Adult Host Research Articles

Posterior fossa ring-enhancing lesions in the adult immunocompetent host: illustrative cases, systematic review, and proposed diagnostic algorithm.

Posterior fossa ring-enhancing lesions (PFREL) in the adult immunocompetent hosts pose a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of PFREL etiologies and propose a diagnostic algorithm. This study involved a retrospective analysis of PFREL cases from our institution (January 2023 to April 2024) and a systematic literature review conducted using Embase and PubMed databases following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Clinical and radiological features from these cases formed the basis of a diagnostic algorithm, which was further refined via an additional comprehensive literature review, and finally validated on an independent set of PFREL cases. The systematic review (467 studies, 56 selected after inclusion/exclusion criteria) revealed that PFREL etiology was infectious in 52%, tumoral in 38% and inflammatory in 2% of cases. At initial presentation, mean age was 48 years and 36% of patients had multiple PFREL. Headache was the most common symptom (46%). Among those with reported outcomes, 36% showed complete resolution of symptoms, 29% showed improvement with residual symptoms, and 16% died. The diagnostic algorithm was created from a total of 116 PFREL cases (10 from our institutional series, 56 from the systematic literature review and 50 supplementary cases found in the literature) and included 29 possible PFREL etiologies. In the validation set (16 patients), the algorithm provided the correct diagnosis in each case. PFREL in immunocompetent adults encompass a broad differential diagnosis. Our algorithm integrates clinical and radiologic data to assist in identifying the underlying cause of PFREL, potentially reducing the need for neurosurgical biopsy. This approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, leading to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes. ADEM = acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; CLL = chronic lymphocytic leukemia; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; DLBCL: diffuse large B cell lymphoma; FLAIR = fluid attenuated inversion recovery; MeSH = medical subject headings; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NIHSS = National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; NMOSD = neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder; PFREL = posterior fossa ring enhancing lesion; PRISMA = Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses; SUV max = maximum standardized uptake value.

P-717. Genetic Analysis of A(H3N2) Influenza Viruses and Associations with Host Characteristics among Kaiser Permanente Northern California Adults during the 2018-2019 Season

Abstract Background Influenza A(H3N2) viruses exhibit significant genetic diversity and mutations may escape acquired host immunity, potentially triggering infections among vaccinees. This study aims to explore associations between genetic changes in A(H3N2) viruses and vaccinal status of their adult hosts vaccinated with quadrivalent attenuated standard dose (SD-IIV4) vaccine, with recombinant (RIV4) vaccine, or not vaccinated, alongside exploration of associations with other host demographics. Overview of virus and host populations characteristics. On the left part is shown the phylogenetic tree based on HA nucleotide sequences. On the right is displayed the clinical characteristics of the associated host population: from left to right, the columns represent age, sex, any comorbidities (asthma, diabetes, COPD, CHD), vaccination status in 2018/2019 season and vaccination status in the season just before, 2017/2018 season. Methods We conducted whole genome sequencing of 192 A(H3N2) viruses collected during the 2018/2019 season from Kaiser Permanente Northern California members aged 18-64 years vaccinated with either SD-IIV4 (n=89) or RIV4 (n=62) or unvaccinated (n=41) who developed a mild influenza disease. Additional host variables included age, sex, underlying medical conditions and previous season (2017/2018) vaccination status. Phylogenetic analyses were performed at nucleotide and amino acid level. Associations between specific mutations of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) and vaccine status were assessed by a) known antigenic drift mutations and b) agnostically, considering all mutations. Various clustering analyses were performed, including Multiple Component Analysis, Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components, and K-means. Observed number of amino acid distinct patterns by the vaccination status. Blue represents when all viruses sharing a similar amino acid pattern were identified in vaccinated hosts, and red color when not, i.e. both the unique patterns were found for viruses detected in vaccinated and unvaccinated hosts. A distinct pattern is defined here as a - unique - set of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase amino acids. Results Our sample set reflects the mismatch between circulating viruses and 2018/2019 vaccine composition (Figure 1). The observed viral genetic diversity among vaccinated individuals was higher than those who were unvaccinated (Figure 2): among 58 observed unique amino acid combinations, 64% were found solely in those vaccinated. The vaccine type administered was rarely associated with HA mutations known to trigger a drift: 1 in 44 (Figure 3). Relative frequencies of non-synonymous HA mutations per vaccine status of their associated host, per known risk of antigenic drift – from 0, no knowledge to 3,high known risk-. Risk of antigenic drift were the ones identified by FluSurver[3]. Red color of “T151K” tick highlights the fact this is the unique mutation where frequency in vaccinated and in unvaccinated sub-populations is statistically different (p-value=0.023). Conclusion Preliminary results revealed an increased frequency of mutations in the HA and NA genes of vaccinated cases relative to non-vaccinated cases. Holistic characterization of influenza viruses can help contextualize the effectiveness of influenza vaccines, especially in a season of substantial mismatch. Further analyses, including with robust sample size, could consolidate these findings, shedding light on the impact of viral mutations on host immune escape. Disclosures Ombeline Jollivet, MSc, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Sandra S. Chaves, MD, MSc, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company)|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Christophe Carré, PhD, Sanofi: Employee Nicola P. Klein, MD, PhD, CSL Seqirus: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support Kamela Ng, PhD, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Ruvim Izikson, MD, MPH, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Heidi Kabler, MD, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company) Clotilde El Guerche-Séblain, PhD, Sanofi: Employee|Sanofi: Stocks/Bonds (Private Company)

Integration of Transplanted Interneurons Over a New Period of Ocular Dominance Plasticity in Adult Visual Cortex.

Cortical interneurons play an important role in mediating the juvenile critical period for ocular dominance plasticity in the mouse primary visual cortex. Previously, we showed that transplantation of cortical interneurons derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) opens a robust period of ocular dominance plasticity 33-35 days after transplantation into neonatal host visual cortex. The plasticity can be induced by transplanting either PV or SST MGE-derived cortical interneurons; it requires transplanted interneurons to express the vesicular GABAergic transporter; and it is manifested by changes to the host visual circuit. Here, we show that transplantation of MGE-derived cortical interneurons into the adult host visual cortex also opens a period of ocular dominance plasticity. The transplanted interneurons must be active to induce plasticity, and the neuronal activity and tuning of visually evoked responses in transplanted and host PV and SST interneurons are modulated by the locomotor state of the host. We also show that changes in activity over the period of plasticity induction are different between PV and SST interneurons but similar between host and transplanted interneurons of each type. The present findings demonstrate that the transplant-induced plasticity generated in adult visual cortex has many features in common with the role of these interneurons during the normal, juvenile critical period.

African schistosomes in small mammal communities: Perspectives from a spatio-temporal survey in the vicinity of Lake Guiers, Senegal.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of public health significance. In view of its elimination as a public health problem by 2030, adopting a One Health approach is necessary, considering its multidimensional nature. Animal reservoirs, in particular, pose a significant threat to schistosomiasis control in Africa and beyond. In this study, we conducted a spatio-temporal survey of Schistosoma infections in small mammal communities and intermediate snail hosts in the vicinity of Lake Guiers in northern Senegal. Sampling campaigns were undertaken four times between April 2021 and August 2022 around eight villages. A total of 534 small mammals of four species, primarily Hubert's multimammate mice Mastomys huberti, were captured. Out of 498 individuals examined, only 18 rodents (17 M. huberti and 1 Arvicanthis niloticus) were infected with schistosomes. The infection rates in M. huberti varied over time (prevalence range: 2.4% to 9.3%, intensity range: 4 to 132), and space (prevalence range: 3.1% to 40%, intensity range: 2 to 110) and were higher in adult hosts captured during or just after the rainy season, a time when older individuals dominate in rodent populations. Using a multi-locus molecular approach (cox1 and ITS) on Schistosoma larvae (cercariae and miracidia) and adult worms, we identified Schistosoma mansoni as the most widespread species. We also detected Schistosoma bovis and Schistosoma haematobium in M. huberti from one locality (Temeye). Although no Schistosoma hybrids were found, the discovery of a male S. mansoni and a female S. bovis pair raises concerns about potential hybridization patterns that could occur in rodents. Finally, three snail species were found infected (25 Biomphalaria pfeifferi, 3 Bulinus truncatus and 1 Bulinus senegalensis) including with S. mansoni, S. bovis, S. haematobium and S. haematobium x S. bovis hybrids. Our findings highlight the spatial-temporal variations of Schistosoma infections in rodents and emphasize the need for fine-scale monitoring over time and space for effective One Health measures and ensuring the sustainability of schistosomiasis control efforts.

Finds of Cisurgus ferulae Pfeffer, 1983 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in Kazakhstan

Cisurgus ferulae Pfeffer, 1983 is recorded for the first time in Northern and Southern Kazakhstan. Original photographs of adult external structures, male genitalia, spermatheca, biotopes, and host plants are provided as well as an amended description of the species.

New larval host records, parasitoid records, and DNA barcoding data for North American leaf-mining leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea)

We discuss 46 species of North American leaf-mining leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Megalopodidae), plus one external feeder observed to spin its cocoon within the leaf mine of another insect. For each species, we review previous records of larval and adult hosts and associated hymenopteran parasitoids, augmenting these with our own observations, including the first accounts of oviposition and larval habits for many species. We present the first rearing records for 12 of these species: Anisostena californica Van Dyke, A. funesta (Baly), A. lecontii (Baly), A. perspicua (Horn), Microrhopala excavata (Olivier), Odontota floridana Butte, Stenopodius lateralis (Schaeffer), Altica lazulina LeConte, Dibolia obscura Parry, Monoxia inornata Blake, Zeugophora puberula Crotch, and Z. varians Crotch; as well as 18 new state and provincial records for chrysomeloids, although some of these are based on tentative identifications. We also present original DNA barcoding data showing intra- and interspecific variation among 18 species of hispines (Chrysomelidae: Chalepini). Our data do not provide evidence for cryptic species within Baliosus nervosus (Panzer), Sumitrosis inaequalis (Weber), and S. rosea (Weber) hypothesized based on differences in larval hosts and leaf mines. However, they do suggest the possibility of cryptic species within Tilia-feeding B. nervosus, as well as within S. ancoroides (Schaeffer) and perhaps Microrhopala excavata and Odontota horni Smith. Our barcoding data also support the recognition of the Silphium-feeding M. laetula LeConte as distinct from the Solidago-feeding M. vittata (Fabricius).

Life cycle of Amblyomma calcaratum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions.

The life-cycle of Amblyomma calcaratum was evaluated experimentally under laboratory conditions using birds (Serinus canaria, Gallus gallus) and rodents (Calomys callosus) as hosts for immatures and a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as host for adults. Developmental periods of the non-parasitic stages were observed in an incubator at 27°C and 90% RH. The passerine S. canaria was the most suitable host for larvae and nymphs whereas the rodent C. callosus was not suitable to both immatures; only one engorged larva was recovered. The suitability of S. canaria for larvae and nymphs of A. calcaratum supports field data regarding passerine birds as main hosts for A. calcaratum immatures. Among the Amblyomma species which life cycle has been evaluated under laboratory conditions, A. calcaratum is one with the longest off-host developmental periods.

Hitchhiking bryozoans (Gymnolaemata) on sea turtles (Cheloniidae) from southeastern United States to Honduras

To understand the symbiosis between epizoic bryozoans and sea turtles, we examined 52 sea turtles whose range spanned from Georgia, United States to Honduras, from three host species: Caretta caretta (loggerhead), Chelonia mydas (green), and Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill). Of these, 13% were adults and 87% were juveniles. We found 18 bryozoan colonies belonging to seven different gymnolaemate bryozoan species. Five were cheilostomes (Biflustra arborescens, Biflustra cf. conjunctiva, Bugula neritina, Schizoporella errata, and Aetea sp.) and two were ctenostomes (Alcyonidium hauffi and Anguinella palmata). Biflustra cf. conjunctiva and Aetea sp. are reported here for the first time on sea turtles. Biflustra cf. conjunctiva is an invasive species from the South China Sea and reported here for the first time in the southeastern United States. Of the 52 sea turtles examined, 15% were fouled by bryozoans: 88% of the loggerheads, 3% of the greens, and none of the hawksbills. Combining all host species, 86% of adult sea turtles were fouled by bryozoans compared to 4% of juveniles. Fouled hosts were significantly larger than unfouled hosts. We attribute this to the target area hypothesis, as the juvenile sea turtles were significantly smaller targets for bryozoan larval settlement than the adult hosts. The bryozoans were all found on the hosts’ dorsal carapace, and the number of bryozoan colonies increased significantly in a posterior direction across the carapace. Of the 18 bryozoan colonies, 89% were encrusting and 11% were erect, yet flexible. We describe this nonobligate/facultative commensal symbiotic relationship as phoretic (i.e., hitchhiking).

Ultrasonography Analysis and Incidence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among some Selected Junior Secondary School Students in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study assesses urinary schistosomiasis prevalence and associated ultrasonographic abnormalities among school-aged children in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. By combining urine sample analysis and ultrasound examination, the research identifies a significant infection rate (5.00%) and highlights the presence of urinary tract abnormalities in 70% of infected subjects. The findings underscore the ongoing disease burden of schistosomiasis in the region and advocate for expanded research on adult populations and snail intermediate hosts to inform targeted intervention strategies. Full Abstract This study evaluated urinary schistosomiasis and ultrasonography incidence among school-aged children in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Three hundred urine samples were collected from students within 5-16 years from 3 selected schools. The samples were tested for urinary schistosomiasis, and information was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. The weight and height of the samples were measured using an electronic scale (9201 SV3R) and a portable stadiometer (ADE MZ10042). 5.29% of males and 3.70% of females tested positive for urinary schistosomiasis. Ultrasound examination was performed on ten positive and one negative subjects for confirmation. The mean age was 11.00±5.72 years. Seven out of ten (70%) subjects showed urinary tract abnormalities. The ultrasound findings revealed two out of ten (20%) had bladder wall thickening, four out of ten (40%) had an irregular shape of the bladder wall, and ureteric dilatation was observed in one out of ten (10%) among the subjects. Ultrasound is a useful tool for identifying the morbidity of S. haematobium. Schistosomiasis infection amongst schools in Rigachikun was established at 5.00%. This has confirmed that schistosomiasis is still a disease burden amongst school-aged students in Rigachikun and, by extension, all the study area's inhabitants. It can be recommended that further studies need to be carried out on adults and snail intermediate hosts.

Silicon nonspecifically affects aggressiveness in Fusarium head blight pathogens

Silicon (Si) has been largely regarded to have no selection pressure on plant pathogens because it regulates plant defense system to reduce pathogen infection and development and does not directly affect pathogen itself; however, its effect seems to be specific in some pathogen-host plant interactions. In Fusarium head blight (FHB), associated with devastating agronomic effects on total yield and grain quality, which infects higher Si-absorbers and –accumulators wheat and barley plants; its effect on aggressiveness is unknown. To clarify the nature of reduction of FHB symptoms upon Si treatment at the earliest and latest development stages, we analyzed Si effect on nine aggressiveness components obtained under several experimental conditions. We used 16 fungal isolates of varying aggressiveness and eight bread wheat, durum wheat and barley cultivars with contrast susceptibility to disease. The positive effect of Si on enhancing host resistance against Fusarium infection in the young and adult host parts showed that the nine components evaluated in this study were negatively impacted by Si. Definitely, Si at 1.7 mM reduced equally FHB symptoms from the highest and least pathogenic isolates of the four tested Fusarium species regardless of botanical background for the used plant materials. This indicates for the first time that Si nonspecifically affects aggressiveness in FHB pathogens. Our results reveal that Si could be a valuable tool in integrated pathogen management by suppressing pathogen development on wheat and barley when affected by Fusarium. Most importantly, no hazard exists to emergence of Si-resistant pathogen populations upon Si applications on diverse FHB populations.

Host plant selection is linked to performance in Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).

The evolution of oviposition preference in insects is considered a key evolutionary strategy in the context of host-plant interaction. It is hypothesized that insects maximize the survival and fitness of the subsequent generations by preferring specific host plant(s), known as the "preference-performance hypothesis." In this study, we tested whether adult host preference reflects the immature performance in an oligophagous insect, Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick, a rapidly emerging invasive pest in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Based on a preliminary survey of the potential host plants of P. absoluta, we selected 6 Solanaceae species, namely, tomato, potato, eggplant, black nightshade, sweet pepper, and tobacco, for the oviposition preference studies. The results indicated that the tomato was the most preferred host in no-, dual- and multiple-choice assays, followed by potato, eggplant, and black nightshade. Subsequently, the insect life-table parameters were found to be superior on tomato compared to other hosts. The order of oviposition preference on the host plants was strongly correlated with the life-table parameters of P. absoluta. Thus, we provide clear evidence for the preference-performance hypothesis in the host selection behavior of P. absoluta. We also emphasize the necessity of conducting oviposition behavior research at various geographic locations to develop tailor-made integrated pest management programs.

Buprestidae (Coleoptera) from Oaxaca State, Mexico.

A checklist with 246 species, three subspecies, 37 genera, 19 tribes, and four subfamilies of Buprestidae and their distribution in the state of Oaxaca is provided. Acmaeodera crossi Barr, 1992, Chrysobothris viridiimpressa Gory & Laporte, 1837 and Melanophila atra Gory, 1841 are recorded for the first time in the state. Leucaena esculenta (DC.) Benth and Vachellia pennatula (Schltdl. & Cham.) Seigler & Ebinger, are recorded as new adult host plants for two buprestid species in Mexico.

ZFYVE21 promotes endothelial nitric oxide signaling and vascular barrier function in the kidney during aging

ZFYVE21 is an ancient, endosome-associated protein that is highly expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) but whose function(s) invivo are undefined. Here, we identified ZFYVE21 as an essential regulator of vascular barrier function in the aging kidney. ZFYVE21 levels significantly decline in ECs in aged human and mouse kidneys. To investigate attendant effects, we generated EC-specific Zfyve21-/- reporter mice. These knockout mice developed accelerated aging phenotypes including reduced endothelial nitric oxide (ENOS) activity, failure to thrive, and kidney insufficiency. Kidneys from Zfyve21 EC-/- mice showed interstitial edema and glomerular EC injury. ZFYVE21-mediated phenotypes were not programmed developmentally as loss of ZFYVE21 in ECs during adulthood phenocopied its loss prenatally, and a nitric oxide donor normalized kidney function in adult hosts. Using live cell imaging and human kidney organ cultures, we found that in a GTPase Rab5- and protein kinase Akt-dependent manner, ZFYVE21 reduced vesicular levels of inhibitory caveolin-1 and promoted transfer of Golgi-derived ENOS to a perinuclear Rab5+ vesicular population to functionally sustain ENOS activity. Thus, our work defines a ZFYVE21- mediated trafficking mechanism sustaining ENOS activity and demonstrates the relevance of this pathway for maintaining kidney function with aging.

Adult Feeding Experience Determines the Fecundity and Preference of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Both larvae and adults of the Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata feed on leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. Given the variation in planting times of host plants in the Jianghan Plain, host switching between larvae and adults of H. vigintioctopunctata is inevitable to ensure continuous food availability. We evaluated the effect of consistent versus diverse larval and adult host plant feeding experience on growth performance, fecundity, longevity, and feeding preferences of H. vigintioctopunctata through match-mismatch experiments. Host plant quality significantly influences larval development and adult reproduction. Potatoes are identified as the optimal host plant for H. vigintioctopunctata, whereas eggplants significantly negatively affect the adult fecundity. Adult stage host feeding experience determines the fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. The fecundity of H. vigintioctopunctata adults on eggplant leaves remains significantly lower than that observed on potato leaves. Similarly, adult H. vigintioctopunctata demonstrate a preference for consuming potato leaves, irrespective of the larval feeding experience. Although host switching between larval and adult stages offers lesser benefits for the performance of herbivorous insects compared to a consistent diet with potato leaves, it maintains H. vigintioctopunctata population continuity amidst shortages of high-quality potato hosts.

GREGARINA LUTESCENS N. SP. INFECTING THE HARLEQUIN LADYBIRD HARMONIA AXYRIDIS (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE).

Gregarina lutescens n. sp. is described from the alimentary canal of the harlequin ladybird or multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) collected from prairie fleabane, Erigeron strigosus, at Peru State College, Peru, Nemaha Co., Nebraska. Our specimens differ from all 11 known species of Gregarina infecting coccinellid beetles worldwide by differences in size and relative shape, color, and association structure. Gregarina lutescens n. sp. is smaller than 7 known species infecting coccinellid beetles but larger than the other 4 known species based on confidence interval exclusion of means. Our specimens are unique among known species of interest in their quince-yellow cytoplasm and precocious but ephemeral serial associations of up to 5 satellites. Nucleotide sequence (18S) phylogenetic analyses place the new species basal to a member of an internal clade of Gregarina that comprises gregarines parasitizing chrysomelid beetles. Phylogenetically, the analysis recovered 3 major lineages within the gregarines, representing the superfamilies Gregarinoidea, Stenophoroidea, and Stylocephaloidea and indicating the propensity of gregarines to track host lineages and environments through evolutionary time. These findings confirm the polyphyletic nature of Gregarina, which currently comprises over 300 described species, only a handful of which have documented genetic sequences suitable for phylogenetic analysis. Recollection, redescription, and molecular clarification of gregarine species infecting coccinellids would likely result in identification of a unique clade that would be an excellent system for studying the effect of intraguild host competition on parasite diversification and community structure. Ecologically, patterns of prevalence in this study indicate that G. lutescens reproduces primarily in larval hosts but depends on infections in adult beetles to overwinter, reflecting the differential vagility and frost tolerance of larval and adult host life cycle stages.

Non-professional efferocytosis of Salmonella-infected intestinal epithelial cells in the neonatal host.

The intestinal epithelium is the first line of defense against enteric pathogens. Removal of infected cells by exfoliation prevents mucosal translocation and systemic infection in the adult host, but is less commonly observed in the neonatal intestine. Instead, here, we describe non-professional efferocytosis of Salmonella-infected enterocytes by neighboring epithelial cells in the neonatal intestine. Intestinal epithelial stem cell organoid cocultures of neonatal and adult cell monolayers with damaged enterocytes replicated this observation, confirmed the age-dependent ability of intestinal epithelial cells for efferocytosis, and identified the involvement of the "eat-me" signals and adaptors phosphatidylserine and C1q as well as the "eat-me" receptors integrin-αv (CD51) and CD36 in cellular uptake. Consistent with this, massive epithelial cell membrane protrusions and CD36 accumulation at the contact site with apoptotic cells were observed in the infected neonatal host in vivo. Efferocytosis of infected small intestinal enterocytes by neighboring epithelial cells may represent a previously unrecognized mechanism of neonatal antimicrobial host defense to maintain barrier integrity.

Studies of Serrasentis sagittifer (Linton, 1889) Van Cleave, 1923 from cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linn.) in the Arabian Gulf; with Molecular Analysis and Optical Microscopy

The finding of a population of Serrasentis sagittifer (Linton, 1889) Van Cleave, 1923 in Cobia Rachycentron canadum (Linn.) in the Arabian Gulf off Iranian waters prompted the study of its molecular parameters known previously only from a population of adults from the same host species, and of immatures from northern Australian waters and from other hosts in the Red Sea. We have previously described S. sagittifer from Cobia and from paratenic hosts in the same Gulf waters off Kuwait and Qatar and detailed its worldwide morphological variability and geographical distribution. We have processed and sampled a few specimens from the Arabian Gulf off Iran for morphological verification of their diagnosis and offered a few light microscopical images that accentuate their identity in Iranian waters for the first time. We document additional diagnostic features of S. sagittifer using optical microscopy. We determine that the distribution of S. sagittifer runs parallel that of its primary adult host, R. canadum, worldwide. We have used the 18S and 28S gene regions of ribosomal RNA, including the mitochondrial cox1 gene, for molecular analysis of an Arabian Gulf population for the first time. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods were used for phylogenetic reconstructions, the sequences of S. sagittifer from Iran were grouped within the genus Serrasentis and placed as a sister group to S. nadakali George and Nadakal, 1978. Due to the lack of molecular data for other species of this group of Rhadinorhynchidae, the present phylogenetic inferences are required to continue exploring the genetic diversity of this group of species to infer their phylogeny. The cox 1 haplotype network inferred with 14 sequences of S. sagittifer revealed 13 haplotypes separated from each other by a few substitutions. Our ocular microscopy accentuated morphological details of S. Sagittifer and the haplotype network genealogy produced in this study based on mt cox1 sequences from S. sagitiffer show a phylogeographic structure for the first time; therefore, the haplotypes grouped into their own geographic clusters.

MEASURING UNMET NEEDS FOR COMMUNITY-DWELLING CONSUMERS OF HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES USING NCI-AD DATA

Abstract Rebalancing efforts have focused on helping more people age in the community rather than institutional settings. Yet, we know little of whether actual services being offered meet consumer needs. HCBS provides intermittent services and supports to consumers and variability can create increased reliance on informal caregivers, contributing to unmet need. This can be especially true for consumers living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), whose needs may fluctuate and intensify as functional and/or cognitive impairments advance. This presentation examines unmet need among a national sample of older adult (65+) consumers of publicly funded HCBS, using data from the National Core Indicators - Aging and Disability (NCI-AD) survey from 2016-2019. We restrict our sample to community-dwelling older adults, where community-dwelling includes: own or family house/apartment, senior living apartment/complex, group home, adult family home, foster, or host home. Our results showed that services that were most commonly used were home-based services (57%), with at least half of the consumers using two different services to support their needs. Factors associated with wanting more services included being a woman, living alone, having a physical disability, and a diagnosis of AD/ADRD. Older adults with AD/ADRD desired more services than those without AD/ADRD, with additional desired services for caregiver supports and transportation. Our findings speak to the need to measure and improve person-centered quality of publicly-funded HCBS for older adults, with particular attention to the needs of those living with AD/ADRD.

The nematicide emamectin benzoate increases ROS accumulation in Pinus massoniana and poison Monochamus alternatus.

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and transmitted by a vector insect, the Monochamus alternatus. The PWN has caused much extensive damage to pine-dominated forest ecosystems. Trunk injection of emamectin benzoate (EB) has been found to be the most useful protective measure against the PWN, due to its low effective dose and long residence time in the field. However, the interactions between EB and the host or the environment remain largely unknown, which limits the efficacy and stability of EB in practical field settings. In this study, we investigated the impact on PWN from EB injection for both adult and young host plants (Pinus massoniana) by taking a multi-omics (phenomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, and metabolomics) approach. We found that EB injection can significantly reduce the amount of PWN in both living adult and young pine trees. Additionally, EB was able to activate the genetic response of P. massoniana against PWN, promotes P. massoniana growth and development and resistance to Pine wilt disease, which requires the presence of PWN. Further, the presence of EB greatly increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the host plant in a PWN-dependent manner, possibly by affecting ROS-related microbes and metabolites. Moreover, we uncovered the function of EB limiting the consumption of P. massoniana by the JPS. Based on biochemical and gut microbial data, we found that EB can significantly reduces cellulase activity in JPS, whose transcription factors, sugar metabolism, and the phosphotransferase system are also affected. These results document the impact of EB on the entire PWD transmission chain through multi-omics regarding the dominant pine (P. massoniana) in China and provide a novel perspective for controlling PWD outbreaks in the field.

Virus infections in honeybee colonies naturally surviving ectoparasitic mite vectors

Western honeybee populations, Apis mellifera, in Europe have been known to survive infestations of the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, by means of natural selection. Proposed mechanisms in literature have been focused on the management of this parasite, however literature remains scare on the differences in viral ecology between colonies that have adapted to V. destructor and those that are consistently treated for it. Samples were collected from both a mite-surviving and a sympatric mite-susceptible honeybee population in Norway. The prevalence and abundances of 10 viruses, vectored by the parasite or not, were investigated in adult host workers and pupae as well as in V. destructor mites. Here we show that the mite-vectored Deformed wing virus (DWV-A) is often lower in both abundance and prevalence in the mite-surviving population in tandem with lower phoretic mite infestations compared to the mite susceptible population. However, the non-mite-vectored Black queen cell virus (BQCV), had both a higher abundance and prevalence in the mite-surviving population compared to the susceptible population. The data therefore suggest that general adaptations to virus infections may be unlikely to explain colony survival. Instead, mechanisms suppressing mite reproduction and therefore the impact seem to be more important.