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Native Iranian apples were sampled for apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) using ELISA and RT-PCR. Two indirect thermotherapy treatments (38º C for periods of 8 and 13 days) and three chemotherapy treatments each at two concentrations (Ribavirin (RBV) 20 and 40 mg/l, extracts of Hypericum perforatum (HPR) and Pelargonium sidoides (PLG) 60 and 120 mg/l) were applied to treat the viral contaminations. Thermotherapy for 13 days eliminated 100% of ASGV in cultivar GolBahar while RBV at 40 mg/l removed 100% of ACLSV. Cultivar 'Soltani Shabestar' became ASGV free using RBV at 20 mg/liter. ACLSV and ASGV contaminations were also reduced in cultivars Soltani Shabestar and Sharbati to 20 and 33.5 percent with the HPR treatment, apart from the limited number of remaining samples and the uncertain result, which were found simultaneously free of the two viruses. Both extracts damaged the explants at high concentrations, but at lower concentrations a limited number of explants of GolBahar could survive, though with no virus removal. There was complete concordance between the results of all positive samples detected by ELISA and RT-PCR. The use of herbal extracts in place of chemical compounds may be a promising method to eradicate plant viruses in fruit trees including apples. No trace of ASPV and APMV was detected in the explants under exam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria have significantly linked to dental plaque and caries. The aim of this study is to assess efficacy of some natural compounds in inhibition and eradication of biofilm formed by bacterial isolates from dental infections. Results: Bacterial isolates were recovered from dental plaque/caries and identified using standard microbiological tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. The isolated bacterial strains include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli. The antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method and revealed that the majority of isolates showed high antibiotic resistance, and 61% of isolates were found to be multidrug resistant. The biofilm formation capacity of isolates was investigated using microtiter plate assay. Among the 77 bacterial isolates, seventeen showed moderate biofilm formation capacity, twenty-two showed near-moderate, thirty-four had weak biofilm-forming capacity, and four were non-biofilm producers. The antibiofilm activity of tested compounds (rose and jasmine oils, propolis, vanillin, and vinegar) was evaluated against isolates with highest biofilm-forming capacity. The in vitro antibiofilm ability of tested substances were investigated alone or in combination with each other to evaluate their ability to prevent biofilm formation or destroy preformed single-/multispecies biofilms. Finally, antibiofilm ability of tested combination was evaluated ex vivo on natural teeth. Our results showed that vanillin in combination with rose or jasmine oils showed promising biofilm inhibition and biofilm eradication activities in both the in vitro and ex vivo models. Conclusions: Dental plaque and caries can be successfully prevented using combination of vanillin with rose or jasmine oils, and these compounds can be incorporated in new anticaries dental formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, heavy metal pollution is a major problem that has an impact on human health and the environment. The identification and removal of heavy metals from the environment is necessary to safeguard both human health and the ecology. An emerging family of nanomaterials called nanoribbons has shown significant promise in the monitoring and eradication of heavy metals (HMs) in various industries. We first go over how nanoribbons are made and their structural characteristics before talking about how their special surface chemistry and reactivity make it possible for them to highly efficiently and specifically adsorb and collect heavy metals. Recently, progress has been made in the use of nanoribbons as heavy metal sensors, and these sensors have shown great promise for real-time heavy metal contamination monitoring due to their hyper sensitivity, rapid reaction times, and inexpensive production. They are a feasible alternative to traditional remediation procedures because of their greater adsorption capacity and quick separation. In this study, the current state of the art and possible uses of nanoribbons for the removal and detection of heavy metals are briefly discussed. Additionally, it highlights their significant potential for alleviating the global issue of heavy metal contamination on a worldwide scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonisation of sessile bacterial species on biotic and abiotic surfaces is responsible for the development of various infections in humans. At present, biofilm-associated chronic infections have been a prime concern among the healthcare practitioners since they are impermeable to drugs, resulting in the development of antibiotic resistance or multi-drug resistance. For a few decades, a lot of research activity has been performed in the development of alternative therapeutics to combat biofilm-associated chronic infections. The presence of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) prevents the permeation of most of the drugs rendering drug failures. The use of small molecules has been necessary to penetrate easily through the EPS and act on the targeted cells. In present days, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has gained immense importance as alternative therapeutics since they exhibit a novel class of antibiotics exhibiting a wide spectrum of activity and possess a low rate of development of resistance. In the last few decades, a large number of AMPs have been identified from varied groups of organisms as effector molecules for innate immune system acting as an important line of defence. In this review, we will discuss the use of AMPs as effective agents to combat various biofilm-associated chronic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive house mouse Mus musculus represents a great threat to islands. Eradicating house mouse populations is thus often necessary, entailing actions that could be optimised on the basis of the species' demography and spatial behaviour. Currently, information on these aspects is scarce on small Mediterranean islands, where house mouse management programs are rising. Using spatially explicit capture–recapture analysis, we estimated the population density, capture probability and home range size of house mice on three small islands in the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area (Sardinia, Italy). Capture sessions were carried out for 6 consecutive days in spring–summer 2022, totalling 984 trap days. Out of 705 total captures, we trapped 258 individuals on Isola Piana, 39 on Spalmatore di Terra and 100 on Isolotto Rosso. With mean values of approximately 160 and 130 individuals per hectare, respectively, the densities on Isola Piana and Isolotto Rosso were an order of magnitude higher than those on Spalmatore di Terra (approximately 9 ind./ha), suggesting that the latter represents a lower quality habitat. The capture probability was the lowest on Isola Piana while the estimated home range size was far smaller on Isolotto Rosso than on the other islands. The patterns we found suggest that habitat quality together with local factors, such as vegetation cover, may have determined differences in mouse population density, site-specific detectability and spatial behaviour. Our study is thus an important step towards a deeper knowledge of house mouse populations on small Mediterranean islands and it can contribute to an optimization of mice eradication, not only in such environments, but also in different biogeographical contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spartina anglica, an invasive marsh grass, was designated as a harmful marine organism in 2016 due to its ability to stabilize mudflats and reduce macrobenthic diversity. To control such invasive species, physical, chemical, or biological methods can be applied while chemical methods are prohibited by law due to ecological disruption. However, the preferred methods of soil tillage, cutting, and native plant restoration for managing S. anglica have rarely been analyzed. To compare the methods, we performed 9 treatments with four replicates, comprising control, different frequencies of clipping (once and twice) and tilling (once and twice), and different densities (50 and 100 seedling) of restoration of the native plants Suaeda japonica and Phragmites australis. To evaluate the severity of disturbance, we measured coverage, stem density, average plant height, and above-ground biomass for 2 years. We found P. australis and S. japonica did not successfully establish or survive due to niche differences and the inherent biological features of Spartina. However, physical removal had a stronger effect than interspecific interaction. Two cutting treatments in the early and the late growing season reduced plant height and biomass of S. anglica by 6 and 34%, respectively, compared with the control treatment at the rapid vegetative growth stage in the following year. We also found that two tillage treatments reduced biomass, plant cover, and stem density by 32%, 38%, and 83%, respectively, in the following year. In the study site, managing invasive species such as S. anglica is best achieved by physically destroying the plant using soil tillage while attempting to restore native species had marginal control effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori infection, a worldwide health issue, is typically treated with standard antibiotic therapies. However, these treatments often face resistance and non-compliance due to side effects. In this umbrella review, we aimed to comprehensively assess the impact of probiotics supplementation in different preparations on Helicobacter pylori standard treatment. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library from inception to June 1, 2023, to identify systematic reviews with meta-analyses that focused on eradication rates, total side effects and other outcomes of interest. The most comprehensive meta-analysis was selected for data extraction. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess quality of meta-analyses. Overall, 28 unique meta-analyses based on 534 RCTs were included. The results suggests that probiotics supplementation with pooled probiotic strains was significantly associated with improved eradication rates (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.14) and reduced risk of total side effects (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.70) compared with standard therapy alone. Single-strained or multi-strained preparation of probiotics supplementation showed similar results. Despite Bifidobacterium spp. showing the highest potential for eradication, the study quality was critically low for most meta-analyses, necessitating further high-quality research to explore the optimal probiotic strains or their combinations for Helicobacter pylori treatment.aq_start?>Kindly check and confirm the edit made in article title. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trapping is an effective strategy for control of invasive wild pig (Sus scrofa), but eradication of populations via trapping alone typically is impractical throughout much of the species' introduced range. Consequently, recovery of wild pig populations to pre-trapping levels following control is a major impediment to success of long-term control. In this study, we conducted camera-trap surveys to monitor recovery of two wild pig populations immediately following density reductions achieved via trapping on two sites on the Savannah River Site, SC. We used spatial capture-recapture models to estimate wild pig density during seven 3 week periods spanning 12 months to: (1) determine the time required for populations to recover to pre-trapping levels; and (2) evaluate trends in population growth, density, and distribution during recovery. Recovery of both wild pig populations started immediately after trapping ceased, with populations reaching pre-trapping levels in 3 and 5 months. Threeweek population growth rates for each wild pig population during recovery averaged 1.28 (range = 1.11–1.39 on site 1) and 1.24 (range = 0.64–1.92 on site 2), which corresponded to a 345% and 132% increase in abundance (an increase of 141 and 126 individual wild pigs on site 1 and 2, respectively) of each population by the last survey period. Rapid recovery and growth beyond pre-trapping levels of wild pig populations likely were driven by residual wild pigs not removed by trapping and compensatory reproduction and immigration. Our study is one of the first to provide information on how quickly wild pig populations can recover following overall density reductions of 54–68% and indicates practitioners should be prepared to reinitiate trapping efforts in as little as 3 months to prevent recovery of wild pig populations following control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-year-old female patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which confirmed the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive nodular gastritis (NG). Routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after H. pylori eradication revealed atrophic changes of the corpus, having gradually progressed over the 10 years after successful eradication. Serological and biopsy specimen examination showed hypergastrinemia (1200 pg/mL), positive anti-parietal cell antibody (with a titer of more 160), and endocrine cell micronests after 11 years of H. pylori eradication. The patient was diagnosed with autoimmune gastritis (AIG) based on endoscopic, serological, and histological findings. This is the first report of AIG diagnosed in a patient with NG over a long period of time after H. pylori eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the increasing globalisation of trade generates an escalating spread of arthropod pests, eradication has gained traction as a viable approach to avoiding the growing long-term management costs. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) involves releasing sexually sterile insects into the wild population and has been employed for environmentally friendly eradication. Alternatively, classical biological control (CBC) comprises the importation and release of natural enemies. Although generally used for long-term management, evidence suggests a synergistic impact could be exerted on pest populations when combined with SIT, potentially improving eradication outcomes. It is possible that sterile parasitoids, which would not bear the risk of irreversible non-target impacts associated with conventional CBC releases, could be accepted by regulatory agencies as a safe option to be used as a synergistic component of eradication. We investigated the post-irradiation behaviour and fitness of the egg parasitoid Trissolcus basalis to determine whether irradiation-induced sterility may reduce its efficacy. In comparing sterile and non-sterile parasitoids, there were no observable differences in searching behaviour, no significant differences in the number of egg masses found and parasitised, nor longevity. It is possible that sterile parasitoid release could contribute to an eradication programme without detrimental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is supposed that in all armed conflicts until World War II more humans died of infectious diseases than of the actual violence. Especially malaria left a crucial imprint on wars throughout history. The disease aggravates wartime conditions, is thus responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in conflict zones, and is at the same time more commonly found in these areas. Malaria has halted many military campaigns in the past, with prominent examples ranging from antiquity through the medieval period and into the modern era. The parasitosis still continues to play an important role in the outcome of warfare and follow-up events today and is of special public health importance in areas of the Global South, where most of its endemicity and some of the most brutal conflicts of our time are located. Vice versa, wars and ensuing population movements increase malaria transmission and morbidity as well as impede control efforts. Awareness of this and the development of strategies to overcome both malaria and wars will massively improve the well-being of the population affected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To elucidate whether long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) users have an increased gastric cancer (GC) risk. Methods: We searched the 2009–2019 Korean National Health Insurance Services Database for patients aged > 40 years who claimed for Helicobacter pylori eradication (HPE) during 2009–2014. The GC incidence following a PPI exposure of > 180 cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) and that following an exposure of < 180 cDDD were compared. The outcome was GC development at least 1 year following HPE. A propensity score (PS)–matched dataset was used for analysis within the same quartiles of the follow-up duration. Additionally, dose–response associations were assessed, and the mortality rates were compared between long-term PPI users and non-users. Results: After PS matching, 144,091 pairs of PPI users and non-users were analyzed. During a median follow-up of 8.3 (interquartile range, 6.8–9.6) years, 1053 and 948 GC cases in PPI users and non-users, respectively, were identified, with the GC incidence (95% confidence interval (CI)) being 0.90 (0.85–0.96) and 0.81 (0.76–0.86) per 1000 person-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for GC with PPI use was 1.15 (95% CI, 1.06–1.25). Among PPI users, patients in the highest tertile for annual PPI dose showed higher GC development than those in the lowest tertile (aHR (95% CI): 3.87 (3.25–4.60)). GC–related mortality did not differ significantly between PPI users and non-users. Conclusion: In this nationwide analysis in Korea, where the GC prevalence is high, long-term PPI use after HPE showed a significant increase in GC, with a positive dose–response relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus has considerably increased among non-clinical or asymptomatic individuals. The formation of biofilms denies antimicrobial access to its targets present on the surface and inside the cell. The present study tested the effect of the combination of flavonoids and antibiotics over the preformed biofilms of S. aureus. The eradication of the preformed biofilms was analyzed using the crystal violet method. It has shown that 2500 µg mL−1 Rutin and 100 µg mL−1 Erythromycin (MIC Concentration) combination efficiently reduced the growth of the cells, which were adhered to the surfaces forming the biofilms. Fluorescence microscopic analysis indicated that the Rutin and Erythromycin (MIC value) combinations could eradicate the preformed biofilm cells more efficiently than other combinations. We found that the flavonoids and antibiotics with MIC concentration show a significant effect over the preformed biofilms cells of S. aureus. In addition, the semi-quantitative real-time PCR analysis for the sRNAs under the treatment of Rutin and Erythromycin combinations showed that few small RNAs expression (SprF, SprG, ArtR, Teg49, Teg41, and RNAIII) are getting downregulated upon the treatment; but again recovers with the incubation time interval increases. Combinations have a significant effect on Teg49 where there is a very faint intensity of the band, but for other small RNAs, there is an irregular pattern on the gel image. It has been concluded that at the initial period of incubation, the combinations have an effect on all the sRNAs but once the incubation increases, the effects have been slowly decreasing. It has been concluded that the combination has been able to reduce the doubling time of S. aureus upon treatment. Whereas, the small RNAs used in the study can be further evaluated for expression profiling through qRT-PCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: There is regional variation in the eradication rates of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) regimens depending on the local antibiotic resistance patterns. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of triple, quadruple and sequential antibiotic therapy in eradicating H. pylori infection. Methods: A total of 296 H. pylori-positive patients were randomized to receive one of the three regimens (triple, quadruple or sequential antibiotic therapy) and eradication rate was assessed by H. pylori stool antigen test. Results: The eradication rates of standard triple therapy, sequential therapy and quadruple therapy were 93%, 92.9% and 96.4%, respectively (p = 0.57). Conclusion: Fourteen days of standard triple therapy, 14 days of bismuth-based quadruple therapy and 10 days of sequential therapy are equally efficacious in eradicating H. pylori and all regimens have optimum H. pylori eradication rates. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: CTRI/2020/04/024929 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing outbreaks of alien plant pests is key to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding crop production. Zoning strategies are applied by plant health authorities to tailor measures to the risk of spread in relation to distance from the outbreak epicentre and the biology of the pest. Here we synthesize information on outbreak management to evaluate the diversity and consistency of such approaches. We collected information on the zoning strategies of 121 outbreaks of 25 plant pests in the European Union (EU). According to the organism's presence and the measures applied, five zones were distinguished: an infested zone (83% of cases), a buffer zone (76%), a clear-cutting zone (28%), an eradication zone (1%) and a containment zone (1%). Infested zones and buffer zones were adjacent non-overlapping zones, while the clear-cutting zone, eradication zone or containment zone was within either the infested zone or buffer zone. A combination of infested and buffer zones was used in 51% of recorded cases. Measures differed within different zones. Destruction of infested plants in the infested zone was done in 78% of the cases, while surveillance was always applied in the buffer zone. Regulation of an organism at EU level led to a convergence of zoning strategies applied by different member states. Regulations often prescribed the greatest widths used before regulations were issued. Further analyses are needed to explore the efficacy of different strategies including the costs of each strategy. Such analyses should combine insight from practice with bio-economic modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: The aim of this paper is to review and assess the appropriateness of eradication of nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus is a known predictor for the development of esophageal cancer, and is currently the best marker in aiding the decision making regarding treatment options. Current data supports endoscopic eradication therapy for most patients with dysplastic Barrett's. The controversy, however, lies in the management of nondysplastic Barrett's and when to recommend ablation versus ongoing surveillance. Recent Findings: There have been increasing efforts to identify factors that can help predict which patients with nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus are at increased risk for cancer progression, and to quantify that risk. While there is currently varying data and literature supporting this, a more objective risk score is likely to soon become available and accepted, in an effort to differentiate between low and high risk nondysplastic Barrett's, and better aid in decision making regarding surveillance versus endoscopic eradication. Summary: This article reviews the current data on Barrett's esophagus and its risk for cancer progression, and it outlines several factors which impact progression that should be considered in the management approach to nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This long-term, retrospective, single-center study evaluated real-world clinical outcomes of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma using different therapeutic modalities and analyzed factors affecting survival outcomes and long-term prognosis. We enrolled 203 patients with pathologically confirmed low-grade gastric MALT lymphoma and examined their treatment responses. Helicobacter pylori eradication was performed in all patients with H. pylori infection (HPI) and localized stage gastric MALT lymphoma. All patients underwent pre-treatment and physical evaluations, with complete blood count, biochemistry panel, and staging workup. Among 144 HPI-positive patients with stage I or II1–2 disease who underwent H. pylori eradication, 112 (77.8%) achieved complete remission (CR). All HPI-negative patients who received first-line radiotherapy achieved CR (100%), but only 22 of 27 first-line chemotherapy-treated patients achieved CR (81.5%). Lesions in the proximal upper-third or in multiple locations and an invasion depth to the submucosa or deeper were associated with poor response to eradication, and HPI negativity was significantly correlated with poor progression-free survival. HPI eradication treatment should be the first-line treatment for patients with localized stage HPI-positive gastric MALT lymphoma. The "watch-and-wait" strategy should be adopted for delayed responders. We suggest radiotherapy for patients with a localized HPI-negative status or when eradication has failed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhan et al. (Biological Invasions, 2015, 17:3073–3080) stressed that China's South-to-North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP)—the world's largest constructed water diversion—could create an invasion highway by facilitating spread of non-native species, including invasive golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei. However, most available literature indicated that golden mussels could not survive the cold winter in Northern China. We proposed that phenotypic plasticity and rapid environmental adaptation, combined with relatively high water temperature derived from wastewater treatment plant effluents and a large potential inoculum continuously transported from southern source populations, could jointly contribute to golden mussel spread into northern locations. We conducted surveillance for the species both before and after the waterway was opened in late 2014 in the diversion destination—Beijing. While all surveys in the whole area were negative between 2014 and 2018, we detected rapid geographical expansions in 2019–2021 across multiple waterbodies based on traditional field surveys and environmental DNA (eDNA)-based methods. Surprisingly, we subsequently observed populations that had successfully survived a cold winter in Beijing. The SNWTP may facilitate further spread of cold-adapted populations, placing high-latitude areas at risk. This case study highlights the need for robust scientific assessment and management to predict and mitigate non-native species' distributional changes that may accompany large-scale hydraulic projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aurelia aurita (AA), a legally registered harmful marine organism in South Korea, is damaging marine human leisure activities, local residents' tourism income, fisheries, and cooling water intake at power plants. The government is therefore seeking to eradicate AA by removing AA-attached larvae (polyps). This article looks into the public willingness to pay (WTP) for the eradication, utilizing a contingent valuation. For the sake of eliciting the WTP response, the one-and-one-half-bounded (OB) model was adopted. For comparison, the single-bounded (SB) model, which uses only the response to the first question in the OB model, was also applied. A spike model with a considerable plausibility that could explicitly deal with zero WTP responses was employed. Consequently, the estimation results of the SB model were used for further policy analysis. The household average WTP was estimated as KRW 3,911 (USD 3.49) per year, securing statistical significance. The national value was KRW 80.46 billion (USD 71.71 million) per annum. This figure can be interpreted as public value of the AA eradication project and used as essential basic data to evaluate the economic feasibility of implementing the project. Some factors such as income and education level significantly positively affected the intention of paying a suggested bid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of population management on reproductive traits of invasive mammals are poorly known (specifically concerning trapping aimed to reduce population density). The beaver (Castor canadensis) is an invasive species on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego ("Isla Grande"), Argentina, with significant ecological impacts. At seven pilot areas of Isla Grande subject to an experimental eradication program between 2016 and 2018, we assessed the effect of several population management histories (removal intensities of individuals) on age-specific fecundity and fertility rates and reproductive values of beaver females. We also proposed a reproductive schedule for Isla Grande. Reproductive rates were found to increase with population management intensity, by contrasting: (1) areas with historic management (historical trapping) showed high production of kits at earlier ages; (2) areas with focused management diminished the reproductive value; (3) an area reinvaded after an eradication presented higher reproductive values, delays in breeding onset, and late senescence; and (4) areas without or with very low management (without trapping) produced less kits, with later breeding onset and senescence at the middle of the life cycle. Gestation and parturition periods in the pilot areas were longer than previously reported in Tierra del Fuego. When beavers reinvade an area, they express their maximum reproductive potential. Also, the removal of animals at areas without previous management would relax density-dependence of reproductive rates. The value of beaver control by landowners needs to be reevaluated. Focusing trapping effort on the estrus period would reduce beaver fertility while also reducing the impact of capturing lactating females on offspring welfare. Continuity in the active surveillance to remove re-invaders represents the main challenge to restore the Fuegian environment affected by beavers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Deep tissue HIV reservoirs, especially within the central nervous system (CNS), are understudied due to the challenges of sampling brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. Understanding the cellular characteristics and viral dynamics in CNS reservoirs is critical so that HIV cure trials can address them and monitor the direct and indirect effects of interventions. The Last Gift program was developed to address these needs by enrolling altruistic people with HIV (PWH) at the end of life who agree to rapid research autopsy. Recent Findings: Recent findings from the Last Gift emphasize significant heterogeneity across CNS reservoirs, CNS compartmentalization including differential sensitivity to broadly neutralizing antibodies, and bidirectional migration of HIV across the blood–brain barrier. Our findings add support for the potential of CNS reservoirs to be a source of rebounding viruses and reseeding of systemic sites if they are not targeted by cure strategies. Summary: This review highlights important scientific, practical, and ethical lessons learned from the Last Gift program in the context of recent advances in understanding the CNS reservoirs and key knowledge gaps in current research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Portal hypertension is considered as a major complication of liver cirrhosis. Endoscopy plays a main role in managing of gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension. Endoscopists are at increased risk for COVID-19 infection because upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a high-risk aerosol-generating procedure and may be a potential route for COVID-19. Objectives: To compare the outcome between cirrhotic patients who underwent classic regular endoscopic variceal ligation after primary bleeding episode every 2–4 weeks, and those presented during the era of COVID-19 and their follow-up were postponed 2 months later. Methods: This retrospective study included cross-matched 238 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension presented with upper GI bleeding, 112 cirrhotic patients presented during the era of COVID19 (group A) underwent endoscopic variceal ligation, another session after 2 weeks and their subsequent follow-up was postponed 2 months later, and 126 cirrhotic patients as control (group B) underwent regular endoscopic variceal band ligation after primary bleeding episode every 2–4 weeks. Results: Eradication of varices was achieved in 32% of cases in group A, and 46% in group was not any statistically significant (p > 0.05); also, there was no any statistical significant difference between both groups regarding occurrence of rebleeding, post endoscopic symptoms, and mortality rate (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Band ligation and injection of esophageal and gastric vary every 2 months were as effective and safe as doing it every 2 to 4 weeks after primary bleeding episode for further studies and validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the introduction history and spread dynamics of invasive species can provide important insights for management (Ens et al. in Environ Rev (in press), 2022), however such information is often unavailable for accidental introductions. Here we infer how the European shore crab, Carcinus maenas, and its congener, the Mediterranean shore crab, C. aestuarii, were introduced to and spread within South Africa. We do this using nuclear microsatellite data and Bayesian assignment tests and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) modelling that included samples from the native and other invasive ranges of these two species. We also compared the genetic diversity and structure of one of the South African populations during and after intensive management, with that of another, unmanaged, population. South African populations had higher genetic diversity than invasive Carcinus populations from elsewhere in the world. Moreover, the ABC analyses suggest that South African populations originated from an admixture event between individuals of C. maenas from a population in the native range and an invasive population from Canada. We also identified instances of hybridisation between Carcinus maenas and C. aestuarii in South Africa. South African populations showed no genetic structure, suggesting either extensive migration between them or that populations arose from the same initial introduction. Management of Carcinus did not affect genetic diversity or structure, and we suspect that the management duration was insufficient to target a full generation of crabs. Together these results suggest multiple introductions and/or high propagule pressure to South Africa, crab (larval or adult) movement between existing populations, and some hybridisation. For eradication from South Africa to be achieved, management would need to concurrently target all known invasive populations and clearly establish that new introductions could be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Comparative Functional Response Approach (CFRA) was developed to provide a practical methodology by which short-term experiments can be used to forecast the longer-term impacts of a potential invading consumer. The CFRA makes inferences about potential invader impact based on comparisons of the functional responses of invader and native consumers on native resources in a common experimental venue. Application of the CFRA and derivative approaches have proliferated since it was introduced in 2014. Here we examine the conceptual foundations of the CFRA within the context of basic Lotka–Volterra consumer-resource theory. Our goals are to assess whether core predictions of the CFRA hold within this framework, to consider the relative importance of background mortality and consumer assimilation efficiency in determining predator impact, and to leverage this conceptual framework to expand the discussion regarding stability and long term consumer and resource dynamics. The CFRA assertion that consumers with a higher functional response will have larger impacts on resources only holds as long as all other parameters are equal, but basic theory indicates that predator impacts on prey abundance and stability will depend more on variation in conversion efficiency and background mortality. While examination of the CFRA within this framework highlights limitations about its current application, it also points to potential strengths that are only revealed when a theoretical context is identified, in this case the implications for stability and conceptual links to competition theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive rodents are one of the greatest threats to island biodiversity. Eradicating these species from islands has become increasingly practicable in recent decades, primarily using anticoagulant rodenticides. However, this approach also poses risks to native wildlife, and there has been corresponding development in the management of risks to non-target wildlife species. Here we review strategies and tactics used in operational management of non-target risk, using examples from rodent eradication projects conducted on 178 islands where non-target risk assessment and mitigation was a component of the rodent eradication campaign. We identified 17 different tactics within a framework of three strategic approaches: avoidance of risk, minimization of risk, and remediation of the impact of non-target wildlife mortality. We summarize these tactics in terms of their applicability, strengths, and weaknesses for rodent eradication projects in general, plus the potential interactions with achieving rodent eradication. There remains great potential for further innovation in reducing non-target wildlife risks from rodenticide used for invasive rodent eradications on islands, supporting advancement of the social acceptability of the toolset and biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) were introduced to the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, USA in the 1940s. They reached peak densities in the late 1990s, causing massive wetland loss. Beginning in 2002, a systematic plan to eradicate nutria from the 1.7M ha Delmarva Peninsula was implemented. Since that time the nutria population has been effectively reduced, and no nutria have been detected since May 2015. A lack of detection does not equate with complete absence. We address the following three questions. (1) What is the expected probability of nutria eradication from the Delmarva Peninsula as of the end of 2020? (2) If the probability of eradication is below the management target of 0.95, how much more surveillance is required? (3) How sensitive is the estimated probability of eradication to varying levels of public surveillance and modelled population growth rates? These questions were addressed by employing a stochastic spatially-explicit surveillance model that uses data in which no nutria were detected to quantify the probability of complete absence (PoA) over the entire Delmarva Peninsula. We applied an analytical framework that decomposes the spatial risk of survivors and data into management zones, and took advantage of low-cost public reporting of nutria sightings. Active surveillance by the eradication program included detector dog and tracker surveys, shoreline surveys, detection with ground and water platforms (with hair snares), and camera traps. Results showed that the PoA increased with time and surveillance from a beginning PoA in May 2015 of 0.01 to a mean of 0.75 at the end of 2020. This indicates that the PoA on the Delmarva was well below the target threshold of 0.95 for declaring eradication success. However, given continued surveillance without detection, a PoA of 0.95 would be achieved by June 2022. This analysis provides an objective mechanism to align the expectations of policy makers, managers and the public on when eradication of nutria from the entire Delmarva Peninsula should be declared successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosing people living with chronic viral hepatitis is challenging due to the absence of symptoms as long as liver decompensated cirrhosis come out. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV infections in a non-selected population, hospitalised for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary care hospital in Northern Italy. During the study period 1,429 patients were admitted to hospital for SARS-CoV-2 infection, serologic tests for HBV and/or HCV were available for 382 (27%) patients and 3 were excluded due to their previous known serologic status. Among 379 patients, 235 (62%) were male, median age was 70 years (range 21–103), 360 (95%) were Caucasian. Among them, 372/379 (98%) were screened for HBsAg, 320/379 (84%) for HBcAb. HBsAg was positive in 2/372 (0.5%, 95% CI 0.0006–0.02) patients (only in one HBV-DNA was performed that was negative), while HBcAb was found positive in 55/320 (17%, 95% CI 0.13–0.22). Among 370/379 (98%) patients screened for HCV, 11/370 (3%, 95% CI 0.02–0.05) had positive HCV-Ab. Five out of 11 (45%) were tested for HCV-RNA that resulted positive in two patients (0.5%, 95% CI 0.0006–0.02). Considering this data, even though the screening was performed in only 27% of study population, a tailored screening in people with known risk factors for hepatitis might be preferable to universal screening in low prevalence areas. Also a prompt diagnostic workout should begin in case of clinical or laboratory suspicion of hepatitis and in those starting immunosuppressive treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an important risk factor of atrophic gastritis (AG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), and gastric cancer (GC). However, no report to date has described the endoscopic improvement of AG and IM after H. pylori eradication. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of AG and IM after H. pylori eradication using endoscopic and histologic analyses. Methods: A total of 380 subjects were prospectively enrolled for up to 12 years and grouped by their H. pylori infection status: negative, non-eradicated, and eradicated. Endoscopic and histologic analyses of AG and IM were performed in the antrum and the corpus, by annual follow-up endoscopy. Results: Endoscopic AG and IM in the antrum and corpus in the eradicated group improved compared to that in the non-eradicated group (AG, P = 0.002 and P = 0.005; IM, P = 0.038 and P = 0.048, respectively). Histologic AG and IM in the antrum and corpus in the eradicated group also improved compared to that in the non-eradicated group (all P < 0.001). Time taken to the endoscopic improvement of AG and IM after H. pylori eradication was significantly longer than time taken to the histologic improvement in the antrum and corpus (AG in antrum: 3.47 ± 2.60 vs. 2.34 ± 1.71 years, P = 0.004; AG in corpus: 3.19 ± 2.30 vs. 1.87 ± 1.48 years, P = 0.002; IM in antrum: 4.40 ± 2.38 vs. 3.62 ± 2.35 years, P = 0.043; and IM in corpus: 4.82 ± 1.08 vs. 3.61 ± 2.22 years, P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions: Both endoscopic and histologic improvements of AG and IM were observed after H. pylori eradication, while endoscopic improvement took significantly longer time than histologic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to several issues, standard treatments are not recommended for asymptomatic patients with moderate immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Since platelet responses are reported in some patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-positive ITP after eradication, we conducted a multicenter, phase 3 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of recently established sequential eradication for these patients having moderate thrombocytopenia. Persistent or chronic ITP patients with platelet count (30 × 103 ~ 80 × 103/μL) and confirmed active H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to a treatment and a control group. The former received 10-day sequential treatment. Eradication was assessed by urea breath test at 3 months after treatment. Primary endpoint was the overall platelet response rate at 3 months in successfully eradicated treatment group and control group. Secondary endpoints were platelet response time, H. pylori eradication success rate, etc. The patient enrollment terminated early because of the change of national insurance and treatment guideline for H. pylori-positive patients in Korea during the study. Of the 28 H. pylori-positive ITP patients, 17 were randomized to the treatment group, and eradication was achieved for 15 (88.2%) at 3 months, and seven in control group after withdrawal. Statistically, significant difference in platelet response rates between the two groups were observed (p = 0.017). Our study verifies that H. pylori eradication was an effective ITP treatment for patients with H. pylori-associated moderate ITP. This sequential eradication regimen showed not only a high H. pylori eradication rate, but also a remarkable platelet response for ITP patients. Trial registration number and date of registration for these prospectively registered trials is ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03177629 and June 6, 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bacterial isolation is associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation (LTx), and successful bacterial eradication is shown to improve long-term survival and pulmonary function. Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) may be an effective therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx.A single-center, retrospective analysis of OPAT characteristics, efficacy, safety, and costs in non-cystic fibrosis LTx recipients.A total of 156 OPAT courses (from June 2019 to December 2022) were evaluated in 108 distinct LTx recipients. OPAT mainly consisted of dual antibiotic therapy (69%) for pulmonary bacterial isolation (97%), mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66%). Successful eradication at 3 months post-OPAT was achieved in 71%. Eradication rate was significantly higher in patients treated after the first post-operative year (79%), compared to patients within the first year (61%) (p = 0.017). Eradication rate was similar for multidrug resistance (eradication rate 61%) versus no multidrug resistance (74%) (p = 0.116). Spirometry remained stable at 90 days post-OPAT. A statistically significant, but clinically negligible, increase in serum creatinine at 90 days post-OPAT was observed (1.33 mg/dL vs. 1.39 mg/dL, p < 0.001), yet unrelated to the antibiotic regimen used. OPAT-related hospital admissions occurred in 13% and line-related adverse events in 6%. Median number of hospitalization days saved per OPAT-course was 10 days (range 2–92), accounting for a total of 1841 avoided admission days and an estimated net cost reduction of 47% per treatment course.OPAT is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx, associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization days and treatment costs.Methods: Bacterial isolation is associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation (LTx), and successful bacterial eradication is shown to improve long-term survival and pulmonary function. Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) may be an effective therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx.A single-center, retrospective analysis of OPAT characteristics, efficacy, safety, and costs in non-cystic fibrosis LTx recipients.A total of 156 OPAT courses (from June 2019 to December 2022) were evaluated in 108 distinct LTx recipients. OPAT mainly consisted of dual antibiotic therapy (69%) for pulmonary bacterial isolation (97%), mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66%). Successful eradication at 3 months post-OPAT was achieved in 71%. Eradication rate was significantly higher in patients treated after the first post-operative year (79%), compared to patients within the first year (61%) (p = 0.017). Eradication rate was similar for multidrug resistance (eradication rate 61%) versus no multidrug resistance (74%) (p = 0.116). Spirometry remained stable at 90 days post-OPAT. A statistically significant, but clinically negligible, increase in serum creatinine at 90 days post-OPAT was observed (1.33 mg/dL vs. 1.39 mg/dL, p < 0.001), yet unrelated to the antibiotic regimen used. OPAT-related hospital admissions occurred in 13% and line-related adverse events in 6%. Median number of hospitalization days saved per OPAT-course was 10 days (range 2–92), accounting for a total of 1841 avoided admission days and an estimated net cost reduction of 47% per treatment course.OPAT is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx, associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization days and treatment costs.Results: Bacterial isolation is associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation (LTx), and successful bacterial eradication is shown to improve long-term survival and pulmonary function. Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) may be an effective therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx.A single-center, retrospective analysis of OPAT characteristics, efficacy, safety, and costs in non-cystic fibrosis LTx recipients.A total of 156 OPAT courses (from June 2019 to December 2022) were evaluated in 108 distinct LTx recipients. OPAT mainly consisted of dual antibiotic therapy (69%) for pulmonary bacterial isolation (97%), mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66%). Successful eradication at 3 months post-OPAT was achieved in 71%. Eradication rate was significantly higher in patients treated after the first post-operative year (79%), compared to patients within the first year (61%) (p = 0.017). Eradication rate was similar for multidrug resistance (eradication rate 61%) versus no multidrug resistance (74%) (p = 0.116). Spirometry remained stable at 90 days post-OPAT. A statistically significant, but clinically negligible, increase in serum creatinine at 90 days post-OPAT was observed (1.33 mg/dL vs. 1.39 mg/dL, p < 0.001), yet unrelated to the antibiotic regimen used. OPAT-related hospital admissions occurred in 13% and line-related adverse events in 6%. Median number of hospitalization days saved per OPAT-course was 10 days (range 2–92), accounting for a total of 1841 avoided admission days and an estimated net cost reduction of 47% per treatment course.OPAT is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx, associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization days and treatment costs.Conclusion: Bacterial isolation is associated with worse outcomes after lung transplantation (LTx), and successful bacterial eradication is shown to improve long-term survival and pulmonary function. Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) may be an effective therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx.A single-center, retrospective analysis of OPAT characteristics, efficacy, safety, and costs in non-cystic fibrosis LTx recipients.A total of 156 OPAT courses (from June 2019 to December 2022) were evaluated in 108 distinct LTx recipients. OPAT mainly consisted of dual antibiotic therapy (69%) for pulmonary bacterial isolation (97%), mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa (66%). Successful eradication at 3 months post-OPAT was achieved in 71%. Eradication rate was significantly higher in patients treated after the first post-operative year (79%), compared to patients within the first year (61%) (p = 0.017). Eradication rate was similar for multidrug resistance (eradication rate 61%) versus no multidrug resistance (74%) (p = 0.116). Spirometry remained stable at 90 days post-OPAT. A statistically significant, but clinically negligible, increase in serum creatinine at 90 days post-OPAT was observed (1.33 mg/dL vs. 1.39 mg/dL, p < 0.001), yet unrelated to the antibiotic regimen used. OPAT-related hospital admissions occurred in 13% and line-related adverse events in 6%. Median number of hospitalization days saved per OPAT-course was 10 days (range 2–92), accounting for a total of 1841 avoided admission days and an estimated net cost reduction of 47% per treatment course.OPAT is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for bacterial eradication post-LTx, associated with a significant reduction in hospitalization days and treatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species control has resulted in unintended consequences where the control of one species causes increased impacts of a co-occurring species. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus) co-occur throughout Australia—with control and regulation of fox's commonplace, a greater understanding of how feral cats will respond in the absence of foxes is needed. In this study we use feral cat diet to assess potential prey switching after red fox control. Feral cat stomach contents were sampled between 1983 and 1994 on Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia when both feral cats and red foxes were abundant; and again from 2016 to 2019 when foxes were eradicated. A total of 277 feral cats were sampled between 1983–1994 and 415 from 2016 to 2019. Although we did not track feral cat diet throughout the red fox decline, diet comparisons between the two time periods suggest no substantial shift in feral cat diet with only slight increases in invertebrates and black rats observed. Invasive prey (European rabbits, black rats, and house mice) still formed the majority of feral cat diet. We further reinforce the role of seasonality, surrounding land use and sex as factors influencing cat diet. Our results suggest red fox control in the presence of cats may still achieve conservation benefits with feral cats maintaining a comparable diet, dominated by invasive species, despite fox control—though this may be context dependent. Given the abundance and frequency of invasive prey species within cat diet, we further support the idea that invasive prey control could be a viable indirect method to control the impacts of feral cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a common and effective bariatric surgery, with low postoperative complication rates. It is important to define modifiable risk factors for complications. The possible association of Helicobacter pylori (HP) on SG outcomes is still being investigated. We aimed to examine HP prevalence in SG specimens, the association to early (30-day) complications, and impact of preoperative HP eradication on outcomes. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients who underwent SG between January 2012 and December 2020 in a single bariatric center. Data were retrieved from our prospectively maintained patient registry database. The 30-day outcomes were compared according to the HP status of the resected specimen: positive and negative, with or without preoperative HP eradication therapy. Results: There were 1985 patients; of them, 179 patients were HP positive and 1806 were HP negative in resected specimens. The overall early complication and major (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3) complication rates were 8.6% and 3.2% (p = 0.48 and p = 0.21), respectively. A total of 111 patients were HP positive on preoperative endoscopic biopsy and received eradication therapy. All were HP negative on preoperative urea breath test, and 65.45% had HP negative resected specimens. HP eradication did not affect overall and major complications (p = 0.68 and p = 0.48, respectively). Conclusion: The presence of HP does not seem to affect the early outcomes of SG. HP eradication does not change the early postoperative course either. Therefore, the role of routine preoperative HP screening may be limited, and eradication can be completed following SG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tramps ants are a constant biosecurity threat to Australia. Red Imported Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta was detected in Sydney, New South Wales in 2014, and a successful eradication program was undertaken. Stratified surveillance was conducted as part the program, and allowed for scenario tree analysis to statistically support the claim of freedom. Our analysis demonstrated a mean probability of freedom was 93.1%, 99.5% and > 99.9% after one, two or three surveys for two nests within 2 km of the detection. We demonstrated > 99.9% probability of freedom after three surveys if for a threshold value of five nests were present. Our analysis was the basis of declaring Sydney free from S. invicta. Sydney was declared free 18 months after the first detection of S. invicta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The eradication rate of clarithromycin-based standard triple therapy (STT) for Helicobacter pylori infection has decreased due to clarithromycin resistance (CR). We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of tailored therapy according to CR test results, and compared the results of STT with those of empirical bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT). Methods: The prospectively collected data of 490 H. pylori-positive patients with chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer disease were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 292 patients underwent CR testing using dual-priming oligonucleotide-based polymerase chain reaction. The tailored group (n = 292) consisted of patients treated with STT for 7 days and BQT for 10 days as per their CR test results. The remaining patients were assigned to the empirical group (n = 198) and received BQT for 10 days without a CR test. The eradication rate, adverse events and medical costs associated with H. pylori eradication therapy were investigated. Results: In the tested patients (tailored group), the CR-positive rate was 32.2% (n = 94/292). The eradication rate according to an intention-to-treat analysis was 87.7% in the tailored group and 91.8% in the empirical group (P = 0.124); the respective rates were 94.4% and 97.9% by per-protocol analysis (P = 0.010). The frequency of adverse events was lower in the empirical group than the tailored group (35.1% vs. 52.7%, P < 0.001). Total per capita medical costs were $406.50 and $503.50, respectively. Conclusions: Ten-day empirical BQT was more effective, safer, and less expensive than tailored therapy based on a CR test for H. pylori eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following its eradication from the USA, the cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini), a vector of bovine babesiosis, has made episodic incursions into, and sometimes beyond, an established barrier zone separating tick-free from endemic areas. In large part the incursions involve hosting and transport by wild ungulates, particularly deer and antelope. One approach to disinfest ticks from wild hosts is with food baits medicated to stop parasites. The approach has had mixed success due to factors that have been previously identified with supplemental feeding of wildlife especially competition for the bait, social dominance behavior, and the availability of alternative food sources. Given that not all of the target hosts will intake a therapeutic dose of the medication (ivermectin) at all seasons of the year, an open question is whether the approach is efficacious as a stand-alone treatment or even as part of an integrated program. As detailed in the present study an intensive effort was successful in eradicating a local outbreak of fever ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Asian longhorn beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis and Anoplophora chinensis, are among the most serious alien invasive species attacking forest and urban trees, both in North America and Europe. Major efforts have been put into preventing further entry and establishment of the two species as well as promoting their successful eradication. Here, we review these efforts, their progress and outcome, and scientific advancements in monitoring and control methods. The combined international activities and harmonizing legislative changes in detection and eradication methods have proven worthwhile, with more than 45% of eradication programmes successful in the last 12 years. Some countries were able to completely eradicate all populations and others managed to reduce the area affected. Although the costs of the eradication programmes can be very high, the benefits outweigh inaction. Attempts to eradicate A. chinensis have been more challenging in comparison with those targeting A. glabripennis. For both species, efforts are hampered by the ongoing arrival of new beetles, both from their native regions in Asia and from other invaded regions via bridgehead effects. The methods used for eradication have not changed much during the last decade, and host removal is still the method most commonly used. On the other hand, detection methods have diversified during the last decade with advances in semiochemical research and use of detection dogs. The next decade will determine if eradications continue to be successful, particularly in the case of A. chinensis, which has been targeted in some countries for containment instead of eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographical variation in the likelihood of biological invasions can be affected by propagule pressure and habitat suitability, which are driven by ecological and social processes. Past studies have empirically quantified the role of drivers by comparing geographical variation in numbers of invading species with variation in candidate factors; however, lack of data has limited empirical studies for individual species. Lymantria dispar (L.), a nonnative forest pest formerly known as gypsy moth, is an exemplar species for exploring invasion drivers because of extensive records on its spread. Since its establishment in eastern United States in 1869, it has been repeatedly introduced into outlying areas, prompting 325 eradication programs from 1972 to 2014. We used these eradication programs as proxies for new establishment events, with the assumption that populations would have established in the absence of eradication treatments. These proxy events were used to quantify the effects of socio-environmental factors on the probability of L. dispar arrival and establishment. Establishment probability was significantly affected by propagule pressure (distance to the previously invaded area, human population size, and the area of source outbreaks) and habitat suitability (climate and availability of host trees). The statistical model developed here can be used to predict invasions and inform surveillance strategies to more efficiently manage these invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species invasions contribute to global environmental change and cause declines in populations of threatened and endangered species. Significant government funds are expended on invasive species management (ISM) actions each year. Public support and compliance are critical to the success of these actions. We conducted a study to assess determinants of the general public's support for ISM actions to identify potential barriers to ISM. We administered an online questionnaire to the general public (n = 1,561) in Florida, a state severely affected by species invasions. We presented respondents with 12 different non-native animals from 4 different taxa (birds, rodents, herpetofauna, fish) to test whether their support for ISM actions depended on the animals to be managed or their perceptions of risk. We utilized structural equation models to explore how different variables directly and indirectly influenced support for management actions. Respondents tended to oppose management actions targeted towards birds and charismatic species. Respondents' support for government-implemented ISM actions was positively correlated with their awareness of the risks associated with different animals and species invasions in general, their awareness of the consequences of species invasions, and their recognition of the importance of taking actions to mitigate invasion threats. Efforts to promote public support for ISM actions should emphasize the different risks associated with invasive species and the consequences of species invasions to offset opposition to ISM actions that target charismatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suppression of established populations of invasive alien species can be a complex and expensive process, which is frequently unsuccessful. The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), is considered a high impact invader that can adversely alter freshwater ecosystems and decrease their socioeconomic value. To date, C. fluminea continues to spread and persist within freshwater environments worldwide, despite repeated management attempts to prevent dispersal and suppress established populations. As extensive C. fluminea beds can often become exposed during low-water conditions, the direct application of hot or cold thermal shock treatments has been proposed as suitable mechanism for their control. Further, mechanical substrate disturbance may enhance the efficacy of thermal shock treatments by facilitating exposures to multiple layers of buried clams. In the present study, we advanced these methods by assessing combined applications of both hot and cold thermal shock treatments for control of C. fluminea, using steam spray (≥100 °C; 350 kPa), low- or high-intensity open-flame burns (~1000 °C) and dry ice (−78 °C). In a direct comparison of raking combined with hot thermal shock applications, both steam and high-intensity open-flame treatments tended to be most effective, especially following multiple applications. In addition, when hot thermal treatments are followed by a final cold shock (i.e. dry ice), steam treatments tended to be most effective. Further, when dry ice was applied either alone or prior to an application of a hot shock treatment, substantial if not complete C. fluminea mortality was observed. Overall, this study demonstrated that combined applications of hot and cold thermal shock treatments, applied following the disruption of the substrate, can substantially increase C. fluminea mortality compared to separate hot or cold treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the efficacy of control methods is paramount to successful management of invasive pests and understanding why some colonies survive is important to improve management practices. Here, the bait Vespex® was used to control invasive wasps across 64 ha of forest in an invaded range near Hanmer Springs, New Zealand. Bait was applied across a standard 50 m by 300 m arrangement and made available for 3 days. Nest mortality rates after 19 days were 29.8%, although nearly all nests were affected with a median overall reduction in nest traffic of 96.5%. The results from logistic regression showed that, all else remaining equal, larger wasp nests, nests further from bait stations, and more isolated nests exhibited lower rates of mortality after baiting. Investigating the change in activity at surviving nests, the results from beta regression suggest that declines in nest traffic were less severe with increasing distance to the nearest bait, but more severe with increasing nest size. These results indicate that while smaller nests are at a higher risk of being killed by the bait, they may not encounter bait as regularly as larger nests. Bait uptake varied considerably across bait stations. Wasp nests were not randomly or uniformly distributed in space, and instead were aggregated across our treatment area, likely due to some aspects of environmental conditions. We suggest further research to be focused on developing an understanding of the drivers of wasp nest development and foraging behaviour, to produce a more flexible baiting procedure that will increase both baiting efficiency and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctica currently has few non-native species, compared to other regions of the planet, due to the continent's isolation, extreme climatic conditions and the lack of habitat. However, human activity, particularly the activities of national government operators and tourism, increasingly contributes to the risk of non-native species transfer and establishment. Trichocera (Saltitrichocera) maculipennis Meigen, 1888 (Diptera, Trichoceridae) is a non-native fly originating from the Northern Hemisphere that was unintentionally introduced to King George Island in the maritime Antarctic South Shetland Islands around 15 years ago, since when it has been reported within or in the vicinity of several research stations. It is not explicitly confirmed that T. maculipennis has established in the natural environment, but life-history characteristics make this likely, thereby making potential eradication or control a challenge. Antarctic Treaty Parties active in the region are developing a coordinated and expanding international response to monitor and control T. maculipennis within and around stations in the affected area. However, there remains no overarching non-native invasive species management plan for the island or the wider maritime Antarctic region (which shares similar environmental conditions and habitats to those of King George Island). Here we present some options towards the development of such a plan. We recommend the development of (1) clear mechanisms for the timely coordination of response activities by multiple Parties operating in the vicinity of the introduction location and (2) policy guidance on acceptable levels of environmental impacts resulting from eradication attempts in the natural environment, including the use of pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric microbiome, other than Helicobacter pylori, plays a role in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC). Patients who undergo endoscopic submucosal dissection for early GC have a high risk of developing metachronous GC even after successful eradication of H. pylori. Thus, we investigated the microbial profiles and associated changes in such patients after the eradication of H. pylori. Methods: A total of 19 H. pylori-infected patients with early GC who were or to be treated by endoscopic resection, with paired biopsy samples at pre- and post-eradication therapy, were retrospectively enrolled. Ten H. pylori-negative patients were enrolled as controls. Biopsy samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: H. pylori-positive patients exhibited low richness and evenness of bacteria with the deletion of several genera, including Blautia, Ralstonia, Faecalibacterium, Methylobacterium, and Megamonas. H. pylori eradication partially restored microbial diversity, as assessed during a median follow-up at 13 months after eradication therapy. However, post-eradication patients had less diversity than that in the controls and possessed a lower abundance of the five genera mentioned above. The eradication of H. pylori also altered the bacterial composition, but not to the same extent as that in controls. The microbial communities could be clustered into three separate groups: H. pylori-negative, pre-eradication, and post-eradication. Conclusion: Changes in dysbiosis may persist long after the eradication of H. pylori in patients with a history of GC. Dysbiosis may be involved in the development of both primary and metachronous GC after the eradication of H. pylori in such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains unclear whether Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a major cause of gastric cancer (GC), is involved in other intestinal cancers. In our previous study, ICOS+ Foxp3+ CD4+ T cells (ICOS+ Tregs) in GC tumors were identified as effector Tregs and associated with H. pylori. In the present study, the impact of ICOS+ Tregs on not only GC, but also colorectal cancer (CRC) and their prognosis was investigated in association with H. pylori. Tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) purified from fresh tumor and sera were obtained from GC and CRC patients prospectively. % ICOS+ Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry and their production of anti-H. pylori antibody (Hp-Ab) in sera was detected by ELISA. % ICOS+ Tregs were higher in GC and CRC patients with Hp-Ab than in those without Hp-Ab, including eradicated patients. ICOS+ Tregs purified had higher potential to produce IL-10 than ICOS− Tregs. For prognostic analysis, immunohistochemical analysis and ELISA were performed using archival fixed specimens and frozen sera, respectively, obtained from GC and CRC patients. Overall survival was longer in patients with low % ICOS+ Tregs than in those with high % ICOS+ Tregs, and patients with Hp-Ab showed shorter recurrence-free survival than those without Hp-Ab. These results suggested that ICOS+ Tregs in GC and CRC patients were closely associated with H. pylori in gastric epithelium and their prognosis, and that pre-operative H. pylori eradication has potential as a novel immunotherapy for GC and CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) are ubiquitous in nature, being found in organisms ranging from microorganisms to vertebrates (e.g., glycine betaine, carnitine) where they have important cellular functions. QASs are also obtained by chemical synthesis. These compounds, due to their diverse chemical structure (e.g. monomeric QAS or gemini) and their biological properties, are widely used in medicine (as disinfectants, drugs, and DNA carriers), industry, environmental protection and agriculture (as preservatives, biocides, herbicides and fungicides). Discussed chemical compounds reduce the adhesion of microorganisms to various biotic and abiotic surfaces and cause the eradication of biofilms produced by pathogenic microorganisms. The properties of these chemicals depend on their chemical structure (length of the alkyl chain, linker and counterion), which has a direct impact on the physicochemical and biological activity of these compounds. QASs by incorporation into the membranes, inhibit the activity of proteins (H+-ATPase) and disrupt the transport of substances to the cell. Moreover, in the presence of QASs, changes in lipid composition (qualitative and quantitative) of plasma membrane are observed. The widespread use of disinfectants in commercial products can induce resistance in microorganisms to these surfactants and even to antibiotics. In this article we discuss the biological activity of QASs as cationic surfactants against microorganisms and their resistance to these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding bulb dormancy while examining temperature-related requirements and photoperiod are essential for successful commercialization and the greenhouse forcing of autumn daffodil (Sternbergia lutea). In this study, autumn daffodil bulbs were stored at 5, 15 and 25 °C for one month. Then, one group of bulbs were evaluated in terms of biochemical characteristics in three parts of each bulb (scale, central bud and basal plate). A second group of bulbs were planted in a greenhouse for a separate experiment to study the effects of different photoperiods (short, moderate and long) on morphological traits. The heat map of treatments in the first experiment revealed that the bulb storage temperatures of 15 °C and 25 °C had somewhat similar effects on all three parts of the bulb but, conversely, 5 °C had discrete effects. The 5 °C resulted in higher contents of proline in the scale, along with more H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the basal plate. The highest activity of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed at 15 °C in the basal plate and at 5 °C in the central bud, respectively. In the second experiment, the time required for bulb sprouting and time to flowering were as follows: 5 °C > 25 °C > 15 °C. The heat map analysis indicated that temperature played a more substantial role than what photoperiod did in shaping the morphological traits. The interaction between 15 °C and the moderate photoperiod led to the highest value of most vegetative traits and of flowering percentage (70%). Therefore, this treatment can be considered as optimum for breaking relative bulb dormancy and to succeed better in growth and flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection and hyperplastic polyp are known to have strong connections, but there are not enough randomized controlled trial data. Aims: To evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication on gastric hyperplastic polyp. Method: This is an open-labeled, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Patients with hyperplastic polyp and current infection of H. pylori were randomly assigned to eradication or non-eradication groups. All participants underwent follow-up endoscopy to investigate the regression of gastric polyps. Gastric polyp regression was defined as the disappearance of polyps or a reduction of more than 50% in size. Results: Thirty-two patients were randomized to eradication (n = 17) and non-eradication groups (n = 15). Final included patients were 14 in eradication group and 13 in non-eradication group. All patients showed polyp regression in eradication group, whereas no regression was observed in non-eradication group (P < 0.001). Disappearance of polyp (n = 7) and decrease in size (n = 7) were observed in eradication group. In non-eradication group, no change (n = 5), increase of size (n = 5), and increase of number (n = 3) were observed. Mean regression time was 6.8 months, and disappearance time was 9.8 months. In non-eradication group, hyperglycemia was noted in 50% of progression group but not noted in no change group (P = 0.057). Conclusions: H. pylori eradication induced regression of hyperplastic polyp, and persistent H. pylori infection was related to progression of gastric polyp. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03065868 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is known to play an important role in the development of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of HP eradication on the survival rate and cancer recurrence in patients who underwent subtotal gastrectomy for GC. Design: Totally 1,031 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma who received surgical treatment at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital from 2003 to 2017 and positive for HP infection were analyzed. The overall and GC-related survival according to HP eradication were compared; risk factors for GC-specific death and cancer recurrence were analyzed, and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Results: Statistically significant benefits of overall and GC-specific survival were observed in the eradicated group compared to the non-eradicated group (P < 0.001), and these benefits were maintained after PSM (P < 0.001) in both of early and advance stage. In Cox proportional hazards multivariate analyses, cancer stage (stage II, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 9.33, P < 0.001; stage III or IV, aHR = 26.17, P < 0.001), and HP positivity (aHR = 3.41, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for GC-specific death; cancer stage (cancer stage II, aHR = 7.08, P < 0.001; cancer stage III or IV, aHR = 19.64, P < 0.001) and HP positivity (aHR = 2.70; P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for cancer recurrence. Conclusion: Our results suggest that HP needed to be conducted more intensively in patients who are surgically treated for GC, regardless of cancer stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii causes serious clinical toxoplasmosis in humans mostly due to its asexual life cycles, which can be artificially divided into five tightly coterminous stages. Any radical or delay for the stage will result in tremendous changes immediately behind. We previously demonstrated that TgERK7 is associated with the intracellular proliferation of T. gondii, but during the process, other stages before were not meanwhile determined. To further clarify the function of ERK7 gene in T. gondii, the complemental strain of ΔTgERK7 tachyzoites created previously was engineered via electric transfection with the recombinant pUC/Tgerk7 plasmid, named pUC/TgERK7 strain in this study, and was used together with ΔTgERK7 and wild-type GT1 strains to retrospect the phenotypic changes including invasion and attachment. The results showed that TgERK7 protein can be re-expressed in the ΔTgERK7 tachyzoites and eradication of this protein leads to significantly lower invasion of T. gondii at 1 h and 2 h post-infection (P < 0.05), which is the key factor causing the following slow intracellular proliferation, in comparison with wild-type GT1 and pUC/TgERK7 parasites; noteworthily, at other early time points including 15 min for attachment assay was no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The data suggested that ERK7 protein in T. gondii is an important virulence factor that participates in the invasion of this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control strategies for established populations of invasive alien species can be costly and complex endeavours, which are frequently unsuccessful. Therefore, rapid-reaction techniques that are capable of maximising efficacy whilst minimising environmental damage are urgently required. The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea Müller, 1774), and the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha Pallas, 1771), are invaders capable of adversely affecting the functioning and biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. Despite efforts to implement substantial population-control measures, both species continue to spread and persist within freshwater environments. As bivalve beds often become exposed during low-water conditions, this study examined the efficacy of steam-spray (≥100 °C, 350 kPa) and open-flame burn treatments (~1000 °C) to kill exposed individuals. Direct steam exposure lasting for 5 min caused 100% mortality of C. fluminea buried at a depth of 3 cm. Further, combined rake and thermal shock treatments, whereby the substrate is disturbed between each application of either a steam or open flame, caused 100% mortality of C. fluminea specimens residing within a 4-cm deep substrate patch, following three consecutive treatment applications. However, deeper 8-cm patches and water-saturated substrate reduced maximum bivalve species mortality rates to 77% and 70%, respectively. Finally, 100% of D. polymorpha specimens were killed following exposure to steam and open-flame treatments lasting for 30 s and 5 s, respectively. Overall, our results confirm the efficacy of thermal shock treatments as a potential tool for substantial control of low-water-exposed bivalves. Although promising, our results require validation through upscaling to field application, with consideration of other substrate types, increased substrate depth, greater bivalve densities, non-target and long-term treatment effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach is mainly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection, and H. pylori eradication therapy is often effective. However, 20–30% of the cases of MALT lymphoma are resistant to the eradication therapy, and translocation of the API2-MALT1 gene is often found in these cases. Most cases without translocation of API2-MALT1 are localized to the stomach, whereas some cases with this translocation are a more advanced stage of MALT lymphoma that spreads to other organs. The c-Met receptor is a prognostic factor involved in infiltration and metastasis in many malignant tumors, including gastric, pancreatic, lung, and kidney cancer. In the present study, the expression of c-Met in 43 cases of gastric MALT lymphomas was immunohistochemically examined and compared with clinicopathological factors. To elucidate the significance of c-Met in MALT lymphoma, the expression intensity of c-Met in 22 API2-MALT1 translocation-positive and 21 API2-MALT1 translocation-negative cases was scored, compared, and examined. The immunohistochemistry analysis revealed strong staining for c-Met in 21 API2-MALT1 translocation-positive cases and in 1 translocation-negative case (P = 0.00). This result indicates the relationship between strong expression of c-Met and the progression of MALT lymphoma with API2-MALT1 gene translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]