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Insect pests show phenotypic plasticity as a function of resource availability and limiting conditions. Although Rhynchophorus palmarum displays high variation in certain morphological traits, it is still not clear how and which of these are being filtered along agricultural management gradients in palm plantations. This study assesses the influence of biophysical structure of ornamental palm plantations and agrochemical use on morphological traits of adults in 15 permanent plots of ornamental palm plantations in Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 4972 adults were and their body length, pronotum width, rostrum length, and mesothorax depth were measured. Body length and mesothorax depth of adults of both sexes were greater in plantations with a high diversity of palm species and frequency of fertilizer use. Rostrum length of females increased as a function of palm density, and pronotum width of both sexes was positively related with the use of insecticides. Local characteristics of agricultural management of palm plantations might filter integrated, adaptative, and environment-specific phenotypes. This is the first ecological study of the south American palm weevil that provides new insights on the current intensive management of ornamental palm plantations that far from controlling, benefits current geographic expansion, demographic outbreak, and economic impact of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an economically important insect pest of corn crops globally. However, some other host plants on which this pest can successfully complete its generation have also been reported. Our main objective was to study the biology of fall armyworm feeding on maize, sorghum, wheat, and rice. Our overall findings show that maize is the most preferred host plant; however, the pest completed the life cycle successfully on sorghum and wheat. The survival rate was low when rice leaves were provided to larvae as diet, suggesting that rice is a non-preferred host plant. Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a polyphagous insect pest of many important crops. To evaluate the influence of host plants on the biology and survival of the Pakistani population of S. frugiperda, we examined life table parameters of S. frugiperda raised on maize, sorghum, wheat, and rice. The development rate was significantly higher on the maize crop than on the other three host plants. Different larval diets affected development time and fecundity. S. frugiperda attained the fastest larval development (16 days) on maize and the slowest development (32.74 days) on rice. Adult females from maize-fed larvae laid 1088 eggs/female, those from sorghum-fed larvae laid 591.6 eggs/female, those from wheat-fed larvae laid 435.6 eggs/female, and those from rice-fed larvae laid 49.6 eggs/female. Age stage-specific parameters also indicated the higher fecundity, higher life expectancy, and higher survival of S. frugiperda on maize plants than on the other three hosts. Larval diets had a significant varying effect on the finite and intrinsic increase rates, reflecting that maize was the most suitable diet. The findings of the present study are useful for predicting population dynamics especially in areas cultivating Poaceae crops, except maize, to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies for this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For years, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were not considered a cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and were often regarded as contamination. However, the association of CoNS with nosocomial infections is increasingly recognized. The identification of more than 40 different CoNS species has been driven by the introduction of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Yet, treatment guidelines consider CoNS as a whole group, despite increasing antibiotic resistance (ABR) in CoNS. This retrospective study provides an in-depth data analysis of CoNS isolates found in human blood culture isolates between 2013 and 2019 in the entire region of the Northern Netherlands. Methods: In total, 10,796 patients were included that were hospitalized in one of the 15 hospitals in the region, leading to 14,992 CoNS isolates for (ABR) data analysis. CoNS accounted for 27.6% of all available 71,632 blood culture isolates. EUCAST Expert rules were applied to correct for errors in antibiotic test results. Results: A total of 27 different CoNS species were found. Major differences were observed in occurrence and ABR profiles. The top five species covered 97.1% of all included isolates: S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, and S. warneri. Regarding ABR, methicillin resistance was most frequently detected in S. haemolyticus (72%), S. cohnii (65%), and S. epidermidis (62%). S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus showed 50–80% resistance to teicoplanin and macrolides while resistance to these agents remained lower than 10% in most other CoNS species. Conclusion: These differences are often neglected in national guideline development, prompting a focus on 'ABR-safe' agents such as glycopeptides. In conclusion, this multi-year, full-region approach to extensively assess the trends in both the occurrence and phenotypic resistance of CoNS species could be used for evaluating treatment policies and understanding more about these important but still too often neglected pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lepidopteran species commonly interact in the same niches in multiple crops. Interspecific competition has been neglected as a pressure selection agent in insecticide resistance studies. Our results showed that competition may act as an agent to speed up the evolution of diamide resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera. Intra- and interspecific competition is considered a fundamental phenomenon in ecology. It acts as one of the most powerful selective forces that drives ecological diversity, the spatiotemporal distribution of organisms, fitness, and evolutionary aspects. Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera are devastating pests and can co-occur in systems consisting of multiple agricultural crops and compete for food resources. Insecticide resistance in populations of these species has been a major threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems. No study to date has shown the effect of intra- and interspecific competition as a selective pressure agent on the evolution of insecticide resistance in lepidopteran pests in an experimental and theoretical way. Our study developed a parameterized computational model with experimental results for S. frugiperda and H. armigera competition. We simulated the behavior of heterozygous individuals with a competition capacity 100% equal to homozygous individuals resistant (100 RR) or susceptible to insecticides (00 RR), and intermediate between them (50 RR). Competition involving strains of these insect species can accelerate the evolution of their resistance to insecticides in agricultural crops. We found that competitive processes can result in a high probability of competitive exclusion for individuals with the susceptibility allele of these lepidopteran species. The results of this study are of paramount importance for understanding the impact of ecological factor competition on the evolution of insecticide resistance in lepidopteran pests, which until now has been neglected in these types of evolutionary dynamics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human THAP9, which encodes a domesticated transposase of unknown function, and lncRNA THAP9-AS1 (THAP9-antisense1) are arranged head-to-head on opposite DNA strands, forming a sense and antisense gene pair. We predict that there is a bidirectional promoter that potentially regulates the expression of THAP9 and THAP9-AS1. Although both THAP9 and THAP9-AS1 are reported to be involved in various cancers, their correlative roles on each other's expression has not been explored. We analyzed the expression levels, prognosis, and predicted biological functions of the two genes across different cancer datasets (TCGA, GTEx). We observed that although the expression levels of the two genes, THAP9 and THAP9-AS1, varied in different tumors, the expression of the gene pair was strongly correlated with patient prognosis; higher expression of the gene pair was usually linked to poor overall and disease-free survival. Thus, THAP9 and THAP9-AS1 may serve as potential clinical biomarkers of tumor prognosis. Further, we performed a gene co-expression analysis (using WGCNA) followed by a differential gene correlation analysis (DGCA) across 22 cancers to identify genes that share the expression pattern of THAP9 and THAP9-AS1. Interestingly, in both normal and cancer samples, THAP9 and THAP9-AS1 often co-express; moreover, their expression is positively correlated in each cancer type, suggesting the coordinated regulation of this H2H gene pair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat straw (WS) is an excellent raw material for biofuel ethanol production. However, the recalcitrance of WS prevents its efficient utilization. In this study, a novel ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) was developed for enhancing component separation and enzymatic saccharification of WS. Without any detoxification and sterilization, the DES-treated WS hydrolysate was successfully used to produce ethanol. Overall, this research evaluated the effect of ternary DES pretreatment on WS at various temperatures and adjusted the enzyme load, substrate concentration, and fermentation method of treated WS. The results suggested that the cellulose recovery of treated WS after DES pretreatment (120 °C, 1 h) was 94.73 ± 0.22%, while the removal of xylan and lignin reached 89.53 ± 0.36% and 80.05 ± 0.62%, respectively. Importantly, at enzyme loading of 11.4 filter paper unit (FPU)/g WS with 16% fermentation substrate concentration, 91.15 ± 1.07% of cellulose was hydrolyzed, and the glucose yield was 71.58 ± 1.34%. The maximum ethanol yield of DES-treated WS was 81.40 ± 0.01%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive moth pest species on various crops, particularly corn. It is native to the tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere such as Brazil, but recently invaded Africa, India, China, and Australia. Its larval stages damage crops by feeding, and to keep them under damage thresholds, insecticide applications are common. Due to frequent insecticide applications, FAW evolved resistance to different chemical classes of insecticides, including diamides. Field relevant levels of diamide resistance are usually conferred by ryanodine receptor (RyR) mutations and compromising recommended label rates. Diamide resistance in FAW so far remained restricted to laboratory-selected strains. Here, we investigated the frequency of specific resistance mutations in field-collected Brazilian populations of FAW by an F2 screen, selected two populations (BA-R and TF-R) for high levels of diamide resistance, deciphered the genetics of resistance, and employed a molecular genotyping assay to correlate resistance levels with the presence of RyR mutations. Crossin studies indicated that resistance is autosomal and (incompletely) recessive in both strains. F1 backcrosses suggested monogenic resistance, supported by the identification of an I4734M/K target-site mutation in the RyR. Our results will help to sustainably manage diamide resistance in FAW in Brazil. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is an important lepidopteran pest in the Americas, and recently invaded the Eastern Hemisphere. In Brazil, FAW is considered the most destructive pest of corn and cotton. FAW has evolved resistance to many insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins. Here, a large-scale monitoring was performed between 2019 and 2021 to assess diamide insecticide susceptibility in more than 65 FAW populations sampled in corn and cotton. We did not detect a significant shift in FAW susceptibility to flubendiamide, but a few populations were less affected by a discriminating rate. F2 screen results of 31 selected FAW populations across regions confirmed that the frequency of diamide resistance alleles remained rather stable. Two laboratory-selected strains exhibited high resistance ratios against flubendiamide, and cross-resistance to anthranilic diamides. Reciprocal crosses indicated that resistance is autosomal and (incompletely) recessive in both strains. F1 backcrosses suggested monogenic resistance, supported by the identification of an I4734M/K target-site mutation in the ryanodine receptor (RyR). Subsequent genotyping of field-collected samples employing a TaqMan-based allelic discrimination assay, revealed a low frequency of RyR I4790M/K mutations significantly correlated with phenotypic diamide resistance. Our findings will help to sustainably employ diamides in FAW resistance management strategies across crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is a typical invasive migratory pest with a strong reproductive capacity, which has caused serious damage to crops. Larvae of S. frugiperda exhibit high levels of cannibalism associated with larval crowding. However, the response of S. frugiperda adults to such stress remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of larval density on flight and reproductive parameters of S. frugiperda adults. We found that S. frugiperda reared under high-larval density conditions exhibited lower pupal and body weights, weaker flight and reproductive capacities than those reared as solitary larvae. This result was different from that of many migratory insects, where larval crowding enhanced migratory propensity of subsequent adults. In contrast, high-larval density conditions did not increase adult migration propensity in S. frugiperda. These findings enhance our understanding of migratory and reproductive behaviors of S. frugiperda in response to larval density. Reproduction and flight are two major adaptive strategies to cope with environmental stress in migratory insects. However, research on density-mediated flight and reproduction in the global migratory agricultural pest Spodoptera frugiperda is lacking. In this study, flight and reproductive performances in response to larval crowding were investigated in S. frugiperda. We found that larval crowding significantly reduced the pupal and body weights of S. frugiperda. Adults reared under the highest density of 30 larvae/jar had the minimum wing expansion, which was significantly smaller than that of larvae reared under solitary conditions. Larval crowding also significantly increased the pre-oviposition period (POP) and period of first oviposition (PFO) but decreased the lifetime fecundity, flight duration and flight distance. Our results showed that S. frugiperda reared under solitary conditions exhibited higher pupal and body weights and stronger reproductive and flight capacities than those reared under high-density conditions. Larval crowding did not enhance the migration propensity in S. frugiperda adults. In conclusion, larval crowding may not be a major factor affecting FAW migration due to high levels of cannibalism. These findings provide new insights into the population dynamics of S. frugiperda under larval crowding conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus haemolyticus (S. haemolyticus) constitutes the main part of the human skin microbiota. It is widespread in hospitals and among medical staff, resulting in being an emerging microbe causing nosocomial infections. S. haemolyticus, especially strains that cause nosocomial infections, are more resistant to antibiotics than other coagulase-negative Staphylococci. There is clear evidence that the resistance genes can be acquired by other Staphylococcus species through S. haemolyticus. Severe infections are recorded with S. haemolyticus such as meningitis, endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, bacteremia, septicemia, peritonitis, and otitis, especially in immunocompromised patients. In addition, S. haemolyticus species were detected in dogs, breed kennels, and food animals. The main feature of pathogenic S. haemolyticus isolates is the formation of a biofilm which is involved in catheter-associated infections and other nosocomial infections. Besides the biofilm formation, S. haemolyticus secretes other factors for bacterial adherence and invasion such as enterotoxins, hemolysins, and fibronectin-binding proteins. In this review, we give updates on the clinical infections associated with S. haemolyticus, highlighting the antibiotic resistance patterns of these isolates, and the virulence factors associated with the disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The detection of fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in 2016 attacking maize fields in central and west Africa indicated the need to increase the knowledge on the pest host plants and natural enemies adapting to it. A field survey was conducted for two years (from June 2018 to January 2020) to determine host plant and parasitoid records variations across seasons (maize growing and off-seasons) in selected sites in southern and central Benin. A total of eleven new host plant species were reported for the first time, including grasses. The survey revealed seven parasitoid species belonging to four families, namely Platygastridae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae and Tachinidae, associated with FAW on maize and alternative host plants. The most abundant parasitoid species found was the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). The study provides crucial information for understanding the bioecology of the pest and for its long-term management using natural enemies. Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was recorded for the first time in 2016 attacking maize fields in central and west Africa. Soon after, several other regions and countries have reported the pest in almost the entire sub-Saharan Africa. In the present study, we assumed that (i) a variety of alternative plant species host FAW, especially during maize off-season, (ii) a wide range of local parasitoids have adapted to FAW and (iii) parasitoid species composition and abundance vary across seasons. During a two-year survey (from June 2018 to January 2020), parasitoids and alternative host plants were identified from maize and vegetable production sites, along streams and lowlands, on garbage dumps and old maize fields in southern and partly in the central part of Benin during both maize growing- and off-season. A total of eleven new host plant species were reported for the first time, including Cymbopogon citratus (de Candolle) Stapf (cultivated lemon grass), Bulbostylis coleotricha (A. Richard) Clarke and Pennisetum macrourum von Trinius (wild). The survey revealed seven parasitoid species belonging to four families, namely Platygastridae, Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, and Tachinidae associated with FAW on maize and alternative host plants. The most abundant parasitoid species across seasons was the egg parasitoid Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae). These findings demonstrate FAW capability to be active during the maize off-season in the selected agro-ecologies and provide baseline information for classical and augmentative biocontrol efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of biofilm formation seems to play an important role in the virulence of staphylococci. However, studies reporting biofilm formation of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from animals are still very scarce. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the biofilm-forming capacity of CoNS and S. pseudintermedius isolated from several animal species and to investigate the effect of conventional antimicrobials on biofilm reduction. A total of 35 S. pseudintermedius and 192 CoNS were included. Biofilm formation was accessed by the microtiter plate assay and the biofilms were stained by crystal violet. Association between biofilm formation and staphylococci species and antimicrobial resistance was also performed. Biofilm susceptibility testing was performed with tetracycline and amikacin at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 10 × MIC. The metabolic activity of the biofilm cells after antimicrobial treatment was accessed by the XTT assay. All isolates formed biofilm, with S. urealyticus producing the most biofilm biomass and S. pseudintermedius producing the least biomass. There was a positive association between biofilm formation and multidrug resistance as well as resistance to individual antimicrobials. Neither tetracycline nor amikacin were able to eradicate the biofilm, not even at the highest concentration used. This study provides new insights into biofilm formation and the effects of antimicrobials on CoNS species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B and C are the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. The two infections share many similarities such as a global distribution, the same routes of transmission, hepatotropism, and the ability to cause chronic infection. The consequences of HBV/HCV coinfection are still being studied. The aim of this study is to describe and compare the epidemiological and laboratory profile and the degree of hepatic fibrosis between HCV-monoinfected and HBV/HCV-coinfected patients in the Brazilian Amazon region. ELISA tests were used for the investigation of HBV and HCV serological markers, and molecular tests were used for the detection and genotyping of these viruses. Additionally, transaminases were measured, and a FibroScan was performed for the analysis of liver function. A total of 328 patients with HCV participated in the study. The serological prevalence of HCV/HBV coinfection was 10.77%. A comparison of risk factors between the monoinfected and coinfected groups showed that illicit drug use, sharing sharp instruments, and tattooing/piercing are significantly associated with coinfection. The monoinfected patients had a higher HCV load than the coinfected patients. A viral interaction was observed in this study in which the presence of a coinfection with HBV appears to influence HCV replication. Further studies are necessary to better understand this interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In food processing, the temperature is usually reduced to limit bacterial reproduction and maintain food safety. However, Staphylococcus aureus can adapt to low temperatures by controlling gene expression and protein activity, although its survival strategies normally vary between different strains. The present study investigated the molecular mechanisms of S. aureus with different survival strategies in response to low temperatures (4 °C). The survival curve showed that strain BA-26 was inactivated by 6.0 logCFU/mL after 4 weeks of low-temperature treatment, while strain BB-11 only decreased by 1.8 logCFU/mL. Intracellular nucleic acid leakage, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses revealed better cell membrane integrity of strain BB-11 than that of strain BA-26 after low-temperature treatment. Regarding oxidative stress, the superoxide dismutase activity and the reduced glutathione content in BB-11 were higher than those in BA-26; thus, BB-11 contained less malondialdehyde than BA-26. RNA-seq showed a significantly upregulated expression of the fatty acid biosynthesis in membrane gene (fabG) in BB-11 compared with BA-26 because of the damaged cell membrane. Then, catalase (katA), reduced glutathione (grxC), and peroxidase (ahpC) were found to be significantly upregulated in BB-11, leading to an increase in the oxidative stress response, but BA-26-related genes were downregulated. NADH dehydrogenase (nadE) and α-glucosidase (malA) were upregulated in the cold-tolerant strain BB-11 but were downregulated in the cold-sensitive strain BA-26, suggesting that energy metabolism might play a role in S. aureus under low-temperature stress. Furthermore, defense mechanisms, such as those involving asp23, greA, and yafY, played a pivotal role in the response of BB-11 to stress. The study provided a new perspective for understanding the survival mechanism of S. aureus at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How and why distinct genetic alterations, such as BRCA1 mutation, promote tumorigenesis in certain tissues, but not others, remain an important issue in cancer research. The underlying mechanisms may reveal tissue-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities. Although the roles of BRCA1, such as DNA damage repair and stalled fork stabilization, obviously contribute to tumor suppression, these ubiquitously important functions cannot explain tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 mutations. Recent advances in our understanding of the cancer genome and fundamental cellular processes on DNA, such as transcription and DNA replication, have provided new insights regarding BRCA1-associated tumorigenesis, suggesting that G-quadruplex (G4) plays a critical role. In this review, we summarize the importance of G4 structures in mutagenesis of the cancer genome and cell type-specific gene regulation, and discuss a recently revealed molecular mechanism of G4/base excision repair (BER)-mediated transcriptional activation. The latter adequately explains the correlation between the accumulation of unresolved transcriptional regulatory G4s and multi-level genomic alterations observed in BRCA1-associated tumors. In summary, tissue-specific tumorigenesis by BRCA1 deficiency can be explained by cell type-specific levels of transcriptional regulatory G4s and the role of BRCA1 in resolving it. This mechanism would provide an integrated understanding of the initiation and development of BRCA1-associated tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Biorefineries have a pivotal role in the bioeconomy scenario for the transition from fossil‐based processes towards more sustainable ones relying on renewable resources. Lignocellulose is a prominent feedstock since its abundance and relatively low cost. Microorganisms are often protagonists of biorefineries, as they contribute both to the enzymatic degradation of lignocellulose complex polymers and to the fermentative conversion of the hydrolyzed biomasses into fine and bulk chemicals. Enzymes have therefore become crucial for the development of sustainable biorefineries, being able to provide nutrients to cells from lignocellulose. Enzymatic hydrolysis can be performed by a portfolio of natural enzymes that degrade lignocellulose, often combined into cocktails. As enzymes can be deployed in different operative settings, such as separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), their characteristics need to be combined with microbial ones to maximize the process. We therefore reviewed how the optimization of lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis can ameliorate bioethanol production when Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used as cell factory. Expanding beyond biofuels, enzymatic cocktail optimization can also be pivotal to unlock the potential of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts, which, thanks to broader substrate utilization, inhibitor resistance and peculiar metabolism, can widen the array of feedstocks and products of biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a major polyphagous pest with the potential to seriously damage various crops. A better understanding of FAW's performance on different hosts may help to predict which plants will be attacked when the preferred host is absent, and facilitate the development of effective pest management practices. We compared the larval performance of FAW fed on maize with that of FAW fed on potato and tobacco, which are important crops in China, using an age‐stage two‐sex life table and adult female oviposition preference experiments. In cage experiments with potato, tobacco, or maize as the host, FAW reared on maize exhibited the strongest performance with shorter developmental time in the larval stage, longer longevity, and a higher reproductive rate in adults. Females oviposited on maize in preference to potato or tobacco. Compared with larvae fed on maize, those fed on potato and tobacco exhibited significantly lower survival, with only 31.61% and 8.13% developing to the adult stage, respectively. Several life table parameters, including the mean generation time (T), net reproductive rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ), and intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) were negatively affected in FAW fed on potato and tobacco. Our results support the preference–performance hypothesis, that is, that herbivore females maximize fitness by choosing host plants associated with strong larval performance. Although larvae and adults performed poorly on potato and tobacco, their offspring will be capable of establishing populations on them, posing a potential threat to these crops in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) are often associated with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), which facilitate their movement within and between bacterial populations. Detection of mobility is therefore important to understand the dynamics of MGE dissemination and their associated genes, especially in resistant clinical isolates that often have multiple ARGs associated with MGEs. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an entrapment vector to capture active MGEs and ARGs in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. Methods and Results: We engineered an entrapment vector, called pBACpAK, to capture MGEs in clinical E. coli isolates. It contains a cI‐tetA positive selection cartridge in which the cI gene encodes a repressor that inhibits the expression of tetA. Therefore, any disruption of cI, for example, by insertion of a MGE, will allow tetA to be expressed and result in a selectable tetracycline‐resistant phenotype. The pBACpAK was introduced into clinical E. coli isolates and grown on tetracycline‐containing agar to select for clones with the insertion of MGEs into the entrapment vector. Several insertion sequences were detected within pBACpAK, including IS26, IS903B and ISSbo1. A novel translocatable unit (TU), containing IS26 and dfrA8 was also captured, and dfrA8 was shown to confer trimethoprim resistance when it was cloned into E. coli DH5α. Conclusions: The entrapment vector, pBACpAK was developed and shown to be able to capture MGEs and their associated ARGs from clinical E. coli isolates. We have captured, for the first time, a TU encoding antibiotic resistance. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first time that a TU and associated resistance gene has been captured from clinical E. coli isolates using an entrapment vector. The pBACpAK has the potential to be used not only as a tool to capture MGEs in clinical E. coli isolates, but also to study dynamics, frequency and potentiators of mobility for MGEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lufenuron, a molecule that belongs to the chitin synthesis inhibitors group of insect growth regulators, has a still unclear mode of action, but probably it affects chitin synthesis at a post‐transcriptional level. In this work, we report the effects of lufenuron on nutrition and reproduction in adult females of Anthonomus grandis, the main neotropical cotton pest and tried to link the effects on peritrophic matrix (PM) with egg viability. After Lufenuron treatment A. grandis females presented weight loss and less accumulation of protein and lipids probably due to PM breakdown. Also, treated females produce the same quantity of eggs as the control, although eggs from lufenuron‐treated females were less viable. After morphological and histochemical analysis, we have noticed that oocytes from lufenuron‐treated females contained less protein. Finally, lufenuron‐treated females produced at least nine times less vitellogenin (AgraVg) RNA than control females. We specifically showed that lufenuron treatment caused PM disruption and it has probably led to vitellogenin (AgraVg) downregulation in females culminating in egg unviability. The effect of lufenuron on PM leads to insect malnutrition, and this malnutrition downregulates vitellogenin among other genes. This is the first work that describes and tries to correlate the lufenuron effects on adult females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiological and pathological roles for R-loop structures continue to be discovered, and studies suggest that R-loops could contribute to human disease. R-loops are nucleic acid structures characterized by a DNA:RNA hybrid and displaced single-stranded DNA that occur in connection with transcription. R-loops form naturally and have been shown to be important for a number of physiological processes such as mitochondrial replication initiation, class switch recombination, DNA repair, modulating DNA topology, and regulation of gene expression. However, subsets of R-loops or persistent R-loops lead to DNA breaks, chromosome rearrangement, and genome instability. In addition, R-loops have been linked to human diseases, specifically neurological disorders and cancer. Of the large amount of research produced recently on R-loops, this review covers evidence for R-loop involvement in normal cellular physiology and pathophysiology, as well as describing factors that contribute to R-loop regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for precursors obtained by biotechnological means is constantly growing in technical chemistry. The use of bioethanol is therefore of interest in the production of ethylene. In this work, Miscanthus sacchariflorus is used as a raw material for the production of bioethanol for the first time. The stage of the chemical treatment of miscanthus with 4 wt % nitric acid solution is successfully scaled-up under the conditions of pilot industrial production, and the products of nitric acid treatment (PNTs) are obtained with a yield of 37.4% and a 96.0% content of hydrolyzable components. It is shown that preliminary chemical treatment of miscanthus with nitric acid, regardless of its type, allows substrates with similar chemical compositions to be obtained. The process is scaled up for the first time in a fermenter with a capacity of 11 L (a scaling factor of 1 : 8) to combine the saccharification and fermentation of PNTs from miscanthus and raise the concentration of PNTs from 60.0 to 90.0 g/L. Commercially available enzyme preparations Cellolux-A and Bruzheim BGX are used for saccharification. Yeast strain VKPM Saccharomyces cerevisiae Y-1693 is used for fermentation. It is found that the concentration of bioethanol grows by 9.5 g/L upon raising the substrate concentration from 60.0 to 90.0 g/L. It is recommended that a substrate concentration of 90.0 g/L be used to scale up the process under trial industrial conditions. A basic scheme isproposed for producing bioethanol with a yield of bioethanol 202 L/t of miscanthus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Infection of equids by Leishmania (L.) parasites was previously described in both the Old and New World, particularly in Central and South America. Equine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by the Leishmania species, L. Viannia (V.) braziliensis and L. infantum, previously identified in humans and other parasite hosts living in the same geographic endemic areas. Sporadic autochthonous clinical cases, with no travel history, were documented in several countries including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Brazil; L. infantum and L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis were the infectious species. Prevalence of subclinical infections is extremely low and CL is observed in only a small proportion of infected animals with the appearance of single or multiple cutaneous lesions located on the head, external ear, scrotum, legs and the neck. To date, there has been no report of visceral abnormalities. However, the mild clinical profile of the disease and its spontaneous regression may indicate that skin lesions related to Leishmania infection is underdiagnosed. Importantly, although the prevalence of Leishmania infections in the equine population is low, a risk may rise from its potential involvement in the parasite transmission cycles as a source of infection for phlebotomine vectors and susceptible mammalian hosts. This review article summarises our current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of Leishmania‐infected equids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matrin3 is a highly conserved inner nuclear matrix protein involved in multiple stages of RNA metabolism. Although Matrin3 may also play a role in DNA repair, its precise roles have remained unclear. In this study, we showed that the depletion of Matrin3 led to decreased homologous recombination (HR) efficiency and increased radiation sensitivity of cells. Matrin3-depleted cells showed impaired DNA damage-dependent focus formation of RAD51, a key protein in HR. These findings suggest that Matrin3 promotes HR by regulating RAD51. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic surfactants are becoming increasingly unpopular in many applications due to previously disregarded effects on biological systems and this has led to a new focus on replacing such products with biosurfactants that are biodegradable and produced from renewal resources. Microbially derived biosurfactants have been investigated in numerous studies in areas including: increasing feed digestibility in an agricultural context, improving seed protection and fertility, plant pathogen control, antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, wound healing and dermatological care, improved oral cavity care, drug delivery systems and anticancer treatments. The development of the potential of biosurfactants has been hindered somewhat by the myriad of approaches taken in their investigations, the focus on pathogens as source species and the costs associated with large‐scale production. Here, we focus on various microbial sources of biosurfactants and the current trends in terms of agricultural and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research suggests that adoption or development of various wildfire management strategies may differ across communities. However, there have been few attempts to design diverse strategies for local populations to better "live with fire." This article extends an existing approach by articulating how characteristic patterns of local social context might be used to generate a range of fire adaptation "pathways" that can be applied variably across communities. Each 'pathway' would specify a distinct combination of actions, potential policies and incentives that best reflect the social dynamics, ecological stressors, and accepted institutional functions that people in diverse communities are likely to enact. We synthesize existing research to propose broad considerations that would form the basis for diverse pathways. We then use existing research and the aforementioned considerations to propose specific components of pathways for two example community 'archetypes.' We contend that advancement of the conceptual tools introduced in this article can aid communities in the development of flexible, scenario- based approaches for addressing wildfire adaptation in different situations. Processes outlined in the article also serve as a unifying way to document, test, and advance flexible approaches professionals can use to work with local populations in the co-development of wildfire management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of pre-obesity and obesity, the physical capabilities of pre-obese/obese individuals are not well documented. As an effort to address this, this study investigated the pre-obesity and obesity impacts on joint range of motion (RoM) for twenty-two body joint motions. A publicly available passive RoM dataset was analysed. Three BMI groups (normal-weight, pre-obese, and obese [Class I]) were statistically compared in joint RoM. The pre-obese and obese groups were found to have significantly smaller RoM means than the normal-weight for elbow flexion and supination, hip extension and flexion, knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion. The pre-obese and obese groups exhibited no significant inter-group mean RoM differences except for knee flexion; for knee flexion, the obese group had significantly smaller RoM means than the pre-obese. The findings would be useful for designing work tasks and products/systems for high BMI individuals and developing digital human models representing differently sized individuals. Practitioner summary: This study investigated the pre-obesity and obesity impacts on joint range of motion (RoM) by comparing three participant groups: normal-weight; pre-obese and obese. The pre-obese and obese groups had significantly smaller RoM means than the normal-weight for elbow flexion and supination; hip extension and flexion; knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion. Abbreviations: ANCOVA: Analysis of Covariance; BMI: Body Mass Index; CI: Confidence Interval; RoM: Range of Motion; SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural enemies are exposed to insecticide sprays for herbivorous species and may evolve field resistance to insecticides. Natural enemies selected for resistance in the field, however, are welcome for pest control. The susceptibility of 20 populations of Eriopis connexa from various crop ecosystems to λ-cyhalothrin was tested. Three bioassays were conducted: (i) topical treatment with lethal dose (LD)50 previously determined for populations considered standard for susceptibility (LD50S) and for resistance (LD50R) to λ-cyhalothrin at technical grade; (ii) dose–mortality assay to calculate the LD for populations exhibiting significant survival to the LD50R; and (iii) determination of survival when exposed to dried residues at field rates. Among the 20 tested populations, seven populations did not survive or survival rates were lower than 10% when treated with LD50R; three populations survived >20%, but lower than 50%; while ten populations exhibited equal or greater survival rates compared with the 50% expected survival for the LD50R. Thus, these ten populations were subjected to dose–mortality response, and the LD50 values varied from 0.046 to 5.44 µg a.i./insect with resistance ratio of 8.52- to 884.08-folds. Adults from these ten populations that were ranked as resistant according to the LD50R exhibited survival from 44.5 to 100% exposed to the lowest and from 38.8 to 100% exposed to the highest field rates of λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Otherwise, the remaining ten populations ranked as susceptible according to the LD50R showed survival from 3.3 to 56% exposed to the lowest and from 0 to 17.7% exposed to the highest field rates of λ-cyhalothrin, respectively. Therefore, 50% of the tested E. connexa populations exhibited field-evolved resistance to λ-cyhalothrin and the use of a discriminatory LD50 for resistance matched the survival obtained when exposed to the insecticide field rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the fitness costs of resistance to transgenic Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a globally invasive pest species. Using Bt-resistant and -susceptible populations of similar genetic backgrounds, we compared insect life-history traits and population growth rates on the foliage of Bt or non-Bt cultivars of maize, soybean, and cotton. We found that (i) the resistance alleles led to a major reduction in insect fitness on seven of the eight cultivars of three host crops studied; (ii) developmental time was the life-history trait that accounted for most of the fitness variation of the armyworm, and (iii) the magnitude of fitness reduction of the resistant individuals was stronger on cotton foliage, on which the insects did not pass the resistance alleles to subsequent generations. These results show that fall armyworm resistance to Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2-expressing Bt maize comes with strong fitness costs, which were magnified on less-suitable host plants for the insects. Thus, natural selection may help maintain or even restore the insect susceptibility to the pesticidal proteins and perhaps is a significant factor helping manage fall armyworm resistance to Cry1A.105+Cry2Ab2 Bt maize. These findings indicate that fitness costs of insect resistance to multi-toxin Bt crops can be strong, and host plants or conditions that magnify the fitness differential of susceptible insects could be specifically deployed with refuge to improve resistance management to Bt crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal neoplasm of the female genital organs. Despite indisputable progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer, the problems of chemo-resistance and recurrent disease are the main obstacles for successful therapy. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of a specific cell population of cancer stem cells. The aim of this review is to show the most contemporary knowledge concerning the biology of ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs) and their impact on chemo-resistance and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients, as well as to present the treatment options targeted exclusively on the OCSCs. The review presents data concerning the role of cancer stem cells in general and then concentrates on OCSCs. The surface and intracellular OCSCs markers and their meaning both for cancer biology and clinical prognosis, signaling pathways specifically activated in OCSCs, the genetic and epigenetic regulation of OCSCs function including the recent studies on the non-coding RNA regulation, cooperation between OCSCs and the tumor microenvironment (ovarian cancer niche) including very specific environment such as ascites fluid, the role of shear stress, autophagy and metabolic changes for the function of OCSCs, and finally mechanisms of OCSCs escape from immune surveillance, are described and discussed extensively. The possibilities of anti-OCSCs therapy both in experimental settings and in clinical trials are presented, including the recent II phase clinical trials and immunotherapy. OCSCs are a unique population of cancer cells showing a great plasticity, self-renewal potential and resistance against anti-cancer treatment. They are responsible for the progression and recurrence of the tumor. Several completed and ongoing clinical trials have tested different anti-OCSCs drugs which, however, have shown unsatisfactory efficacy in most cases. We propose a novel approach to ovarian cancer diagnosis and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users of prosthetic devices face the accumulation of potentially drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria on the skin/prosthesis interface. In this study, we took surface swabs of the skin/prosthesis interface of eleven disabled athletes to identify microorganisms present. In addition to determining their antimicrobial resistance profile, we assessed their sensitivity to Manuka honey and Garlic extract (allicin). Eleven volunteers were directed to swab the skin at the skin/prosthesis interface. After initial isolation of microorganisms, we employed the following general microbiological methods: Gram stain, Catalase test, Oxidase test, lactose fermenting capability, haemolytic capability, Staphaurex, mannitol fermenting capability, Streptex; API Staph, 20E, Candida, and BBL crystal identification system tests. Once identified, isolates were analysed for their sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin, ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and colistin-sulphate. Isolates were also analysed for their sensitivity to allicin (Garlic Extract (GE)) and Manuka honey (Medihoney™) (MH). Eleven isolates were identified: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Group D Streptococcus, Pantoea spp., Enterobacter cloacae, and Bergeyella zoohelcum. All isolates were resistant to 1 unit of penicillin and 10 μg of ampicillin. Bergeyella zoohelcum was observed to have the widest range of resistance with observed resistance against five of the eight antimicrobials employed in this study. This study highlights the prevalence of uncommon drug-resistant microorganisms on the skin within a vulnerable population, highlighting the potential for MH or GE intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an invasive worldwide agricultural pest that seriously threatens the safety of grain production. Temperatures and hosts play vital roles in the performance of S. frugiperda. In this study, we studied the effects of three different temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and three different host plants (maize (Zea mays L. (Poaceae)), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench), and coix seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L.)) on the whole life cycle of S. frugiperda. The results showed that both temperatures and host plants significantly influenced the mortality, developmental time, reproduction, and population parameters of FAW. In the treatment with host plants, the developmental period of S. frugiperda at each stage shortened significantly with the increasing of temperatures. At each temperature, the type of host plant did not affect the development time of S. frugiperda eggs. However, there was no significant difference when S. frugiperda 1st to 6th instar larvae were fed different host plants at 20 °C, while 2nd to 5th instar larvae developed rapidly on maize at 25 and 30 °C. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the longevity of FAW when fed sorghum and coix seed at 20 and 25 °C, but a significant difference in the longevity was observed at 30 °C. Feeding on maize achieved a higher intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0) of S. frugiperda at 25 and 30 °C than those FAW fed on sorghum and coix seed. The interactions between ambient temperatures and host plants are central to the population dynamics of invasive animal species. Despite significant research into the effects of temperatures, the performance of invasive species is also influenced by host plants. The effects of different temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and host plants (maize, sorghum, and coix seed) were tested on the mortality, development, reproduction, and population parameters of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), using an age-stage, two-sex life table. The results support the hypothesis that temperature and the species of the host plant significantly influences the performance of FAW. Feeding on maize at 30 °C resulted in a lower mortality rate, a shorter developmental time and longevity, a higher fecundity, intrinsic rate of natural increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0). However, at 20 °C, the host plant could eliminate temperature-mediated synergism in FAW performance, which did not reach statistical significance at 20 °C. Similar results induced by a relatively low temperature (20 °C) on different host plants were also found in the age-stage specific survival curves (sxj), fecundity (mx), maternity (lxmx), and reproductive value (vxj) curves of FAW. Consequently, we also need to pay more attention to FAW outbreaks on different host plants mediated by relatively low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly destructive and invasive global noctuid pest. Its control is based on insecticide applications and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal Cry toxins expressed in transgenic crops, such as Cry1F in Bt corn. Continuous selection pressure has resulted in populations that are resistant to Bt corn, particularly in Brazil. FAW resistance to Cry1F was recently shown to be conferred by mutations of ATP-binding cassette transporter C2 (ABCC2), but several mutations, particularly indels in extracellular loop 4 (ECL4), are not yet functionally validated. We addressed this knowledge gap by baculovirus-free insect cell expression of ABCC2 variants (and ABCC3) by electroporation technology and tested their response to Cry1F, Cry1A.105 and Cry1Ab. We employed a SYTOXTM orange cell viability test measuring ABCC2-mediated Bt toxin pore formation. In total, we tested seven different FAW ABCC2 variants mutated in ECL4, two mutants modified in nucleotide binding domain (NBD) 2, including a deletion mutant lacking NBD2, and S. frugiperda ABCC3. All tested ECL4 mutations conferred high resistance to Cry1F, but much less to Cry1A.105 and Cry1Ab, whereas mutations in NBD2 hardly affected Bt toxin activity. Our study confirms the importance of indels in ECL4 for Cry1F resistance in S. frugiperda ABCC2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), tomato is an economically important crop that contributes not only to employment and income, but also food security. Like the rest of the SSA countries, tomato production in Kenya is constrained mainly by pests and diseases, key among them being the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), which can cause 80–100% losses if not properly managed. To suppress this pest, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and partners are introducing a fungal-based biopesticide (ICIPE 20) in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach as a sustainable alternative to the sole use of synthetic pesticides. This study was carried out before the introduction of the biopesticide to assess its commercial feasibility among agro-dealers, using Kirinyaga County in Kenya where tomato production is predominant, as the study area. Specifically, the study assessed the knowledge, perception, and willingness to stock biopesticide using a market survey involving 141 agro-dealers. Successful commercialization of a new product is assumed to be the cumulative result of traders' and buyers' knowledge and perceptions about the product. The results show that a higher proportion of agro-dealers were willing to pay for ICIPE 20 at a higher price than Coragen®, the most popular insecticide for management of T. absoluta. The regression analysis revealed that individual characteristics such as age, education, access to social networks and credit facilities, and information are correlated to the agro-dealer's knowledge, perception, and willingness to stock the biopesticide. Training agro-dealers may promote greater uptake of the biopesticides through enhancing their knowledge and perception towards the effectiveness of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the efficiency of transgenic plants expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins as insecticides against several lepidopterans, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one species that presents low susceptibility to most Bt crops. This study investigated the effects of the Cry 1 Ac toxin expressed by Bt cotton in the midgut of S. frugiperda and its effects on the humoral and cellular immune responses. Three hypotheses were proposed and tested with contributing factors for the natural tolerance of S. frugiperda: (i) midgut regenerative cells are activated by the Cry 1 Ac toxin, and thus renew the epithelial cells damaged by the protein, (ii) Cry 1 Ac increased production of nitric oxide or phenoloxidase in the hemolymph, and (iii) there are qualitative and quantitative variations in the hemocyte levels of S. frugiperda. Caterpillars were reared using Bt cotton (Acala 90B) and non-Bt isolines (Acala 90), from the first to the fourth instar. The Bt cotton promoted elongation of the epithelial cells in the midgut of S. frugiperda caterpillars. Hence, evidence only supported the hypothesised increase of phenoloxidase (ii) and qualitative and quantitative differences in hemocyte levels (iii) in insects that were fed with Bt and non-Bt cotton. These parameters seem to explain the low susceptibility of S. frugiperda to Cry 1 Ac toxin and they are a viable set of responses for the evaluation of other xenobiotic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northeastern Brazil has been little explored in the search for Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) variants for the control of agricultural pests such as Plutella xylostella (L.) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). The aim of this study was to isolate B. thuringiensis from soil and insect samples collected from the northeastern states and to evaluate their lethal and sublethal activities against the neonate larvae of P. xylostella and S. frugiperda. One hundred and four isolates were bioassayed and visualised for the presence of crystals. Bipyramidal crystals were present in 31% of the isolates. In pathogenicity tests, 13 and 19 isolates caused >30% mortality in P. xylostella and S. frugiperda, respectively. The Laboratory of Insect-Toxic Interactions (LIIT)-4311 isolate was the most toxic for P. xylostella, with toxicity similar to B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Dipel® WP) and B. thuringiensis var. aizawai (Xentari® WDG). For S. frugiperda, the LIIT-4311, LIIT-4306 and LIIT-4406 isolates were more active than B. thuringiensis var. aizawai. The LIIT-4311 and LIIT-4306 isolates caused high rates of larval growth inhibition in both P. xylostella and S. frugiperda. These results suggest a broad distribution of B. thuringiensis variants in areas of northeastern Brazil. Because LIIT-4306 and LIIT-4311 provided the highest levels of toxicity and larval growth inhibition for both P. xylostella and S. frugiperda, these isolates can be exploited to develop new technologies for pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An author index for the 2012 issue of the journal "Bipolar Disorders" is presented.

An author index of the journal "Bipolar Disorders," including D. Koka, S. Dodd and C. Daban is presented.

Planted forests include forests established through human planting or deliberate seeding. They are systems that offer us timber and non-timber forest products and ecosystem services, such as wildlife protection, carbon sequestration, soil, and watershed maintenance. Brazil has 7.6 million hectares of planted forests, with 72% of the total area occupied by Eucalyptus spp. A favorable climate and management and genetic improvement research are the main factors responsible for high productivity. In recent years, the expansion of planted areas has been accompanied by the commercial release of several pesticides, mainly herbicides. A recent change in the Brazilian legislation allows mixing phytosanitary products in a spray tank, having a new approach to managing pests, diseases, and weeds. Antagonism is the main risk of tank mixes, and to reduce the dangers associated with this practice, we review all products registered for growing Eucalyptus. This literature review aims to identify the effects of product mixtures registered for Eucalyptus reported for other crops. In addition, environmental and social risk assessment has been widely adopted to export wood and cellulose, making the results of this review an indispensable tool in identifying the nature and degree of risks associated with pesticides. The results classify the effects of the mixtures as an additive, antagonistic or synergistic. The use of pesticide tank mixtures has the potential for expansion. However, there are still challenges regarding variations in the effects and applications in different climatic conditions. Therefore, studies that prove efficient mixtures for the forest sector are essential and the training of human resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this in vitro study was to examine potential changes and influences of prosthetic resin surface properties on Candida albicans adhesion after surface treatment or artificial ageing. Materials and methods Standardized specimens of a denture base resin and a veneering composite were prepared, polished, and randomly subjected to different surface roughness treatments or artificial ageing protocols (storage in ethanol or artificial saliva for 7/90 d, thermocycling). Surface roughness (Ra) and surface free energy were determined prior and after each treatment. Specimens were incubated with phosphate buffered saline or whole saliva for 2 h at 37°C, and later with Candida albicans suspension (2.5 h, 37°C). Adherent viable fungi were quantified using a bioluminescence assay. Results Artificial ageing did not affect substratum surface roughness, yet slight increases in substratum surface free energy and significant increases in Candida albicans adhesion were observed. Saliva coating marginally influenced Candida albicans adherence to reference and surface treated specimens, yet more pronounced differences in Candida albicans adhesion between the various artificially aged specimens were found. Conclusion No correlation between substratum surface roughness or surface free energy and Candida albicans adhesion could be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore whether combined treatments with daptomycin and gentamicin can prevent the development of Staphylococcus aureus resistance, and whether the possible restriction is associated with changes in antibiotic mutant prevention concentrations (MPCs), the enrichment of daptomycin- and gentamicin-resistant mutants was studied by simulating 5-day single and combined treatments in an in vitro dynamic model. The MPCs of the antibiotics in the combination were determined at concentration ratios equal to the ratios of 24 h areas, under the concentration–time curve (AUCs) of the antibiotics, as simulated in pharmacodynamic experiments. The MPCs of both daptomycin and gentamicin decreased in the presence of each other; this led to an increase in the time when antibiotic concentrations were above the MPC (T>MPC). The increases in T>MPCs were concurrent with increases of the anti-mutant effects of the combined antibiotics. When anti-mutant effects of the antibiotics in single and combined treatments were plotted against the T>MPCs, significant sigmoid relationships were obtained. These findings suggest that (1) daptomycin–gentamicin combinations prevent the development of S. aureus resistance to each antibiotic; (2) the anti-mutant effects of antibiotic combinations can be predicted using MPCs determined at pharmacokinetic-based antibiotic concentration ratios; (3) T>MPC is a reliable predictor of the anti-mutant efficacy of antibiotic combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of macroalgae (Cladophora rupestris, Furcellaria lumbricalis, Ulva intestinalis) and microalgae (Arthrospira platensis (Sp1, Sp2), Chlorella vulgaris) extracts, including micro- and macroelement transition to extract, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, the concentrations of chlorophyll (-a, -b), and the total carotenoid concentration (TCC). In macroalgae, the highest TCC and chlorophyll content were found in C. rupestris. In microalgae, the TCC was 10.1-times higher in C. vulgaris than in Sp1, Sp2; however, the chlorophyll contents in C. vulgaris samples were lower. A moderate negative correlation was found between the chlorophyll-a and TCC contents (r = −0.4644). In macroalgae extract samples, C. rupestris and F. lumbricalis showed the highest total phenolic compound content (TPCC). DPPH antioxidant activity and TPCC in microalgae was related to the TCC (r = 0.6191, r = 0.6439, respectively). Sp2 extracts inhibited Staphylococcus haemolyticus; C. rupestris, F. lumbricalis, U. intestinalis, and Sp2 extracts inhibited Bacillus subtilis; and U. intestinalis extracts inhibited Streptococcus mutans strains. This study showed that extraction is a suitable technology for toxic metal decontamination in algae; however, some of the desirable microelements are reduced during the extraction, and only the final products, could be applied in food, feed, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), is a polyphagous pest whose larval feeding threatens several economically important crops worldwide with especially severe damage to corn (Zea mays L.). Field-derived resistance to several conventional pesticides and Bt toxins have threatened the efficacy of current management strategies, necessitating the development of alternative pest management methods and technologies. One possible avenue is the use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other secondary metabolites that are produced and sequestered by plants as a response to larval feeding. The effects of conspecific larval feeding on fall armyworm oviposition preferences and larval fitness were examined using two-choice oviposition experiments, larval feeding trials, targeted metabolomics, and VOC analyses. There was a significant preference for oviposition on corn plants that lacked larval feeding damage, and larvae fed tissue from damaged plants exhibited reduced weights and head capsule widths. All larval feeding promoted significantly increased metabolite and VOC concentrations compared to corn plants without any feeding. Metabolite differences were driven primarily by linoleic acid (which is directly toxic to fall armyworm) and tricarboxylic acids. Several VOCs with significantly increased concentrations in damaged corn plants were known oviposition deterrents that warrant further investigation in an integrated pest management context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fall armyworm (FAW) is a highly destructive moth pest and its larvae feed on many different host plants, including major crops such as maize. This pest is native to the Americas but invaded the Eastern hemisphere in 2016. It is highly migratory and was first detected in India in 2018, where it rapidly became a major threat to maize production across India. FAW control mostly relies on the application of chemical insecticides and transgenic crop plants expressing insecticidal proteins of bacterial origin. FAW has developed resistance against insecticides, and for management purposes, it is important to assess its sensitivity status against different chemical classes of insecticides, particularly in invaded regions. In this study, we conducted more than 400 bioassays with nine different insecticides from seven mode-of-action groups on 47 FAW populations collected in 2019 and 2020 across different geographical areas in India. The baseline susceptibility determined for all these insecticides will help to set-up appropriate resistance management strategies to keep FAW infestations in India below economic damage thresholds. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major pest of maize in the Americas and recently invaded the Eastern hemisphere. It was first detected in India in 2018 and is considered a major threat to maize production. FAW control largely relies on the application of chemical insecticides and transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal proteins. Assessing FAW resistance and insecticide susceptibility is a cornerstone to develop sustainable resistance management strategies. In this study, we conducted more than 400 bioassays to assess the efficacy of nine insecticides from seven mode-of-action classes against 47 FAW populations collected in 2019 and 2020 across various geographical areas in India. The resistance status of the field-collected populations was compared to an Indian population sampled in 2018, and an insecticide susceptible reference population collected in 2005 in Brazil. Low to moderate resistance levels were observed for thiodicarb, chlorpyriphos, deltamethrin, chlorantraniliprole and flubendiamide in several populations (including the reference population collected in 2018). The highest resistance ratios were observed for deltamethrin which likely compromises recommended label rates for pyrethroid insecticides in general. Our data provide a useful baseline for future FAW resistance monitoring initiatives and highlight the need to implement insecticide resistance management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem resistance has posed potential harmful risks to human and animals. The objectives of this study were to understand the prevalence of blaNDM-5 in pigs and investigate the molecular characteristics of NDM-5-producing Escherichia coli isolates in Guangdong province in China. Carbapenem-resistant E. coli isolates were isolated from pigs and obtained using MacConkey plates containing 0.5 mg/L meropenem. Conjugation assay and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted for the isolates and their transconjugants. Whole-genome sequence (WGS) was used to analyze the plasmid genetic feature. A total of five blaNDM-5-carrying E. coli isolates were obtained in the present investigations. They belonged to five ST types. The blaNDM-5 genes were found to be in IncX3 and IncHI2 plasmid. The IncX3 plasmid was 46,161 bp in size and identical to other reports. IncHI2 plasmid was 246,593 bp in size and similar to other IncHI2-ST3 plasmids. It consisted of a typical IncHI2 plasmid backbone region and a multiresistance region (MRR). The blaNDM-5 was closely associated with the IS3000-ISAba125-blaNDM-5-bleMBL-trpF-tat-IS26 unit. We first reported the blaNDM-5-carrying IncHI2 in E. coli isolates recovered from pigs and revealed the molecular characterization. Continued surveillance for the dissemination of blaNDM-5 among food-producing animals is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Metabolic engineering involves the sustainable production of high-value products. E. coli and yeast, in particular, are used for such processes. Using metabolic engineering, the biosynthetic pathways of these cells are altered to obtain a high production of desired products. Fatty acids (FAs) and their derivatives are products produced using metabolic engineering. However, classical methods used for engineering yeast metabolic pathways for the production of fatty acids and their derivatives face problems such as the low supply of key precursors and product tolerance. This review introduces the different ways FAs are being produced in E. coli and yeast and the genetic manipulations for enhanced production of FAs. The review also summarizes the latest techniques (i.e., CRISPR–Cas and synthetic biology) for developing FA-producing yeast cell factories. Metabolic engineering is a cutting-edge field that aims to produce simple, readily available, and inexpensive biomolecules by applying different genetic engineering and molecular biology techniques. Fatty acids (FAs) play an important role in determining the physicochemical properties of membrane lipids and are precursors of biofuels. Microbial production of FAs and FA-derived biofuels has several advantages in terms of sustainability and cost. Conventional yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the models used for FA synthesis. Several genetic manipulations have been performed to enhance the citrate accumulation and its conversation into acetyl-CoA, a precursor for FA synthesis. Success has been achieved in producing different chemicals, including FAs and their derivatives, through metabolic engineering. However, several hurdles such as slow growth rate, low oleaginicity, and cytotoxicity are still need to be resolved. More robust research needs to be conducted on developing microbes capable of resisting diverse environments, chemicals, and cost-effective feed requirements. Redesigning microbes to produce FAs with cutting-edge synthetic biology and CRISPR techniques can solve these problems. Here, we reviewed the technological progression of metabolic engineering techniques and genetic studies conducted on S. cerevisiae, making it suitable as a model organism and a great candidate for the production of biomolecules, especially FAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera frugiperda is controlled mainly with chemical insecticides. Toxicity, survival, respiration, mobility, anti-feeding effect, and histology of the midgut of S. frugiperda caterpillars exposed to deltamethrin were evaluated. Deltamethrin was toxic to third-instar caterpillars, decreasing survival. The insecticide reduces the respiratory rate and food consumption, and causes repellency. Exposure to deltamethrin causes histological alterations in the midgut, damaging the digestive cells and peritrophic matrix. Deltamethrin is toxic to S. frugiperda caterpillars, causing mortality, alteration of locomotor behavior, reduced respiration and feeding, and irreversible damage to the midgut epithelium. Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is the main pest of maize crops, and effective methods for pest management are needed. The insecticidal efficacy of deltamethrin was evaluated against S. frugiperda for toxicity, survival, locomotion, anti-feeding, and histological changes in the midgut. Concentration–mortality bioassays confirmed that deltamethrin (LC50 = 3.58 mg mL−1) is toxic to S. frugiperda caterpillars. The survival rate was 99.7% in caterpillars not exposed to deltamethrin, decreasing to 50.3% in caterpillars exposed to LC50, and 0.1% in caterpillars treated with LC90. Spodoptera frugiperda demonstrated reduced mobility on deltamethrin-treated surfaces. Deltamethrin promoted a low respiration rate of S. frugiperda for up to 3 h after insecticide exposure, displaying immobilization and inhibiting food consumption. Deltamethrin induces histological alterations (e.g., disorganization of the striated border, cytoplasm vacuolization, and cell fragmentation) in the midgut, damaging the digestive cells and peritrophic matrix, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Paradoxically, although the steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates many aspects of male and female physiology, it is described in the chemical indexes as a carcinogen. By the analysis of the literature, we unveil here a novel concept for which E2 possesses a dual nature for which it is both a toxic and a homeostatic regulator controlling DNA stability. Therefore, cancer could arise as a consequence of the deregulation of this delicate equilibrium between cellular pathways. 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates human physiology both in females and in males. At the same time, E2 acts as a genotoxic substance as it could induce DNA damages, causing the initiation of cellular transformation. Indeed, increased E2 plasma levels are a risk factor for the development of several types of cancers including breast cancer. This paradoxical identity of E2 undermines the foundations of the physiological definition of "hormone" as E2 works both as a homeostatic regulator of body functions and as a genotoxic compound. Here, (i) the molecular circuitries underlying this double face of E2 are reviewed, and (ii) a possible framework to reconcile the intrinsic discrepancies of the E2 function is reported. Indeed, E2 is a regulator of the DNA damage response, which this hormone exploits to calibrate its genotoxicity with its physiological effects. Accordingly, the genes required to maintain genome integrity belong to the E2-controlled cellular signaling network and are essential for the appearance of the E2-induced cellular effects. This concept requires an "upgrade" to the vision of E2 as a "genotoxic hormone", which balances physiological and detrimental pathways to guarantee human body homeostasis. Deregulation of this equilibrium between cellular pathways would determine the E2 pathological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]