Cytocompatibility of Polymers for Skin-Contact Applications Produced via Pellet Extrusion.

Orthoses and prostheses (O&P) play crucial roles in assisting individuals with limb deformities or amputations. Proper material selection for these devices is imperative to ensure mechanical robustness and biocompatibility. While traditional manufacturing methods have limitations in terms of customization and reproducibility, additive manufacturing, particularly pellet extrusion (PEX), offers promising advancements. In applications involving direct contact with the skin, it is essential for materials to meet safety standards to prevent skin irritation. Hence, this study investigates the biocompatibility of different thermoplastic polymers intended for skin-contact applications manufactured through PEX. Surface morphology analysis revealed distinct characteristics among materials, with TPE-70ShA exhibiting notable irregularities. Cytotoxicity assessments using L929 fibroblasts indicated non-toxic responses for most materials, except for TPE-70ShA, highlighting the importance of material composition in biocompatibility. Our findings underscore the significance of adhering to safety standards in material selection and manufacturing processes for medical devices. While this study provides valuable insights, further research is warranted to investigate the specific effects of individual ingredients and explore additional parameters influencing material biocompatibility. Overall, healthcare practitioners must prioritize patient safety by meticulously selecting materials and adhering to regulatory standards in O&P manufacturing.

Anti-fouling rotating polymer-based heat exchanger for zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination.

The objective of this investigation is to assess the performance of various heat exchangers for application in a novel solar-powered zero liquid discharge humidification-dehumidification desalination system. In this study four heat exchangers (HX) having two different flow configurations namely counter flow (cf), cross flow (cr) made up of three different materials namely high-density polyethylene (HDPE), aluminum (Al), and Polypropelyne (PP) were compared in terms of their effectiveness and overall heat transfer coefficient under varying salinity levels (up to 10%) and mixing ratios (0.22-0.45). At a mixing ratio of 0.22 and 0% salinity, PP-HXcr and Al-HXcf exhibited similar effectiveness (∼85%), surpassing that of HDPE-HXcf (∼65%). Despite PP-HXcr's lower thermal conductivity in comparison to Al-HXcf, comparable effectiveness was achieved due to the superior flow distribution in PP-HXcr. Further investigations focused on the impact of salinity on heat exchanger performance. At 3.5% salinity, all heat exchangers experienced a decline in effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient (HTC), with Al-HXcf experiencing a more pronounced decrease compared to PP-HXcr. The higher thermal conductivity of Al-HXcf led to greater salt accumulation, while PP-HXcr demonstrated minimal fouling. As the experiment progressed, fouling increased for all heat exchangers, with the Al-HXcf being practically ineffective at 10% salinity with an effectiveness below 10%. To address the issue of fouling, a rotating cross-flow heat exchanger (RPP-HXcr) was introduced. While the effectiveness of the PP-HXcr drops from 85% to approximately 60% with increasing salinity from 0% to 10%, the RPP-HXcr demonstrates only a marginal decline in effectiveness with increasing salinity. For instance, at mixing ratio of 0.22 when the salinity is increased from 0% to 10%, the effectiveness of RPP-HXcr only drops from 83% to 77%. This exceptional performance was attributed to the continuous contact between the rotating tubes and the incoming feed, effectively preventing fouling and ensuring sustained efficiency. Rotating cross-flow heat exchanger (RPP-HXcr) is introduced and validated as a potentially reliable solution for mitigating fouling, as it demonstrates sustained efficiency and minimal performance degradation across different salinity conditions.

Exploring the ethical dimensions in forensic entomology: From codes of conduct to professional accountability.

This article investigates a critical part of professional careers: adhering to a code of ethics that defines proper behavior within the context of one's specialized practice. It aims to improve the setting of forensic entomology work by highlighting the ethical issues that frequently emerge. The primary goal is to uncover common ethical issues involved in this field's everyday activities and provide informed advice on appropriate resolution options. This investigation dives into the complex interaction of religious beliefs, cultural aspects, and issues of ethics, evaluating their relevance in forensic entomology. It examines a wide range of ethical issues, from the ethics involved in collecting samples at crime scenes and morguesto the ethics created into scientific investigations, report writing, and court testimony. These guiding principles are critical in setting scientific standards and building public trust in forensic entomology's ability to provide exceptional services. Notably, regardless of whether the forensic entomology service provider is accredited by any validating organization, these ethical requirements remain critical, emphasizing their global application.

Decomposition and dipteran succession on buried rabbits carcasses.

The rabbit carcasses used in this study were buried at depths of 20 and 40 cm, were examined to construct a fly succession database on buried carrion in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-four rabbits were buried, 12 at 20 cm and 12 at 40 cm. One carcass at each depth was exhumed at 10-day intervals up to 120 days. The degradation rate varied among the carcasses. Differences in species and their colonization were also found in the superficial and exhumed carcasses. Eleven species of flies were recorded on carcasses interred at a depth of 20 cm and seven species at 40 cm, while 13 species were recorded on the carcasses over the top of the soil. Species Rhyncomya sp (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Sarcophaga dux Thomson, and Dolichotachina marginella (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were dominant at both depths, while Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedeman), Chrysomya rufifaces (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Musca domestica Linnaeus, and Musca sorbens Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) were dominant in surface carcasses. Megaselia scalaris (Loew) ((Diptera: Phoridae) is a common and typical forensic indicator that was found in the decay/advanced decay and dry stages at a depth of 20 cm. These findings are possibly useful in forensic investigations involving buried bodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Beetles associated with buried carcasses: potential forensic importance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Burial has a special influence on carrion fauna, which may change the rate of decomposition and so affect postmortem estimates. This study aimed to identify species and succession of beetles on buried remains. From 28 January to 31 May 2021, we examined the Coleoptera on buried and exposed rabbit carcasses, on the campus of the University of King Saud in an area measured around 175 m by 250 m. The area is almost entirely devoid of flora, except for a few acacia trees and some common wild herbs. It is about 1 km away from residential neighborhoods. In total, 165 specimens belonging to 4 families were collected. The Tenebrionidae was the most abundant family, where it formed 52% at a depth of 20 cm and 78% at a depth of 40 cm in the buried carcasses, while the family Dermestidae was the most abundant in the surface carcasses, as it formed 53% of the insects sampled. Type Mesostena puncticollis Solier, 1835 (Tenebrionidae) predominated at exposed carcasses as well as at depths of 20, 40 cm and while type Dermestes frischii Kugelann, 1792 (Dermestidae), predominated at depth of 40 cm and exposed carcasses, and type Saprinus chalcites (Illiger, 1807) (Hisiteridae) at depth of 20 only. These findings are possibly useful in forensic investigations involving buried bodies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A Mobile-Based Preventive Intervention for Young, Arabic-Speaking Asylum Seekers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Design and Implementation.

BACKGROUND: Most individuals seeking asylum in Germany live in collective housing and are thus exposed to a higher risk of contagion during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to test the feasibility and efficacy of a culture-sensitive approach combining mobile app-based interventions and a face-to-face group intervention to improve knowledge about COVID-19 and promote vaccination readiness among collectively accommodated Arabic-speaking adolescents and young adults. METHODS: We developed a mobile app that consisted of short video clips to explain the biological basis of COVID-19, demonstrate behavior to prevent transmission, and combat misconceptions and myths about vaccination. The explanations were provided in a YouTube-like interview setting by a native Arabic-speaking physician. Elements of gamification (quizzes and rewards for solving the test items) were also used. Consecutive videos and quizzes were presented over an intervention period of 6 weeks, and the group intervention was scheduled as an add-on for half of the participants in week 6. The manual of the group intervention was designed to provide actual behavioral planning based on the health action process approach. Sociodemographic information, mental health status, knowledge about COVID-19, and available vaccines were assessed using questionnaire-based interviews at baseline and after 6 weeks. Interpreters assisted with the interviews in all cases. RESULTS: Enrollment in the study proved to be very challenging. In addition, owing to tightened contact restrictions, face-to-face group interventions could not be conducted as planned. A total of 88 participants from 8 collective housing institutions were included in the study. A total of 65 participants completed the full-intake interview. Most participants (50/65, 77%) had already been vaccinated at study enrollment. They also claimed to comply with preventive measures to a very high extent (eg, "always wearing masks" was indicated by 43/65, 66% of participants), but practicing behavior that was not considered as effective against COVID-19 transmission was also frequently reported as a preventive measure (eg, mouth rinsing). By contrast, factual knowledge of COVID-19 was limited. Preoccupation with the information materials presented in the app steeply declined after study enrollment (eg, 12/61, 20% of participants watched the videos scheduled for week 3). Of the 61 participants, only 18 (30%) participants could be reached for the follow-up interviews. Their COVID-19 knowledge did not increase after the intervention period (P=.56). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that vaccine uptake was high and seemed to depend on organizational determinants for the target group. The current mobile app-based intervention demonstrated low feasibility, which might have been related to various obstacles faced during the delivery. Therefore, in the case of future pandemics, transmission prevention in a specific target group should rely more on structural aspects rather than sophisticated psychological interventions.

The molecular interplay of known phytochemicals as Culex pipiens and Rift Valley fever virus inhibitors through molecular docking.

Infectious diseases transmitted by vectors have claimed millions of lives. The mosquito Culex pipiens is a main vector species of Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) transmission. RVFV is an arbovirus that infects both people and animals. No effective vaccine or drugs are available for RVFV. Therefore, it is vital to find effective therapies for this viral infection. Because of their critical roles in transmission and infection, acetylcholinesterase 1 (AChE1) of Cx. Pipiens and RVFV glycoproteins, and nucleocapsid proteins are appealing protein targets. To understand intermolecular interactions, computational screening was carried out using molecular docking. More than 50 compounds were tested against different target proteins in the current study. Anabsinthin (-11.1 kcal/mol), zapoterin (-9.4 kcal/mol), porrigenin A (-9.4 kcal/mol), and 3-Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) (-9.4 kcal/mol) were the top hit compounds for Cx. Pipiens. Similarly, the top hit compounds for RVFV were zapoterin, porrigenin A, anabsinthin, and yamogenin. The toxicity of Rofficerone is predicted as fatal (Class II), whereas Yamogenin is safe (Class VI). Further investigations are needed to validate the selected promising candidates against Cx. pipiens and RVFV infection using in-vitro and in-vivo methods.

Intraventricular hemorrhage prediction in premature neonates in the era of hemodynamics monitoring: a prospective cohort study.

Unstable hemodynamics and prematurity are the main players in intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) development. Our objective was to study 8 the use of superior vena cava flow (SVCF), left ventricular output (LVO), and right ventricular output (RVO), and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) Doppler measures in prediction of IVH in the first week of life in preterm infant ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 55NICU of Alexandria University maternity hospital. Of 147 enrolled patients, 132 infants born ≤ 32 weeks GA and birth weight ≤ 1500 g were eligible for- the study. One hundred twenty-seven infants completed the study. Infants were scanned for ACA-RI using transfontanellar ultrasound, and SVCF, LVO, and RVO using functional echocardiography in the first 24 h after birth. Patients had another two scans on DOL3 and 7 to detect IVH development. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased the risk of IVH using logistic regression models with OR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.19-8.39; P = 0.02 and OR, 1.64; 95%Cl, 1.10-2.44; P = 0.02, respectively. Low SVCF and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of catastrophic IVH P = 0.025 and 0.023, respectively. Combined use of low SVCF < 55 ml/kg/min and ACA-RI > 0.75 is predictor of IVH with sensitivity 40.8% and 82.1% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: There are strong relations between both low SVCF and high ACA-RI, and IVH development in premature neonates ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight ≤ 1500 g, with more significance towards catastrophic IVH. Admission RSS and LVO are the strongest factors affecting SVCF. Maternal anemia, patent ductus arteriosus size (mm/kg), and capillary refill time were significantly associated with high ACA-RI. These findings help in more understanding of pathophysiological factors affecting central perfusion that might affect the longer term neurodeveopmental outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This work was registered in clinical trial.gv no NCT05050032. WHAT IS KNOWN: •Whether SVCF and RI-ACA can predict IVH in preterm neonates is still debatable. WHAT IS NEW: •Low SVC flow and high ACA-RI significantly increased risk of IVH, confirming the role of hypoperfusion-reperfusion cycle in IVH development. The most striking result that combined metrics using the cut-off value of < 41 ml/kg/min for SVCF and > 0.85 for ACA-RI "in the first day of life" can correctly reject the presence of IVH in 98% of patients "during the first week of life."

Corrigendum to "Target and Non-target effects of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla combined extract on Culex pipiens mosquitoes" [Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 28(10) (2021) 5773-5780].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.024.].

First Record of Brachymeria podagrica (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) in Bisha City, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Chalcid Brachymeria podagrica (Fabricius), formerly known as Brachymeria fonscolombei (Dufour), is a parasitoid wasp that infests dipteran larvae of fly, Sarcophaga dux (Thomson), (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) recovered from the dead body of sheep in Bisha City, Asir region-Saudi Arabia. S. dux larvae were infested by B. podagrica. The first instar larvae and pupae of B. podagrica were found inside the larvae and pupae of S. dux. The adults of the parasitic wasp emerged from the pupae of the host. Adults and larvae of the parasitoid wasp were observed under a dissecting microscope. Identification was made by following the identification keys. It was confirmed that it was B. podagrica, which is herewith reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

Larvicidal activity and Histopathological changes of Cinnamomum burmannii, Syzygium aromaticum extracts and their combination on Culex pipiens.

In order to develop an eco-friendly botanical larvicide alternative to the synthetic larvicides, extracts were prepared from the Cinnamomum burmannii (C.B.) and Syzygium aromaticum (S.A.) with hexane using a sonicator. The extracts were evaluated for larvicidal activity individually and in combination against the Culex pipiens larvae. The LC50 value of C.B. and the S.A. hexane extracts tested individually were 184.2 and 363.7 µg/mL against Cx. pipiens respectively. All the combinations of the extract of C.B. and S.A. showed synergistic factors higher than one. Among the different ratios of extracts, the SA25%: CB75% extract was found to be more toxic than the other combinations (LC50:125.7 µg/mL). Midgut cells treated with S.A. 25%: C.B. 75% extract showed severe morphological alterations such as degradation of microvilli; degeneration of epithelial cells, and peritrophic membrane; loss of nuclei, irregular and damage of microvilli. The extract has a promising larvicidal potential against Cx. pipiens, However, the extract was toxic against HUVEC cells, as evident from MTT and cell morphology. Further investigation is required to assess the toxicity of the extract on aquatic animals.

Impact of Hypnotic Drug Zolpidem Tartrate on the Development of Forensic Fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

The flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) is one of the fly species of significant medical and forensic importance since it is one of the most common flesh flies used in forensic investigations. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults and its use has been implicated in many suicide cases worldwide. Fresh chopped liver of buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) containing different concentrations of Zolpidem tartrate was given to S. ruficornis larvae to evaluate the effect of Zolpidem tartrate on the developmental rate of the different stages, life cycle duration, and the morphological parameters. The findings have shown significant variation in the time required for the different developmental stages and total life cycle duration, which correlated positively with the Zolpidem tartrate concentration in different cultures. Compared to the control, the morphological parameters were negatively correlated with the concentration of Zolpidem tartrate in the treated cultures. The obtained results indicate that the Zolpidem tartrate retards larval development and alters the estimation of the total developmental duration. Thus, when Zolpidem tartrate may be the cause of death, the entomological evidence needs to be analyzed so it takes zolpidem-related changes to the mPMI into account.

Insecticidal effects of a novel polyherbal formulation (HF7) against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae).

Plant secondary metabolites represent the most efficient and convenient method to control and overcome environmental pollution and insecticidal resistance. This study explored the mosquitocidal activity of the combined extract of seven plants, (HF7) extracted using a Soxhlet extractor against Culex pipiens under laboratory conditions. Exposure of the 3rd instars of Cx. pipiens to HF7 hexane extract resulted in LC50:114.5 µg/mL and LC90:117.0 µg/mL values after 24 h. The ovicidal activities of hexane extract against Cx. pipiens eggs were 21.6%, 48.3%, and 71.6% at 187.5, 93.7, and 46.88 µg/mL, respectively. HF7-treated larvae showed the formation of irregular blebbing of epithelial cells toward the lumen and sloughing into the gut lumen. HF7 extract resulted in 100% adulticidal mortality at the concentration of 3.7 mg/test tube after 30 min of exposure. The IC50 of HF7 extract was 97.03 µg/ml against larvae, at which nuclear and morphological changes were observed. The spectroscopy spectrum of HF7 hexane extract disclosed the presence of 57 different secondary metabolites, among which the dominant compound was eugenol (32.3%). HF7 hexane extract could serve as a botanical insecticide for controlling Cx. pipiens and potentially other mosquito species.

A study on electroactive PVDF/mica nanosheet composites with an enhanced γ-phase for capacitive and piezoelectric force sensing.

Herein, a multifunctional poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/mica nanosheet composite (PMNC) thin film was developed for preparing a capacitive and piezoelectric force sensor. A high electroactive γ-phase content (89%) of PVDF was achieved through a facile rapid cooling process of PMNC films. The crystallinity of PVDF decreased upon the addition of mica nanosheets, while the dielectric constant increased significantly (∼300%). The capacitance-based PMNC pressure sensor was found to be sensitive to the applied pressure. On the other hand, piezoelectric voltages of 18 V (single layer) and 32 V (multi-layer) were generated for PMNCs loaded with 1% mica nanosheets. Furthermore, a PMNC based nanogenerator generated a power density of 8.8 µW cm-2 and showed excellent durability (>60 000 cycles). High flexibility, lightweight and skin-friendly PMNCs could be a potential material in applications such as energy harvesting, energy storage, actuators, and self-powered and smart wearable electronic devices.

Target and non-target effects of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla combined extract on Culex pipiens mosquitoes.

The present study focused on extracting green larvicides from extracts of the combination of Foeniculum vulgare and Matricaria chamomilla using different solvents of increasing polarity in a Soxhlet extractor and evaluating their ovicidal, larvicidal, and cytotoxic activities. The most promising among all tested extracts was hexane extract. The ovicidal activity of the hexane PH2 extract resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in egg hatchability from 95.00 ± 6.16% to 15 ± 9.04% at doses ranging from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL. The larval mortality with the hexane extract ranged from 13.33 ± 3.3% to 93.33 ± 3.3% at doses ranging from 31.25 to 250 µg/mL, respectively. The LC50 and LC90 values of the larvicidal activity of the hexane extract were estimated to be 148.3 and 242.17 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. Similarly, the LC50 values after 48 and 72 h of exposure were 124.93 and 100.3 µg/mL, respectively, against the third instar of Cx. pipiens. PH2 treatment of larvae resulted in histopathological changes such as degenerated epithelial cells and destruction of microvilli on the epithelial cells. The PH2 extract achieved a dose-dependent decrease in the rate of cell survival. The IC50 value of PH2-treated HUVECs was 192.07 µg/mL after 24 h of incubation. The cells showed changes in cellular and nuclear morphology. In conclusion, the hexane extract of PH2 could be used in mosquito management programs.

Highly sensitive and wearable NO2gas sensor based on PVDF nanofabric containing embedded polyaniline/g-C3N4nanosheet composites.

In this study, a highly flexible and wearable nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas sensor was fabricated based on electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/polyaniline (PANi)/graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) blend nanocomposite (EBNC). g-C3N4/PANi nanocomposite (GPC) was synthesized byin situpolymerization technique prior to its incorporation into PVDF nanofibers, which ensured uniformity of dispersion. For the comparison study, PVDF/GPC nanocomposite film was fabricated using doctor blade technique. EBNC sensor exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility along with quick response and complete recovery. Electrospinning and GPC synergistically improved the performance of the EBNC based gas sensor. The superior gas sensing ability along with its low cost and the use of scalable electrospinning technique could make this system a promising one for the detection of gaseous NO2.

Effect of Zolpidem Tartrate on the Developmental Rate of Forensically Important Flies Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Chrysomya saffranea.

Entomotoxicology is an emerging science in the forensic investigation of death; it now influences judicial activities. Briefly, carrion flies ingest various chemicals as they feed on a cadaver. In entomotoxicology, such toxicological compounds are qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed in insects recovered from carrion. Some of these chemicals can disrupt flies' cellular physiology, leading to acceleration or delay in their developmental rate. In this study, the effect of zolpidem-contaminated tissue on the dipteran flies Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius 1794) and Chrysomya saffranea (Bigot 1877) was assessed. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic compound commonly used to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders, but it is associated with death from suicide. The effects were tested by providing the flies with liver tissue treated with various concentrations of zolpidem tartrate. The morphological parameters and development rate for all life cycle stages of treated insects were determined and used to estimate postmortem intervals. Results showed that the morphological parameters, i.e., weight, width, and length and rate of development of C. megacephala and C. saffranea was negatively associated with zolpidem tartrate concentration of C. saffranea, were negatively associated with the concentration of zolpidem tartrate, indicating that arthropod evidence evaluation can help establish the cause and time of death.

Samsum ant venom protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute spleen toxicity in vivo.

Many active molecules used in the development of new drugs are produced by ants. Present study assessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Samsum ant venom (SAV) extract in carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced spleen toxicity. Toxicity and oxidative stress were measured in four experimental groups: a negative control group without any treatment, a positive control group (CCl4-treated rats; a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCL4), an experimental group of CCl4-treated rats co-treated daily with SAV (100 µl), and a group to determine safe use with rats treated only with SAV (100 µl) daily for 3 weeks. CCl4-treatment led to an elevation in toxicity and oxidative stress. CCl4 significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as expression of inhibitor of κB (IκB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins. On the other hand, a decrease in glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels were detected in CCl4-treated rats. Co-treatment with SAV was found to reduce these inflammatory and oxidative parameters. SAV elucidated a significant recovery of MDA concentration as well as a significant restoration in GSH levels compared to CCl4-treated rats; however, SAV increased CAT levels compared to normal rats. Hence, SAV was found to restore splenomegaly induced in CCl4-treated rats. Histopathological analysis also favored the biochemical analysis showing improvement in splenic architecture in CCl4 and SAV co-treated rats. The antioxidant properties of SAV may potentially enhance anti-inflammatory actions and improve spleen structure and function in CCl4-challenged rats.

Impacts of antemortem ingestion of alcoholic beverages on insect successional patterns.

This paper studies the impacts of antemortem ingestion of alcoholic beverages by the domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus L., on postmortem successional patterns of insects during winter and summer 2018 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Insect samples were collected from the carcasses of rabbits fed alcoholic beverages as well as untreated rabbits for 15 days postmortem during two successional studies in each season. The results showed that, during both seasons, the decomposition process for the carcasses of rabbits fed alcoholic beverages antemortem was one to two days longer. The results also showed, however, that alcoholic beverages did not affect insect succession patterns in either season. In fact, the number of insects appeared to be influenced by the ambient temperature during the two seasons, with 4415 insects in the winter compared to 1033 insects in the summer. In total, 30 insect taxa were collected during the winter study from the carcasses of rabbits fed alcoholic beverages antemortem; while 26 of these same taxa were collected from the carcasses of the untreated rabbits. Among the treated rabbits, those fed 25 ml alcoholic beverages treated attracted the highest number of insect taxa (24 taxa). In the summer study, 21 insect taxa were collected in total, 19 from the carcasses of the alcohol-treated rabbits and 13 from untreated rabbits. Among the treated rabbits, those fed 50 ml alcoholic beverages attracted the highest number of insect taxa (14 taxa). These results contribute to the understanding of the factors affecting the use of insects in medical investigations, given that alcoholic beverages are a common addictive agent.