Achatina Fulica Research Articles

Achatina fulica infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Manaus, brazilian amazon region, and the risk of transmission of eosinophilic meningitis

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes the zoonosis Eosinophilic Meningitis (EM), has become increasingly widespread in Brazil. Terrestrial mollusks, especially the exotic giant African snail Achatina fulica, have being found naturally infected with this nematode besides some few freshwater species. In this study, we collected several terrestrial and one freshwater mollusks from five different localities in the city of Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon Region. One hundred and eighteen specimens from nine different species were obtained. In all, 49 specimens were analyzed parasitologically, including A. fulica (42 specimens), Bulimulus sp. (one specimen) and the freshwater species Pomacea dolioides (five specimens). The other specimens died or were represented by shells. Specimens of A. fulica from one locality were found naturally infected with A. cantonensis, which was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial MT-CO1 gene sequences. A recent case of EM reported in the Amazon region, in the city of Macapá, reinforces the need of effective surveillance of areas in which the parasite is known to occur, as well as raising the awareness of local populations at risk of infection. We highlight both the role of A. fulica in the transmission of A. cantonensis and the need for effective measures to control the spreading of EM in Brazil. KEY WORDS: Mollusk; neural angiostrongyliasis; neurotropic parasite; intermediate host

Achatina fulica Mucus Ameliorates UVB-induced Human Dermal Fibroblast Photoaging via the TGF-β/Smad Pathway

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet B (UVB) induces skin photoaging by reducing collagen deposition via impairment of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Achatina fulica mucus (AFM) is a native medicine acting as vehicle of anti-aging ingredients. The present investigation examined the effect of AFM on UVB-induced fibroblast photoaging by assessing TGF-β, Smad3, and Smad7 mRNA expressions.METHODS: AFM was extracted from A. fulica using electrical shock and freeze-dried into a powder. Normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cultures were irradiated with/without 100 mJ/cm2 UVB and treated with/without 10% platelet-rich plasma or different concentrations of AFM: 3.9 μg/mL in AF3 group; 15.625 μg/mL in AF15 group, and 62.5 μg/mL in AF62 group. The mRNA expressions of TGF-β, Smad3, and Smad7 in NHDF were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS: TGF-β mRNA expressions in the AF3 (0.85±0.01), AF15 (0.94±0.02) and AF62 (1.64±0.03) groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with that in the UVB group (0.55±0.04). Moreover, Smad3 expressions in the AF3 (1.42±0.25), AF15 (1.89±0.13), and AF62 (2.50±0.31) groups were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared with that in the UVB group (0.57±0.08). Furthermore, Smad7 expressions in the AF3 (1.57±0.18), AF15 (0.87±0.03), and AF62 (0.25±0.09) groups were significantly lower (p<0.05) than that in the UVB group (2.57±0.06).CONCLUSION: AFM ameliorates UVB-induced fibroblast photoaging by upregulating the TGF-β/Smad3 expressions and downregulating Smad7 expression.KEYWORDS: Achatina fulica, TGF-β, Smad, collagen, UVB, fibroblast, photoaging

Species composition of terrestrial gastropods in an urban conservation area: Cibinong Botanical Garden

A study conducted in the Cibinong Botanical Garden (CBG) aimed to reveal the diversity of terrestrial gastropods. The CBG is an ex-situ conservation area for plants and has become the green space in urban ecosystems. The area is located near the city centre and only a few kilometers away from the cement industry. Research of land snails in CBG was carried out in January 2020 and March 2023. Five plots of 100 m2 were observed using the time search method. In addition, 3L of soil and leaf litter per plot were sorted and sieved to collect micro snails. In a total of 131 specimens from four families were collected. We found a land snail species endemic to Java, Landouria sp. and invasive alien species, Allopeas gracile, Allopeas clavulinum, and Lissachatina fulica. Based on iNEXT analysis, the number of species found in CBG had reached the maximum limit (SC=1). Shannon index value was 1.76 which implies low diversity. Further research is needed to understand environmental factors impacting land snail diversity in CBG. Regardless of the presence of invasive alien species, the CBG is a suitable habitat for land snails and plays an important role as a conservation oasis in urban ecosystems.

Particle binding capacity of snail saliva.

Gastropods forage with their radula, a thin chitinous membrane with embedded teeth, which scratch across the substrate to lose food particles. During this interaction, the risk of loosening particles is obvious without having a specialized mechanism holding them on the tooth surface. As mucus secretions are essential in molluscan life cycles and the locomotion and attachment gels are known to have an instant high adhesion, we have hypothesized that the saliva could support particle retention during feeding. As adhesion of snail saliva was not studied before, we present here an experimental setup to test its particle-binding capacity using a large land snail (Lissachatina fulica, Stylommatophora, Heterobranchia). This experiment was also applied to the gels produced by the snail foot for comparison and can be potentially applied to various fluids present at a small volume in the future. We found, that the saliva has high particle retention capacity that is comparable to the foot glue of the snail. To gain some insight into the properties of the saliva, we additionally studied it in the scanning electron microscope, estimated its viscosity in a de-wetting experiment, and investigated its elemental composition using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy reveling higher contents of Ca, Zn and other potential cross-linkers similar to those found in the glue.

Effects of Achatina fulica mucus as antimicrobial additive on chemical compositions, fermentation quality, and in vitro digestibility of elephant grass silage

This study was purposed to evaluate the utilization of Achatina fulica mucus as an antimicrobial to increase the quality of elephant grass silage. Total of 100 mL of achatina mucus (AM) was isolated from 20 heads of Achatina fulica using electric shock method. The AM contained 3,07 mg/5 mL of total protein. The 45 d old of elephant grass was harvested, wilted, and then chopped at 3-5 cm. Chopped grass was ensiled into 4 kg mini-silo for 21 d with different silage additives in triplicate, consisting of: without additives (P0); with 1% of AM (P1); and with combination of AM and microbial complex inoculant at 1:1 ratio. The compositions of elephant grass silage were not affected by the application of additives. The P2 silage resulted in the lowest (P<0.05) pH and yeast count. Both P1 and P2 silages had higher (P<0.05) lactate concentration than P0. Moreover, clostridia was not detected in both P1 and P2 silages. Both P1 and P2 silages had a higher (P<0.05) in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter than P0 silage. The present study concluded that applying AM was effective to inhibit clostridia and improve fermentation quality and digestibility in the rumen. A combination of AM and MCI was generally recommended to increase the quality and digestibility of elephant grass silage.

The global risk of infectious disease emergence from giant land snail invasion and pet trade

BackgroundPathogen outbreaks mostly originate from animals, but some species are more likely to trigger epidemics. The giant land snail (Lissachatina fulica) is a widespread invader, a popular exotic pet, and a notorious vector of the rat lungworm, causing eosinophilic meningitis in humans. However, a comprehensive assessment of the risks of disease outbreak associated with this species is lacking.MethodsWe assessed and mapped the risk of disease transmission associated with the invasion and pet trade of L. fulica. First, we conducted a review of the scientific literature to list all known L. fulica parasites and pathogens and query host–pathogen databases to identify their potential mammalian hosts. Then, to assess the potential for L. fulica to spread globally, we modelled its suitable climatic conditions and tested whether, within climatically suitable areas, the species tended to occur near humans or not. Finally, we used social media data to map L. fulica possession as an exotic pet and to identify human behaviours associated with increased risk of disease transmission.ResultsLissachatina fulica can carry at least 36 pathogen species, including two-thirds that can infect humans. The global invasion of L. fulica is climatically limited to tropical areas, but the species is strongly associated with densely populated areas where snails are more likely to enter in contact with humans. In temperate countries, however, climatic conditions should prevent L. fulica's spread. However, we show that in Europe, giant snails are popular exotic pets and are often handled with direct skin contact, likely increasing the risk of pathogen transmission to their owners.ConclusionsIt is urgent to raise public awareness of the health risks associated with L. fulica in both tropical countries and Europe and to regulate its trade and ownership internationally. Our results highlight the importance of accounting for multiple types of human-wildlife interactions when assessing risks of infectious disease emergence. Furthermore, by targeting the species most likely to spread pathogens, we show that it is possible to rapidly identify emerging disease risks on a global scale, thus guiding timely and appropriate responses.Graphical

Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Gastropoda in a Tropical Agricultural Village in Kadavoor, Kerala, India

Gastropods are an ecologically significant taxon which take part in crucial ecosystem services like nutrient cycling, food web, calcium cycle, pollination and seed dispersal. The gastropod diversity of Kadavoor village was studied for eight months in monoculture plantations of pineapple, rubber, banana, mixed crop agroecosystems, paddy fields and freshwater bodies. Random sampling was employed monthly in five quadrats of 1 * 1 square metre. A total of 14 species belonging to two subclasses, four orders and nine families were recorded. These include land snails, freshwater snails, slugs and semislugs. Six out of 14 species recorded are endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Two invasive species namely Laevicaulis alte and Allopeas gracile were recorded. It is notable that Achatina fulica was not recorded during our study. Ariophantidae was the most abundant family followed by Subulinidae. The mixed crop agroecosystem was found to be more species-rich than monoculture plantations which might be due to an increase in microhabitats and leaf litter layer. The Simpson’s diversity index values are highest for the rubber plantation and lowest for the banana plantation since the species are more evenly distributed in the rubber plantation. Mariaella dussumieri is a constant species in all three monoculture plantations since its constancy value is greater than 50%. Sorenson’s similarity index for species composition between monoculture ecosystems is high but variable. Microhabitats of snails in all these ecosystems were also recorded. The study is a first attempt at the gastropod diversity of agroecosystems in Kerala and would help in the conservation and management of the gastropods.

Calibration of the carbonate clumped isotope thermometer of land snail shells

The application of carbonate clumped isotopes (Δ47) as a temperature proxy has been widely investigated in many types of carbonate materials, including biogenic carbonates such as foraminifera and corals. However, their application to land snails is relatively rare and it remains controversial whether shell carbonate Δ47 is impacted by biologically-driven fractionation. These uncertainties may stem from the lack of precise temperature-controlled calibration samples in previous natural-environment-based studies. In this study we cultured two species of land snail with different environmental tolerances: the thermo-humidiphilous Achatina fulica (A. fulica), and the cold-aridiphilous Cathaica fasciola (C. fasciola), under strictly controlled temperature conditions, covering the growth temperature range of 15–33 °C. The results show that the shell Δ47 values for both A. fulica and C. fasciola had statistically significant negative correlations with the culturing temperature within their respective optimum temperature ranges (A. fulica: 25–33 °C, C. fasciola: 15–25 °C). However, shell Δ47 values for A. fulica at lower temperatures (20 °C in this study) and those for C. fasciola showed a negative deviation from the expected equilibrium values. We attribute the lower-than-equilibrium values to the existence of a vital effect in individual snail species, and more specifically, to the CO2 degassing associated with dehydration/dehydroxylation during carbonate precipitation in the snail's calcifying fluid.

Comparative diagnostic imaging in giant African land snails (Achatinidae).

Giant African land snails (GALS) have become increasingly popular, for example, as pets or in kindergartens in Europe, but little is known about their clinically relevant anatomy, diseases, or further details in diagnostic imaging. The present study focuses on the techniques and image interpretation of radiography, computed tomography, and sonography in GALS. The aim of the study is to find the most appropriate imaging tool to visualize the various organs within the mantle cavity (also known as visceral mass) in GALS. The detailed anatomy of GALS is presented with numerous figures of the different imaging techniques. The sensory organs and nervous system will not be part of the present study.

Characteristics of gut microbiome communities in the invasive African giant snail under urbanization gradient

To investigate the diversity and community structure of gut microbiome of the invasive species, Achatina fulica, along an urbanization gradient, we collected 30 A. fulica samples from five parks in the urban, suburban, and rural areas of Xiamen City. Using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing performed by the third generation PacBio sequencing platform, we analyzed the community characteristics of gut microbiome and soil microbiome in different habitats. We found a significant disparity between the composition of gut microbiome of A. fulica and that of the soil microbiome in their habitats. Furthermore, the gut microbiome of A. fulica were more sensitive to urbanization. The microbial α-diversity indices (Sobs, Chao, Shannon indices) in the soil of A. fulica habitats were consistently higher than those within their guts. Despite the similar β-diversity indices of microbial communities in urban, suburban, and rural soils, we found a significant discrepancy in gut microbiome composition. Urbanization significantly influenced A. fulica gut microbiome composition. Gut microbiome of A. fulica in urban and suburban regions primarily consisted of Enterobacteriaceae, Xanthomonadaceae, and Mycoplasmataceae, while that in rural areas chiefly composed of Streptococcaceae and Paenibacillaceae. The diversity and abundance of potential human pathogenic bacteria within the gut microbiome of A. fulica significantly increased in urban environments, suggesting that urbanization escalated the risk of A. fulica transmitting potential pathogens.

Application of aptamer-conjugated graphene oxide for specific enrichment of microcystin-LR in Achatina fulica prior to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), as a hepatotoxin, can cause liver swelling, hepatitis, and even liver cancer. In this study, MC-LR aptamer (Apt-3) modified graphene oxide (GO) was designed to enrich MC-LR in white jade snail (Achatina fulica) and pond water, followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) analysis. Results indicated that the Apt-3/PEG/GO nanocomposites were highly specific to MC-LR, and the detection limit of MALDI-MS was 0.50ng/mL. Moreover, the MC-LR can be released from nanocomposites at 75°C, thus, the reuse of Apt-3/PEG/GO is realized. Real sample analysis indicated that the Apt-3/PEG/GO nanocomposites coupled with MALDI-MS were efficient in detecting trace amounts of MC-LR in real samples. With the merits of being low cost, reusable, and easy to besynthesized, this Apt-3/PEG/GO MALDI-MS is expected to be comprehensively applied by anchoring suitable aptamers for different targets.

Process optimization for blended waste frying oil in biodiesel production using CaO derived from African periwinkle shell catalyst through response surface methodology

Biodiesel is one of the renewable energy alternatives for fossil fuel because of its biodegradability, no toxicity, and environmentally friendly nature. Investigations have been made on transesterifying blended waste frying oil (BWFO) into biodiesel using African periwinkle shells (APS) heterogeneous catalyst. The BWFO, a mixture of 60:40 groundnut oil and waste palm oil, usually causes serious environmental problems when indiscriminately disposed. After being calcined, the non-activated APS (RAPS) was further sulphonated to create an acid-activated APS (AAPSA) catalyst. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET), and other techniques were used to characterize the produced RAPS and AAPSA. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the produced biodiesel. Besides, a series of physiochemical properties including acid value, density, kinetic viscosity, flash point, cloud point, pour point, and other fuel properties of produced BWFO, were evaluated using ASTM standard methods. The central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized for modeling and process optimization of biodiesel production from BWFO.The characterization results revealed that CaO (62.07 %) is the main constituent of AAPSA. The RPSA's pore volume and BET surface area were 0.34 cm3/g and 68.93 m2/g, respectively. BET surface area (30.9%) and pore volume (48.2 %) increased for the AAPSA. The significant increase in surface area and pore volume of AAPSA indicates an enhanced number of acid sites and catalytic activity of the acid-modified catalyst towards higher produced biodiesel yield. The optimal conditions for the reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst loading, and methanol to oil ratio (mtOH/oil) were 55 °C, 142.5 min, 2.5 wt%, and 14.25:1. This resulted in the maximum yield of biodiesel, which was 91.5 %. Moreover, the AAPSA catalyst performed excellently, and the resulting biodiesel fuel's properties are comparable with those of ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. Hence, AAPSA is a potential solid acid bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst to produce biodiesel from BWFO. Therefore, this study's novelty comprises the synthesis of solid acid bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst from giant African land snail shells and the optimization of the process variables involved in the production of biodiesel from BWFO.

Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity of Achatina fulica mucus in streptozocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic kidney disease: an animal model study

Introduction: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression resulted in increased intrarenal oxidative stress and increased inflammatory resulting in further renal fibrosis. Achatina fulica mucus was regarded to exerts anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effect. Objectives: This study aims to observe the effect of administration of A. fulica mucus on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in DKD-induced rats. Methods and Materials: In this study, we used 32 males white Wistar rats divided into four groups; a control, and other three different groups induced with 45 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) and 110 mg/kg nicotinamide (NA) intra-peritoneally. Achatina fulica mucus was administered orally in the last groups; 3.5 mL/d (S1), and 7 mL/d (S2). Post-test measurement of inflammatory and oxidative biomarker was used to determine the outcome. Results: The study resulted in reduction of malondialdehyde (MDA), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in A. fulica mucus administration in our STZ-NA induced rats, with higher dose of the mucus further reduce the inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Conclusion: Current study showed the potential of A. fulica mucus usage in future management of inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes and DKD.

The transfer of 137Cs and heavy metals to tissues within the organs of snails

This paper describes the dynamics of 137Cs accumulation and its concentration ratio as well as that of some stable elements in the body, shell, gastrointestinal tract and albumin gland of a particular species of snail (terrestrial gastropod), namely the Giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica), after the long-term ingestion of contaminated forage and/or soil. The activity concentration of 137Cs in the their bodies increased over the first 40 days of the experiment, after which the increase in the activity of this radionuclide significantly reduced. The distribution of 137Cs in the body of a snail decreases as follows: gastrointestinal tract ˃ body = albumin gland ˃ shell. It was found that the contribution of soil towards the contamination of their bodies by 137Cs is far less than that of forage. Although the biological availability of Pb and U in forage is one order of magnitude higher than in soil, the main contribution to the contamination of snails originates from soil.

Experimental analysis of nanostructured PEEK, African giant snail shell, and sea snail shell powder for hydroxyapatite formation for bone implant applications

This experimental research focuses on the nanostructure analysis of three materials; polyether ether ketone (PEEK), African land giant snail shell (ALGSS), and sea snail shell (SSS) powder, for the formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings in bone implant applications. The study aimed to evaluate these materials’ surface characteristics, furrow depth, density, and other relevant parameters to assess their suitability as bone implant materials. The nanostructure analysis revealed distinct characteristics for each material. PEEK exhibited shallow furrows and a high density of furrows, making it a favourable substrate for hydroxyapatite coating formation. The ISO 25178 roughness analysis further characterised surface roughness and topography. African land giant snail shell powder, displayed a high material ratio, indicating a potential for hydroxyapatite conversion for biomedical application. The sea snail shell powder demonstrated intermediate furrow depth and density, warranting further investigation for optimisation as a precursor for hydroxyapatite coatings. The findings emphasise the significance of nanostructure properties in bone implant materials. The tailored nanostructure of materials such as PEEK, the synthesized powder can influence their biocompatibility, osseointegration, and long-term performance. The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of the nanostructure properties of these materials, contributing to the understanding of their potential for bone implant applications. Overall, this experimental research is significant and provides valuable insights into the nanostructure characteristics of PEEK, African land giant snail shell powder, and sea snail shell powder and they all demonstrated the potential of forming hydroxyapatite coatings. These findings contribute to advancements in bone implantology, paving enhancing innovative and improved bone implant materials

Biological properties of mucus from land snails (Lissachatina fulica) and freshwater snails (Pomacea canaliculata) and histochemical study of mucous cells in their foot.

Mucus derived from many land snails has been extensively utilised in medicine and cosmetics, but some biological activities of the mucus need to be well documented. Nevertheless, most mucus is obtained from land snails, while mucus from freshwater snails has yet to be attended. This study aims to determine and compare mucus's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from the land snail Lissachatina fulica and the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. ABTS, DPPH, reducing power and total antioxidant activity assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. Inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells was performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the histochemical analysis of mucous cells in each snail foot was conducted to compare the distribution of mucous cells and types of mucins using periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue staining. Mucus from L. fulica and P. canaliculata exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in different parameters. L. fulica mucus has higher total antioxidant (44.71 ±2.11 mg AAE/g) and nitric oxide inhibitory activities (IC50 = 9.67 ±0.31 µg/ml), whereas P. canaliculata mucus has better-reducing power activity (43.63 ±2.47 mg AAE/g) and protein denaturation inhibition (IC50 = 0.60 ±0.03 mg/ml). Histochemically, both species' dorsal and ventral foot regions contained neutral and acid mucins in different quantities. In the dorsal region, the neutral mucins level in L. fulica (16.64 ±3.46%) was significantly higher than that in P. canaliculata (11.19 ±1.50%), while the acid mucins level showed no significant difference between species. Levels of both mucins in the ventral foot region of L. fulica (15.08 ±3.97% and 10.76 ±3.00%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of P. canaliculata (2.25 ±0.48% and 2.71 ±0.56%, respectively). This study revealed scientific evidence of the biological capacity of mucus from L. fulica and P. canaliculata as well as provided helpful information on the region of the foot which produces effective mucus.

The recent introduction of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its intermediate host Achatina fulica into Guadeloupe detected by phylogenetic analyses

BackgroundAngiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is the main pathogen responsible for eosinophilic meningitis in humans. One of its intermediate snail hosts, Achatina fulica, was already present in many countries around the world before it appeared in the West Indies in the late 1980s. In the French territories in the Caribbean and northern South America, the first cases of human neuroangiostrongyliasis were reported in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana in 2002, 2013 and 2017, respectively. In order to better characterize angiostrongyliasis in Guadeloupe, particularly its geographical origin and route of introduction, we undertook molecular characterization of adult worms of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and its intermediate host Achatina fulica.MethodsGenomic DNA of adult Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica was extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrial genes cytochrome B and C for A. cantonensis and 16S ribosomal RNA for A. fulica. The PCR products were sequenced and studied by phylogenetic analysis.ResultsCytochrome B and cytochrome C molecular markers indicate a monophyletic lineage of A. cantonensis adult worms in Guadeloupe. Two sequences of A. fulica were identified.ConclusionsThese results confirm the recent introduction of both Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Achatina fulica into Guadeloupe. Achatina fulica in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Barbados and New Caledonia, while Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Guadeloupe shares a common origin with those in Brazil, Hawaii and Japan.Graphical

Phytosanitary measures and certifications programs implemented in Florida

The geographic and climatic conditions of Florida make the state vulnerable to damaging exotic organisms. This risk is compounded by the intense trade of agricultural products arriving through numerous ports of entry in the state and the tourism industry, with at least 115 million visitors annually. For over 100 years, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI), known as the Florida State Plant Board from 1915-1960, has implemented regulatory programs to protect Florida's diverse agricultural industries from damaging exotic organisms (Tissot et al., 1954). These unwanted organisms include phytoparasitic invertebrates such as arthropods, mollusks, and nematodes, and, also, plant pathogens and invasive plants. Many of these programs have been effective in preventing the establishment of or eradicating severe pests such as the Mediterranean [Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)] Oriental [Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)] and West Indian [Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart)] fruit flies, boll weevil [Anthonomus grandis Boheman], cotton seed bug [Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa)] and the giant African snail [Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich)], which, at present, is under eradication in central Florida. Florida remains free from some pests through a permanent monitoring system, which, in the case of the fruit flies, is based on traps, baits, and mass release of sterile flies. When eradication is not feasible for a newly introduced pest, the spread of these exotic organisms is limited or controlled by certification programs designed to maintain pest-free propagative plant material and the release of biological control agents. These programs are very costly and require the commitment and dedication of regulatory officials, the support of growers, and public awareness of the risk that damaging exotic pests pose to agriculture and the state's economy.

Investigation of Immune Responses in Giant African Snail, Achatina immaculata, against a Two-Round Lipopolysaccharide Challenge.

As one of the 100 most-threatening invasive alien species, the giant African snail (Achatina immaculata) has successfully invaded and established itself in most areas of southern China. Protection against recurrent pathogen infections is vital to biological invasion. Enhanced immune protection has been previously found in other invertebrates, but not in the unique immune system of the giant African snail. In the present study, the survival rate of the giant African snail was recorded following a second infection with lethal doses of Escherichia coli after a previous first injection using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the mechanism of immune enhancement was investigated by examining the cellular and transcriptomic response of the giant African snail after two successive stimuli using LPS. Snails injected first with LPS, sterilized physiologic (0.9%) saline (SPS), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or untreated (Blank) were rechallenged at 7d with E. coli (Ec), and were named as LPS + Ec, SPS + Ec, PBS + Ec, Ec, and Blank. The log-rank test shows the survival rate of the LPS + Ec group as significantly higher than that of other control groups after the second injection (p < 0.05). By performing cell counting and BrdU labeling on newly generated circulating hemocytes, we found that the total hemocyte count (THC) and the ratio of BrdU-positive cells to total cells increased significantly after primary stimulation with LPS and that they further increased after the second challenge. Then, caspase-3 of apoptosis protease and two antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and SOD) increased significantly after infection, and were significantly higher in the second response than they had been in the first round. Moreover, transcriptome analysis results showed that 84 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were expressed at higher levels in both the resting and activating states after the second immune response compared to the levels observed after the first challenge. Among them, some DEGs, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signaling molecules, were verified using qRT-PCR and were consistent with the transcriptome assay results. Based on gene expression levels, we proposed that these genes related to the TLR signaling cascade participate in enhanced immune protection. All results provide evidence that enhanced immune protection exists in the giant African snail.

The Effect of Snail Mucus (Achatina Fulica) on The Degree of Kidney Interstitial Fibrosis In Lupus Nephritis Mice Model

&lt;p class="AbstractNormal"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;cytotoxic drugs dominate SLE therapy, so new therapies with minimum side effects are needed. Snail (Achatina Fulica) mucus contains two types of protein; heparan and acharan sulfate. The snail mucus has significant potential benefits, but its use in lupus nephritis has never been examined.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="AbstractNormal"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;This research used an experimental model. It used mice for the experiment. The mice were divided into five groups: control, untreated lupus, standard therapy (methylprednisolone), snail mucus therapy, and a combination of standard therapy and snail mucus. Renal histology was examined at the end of the fifth month. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, and Tukey Post Hoc tests.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="AbstractNormal"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Result&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;s: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The level of interstitial fibrosis between the standard therapy group and the snail mucus group showed an MD value of -0.13 with a p-value of 1.00, meaning there is no significant difference between the level of interstitial fibrosis in the two groups. The comparison between the standard therapy group and the combination of the standard therapy group showed an MD value of 0.64 with a p-value of 0.992, which means that the combination of standard therapy tends to decrease the level of interstitial fibrosis. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="AbstractNormal"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The administration of snail mucus in combination with standard therapy affects the decrease in the level of interstitial fibrosis in mice model lupus.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;