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Baited traps are a basic component of both specific and generic surveillance programs targeting wood-boring beetles at risk of introduction to new habitats because of global trade. Among the numerous protocols developed over the years for generic surveillance of longhorn beetles, jewel beetles, and bark and ambrosia beetles is the simultaneous use of black multi-funnel traps set up in the understory and green multi-funnel traps set up in the canopy of forested areas surrounding ports and other entry points. These traps are commonly baited with multi-lure blends of pheromones and host volatiles. In this study, we tested this trapping protocol in areas surrounding eight entry points located in Europe and North America to determine: i) the relative performance of black-understory traps and green-canopy traps among the targeted taxa; and ii) whether the dissimilarity among communities of beetles collected by the understory vs. canopy traps was affected by taxon and amount of forest cover in the traps’ surroundings. A total of 96,963 individuals belonging to 358 species of wood-boring beetles were collected, including 21 non-native species. Black-understory multi-funnel traps were generally more efficient than green-canopy multi-funnel traps for detecting longhorn beetles and bark and ambrosia beetles, whereas the opposite trend was observed for jewel beetles. Differences between beetle communities caught in black-understory and green-canopy traps were mainly attributed to differences in species richness in jewel beetles, while both differences in species richness and species turnover contributed to the dissimilarity between communities of longhorn beetles and bark and ambrosia beetle. The difference in the number of jewel beetle species caught by the two trapping methodologies decreased with increasing forest cover, whereas species turnover increased when moving from an urban-dominated to a forest-dominated landscape. Overall, these results suggest that the simultaneous use of both black-understory and green-canopy multi-funnel traps can be considered a very efficient approach for generic surveillance of longhorn beetles, jewel beetles and bark and ambrosia beetles in both urban-dominated and forest-dominated areas surrounding entry points.

International Society of Urological Pathology grade group 1 (GG 1) prostate cancer (PCa) is generally considered insignificant, with recent suggestions that it should even be considered as “noncancerous”. We evaluated outcomes for patients with GG 1 PCa on biopsy (bGG 1) and high-risk features (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] >20 ng/ml and/or cT3–4 stage) to challenge the hypothesis that every case of bGG 1 PCa has a benign disease course. We used the multi-institutional EMPaCT database, which includes data for 9508 patients with high-risk PCa undergoing surgery. We included patients with bGG 1 PCa (n = 848) in our analysis and divided them into three groups according to PSA >20 ng/ml, cT3–4 stage, or both. The estimated 10-yr cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate was 96% in the overall population, 88% in the group with both PSA >20 ng/ml and cT3–4 stage, 97% in the group with PSA >20 ng/ml alone, and 98% in the group with cT3–4 stage alone. Similar CSS outcomes were found in subgroups with GG 1 PCa on pathology (n = 502) and with GG 1 on biopsy diagnosed after 2005 (n = 253). Study limitations include the lack of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging and MRI-targeted biopsies. In conclusion, patients with GG 1 and either PSA >20 ng/ml or cT3–4 stage have a low risk of dying from their cancer after surgery. However, patients with GG 1 PCa and both PSA >20 ng/ml and cT3–4 stage are at higher risk of cancer-specific mortality and active treatment should be discussed for this subgroup. Patient summary: We assessed outcomes for patients diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer on biopsy who also had one or two factors associated with high risk disease. Men with both of those risk factors had a higher risk of dying from their prostate cancer. Active treatment should be discussed for this subgroup of patients.

Abstract The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a group pest categorisation for the EU territory of non‐EU Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on non‐coniferous hosts, which total 6495 known species. Most species attack apparently healthy, weakened or dead trees, either feeding on the phloem (‘bark beetles’ subgroup) or on fungi inoculated into the sapwood (‘ambrosia beetles’ subgroup). Smaller subgroups feed and reproduce in seeds and fruits, or in herbaceous plants. Some species are polygynous, the males initiate a gallery or a chamber on or in a new host and attract females. Others are monogamous, and the females initiate the new galleries. Many species respond to primary volatile attractants emitted by the hosts, and some produce aggregation pheromones that attract conspecifics of both sexes. The species attacking living hosts are often associated with fungi that contribute to weakening the host defences and provide nutrients to the insects. Some are inbreeding; the males in the offspring mate with their sisters and rarely leave their natal tree. The larvae of all species develop and pupate within their hosts. Based on catalogues and other published data, a database was constructed providing information on hosts, feeding and reproductive habits, geographic distribution and the Köppen–Geiger climate types in countries where species occur. The Scolytinae were screened to exclude species in the following categories: (i) 708 species attacking conifers; (ii) 127 species present in at least four EU Member States and (iii) 440 species occurring in areas with climatic conditions not occurring in the EU. Among the remaining 5220 species, 88 species known for their mobility, occupying at least two landmasses separated by geographical barriers and some of which had impact levels documented in literature, were extracted. They were grouped into four subcategories: (i) 12 species with high impact on plant health; (ii) 16 species with low or doubtful impact; (iii) 48 species with no impact; (iv) 12 species with no impact and which had never been recorded as ‘introduced’ in the consulted catalogues but occurring on at least two landmasses. All 88 species could enter the EU with wood or wood products, or with plants for planting, and could establish because host plants are available, and climate is suitable in parts of the EU. Control measures to inhibit introduction are available. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the potential impact of many species. Methods for the reliable identification of many species are lacking. For some species of non‐EU Scolytinae on non‐coniferous hosts, all criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as potential quarantine pest are met. Nevertheless, the Panel was not able to develop a method to discriminate confidently between species that clearly meet the criteria for potential quarantine pest status and those that do not.

ABSTRACT Brazil boasts a vast variety of environmental conditions conducive to maize cultivation. Given the various maize hybrids available in the Brazilian market, properly selecting and positioning different genetic materials are critical for successful grain production. Thus, this study aimed to determine the adaptability and stability of different maize hybrids, comparing the Eberhart and Russell and AMMI models, to guide the positioning of these maize hybrids in subtropical regions. A randomized block experimental design with six hybrids and three replicates was used. The experimental environments were defined by combinations of factors such as location, sowing time, fungicide management and irrigation, resulting in 12 distinct environments. Notably, the two models largely agree. For instance, the AG 9025 PRO3 hybrid showed a high yield during early sowing under favorable conditions, whereas the AS 1730 PRO3 and DKB 230 PRO3 hybrids had good yields even under unfavorable conditions. The main limitation of the Eberhart and Russell model is its limited ability to interpret stability, classifying hybrids only as having high or low predictability, limiting the detailed interpretation of stability. Conversely, the AMMI model offers a more detailed analysis of stability, allowing the interpretation of hybrid stability within a broader set and presenting information graphically, which facilitates understanding and enables a more comprehensive and accurate analysis for the appropriate positioning of maize hybrids.

Abstract Indigenous communities in Brazil have a complex epidemiological profile, which increases their chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. However, limited data is available on Treponema pallidum infections in this population. We investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. pallidum infection in an indigenous population of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul. Blood samples were collected from September 2017 to March 2020, and the participants were interviewed to obtain comprehensive data on demography and sexual behavior. Serological tests were performed to detect T. pallidum infection. Besides conducting descriptive analysis, we performed Chi-squared tests and determined the bivariate odds ratio. The data were also analyzed using logistic regression. Among the 2190 invited individuals, 1927 (88%) were included in this study. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was 2.91%. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that individuals who were 30–39 years old, with up to 4 years of school education, living in households without piped water, with a history of genital lesions, multiple sexual partners, and having a history of STIs had the highest seroprevalence of T. pallidum. This study showed that behavioral, social, and economic factors play an important role in the transmission of T. pallidum within the indigenous population. Thus, targeted intervention, including imparting education in the native language, mass testing initiatives, and implementing public policies to improve socioeconomic indicators, is needed to reduce the cases of syphilis in this community.

Background: Beer is the most consumed alcoholic beverage globally, and the demand for differentiated beers with peculiar characteristics has intensified among beer consumers, creating a significant market niche. In this study, we developed a low alcohol light craft beer enriched with olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.). The cold mashing technique associated with interrupted fermentation was used in the mashing step. Different concentrations of olive leaf extract (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) were added at the maturation stage. The samples were characterized by physicochemical parameters, phenolic and polyphenolic content, bioactive compounds, antioxidant potential, and microbiological quality. Results: The cold mash technique associated with interrupted fermentation provided a low-alcohol beer (≅1.3%). The bitterness dimension (19.0 to 23.2 IBU) and color (9–17 EBC) parameter were in accordance with the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) for the American Blond Ale-style. The addition of the extract enriched the content of total phenolics (171.09 to 437.4 mg GAE/mL) and polyphenolic (221.4 to 729.0 mg/L). Coumaric, ferulic, and cinnamic phenolic acids were detected in appreciable amounts in the beers. Oleuropein was the major compound in the beverage and plant extract. After adding 2% extract, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity, as well as the ferric reduction power, increased in beers by 28.4%, 449.1%, and 120.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The extract of O. europaea L. promoted the enrichment of low-alcohol beer samples with bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential. The results obtained indicated the potential use of O. europaea L. extract as a natural oxidant in other beverages and food products.How to cite: Cappelin E, Meneguzzi D, Hendges DH, et al. Low-alcohol light beer enriched with olive leaves extract: Cold mashing technique associated with interrupted fermentation in the brewing process. Electron J Biotechnol 2024; 68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.01.002.

ABSTRACT The use of corn hybrids adapted to the soil and climate conditions of the cultivation region under adequate optimum plant density is a determining factor for the maximization of grain yield. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the productivity of corn hybrids under two sowing densities during the 2020/21 crop season in the medium-high Uruguay region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The corn hybrids AS1555 PRO3, B2401 PWU, B2418 VYHR, B2612 PWU, BG7061 YHR, DKB235 PRO3, NS45 VIP3, NS73 VIP3, NS80 VIP3, P2501, P3016 VYHR, P3565 PWU and 30F53 VYHR were submitted to densities of 66,667 and 88,889 plants ha-1, in a randomized block design with ten replications. Corn hybrids showed superior grain yield when subjected to the density of 88,889 plants ha-1 in the medium-high Uruguay region of Rio Grande do Sul, surpassing in most cases the state and national average yield of harvest 2020/21. Most of the corn hybrids used present potential for cultivation at higher sowing density than their respective recommendations. Considering the superior productivity of hybrids NS80 VIP3, B2401 PWU and NS73 VIP3, their cultivation under conditions similar to those of the study is recommended.

Abstract Tribes Coriacephilini, Corthylini, Cryphalini, Ernoporini, Trypophloeini, Xyloctonini, and Xyloterini (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; Scolytinae) include spermophagous, phloeophagous, and xylomycetophagous species. Besides direct damage caused by burrowing into host plant tissues, some species are vectors of aggressive pathogens causing plant dieback and death, with consequent economic and ecological relevance. The international trade in plants and wood products is one of the main pathways for the introduction of non-native species worldwide. In this context, data availability on host plants and their economic uses is essential in pest risk assessment and for planning effective detection and monitoring strategies against invasive species. This paper provides a complete and updated list of host plants, with economic categorization, for 2139 scolytine species.

Abstract The objective of this work was to identify the most adapted and stable genotypes for dry mass and seed yield using the genotype plus environment interaction (GGE) biplot technique. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Frederico Westphalen, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, using five lines and two cultivars of black oat, in a randomized complete block experimental design, with three replicates. The adaptability and stability of the genotypes, as well as their behavior in the environments, were evaluated using the GGE biplot. The seed yield of black oat genotypes is highly influenced by the environmental conditions over the four studied cultivation years. The UFSMFW 2-07 genotype stands out, but shows instability. The UFSMFW 2-07 and 'UPFA 21-Moreninha' genotypes show adaptability in specific years. Mega environments are formed for the dry mass trait in 2018 and 2021 and seed yield in 2018, 2020, and 2021, whereas, 2019 is considered the year for genotype discrimination.

ABSTRACT: Fungal diseases in Brazilian regions with tropical and subtropical climates reduce the production potential of corn crops. The use of fungicides is one of the strategies to maintain productivity. This study evaluated the agronomic performance and grain quality of corn hybrids associated with the preventive use of fungicides in subtropical environments. Six experiments were conducted in Santa Maria-RS, São Vicente do Sul-RS, and FredericoWestphalen-RS during two sowing seasons. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, in which the main plot consisted of two levels of the fungicide factor (with and without) and the sub-plot consisted of six levels of corn hybrids (AG9025, AS1730, P3016, MG300, DKB230, and FEROZ). A total of 216 experimental plots were evaluated for grain productivity, and eight plants per plot were evaluated for other traits, totaling 1,728 evaluated plants. Therefore, environmental conditions influence the interaction between the factors of fungicide use and hybrid cultivar positioning, with no significant interaction in years with a water deficit. Early sowings in subtropical environments indicate better agronomic performance and a lower percentage of moldy grains regardless of the cultivation location, contributing to grain quality.