Complement activation in wasp venom-induced acute kidney injury

Previous studies have highlighted the significant role of complement activation in kidney injuries induced by rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, sepsis, and ischemia-reperfusion. Nevertheless, the specific role and mechanism of complement activation in acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by wasp venom remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the specific complement pathway activated and investigate complement activation in AKI induced by wasp venom. In this study, a complement-depleted mouse model was used to investigate the role of complement in wasp venom-induced AKI. Mice were randomly categorized into control, cobra venom factor (CVF), AKI, and CVF + AKI groups. Compared to the AKI group, the CVF + AKI group showed improved pathological changes in kidneys and reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The expression levels of renal complement 3 (C3), complement 5 (C5), complement 1q (C1q), factor B (FB), mannose-binding lectin (MBL), and C5b-9 in AKI group were upregulated compared with the control group. Conversely, the renal tissue expression levels of C3, C5, C1q, FB, MBL, and C5b-9 were decreased in the CVF + AKI group compared to those in the AKI group. Complement activation occurs through all three pathways in AKI induced by wasp venom. Furthermore, complement depletion by CVF attenuates wasp venom-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that complement activation plays a primary role in the pathogenesis of wasp venom-induced AKI.

Wolbachia symbionts control sex in a parasitoid wasp using a horizontally acquired gene

Host reproduction can be manipulated by bacterial symbionts in various ways. Parthenogenesis induction is the most effective type of reproduction manipulation by symbionts for their transmission. Insect sex is determined by regulation of doublesex (dsx) splicing through transformer2 (tra2) and transformer (tra) interaction. Although parthenogenesis induction by symbionts has been studied since the 1970s, its underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Here we identify a Wolbachia parthenogenesis-induction feminization factor gene (piff) that targets sex-determining genes and causes female-producing parthenogenesis in the haplodiploid parasitoid Encarsia formosa. We found that Wolbachia elimination repressed expression of female-specific dsx and enhanced expression of male-specific dsx, which led to the production of wasp haploid male offspring. Furthermore, we found that E. formosa tra is truncated and non-functional, and Wolbachia has a functional tra homolog, termed piff, with an insect origin. Wolbachia PIFF can colocalize and interact with wasp TRA2. Moreover, Wolbachia piff has coordinated expression with tra2 and dsx of E. formosa. Our results demonstrate the bacterial symbiont Wolbachia has acquired an insect gene to manipulate the host sex determination cascade and induce parthenogenesis in wasps. This study reveals insect-to-bacteria horizontal gene transfer drives the evolution of animal sex determination systems, elucidating a striking mechanism of insect-microbe symbiosis.

Confirmation of the valid specific status of Dolichovespulakuami Kim & Yoon, 1996 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) based on molecular and morphological evidence

The taxonomic validity of Dolichovespulakuami, especially in relation to D.flora, has been the subject of a long-term debate. Herein, the valid specific status of the former was supported through an integrated analysis of morphological characters and DNA barcodes. The pronotal rugae and male genitalia of the two species are different, and partial mitochondrial genes (cytochrome oxidase subunit I, COI) indicate that they form significantly distinct lineages. The hitherto unknown male of D.kuami is described for the first time, and a brief discussion of the D.maculata species group is provided.

Brood Parasites That Care: Alternative Nesting Tactics in a Subsocial Wasp

AbstractHosts and brood parasites are a classic example of conflict. Parasites typically provide no offspring care after laying eggs, imposing costs on hosts. Female subsocial wasps (Ammophila pubescens) alternate between initiating their own nests and using an "intruder" tactic of replacing eggs in nests of unrelated conspecifics. Hosts can respond by substituting new eggs of their own, with up to eight reciprocal replacements. Remarkably, intruders usually provision offspring in host nests, often alongside hosts. We used field data to investigate why intruders provision and to understand the basis of interactions. We found that intruders could not increase their fitness payoffs by using the typical brood parasite tactic of not provisioning offspring. Intruders using the typical tactic would benefit when hosts provisioned in their stead, but their offspring would starve when hosts failed to provision. Although some hosts obtained positive payoffs when intruders mistakenly provisioned their offspring, on average utilizing a conspecific nest represents parasitism: hosts pay costs while intruders benefit. Hosts and intruders used the same tactic of egg replacement, but intruders more often laid the final egg. Selection should favor better discrimination of offspring, which could lead to repeated cycles of costly egg replacement.

Clinical Manifestations and Risk Factors Associated with 14 Deaths following Swarm Wasp Stings in a Chinese Tertiary Grade A General Hospital: A Retrospective Database Analysis Study

INTRODUCTION

The objective was to evaluate the poisoning severity score (PSS) as an early prognostic predictor in patients with wasp stings and identify associated clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality.

METHODS

A total of 363 patients with wasp stings at Suining Central Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. Within the first 24 h of admission, the poisoning severity score (PSS) and the Chinese expert consensus on standardized diagnosis and treatment of wasp stings (CECC) were utilized for severity classification, and their correlation was examined. Patients were then divided into survival and death groups based on discharge status. Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze factors influencing patients' outcomes.

RESULTS

The mortality of wasp sting patients was 3.9%. The PSS and CECC were found to correlate for severity classification. Additionally, female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in wasp sting patients. Combining these four factors yielded an AUC of 0.962 for predicting death.

CONCLUSIONS

PSS aids in early severity classification of wasp stings. Female gender, age, number of stings, and PSS were independent mortality risk factors in these patients.

Two new species of Ismarus Haliday (Hymenoptera, Ismaridae) from Yunnan, China

The genus Ismarus Haliday are rarely collected parasitoids in the small family Ismaridae. In this study, two new species are described from China's Yunnan Province: Ismarusrobustus Chen & Yan, sp. nov. and Ismarusunisulcus Chen & Yan, sp. nov. An updated key to the Chinese species of the genus is provided.

Nasonia-microbiome associations: a model for evolutionary hologenomics research

In recent years, with the development of microbial research technologies, microbiota research has received widespread attention. The parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia is a good model organism for studying insect behavior, development, evolutionary genetics, speciation, and symbiosis. This review describes key advances and progress in the field of the Nasonia-microbiome interactions. We provide an overview of the advantages of Nasonia as a model organism for microbiome studies, list research methods to study the Nasonia microbiome, and discuss recent discoveries in Nasonia microbiome research. This summary of the complexities of Nasonia-microbiome relationships will help to contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between animals and their microbiomes and establish a clear research direction for Nasonia-microbiome interactions in the future.

Transcriptome Analysis and Identification of Chemosensory Genes in Baryscapus dioryctriae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

Baryscapus dioryctriae is a pupal endoparasitoid of many Pyralidae pests and has been used as a biocontrol agent against insect pests that heavily damage the cone and seed of the Korean pine. The olfactory system of wasps plays an essential role in sensing the chemical signals during their foraging, mating, host location, etc., and the chemosensory genes are involved in detecting and transducing these signals. Many chemosensory genes have been identified from the antennae of Hymenoptera; however, there are few reports on the chemosensory genes of Eulophidae wasps. In this study, the transcriptome databases based on ten different tissues of B. dioryctriae were first constructed, and 274 putative chemosensory genes, consisting of 27 OBPs, 9 CSPs, 3 NPC2s, 155 ORs, 49 GRs, 23 IRs and 8 SNMPs genes, were identified based on the transcriptomes and manual annotation. Phylogenetic trees of the chemosensory genes were constructed to investigate the orthologs between B. dioryctriae and other insect species. Additionally, twenty-eight chemosensory genes showed female antennae- and ovipositor-biased expression, which was validated by RT-qPCR. These findings not only built a molecular basis for further research on the processes of chemosensory perception in B. dioryctriae, but also enriched the identification of chemosensory genes from various tissues of Eulophidae wasps.

Simulation of the Environmental Fate and Transformation of Nano Copper Oxide in a Freshwater Environment

Production of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has rapidly increased, yet uncertainty exists regarding the full extent of their environmental implications. This study investigates the fate, transformation, and speciation of nano copper oxide (nanoCuO) released into Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, over 101 years. Using the Advanced Toxicant module of the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP8), we assessed the accumulation and mass proportions of nanoCuO and Cu²⁺ (the product of nanoCuO's dissolution) in the water column and sediments. Our simulations suggest that when nanoCuO is released into Lake Waccamaw, the highest concentrations of both nanoCuO and Cu²⁺ are found in the surface sediments, followed by the subsurface sediments and the water column. Simulating different heteroaggregation attachment efficiencies of nanoCuO suggested that increases in attachment efficiency increased nanoCuO concentrations and mass proportions in the water column and sediments, while Cu²⁺ exhibited the opposite trends. After 101 years, most nanoCuO in the sediments was attached to particulate organic matter and clay particles at all attachment efficiencies, while low attachment efficiency slowed aggregate formation in the water column. Our results highlight the influence that heteroaggregation has on the behavior of nanoCuO inputs and suggest the potential for legacy contamination of nanoCuO and Cu²⁺ in sediments.

Revision of the endemic African genus Dinapsis (Dinapsini, Megalyridae, Hymenoptera) with description of seven new species

The endemic Afrotropical genus Dinapsis is revised, and seven new species are described and illustrated: D.bicolor van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.gamka van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.igneus van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.spinitibia van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.taita van Noort & Shaw, sp. nov., D.tricolor Shaw & van Noort, sp. nov., D.zulu Shaw & van Noort, sp. nov. The distribution of the Central African Republican species D.centralis Shaw & van Noort, 2009 is extended to include Cameroon, Kenya and Uganda. Dinapsisturneri Waterston, 1922, previously only known from the poorly preserved holotype female, is redescribed based on newly collected specimens. The distribution of this Western Cape species is extended to include the Eastern and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Four distinct species groups within the genus are proposed and diagnosed. An illustrated identification key to all described species of Dinapsis is provided. Online interactive Lucid keys to Afrotropical megalyrid genera and Dinapsis species are available at http://www.waspweb.org.

Development and internal validation of a Wasp Sting Severity Score to assess severity and indicate blood purification in persons with Asian wasp stings

Background

In recent years, the incidence of wasp sting has increased annually in China. Organ damage and high mortality due to mass wasp envenomation remain major challenges. Timely and appropriate medical intervention can improve survival. However, there are currently no normalized tools for early assessment of severity.

Methods

The clinical data of wasp sting patients hospitalized from 2011 to 2019 were used as a training set. Logistic regression was used to explore major risk factors for the development of a severe case of wasp sting (SC). The Wasp Sting Severity Score (WSS) was determined considering these risk factors to identify SCs and was tested in a validation dataset that was prospectively collected in 2020.

Results

The data of 1131 wasp sting patients from 2011 to 2019 were included in the training set. Logistic regression analysis showed that tea-colored urine, number of stings, and lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels were risk factors for developing an SC. The WSS was developed considering these four risk factors, and the total possible WSS was 20 points. The WSS was tested using the validation dataset, comprising the data of 153 patients, in 2020, and we found that a WSS ≥3 points was an important indication for blood purification, with a sensitivity of 71.9%, specificity of 92.6% and an area under the curve of 0.918 (95% confidence interval 0.873–0.962). Among patients with more than 30 stings, mortality in those who underwent plasma exchange (PE) within 24 h after admission was significantly lower than that in those who did not receive PE treatment (14.3% versus 46.9%, P = 0.003). However, continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) (P = 0.317) and hemoperfusion (HP) (P = 0.869) did not significantly reduce mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with WSS scores ≥3 should be considered for blood purification as early as possible in addition to routine treatment. In addition, PE is better than CVVH and HP at reducing mortality in patients suffering from severe wasp stings.

What We Know about Sting-Related Deaths? Human Fatalities Caused by Hornet, Wasp and Bee Stings in Europe (1994-2016)

Simple Summary

Information about fatalities due to stinging insects is scarce. Hymenopteran-related deaths (n = 1691) in 32 European countries based on official registers over a 23-year period (1994–2016) are described. Male adults (25–64 years) were the most common group to be fatally injured and almost half of the fatalities were recorded at “unspecified places”. Fatalities per million inhabitants per year ranged from 0 to 2.24 with an average of 0.26. Geographic, environmental, and ecological factors influence the frequency of stings, and its subsequent reaction. It is necessary to produce and interpret knowledge using diverse sources and in an interdisciplinary way. As part of the One Health philosophy, people and hornets, wasps and bees, as well as the environment that they share are closely connected.

Abstract

Epidemiology of Hymenopteran-related deaths in Europe, based on official registers from WHO Mortality Database (Cause Code of Death: X23), are presented. Over a 23-year period (1994–2016), a total of 1691 fatalities were recorded, mostly occurring in Western (42.8%) and Eastern (31.9%) Europe. The victims tended to concentrate in: Germany (n = 327; 1998–2015), France (n = 211; 2000–2014) and Romania (n = 149; 1999–2016). The majority of deaths occurred in males (78.1%) between 25–64 years (66.7%), and in an “unspecified place” (44.2%). The highest X23MR (mortality rate) were recorded in countries from Eastern Europe (0.35) followed by Western (0.28), Northern (0.23) and Southern Europe (0.2). The countries with the highest and lowest mean X23MR were Estonia (0.61), Austria (0.6) and Slovenia (0.55); and Ireland (0.05), United Kingdom (0.06) and the Netherlands (0.06), respectively. The X23 gender ratio (X23GR; male/female) of mortality varied from a minimum of 1.4 for Norway to a maximum of 20 for Slovenia. Country-by-country data show that the incidence of insect-sting mortality is low and more epidemiological data at the regional level is needed to improve our understanding of this incidence. With the expansion of non-native Hymenopteran species across Europe, allergists should be aware that their community’s exposures are continually changing

In Silico and In Vitro Structure-Activity Relationship of Mastoparan and Its Analogs

Antimicrobial peptides are an important class of therapeutic agent used against a wide range of pathogens such as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Mastoparan (MpVT) is an α-helix and amphipathic tetradecapeptide obtained from Vespa tropica venom. This peptide exhibits antibacterial activity. In this work, we investigate the effect of amino acid substitutions and deletion of the first three C-terminal residues on the structure–activity relationship. In this in silico study, the predicted structure of MpVT and its analog have characteristic features of linear cationic peptides rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids without disulfide bonds. The secondary structure and the biological activity of six designed analogs are studied. The biological activity assays show that the substitution of phenylalanine (MpVT1) results in a higher antibacterial activity than that of MpVT without increasing toxicity. The analogs with the first three deleted C-terminal residues showed decreased antibacterial and hemolytic activity. The CD (circular dichroism) spectra of these peptides show a high content α-helical conformation in the presence of 40% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). In conclusion, the first three C-terminal deletions reduced the length of the α-helix, explaining the decreased biological activity. MpVTs show that the hemolytic activity of mastoparan is correlated to mean hydrophobicity and mean hydrophobic moment. The position and spatial arrangement of specific hydrophobic residues on the non-polar face of α-helical AMPs may be crucial for the interaction of AMPs with cell membranes.

Cross-reactivity between tick and wasp venom can contribute to frequent wasp sensitization in patients with the α-Gal syndrome

BACKGROUND

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is a food allergy with severe delayed allergic reactions, mediated by IgE-reactivity to galactose-α1,3-galactose (α-Gal). AGS is strongly associated with tick bites. An increased incidence of venom sensitization has been found in AGS patients. Here, we evaluated the frequency of wasp sensitization in Swedish AGS patients and the possible cross-reactivity between wasp venom and tick proteins.

METHODS

Sera from 136 Swedish AGS patients and 29 wasp-positive non-AGS control sera were analyzed for IgE-reactivity against wasp venom (Vespula spp.), the European tick Ixodes ricinus (Streptavidin ImmunoCAP), α-Gal and total IgE by ImmunoCAP. The presence of α-Gal on wasp venom proteins (Vespula vulgaris) was investigated by western blot (WB), and possible cross-reactivity between wasp venom and tick proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and WB. Involvement of cross-reactive carbohydrate domains (CCDs) was also assessed.

RESULTS

Wasp sensitization was present in 54% of AGS patients, although the IgE levels were low. Wasp sensitized patients had higher IgE levels to α-Gal and total IgE levels compared to non-wasp sensitized AGS patients. α-Gal was not detected in wasp venom, but cross-reactivity between wasp and tick proteins was demonstrated which was not dependent on CCDs. The same cross-reactivity was also observed in the control sera. Furthermore, 17 putative cross-reactive peptides were identified using an in silico approach.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, cross-reactivity between wasp venom and tick proteins has been described. This may be a reason why the majority of Swedish AGS patients, who have all been tick bitten, are also sensitized against wasp.

CLP gene family, a new gene family of Cotesia vestalis bracovirus inhibits melanization of Plutella xylostella hemolymph

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are obligatory symbionts of parasitoid wasps and play an important role in suppressing host immune defenses. Although PDV genes that inhibit host melanization are known in Microplitis bracovirus, the functional homologs in Cotesia bracoviruses remain unknown. Here, we find that Cotesia vestalis bracovirus (CvBV) can inhibit hemolymph melanization of its host, Plutella xylostella larvae, during the early stages of parasitization, and that overexpression of highly expressed CvBV genes reduced host phenoloxidase activity. Furthermore, CvBV-7-1 in particular reduced host phenoloxidase activity within 12 h, and the injection of anti-CvBV-7-1 antibody increased the melanization of parasitized host larvae. Further analyses showed that CvBV-7-1 and three homologs from other Cotesia bracoviruses possessed a C-terminal leucine/isoleucine-rich region and had a similar function in inhibiting melanization. Therefore, a new family of bracovirus genes was proposed and named as C-terminal Leucine/isoleucine-rich Protein (CLP). Ectopic expression of CvBV-7-1 in Drosophila hemocytes increased susceptibility to bacterial repression of melanization and reduced the melanotic encapsulation of parasitized D. melanogaster by the parasitoid Leptopilina boulardi. The formation rate of wasp pupae and the eclosion rate of C. vestalis were affected when the function of CvBV-7-1 was blocked. Our findings suggest that CLP genes from Cotesia bracoviruses encoded proteins that contain a C-terminal leucine/isoleucine-rich region and function as melanization inhibitors during the early stage of parasitization, which is important for successful parasitization.

Potential Influence of Oxidized Methionine

The antibiotic and toxic properties for four synthetic analogs of eumenine mastoparan peptides (EMP) have been tested. These properties were compared to two natural peptides found in the venom of solitary wasps Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado (natural peptide EMP-AF) and Eumenes rubrofemoratus (natural peptide EMP-ER), respectively. Only EMP-AF-OR showed concentration-dependent growth inhibition against all bacterial species tested. Gram positive species had MIC values of 10 μg/mL for B. subtilis and 25 μg/mL for S. aureus. Gram negative species had MIC values of 25 μg/mL for E. coli and 200 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa. Of the other tested peptides, EMP-ER-D2K2 also showed activity and inhibited growth of Bacillus subtilis in a concentration-dependent manner at 200 μg/mL. Peptide EMP-ER-OR reduced the final density of Escherichia coli and B. subtilis cultures but did not impact their growth kinetics. Peptides EMP-AF-OR, EMP-ER-OR, and EMP-ER-D2K2 showed limited antifungal activity against Candida albicans or Histoplasma capsulatum. The hemolytic activity of the analogs were moderated though reports of the natural peptides, especially EMP-AF-OR, already showed low toxicity against erythrocytes. These results are discussed in the context of the potential influence of oxidized methionine on EMP activity.

Clinical effects and factors associated with adverse clinical outcomes of hymenopteran stings treated in a Thai Poison Centre: a retrospective cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical effects and outcomes of hymenopteran stings and to explore the non-laboratory factors associated with adverse clinical outcomes, a composite outcome including death, respiratory failure requiring intubation, acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis and hypotension requiring vasopressor use.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed at the Ramathibodi Poison Center, a poison centre of a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. All cases of hymenopteran sting consultations from January 2015 to June 2019 were consecutively enrolled, and charts were reviewed. Demographics, initial clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected. Factors associated with adverse clinical outcome were explored.

RESULTS

One hundred and fourteen hymenopteran stings cases (wasp 48%, bee 33%, hornet 14% and carpenter bee 8.8%) were included (median age, 36.5 years (interquartile range 9-55); male 63%). The prevalence of adverse clinical outcomes was 12.3% (95%CI 6.88-12.8). At initial presentation, 100% of cases had local skin reactions, 11.4% were clinical anaphylaxis, and 8% had red urine. Adverse clinical outcomes included death (n = 10), respiratory failure requiring intubation (n = 9), AKI requiring dialysis (n = 6) and hypotension requiring vasopressor use (n = 2). None of the patients with carpenter bee or hornet stings developed adverse clinical outcomes. In univariable analysis, urticaria, wheezing, red urine, wasp sting and sting number > 10 were significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In multivariable analysis, red urine (adjusted OR 11.1 (95% CI 1.57-216)), wheezing (adjusted OR 16.7 (95% CI 1.43-402)) and a number of stings > 10 (adjusted OR 21.5 (95% CI2.13-2557)) were significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse clinical outcomes in hymenopteran stings were not uncommon among cases inquiring to a national Thai poison centre. At initial presentation, red urine, wheezing and a number stings >10 were significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Larger epidemiologic studies are required to confirm these associations.

First Discovery of Vespa velutina nigrithorax du Buysson (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), an Invasive Hornet in the Feces of the Yellow-Throated Marten in South Korea

Simple Summary

Invasive species can have serious economic and ecological effects. Biological controls are a way to reduce damage from invasive species. We collected 22 fecal samples from yellow-throated martens, which often prey on wasps in late autumn, from Mt. Onggangsan in Cheongdo, South Korea, to confirm the predation of the invasive alien hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax. Hornet debris was found in three samples, along with two native wasp species. The hornets were identified as one queen, four males, one female, and one individual whose caste was unclear. Therefore, because reproductive individuals were preyed upon, it is likely that yellow-throated marten predation could potentially be used for the biological control of invasive alien hornets.

Abstract

Yellow-throated martens (YTMs) are omnivores that often prey on wasps in late autumn in Korea. However, to the best of our knowledge, predation of the invasive alien species Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VVN) has not previously been investigated. In this study, YTM feces were collected and analyzed from Mt. Onggangsan, Sinwon-ri, Cheongdo, South Korea, where VVN density was high and YTMs were active. Surveys were conducted three times between October and December 2019, during which a total of 22 samples were collected. Debris from VVN was found in three samples, along with evidence of two indigenous wasps, Vespa crabro and Vespula koreensis. The VVN remains were identified as one queen, four males, one female, and one individual whose caste was unclear. Martens prey on wasps, owing to a sudden decrease in plant food sources from late autumn to early winter, mostly eating males and new queens attempting to mate. If VVN reproduction is prevented or disturbed by YTM predation, there may be potential biological control effects in areas with high VVN density. Further studies should be conducted to verify whether there is a practical biological control effect.

Description of a new species of Megischus Brullé (Hymenoptera, Stephanidae), with a key to the species from China

A new species of the genus Megischus Brullé, 1846, Megischuskuafu Ge & Tan, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. The key to all four species from China is included. A distribution map of the Chinese species is added.

Clinical manifestation of multiple wasp stings with details of whole transcriptome analysis: Two case reports

INTRODUCTION

Multiple wasp stings is an emergency result from systemic reactions to the toxin with a wide range of manifestations, and we presented 2 patients with distinct clinical and transcriptomic findings.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Two patients without systemic disease presented with nearly 90 painful papules after attacked by a swarm of wasps (Vespa basalis).

DIAGNOSIS

Patient 1 was a 44-year-old healthy male whose clinical manifestations mainly comprised hemolysis, hepatic injury, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. Patient 2 was a 49-year-old healthy female who presented with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in addition to certain clinical manifestations that were also found in patient 1. We used ribo- nucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) to characterize the inflammatory responses of 2 patients with distinct clinical manifestations after multiple wasp stings.

INTERVENTIONS

Both 2 patients received 5 sessions of plasmapheresis, and patient-1 further received mechanical ventilation for 8 days as well as 8 sessions of hemodialysis until day 17.

OUTCOMES

Both patients recovered uneventfully after the aforementioned management. We used RNA-Seq to demonstrate a largely regulated neutrophil-predominated immune response in patient 1. In patient 2, we found a profound neutrophilc response on week 1 and a robust neutrophilic as well as pro-inflammatory responses on week 2. Furthermore, we found increased expression of signals that were associated with renal system process on week 2.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we report 2 patients who manifested with shared and distinct presentations after an attack by the same swarm of wasps. Both patients had hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, hepatic injury and acute kidney injury, and 1 patient had ARDS. The whole transcriptomic analyses were consistent with the distinct clinical manifestation, and these results suggest the potential of RNA-Sequencing to disentangle complex inflammatory responses in patients with multiple wasp stings. Plasmapheresis and corticosteroid were administered to both patients and case 2 also underwent 8 sessions of hemodialysis.

Management of Secondary Keratouveitis in a Wasp Sting Patient in a Jungle Region of Peru

Wasp stings are considered an ophthalmological emergency as they can be complicated when they occur near the eyelids or especially on the cornea. Due to type I hypersensitivity response, such as epithelial defect, corneal edema, loss of endothelial cells, anterior uveitis, optic neuritis and, therefore, permanent loss of vision due to anterior segment ischemia. It warns that the wasp stinger has a saw-shaped texture, contains toxins that inflame the area where it stings. Due to the immunological and toxic effects of the stinger and its venom infiltrates the cornea. We present the case of a 32-year-old man who presented keratouveitis secondary to a wasp sting in a region of the jungle of Peru. He was treated emergency with intensive steroid therapy to reduce the toxic effects. His follow-up up to 2 months was successful, leaving only a 1 mm central leukoma where the bite occurred, which did not impair his vision.

The effect of hymenoptera venom immunotherapy on neutrophils, interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 17 (IL-17)

OBJECTIVES

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is an effective treatment method and is addressed to patients with a history of an anaphylactic reaction to Hymenoptera stings. However, the immunological mechanisms of protection have not been explained yet. The objective of this study was to analyze neutrophils, interleukin 8 (IL-8) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) before and after the initial phase of the immunotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overall, 40 individuals, including 20 wasp venom sensitized and 20 bee venom sensitized patients, were included in the study. The patients had had a history of severe allergic reactions type III and IV according to Mueller's classification. An ultra-rush VIT protocol was used in this study. The concentration of serum IL-8 and IL-17A was determined using the ELISA enzymatic method.

RESULTS

The authors demonstrated a significant rise in the IL-8 level after the immunotherapy, compared to baseline (14.9 vs. 24.7, p < 0.05). The rise in the neutrophils level was also noticeable but proved to be barely out of the range of statistical significance (4.3 vs. 5.0, p = 0.06). The shift in IL-17A was negligent and not statistically significant in the paired samples t-test (1.6 vs. 1.5, p = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Venom immunotherapy induces neutrophils and IL-8 activity after 2 days. After the desensitization, the level of IL-17A did not change. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(6):811-7.

The complete mitochondrial genome of a forensic potential wasp, Vespa auraria (Smith)

Vespa auraria (Smith) is a common wasp species which is broadly distributed in south Asia. This species was spotted in filed forensic studies and disrupted the insect succession on the decaying corpse. Complete mitochondrial genome of V. auraria was presented here for its forensically potential influence. The mitogenome was assemblied to 18613 bp in length. The nucleotide composition of present mitogenome was calculated (A: 40.1%, G: 5.5%, T: 41.7%, C: 12.7%). Gene annotation analysis found 22 tRNA, 2 rRNA, and 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs). All the tRNA sequences could be folded into the typical structure of clover-leaf with the excepstion of tRNA-Ser (AGN). Phylogenetic development was analyzed based on V. auraria with other species of Hymenoptera.

Detection and Replication of Moku Virus in Honey Bees and Social Wasps

Transmission of honey bee viruses to other insects, and vice versa, has previously been reported and the true ecological importance of this phenomenon is still being realized. Members of the family Vespidae interact with honey bees via predation or through the robbing of brood or honey from colonies, and these activities could result in virus transfer. In this study we screened Vespa velutina and Vespa crabro collected from Europe and China and also honey bees and Vespula vulgaris from the UK for Moku virus (MV), an Iflavirus first discovered in the predatory social wasp Vespula pensylvanica in Hawaii. MV was found in 71% of Vespulavulgaris screened and was also detected in UK Vespa crabro. Only seven percent of Vespa velutina individuals screened were MV-positive and these were exclusively samples from Jersey. Of 69 honey bee colonies screened, 43% tested positive for MV. MV replication was confirmed in Apis mellifera and Vespidae species, being most frequently detected in Vespulavulgaris. MV sequences from the UK were most similar to MV from Vespulapensylvanica compared to MV from Vespa velutina in Belgium. The implications of the transfer of viruses between the Vespidae and honey bees are discussed.

Long-Read Genome Sequencing and Assembly of Leptopilina boulardi: A Specialist Drosophila Parasitoid

Leptopilinaboulardi (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is a specialist parasitoid of Drosophila The Drosophila-Leptopilina system has emerged as a suitable model for understanding several aspects of host-parasitoid biology. However, a good quality genome of the wasp counterpart was lacking. Here, we report a whole-genome assembly of L. boulardi to bring it in the scope of the applied and fundamental research on Drosophila parasitoids with access to epigenomics and genome editing tools. The 375Mb draft genome has an N50 of 275Kb with 6315 scaffolds >500bp and encompasses >95% complete BUSCOs. Using a combination of ab-initio and RNA-Seq based methods, 25259 protein-coding genes were predicted and 90% (22729) of them could be annotated with at least one function. We demonstrate the quality of the assembled genome by recapitulating the phylogenetic relationship of L. boulardi with other Hymenopterans. The key developmental regulators like Hox genes and sex determination genes are well conserved in L. boulardi, and so is the basic toolkit for epigenetic regulation. The search for epigenetic regulators has also revealed that L. boulardi genome possesses DNMT1 (maintenance DNA methyltransferase), DNMT2 (tRNA methyltransferase) but lacks the de novo DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3). Also, the heterochromatin protein 1 family appears to have expanded as compared to other hymenopterans. The draft genome of L. boulardi (Lb17) will expedite the research on Drosophila parasitoids. This genome resource and early indication of epigenetic aspects in its specialization make it an interesting system to address a variety of questions on host-parasitoid biology.

Not in My Backyard: Public Perceptions of Wildlife and 'Pest Control' in and around UK Homes, and Local Authority 'Pest Control'

Human-wildlife conflict occurs globally. Attempts to control 'pest' wildlife involve killing and harming the welfare of animals on a vast scale. We examined public perceptions of 10 wildlife species/groups and wildlife management, in and around UK homes, and public authority 'pest control' provision, in an effort to identify ethical, welfare-friendly ways to reduce conflict. Most people reported never having problems with each of the 10 species, and reported problems for some species were largely tolerated. Wasps, mice, and rats were the most frequently problematic species, the least tolerated, and those for which local authorities most often offered pest control services. Do-It-Yourself pest control was preferred over professional control, except for with wasps. People wanted control to be quick, lasting, and safe for people and non-target animals. Where people accepted lethal control, they were nevertheless concerned for animal welfare. Drivers of pest status were complex, while drivers of demand for control were fewer and species-specific. Local authority pest control provision increased over the four years studied, but only half of councils offered advice on preventing/deterring wildlife; this advice was patchy and variable in quality. Greater focus is required on preventing/deterring rather than controlling wildlife problems. Councils should provide standardised, comprehensive advice on prevention/deterrence and prevention/deterrence services.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Wasp Sting and Successful Treatment With Intratympanic Steroids

Objective:

A sting by a Vespula vulgaris (wasp) should be considered as a cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Although the mechanism of this cause is not well understood, management approach is similar to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods:

We describe a novel case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss encountered at a community otolaryngology clinic. It developed in a 26-year-old man after a sting to the ear canal by a V vulgaris (wasp) species.

Results:

The patient failed to respond to oral steroids, but had complete recovery to normal hearing levels with intratympanic steroids.

Conclusions:

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by the sting of a V vulgaris species and may be resolved with the use intratympanic steroids.

Use of Low Temperature Storage to Preserve Host and Parasitoid to Improve the Rearing of Telenomus podisi (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) on Euschistus heros (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Eggs

Successful parasitoid rearing is crucial for augmentative biological control. A low temperature preservation protocol allowing the availability of host and parasitoid year-round was evaluated in this study in four bioassays: (1) host eggs [Euschistus heros (Fabricius)] stored at - 196, - 80, and - 20°C for up to 70 days prior to exposure to Telenomus podisi Ashmead parasitism; (2) Euschistus heros eggs removed from storage at - 196°C after 70 days and kept at 5°C for up to 9 days prior to exposure to T. podisi parasitism; (3) Telenomus podisi adult emergence of insects stored as pupae at 5°C; and (4) fitness of adults of T. podisi stored at 5°C. Higher parasitism was observed in parasitoids reared on E. heros eggs stored at - 196 and - 80°C. Host eggs removed from - 196°C and stored at 5°C for up to 6 days did not impact T. podisi parasitism and development. Storage of T. podisi pupae for more than 7 days negatively affected parasitoid biology. Storing T. podisi adults at 5°C for up to 6 days does not alter the biological parameters of the parasitoid. Thus, parasitoids can be stored as pupae or adults as well as its host E. heros eggs. Our findings can be applied to improve the feasibility of year-round insect production.

Venom Immunotherapy: a 20-year experience with an ultra-rush protocol (210-min)

SUMMARY

Background. Ultra-rush (UR) are induction protocols used in venom immunotherapy (VIT). Objectives: To evaluate the adverse reactions during a 210-minutes UR and determine possible risk factors. Methods: Retrospective study of 129 patients submitted to UR with VIT in the last 20 years. Results: In 114 (88.4%) patients the 101.1 μg maintenance dose was reached in 210 minutes. Systemic reactions (SR) occurred in 22% of patients (71% mild). There were no severe SR, late reactions or fatalities. Adrenaline was administered in 10% of all UR. The SR were more frequent with honey bee VIT and had greater severity in the patients with a previous severe systemic sting reaction. No significant difference in the risk of SR was found with other demographic, clinical or laboratory factors. There were 5% of large local reactions (LLR), these being more frequent in females. Conclusion: Most SR during UR were mild with no need for adrenaline treatment. The honey bee venom and the severity of the anaphylaxis during the field sting were the only SR´s risk factors for systemic adverse reactions during the UR.

A Novel Peptide from Vespa ducalis Induces Apoptosis in Osteosarcoma Cells by Activating the p38 MAPK and JNK Signaling Pathways

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a typical bone cancer, and most frequently used cancer treatments for OS are limited due to severe drug-related toxicities. Wasp venoms contain functional components that may offer pharmaceutical components for the treatment of cancers. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel peptide (venom anti-cancer peptide 1, VACP1) derived from the wasp venom of Vespa ducalis SMITH. Toxins from Vespa ducalis crude venom were separated by gel filtration and purified by C18 reverse-phase HPLC. As examined by Edman degradation, the amino acid sequence of VACP1 is AQKWLKYWKADKVKGFGRKIKKIWFG. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays revealed that VACP1 inhibited the cell proliferation of MG-63, U-2 OS and Saos-2 cells. Furthermore, annexin V and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining revealed that VACP1 could induce the apoptosis of OS cell lines. In addition, VACP1 increased the protein levels of cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), caspase 3, but decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Apoptotic signaling pathway screening in MG-63 cells via an antibody array revealed that VACP1 activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. The present study demonstrates that VACP1 potently suppressed cell proliferation and induced the cell apoptosis of OS cells by inducing the activation of the p38 MAPK and JNK signaling pathways, suggesting that VACP1 is a promising agent for OS therapy.

Ultrastructural Alterations of Midgut Epithelium, But Not Greater Wing Fluctuating Asymmetry, in Paper Wasps (Polistes dominula) from Urban Environments

Polistes paper wasps can be used to monitor trace metal contaminants, but the effects of pollution on the health of these insects are still unknown. We evaluated, in a south-eastern area of Spain, whether workers of Polistes dominula collected at urban and rural sites differ in health of midgut tissue and in fluctuating asymmetry, an estimate of developmental noise. We found that wasps collected at the urban sites had abundant lead (Pb)-containing spherites, which were less visible in wasps from the rural sites. Evident ultrastructural alterations in the epithelium of the midgut of the wasps collected at the urban sites included broken and disorganized microvilli, a high amount and density of heterochromatin in the nucleus of epithelial cells, cytoplasmic vacuolization and mitochondrial disruptions. Altogether, these findings suggest a negative effect on the transmembrane transport and a less efficient transcription. On the contrary, a healthy epithelium was observed in wasps from the rural sites. These differences may be preliminarily linked with levels of lead pollution, given that wasps from urban sites had double the Pb concentrations of wasps from rural sites. Level of fluctuating asymmetry was unrelated to wasp origin, thus suggesting no link between developmental noise and Pb-driven pollution.

An improved culturing method for opiine fruit fly parasitoids and its application to parasitoid monitoring in the field

Good culturing methods play an important role in the study of insect behavior and its application to pest management. Here, we describe and validate a new method for rearing the parasitoid wasp, Diachasmimorpha kraussii, which attacks some of the world's worst fruit fly pests and is an internationally used biological control agent. Our method differs from standard culturing approaches by presenting adult wasps with host-infested artificial media within a "culturing bag," which mimics a natural (fruit) oviposition substrate. In laboratory trials using wild collected D. kraussii, the culturing bag method was compared to the use of host-infested nectarines, and a commonly used laboratory method of presenting host-infested artificial media within Petri dishes. The culturing bag method proved to be a significant improvement on both methods, combining the advantages of high host survival in artificial media with parasitism levels that were the equivalent to those recorded using host-infested fruits. In our field study, culturing bags infested with the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni, and hung in a mixed peach and nectarine orchard proved to be effective "artificial fruits" attracting wild D. kraussii for oviposition. Significantly more adult wasps were reared from the culturing bags compared to field collected fruits. This was shown to be due to higher fruit fly larval density in the bags, as similar percentage parasitism rates were found between the culturing bags and ripe fruits. We discuss how this cheap, time-efficient method could be applied to collecting and monitoring wild D. kraussii populations in orchards, and assist in maintaining genetic variability in parasitoid laboratory cultures.

Identification of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) binding sites on the branched actin filament nucleator Arp2/3 complex

Arp2/3 complex nucleates branched actin filaments important for cellular motility and endocytosis. WASP family proteins are Arp2/3 complex activators that play multiple roles in branching nucleation, but little is known about the structural bases of these WASP functions, owing to an incomplete understanding of how WASP binds Arp2/3 complex. Recent data show WASP binds two sites, and biochemical and structural studies led to models in which the WASP C segment engages the barbed ends of the Arp3 and Arp2 subunits while the WASP A segment binds the back side of the complex on Arp3. However, electron microscopy reconstructions showed density for WASP inconsistent with these models on the opposite (front) side of Arp2/3 complex. Here we use chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry (XL-MS) along with computational docking and structure-based mutational analysis to map the two WASP binding sites on the complex. Our data corroborate the barbed end and back side binding models and show one WASP binding site on Arp3, on the back side of the complex, and a second site on the bottom of the complex, spanning Arp2 and ARPC1. The XL-MS-identified cross-links rule out the front side binding model and show that the A segment of WASP binds along the bottom side of the ARPC1 subunit, instead of at the Arp2/ARPC1 interface, as suggested by FRET experiments. The identified binding sites support the Arp3 tail release model to explain WASP-mediated activating conformational changes in Arp2/3 complex and provide insight into the roles of WASP in branching nucleation.

A new lineage of braconid wasps in Burmese Cenomanian amber (Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

A new braconid wasp from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of the Hukawng Valley in Kachin State, Myanmar is described and figured from a unique female. Seneciobraconnovalatus Engel & Huang, gen. et sp. n., is placed in a distinct subfamily, Seneciobraconinae Engel & Huang, subfam. n., owing to the presence of a unique combination of primitive protorhyssaline-like traits, with an otherwise more derived wing venation. The fossil is discussed in the context of other Cretaceous Braconidae.

Envenomation Seizures

Insect sting-related envenomation rarely produces seizures. We present a patient with confusion and seizures that began 24 hours after a yellow jacket (wasp) sting. Given the rapid onset and resolution of symptoms, as well as accompanying dermatological and orbital features, and the lack of any infectious or structural abnormalities identified, the toxic effect of the wasp venom (and related anaphylaxis reaction) was believed to be the cause of his presentation.

Safety of specific immunotherapy using an ultra-rush induction regimen in bee and wasp allergy

BACKGROUND

Specific allergen immunotherapy to Hymenoptera venom (VIT) is a basic treatment for patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of an ultra-rush regimen compared with the rush and conventional protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 31 patients with an allergy to bee venom and 82 with an allergy to wasp venom, the allergic adverse reactions during VIT were monitored. Patients were selected based on the criteria established by EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) recommendations. Adverse reactions during the ultra-rush immunotherapy were measured, documented and classified according to the criteria of Mueller. Ultra-rush, rush or conventional protocols of the initial phase VIT using the Venomenhal vaccine (Hal Allergy, Leiden, Netherlands) were conducted.

RESULTS

Six (13.7%) patients on the ultra-rush regimen, 5 (14.3%) patients on the rush regimen and 9 (26.5%) on conventional VIT experienced an allergic reaction. There were no associations between the adverse allergic reactions and the following factors: gender, total IgE and allergen-specific IgE to wasp or bee venom before the VIT and cardiological drugs that were used.

CONCLUSION

We found that the ultra-rush protocol (similar to the rush protocol) using the Venomenhal vaccine is safer than the conventional protocol.

The Evolution of Venom by Co-option of Single-Copy Genes

The classic model for the evolution of novel gene function is through gene duplication followed by evolution of a new function by one of the copies (neofunctionalization) [1, 2]. However, other modes have also been found, such as novel genes arising from non-coding DNA, chimeric fusions, and lateral gene transfers from other organisms [3-7]. Here we use the rapid turnover of venom genes in parasitoid wasps to study how new gene functions evolve. In contrast to the classic gene duplication model, we find that a common mode of acquisition of new venom genes in parasitoid wasps is co-option of single-copy genes from non-venom progenitors. Transcriptome and proteome sequencing reveal that recruitment and loss of venom genes occur primarily by rapid cis-regulatory expression evolution in the venom gland. Loss of venom genes is primarily due to downregulation of expression in the gland rather than gene death through coding sequence degradation. While the majority of venom genes have specialized expression in the venom gland, recent losses of venom function occur primarily among genes that show broader expression in development, suggesting that they can more readily switch functional roles. We propose that co-option of single-copy genes may be a common but relatively understudied mechanism of evolution for new gene functions, particularly under conditions of rapid evolutionary change.

Safety and efficacy of venom immunotherapy: a real life study

Introduction

Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients allergic to Hymenoptera venom.

Aim

To analyze the safety and efficacy of VIT in a real life setting.

Material and methods

One hundred and eighty patients undergoing VIT were studied to evaluate the safety, efficacy, incidence and nature of symptoms after field stings and adverse reactions to VIT.

Results

Significantly more patients were allergic to wasp than bee venom (146 vs. 34, p < 0.0001). Early and late side effects were more common during the maintenance (48 patients, 26.7%) than during the induction of VIT (32 patients, 17.8%), were more frequent in patients allergic to bees, and were not associated with angiotensin convertase inhibitors (ACEi) or β-adrenergic antagonists use. Systemic reactions were observed in 4 individuals on wasp VIT (2.7%) and in 6 patients allergic to bees (17.65%). The VIT was efficacious as most patients reported no reactions (50%) or reported only mild local reactions (43.75%) to field stings. The decrease in sIgE at completion of VIT correlated with the dose of vaccine received (r = 0.53, p = 0.004). Beekeeping (RR = 29.54, p < 0.0001) and female sex (RR = 1.27, p = 0.033) were associated with a higher risk of venom allergy.

Conclusions

Venom immunotherapy is highly efficacious and safe as most of the adverse events during the induction and maintenance phase are mild and local. Side effects of VIT are more common in subjects on bee VIT. Beekeeping and female sex are associated with a higher risk of allergy to Hymenoptera venom.

Evaluation of Malaise and Yellow Pan Trap Performance to Assess Velvet Ant (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) Diversity in a Neotropical Savanna

Given the global biodiversity crisis, it is crucial to identify methods best suited for conducting inventories. We evaluated the relative merits of Malaise traps (MT) and ground-level yellow pan traps (YPT) to sample male velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) in a Neotropical savanna biodiversity hotspot. We compared richness, number of captures, evenness, composition, and body size of male velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) sampled with both methods in four sites at Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, central Brazil, during 19 d. We expected reduced diversity and smaller body size of velvet ants sampled with YPT, because they target visually oriented insects that are active closer to the ground, whereas MT represent a passive method that intercepts insects flying at different heights. Richness, total number of captures, and evenness of species and genera were significantly higher in MT. The body size of velvet ants captured with MT was significantly larger than those found in YPT. Generalized linear model and nonmetric multidimensional scaling analyses revealed a clear difference in the patterns of abundances and composition of velvet ants sampled with MT and YPT, especially for the genera Darditilla, Traumatomutilla, Lomachaeta, Pseudomethoca, Tallium, and Ephuta. YPT were effective at capturing few species that were rare in MT but, overall, MT were much more effective than YPT. We found similar patterns when using either species or genus for assessing samples obtained with MT or YPT, suggesting that ecological studies on Neotropical velvet ants may not require taxonomic resolution to the species level.

A Case Series of Bee Sting Keratopathy With Different Outcomes in Malaysia

We report three patients with corneal bee sting at our tertiary care center in a three-year period starting from 2014 to 2016. All patients sustained a bee sting injury to the cornea. All patients received early preoperative topical antibiotics, topical cycloplegic and intensive topical steroids. However, the timing of the initial presentation, the duration, and the location of the retained stinger differed in each case leading to different postsurgical outcomes.

Enhanced Trapping of Yellowjacket Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) via Spatial Partitioning of Attractants

Several yellowjacket species are important pests in both their native habitat and in areas where they are invasive. Traps that contain one or more chemical attractants to lure insects inside are commonly used to combat these yellowjackets in urban environments. Usually, attractants are placed within the trap and combined indiscriminately, though little is known about how this design influences trap attractiveness or efficacy. Here, using the common attractant heptyl butyrate in combination with chicken extract, we demonstrate that spatial partitioning of attractants results in increased capture of the western yellowjacket Vespula pensylvanica—a widespread pestiferous species. Specifically, we show that partitioning of these attractants results in increased visitation of yellowjackets to a trap while also leading to more individuals entering the trap. Further, we provide evidence that this effect is driven by the ability of heptyl butyrate to function as an attractant to the general location of the trap while also blocking the effects of meat extract as a trap-entering stimulus. Thus, our data challenge the current paradigm of combining attractants inside yellowjacket traps, and suggest that these methods can be improved through the consideration of spatial variables and interactions. Our results not only provide novel insight into the mechanisms of yellowjacket attraction, but are also likely to be applicable to the control of other insects for which attractant-based traps are used.

A Nutritional Profile of the Trap-Nesting Wasp Trypoxylon lactitarse (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae): Comparison of Sexes and Overwintering and Non-Overwintering Generations

The wasp Trypoxylon lactitarse Saussure is a bivoltine trap-nesting species that possesses a non-overwintering generation (G1) and a generation that overwinters as a prepupa (G2). Thus, the nutritional needs of the G1 individuals were predicted to be different than the G2 because the latter generation needs to store energy prior to diapause. Trap-nesting Trypoxylon are also of interest because, unlike most Hymenoptera, the males guard the nest while females forage. Thus, males may lose nutrients as they stay and guard the nest. In this study, a nutritional profile was created for T. lactitarse to compare the macronutrient (protein, carbohydrates, and lipids) and micronutrient (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn) levels of the different life stages of the wasp and compare individuals of the G1 and G2 generations. There were distinct changes in the nutrient levels relative to the original food source as individuals metamorphosed into larvae, pupae, and adults. G1 larvae had higher levels of carbohydrates than G2 larvae. G2 larvae had higher levels of lipids and K than G1 larvae, indicating possible differences in energy storage. In adults, there was an increase in levels of carbohydrates and Mn. Parental males, which stay and guard the nest, were found to have higher levels of carbohydrates at the end of the nesting period than females and emerging adults. One possible implication is that females may feed males during the nesting period, as the females are the only individuals to forage.

Ischemic Stroke After Wasp Sting

BACKGROUND

Despite the common occurrence of hymenopteran stings worldwide, primary neurologic manifestations including stroke are rare. We report a case of a healthy male who developed a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory ischemic stroke after getting stung by a wasp.

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old man with hypertension presented to the hospital with sudden-onset left hemiparesis, left facial weakness, and dysarthria after being stung by a wasp. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans of the brain revealed a right MCA territory infarct and a lack of flow in the distal right internal carotid artery and MCA. He was treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. A computed tomography angiography scan of the brain performed 24 hours later revealed multiple regions of vasoconstriction in the territory of the bilateral MCA. Evaluations for causes of stroke, including echocardiography and telemetry, were not revealing. Immunologic testing showed significantly elevated levels of serum wasp immunoglobulin E. Therapy with aspirin and atorvastatin was started. At discharge, the patient had a mild left facial droop but normal strength in his left arm and leg. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Emergency physicians encounter large numbers of hymenopteran sting cases each year. These patients typically present with local reactions, such as itching, pain, and erythema. Systemic manifestations, such as anaphylaxis causing severe hypotension and bronchospasm, are less common but deadly. Neurologic complications, such as ischemic stroke, are extremely rare. This manuscript highlights the pathophysiology and management of stroke after a hymenopteran sting. There are no guidelines for the management of stroke after a hymenopteran sting, and therefore we intend to provide some guidance to physicians for treating stroke after a hymenopteran sting.

MP-V1 from the Venom of Social Wasp Vespula vulgaris Is a de Novo Type of Mastoparan that Displays Superior Antimicrobial Activities

Mastoparans from the venom of social wasps have attracted considerable attention as effective antibiotic candidates. In this study, mastoparan V1 (MP-V1) from Vespula vulgaris was first disclosed to have a peptide amino acid sequence distinct from typical mastoparans and its biochemical properties and antimicrobial effects were compared with those of typical mastoparans MP-L, -X(V) and -B. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy revealed that MP-V1 and -X(V) form more stable α-helical conformations in lipid membrane-like environments than MP-L and -B. In parallel, these two also showed more effective antimicrobial activities against the pathogens than did MP-L and -B. Although MP-V1 had a less stable α-helical conformation than MP-X(V), it showed stronger antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica than MP-X(V). In the meantime, analysis of hemolytic activity revealed a range of doses (~50 μM) that exhibited little potent cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes. Finally, the atypical MP-V1 peptide amino acid sequence provided important clues to understanding its antimicrobial mechanism from a structural perspective. Therefore, it has been concluded that MP-V1 is a de novo type of mastoparan with superior antimicrobial activities against both pathogenic bacteria and fungi, which may be useful in developing multipurpose antimicrobial drugs against infectious diseases.

COMPARISON OF CHITIN STRUCTURES DERIVED FROM THREE COMMON WASP SPECIES (Vespa crabro LINNAEUS, 1758, Vespa orientalis LINNAEUS, 1771 and Vespula germanica (FABRICIUS, 1793))

There has been no study on the chitin structure of wasp species. Here, we selected the three most common wasp species belonging to the family Vespidae for chitin extraction and characterization. Chitin was isolated from each wasp species and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), elemental analysis (EA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chitin contents of Vespa crabro, Vespa orientalis, and Vespula germanica were 8.3, 6.4, and 11.9%, respectively. The crystalline index (CrI) values for the chitin extracted from each species were 69.88, 53.92, and 50%, respectively. The most important finding of the study is that although the same method was used to extract chitin from each of the three wasp species, the degree of acetylation was different: for V. crabro and V. orientalis it was 96.85 and 99.82% (the chitin was extremely pure), respectively, whereas that for V. germanica the chitin was 79.83%.

Venom Proteins from Parasitoid Wasps and Their Biological Functions

Parasitoid wasps are valuable biological control agents that suppress their host populations. Factors introduced by the female wasp at parasitization play significant roles in facilitating successful development of the parasitoid larva either inside (endoparasitoid) or outside (ectoparasitoid) the host. Wasp venoms consist of a complex cocktail of proteinacious and non-proteinacious components that may offer agrichemicals as well as pharmaceutical components to improve pest management or health related disorders. Undesirably, the constituents of only a small number of wasp venoms are known. In this article, we review the latest research on venom from parasitoid wasps with an emphasis on their biological function, applications and new approaches used in venom studies.

Molecular species delimitation of a symbiotic fig-pollinating wasp species complex reveals extreme deviation from reciprocal partner specificity

BACKGROUND

Symbiotic relationships have contributed to major evolutionary innovations, the maintenance of fundamental ecosystem functions, and the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. However, the exact nature of host/symbiont associations, which has important consequences for their dynamics, is often poorly known due to limited understanding of symbiont taxonomy and species diversity. Among classical symbioses, figs and their pollinating wasps constitute a highly diverse keystone resource in tropical forest and savannah environments. Historically, they were considered to exemplify extreme reciprocal partner specificity (one-to-one host-symbiont species relationships), but recent work has revealed several more complex cases. However, there is a striking lack of studies with the specific aims of assessing symbiont diversity and how this varies across the geographic range of the host.

RESULTS

Here, we use molecular methods to investigate cryptic diversity in the pollinating wasps of a widespread Australian fig species. Standard barcoding genes and methods were not conclusive, but incorporation of phylogenetic analyses and a recently developed nuclear barcoding gene (ITS2), gave strong support for five pollinator species. Each pollinator species was most common in a different geographic region, emphasising the importance of wide geographic sampling to uncover diversity, and the scope for divergence in coevolutionary trajectories across the host plant range. In addition, most regions had multiple coexisting pollinators, raising the question of how they coexist in apparently similar or identical resource niches.

CONCLUSION

Our study offers a striking example of extreme deviation from reciprocal partner specificity over the full geographical range of a fig-wasp system. It also suggests that superficially identical species may be able to co-exist in a mutualistic setting albeit at different frequencies in relation to their fig host's range. We show that comprehensive sampling and molecular taxonomic techniques may be required to uncover the true structure of cryptic biodiversity underpinning intimate ecological interactions.

Comparison of moderate to severe systemic reactions with honeybee and wasp in children

BACKGROUND

The effect of the type of Hymenoptera on the severity of systemic reactions (SRs) is a controversial issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate demographic, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features of moderate-to-severe SRs in children with venom hypersensitivity and to compare the role of the honeybee and wasp stings in these reactions.

METHODS

Data on children with moderate-to-severe SRs after a Hymenoptera sting were retrospectively collected for a 17-year period.

RESULTS

A total of 55 children with moderate-to-severe SRs (wasp: 44, honeybee: 11) to venom stings were included in the study. In the honeybee group, comorbid allergic rhinitis and any type of atopic disease was more frequent compared to the wasp group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). In 50.9% of the children, family history of SR to the same venom type was higher in the honeybee group (p = 0.02). Dyspnea was more frequent in the wasp, and cyanosis was more frequent in the honeybee compared to each other (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). Prick tests results were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.038). There was no difference between honeybee and wasp in moderate-to-severe SR groups in terms of seasonal tendency, age at admission, age at first SR, gender, previous history of SR, sting localization, latency, and affected organ systems (p > 0.05 for each).

CONCLUSION

Moderate-to-severe SRs with honeybee and wasp venoms in children may differ in the severity of respiratory symptoms/signs at presentation, in addition to comorbidity of atopic diseases and family history of the SRs.