that these parasite life-stages differ in regards to their host exploitation, pathogenicity, and host immune evasion strategies and mechanisms. We performed stage-specific transcriptomic profiling to identify differentially expressed key functional gene groups that relate to these functions and provide a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms S. molnari uses to optimize its parasitic lifestyle. We aimed to identify genes that are likely related to parasite pathogenicity and host cell exploitation mechanisms, and we hypothesize that genes unique to S. molnari might be indicative of evolutionary innovations and specific adaptations to host environments. RESULTS: We used parasite isolation protocols and comparative transcriptomics to study early proliferative and spore-forming stages of S. molnari, unveiling variation in gene expression between each stage. We discovered several apparent innovations in the S. molnari transcriptome, including proteins that are likely to function in the uptake of previously unknown key nutrients, immune evasion factors that may contribute to long-term survival in hosts, and proteins that likely improve adhesion to host cells that may have arisen from horizontal gene transfer. Notably, we identified genes that are similar to known virulence factors in other parasitic organisms, particularly blood and intestinal parasites like Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Giardia. Many of these genes are absent in published cnidarian and myxozoan datasets and appear to be specific to S. molnari; they may therefore represent potential innovations enabling Sphaerospora to exploit the host's blood system. CONCLUSIONS: In order to address the threat posed by myxozoans to both cultured fish species and wild stocks, it is imperative to deepen our understanding of their genetics. Sphaerospora molnari offers an appealing model for stage-specific transcriptomic profiling and for identifying differentially expressed key functional gene groups related to parasite development. We identified genes that are thus far unique to S. molnari, which reveal their evolutionary novelty and likely role as adaptations to specific host niches. In addition, we describe the pathogenicity-associated genetic toolbox of S. molnari and discuss the implications of our discoveries for disease control by shedding light on specific targets for potential intervention strategies.

• Klíčová slova
• Sphaerospora molnari, Differential expression, Myxozoans, Pathogenicity related, Species specific genes,
• MeSH
• fyziologická adaptace genetika   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita genetika   MeSH
• kapři parazitologie   MeSH
• Myxozoa * genetika   patogenita   fyziologie   MeSH
• nemoci ryb parazitologie   MeSH
• stadia vývoje genetika   MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• transkriptom * MeSH
• žábry parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

Metamorphosis endowed the insects with properties that enabled them to conquer the Earth. It is a hormonally controlled morphogenetic process that transforms the larva into the adult. Metamorphosis appeared with the origin of wings and flight. The sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH) suppresses wing morphogenesis and ensures that metamorphosis takes place at the right ontogenetic time. This review explores the origin of insect metamorphosis and the ancestral function of JH. Fossil record shows that the first Paleozoic winged insects had (hemimetabolous) metamorphosis, and their larvae were likely aquatic. In the primitive wingless silverfish that lacks metamorphosis, JH is essential for late embryogenesis and reproduction. JH production after the embryo dorsal closure promotes hatching and terminal tissue maturation.

• MeSH
• biologická evoluce * MeSH
• biologická proměna MeSH
• hmyz * růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• juvenilní hormony MeSH
• larva růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• juvenilní hormony MeSH

Herein, we investigated the anti-amoebic activity of phosphonium-chloride-based deep eutectic solvents against pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellanii of the T4 genotype. Deep eutectic solvents are ionic fluids composed of two or three substances, capable of self-association to form a eutectic mixture with a melting point lower than each substance. In this study, three distinct hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents were formulated, employing trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride as the hydrogen bond acceptor and aspirin, dodecanoic acid, and 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid as the hydrogen bond donors. Subsequently, all three deep eutectic solvents, denoted as DES1, DES2, DES3 formulations, underwent investigations comprising amoebicidal, adhesion, excystation, cytotoxicity, and cytopathogenicity assays. The findings revealed that DES2 was the most potent anti-amoebic agent, with a 94% elimination rate against the amoebae within 24 h at 30 °C. Adhesion assays revealed that deep eutectic solvents hindered amoebae adhesion to human brain endothelial cells, with DES2 exhibiting 88% reduction of adhesion. Notably, DES3 exhibited remarkable anti-excystation properties, preventing 94% of cysts from reverting to trophozoites. In cytopathogenicity experiments, deep eutectic solvent formulations and dodecanoic acid alone reduced amoebae-induced human brain endothelial cell death, with DES2 showing the highest effects. Lactate dehydrogenase assays revealed the minimal cytotoxicity of the tested deep eutectic solvents, with the exception of trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride, which exhibited 35% endothelial cell damage. These findings underscore the potential of specific deep eutectic solvents in combating pathogenic Acanthamoeba, presenting promising avenues for further research and development against free-living amoebae.

• Klíčová slova
• Acanthamoeba castellanii, Cytotoxicity, Deep eutectic solvents, Excystment, Lactate dehydrogenase,
• MeSH
• Acanthamoeba castellanii * účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• amébicidy farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• buněčná adheze účinky léků   MeSH
• endoteliální buňky účinky léků   MeSH
• genotyp * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• organofosforové sloučeniny farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• rozpouštědla * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• trofozoiti účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• amébicidy MeSH
• organofosforové sloučeniny MeSH
• rozpouštědla * MeSH

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Burkholderia cenocepacia are considered emerging pathogens classified as a public health problem due to extensive antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the discovery of new therapeutic strategies has become crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of gallic acid and methyl gallate against non-fermenting bacteria. The study included five clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Burkholderia cenocepacia. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of gallic acid and methyl gallate were determined by the broth microdilution method. Growth curves, metabolic activity, and biofilm formation of each bacterial strain in the presence or absence of phenolic compounds were performed. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of the compounds was evaluated using an in vivo model. Gallic acid and methyl gallate showed antibacterial activity against bacterial strains in a concentration range of 64 to 256 µg/mL, both compounds reduced bacterial growth and metabolic activity of the strains, even at subinhibitory concentrations. Only, methyl gallate exhibited activity to inhibit the formation of bacterial biofilms. Moreover, gallic acid and methyl gallate increased larval survival by up to 60% compared to 30% survival of untreated larvae in a bacterial infection model in Galleria mellonella. Our results highlight the potential of gallic acid and methyl gallate as therapeutic alternatives for infections by emerging non-fermentative bacteria.

• Klíčová slova
• Achromobacter xylosoxidans, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Antimicrobial activity, Phenolic compounds,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky * farmakologie   MeSH
• biofilmy * účinky léků   MeSH
• kyselina gallová * farmakologie   analogy a deriváty   MeSH
• larva mikrobiologie   účinky léků   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky * MeSH
• kyselina gallová * MeSH
• methyl gallate MeSH Prohlížeč

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated in vitro antigiardial activity in four Indonesian plants (Archidendron fagifolium, Diospyros sumatrana, Piper betle and Shorea sumatrana) extracted in methanol, methanol-tetrahydrofuran, and water. These plants exhibiting promising anti-parasitic activity were selected on the basis of collected behavioral data and their ability to decrease parasite load in Sumatran orangutans. Extracts of Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant routinely used as a laboratory model in research, were used as a negative control. METHODS: Plant extracts of different concentrations (400, 100, 25 and 6.25 µg/ml) and metronidazole (100 µg/ml), a standard giardicidal drug, were incubated with 25,000 trophozoites per milliliter of growth medium in 12-well tissue culture plates under anaerobic conditions for 72 h. Cultures were counted in a hemocytometer using a light microscope and then statistically evaluated. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was determined by the MTT Cell Viability Assay. RESULTS: We recorded a statistically-significant decrease in giardia trophozoites in two extracts: the methanolic extract of A. fagifolium (Kruskal-Wallis: p = 0.013) and the aqueous extract of P. betle (Kruskal-Wallis: p = 0.002). Effective concentrations of 400 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml, respectively, were revealed. Cytotoxicity was not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that extracts of A. fagifolium and P. betle have potential as an alternative treatment of G. intestinalis infection. This is the first scientific proof of the biological activity of A. fagifolium, confirming the assumption that orangutans use this plant (as well as P. betle) for self-medication.

• Klíčová slova
• Giardia intestinalis, Antigiardial activity, Drug of choice, Natural antiparasitic, Parasite,
• MeSH
• antiprotozoální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• Giardia lamblia * účinky léků   MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * farmakologie   MeSH
• trofozoiti účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Indonésie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antiprotozoální látky MeSH
• rostlinné extrakty * MeSH