Exotic predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic non-coevolved prey.

Defensive chemicals of prey can be sequestered by some coevolved predators, which take advantage of prey toxins for their own defence. The increase in the number of invasive species in the Anthropocene has resulted in new interactions among non-coevolved predator and prey species. While novelty in chemical defence may provide a benefit for invasive prey against non-coevolved predators, resident predators with the right evolutionary pre-adaptations might benefit from sequestering these novel defences. Here, we chose a well-known system of invasive species to test whether non-coevolved predators can sequester and use toxins from exotic prey. Together with the invasive prickly pear plants, cochineal bugs (Dactylopius spp.) are spreading worldwide from their native range in the Americas. These insects produce carminic acid, a defensive anthraquinone that some specialized predators sequester for their own defence. Using this system, we first determined whether coccinellids that prey on cochineal bugs in the Mediterranean region tolerated, sequestered, and released carminic acid in reflex bleeding. Then, we quantified the deterrent effect of carminic acid against antagonistic ants. Our results demonstrate that the Australian coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri sequestered carminic acid, a substance absent in its coevolved prey, from exotic cochineal bugs. When attacked, the predator released this substance through reflex bleeding at concentrations that were deterrent against antagonistic ants. These findings reveal that non-coevolved predators can sequester and use novel toxins from exotic prey and highlights the surprising outcomes of novel interactions that arise from species invasions.

Repeated atrial arrhythmia induced by cochineal red poisoning: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cochineal red is an organic compound widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and other fields due to its excellent safety profile. Poisoning caused by eating foods containing cochineal red is rare, and repeated atrial arrhythmia due to cochineal red poisoning is even rarer. CASE SUMMARY: An 88-year-old Asian female patient was admitted to hospital due to a disturbance of consciousness. Twelve hours prior to presentation, the patient consumed 12 eggs containing cochineal red over a period of 2 h. At presentation, the patient was in a coma and had a score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (E2 + VT + M4). The patient's skin and mucous membranes were pink. Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed rapid atrial fibrillation without any signs of ischemia. We prescribed cedilan and fluid replacement for arrhythmia correction. Shortly after admission, the atrial fibrillation corrected to a normal sinus rhythm. On the day 2 of admission, the patient had a sudden atrial flutter accompanied by hemodynamic instability and rapidly declining arterial oxygen saturation between 85% and 90%. The sinus rhythm returned to normal after two electrical cardioversions. Six days after admission, the skin color of the patient returned to normal, and the ECG results were normal. The patient was transferred out of the intensive care unit and eventually discharged after 12 d in hospital. At the 2-mo follow-up visit, the patient was in good health with no recurrence of arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: Although cochineal red is a safe, natural food additive, excessive consumption or occupational exposure can induce cardiac arrhythmias.

Dactylopius opuntiae [Cockerell] Could Be a Source of Antioxidants for the Preservation of Beef Patties.

Dactylopius opuntiae is an insect pest that contains at least carminic acid, which has antioxidant properties. Since there is a relationship between the antioxidant ability and preservative action of compounds applied to meat products, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and usefulness of a D. opuntiae extract for beef patty preservation. The insects were bred and processed to obtain a liquid extract. For the extract, its carminic acid content, antioxidant activity against two free radicals, and actions on food quality parameters were determined. The D. opuntiae dry powder contained 2.91% w/w carminic acid, while the liquid extract exhibited an IC50 value of 3437.8 ± 67.8 and 19633.0 ± 674.5 µg/mL against the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Nevertheless, these antioxidant actions were lower than those found in a D. coccus extract. The D. opuntiae extract improved in a short time the redness and yellowness, eliminated the unfavorable effect of their vehicle on the MetMb level, and greatly reduced the TBARS formation. For the first time, an extract of D. opuntiae was applied to beef patties, and its beneficial antioxidant action on meat acceptance parameters was confirmed, which has potential commercial applications.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Films from Polyvinyl Alcohol/Agar Containing Cochineal for Monitoring the Freshness of Pork.

This study reported the production of pH-responsive films based on 8 wt% polyvinyl alcohol solution/0.2 wt% agar solution incorporated with cochineal-loaded starch particles (CSN) (2, 4, 6 and 8 wt% on agar basis) by a casting process. Results revealed that CSN presented obvious color changes over the pH range of 2-12. FTIR, XRD spectra and SEM micrographs presented that the incorporation of CSN formed new hydrogen bonds with a matrix and a tighter network structure. A certain improvement was observed in the color stability, swelling index and functional properties (antimicrobial and antioxidant activities) but water solubility, water vapor permeability and water contact angle of the pH-responsive films were decreased by the addition of CSN. The release of cochineal was a rate-limiting step following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The agar/polyvinyl alcohol film containing 6% CSN (PVA/GG-6) exhibited the best sensitivity for ammonia detection and its limit of detection was 35.4 ppm (part per million) for ammonia. The application trials showed that the PVA/GG-6 film presented different color changes for pork freshness. Hence, these pH-responsive films can be used as potential packaging materials for tracking the freshness of protein-rich fresh food in a non-destructive way.

A Case Report of Allergic Hypersensitivity to Color Additives in Slurpee® Beverages.

Introduction: Many commercially available foods and beverages contain color additives to which patients may develop allergic hypersensitivity. Several color additives currently approved for commercial sale in the United States have raised health concerns to a varying degree as testing and evidence of carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and hypersensitivity has thus far been inadequate. Common uses for color additives include baked goods (eg, cakes, pastries, candy), flavored dairy products such as yogurt, sports-themed drinks (eg, Gatorade® Fruit Punch), and red-dyed Slurpee® beverages. Methods: We present the case of a patient who experienced color additive-related allergic hypersensitivity reactions after consumption of Slurpee® beverages, which may place her at risk when consuming other commercially available beverages and food products containing color additives. Percutaneous skin testing and an oral challenge were administered using three different red color additives (two color additives for skin testing and one color additive for the oral challenge). Results: The specific color additive precipitating her symptoms was not conclusively identified. Review of the literature acknowledges the idea that further research into color additive-related allergy should be conducted as there are many commercially available color additives that can elicit hypersensitivity reactions after consumption. Conclusion: Current research shows that of the red color additives available, Citrus Red, Red No. 3, and Red No. 40 are recognized to elicit such reactions. In order to lessen the burden of color additive-related hypersensitivity in the general population, public education, increased research, and subsequent regulations should be implemented.

Hypersensitivity of azo dyes in urticaria patients based on a single-blind, placebo-controlled oral challenge.

Introduction: The role of azo dyes in urticaria is not fully understood. Aim: To assess the incidence rate of hypersensitivity reactions to food azo dyes based on a placebo-controlled oral challenge in a group of patients with suspected urticaria exacerbation after consuming food additives. Material and methods: The study included patients over 18 years of age with chronic urticaria, in whom hypersensitivity to food additives was suspected based on a questionnaire and medical history. Patients suspected of urticaria exacerbations after ingestion of azo dyes were enrolled in a placebo-controlled single-blind oral challenge (OC) with a mixture of azo food dyes: tartrazine, Quinoline Yellow, Sunset Yellow, Cochineal Red, Allura Red, and azorubine. Results: Out of 110 patients (76 women and 34 men, mean age 46.1 (20-76 years), 39 patients were qualified for the oral challenge. We observed two subjects (5.1%) with a positive result. Conclusions: Azo dyes ingested in food or medications incidentally cause urticaria but may exacerbate its course. Oral challenge-confirmed hypersensitivity to azo dyes is much less common than reported by patients.

Carmine allergy in urticaria patients.

Introduction: Carmine, a commonly used natural red dye, can cause immediate and delayed allergic reactions, which are frequently overlooked. Aim: To assess the incidence of carmine allergy and its clinical significance based on the placebo-controlled oral challenge in urticaria patients and suspected hypersensitivity to food additives. Material and methods: Patients' histories were recorded by means of a standardized questionnaire. The subjects underwent skin prick tests and patch tests for carmine, while the level of specific IgE was measured in 52 patients. The patients with at least one positive carmine test or with suspected hypersensitivity to carmine were suggested to undergo a placebo-controlled oral challenge test. Results: One hundred and ten patients were enrolled in the study. Carmine skin testing was positive in 22 patients: skin prick tests were positive in 17% (n = 19), while patch tests were doubtful in 6% (n = 6). In 25/52 patients, the level of specific IgE was min. 0.01 kU/l. Oral challenge was performed in 33 subjects. Allergy to carmine was diagnosed in 9 (8%) patients; all of them suffered from chronic inducible urticaria. Conclusions: Carmine is a potential allergen in patients with chronic inducible urticaria especially with concomitant systemic symptoms. Skin tests and specific IgE level measurement may be helpful tools to diagnose E120 hypersensitivity.

Genetic diversity and relationships among Nopalea sp. and Opuntia spp. accessions revealed by RAPD, ISSR and ITS molecular markers.

BACKGROUND: Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (carmine cochineal) is an insect pest highly noxious that has spread through cactus pear crops in the Brazilian semiarid region. Knowledge of diversity and genetic relationships of the cactus pear accessions is fundamental to create new varieties resistance to carmine cochineal. Therefore, this investigation was undertaken to assess the genetic diversity and genetic relationships that existed among cactus pear accessions of Nopalea sp. and Opuntia spp. with contrasting resistance to D. opuntiae. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a molecular analysis in seven cactus pear accessions from the "reference collection" of the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, Brazil using RAPD, ISSR and ITS molecular markers. A total of 242 bands were detected from 26 polymorphic primers. The high percentage of polymorphism by RAPD (89.8%), ISSR (81.2%) and ITS (75%) markers suggests that the cactus pear accessions have high genetic diversity. The combined analysis of markers systems enabled the accessions discrimination of about the genus and ploidy, but were incongruous in relation to resistance level to D. opuntiae. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic diversity, discrimination of about the genus and ploidy was confirmed by merging information from ISSR, RAPD and ITS markers systems. The IPA-200016, IPA-200149, IPA-100004, IPA-200205 accessions are genetically divergent, therefore could be potentially incorporated into any further breeding programs directed to create new varieties of cactus pear resistant to D. opuntiae.

Natural Dyeing of Modified Cotton Fabric with Cochineal Dye.

Natural dyes are not harmful to the environment owing to their biodegradability. For dye application to textiles, salts are necessary as mordant or electrolytes and make an environmental impact. In this paper, the influence of cationization during mercerization to the dyeing of cotton fabric with natural dye from Dactylopius coccus was researched. For this purpose, bleached cotton fabric as well as fabric cationized with Rewin OS was pre-mordanted using iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O) and dyed with natural cochineal dye with and without electrolyte addition. For the characterization of surface changes after cationization, an electrokinetic analysis on SurPASS was performed and compared to pre-mordanting. For determination of dye exhaustion, the analysis of dye solution was performed on a UV/VIS spectrophotometer Cary 50 Solascreen. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed using a Datacolor 850 spectrophotometer, measuring remission "until tolerance" and the whiteness degree, color parameters, color depth (K/S), and colorfastness of dyed fabric were calculated. Levelness was determined by visual assessment. Cationized cotton fabrics showed better absorption and colorfastness. Pre-mordanting and cationization showed synergism. The electrolytes improved the process of dye absorption. However, when natural dyeing was performed on cotton fabric cationized during mercerization, similar chromacity, uniform color, and colorfastness were achieved with and without electrolyte, resulting in pure purple hue of cochineal. For achieving a violet hue, pre-mordanting with Fe-salt was needed. Therefore, salt can be reduced or even unnecessary, which makes this process of natural dyeing more environmentally friendly.

Wax, Wings, and Swarms: Insects and Their Products as Art Media.

Every facet of human culture is in some way affected by our abundant, diverse insect neighbors. Our relationship with insects has been on display throughout the history of art, sometimes explicitly but frequently in inconspicuous ways. This is because artists can depict insects overtly, but they can also allude to insects conceptually or use insect products in a purely utilitarian manner. Insects themselves can serve as art media, and artists have explored or exploited insects for their products (silk, wax, honey, propolis, carmine, shellac, nest material), body parts (e.g., wings), and whole bodies (dead, alive, individually, or as collectives). This review surveys insects and their products used as media in the visual arts and considers the untapped potential for artistic exploration of media derived from insects. The history, value, and ethics of insect media art are relevant topics at a time when the natural world is at unprecedented risk.

Controlled Mass Rearing of Cochineal Insect (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) Using Two Laboratory-Scale Production Systems in Peru.

The carmine cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) has high economic value as it is a natural source of carminic acid, an organic chromophore used in a wide range of sectors including pharmaceutics, food, and cosmetics. High demand is fuelling the search for innovative production techniques in order to move away from dependence on the prickly pear, which carries a number of limitations. The aim of this study was to establish cochineal colonies and breed and mass-produce the insects using two laboratory-scale production systems. The first system (STC-01) comprised a prismatic acrylic box with three compartments; synthetic matrices were placed vertically inside the box to provide support and a source of nutrients for the cochineal, and the system was lit artificially during fixed daylight periods. The second system (STC-02) comprised an automated micro-tunnel allowing the insects to move towards the sunlight, containing synthetic matrices arranged horizontally. There was a significant difference in yield between the two systems in a cochineal total life cycle of 120 d (80-90 d harvest period in both cases), with STC-01 being superior and producing a maximum yield of 4.86 ± 0.68 g fresh weight per day per square metre compared with 3.20 ± 0.14 g fresh weight per day per square metre production yield in STC-02. We conclude that cochineal production under controlled artificial conditions is feasible and sustainable, removing the need for natural and biological support and overcoming the environmental limitations posed by traditional production methods.

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Potential of Six Essential Oils from Morocco against Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under Field and Laboratory Conditions.

The carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is the major insect pest of the prickly-pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco. The present study investigated the insecticidal activities of six essential oils (EOs) against nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae applied singly or in combination with a detergent under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare L. essential oils showed a high level of insecticidal activity at 5%, with 98% and 92% females' mortality, respectively, 5 days after treatments. The M. pulegium and O. vulgaris oils at 5% applied in combination with black soap at (60 g/L) induced the highest toxic activity on adult females, 100% and 96% at 5 days after treatments, respectively. Under field conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils at 5% in combination with black soap (60 g/L) showed the highest adult female mortalities with 96.33 and 92.56%, respectively, 7 days after the first application. The double application of M. pulegium oil at 5% significantly increased the mortality of adult females up to 91%, 5 days after the second spray. GC-MS analysis revealed that the most abundant constituent of M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils was pulegone (84.69%) and durenol (76.53%), respectively. These findings showed that the use of M. pulegium and O. vulgare in combination with black soap or in double sprays could be incorporated in the management package for the control of the wild cochineal D. opuntiae, as a safe and natural alternative to chemical insecticides.

Adverse reactions to food additives in children: A retrospective study and a prospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to food additives are often suspected by families. The aim of this study was to describe oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes in a pediatric cohort with a suspected diagnosis of allergy to food additives (food dyes or sodium benzoate). METHODS: All patients who underwent an open OFC to carmine red, cochineal red, erythrosine, patent blue V, tartrazine, yellow sunset S, and/or sodium benzoate were included. A survey was sent to families after testing to evaluate whether the OFC results had altered feeding behaviors with food additives. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included. The main suspected food was candy (n=11/23; 48%). Only one OFC out of 45 was formally positive for the carmine and cochineal red. Subsequently, most OFCs were negative (44/45; 97.8%). Despite the negativity of the challenge, four families out of 14 reported occurrences of supposed allergic reactions to food additives and six out of 15 continued to completely avoid the additive of concern in their children's diet. CONCLUSIONS: Allergies to food additives remain rare. Even if an IgE-mediated allergy was excluded with a negative OFC, families remained suspicious about ready-made products. Health professionals and parents should be reassured about the low risk of food dye intolerance or allergies.

A Novel Divergent Geminivirus Identified in Asymptomatic New World Cactaceae Plants.

Cactaceae comprise a diverse and iconic group of flowering plants which are almost exclusively indigenous to the New World. The wide variety of growth forms found amongst the cacti have led to the trafficking of many species throughout the world as ornamentals. Despite the evolution and physiological properties of these plants having been extensively studied, little research has focused on cactus-associated viral communities. While only single-stranded RNA viruses had ever been reported in cacti, here we report the discovery of cactus-infecting single-stranded DNA viruses. These viruses all apparently belong to a single divergent species of the family Geminiviridae and have been tentatively named Opuntia virus 1 (OpV1). A total of 79 apparently complete OpV1 genomes were recovered from 31 different cactus plants (belonging to 20 different cactus species from both the Cactoideae and Opuntioideae clades) and from nine cactus-feeding cochineal insects (Dactylopius sp.) sampled in the USA and Mexico. These 79 OpV1 genomes all share > 78.4% nucleotide identity with one another and < 64.9% identity with previously characterized geminiviruses. Collectively, the OpV1 genomes display evidence of frequent recombination, with some genomes displaying up to five recombinant regions. In one case, recombinant regions span ~40% of the genome. We demonstrate that an infectious clone of an OpV1 genome can replicate in Nicotiana benthamiana and Opuntia microdasys. In addition to expanding the inventory of viruses that are known to infect cacti, the OpV1 group is so distantly related to other known geminiviruses that it likely represents a new geminivirus genus. It remains to be determined whether, like its cactus hosts, its geographical distribution spans the globe.

A cochonilha no mundo luso-brasileiro: o manuscrito setecentista editado por Manuel Joaquim Henriques de Paiva / Cochineals in the Portuguese-Brazilian world: the eighteenth-century manuscript edited by Manuel Joaquim Henriques de Paiva

Resumo O documento que o leitor encontrará a seguir é a transcrição inédita e modernizada do manuscrito História do descobrimento da cochonilha no Brasil, editado pelo médico e químico Manuel Joaquim Henriques de Paiva entre os anos de 1774 e 1801. O propósito de Paiva, com essa versão revista e anotada do estudo pioneiro de seu irmão, o médico José Henriques Ferreira, era estimular a cultura e o comércio da cochonilha, um inseto produtor de corante avermelhado muito requisitado na Europa. A História..., portanto, fornece indícios do papel capital dos saberes ditos científicos para o fomento e engrandecimento do Reino português e de sua principal colônia.

Abstract A previously unpublished, modernized transcript of the manuscript História do descobrimento da cochonilha no Brasil (History of the discovery of the cochineal in Brazil), edited by the physician and chemist Manuel Joaquim Henriques de Paiva between 1774 and 1801, is presented. By bringing out this reviewed, annotated version of the pioneering study by his brother, the physician José Henriques Ferreira, Paiva wanted to encourage the culture and trade of the cochineal, an insect that produced a red dye that was in great demand in Europe. História... thus provides indications of the key role of so-called scientific knowledge in the development and growth of the Portuguese kingdom and their primary colony.

[THE CASE REPORT OF A 8 YEARS OLD BOY WITH COCHINEAL ALLERGY].

BACKGROUND: Cochineal dyes are used as additives in various foods for the purpose of red coloration. On the other hand, although it has been reported as a causative agent of immediate allergy, most of them are adult women. We report a case of an 8-year-old boy who developed a cochineal allergy.Current disease history: He has been suffering from atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, and food allergies since childhood. At the age of seven, he experienced an unknown anaphylaxis reaction twice. When he was 8 years old, he ate a frankfurter containing hypoallergenic cochineal for the first time; cold sweat, intraoral discomfort, respiratory distress, and urticaria appeared throughout the body. His skin prick tests were positive, with a result of 2+to frankfurter and cochineal dyes (color value 0.1 and 0.01). In the immunoblot assay, binding of IgE antibody was observed with CC38K (the main component of cochineal) and a protein of approximately 80-200 kDa in the high molecular weight region. DISCUSSION: We report a case of anaphylaxis with hypoallergenic cochineal onset in a school-age boy.

Sustainable application of cochineal-based anthraquinone dye for the coloration of bio-mordanted silk fabric.

Natural colors particularly animal-based colorants are employed in the field of cosmetics, food, and flavors and also gaining popularity in textiles, due to their soothing nature. In this study, the microwave-assisted extraction of colorant from cochineal insects for dyeing of bio-mordanted silk has been carried out. Acidic, methanolic, and acidified methanol solubilized media were used to extract the natural colorant from cochineal under microwave irradiation for 1-6 min. Bio-mordants have been employed at optimized conditions to make the process greener and sustainable. It is found that acid solubilized extract of pH 4, employed at 55 °C for 55 min containing 5 g/100 mL of Glauber's salt as exhausting agent has given high color strength onto microwave-treated silk fabric. Suggested ISO standards for colorfastness have revealed that bio-mordants have given excellent color depth and excellent rating of fastness properties, compared with chemical mordants used. It is found that microwave treatment has not only improved the dyeing behavior of colorant extracted from cochineal in acid solubilized medium but also enhanced the color characteristics onto bio-mordanted silk fabric.

Intake, digestibility, and performance of lambs fed spineless cactus cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the carmine cochineal-resistant spineless cactus genotypes cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia) and Miúda (Nopalea) on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, performance, and ultrasound measurements of growing lambs. METHODS: Thirty-six male (non-castrated) Santa Inês lambs were used, with an average age of 6 months and an initial average weight of 22.0±2.9 kg. They were distributed in a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (Tifton hay, Nopalea and Opuntia) and 12 replications, using initial weight as a covariate. The experimental period was 86 days, with the first 30 days used for the adaptation of the animals to the facilities, diets and management, and the remaining 56 days used for evaluation and data collection. RESULTS: The intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) showed a significant difference (p<0.05) as a function of the diets, with the Nopalea treatment (p<0.05) increasing DM intake (g/kg and % body weight [BW]), CP, TDN, and TC digestibility, whereas the Tifton hay diet led to a high (p<0.001) neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) g/d intake, NDFap (BW %) and digestibility of said nutrient. There was no effect of treatments (p>0.05) on feeding time, however, rumination time and total chewing time were higher (p<0.05) for animals fed Tifton hay. The performance of the animals was similar (p>0.05). For the ultrasound measurements, Nopalea promoted an increase in the final loin eye area, compared to Tifton hay. CONCLUSION: The use of spineless cactus variety Miúda leads to the greater intake and digestibility of nutrients. The evaluated carmine cochineal-resistant spineless cactus genotypes are alternatives for semi-arid regions as they do not negatively affect the performance of growing lambs.