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The contamination of corn (maize) by fungi and the accumulation of mycotoxins are a serious agricultural problem for human and animal health. One particular devastating group of mycotoxins, called aflatoxins, has been intensely studied since the 1960s. Studies of Aspergillus flavus, the agriculturally relevant producer of aflatoxins, have led to a well-characterized biosynthetic pathway for aflatoxin production, as well as a basic understanding of the organism’s life cycle. Unfortunately, these efforts have not resulted in corn production practices that substantially reduce aflatoxin contamination. Similarly, the use of agrochemicals (e.g., fungicides) results in very limited reduction of the fungus or the toxin. Thus, cultural management (fertility and irrigation) coupled with aggressive insect management is current recommendation for integrated aflatoxin management. The development of resistant hybrids appears to be a very promising technology, but commercial hybrids are still not available. Thus, biocontrol appears to be the most promising available avenue of reducing aflatoxin accumulation. Biocontrol utilizes nontoxigenic strains of Aspergillus to reduce the incidence of toxin-producing isolates through competitive displacement. To maximize the effectiveness of biocontrol, a thorough knowledge of the environmental factors influencing colonization and growth of Aspergillus is needed. A. flavus not only colonizes living plant tissue, but it also grows saprophytically on plant tissue in the soil. These residues serve as a reservoir for the fungus, allowing it to overwinter, and under favorable conditions it will resume growth and release new conidia. The conidia can be transmitted by air or insects to serve as new inoculum on host plants or debris in the field. This complex ecology of Aspergilli has been studied, but our understanding lags behind what is known about biosynthesis of the toxin itself. Our limited understanding of Aspergilli soil ecology is in part due to limitations in evaluating Aspergilli, aflatoxin, and the biosynthetic genes in the varying aspects of the environment. Current methods for assessing Aspergillus and aflatoxin accumulation rely heavily on cultural and analytical methods that are low throughput and technically challenging. Thus to understand Aspergillus ecology and environmental effects in contamination to maximize biocontrol efforts, it is necessary to understand current treatment effects and to develop methodologies capable of assessing the fungal populations present. In this manuscript we discuss the current knowledge of A. flavus ecology, the application of selected molecular techniques to field assessments, and crop practices used to reduce aflatoxin contamination, focusing on chemical treatments (fungicides and herbicides), insect management, and crop management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a vital chaperone involved in the folding and stabilization of various cellular proteins, regulates key functions in many tumor cells. In the context of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), where HSP90's role remains largely unexplored, we aimed to investigate the significance of HSP90 inhibitor, AUY922, in regulating the YAP1/TEAD pathway and its association with the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). Our results showed that AUY922 effectively inhibited GAC aggressiveness in both the invitro and invivo models, induced apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrest. Various functional assays elucidated that AUY922 potently inhibited the expression and interaction among YAP1/TEAD and HSP90, resulting in down-regulation of target functional genes. AUY922 additionally altered the tumor microenvironment (TME) into an inflamed state with increased cytokine production in T cells, including interferon gamma, granzyme B, and perforin, and inhibited M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages, rendering it a favorable partner for immune checkpoint inhibition. Our findings highlighted the suggestion of targeting HSP90 in GAC therapy via down-regulating YAP1/TEAD signaling. Additionally, our results suggest that AUY922's ability to reshape the GAC TME favoring the host sets the stage for a clinical trial that combines HSP90 and checkpoint inhibition, where HSP90 could serve as a biomarker for patient selection., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Jaffer Ajani reports financial support was provided by National Institutes of Health. Jaffer Ajani reports financial support was provided by US Department of Defense. none If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this research, several analyses were carried out on concentrated fractions of Mexican oregano essential oil ( Poliomintha longiflora Gray) in order to determine its ability to inhibit the growth and the motility of Escherichia coli (swimming), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (swimming), and Proteus vulgaris (swarming); these Gram-negative bacteria associated with urinary tract infections are motile due to the presence of flagella, which is considered an important virulence factor that favors their motility when trying to reach the target organ and cause an infection. Also, the resistance pattern to antibiotics of each strain was determined. The results showed resistance pattern (8 out of 12 antibiotics tested) for P. aureginosa , while E. coli and P. vulgaris were resistant to 4 antibiotics out of the 12 tested. On the other hand, fractionated oregano caused an inhibition of growth and a reduction in motility, varying between fractions and among bacteria. Fraction 4 showed major growth reduction, with MBC values ranging from 0.002 to 23.7 mg/mL. Treatment with fractionated oregano (F1, F2, F3, F4) reduced the motility by 92-81% for P. vulgaris , 90-83% for E. coli , and 100-8.9% for P. aeruginosa . These results demonstrated a higher performance with a lower application dose due to its high content of Carvacrol and Thymol; unlike other concentrated fractions, this synergy of oxygenated monoterpenes may cause greater antimicrobial activity.

The establishment of invasive species populations can threaten the ecological balance in naïve habitats and impact agricultural production practices. Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) (old-world bollworm, OWBW) and Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm, CEW) were geographically separated prior to the 2013 report of OWBW invasion into South America. Introgression of OWBW-specific cytochrome P450 337B3 (CYP337B3) gene into CEW was repeatedly detected across South America and the Caribbean. Two hybrids were documented from Texas in 2019. In this study, screening insects collected in Olathe, CO, USA, where a failure of pyrethroids to control CEW damage to conventional sweetcorn in 2023 detected 28.6% of insects with the OWBW-specific CYP337B3 marker. Nucleotide sequencing of the CYP337B3 gene identified 73.1% and 26.9% of insects carried CYP337B3v2 and CYP337B3v6 alleles, respectively, and 0.15 overall frequency of CYP337B3 alleles. Based on prior data for distinct phylogeographic origins of CYP337B3v2 and v6 alleles, our results indicate Olathe samples were derived from 2 different introductions: An uncertain source of the v6 allele that was initially reported in West Africa and possibly South American or Caribbean origin of the globally distributed v2 allele. One of the 1618 individuals screened also carried a ribosomal RNA internal transcribed spacer 1 derived from OWBW. Local selection pressures at the Olathe location imposed by repeated pyrethroid exposures are likely attributed to the prevalence of CYP337B3, where control practices hasten the accumulation of phenotypic resistance by adaptive introgression. Pyrethroid and other resistance factors carried by invasive OWBW may continue to impact CEW management tactics across the Americas., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2024.)

Objectives: Phenotyping plants in a field environment can involve a variety of methods including the use of automated instruments and labor-intensive manual measurement and scoring. Researchers also collect language-based phenotypic descriptions and use controlled vocabularies and structures such as ontologies to enable computation on descriptive phenotype data, including methods to determine phenotypic similarities. In this study, spoken descriptions of plants were collected and observers were instructed to use their own vocabulary to describe plant features that were present and visible. Further, these plants were measured and scored manually as part of a larger study to investigate whether spoken plant descriptions can be used to recover known biological phenomena., Data Description: Data comprise phenotypic observations of 686 accessions of the maize Wisconsin Diversity panel, and 25 positive control accessions that carry visible, dramatic phenotypes. The data include the list of accessions planted, field layout, data collection procedures, student participants' (whose personal data are protected for ethical reasons) and volunteers' observation transcripts, volunteers' audio data files, terrestrial and aerial images of the plants, Amazon Web Services method selection experimental data, and manually collected phenotypes (e.g., plant height, ear and tassel features, etc.; measurements and scores). Data were collected during the summer of 2021 at Iowa State University's Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farms., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

We retrospectively analyzed spatial factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated community deaths i.e., brought-in-dead (BID) in Lusaka, Zambia, between March and July 2020. A total of 127 cases of BID with geocoordinate data of their houses were identified during the study period. Median interquartile range (IQR) of the age of these cases was 49 (34-70) years old, and 47 cases (37.0%) were elderly individuals over 60 years old. Seventy-five cases (75%) of BID were identified in July 2020, when the total number of cases and deaths was largest in Zambia. Among those whose information regarding their underlying medical condition was available, hypertension was most common (22.9%, 8/35). Among Lusaka's 94 townships, the numbers (median, IQR) of cases were significantly larger in those characterized as unplanned residential areas compared to planned areas (1.0, 0.0-4.0 vs 0.0, 0.0-1.0; p=0.030). The proportion of individuals who require more than 30 minutes to obtain water was correlated with a larger number of BID cases per 105 population in each township (rho=0.28, p=0.006). The number of BID cases was larger in unplanned residential areas, which highlighted the importance of targeted public health interventions specifically to those areas to reduce the total number of COVID-19 associated community deaths in Lusaka. Brought-in-dead surveillance might be beneficial in monitoring epidemic conditions of COVID-19 in such high-risk areas. Furthermore, inadequate access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) might be associated with such distinct geographical distributions of COVID-19 associated community deaths in Lusaka, Zambia., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Amos Hamukale et al.)

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is first diagnosed during pregnancy and it is the most frequent maternal hyperglycemia., Objective: To know fetal and maternal outcomes in an intensive control program in pregnant women with and without DMG at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute for Social Security) Regional General Hospital No. 6, in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas., Material and Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study, which included 800 outcomes of pregnant women between January 2009 and June 2020. Anthropometric data and pregnancy outcomes were collected. The intensive control program consisted of face-to-face consultations of 1 to 4 weeks, granted according to the degree of metabolic control, with which it was given nutritional counseling, recommendations for physical activity, and in some cases pharmacological treatment., Results: The prevalence of GDM was 36.2%. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, except for respiratory distress syndrome, which was more common in GDM (9.4%, p = 0.06). Patients with GDM had a lower prevalence of macrosomy (6.1%) compared to the control group (6.6%). All women admitted to the program in the first trimester had fewer fetal and maternal complications., Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of implementing an intensive control program in women with GDM, by reducing and equalizing maternal and fetal outcomes compared to a group of women without the disease., (© 2023 Revista Médica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.)

Iron is an essential nutrient but is toxic in excess mainly under acidic conditions. Yeasts have emerged as low cost, highly efficient soil inoculants for the decontamination of metal-polluted areas, harnessing an increasing understanding of their metal tolerance mechanisms. Here, we investigated the effects of extracellular iron and acid pH stress on the dimorphism of Yarrowia lipolytica. Its growth was unaffected by 1 or 2 mM FeSO4, while a strong cellular iron accumulation was detected. However, the iron treatments decreased the hyphal length and number, mainly at 2 mM FeSO4 and pH 4.5. Inward cell membrane H+ fluxes were found at pH 4.5 and 6.0 correlated with a pH increase at the cell surface and a conspicuous yeast-to-hypha transition activity. Conversely, a remarkable H+ efflux was detected at pH 3.0, related to the extracellular microenvironment acidification and inhibition of yeast-to-hypha transition. Iron treatments intensified H+ influxes at pH 4.5 and 6.0 and inhibited H+ efflux at pH 3.0. Moreover, iron treatments inhibited the expression and activities of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase, with the H+ transport inhibited to a greater extent than the ATP hydrolysis, suggesting an iron-induced uncoupling of the pump. Our data indicate that Y. lipolytica adaptations to high iron and acidic environments occur at the expense of remodelling the yeast morphogenesis through a cellular pH modulation by H+-ATPases and H+ coupled transporters, highlighting the capacity of this non-conventional yeast to accumulate high amounts of iron and its potential application for bioremediation.

The western bean cutworm (WBC), Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), can be a severe pest of transgenic corn in the western Plains and Great Lakes regions of North America, including on hybrids expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1F toxin. The level and geographic distribution of Cry1F resistance are not completely known. Neonate S. albicosta from 10 locations between Nebraska and New York state were subjected to dose-response trypsin-activated native Cry1F toxin overlay bioassays. In 2017, the mean estimated lethal concentration causing 50% larval mortality (LC50) ranged from 15.1 to 18.4 µg Cry1F cm-2, and were not significantly different among locations. In 2018, LC50 estimates at Scottsbluff, NE (22.0 µg Cry1F cm-2) and Watertown, NY (21.7 µg Cry1F cm-2) were significantly higher when compared to locations in Michigan (15.8 µg Cry1F cm-2). Significantly lower 14-day larval weight among survivors was correlated with higher Cry1F dose. Results from this study indicate that S. albicosta survivorship on purified Bt Cry1F toxin shows a relatively even distribution across the native and range expansion areas where seasonal field infestations typically occur., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2020.)

Migrant populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) captured during 2002, 2005, 2016, and 2018 from Landisville and Rock Springs in Pennsylvania, USA were genotyped using 85 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Samples (n = 702) genotyped were divided into 16 putative populations based on collection time and site. Fixation indices ( F -statistics), analysis of molecular variance, and discriminant analysis of principal components were used to examine within and among population genetic variation. The observed and expected heterozygosity in putative populations ranged from 0.317-0.418 and 0.320-0.359, respectively. Broad range of F ST (0.0-0.2742) and F IS (0.0-0.2330) values indicated different genotype frequencies between and within the populations, respectively. High genetic diversity within and low genetic differentiation between populations was found in 2002 and 2005. Interestingly, high genetic differentiation between populations from two collection sites observed in 2018 populations was not evident in within-site comparisons of putative populations collected on different dates during the season. The shift of H. zea population genetic makeup in 2018 may be influenced by multiple biotic and abiotic factors including tropical storms. Continued assessment of these peripheral populations of H. zea will be needed to assess the impacts of genetic changes on pest control and resistance management tactics.

Background: The biomechanical properties of coracoid fixation with a miniplate during the Latarjet procedure have not been described., Purpose: To determine the biomechanical properties of miniplate fixation for the Latarjet procedure compared with various screw fixation configurations., Study Design: Controlled laboratory study., Methods: A total of 8 groups (n = 5 specimens per group) were tested at a screw insertion angle of 0°: (1) 3.75-mm single screw, (2) 3.75-mm double screw, (3) 3.75-mm double screw with washers, (4) 3.75-mm double screw with a miniplate, (5) 4.00-mm single screw, (6) 4.00-mm double screw, (7) 4.00-mm double screw with washers, and (8) 4.00-mm double screw with a miniplate. In addition, similar to groups 1 to 3 and 5 to 7, there were 30 additional specimens (n = 5 per group) tested at a screw insertion angle of 15° (groups 9-14). To maintain specimen uniformity, rigid polyurethane foam blocks were used. Testing parameters included a preload of 214 N for 10 seconds, cyclical loading from 184 to 736 N at 1 Hz for 100 cycles, and failure loading at a rate of 15 mm/min until 10 mm of displacement or specimen failure occurred., Results: All single-screw constructs and 77% of 15° screw constructs failed before the completion of cyclical loading. Across all groups, group 8 (4.00-mm double screw with miniplate) demonstrated the highest maximum failure load ( P < .001). There were no differences in failure loads among specimens with single-screw fixation (groups 1, 5, 9, and 12; P > .05). All specimens in groups 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 (insertion angle of 15°) had significantly lower maximum failure loads compared with specimens in groups 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 (insertion angle of 0°) ( P < .001 for all)., Conclusion: These results indicate significantly superior failure loads with the miniplate compared with all other constructs. Across all fixation techniques and screw sizes, constructs with screws inserted at 0° performed better than constructs with screws inserted at 15°., Clinical Relevance: The use of a miniplate for coracoid fixation during the Latarjet procedure may provide a more durable construct for the high-demand contact athlete., Competing Interests: One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: This study was funded by Arthrex, which produces all of the fixation devices used in this study, including the screws, washers, and plates. R.M.F. has received educational support from Arthrex, Medwest, and Smith & Nephew and consulting fees from JRF, AlloSource, and Arthrex. M.R., C.A.W., and N.F. are employees of Arthrex. A.C. has received royalties from Arthrex. G.D. is an employee of Johnson & Johnson and has received royalties from Springer and speaking fees from Wright Medical. A.A.R. has received consulting fees and royalties from Arthrex. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

The aim of this research was to develop and characterize five gelled double emulsions based on chia mucilage (CM) and different biopolymers (κ-carrageenan, C; locust bean gum, L; thixogum, T; and whey protein concentrate, W) loaded with green tea extract (GTE). Gelled double emulsions consisted of W 1 (whey-protein-concentrate/sodium-azide/NaCl/GTE)/O and (PGPR/canola-oi)/W 2 (CM, CMC, CML, CMT and CMW), and were characterized based on physicochemical properties during 35 days of storage. Optical microscopy clearly showed the drops of the internal phase surrounded by droplets of oil dispersed in the second aqueous phase; the droplet size was higher for CMT and lowest for CMW. In addition, all emulsions were highly stable at creaming and were effective in reducing the loss of antioxidant activity (88.82%) and total phenols (64.26%) during storage; CMT, CML and CM were the most effective. Furthermore, all emulsions showed a protective effect by modulating the release of the GTE in a simulated gastrointestinal environment, allowing a controlled release during the gastric-intestinal digestion phases and reaching its maximum release in the intestinal phase (64.57-83.31%). Thus, gelled double emulsions are an alternative for the preservation of GTE and could be a potential alternative for their application in the development of functional foods.

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a perennial insect pest of cultivated maize that was inadvertently introduced into North America in the early 1900s, but population densities have decreased since the widespread adoption of transgenic hybrids that express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. The native American lotus borer, Ostrinia penitalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is among the most ancestral species described in the genus Ostrinia, and has a geographic range that coincides with that of O. nubilalis across major maize growing regions of North America. Due to the recent decrease in O. nubilalis populations, O. penitalis has become more pronounced in light trap samples intended to monitor O. nubilalis. A molecular tool based on variation in restriction endonuclease digestion pattern of a polymerase chain reaction amplified fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (coxI) gene was developed and validated to differentiate these two species. This method was applied to light trap samples over a 2-yr period and achieved accurate quantification of species, and shows that O. penitalis can be prevalent in O. nubilalis first flight sampling. These methods are useful for contemporary O. nubilalis field research in North America., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2019.)

Corn earworm (CEW), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major insect pest of corn (Zea mays spp. mays L.). CEW larvae feed on silks, kernels and cobs, causing substantial yield and quality losses both through herbivory and by vectoring pathogens. The long-term goal of this work is to elucidate the genetic and biochemical basis of a potentially novel CEW resistance source discovered in silk tissue of Piura 208, a Peruvian landrace of maize (PI 503849). We developed a quantitative CEW bioassay and tested it on four populations that contrast alleles from Piura 208 with those from GT119, a CEW-susceptible maize inbred line. In replicated analyses of two populations of F1:2 families, corn genotype accounts for 84% and 68% of the variance in CEW larval weights, and up to 60% of the variance in CEW pupation percentage, demonstrating both the success of the quantitative bioassay and the strength of the Piura 208 resistance mechanism. Analyses of two corresponding populations of BC1:2 families revealed substantially diminished effects of corn genotype on CEW weight gain and pupation. This loss of Piura 208-derived CEW resistance during backcrossing suggests complex (multi-genic) inheritance of a threshold-dependent mechanism. Technical factors in bioassay performance were also assessed, often by analyzing the 1,641 CEW larvae that were raised on control diet (meridic with no corn silks added). Minor, but statistically significant impacts on CEW weight gain, pupation, and mortality were attributable to multiple technical factors in the preparation, incubation and evaluation phases of the bioassay, demonstrating the importance of randomization, stratification, replication, and variable-tracking across the many steps of this quantitative CEW bioassay. Overall, these findings indicate that this scaled-up, quantitative CEW bioassay is fundamentally sound and that Piura 208-derived resistance alleles are experimentally tractable for genetic and mechanistic research using this approach., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background and Purpose: An electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) is a device used to mimic the experience of smoking tobacco cigarettes. Considering their growing popularity amongst adolescents, it is imperative that education surrounding e-cigarettes be provided. The purpose of this project is to describe the development and delivery of a pilot interactive presentation and survey tool by doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) candidates to gauge the use and understanding of e-cigarettes amongst teens., Educational Activity and Setting: An interactive presentation providing information on e-cigarettes was created by a PharmD candidate, and presented to 357 high school students in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. An anonymous survey tool was administered after the presentation to evaluate students' perception, use, and knowledge of e-cigarettes., Findings: When asked which is safer, an e-cigarette or a tobacco cigarette, most students (84%) responded "neither," and most stated that they learned something new from the presentation. Of the 96% of students that indicated they had heard of e-cigarettes, 27% of them had tried one. PharmD candidates reported increased confidence in public speaking and preparation of patient-suitable material., Discussion: This pilot project provided both education to adolescents and insight into their experience and understanding of the potential harms of e-cigarettes. Having a PharmD candidate deliver the presentation may have increased the students' level of comfort., Summary: An interactive, PharmD candidate-delivered presentation about e-cigarettes is an innovative method to both provide education about e-cigarettes, and ascertain information about knowledge and use in adolescents. Facilitating presentations like this could be successful in other settings or topics., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: To describe the incorporation of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Delivering Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Services program into a PharmD curriculum and to describe student perceptions of the program., Educational Activity and Setting: The program was delivered over 12 months to students on two campuses via two didactic courses in the second professional year and during the first two advanced pharmacy practice experiences in the third professional year of an accelerated school of pharmacy program., Findings: Student perceptions were assessed by review of responses to the APhA MTM program evaluation survey., Discussion and Summary: Incorporation of the APhA MTM program into an accelerated PharmD program required careful planning and coordination amongst faculty and course coordinators. Students perceived that the program was valuable, met their educational needs, and incorporated effective learning experiences and cases. These perceptions were reinforced by the high percentage of students who completed the program., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the preventive effect of Sacha Inchi oil (SIO) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis (CC) in Holtzman rats., Materials and Methods: Experimental study with 28 Holtzman male albino rats randomly distributed into 4 groups: a positive control group exposed to DMH (C1), a negative control group exposed to SIO at 150 uL/kg/day (C2), and two experimental groups exposed to DMH with SIO at 150 uL/kg/day (E1) and SIO at 300 uL/kg/day (E2). The DMH was applied for 8 weeks and the total induction time was 22 weeks. Pathological examination was performed by identifying cancerous tumor lesions in the guts. The preventive effect was evaluated based on proportions of lack of lesion in the groups exposed to DMH., Results: Cancerous tumor lesions were identified in: two specimens of group C1, one specimen of group E1 and two specimens of group E2. No intestinal lesions were identified in group C2. The proportions of lack of lesion were: in group C1 of 75%, in group E1 of 87.5% and group E2 of 75%. No significant differences were found (p>0.05)., Conclusions: It was not found a significant protective effect of SIO on DMH-induced CC in Holtzman rats, compared to control group.

The lepidopteran pest insect Helicoverpa zea feeds on cultivated corn and cotton across the Americas where control remains challenging owing to the evolution of resistance to chemical and transgenic insecticidal toxins, yet genomic resources remain scarce for this species. A bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library having a mean genomic insert size of 145 ± 20 kbp was created from a laboratory strain of H. zea, which provides ∼12.9-fold coverage of a 362.8 ± 8.8 Mbp (0.37 ± 0.09 pg) flow cytometry estimated haploid genome size. Assembly of Illumina HiSeq 2000 reads generated from 14 pools that encompassed all BAC clones resulted in 165 485 genomic contigs (N 50 = 3262 bp; 324.6 Mbp total). Long terminal repeat (LTR) protein coding regions annotated from 181 contigs included 30 Ty1/copia, 78 Ty3/gypsy, and 73 BEL/Pao elements, of which 60 (33.1%) encoded all five functional polyprotein (pol) domains. Approximately 14% of LTR elements are distributed non-randomly across pools of BAC clones.

Objective: To determine the mortality rate of patients treated with gastroschisis at a Jamaican pediatric hospital, and to identify factors that contribute significantly to mortality., Methods: Eighty-five patients were treated with gastroschisis between November 1, 2006 and November 30, 2015. Of these, 80 records were recovered and reviewed retrospectively. Records were analyzed for maternal and patient characteristics, and details of the clinical course. Death during admission was the primary outcome measure., Results: 63 of the 80 patients died during admission, giving a mortality rate of 78.8%. Sepsis was the main cause of death (82.4%). 27 patients (33.8%) had complicated gastroschisis (necrosis, perforation and/or atresia), all of whom died. Only preterm gestational age, complicated gastroschisis, and the lack of parenteral nutrition were found to be statistically associated with increased mortality., Conclusion: Our mortality rate is higher than those quoted in high-income countries, and correlates to those found in low- to middle-income countries. Mortality in our cohort was significantly associated with prematurity, complicated gastroschisis, and the lack of parenteral nutrition. Efforts to improve outcome must focus on improving antenatal care, establishing transfer protocols, and optimizing nutrition for all patients with gastroschisis., Study Type: Prognostic/Retrospective Study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The complete 15,553 bp mitochondrial genome of the western bean cutworm, Stricosta albicosta , (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was assembled from paired end Illumina HiSeq2500 read data. Annotation showed 13 predicted protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs and 2 rRNAs have an order and orientation typical of insect mitochondrial genomes, and the derived rearrangement of tRNA-Met, -Ile and -Gln upstream of nad 2 as in other Lepidoptera. A 79.3% A + T content resulted in a bias for codons with A or T in the 3rd position, and prevalence of synonymous substitutions suggest the effects of purifying selection on the mitochondrial genome sequence. Two microsatellite repeat motifs, (CA) 10 (AT) 19 and (AT) 12 , are respectively located in intergenic spaces between tRNA-Glu and -Phe and tRNA-Leu and 16S rRNA. Mitochondrial phylogenomics was able to resolve sub-families within the Noctuidae, and suggest analogous analyses may be applicable across other lepidopteran Families., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest and are responsible for the content of this paper. This research was a joint contribution from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) (CRIS Project 3625-22000-017-00), and the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, IA (Project 3543). Mention of trade names or commercial products is solely for providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer., (© 2016 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

The American lotus borer, Ostrinia penitalis, is the most ancestral among more than 20 species described in the genus Ostrinia, and the near complete mitochondrial genome sequence described here is important for phylogenetic comparisons. The 12,612 bp contiguous fragment contains 13 protein coding genes, 20 tRNAs and a partial rRNA gene complement. Compared to two previously sequenced Ostrinia mitochondrial genomes, gene order and orientation remains identical. In contrast, complete stop codons of cox2 (TAG) and atp6 (TAA) in O. penitalis show that completion of truncated stop codons in other Ostrinia are derived.

Seasonal climatic shifts create peripheral habitats that alternate between habitable and uninhabitable for migratory species. Such dynamic peripheral habitats are potential sites where migratory species could evolve high genetic diversity resulting from convergence of immigrants from multiple regionally distant areas. Migrant populations of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) captured during two different seasons were assessed for genetic structure using microsatellite markers and for host plant type using stable carbon isotope analysis. Individuals (N = 568) were genotyped and divided into 13 putative populations based on collection site and time. Fixation indices (F-statistics), analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) were used to examine within and among population genetic variation. Mean number of alleles per locus was 10.25 (± 3.2 SD), and allelic richness ranged from 2.38 to 5.13 (± 3.2 SD). The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.07 to 0.48 and 0.08 to 0.62, respectively. Low F ST (0.01 to 0.02) and high F IS (0.08 to 0.33) values suggest captured migrants originated from breeding populations with different allele frequencies. We postulate that high genetic diversity within migrant populations and low genetic differentiation among migrant populations of H. zea are the result of asymmetrical immigration due to the high dispersal and reproductive behavior of H. zea, which may hinder the adaptation and establishment of H. zea to peripheral habitat. These findings highlight the importance of assessing peripheral population structure in relation to ecological and evolutionary dynamics of this and other highly reproductive and dispersive species.

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is an insect pest of corn and population suppression with chemical insecticides is an important management tool. Traits conferring organophosphate insecticide resistance have increased in frequency amongst D. v. virgifera populations, resulting in the reduced efficacy in many corn-growing regions of the USA. We used comparative functional genomic and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approaches to investigate the genetic basis of D. v. virgifera resistance to the organophosphate methyl-parathion. RNA from adult methyl-parathion resistant and susceptible adults was hybridized to 8331 microarray probes. The results predicted that 11 transcripts were significantly up-regulated in resistant phenotypes, with the most significant (fold increases ≥ 2.43) being an α-esterase-like transcript. Differential expression was validated only for the α-esterase (ST020027A20C03), with 11- to 13-fold greater expression in methyl-parathion resistant adults (P < 0.05). Progeny with a segregating methyl-parathion resistance trait were obtained from a reciprocal backcross design. QTL analyses of high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotype data predicted involvement of a single genome interval. These data suggest that a specific carboyxesterase may function in field-evolved corn rootworm resistance to organophosphates, even though direct linkage between the QTL and this locus could not be established., (Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)

Corn infected with Ustilago maydis (common smut) produces galls that are valued as a delicacy in some cultures. During a 4-year period, aflatoxin levels in asymptomatic kernels of smutted ears were, on average, 45-fold higher than in kernels harvested from smut-free control ears and 99-fold higher than in smut galls. Aflatoxin levels in smut galls were lower than in kernels of smut-free control corn in all years combined. Fumonisin levels in asymptomatic kernels harvested from smutted ears were 5.2-fold higher than in kernels from smut-free control ears and 4.0-fold higher than in smut galls. Fumonisin levels in smut galls were not significantly different than in kernels of smut-free control corn. These studies indicate that, although corn smut was relatively free of the mycotoxins studied, the asymptomatic kernels of those ears contained mycotoxins at levels much higher than usually considered safe for direct human consumption.

Background: While the nonoperative management of Achilles tendon ruptures is a viable option, surgical repair is preferred in healthy and active populations. Recently, minimally invasive percutaneous repair methods with assistive devices have been developed., Hypothesis/purpose: The purpose of this study was to biomechanically analyze 3 commercially available, minimally invasive percutaneous techniques compared with an open Achilles repair during a simulated, progressive rehabilitation program. It was hypothesized that no significant biomechanical differences would exist between repair techniques., Study Design: Controlled laboratory study., Methods: A simulated, midsubstance Achilles rupture was created 6 cm proximal to the calcaneal insertion in 33 fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles. Specimens were then randomly allocated to 1 of 4 different Achilles repair techniques: (1) open repair, (2) the Achillon Achilles Tendon Suture System, (3) the PARS Achilles Jig System, or (4) an Achilles Midsubstance SpeedBridge Repair variation. Repairs were subjected to a cyclic loading protocol representative of progressive postoperative rehabilitation: 250 cycles at 1 Hz for each loading range: 20-100 N, 20-200 N, 20-300 N, and 20-400 N., Results: The open repair technique demonstrated significantly less elongation (5.2 ± 1.1 mm) when compared with all minimally invasive percutaneous repair methods after 250 cycles (P < .05). No significant differences were observed after 250 cycles between the Achillon, PARS, or SpeedBridge repairs, with mean displacements of 9.9 ± 2.2 mm, 12.2 ± 4.4 mm, and 10.0 ± 3.9 mm, respectively. When examined over smaller cyclic intervals, the majority of elongation, regardless of repair, occurred within the first 10 cycles. Within the first 10 cycles, open repairs achieved 71.2% of the total elongation observed after 250 cycles. Corresponding values for the Achillon, PARS, and SpeedBridge repairs were 81.8%, 77.9%, and 69.0%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the total number of cycles to failure between minimally invasive percutaneous repairs and open repairs. Minor differences in the mechanism of failure were noted; however, the majority of all repairs failed at the suture-tendon interface., Conclusion: Minimally invasive percutaneous repair techniques demonstrated a susceptibility to significant early repair elongation when compared with open repairs. However, the ultimate strengths of repairs (cycles to failure) were comparable across all techniques., Clinical Relevance: The reduced early elongation of open repairs suggests that patients treated with this technique may be able to progress through an earlier and/or more aggressive postoperative rehabilitation protocol with a lower risk of early irrevocable repair elongation or gapping about the repair site. However, in cases where cosmesis or wound-healing complications are of significant concern, minimally invasive percutaneous techniques provide a biomechanically reasonable alternative based on their repair strengths (cycles to failure). These repairs may need to be protected longer postoperatively to allow for biological healing and avoid early repair elongation and potential gapping between the healing tendon ends., (© 2015 The Author(s).)

Various agencies including state departments of transportation, emergency management offices, a municipal works agency, or a highway patrol agency may prepare evacuation plans. Storm strength and landfall predictions determine procedures and strategies. Studies have been conducted that examined various methods considering evacuees' behaviors, traffic control, safety, and preferential routing. The occasions when a hurricane is imminent require residents to make a choice between sheltering-in-place or evacuating. Tremendous growth is anticipated in many US coastal communities and that will place greater pressure on evacuation strategies in future years. Given the inevitability of future hurricane evacuations and the intensive growth projections for US coastal areas, this research examines evacuation options with a focus on the Houston-Galveston region. The research examines two scenarios using the TRansportation ANalysis and SIMulation System simulation model which relies on a GIS base. Study results showed that both scenarios perform well as alternative options for inclusion in regional planning. It is recommended that these two scenarios be included in the array of responses available for decision makers depending on the myriad of variables-citizen response, congestion levels on the roadways and location, and prediction of an impending storm. The options may be applied independently or in concert with other strategies.

Background: Helminthic infections are highly endemic in Mozambique, due to limited access to healthcare and resources for disease prevention. Data on the subclinical prevalence of these diseases are scarce due to the fact that an immunological and imaging diagnosis is not often available in endemic areas. We conducted a cross-sectional study on HIV1(+) patients from Beira city in order to determine the seroprevalence of cysticercosis, schistosomiasis, toxocariasis and echinoccocosis and its possible interaction with HIV infection., Methodology/principal Findings: Patients (601) were voluntarily recruited at the Ponta Gea Health Center and their demographic and clinical data were recorded (including CD4(+) cell count and antiretroviral regimen). Mean age was 39.7 years, 378 (62.9%) were women and 223 (37.1%) were men. Four hundred seventy-five (475) patients (79%) were already on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 90 started therapy after being enrolled in the study. For serological testing we used a Multiplex Western Blot IgG from LDBIO Diagnostics. The overall seroprevalence was 10.2% for cysticercosis, 23% for schistosomiasis, 7.3% for toxocariasis and 17.3% for echinococcosis., Conclusions/significance: Neither age nor the CD4(+) count were significantly associated with the seroprevalence of the helminths studied. However, patients with CD4(+) between 200-500/µl had a higher seroprevalence to all helminths than those with less than 200/µl cells/and those with more than 500 cells/µl. Female gender was significantly associated with cysticercosis and schistosomiasis, and being in HAART with toxocariasis. Headache was significantly associated with cysticercosis and toxocariasis. There was no association between epilepsy and seropositivity to any of the parasites. The study concluded that a clear understanding of the prevalence and manifestations of these coinfections, how best to diagnose subclinical cases, and how to manage diseases with concomitant antiretroviral therapy is needed.

Crops producing insecticidal toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely planted and enable management of key insect pests while reducing the use of conventional insecticides. However, the evolution of Bt resistance could diminish these benefits. Fitness costs of Bt resistance occur in the absence of Bt toxin when individuals with resistance alleles show a reduction in fitness relative to susceptible individuals, and they can delay the evolution of resistance. Ecological factors including host-plant variety can affect the magnitude of fitness costs, and consequently, the degree to which fitness costs delay resistance. In this study, we measured fitness costs of resistance to Bt toxin Cry1F in the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) using Cry1F-resistant and Cry1F-susceptible strains sharing a similar genetic background. Fitness costs were tested on three lines of maize, Zea mays L., by measuring larval survival and development in two greenhouse experiments with plants in either the vegetative or reproductive stage. Both experiments showed that maize line significantly affected larval survival and developmental rate. However, larval survival, mass, and developmental rate did not differ between the Cry1F-resistant and susceptible strains, indicating a lack of fitness costs of resistance to Cry1F for the larval fitness components measured in this experiment. Future experiments should test for fitness costs of Cry1F resistance affecting survival to adulthood and adult life-history parameters.

Background: Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital malformations. Few studies have explored the association of age at time of surgery and the occurrence of complications after hypospadias repair., Objective: Determine whether age at hypospadias repair is a risk factor for development of complications., Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with hypospadias repair in one surgical time. The data included: age, type of hypospadias, surgical technique and complications presented. The monitoring was conducted for six months after the surgery. Patients were classified according to age group A less than 24 months, group B from 24 to 48 months and group C over 48 months. We calculated the relative risk and confidence intervals of 95%., Results: 170 patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of complications was 24.1%, the most frequent complication was urethrocutaneous fistula (52.2%). The median age in months of the complication group was 40.8 (6-196), whereas in the group without complications was 37.5 (6-196). Age was not associated with an increased risk for complications, group B (RR= 0.975 [95% CI 0.374-2.547]), and group C (RR= 0.966 [95% CI 0.386-2.416]) when compared with group A., Conclusions: Age at time of surgery for hypospadias correction in one phase is not associated with complications.

Mycotoxin contamination levels in maize kernels are controlled by a complex set of factors including insect pressure, fungal inoculum potential, and environmental conditions that are difficult to predict. Methods are becoming available to control mycotoxin-producing fungi in preharvest crops, including Bt expression, biocontrol, and host plant resistance. Initial reports in the United States and other countries have associated Bt expression with reduced fumonisin, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone contamination and, to a lesser extent, reduced aflatoxin contamination in harvested maize kernels. However, subsequent field results have been inconsistent, confirming that fumonisin contamination can be reduced by Bt expression, but the effect on aflatoxin is, at present, inconclusive. New maize hybrids have been introduced with increased spectra of insect control and higher levels of Bt expression that may provide important tools for mycotoxin reduction and increased yield due to reduced insect feeding, particularly if used together with biocontrol and host plant resistance.

Transgenic expression of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crystalline (Cry) toxins by crop plants result in reduced insect feeding damage, but sustainability is threatened by the development of resistance traits in target insect populations. We investigated Bt toxin resistance trait in a laboratory colony of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, selected for increased survival when exposed to Cry1Ab and correlated survival on Cry1Ab toxin with a constitutive ∼146.2 ± 17.3-fold reduction in midgut aminopeptidase N1 (apn1) transcript levels. A 7.1 ± 1.9-fold reduction apn3 transcript level was also correlated with Cry1Ab resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified a single major genome region controlling Cry1Ab resistance on linkage group 24 (LG24), and a minor QTL on LG27. Both QTL were independent of apn1 and apn3 loci on LG02. Positional mapping identified genetic markers that may assist in the identification of causal gene(s) within QTL intervals. This study indicates that genetic factor(s) may act in trans to reduce both apn1 and apn3 expression in Cry1Ab resistant O. nubilalis larvae, and suggest that gene regulatory pathways can influence Bt resistance traits. These findings show that gene interactions (epistasis) may influence Bt resistance in target insect populations., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Tonsil Actisil FF, which is a commercial bentonitic clay, promotes the formation of cycloveratrylene macrocycles and benzyl oligomers from the corresponding benzyl alcohols in good yields under microwave heating and infrared irradiation in the absence of solvent in both cases. The catalytic reaction is sensitive to the type of substituent on the aromatic ring. Thus, when benzyl alcohol was substituted with a methylenedioxy, two methoxy or three methoxy groups, a cyclooligomerisation process was induced. Unsubstituted, methyl and methoxy benzyl alcohols yielded linear oligomers. In addition, computational chemistry calculations were performed to establish a validated mechanistic pathway to explain the growth of the obtained linear oligomers.

Female European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, produce and males respond to sex pheromone blends with either E- or Z-Δ11-tetradecenyl acetate as the major component. E- and Z-race populations are sympatric in the Eastern United States, Southeastern Canada, and the Mediterranean region of Europe. The E- and Z-pheromone races of O. nubilalis are models for incipient species formation, but hybridization frequencies within natural populations remain obscure due to lack of a high-throughput phenotyping method. Lassance et al. previously identified a pheromone gland-expressed fatty-acyl reductase gene (pgfar) that controls the ratio of Δ11-tetradecenyl acetate stereoisomers. We identified three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within pgfar that are differentially fixed between E- and Z-race females, and that are ≥98.2% correlated with female pheromone ratios measured by gas chromatography. Genotypic data from locations in the United States demonstrated that pgfar-z alleles were fixed within historically allopatric Z-pheromone race populations in the Midwest, and that hybrid frequency ranged from 0.00 to 0.42 within 11 sympatric sites where the two races co-occur in the Eastern United States (mean hybridization frequency or heterozygosity (H O) = 0.226 ± 0.279). Estimates of hybridization between the E- and Z-races are important for understanding the dynamics involved in maintaining race integrity, and are consistent with previous estimates of low levels of genetic divergence between E- and Z-races and the presence of weak prezygotic mating barriers. This work describes the development of new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers within the pheromone gland expressed fatty acyl reductase (pgfar) gene of Ostrinia nubilalis. These SNPs were shown to segregate based upon female pheromone production, and thus provide the first description of an assay for genetic determination of O. nubilalis pheromone strain from field-collected samples. These assays were applied to estimate hybridization within field populations, and represent valuable tools for future population genetic studies of this species.

Limited information is available on the effects of foliar boron (B) application on soybean seed composition. The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of foliar B on seed composition (protein, oil, fatty acids, and sugars). Our hypothesis was that since B is involved in nitrogen and carbon metabolism, it may impact seed composition. A repeated greenhouse experiment was conducted where half of the soybean plants was exposed to water stress (WS) and the other half was well-watered. Foliar boron (FB) in the form of boric acid was applied twice at a rate of 1.1 kg ha(-1). The first application was during flowering stage, and the second application was during seed-fill stage. Treatments were water stressed plants with no FB (WS-B); water stressed plants with FB (WS+B); watered plants without FB (W-B), and watered plants with FB (W+B). The treatment W-B was used as a control. Comparing with WS-B plants, B concentration was the highest in leaves and seed of W+B plants (84% increase in leaves and 73% in seed). Seeds of W+B plants had higher protein (11% increase), oleic acid (27% increase), sucrose (up to 40% increase), glucose, and fructose comparing with W-B. However, seed stachyose concentrations increased by 43% in WS-B plants seed compared with W-B plants. Cell wall (structural) B concentration in leaves was higher in all plants under water stress, especially in WS-B plants where the percentage of cell wall B reached up to 90%. Water stress changed seed δ(15)N and δ(13)C values in both B applied and non-B applied plants, indicating possible effects on nitrogen and carbon metabolism. This research demonstrated that FB increased B accumulation in leaves and seed, and altered seed composition of well-watered and water stressed plants, indicating a possible involvement of B in seed protein, and oleic and linolenic fatty acids. Further research is needed to explain mechanisms of B involvement in seed protein and fatty acids.

We report a case of recurrent deep venous thrombosis in a 44-year-old woman, intravenous drug user and HIV-infected, who injected cocaine in the groins and veins of the dorsum of the feet. She suffered several episodes of deep venous thrombosis and soft-tissue infections in the lower limbs. Images of Doppler ultrasound scan revealed thrombosis in the right popliteal vein with partial recanalization and calcified thrombi in the territory of the right femoral vein. After use of heparin and oral anticoagulation, her clinical evolution was uneventful, and she was asymptomatic at the occasion of the hospital discharge. This report calls for better awareness about injections in the groins and superficial femoral veins, which are part of the deep venous system. Thrombosis related to HIV infection is highlighted.

Transposable elements (TEs) can affect the structure of genomes through their acquisition and transposition of novel DNA sequences. The 134-bp repetitive elements, Lep1, are conserved non-autonomous Helitrons in lepidopteran genomes that have characteristic 5'-CT and 3'-CTAY nucleotide termini, a 3'-terminal hairpin structure, a 5'- and 3'-subterminal inverted repeat (SIR), and integrations that occur between AT or TT nucleotides. Lep1 Helitrons have acquired and propagated sequences downstream of their 3'-CTAY termini that are 57-344-bp in length and have termini composed of a 3'-CTRR preceded by a 3'-hairpin structure and a region complementary to the 5'-SIR (3'-SIRb). Features of both the Lep1 Helitron and multiple acquired sequences indicate that secondary structures at the 3'-terminus may have a role in rolling circle replication or genome integration mechanisms, and are a prerequisite for novel end creation by Helitron-like TEs. The preferential integration of Lep1 Helitrons in proximity to gene-coding regions results in the creation of genetic novelty that is shown to impact gene structure and function through the introduction of novel exon sequence (exon shuffling). These findings are important in understanding the structural requirements of genomic DNA sequences that are acquired and transposed by Helitron-like TEs.

Feeding damage caused by the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is destructive to corn plants in North America and Europe where control remains challenging due to evolution of resistance to chemical and transgenic toxins. A BAC library, DvvBAC1, containing 109,486 clones with 104 ± 34.5 kb inserts was created, which has an ~4.56X genome coverage based upon a 2.58 Gb (2.80 pg) flow cytometry-estimated haploid genome size. Paired end sequencing of 1037 BAC inserts produced 1.17 Mb of data (~0.05% genome coverage) and indicated ~9.4 and 16.0% of reads encode, respectively, endogenous genes and transposable elements (TEs). Sequencing genes within BAC full inserts demonstrated that TE densities are high within intergenic and intron regions and contribute to the increased gene size. Comparison of homologous genome regions cloned within different BAC clones indicated that TE movement may cause haplotype variation within the inbred strain. The data presented here indicate that the D. virgifera virgifera genome is large in size and contains a high proportion of repetitive sequence. These BAC sequencing methods that are applicable for characterization of genomes prior to sequencing may likely be valuable resources for genome annotation as well as scaffolding.

Hydatid cystic disease from Echinococcus granulosus is described in some Brazilian as well as Italian areas. Liver hydatidosis is the most common presentation, which may evolve without symptoms. The authors describe an 87-year-old woman with an unsuspected giant hydatid cyst of the liver and emphasize the diagnostic challenges, mainly involving patients from non-endemic regions.

The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is an introduced crop pest in North America that causes major damage to corn and reduces yield of food, feed, and biofuel materials. The Cry1F toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) expressed in transgenic hybrid corn is highly toxic to O. nubilalis larvae and effective in minimizing feeding damage. A laboratory colony of O. nubilalis was selected for high levels of Cry1F resistance (>12,000-fold compared to susceptible larvae) and is capable of survival on transgenic hybrid corn. Genetic linkage maps with segregating AFLP markers show that the Cry1F resistance trait is controlled by a single quantitative trait locus (QTL) on linkage group 12. The map position of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers indicated that midgut Bt toxin-receptor genes, alkaline phosphatase, aminopeptidase N, and cadherin, are not linked with the Cry1F QTL. Evidence suggests that genes within this genome interval may give rise to a novel Bt toxin resistance trait for Lepidoptera that appears independent of known receptor-based mechanisms of resistance.

Biological control of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in maize through competitive displacement by non-aflatoxigenic strains was evaluated in a series of field studies. Four sets of experiments were conducted between 2007 and 2009 to assess the competitiveness of non-aflatoxigenic strains when challenged against toxigenic strains using a pin-bar inoculation technique. In three sets of experiments the non-aflatoxigenic strain K49 effectively displaced toxigenic strains at various concentrations or combinations. The fourth study compared the relative competitiveness of three non-aflatoxigenic strains (K49, NRRL 21882 from Afla-Guard®, and AF36) when challenged on maize against two aflatoxin- and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA)-producing strains (K54 and F3W4). These studies indicate that K49 and NRRL 21882 are superior to AF36 in reducing total aflatoxin contamination. Neither K49 nor NRRL 21882 produce CPA and when challenged with K54 and F3W4, CPA and aflatoxins were reduced by 84-97% and 83-98%, respectively. In contrast, AF36 reduced aflatoxins by 20% with F3W4 and 93% with K54 and showed no reduction in CPA with F3W4 and only a 62% reduction in CPA with K54. Because AF36 produces CPA, high levels of CPA accumulate when maize is inoculated with AF36 alone or in combination with F3W4 or K54. These results indicate that K49 may be equally effective as NRRL 21882 in reducing both aflatoxins and CPA in maize.

Hfq is a global regulatory RNA-binding protein. We have identified and characterized an atypical Hfq required for gene regulation and infectivity in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. Sequence analyses of the putative B. burgdorferi Hfq protein revealed only a modest level of similarity with the Hfq from Escherichia coli, although a few key residues are retained and the predicted tertiary structure is similar. Several lines of evidence suggest that the B. burgdorferi bb0268 gene encodes a functional Hfq homologue. First, the hfq(Bb) gene (bb0268) restores the efficient translation of an rpoS::lacZ fusion in an E. coli hfq null mutant. Second, the Hfq from B. burgdorferi binds to the small RNA DsrA(Bb) and the rpoS mRNA. Third, a B. burgdorferi hfq null mutant was generated and has a pleiotropic phenotype that includes increased cell length and decreased growth rate, as found in hfq mutants in other bacteria. The hfq(Bb) mutant phenotype is complemented in trans with the hfq gene from either B. burgdorferi or, surprisingly, E. coli. This is the first example of a heterologous bacterial gene complementing a B. burgdorferi mutant. The alternative sigma factor RpoS and the outer membrane lipoprotein OspC, which are induced by increased temperature and required for mammalian infection, are not upregulated in the hfq mutant. Consequently, the hfq mutant is not infectious by needle inoculation in the murine model. These data suggest that Hfq plays a key role in the regulation of pathogenicity factors in B. burgdorferi and we hypothesize that the spirochete has a complex Hfq-dependent sRNA network., (© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Commercially produced maturity group (MG) IV soybeans, Glycine max L., were sampled during bloom for tarnished plant bugs, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), during May and June 1999 (3 fields) and 2001 (18 fields). The adults and nymphs were found primarily in single population peaks in both years, indicating a single new generation was produced during each year. The peak mean numbers of nymphs were 0.61 and 0.84 per drop cloth sample in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Adults peaked at 3.96 (1999) and 3.76 (2001) per sweep net sample (25 sweeps). Tests using laboratory-reared and field-collected tarnished plant bugs resulted in very poor survival of nymphs on 16 different soybean varieties (MG III, one; IV, four; V, nine; VI, two). A large cage (0.06 ha) field test found that the number of nymphs produced on eight soybean varieties after mated adults were released into the cages was lower than could be expected on a suitable host. These results indicated that soybean was a marginal host for tarnished plant bugs. However, the numbers of adults and nymphs found in the commercially produced fields sampled in the study may have been high enough to cause feeding damage to the flowering soybeans. The nature of the damage and its possible economic importance were not determined. Reproduction of tarnished plant bugs in the commercially produced early soybean fields showed that the early soybeans provided tarnished plant bugs with a very abundant host at a time when only wild hosts were previously available.

Reduced insecticide use in cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., as a consequence of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program and the broad adoption of Bt cotton, have helped make the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), a consistent pest of cotton each year in the mid-south. Maize, Zea mays L., has been implicated as having a role in the season-long dynamics of tarnished plant bug infestations in cotton. To date, no published information exists describing the quality of maize as a host for tarnished plant bug. No-choice field studies indicated that adult tarnished plant bug females oviposited into maize leaves, tassels, and ears. Laboratory studies showed that first-instar tarnished plant bugs could successfully develop to the adult stage when fed maize silks at the R1 growth stage, tassels before (VT) and during (R1) pollen shed, and milk stage (R3) kernels from the tip and base of the ear. The proportion of nymphs surviving to the adult stage on these tissues was often similar to that of broccoli, Brassica oleracea L. Nymphs did not develop to adults when fed V5 or R1 maize leaves. However, survival of first instars to the adult stage was improved when nymphs fed on tassels with pollen for 6 d and then moved to silks or leaves. Another field study showed that tarnished plant bugs reproduced in maize mainly during the tassel (VE and VT) and the R1-R3 ear growth stages, and a single new generation was produced in maize during these stages. The highest population recorded during the study (24 June 2005) consisted mostly of nymphs and was estimated to be 29,600/ha (12,000/acre). These studies showed that maize is a suitable host for tarnished plant bug reproduction and development, and its production plays a significant role in the population dynamics of the tarnished plant bug in the mid-south.

Background: Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was accidentally introduced into the United States from Asia. The introduction of the pest has brought significant economic consequences. During the past decade, Mississippi has become a significantly infested state, partly due to the proximity to coastal port cities such as New Orleans. This study was initiated to investigate the origin and infestation route of C. formosanus in southern Mississippi., Results: Twenty-eight colonies (21 colonies from Mississippi, six from Louisiana, one from China) were collected. Sequencing and analysis of 112 sequences revealed 15 haplotypes of cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) gene in the world. Two haplotypes of COII were identified in Mississippi. In addition, specific primers were designed and tested differentially to amplify characteristic fragments for verifying and surveying different genotypes of C. formosanus in the future., Conclusion: Of the two haplotypes identified in Mississippi, the GA group was identical to those reported previously in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and other infested states. The second haplotype, the AT group, was identified for the first time in southeastern United States. Sequence identity of the AT-group C. formosanus with those reported mainly in southeastern Asian countries provided evidence of at least two introductions of C. formosanus into the United States.

The tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an economically important pest of the Americas. Females of this species copulate multiple times during their lifetimes, and the presence of sperm from multiple males inside them could allow for a diversity of paternal genotypes in the offspring, unless there was complete precedence of sperm from the first mating. If a female copulates with a male that is insecticide-susceptible and another male that is insecticide-resistant, her progeny could vary in their resistance phenotypes. In some cases, this could impact the evolution of insecticide resistance in a population. We designed a series of experiments to determine whether Bacillus thuringiensis susceptibility is maintained when an H. virescens female that is homozygous for a genetically recessive form of B. thuringiensis resistance copulates with a Cry1Ac-susceptible and a Cry1Ac-resistant males. During the lifetime of double-copulated females, a proportion of F1 progeny were Cry1Ac-resistant. This indicates that when a B. thuringiensis-resistant H. virescens female copulates with two males, with one male being resistant to Cry1Ac, some of the progeny will carry resistance to this insecticide. Due to the polyandrous nature of this species, the above-mentioned scenario is not unrealistic; therefore, results from this study may help understand and manage the evolution of B. thuringiensis-resistance in field populations.

Previous research demonstrated that plant nutrient assimilation was reduced by glyphosate (Gly). A 2 year field experiment investigated the effects of Gly at drift rate (12.5% of commercial use rate) on Fe concentrations in leaves and seeds of Gly-sensitive (GS) soybean, and a greenhouse experiment evaluated Gly effects on Fe assimilation using root in vivo ferric reductase activity (FRA) in two GS and one Gly-resistant (GR) soybean cultivars. Field studies showed that Gly drift rates resulted in a significant decrease in the Fe concentration in seeds and leaves compared to the nontreated plants. In greenhouse studies, leaf Fe and FRA were inhibited in GS cultivars Hutcheson and DP 5110 and the GR cultivar AG 4604RR and leaf Fe was positively correlated with root FRA (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that Gly can interfere with Fe assimilation in both GS and GR soybean. Understanding the implication of Gly on Fe nutrition in soybean seed would help soybean agronomists and breeders seeking to improve seed mineral nutrition qualities.