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Background: Utilizing pollinators is one of the most dependable, economical, and environmentally friendly ways to improve cross-pollination, boost crop output, and improve crop quality. Bees are regarded as the best pollinators among all other pollinators. Methods: The current study was conducted to elucidate the impact of honeybee (Apis mellifera) visits on the pollination of various sunflower cultivars including Hysum-33, Hysun-38, and FH-106. Results: Our finding revealed that the highest average number of honeybee visits was observed in the morning followed by noon and afternoon on different sunflower cultivars. The maximum number of honeybee visits was recorded on Hysun-38, while the minimum was recorded on the FH-106 cultivar, which was 87.85 and 73.6, respectively. In (Hysun-33) and (FH-106), the maximum average time spent by the honeybee noticed in the morning on the flower was 34.24 and 32.67 min, whereas the maximum average time spent in the evening on the flower of (Hysun-38), which was 36.41 min. Regression analysis demonstrated that a significant effect between the head diameter of sunflower cultivars and the number of honey bee visits (p

Abstract The nutritional requirements of mosquitoes include both sugar (generally derived from the nectar of flowers) and blood (humans or animals). Mosquitoes express different degrees of preferences towards hosts depending on behavioral, ecological, and physiological factors. These preferences have implications for mosquito-borne disease risk. The present study is directed to reveal the effect of the human blood groups on the fecundity and fertility of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. In laboratory tests, mosquitoes were fed on ABO blood groups via artificial membrane feeders, and the level of attraction against different blood groups was tested by the electroantennogram and wind tunnel bioassay under control conditions. Results indicate that the female mosquitoes had a strong preference towards the blood group B, while in the case of females fed on O blood group had the highest digestibility rate. Overall, the human blood type had a significant impact on the fecundity and fertility of female An. stephensi. The highest numbers of eggs are laid, in the case of blood group B, (mean (± SD)) 216.3 (8.81) followed by the AB, 104.06 (7.67), and O, 98.01 (7.04). In the case of blood group B, females attain the highest fertility of about 92.1 (9.98). This study provides novel insight into the ABO blood type host choice of the mosquitoes that are still partially unknown and suggests encouraging personal protection for relevant individuals within communities at risk, which is a useful tool for preventing malaria where the An. stephensi is present as a dominant vector.

Abstract Pollinators can detect the color, shape, scent, and even temperature of the flowers they want to visit. Here, we present the previously unappreciated capacity of hoverflies (Eristalis tenax and Cheilosia albipila) to detect the electric field surrounding flowers. Using hoverflies as key dipteran pollinators, we explored the electrical interactions between flies and flowers—how a hoverfly acquired a charge and how their electrical sensing ability for target flowers contributed to nectar identification and pollination. This study revealed that rapid variations in a floral electric field were related to a nectar reward and increased the likelihood of the fly’s return visits. We found that thoracic hairs played a role in the polarity of hoverfly charge, revealing their electro-mechanosensory capability, as in bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). Electrophysiological analysis of the hoverfly’s antennae did not reveal neural sensitivity to the electric field, which favors the mechanosensory hairs as putative electroreceptive organs in both species of hoverflies.

The most important honey bee queen food royal jelly is produced by the exocrine hypopharyngeal glands (HGs) of the worker honey bees. The HGs exhibits diverse gene and protein that create age-related physiological adaptations. However, limited knowledge is available on how the phosphorylation process is responsible for physiological alterations across the development of HGs in newly emerged bees. This study measured the acinus of HGs and characterized its phosphoproteomics analysis between the newly emerged bees of royal jelly bees (RJBs) and Italian bees (ITBs). Phosphopeptides of HGs were enriched by Ti4+-IMAC reagents, followed by protein identification via Q-Exactive LC-MS/MS. Our findings indicated that the mean acinus size of HGs of newly emerged bees of RJBs was significantly larger (56.18 ± 1.72 µm) than ITBs (45.98 ± 1.62 µm). A total of 1576 phosphopeptides with 1800 phosphosites containing 525 phosphoproteins were identified in RJBs, while 746 phosphopeptides, of which 846 phosphosites correspond to 317 phosphoproteins were identified in ITBs. Most proteins were phosphorylated on 1 residue followed by 2 and 3 residues in newly emerged bees of both bee stocks. In addition, serine phosphorylation was most observed, followed by threonine and tyrosine in both bee stocks. In newly emerged bees of RJBs, the protein metabolic process, glycolytic process, and formation of translation preinitiation were uniquely enriched, while protein translation, peptide metabolic process and elongation were enriched in ITBs. This research shows detailed phosphorylation of HGs and provides helpful information for understanding the biological activities of HGs development in newly emerged bees from both bee stocks.

Honey bee queen serves as a colony's centre hub, producing eggs and releasing pheromones to keep a colony together. Artificial insemination in Apis mellifera, trending research these days, is a consistent method for controlling mating in honey bees. Quality queen production is essential to maintaining a healthy bee colony. A review of comparative studies on superior quality honey bee (A. mellifera) queens production through nontraditional techniques and various factors affecting the instrumental insemination process has been compiled in this article. Several factors like; rearing conditions, stress, inseminator’s skills, food availability, mating age of queen, queen banking, temperature, sperms stored in the spermatheca, sperms quality and quantity, semen handling and storage, CO2 and nitrogen treatments, pheromones affect the performance of instrumentally inseminated queens. Moreover, different data collection showed that different methods used for queen treatment which have a significant effect on the performance of the queen. This review suggested that artificially inseminated queens could be more productive if experiments were done with proper attention and precision.

Artificial queen rearing has changed the beekeeping business in contrast to natural queen replacement, as it provides a newly mated queen into a bee colony, reduces the time between eggs not being laid, and increases the production of young bees in a colony. This study was conducted to investigate the larval acceptance rate grafted in queen cups made from different materials and to find out whether the various materials used for queen cups were suitable for the acceptance of grafted larvae in cell builder colonies. The evaluated materials included fresh bee wax (T1), old bee wax (T2), uncapping bee wax (T3), pure paraffin (T4), 50% paraffin + 50% old bee wax (T5), and brown plastic queen cups (T6) as a control. Results indicated that T3 was the material that most increased the larval acceptance (5.2 ± 0.37), followed by T4 (2.4 ± 0.5), T2 (2.2 ± 0.58), T5 (1.8 ± 0.37), T1 (1.6 ± 0.4), and minimum larval acceptance was in the T6 (1.0 ± 0.4) respectively during the spring season of the year 2020–2021. Similar findings were reported of larval acceptance rate during the spring season of 2021–2022. In addition, the wax material that least affected larval acceptance was the fresh comb bee wax. However, all materials used were coupled with a more larval acceptance rate than the control treatment during both spring seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. The larval acceptance rate was statistically significant in T3 as a compared to other queen cell cup materials during the both spring seasons (p = 0.001). These findings imply that using different types of bee wax for preparing queen cell cups during larvae grafting, particularly uncapping bee wax, may stimulate and promote grafted larvae acceptance during the queen rearing process.

To determine the effect of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) pollination on sunflower yield using the most appropriate number of beehives per unit area of crops is very important. By comparing the number of hives and yield components, we can satisfy optimal pollination needs and improve economic yields. For this purpose, a series of experiments were conducted at thatha Khalil farmer field Taxila Rawalpindi, under the supervision of Beekeeping and Hill Fruit Pests Research, Station Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with four treatments for comparison: 1 hive acre−1, 2 hives acre−1, 3 hives acre−1, and 0 hives acre−1 as a control. The hives were kept inside the experimental area and pollination density, pollinator’s diversity, agronomic yield, and economic yield were determined. Two acres of sunflower field were sown and four bee colonies were introduced at 5% to 10% flowering. The maximum visitation frequency of A. mellifera was recorded at the weekly interval from 24 to 09-2019 to 24–10-2019, according to which maximum visitation was observed (44.8, 38.4, and 16.5 plant−1 5 min−1) at 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00 hrs, respectively. Data regarding foraging pollinators revealed that A. mellifera was the most dominant pollinator of the sunflower crop with the highest abundance 17.11% followed by A. cerana (3.46%) and the population of A. dorsata was minimum (2.12%). Furthermore, agronomic parameters (number of seeds plant−1, 100 seed weight (g), and economic yield were significantly higher in those fields which were pollinated by more beehives in comparison to fewer beehives.

Propolis (bee glue) is a complex, phyto-based resinous material obtained from beehives. Its chemical and biological properties vary with respect to bee species, type of plants, geographical location, and climate of a particular area. This study was planned with the aim of determining the chemical composition and to investigate various properties (against oxidants and microbes) of different extracts of Saudi propolis collected from Arabian honey bee (Apis mellifera jemenitica) colonies headed by young queens. Chemical analysis of propolis extracts with different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate (Eac), methanol (Met), butanol (BuT), and hexane (Hex) was done through colorimetry for the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) evaluation. For separation and extensive characterization of the Met extract, chromatography and 1H NMR were deployed. Six different microorganisms were selected to analyze the Saudi-propolis-based extract’s antimicrobial nature by measuring zones of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Molecular docking was done by utilizing AutodDock, and sketching of ligands was performed through Marvin Chem Sketch (MCS), and the resultant data after 2D and 3D clean were stored in .mol format. The highest TFC (96.65 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g of propolis) and TPC (325 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of propolis) were noted for Met. Six familiar compounds were isolated, and recognition was done with NMR. Met extract showed the greatest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Met showed max microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI = 18.67 mm, MIC = 0.625 mg/mL), whereas the minimum was observed in Hex against E. coli (ZOI = 6.33 mm, MIC = 2.50 mg/mL). Furthermore, the molecular docking process established the biological activity of separated compounds against HCK (Hematopoietic cell kinase) and Gyrase B of S. aureus. Moreover, the stability of protein–ligand complexes was further established through molecular dynamic simulation studies, which showed that the receptor–ligand complexes were quite stable. Results of this research will pave the way for further consolidated analysis of propolis obtained from Arabian honey bees (A. m. jemenitica).

Hypopharyngeal glands (HGs) are the most important organ of hymenopterans which play critical roles for the insect physiology. In honey bees, HGs are paired structures located bilaterally in the head, in front of the brain between compound eyes. Each gland is composed of thousands of secretory units connecting to secretory duct in worker bees. To better understand the recent progress made in understanding the structure and function of these glands, we here review the ontogeny of HGs, and the factors affecting the morphology, physiology, and molecular basis of the functionality of the glands. We also review the morphogenesis of HGs in the pupal and adult stages, and the secretory role of the glands across the ages for the first time. Furthermore, recent transcriptome, proteome, and phosphoproteome analyses have elucidated the potential mechanisms driving the HGs development and functionality. This adds a comprehensive novel knowledge of the development and physiology of HGs in honey bees over time, which may be helpful for future research investigations.

A healthy honey bee stock is critical to the beekeeping industry and the sustainability of the ecosystem. The quality of the supplemental diet influences the development and strength of the colony, especially during the pollen dearth period in the surrounding environment. However, the extent to which pollen substitute protein feeding affects honey bee colony parameters is not fully known. We conducted this study to test the influence of various supplemental diets on foraging effort, pollen load, capped brood area, population density, and honey yield. The treatment groups were supplied with patties of pollen substitute diets, whereas sugar syrup was given to the control group. Our results indicated that honey bees consumed a significantly higher amount of Diet 1 (45 g soybean flour + 15 g Brewer's yeast + 75 g powdered sugar + 7.5 g skimmed milk + 7.5 g date palm pollen + 200 mL sugar syrup supplement with Vitamin C) followed by others supplemented diets. Further, pollen load, worker-sealed brood area, population strength, and honey yield differed significantly when Diet 1 was consumed instead of other supplemental diets. The proportion of biological parameters was less in the control group as compared to other treatments. This study highlights the potential of supplemental diets to improve the bee's health and colony development when the pollens availability and diversity are insufficient.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are essential for their products—honey, royal jelly, pollen, propolis and beeswax. They are also indispensable because they support ecosystems with their pollination services. However, the production and functions of honey bees are hindered by the arthropod pest Varroa destructor, which attacks bees through its feeding activities. Efforts to control varroa mites have been made through the development of various synthetic pesticide groups, but have had limited success because the mites developed resistance and some of these pesticides are harmful to bees. Branded pesticides are rarely used in Pakistan, as beekeepers utilize acaricides from unknown sources. There is a need to create awareness of available naturally occurring acaricides that may serve as an alternative to synthetic acaricides. Although some naturally occurring compounds are considered toxic to the environment, the soft acaricides oxalic acid, thymol, and formic acid 65% are usually safe for honey bee colonies and beekeepers, when handled appropriately. The current study investigated the effectiveness of formic acid (10, 15, and 20 mL/hive), oxalic acid (4.2, 3.2, and 2.1%/hive), and thymol (6, 4, and 2 g/hive) in controlling mite infestation. The results indicated that all treatments significantly reduced the mite population (p < 0.05). The average efficacies of oxalic acid at 3.2% (94.84% ± 0.34) and 4.2% (92.68% ± 0.37) were significantly higher than those of the other treatments. The lowest efficacy was recorded in formic acid 65% at 10 mL (54.13%). Overall, the results indicated that soft acaricides—such as oxalic acid at 3.2% and 4.2% concentrations—are very effective at controlling varroa mites and can be used in broodless conditions without side effects.

Vitamin K deficiency is evident in severe and fatal COVID-19 patients. It is associated with the cytokine storm, thrombotic complications, multiple organ damage, and high mortality, suggesting a key role of vitamin K in the pathology of COVID-19. To support this view, we summarized findings reported from machine learning studies, molecular simulation, and human studies on the association between vitamin K and SARS-CoV-2. We also investigated the literature for the association between vitamin K antagonists (VKA) and the prognosis of COVID-19. In addition, we speculated that fermented milk fortified with bee honey as a natural source of vitamin K and probiotics may protect against COVID-19 and its severity. The results reported by several studies emphasize vitamin K deficiency in COVID-19 and related complications. However, the literature on the role of VKA and other oral anticoagulants in COVID-19 is controversial: some studies report reductions in (intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality), others report no effect on mortality, while some studies report higher mortality among patients on chronic oral anticoagulants, including VKA. Supplementing fermented milk with honey increases milk peptides, bacterial vitamin K production, and compounds that act as potent antioxidants: phenols, sulforaphane, and metabolites of lactobacilli. Lactobacilli are probiotic bacteria that are suggested to interfere with various aspects of COVID-19 infection ranging from receptor binding to metabolic pathways involved in disease prognosis. Thus, fermented milk that contains natural honey may be a dietary manipulation capable of correcting nutritional and immune deficiencies that predispose to and aggravate COVID-19. Empirical studies are warranted to investigate the benefits of these compounds.

Background: This research examined autonomic dysfunction in heart rate variability and spectral disturbances in COPD patients. The research included 100 COPD patients and 100 healthy as control. The research covered Mild & Moderate COPD patients. Excludes severe and very severe COPD patients also avoided sand miners and passive smokers. Study used case-control design. The result revealed that COPD sufferers had a lower FEV1% (1.90.39) than controls. COPD patients had a lower FVC% (56.428.41) than controls. COPD sufferers had a 2.750.62 higher RV (L) than controls. COPD sufferers had a 2.750.62 higher TLC (L) than controls. Cases and controls HRV and frequency parameters (LF/HF) ratio shows a considerable difference, although LF nu and HF nu indicate no difference. A high ratio of low to high frequency activity indicates parasympathetic activation. Comparing Time Domain Parameters, HRV of Cases and Controls, the mean RR interval of the control group appears to rise, giving the appearance that the smaller mean RR interval in cases reflects a fast heart rate due to a shift toward sympathetic activity. COPD patients have lower HRV, which indicates ANS dysfunction with sympathetic hyperactivity. Regulated breathing increases parasympathetic activity and HRV, although not much. So the study will try to show that weather controlled breathing slow and deep will affect the ANS controlling of the heart variables are not. Materials & Methods: Research techniques are methods for tackling research problems in an organized and methodical manner. Researchers employ a range of procedures, including interviews, observation, and observational data collection, to obtain new information from the subject. To achieve our research objectives, the researcher used an evaluative strategy. This study was duration based case control study, carried out for a period of one year on clinically confirmed cases of COPD patients visiting OPD and in patients at Index Medical College & Hospital in Indore. A total of 200 subjects are recruited, 100 COPD patients as interventional and 100 healthy as controls. Easy on PC programme was used to get the flow volume curve, analyze it, and determine the % expected value for FEV1 and FVC. All patients had their FEV1 and FVC measured, and all COPD patients had their FEV1% computed using the GOLD standard criteria. HRV was analyzed by using the VarioWin-HR analysis programme. Results: The chosen studies found a substantial drop in HRV in COPD patients, as measured by indices that evaluate parasympathetic activity in addition to dealing with global autonomic regulation. We also discovered that supervised exercise may help COPD patients decrease these negative consequences. Pulmonary function result reveals that FEV1 was found to be less in COPD cases. FEV1 % was found to be less in COPD cases. FVC % was found to be less in COPD cases. RV (L) was found to be greater than in COPD cases. TLC (L) was found to be greater than in COPD cases. TLC (L) was found to be greater than in COPD cases. In comparison to healthy people, COPD patients had a faster heart rate (p 0.05) and lower average NN, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, HF, LF, and TP (all p 0.05), but a comparable QTc interval (p = 0.185). SDNN and TP (both p 0.05) rose throughout rehabilitation, as did the outcomes of the 6MWT, ISWT, and SGRQ (both p 0.05). Conclusion: Following regulated breathing, there is a little increase in parasympathetic activity and a rise in HRV, although these effects are not statistically significant. As a consequence, it is difficult to determine if regulated breathing had any effect on this study. Regularly practised controlled, slow, and deep breathing improves ANS control of HR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this novel industrial scale case study, the bioenergy recovery based on sole and mixed cow-buffalo (CBM) and potato waste (PW) substrates has been analyzed in real time, i.e., on-site on a full-scale operational anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. The plant employed in this study is a novel design, consisting of tri-digesters connected via an underground upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) type lagoon allowing it to function as a continuous-flow reactor. The system has been further equipped with CSTR, microwave heating, gas scrubbers, compression, and storage systems. The highest energy recovery readings were 123.9 m3/1,000 kg, 77 m3/1,000 kg, and 151.6 kWh/1,000 kg in terms of biogas, bio-methane, and electricity generated, respectively, with 75:25 ratio of CBM:PW. Operating with 100% CBM, yields of 79.9 m3/1,000 kg, 47 m3/1,000 kg, and 95 kWh/1,000 kg were obtained. The percentage of recovery in bio-methane production increased on using the mixed substrates, but it was the lowest with a 25:75 ratio of CBM:PW. The electrical power generation efficiency was found to be significantly increased, but not distinctively with the plant aggregate power rating that was probably associated with the variable quality of biogas which was fed to the power generator. A linear regression analysis had shown a significant and positive correlation between the rate of VS removal and biogas yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]