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The distribution of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum Müller) in arable fields is characterised by patches containing higher slug densities dispersed within areas of lower densities. Behavioural responses that lead to the spatial/temporal stability of these patches are poorly understood, thus this study investigated behavioural mechanisms underpinning slug distribution using a new method for long-term tracking of individual slug movement in the field.A technique for implanting radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (each with a unique identification code) beneath the body wall of slugs was developed. Laboratory tests indicated no consistent detrimental effect on survival, feeding, egg laying or locomotor behaviour (velocity, distance travelled). Movement of individual slugs above and below the soil surface was recorded for5 weeks (in spring and autumn) in winter wheat fields. Most (~80%) foraged within a limited area; and at the end of the observation period were located at a mean distance of 78.7 ± 33.7 cm (spring) or 101.9 ± 24.1 cm (autumn) from their release point. The maximum detected distance from the release point was 408.8 cm. The remaining slugs (~20%) moved further away and ultimately were lost.RFID tagging allowed continuous tracking of individual slugs, even below the soil surface. Localised movement of 80% of tracked slugs over 5 weeks offers a mechanism promoting stable slug patches in arable crops. Rapid dispersal of the remaining slugs facilitates exchange of individuals between patches. Precision targeting of pesticides at such stable slug patches may facilitate reduced usage. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John WileySons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Introduction There have been no specific guidelines regarding which genes should be tested in the clinical setting for Parkinson's disease (PD) or parkinsonism. We evaluated the types of clinical genetic testing offered for PD as the first step of our gene curation. Methods The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetic Testing Registry (GTR) was queried on 12/7/2020 to identify current commercial PD genetic test offerings by clinical laboratories, internationally. Results We identified 502 unique clinical genetic tests for PD, from 28 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-approved clinical laboratories. These included 11 diagnostic PD panels. The panels were notable for their differences in size, ranging from 5 to 62 genes. Five genes for variant query were included in all panels (SNCA, PRKN, PINK-1, PARK7 (DJ1), and LRRK2). Notably, the addition of the VPS35 and GBA genes was variable. Panel size differences stemmed from inclusion of genes linked to atypical parkinsonism and dystonia disorders, and genes in which the link to PD causation is controversial. Conclusion There is an urgent need for expert opinion regarding which genes should be included in a commercial laboratory multi-gene panel for PD. Deborah Mascalzoni is part of Movement Society Disorder (MDS) Task Force on Recommendations for Clinical Genetic Testing in Parkinson's Disease

We report the results of an experiment on radio-tracking of individual grey field slugs in an arable field and associated data modelling designed to investigate the effect of slug population density in their movement. Slugs were collected in a commercial winter wheat field in which a 5x6 trapping grid had been established with 2m distance between traps. The slugs were taken to the laboratory, radio-tagged using a recently developed procedure, and following a recovery period released into the same field. Seventeen tagged slugs were released singly (sparse release) on the same grid node on which they had been caught. Eleven tagged slugs were released as a group (dense release). Each of the slugs was radio-tracked for approximately 10 h during which their position was recorded ten times. The tracking data were analysed using the Correlated Random Walk framework. The analysis revealed that all components of slug movement (mean speed, turning angles and movement/resting times) were significantly different between the two treatments. On average, the slugs released as a group disperse more slowly than slugs released individually and their turning angle has a clear anticlockwise bias. The results clearly suggest that population density is a factor regulating slug movement.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the most feared and debilitating complications of PD. No therapy has been shown to slow or prevent CI in PD. OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between modifiable comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease risk factors, mood disorders, and sleep characteristics, and rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort was queried for baseline cardiovascular disease risk factors, mood disorders, and sleep characteristics. Linear mixed‐ effects models (LME) were used to examine the association between baseline factors and change in cognition, evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) over time. Baseline comorbidities found to affect MoCA decline were assessed for an association with focal cognitive domains using LME. RESULTS: Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (β = −0.009, P = 0.039), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (β = −0.005, P

Commercial and environmental considerations have led to increased pressure to reduce pesticide use in agricultural crops resulting in a growing interest in development of pesticide application protocols that allow for their targeted use. In this paper, we revisit a standard decision-making protocol for pesticide application and introduce protocol modifications to apply pesticide to selected spatial sub-domains in the agricultural field. The baseline case we consider is the control of populations of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) in commercial fields. It is well known that slugs have strongly heterogeneous (patchy) spatial distribution and we show that targeting patches with higher slug density only, may offer significant potential for reducing the use of pesticides. An approach to incorporating targeted application of pesticide into a control protocol with treatment decisions based on a threshold population abundance will be discussed. The benefits of the targeted use of pesticides will be clearly demonstrated using data on slug abundance collected in commercial fields. We then argue that employing a single threshold for decision-making in the pesticide application protocol is not the most efficient way to assess risks associated with the population abundance when pesticide is applied selectively. It will be shown that a protocol for targeted use of pesticides depends heavily on the definition of a spatial density patch in heterogeneous spatial distribution, and a single decision-making parameter such as the population threshold cannot accommodate important information about the patch size. Hence an alternative is to introduce two controlling parameters into the protocol in order to quantify the pest abundance in each patch and patch size separately and we discuss this approach in the paper.

The KDM4/JMJD2 family of histone demethylases is amplified in human cancers. However, little is known about their physiologic or tumorigenic roles. We have identified a conserved and unappreciated role for the JMJD2A/KDM4A H3K9/36 tridemethylase in cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that JMJD2A protein levels are regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner and that JMJD2A overexpression increased chromatin accessibility, S phase progression, and altered replication timing of specific genomic loci. These phenotypes depended on JMJD2A enzymatic activity. Strikingly, depletion of the only C. elegans homolog, JMJD-2, slowed DNA replication and increased ATR/p53-dependent apoptosis. Importantly, overexpression of HP1γ antagonized JMJD2A-dependent progression through S phase, and depletion of HPL-2 rescued the DNA replication-related phenotypes in jmjd-2(-/-) animals. Our findings describe a highly conserved model whereby JMJD2A regulates DNA replication by antagonizing HP1γ and controlling chromatin accessibility.

Several nutrient-signaling pathways that extend life span have been described in model organisms. Thus, parallel and redundant signaling pathways that are similar across species might be subject to experimental manipulation. Here, we develop a PCR-based technique for testing the hypothesis that mitotic accumulation of extra-chromosomal ribosomal DNA circles might also determine life span in human cells. Using resveratrol, a phytochemical that counters age-related signs, we find treatment-dependent subcellular accumulations of extra-chromosomal 5S ribosomal DNA in human cell lines. These data suggest an association between DNA circles and intrinsic aging and demonstrate the utility of a PCR-based technique for studying the accumulation of dysfunctional molecules that promote senescence.