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Simple Summary: Bathycoelia distincta poses a significant threat to the South African macadamia industry. Despite the acknowledged influence of temperature on insects, a comprehensive developmental biology investigation for B. distincta has not been undertaken to date. This study systematically presents empirical data on the effects of temperature on the developmental duration, survival, and developmental thresholds of B. distincta's life stages under constant temperatures. The findings of this study reveal that the thermal developmental range of this pest ranges from 13.5 to 38.0 °C, with an optimum temperature of 29.5 °C. Moreover, B. distincta requires 783 degree days to develop from an egg to the adult stage. Considering the prevailing global warming trends, the South African Macadamia industry may experience more damage due to a faster development at warmer temperatures. Temperature is the most influential condition affecting insect development and population dynamics. Understanding its impact and other important factors, such as diet, could provide fine-scale predictions of species abundance and distribution in space and time. The two-spotted stink bug, Bathycoelia distincta Distant (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is a significant pest of macadamia in South Africa for which limited information on developmental biology exists. Here, for the first time, variations in key developmental parameters of the B. distincta biology were studied systematically. The developmental duration, survival rate, development rate, lower developmental threshold (Tmin), optimum developmental threshold (Topt), upper developmental threshold (Tmax), and thermal constant were quantified for each developmental stage of B. distincta. In addition, the effect of diet (macadamia nut and sweetcorn) on the developmental duration and survival rate were quantified. This study was conducted at five constant temperatures (18, 21, 22, 25, and 29 °C) with relative humidity (RH) variations. The developmental duration from egg to adult decreased significantly with increased temperature: 21 °C (±60 days) to 29 °C (±32 days). The survival rate was significantly different for instar 2 between temperatures. Nymphs (instars 2 and 4) developed faster on the sweetcorn diet than on a macadamia diet, but the total developmental time did not differ significantly between the diets. Development from egg to adult required 783 degree days (DD), with a Tmin of 13.5 °C, Topt of 29.5 °C, and Tmax of 38 °C. Ongoing global warming will increase the population growth of B. distincta through increased development rate, resulting in more damage to macadamia nuts. Understanding the developmental biology and thresholds for the DD model of B. distincta is fundamental for predicting its phenology and outbreaks in macadamia orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza virus has been one of the most prevalent and researched viruses globally. Consequently, there is ample information available about influenza virus lifecycle and pathogenesis. However, there is plenty yet to be known about the determinants of influenza virus pathogenesis and disease severity. Influenza virus exploits host factors to promote each step of its lifecycle. In turn, the host deploys antiviral or restriction factors that inhibit or restrict the influenza virus lifecycle at each of those steps. Two broad categories of host restriction factors can exist in virus-infected cells: (1) encoded by the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and (2) encoded by the constitutively expressed genes that are not stimulated by interferons (non-ISGs). There are hundreds of ISGs known, and many, e.g., Mx, IFITMs, and TRIMs, have been characterized to restrict influenza virus infection at different stages of its lifecycle by (1) blocking viral entry or progeny release, (2) sequestering or degrading viral components and interfering with viral synthesis and assembly, or (3) bolstering host innate defenses. Also, many non-ISGs, e.g., cyclophilins, ncRNAs, and HDACs, have been identified and characterized to restrict influenza virus infection at different lifecycle stages by similar mechanisms. This review provides an overview of those ISGs and non-ISGs and how the influenza virus escapes the restriction imposed by them and aims to improve our understanding of the host restriction mechanisms of the influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and humidity are considered the main abiotic factors that affect both the development and survival of ectothermic organisms. In this study, we estimated the development time as well as the thermal requirements of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794; Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a key insect pest of sugarcane and discussed the influence of temperature and relative humidity and its infestation intensity in a scenario of climate change.The models Brière-1 and Ikemoto-Takai provided the best fit to the data of development rate versus temperature.The average life cycle (from egg to adult) ranged from 39.21 ± 4.84 at 32 °C to 137.10 ± 7.47 at 18 °C days.The thermal constant and average base temperature were 547.69 degree-days and 13.64 °C, respectively.The number of larval instars varied from 4 to 7 depending on the temperature, being higher at lower temperatures.The thermal range comprised the interval from 16.7 °C to 33.9 °C and the optimum temperature was estimated as 27.4 °C. Locations with elevated temperature (≥25 °C) and high relative humidity (≥70%) presented larger populations of D. saccharalis. Our findings show that the infestation pressure of this species is highly influenced by both temperature and humidity, and the studied models allow to forecast pest outbreaks. In the context of climate change, information about the thermal range and the optimum temperature contributes to predicting the spatial-temporal distribution of D. saccharalis and, consequently, aids decision making in pest management. Graphical Abstract Resumo: Temperatura e umidade são consideradas os principais fatores abióticos que afetam o desenvolvimento e a sobrevivência de organismos ectotérmicos. Neste estudo, nós estimamos o tempo de desenvolvimento, bem como os requerimentos térmicos da broca da cana-de-açúcar, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), uma praga-chave da cana-de-açúcar e discutimos a influência da temperatura e umidade relativa e sua intensidade de infestação em um cenário de mudanças climáticas. Os modelos Brière-1 e Ikemoto-Takai forneceram o melhor ajuste aos dados de taxa de desenvolvimento versus temperatura. O ciclo de vida médio (do ovo ao adulto) variou de 39,21 ± 4,84 a 32 °C até 137,10 ± 7,47 dias a 18 °C. A constante térmica e a temperatura base média foram 547,69 graus-dia e 13,64 °C, respectivamente. O número de instares larvais variou de 4 a 7 dependendo da temperatura, sendo maior em temperaturas baixas. A faixa térmica compreendeu o intervalo de 16,7 °C a 33,9 °C e a temperatura ótima foi estimada em 27,4 °C. Locais com temperatura elevada (≥25 °C) e alta umidade relativa (≥70%) têm populações maiores de D. saccharalis. Nossos resultados mostram que a pressão de infestação desta espécie é altamente influenciada pela temperatura e umidade e os modelos estudados permitem prever surtos da praga. No contexto das mudanças climáticas, informação sobre a amplitude térmica e a temperatura ótima contribui para prever a distribuição espaçotemporal de D. saccharalis e, consequentemente, auxilia na tomada de decisão no manejo de pragas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central venous catheters (CVCs) support the administration of chemotherapy and other medications, blood products, fluids, and nutrient infusions, and reduce the need for peripheral blood sampling in children with cancer. CVC use is also associated with the risk of central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Despite the implementation of CLABSI care bundles, CLABSI prevention remains challenging. Method: This project implemented supportive preventive care interventions to decrease CLABSI in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a tertiary hospital in the Middle East region. Interventions included bathing or skin care once daily, oral care twice daily, and ambulating patients three times daily. Parent and staff education materials were developed. The project moniker was Step 1-2-3, inspired by successful implementations of such measures in a U.S. cohort showing reduced CLABSI rates. The project used a mixed methods approach. We report outcomes through August 2022. Results: Pre-project (12/2019–05/2020) five CLABSIs occurred in the inpatient unit. Following the implementation of Step 1-2-3, Pediatric Oncology achieved 492 CLABSI-free days. Six CLABSIs then occurred over a short period of time between October 2021 and January 2022, which was associated with high levels of patient acuity and staff sick leave. The inpatient ward remained CLABSI-free from January 9, 2022, through August 2022. Discussion: Extended periods of CLABSI-free care in a pediatric hematology/oncology unit are achievable. A variety of factors contribute to the sustainability of being CLABSI-free. Data collection and analysis are important factors which aided in our understanding of our own CLABSI events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drosophila suzukii, also known as the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), is a polyphagous insect pest of soft-skinned small fruits. SWD, similar to other insects, is affected by climate change-associated factors, yet its impacts on the pest regarding its behavior, distribution, and survival remains poorly understood. Current climate change is allowing this species to colonize colder regions. This review explores how SWD adapts to survive during cold seasons, focusing on a plethora of overwintering strategies, and the transcriptomics changes in response to cold. Finally, it is discussed how climate change progression may promote the ability of this species to survive and spread, and what mitigation measures could be employed to overcome cold-adapted D. suzukii. Anthropogenic challenges, particularly climate change-associated factors, are strongly impacting the behavior, distribution, and survival of insects. Yet how these changes affect pests such as Drosophila suzukii, a cosmopolitan pest of soft-skinned small fruits, remains poorly understood. This polyphagous pest is chill-susceptible, with cold temperatures causing multiple stresses, including desiccation and starvation, also challenging the immune system. Since the invasion of Europe and the United States of America in 2009, it has been rapidly spreading to several European and American countries (both North and South American) and North African and Asian countries. However, globalization and global warming are allowing an altitudinal and latitudinal expansion of the species, and thus the colonization of colder regions. This review explores how D. suzukii adapts to survive during cold seasons. We focus on overwintering strategies of behavioral adaptations such as migration or sheltering, seasonal polyphenism, reproductive adaptations, as well as metabolic and transcriptomic changes in response to cold. Finally, we discuss how the continuation of climate change may promote the ability of this species to survive and spread, and what mitigation measures could be employed to overcome cold-adapted D. suzukii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The box tree moth, Cydalima perspectalis (Walker), is an invasive pest of Hyrcanian forests in Iran. In the current study, the effects of two boxwood species, Buxus hyrcana Pojark and B. microphylla Sieb. and Zucc. (Buxales: Buxaceae), were examined on ecophysiology of the pest. The demographic parameters were evaluated based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. The physiological characteristics of C. perspectalis were considered through fresh/dry weights and individually/group rearing methods. The results showed that C. perspectalis larvae were able to develop, survive and reproduce on both boxwood species. The developmental times were 41.62 and 41.46 days on B. hyrcana and B. microphylla, respectively. The total lifespan did not differ on boxwood species. However, the difference of fecundity on B. hyrcana (412.82 eggs/female) and B. microphylla (286.06 eggs/female) was significant. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly higher on B. hyrcana than B. microphylla. The nutritional indices showed that the consumption index (CI) on B. hyrcana were significantly lower than on B. microphylla based on fresh/dry weights in both rearing methods. Conversely, the efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) on B. hyrcana were significantly higher than on B. microphylla. Despite nonsignificant differences in leaf nutrient contents (except calcium), total protein, triglyceride, and alkaline phosphatase activity were inversely different in larvae compared to adult stage on boxwood species. These findings could help to comprehensively understand the performance of the pest on boxwood species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) is a patient-reported outcome measure developed to evaluate treatment results of clavicle, acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint pathologies. Valid, reliable and user-friendly translations of outcome measure instruments are needed to allow comparisons of international results. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to translate and adapt the NCS into German and evaluate the psychometric properties of the German version. Methods: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the NCS were completed using a 'translation–back translation" method and the final version was administered to 105 German-speaking patients. The psychometric properties of this version (NCS-G) were evaluated in terms of feasibility, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change. Results: No major differences occurred between the NCS translations into German and back into English, and no content- or linguistic-related difficulties were reported. The Cronbach's alpha for the NCS-G was 0.885, showing optimal internal consistency. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for test–retest reliability was 0.907 (95% CI 0.844–0.945), with a standard error of measurement of 5.59 points and a minimal detectable change of 15.50 points. The NCS-G showed moderate to strong correlation with all other investigated scales (Spearman correlation coefficient: qDASH: ρ = – 0.751; OSS: ρ = 0.728; Imatani Score: ρ = 0.646; CMS: ρ = 0.621; VAS: ρ = – 0.709). Good sensitivity to change was confirmed by an effect size of 1.17 (95% CI 0.89–1.47) and a standardized response mean of 1.23 (95% CI 0.98–1.45). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that NCS-G is reliable, valid, reproducible and well accepted by patients, showing analogous psychometric properties to the original English version. Level of evidence: Level III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is still controversial whether complete displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures should be treated with internal fixation or conservative therapy. This retrospective study aims to compare clinical outcomes of two treatment protocols., Materials and Methods: 105 patients with displaced and comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures were included in this study, among which 55 patients were treated conservatively and 50 patients accepted surgical fixation and were followed up for over 20 months on average. Rate of union, malunion, time taken for union, functional outcome, self-reported satisfaction and complications were compared., Results: Union rate of operative group (n=49, 98.0%) was higher than the non-operative group (n=48, 87.3%). Time taken for union in operative group (2.37±1.06 months) was shorter than the non-operative group (3.69±1.01 months). Malunion and asymmetric were only seen in the conservative group. Numbness of the shoulder was only reported in the operative group (n=23, 46.0%). Most of patients in the operative group (n=45, 90%) accepted a second operation to remove the implant. No statistically difference was found in self-reported satisfaction, Quick-DASH and Constant-Murley score. The operative group returned to work faster (1.47±0.89 to 3.34±1.37 months), regained full range of motion earlier (1.66±0.78 to 3.83±1.24 months) and regained strength faster (3.86±2.45 to 8.03±2.78 months) than the non-operative group., Conclusion: Complete displaced and comminuted mid-shaft clavicle fractures treated surgically have more reliable union and faster recovery when compared to conservatively treated fractures., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Drosophila suzukii (SWD) poses a threat to soft and stone fruit globally. SWD inhabits non‐crop areas adjacent to farms from where it moves into crops to cause damage. Effective IPM control strategies, considering both the crop and non‐crop area, are needed to control this economically important pest.We conducted a meta‐analysis to quantify the impacts of different non‐crop habitats around fruit farms on SWD populations, comparing abundance of SWD trapped in crop and non‐crop habitats.Overall, SWD abundance was greater in non‐crop habitats than in cropped areas and this difference was greatest in farms adjacent to woodland, or field margins containing known SWD host plants.The difference in SWD abundance between crop and non‐crop habitats was not affected by crop type but was greatest in the winter months and in conventional compared to organic farms, indicating conventional approaches can reduce relative SWD abundance.Drosophila suzukii overwinter in non‐crop habitats which provide refuge outside the cropping season. However, certain habitats support greater relative abundance of SWD than others and this is also affected by farm management. We discuss what these findings mean for effective control of SWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The invasive pest Drosophila suzukii is a fruit fly native to Asia that infests a wide variety of fruits. Wild plant species are major reservoirs for D. suzukii populations but their infestation rates vary greatly among geographical areas.We aimed at disentangling the relative roles of macroclimatic, landscape and local factors in the rate of D. suzukii infestation of elderberry fruits (Sambucus nigra), a major wild host plant in Europe.We collected elderberry fruits across 215 sites distributed in 13 regions from North to South of France. We counted the number of emerging D. suzukii adults and tested for the effect of macroclimatic, landscape, local biotic and abiotic variables, as well as plant traits using linear mixed models.Site latitude and mean daily maximum temperature since the beginning of the year had respectively the strongest positive and negative effects on mean infestation rates across regions. Infestation rates also increased with forest cover in a 100 m radius around sampling sites.This study shows the importance of taking into account multiple scales and factors, from the fruit characteristics (i.e. maturity) to landscape composition and macroclimatic variables, when studying the interaction between D. suzukii and its host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Ds) is an invasive pest insect that causes severe and widespread damage to soft fruit crops. Chemical control based on topical insecticides is inefficient and harmful to consumers and the environment, prompting interest in the development of biological control measures such as insect viruses with narrow host specificity. We previously described a strain of La Jolla virus (LJV) found in moribund Ds specimens in Germany. We demonstrated a pathogenic effect following the intrathoracic injection of LJV into adult Ds flies. However, the development of an effective biocontrol product based on LJV would require the characterization of (1) virulence following oral delivery, particularly in larvae, and (2) stability under different pH and temperature conditions reflecting realistic exposure scenarios. Here we describe the pathogenicity of LJV following oral delivery to Ds adults and larvae. The oral infection of Ds adults with LJV reduced survival in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the oral infection of Ds larvae caused the arrest of development during pupation. LJV remained stable and infectious following exposure to a broad pH range and different temperatures. We, therefore, demonstrated that LJV is promising as a candidate biological control agent against Ds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the potential of cultural management practices (CMPs) to service sustainable social and ecological adaptation to the invasive fruit fly spotted wing drosophila (SWD). We sampled SWD and parasitoids under different CMPs in tart cherry orchards in Michigan to assess the efficacy and ecological costs of CMPs. Additionally, we interviewed Michigan tart cherry growers to understand their adaptation behaviors in response to SWD. We found no difference in SWD or parasitoid abundances among the CMPs and no effect of parasitoids on SWD abundances. Growers generally saw CMPs as supplementary to chemical sprays without the potential to reduce or replace spraying. While CMPs showed low efficacy in SWD management and growers expressed limited confidence in their efficacy, diverse cultural pest management practices should continue to be explored for their potential to support ecological diversity and adaptive agricultural systems under the threat of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A glass with the mol. % compositions 51.7 B2O3/9.3 K2O/1 P2O5/27.6 Li2O/10.4 Fe2O3 was crystallized at temperatures in the range from 400 to 540 °C for different periods of time (2-12 h). X-ray diffraction showed cubic Li ferrite with a spinel structure, LiFe5O8, with small crystallites with sizes in the range from 3 to 31 nm. While the samples crystallized at 440, 480, and 500 °C reveal a disordered phase, crystallization at 540 °C indicates a phase transformation to the ordered state. Magnetization curves showed that the samples crystallized at 440 °C are superparamagnetic with very low maximum magnetization, while the samples crystallized at 480 and 500 °C show thin clear S-shaped magnetization curves with zero coercivity and hence are also superparamagnetic. By contrast, the sample crystallized at 540 °C shows a coercive field of 40 Oe and thus is ferrimagnetic. The magnetic properties can be tailored by the size of the ferrite crystals and hence by the crystallization conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of biological invasions are diverse and can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems. The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is a major invasive pest of fruits, which negatively affects fruit and wine production. However, little is known about the ecological impact of this fly species on more natural ecosystems it has invaded, such as forests. In this study, we investigated the use of potential host plants by D. suzukii at 64 sites in different forest communities in Switzerland from mid-June to midOctober 2020. We examined more than 12,000 fruits for egg deposits of D. suzukii to assess its direct impact on the plants. We recorded symptoms of fruit decay after egg deposition to determine if D. suzukii attacks trigger fruit decay. In addition, we monitored the drosophilid fauna with cup traps baited with apple cider vinegar, as we expected that D. suzukii would outnumber and potentially outcompete native controphics, especially other drosophilids. Egg deposits of D. suzukii were found on the fruits of 31 of the 39 potential host plant species studied, with 18 species showing an attack rate > 50%. Overall, fruits of Cotoneaster divaricatus (96%), Atropa bella-donna (91%), Rubus fruticosus corylifolius aggr. (91%), Frangula alnus (85%) and Sambucus nigra (83%) were attacked particularly frequently, resulting also in high predicted attack probabilities that varied among forest communities. Later and longer fruiting, black fruit colour, larger fruit size and higher pulp pH all positively affected attack rates. More than 50% of the plant species showed severe symptoms of decay after egg deposition, with higher pulp sugar content leading to more severe symptoms. The high fruit attack rate observed was reflected in a high abundance and dominance of D. suzukii in trap catches, independent of forest community and elevation. Drosophila suzukii was by far the most abundant species, accounting for 86% (81,395 individuals) of all drosophilids. The abundance of D. suzukii was negatively associated with the abundance of the native drosophilids. Our results indicate that the invasive D. suzukii competes strongly with other frugivorous species and that its presence might have far-reaching ecosystem-level consequences. The rapid decay of fruits attacked by D. suzukii leads to a loss of resources and may disrupt seed-dispersal mutualisms through the reduced consumption of fruits by dispersers such as birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine patients' perspectives on missed hygiene care and identify barriers to successful implementation using a focus group. Findings showed a lack of education and assistance; staff may contribute to this missed task. Nursing staff should re-prioritize bathing to impact patient outcomes positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes and compares the performance of Gaussian and Poisson regression models to examine the associations of Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) alone and in all possible combinations with Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Silvanidae), at 25, 30 and 35 °C, 55% and 75% relative humidity (RH), after 65 days, 130 days and 195 days of storage on maize. The increase of temperature from 25 to 30 °C increased the emergence of insects alive and of damaged kernels, while from 30 to 35 °C decreased the aforementioned parameters. The increase of RH from 55% to 75% increased both the emerged insects alive and the damaged kernels. When O. surinamensis was examined alone it outnumbered all the other insect species and their combinations except P. truncatus alone. Regarding damaged kernels, the combination of O. surinamensis- P. truncatus was the most damaging, while the combination of O. surinamensis-T. confusum was the least damaging. The Poisson model demonstrated better performance, hence future analyses could be based upon this model to analyze this type of data. Concerning the production of frass, the combinations of P. truncatus alone, O. surinamensis-P. truncatus, and O. surinamensis-T. confusum-P. truncatus were the most damaging. Our results could be useful for the prediction of damage when different species co-infest the same commodity. Furthermore, the reveal and recording of combinations that lead to elevated damage potential may differentiate the management strategies in storage facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii is a highly polyphagous pest species that can also attack grape. To prevent economic damage in vineyards, it is important to detect D. suzukii infestation early in order to protect grapes efficiently. Here, we firstly examined if peripheral zones adjacent to natural habitats and central zones within a vineyard differ in infestation levels, and, secondly, where within a grape cluster most eggs are laid. Among the eight infested vineyards studied, seven had higher D. suzukii infestation levels in peripheral zones adjacent to hedgerows, forests or gardens. Females laid 2.0‐fold more eggs on berries in the interior of grape clusters than on berries on the exterior of the cluster. Based on the finding that berries in the interior of grape clusters are more vulnerable, we developed a novel sampling method to estimate D. suzukii infestation level in vineyards more effectively. The so‐called 'whole cluster method' consists of a representative but random collection of five grape clusters per plot and a visual inspection of five berries each from the inner and outer part of a cluster totalling 50 checked berries per plot. We then compared our newly developed method to two established sampling methods to estimate D. suzukii infestations (i.e. 'single berry method' and 'cluster fragment method'), which rarely collect and inspect berries from the interior of clusters. In 87 comparisons conducted in 35 different plots, the 'whole cluster method' was the most sensitive sampling method as the calculated mean infestation rate was highest and it identified eggs earlier and in more samples than the other two methods. We therefore believe that the 'whole cluster method' is currently the most effective method to assess D. suzukii infestations in commercial vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]