The skin serves as the primary barrier tissue in horses and is frequently affected by immune-mediated dermatological conditions, most notably insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH). Yet, the cellular composition and transcriptional landscape of normal equine skin have never been characterized at single-cell resolution. Here, we present a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of healthy equine skin comprising 85,574 high-quality transcriptomes from two horses, with one skin biopsy collected from each horse, divided into two portions for independent processing via manual or automated tissue dissociation. The dataset resolved 22 transcriptionally distinct cell populations, encompassing keratinocyte subpopulations that reflect discrete epidermal differentiation states, adnexal epithelial lineages, stromal and vascular compartments, and resident immune cell types. Cell-type identities are supported by marker gene expression, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and functional module scoring. This dataset constitutes the first single-cell transcriptomic reference of normal equine skin, enabling investigations into equine dermatological diseases, wound healing, immune responses and comparative skin biology.

Managing thrombosis in patients with bleeding disorders requires careful assessment of thromboembolic and bleeding risks, tailoring antithrombotic treatment in terms of type, dose, and duration, and considering the need for replacement therapy based on individual factor levels and bleeding history.

A little-known arm of the immune system respond to lipids, with a protein called CD1 driving reactions to bee stings, bacteria, and possibly poison ivy.

Intranasal adrenaline has recently become available in Australia as a needle-free alternative to adrenaline autoinjectors for anaphylaxis management. Intranasal adrenaline may be particularly suitable for patients with barriers to adrenaline autoinjector usage, such as needle aversion or poor compliance with autoinjector carriage. However, although the data supporting real-world efficacy of intranasal adrenaline for anaphylaxis are growing, there is no published evidence confirming its efficacy in insect venom anaphylaxis. We report three cases of intranasal adrenaline (neffy, CSL Seqirus, Victoria, Australia) used to treat insect venom-induced anaphylaxis. Clinicians should be aware of the availability and current level of evidence for intranasal adrenaline for anaphylaxis management.

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis (PCC) is a rare infection caused by direct inoculation of Cryptococcus through disrupted skin. We report a 52-year-old male farmer with type 2 diabetes but no HIV infection or known major immunosuppressive disease who developed chronic refractory ulcers on the right forearm following suspected insect-bite trauma. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from cutaneous specimens. Probe-capture metagenomic next-generation sequencing (MetaCAP) of the ulcer tissue additionally detected C. neoformans at 202 reads per million (RPM), accounting for 91.98% of the fungal sequences, with a reported confidence of 99%. Histopathology demonstrated an infectious granuloma, while bacterial culture identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. Chest computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid investigations did not support pulmonary or central nervous system cryptococcosis. Liposomal amphotericin B was discontinued because of acute kidney injury, and subsequent fluconazole plus flucytosine treatment resulted in reduced exudation, granulation tissue formation, and partial ulcer healing. PCC should be considered in chronic post-traumatic ulcers, with systematic evaluation for extracutaneous involvement before establishing a primary cutaneous diagnosis.

Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected larval trombiculid mites. Its nonspecific clinical presentation often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the risk of severe complications. As urbanization progresses and awareness declines, clinicians may overlook this diagnosis, particularly when characteristic findings such as an eschar are absent or have been resolved. We report the case of an 11-year-old boy from Vietnam who was admitted with recurrent fever persisting for two weeks, occasionally accompanied by abdominal distension. Further history revealed a previous insect bite that had resolved before admission and recent cases of scrub typhus among individuals living in the same neighborhood. Given the epidemiological context, targeted investigations were performed, leading to the identification of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection and confirmation of scrub typhus. Appropriate antibiotics resulted in significant clinical improvement. Thorough assessment of epidemiological exposure and early diagnostic testing are essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing morbidity and preventing potentially life-threatening complications.

Snakebite envenomation causes over 140,000 deaths annually, with the burden disproportionately affecting low-resource regions. Conventional antivenoms (AVs), derived from hyperimmunized equines, are expensive, have limited cross-species efficacy, and pose scalability challenges. Adenovirus-like particles (ADDomer) produced using insect cell-baculovirus vector system (IC-BEVS), emerged as a promising alternative platform for antivenom development. However, current ADDomer production relies on batch-mode processes, which inherently limit yield and scalability. In this study, we aimed to overcome these limitations through IC-BEVS process intensification. High Five and Sf-9 insect cells were infected at high cell densities (HCD; 5-40 × 10[6] cell/mL) using a pseudo-perfusion strategy in shake-flask cultures to optimize medium exchange rates for maximal ADDomer expression. Cell-specific productivity was maintained up to 10 × 10[6] cell/mL for High Five cultures and 20 × 10[6] cell/mL for Sf-9 cultures, compared to standard low cell density production under batch operation mode (LCD, 1-2 × 10[6] cell/mL). Implementation of the best-performing HCD strategy in a perfusion bioreactor allowed to increase volumetric ADDomer productivity by up to 8-fold compared to LCD. Space-time yield improved up to 33%, underscoring the cost effectiveness of process intensification for scalable ADDomer manufacturing. Physicochemical and structural characterization confirmed that ADDomer particles produced under intensified perfusion conditions maintained structural integrity and functionality. This work establishes a scalable, cost-effective platform for recombinant antivenom production, aligning with industry trends toward process intensification. This approach addresses critical bottlenecks of anti-venom availability and provides a pathway for meeting the urgent global demand for accessible, effective anti-venoms in resource-limited settings.

Jasmonic acid (JA), a pivotal lipid-derived phytohormone, serves as a critical regulator in plant growth and defense mechanisms. However, the genetic mechanisms of OPR2 gene in JA-dependent biotic defenses of Camellia tachangensis have rarely been investigated. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study to analyze 100,720 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 350 tea accessions from Guizhou province to identify genetic variations associated with JA. Analysis showed C. tachangensis displayed higher levels of JA content, further analysis identified 60 high-quality SNPs and nine candidate genes related to JA. Among them, CtOPR2 encoding 12-oxophytodienoic acid reductase 2 is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of 4,5-didehydro-JA (4,5-ddh-JA) to JA. The expression level of CtOPR2 in three tea accessions with different JA content was consistent with the dynamic changes of JA content. The expression level of synthetic (AOS, AOC, and ACX) and responsive (WRKY18 and MYC2) genes were significantly decreased and increased in asODN-CtOPR2-treated shoot tips and transgenic tobacco lines overexpressing CtOPR2, respectively, which were consistent with the JA content. These results further revealed that CtOPR2 gene played essential roles in promoting JA biosynthesis. A significant reduction in insect bite area was observed on transgenic tobacco leaves compared to wild-type leaves in feeding experiments with Spodoptera litura, highlighting that the positive regulatory function of CtOPR2 gene in JA-mediated immune responses. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation for marker-assisted selection breeding in tea, aimed at developing high-JA germplasm with potentially enhanced pest resistance for cultivation in Guizhou.

Modeling vector-borne pathogens that circulate among several host and vector species hinges on how the force of infection (FOI) is defined. In an i-host, j-vector susceptible-infectious-recovered modeling framework I compare two common FOI denominators: (i) a weighted form in which vectors bite preferred hosts disproportionately, and (ii) an unweighted form that assumes opportunistic biting. Using identical parameter sets calibrated to primate-Aedes data from Kédougou (Senegal), the weighted FOI doubles the basic reproduction number (R0) relative to the opportunistic FOI and can shift R0 across the epidemic threshold. It also produces higher long-run prevalence and larger oscillations. Both autonomous formulations undergo a forward transcritical bifurcation at R0 = 1. Selecting an ecologically realistic biting assumption is therefore critical for predicting sylvatic-to-urban spillover risk and designing interventions in multi-host systems.

Malaria transmission exhibits significant heterogeneity within communities, with small proportions of individuals experiencing disproportionate mosquito exposure.

Mosquito-borne illnesses have shaped human history and continue to impose significant global public health burdens, with particularly devastating effects in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Blood feeding is essential for mosquito reproduction, as blood provides nutrients for egg development, and vector species are strongly driven to find and bite humans for this blood meal. These maternally driven behaviors not only expose humans to pathogens but also promote mosquito population growth. Recent advances have deepened our understanding of the sensory systems and internal state regulation behind host seeking and biting. Here, we examine the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms underlying mosquito-human interactions and their role in pathogen transmission and disease. We also highlight how these insights can inform emerging behavioral control strategies.

The patient, John, is a 94-year-old man with mild mobility issues but is otherwise fit and active. He developed a trauma-related ulcer, likely originating from an insect bite, that is now almost fully closed following treatment with compression hosiery. This case study discusses the symptoms, assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan and the outcomes resulting from timely and appropriate nursing interventions.

Background and Objectives: Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) represents one of the most frequent causes of anaphylaxis in adults. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) remains the only causal intervention that effectively reduces the risk of systemic reactions following subsequent stings. Accelerated-induction protocols enable rapid attainment of the maintenance dose; however, data on their safety with depot preparations are still limited. To evaluate the safety of accelerated-induction VIT using a depot preparation in a real-world clinical setting. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted between 2022 and 2024; accelerated-induction VIT with a depot preparation was initiated in 54 consecutive patients at a tertiary referral center. All patients had a documented history of systemic allergic reactions after Hymenoptera stings. A three-day accelerated-induction protocol was applied. Safety outcomes and adverse events occurring during the induction phase were systematically recorded and analyzed. Results: All 54 patients successfully achieved the maintenance dose. Adverse reactions were observed only in five patients (9.3%) and were restricted to mild local reactions at the injection site, including erythema and localized swelling. No systemic reactions or cases of anaphylaxis were reported. None of the patients required permanent discontinuation of VIT. Conclusions: Accelerated-induction VIT using a depot preparation demonstrated a favorable safety profile. When performed in an experienced tertiary care setting, this approach allows for rapid attainment of the maintenance dose while maintaining excellent tolerability.

Activated phosphoinositide-3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by gain-of-function mutations in the PIK3CD gene, resulting in the hyperactivation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and subsequent immune dysregulation. Although recurrent sinopulmonary infections are typical, cutaneous manifestations remain poorly characterized. Nummular dermatitis is an uncommon presentation in this context and may reflect the underlying inflammatory imbalance. A 17-year-old female patient with genetically confirmed APDS (heterozygous PIK3CD c.3061G>A; p.Glu1021Lys) presented with erythematous papules that evolved into tense bullae on the lower limbs following an insect bite. Over subsequent weeks, multiple well-defined, coin-shaped eczematous plaques developed on the extremities and trunk, consistent with nummular dermatitis. The patient had a history of recurrent respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, and otitis media, managed with intravenous immunoglobulin and prophylactic antibiotics. Topical betamethasone with fusidic acid and oral antihistamines produced partial improvement, though intermittent relapses occurred during follow-up. No systemic symptoms or new infectious complications were identified. This case represents an unusual dermatologic manifestation of APDS, where a minor external trigger led to persistent eczema-like lesions. Dysregulated PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling may amplify local inflammation and impair epidermal barrier recovery. Recognition of atypical or chronic dermatitis in immunodeficient patients is crucial for early diagnosis, targeted treatment, and multidisciplinary management. Reporting such cases expands the clinical spectrum of APDS and underscores the importance of considering immune dysregulation in persistent cutaneous disorders.