Alternative Control Methods Research Articles

Patateslerde kök boğazı nekrozu ve siyah siğil hastalığı (Rhizoctonia solani)’nın kimyasal ve biyolojik yöntemlerle mücadele olanaklarının araştırılması

Amaç: Bu çalışmada; çeşitli fungisitlerin, bitki aktivatörlerinin ve biyolojik preparatların patateslerde Kök Boğazı Nekrozu ve Siyah Siğil hastalığı etmeni Rhizoctonia solani’nin miseliyal gelişiminin ve hastalık çıkışının baskılanması üzerindeki etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem ve Bulgular: Denemede, laboratuvar koşullarında fungisitlerin (flutolanil, fluxapyroxad, tolclophos-methyl+thiram, penflufen+prothiconazole ve fludioxonil) ve bitki aktivatörlerinin (ISR-2000, Crop-set, Aliette ve Messenger Gold) R. solani’nin miseliyal gelişmesine etkileri belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca biyolojik ürünlerin (T-22 Planter Box,Trianum-p, Serenade ve Cedriks) R. solani’ye karşı antagonistik etkileri de incelenmiştir. Mikro parsel denemeleriyle kimyasallar ve biyofungal ve biyobakteriyel preparatların R. solani’nin hastalık oluşturması üzerine etkileri değerlendirilmiştir. In vitro denemeleri sonuçlarına göre, fungisitlerlerden tolclophos-methyl+thiram ve flutolanil 5 ppm’den itibaren miseliyal gelişmeyi %100 engellemiştir. Bitki aktivatörlerinde arasında ise en yüksek fungisidal etki 1000 ppm’de %31.5 engelleme ile Aliette’den elde edilmiştir. Trichoderma harzianum’un ticari biyofungal preparatları, miseliyal gelişmeyi %3.8 ile %66.9 arasında değişen oranlarda baskılamıştır. Ticari biyobakteriyel preparatlar olan Pseudomonas fluorescens (Cedriks) ve Bacillus subtilis (Serenade) sırasıyla miseliyal gelişmeyi %82.9 ve %59.4 oranında engellemiştir. Mikro parsel denemeleri denemeleri sonuçlarına göre ise en başarılı uygulamalar tolclophos-methyl+thiram, fosetyl-al ve P. fluorescens olarak belirlenmiştir. Genel Yorum: Test edilen uygulamalar arasında, Tolclophos-methyl+thiram, fosetyl-Al ve P. fluorescens uygulamaları hem in vitro hem de in vivo koşullarda R. solani’yi önemli düzeyde baskılamıştır. Çalışmanın Önemi ve Etkisi: Fungisitler, laboratuvar koşullarında oldukça etkili bulunsa da tarla koşullarında bazı bitki aktivatörleri ve biyopreparatlara oldukça benzer etki göstermiştir. Bu etki göz önüne alındığında bitki aktivatörleri ve biyopreparatların, sentetik kimyasal fungisitlere alternatif mücadele yöntemi olarak potansiyele sahip olabileceklerini söylemek mümkündür.

Comparison of larval eating capacity of two indigenous larvivorous fishes in malaria vector control in laboratory conditions in Dogbo district in south-western Benin, West Africa

Because of problems with insecticide resistance, alternative malaria control methods were necessary. These methods include the use of biological control agents, such as larvivorous fish. This study aimed to compare the larval eating capacity of two indigenous larvivorous fishes in malaria vector control in laboratory conditions in Dogbo district in south-western Benin. Larvae of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method in July 2020 during the rainy season in Dogbo district. Alive Clarias gariepinus and Orechromis niloticus fishes were bought immediately once catched by fishers of Ganvié location in So-Ava district and carried by car from Ganvié location to the Laboratory. Laboratory evaluation for larvivorous efficacy was conducted. The results obtained in the current study showed that the larval eating capacity of Clarias gariepinus fish when this fish was fed was higher than that of Orechromis niloticus indigenous larvivorous fish in the laboratory conditions. Similar results were obtained when these different fishes were unfed. In a context of environmental crisis and global changes, environmentally friendly methods should be encouraged. The use of indigenous larvivorous fishes as predators to control malaria mosquitoes is obviously insufficient in the current study.

Antiparasitic Activity of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) and Its Components against Medically Important Ectoparasites: A Systematic Review.

Ectoparasites are pathogens that can infect the skin and cause immense pain, discomfort, and disease. They are typically managed with insecticides. However, the fast-emerging antimicrobial resistance and the slow rate of development of new bio-actives combined with environmental and health concerns over the continued use of neurotoxic insecticides warrant newer and alternative methods of control. Tea tree oil (TTO), as an alternative agent, has shown remarkable promise against ectoparasites in recent studies. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to assess preclinical and clinical studies exploring the antiparasitic activity of TTO and its components against clinically significant ectoparasites, such as Demodex mites, scabies mites, house dust mites, lice, fleas, chiggers, and bed bugs. We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE (EBSCOhost), Embase (Scopus), CENTRAL, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS in any language from inception to 4 April 2022. Studies exploring the therapeutic activity of TTO and its components against the ectoparasites were eligible. We used the ToxRTool (Toxicological data reliability assessment) tool, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, and the Jadad scale to assess the methodological qualities of preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) studies, non-randomised controlled trials (including cohort, case series, and case studies), and randomised controlled trials, respectively. Of 497 identified records, 71 studies were included in this systematic review, and most (66%) had high methodological quality. The findings of this review revealed the promising efficacy of TTO and its components against ectoparasites of medical importance. Most importantly, the compelling in vitro activity of TTO against ectoparasites noted in this review seems to have translated well into the clinical environment. The promising outcomes observed in clinical studies provide enough evidence to justify the use of TTO in the pharmacotherapy of ectoparasitic infections.

Real-Time Anticipation and Prevention of Hot Spots by Monitoring the Dynamic Conductance of Photovoltaic Panels

Hot spotting in photovoltaic (PV) panels causes physical damage, power loss, reduced lifetime reliability, and increased manufacturing costs. The problem arises routinely in defect-free standard panels; any string of cells that receives uneven illumination can develop hot spots, and the temperature rise often exceeds 100 <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\circ$</tex-math></inline-formula> C in conventional monocrystalline-silicon panels despite on-panel bypass diodes, the standard mitigation technique. Bypass diodes limit the power dissipated in a cell subjected to reverse bias, but they do not prevent hot spots from forming. An alternative control method has been suggested by Kernahan (Kernahan, 2015) that senses in real time the dynamic conductance <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$|$</tex-math></inline-formula> d <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">I</i> /d <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">V</i> <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$|$</tex-math></inline-formula> of a string of cells and adjusts its operating current so that a partially shaded cell is never forced into reverse bias. We start by exploring the behavior of individual illuminated PV cells when externally forced into reverse bias. We observe that cells can suffer significant heating and structural damage, with desoldering of cell-tabbing and discolorations on the front cell surface. Then we test PV panels and confirm Kernahan’s proposed panel-level solution that anticipates and prevents hot spots in real time. Simulations of cells and panels confirm our experimental observations and provide insights into both the operation of Kernahan’s method and panel performance.

Development of Bovine Gastric Organoids as a Novel In Vitro Model to Study Host-Parasite Interactions in Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections.

Gastro-intestinal nematode (GIN) parasites are a major cause of production losses in grazing cattle, primarily through reduced growth rates in young animals. Control of these parasites relies heavily on anthelmintic drugs; however, with growing reports of resistance to currently available anthelmintics, alternative methods of control are required. A major hurdle in this work has been the lack of physiologically relevant in vitro infection models that has made studying precise interactions between the host and the GINs difficult. Such mechanistic insights into the infection process will be valuable for the development of novel targets for drugs, vaccines, or other interventions. Here we created bovine gastric epithelial organoids from abomasal gastric tissue and studied their application as in vitro models for understanding host invasion by GIN parasites. Transcriptomic analysis of gastric organoids across multiple passages and the corresponding abomasal tissue showed conserved expression of tissue-specific genes across samples, demonstrating that the organoids are representative of bovine gastric tissue from which they were derived. We also show that self-renewing and self-organising three-dimensional organoids can also be serially passaged, cryopreserved, and resuscitated. Using Ostertagia ostertagi, the most pathogenic gastric parasite in cattle in temperate regions, we show that cattle gastric organoids are biologically relevant models for studying GIN invasion in the bovine abomasum. Within 24 h of exposure, exsheathed larvae rapidly and repeatedly infiltrated the lumen of the organoids. Prior to invasion by the parasites, the abomasal organoids rapidly expanded, developing a ‘ballooning’ phenotype. Ballooning of the organoids could also be induced in response to exposure to parasite excretory/secretory products. In summary, we demonstrate the power of using abomasal organoids as a physiologically relevant in vitro model system to study interactions of O. ostertagi and other GIN with bovine gastrointestinal epithelium.

The effectiveness of mass trapping of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann,1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in peach orchards in İzmir, Aydın and Mersin

Ceratitis capitata karantina zararlısı ve toleransı sıfır olarak kabul edilen bir türdür. Üreme kapasitesinin yüksek olması ve doğrudan meyvede zarar yapması nedeniyle zararlı ile mücadele yürütülmeden üretim yapmak mümkün olamamaktadır. Kimyasal mücadeleye alternatif olarak biyoteknik mücadele yöntemi olan kitle halinde tuzakla yakalama, zararlının çok yüksek olmayan popülasyonlarında başarılı sayılan bir mücadele şeklidir. Tuzaklar ile mücadelede farklı besin cezbedici materyaller kullanılarak bireylerin tuzağa çekilmesi sonucu öldürülmesi sağlanmaktadır. Bu çalışma, Ege ve Akdeniz Bölgelerinde şeftali bahçelerinde eş zamanlı yürütülmüş ve bölgeler arasındaki popülasyon farklılığına göre tuzakların etkinliğinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Denemeler 2018 yılında Kuşadası (Aydın), Selçuk (İzmir) ve Erdemli (Mersin) ilçelerinde yürütülmüştür. Zararlının feromon tuzaklar ile popülasyon değişimi ve kitle halinde yakalama tuzaklarının etkinliği saptanmıştır. Mücadele tuzağı olarak Decis Trap (Bayer) isimli ürün kullanılarak tuzağın etkinlikleri saptanmıştır. Temmuz ayında Kuşadası, Selçuk ve Erdemli ilçelerinde sırasıyla 4.8, 149.1 ve 166.9 adet/tuzak ergin birey yakalamıştır. Buna göre Kuşadası ilçesinde %94.19, Selçuk ilçesinde %95.6 oranlarında etkili bir başarı sağlarken Erdemli ilçesinde %56.34 oranında etkili olmuştur. Akdeniz Bölgesi popülasyonunun Ege Bölgesine göre daha yüksek seyretmesi ve şeftali üretim sezonun daha uzun sürmesinden dolayı istenilen düzeyde başarı sağlanamadığı belirlenmiştir.

Effect of Brassica Oleraceae on Nematodes Meloidogyne Spp., Parasites of Tomato, in Yamoussoukro in the Center Côte D'ivoire

Tomatoes, which are still a highly prized commodity in Côte d'Ivoire, are subject to significant pest pressure from viral diseases, bacterial diseases and pests such as Meloidogyne spp. Tolerant varieties have been identified in the Yamoussoukro region of central Côte d'Ivoire. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, the yields obtained, Mongal (3437.5 kg/ha; 4438.75 kg/ha) and F1 Cobra 26 (2412.5 kg/ha; 2973 kg/ha) were average given the influence of these nematodes on production 1. In order to control these pests and improve the yield of ten tomato varieties by alternative control methods to synthetic pesticides, a study on the use of brassicas as a service plant was conducted in the Yamoussoukro region. The trial design was a randomised complete Fisher block design. Observations were made on agronomic parameters, nematological parameters and yield components. The results of this study revealed an increase in yield of all tomato varieties grown after the passage of brassicas as intercrop; that is 3737.50 kg/ha to 12237 kg/ha for net yield and 4305 kg/ha to 14175 kg/ha for potential yield. This yield increase is the result of the nematicidal effect of Brassicas. However, the best tomato varieties remain Mongal (12237.50 kg/ha; 14175 kg/ha) and F1 Cobra 26 (8150 kg/ha; 9962.50 kg/ha).

The amino acid substitution Phe-255-Ile in the psbA gene confers resistance to hexazinone in hair fescue (Festuca filiformis) plants from lowbush blueberry fields

AbstractCultivation of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton), an important crop in the eastern part of North America, is unique, as it is carried out over the course of two consecutive growing seasons. Pest management, particularly weed management, is impacted by this biennial cultural practice. The choice of methods to control weeds is narrow, and such a system relies heavily on herbicides for weed management. Availability of unique herbicide active ingredients for weed management is limited, and available herbicides are used repeatedly, so the risk of developing resistance is acute. Hair fescue (Festuca filiformis Pourr.), a perennial grass weed, has evolved resistance to hexazinone, a photosystem II inhibitor frequently used in lowbush blueberry production. We show that substitution of phenylalanine to isoleucine at position 255 is responsible for a decreased sensitivity to hexazinone by a factor of 6.12. Early diagnosis of resistance based on the detection of the mutation will alert growers to use alternative control methods and thus help to increase the sustainability of the cropping system.

Early Gapping and Platoon Merging Strategies for Autonomous Vehicles using Local Controllers

Autonomous vehicle merging schemes require a central control or a complex communication system between the vehicles. We suggest an alternative local traffic control method based on distance sensors and roadside units which provides the vehicles with the desired gap profile without the need for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The gap profile aims to open gaps between the vehicles before an upcoming junction. To explore the profiles’ governing parameters, 140,000 simulation cases with varying conditions were run. Results show that, for a speed limit of 100 km/h and high inlet density (of 1–1.5 s between vehicles), the best strategy with respect to flow and merging percentage (of ~90%) is to use early gapping and platoon merging using linear profiles with long stabilization sections (&gt;0.6 km). Moreover, the gapping process should start when the vehicle ahead attains a velocity of 75 km/h. In this way, fluent traffic can be sustained without perpetuating upstream traffic jams.

An analysis of proteogenomics and how and when transcriptome-informed reduction of protein databases can enhance eukaryotic proteomics

BackgroundProteogenomics aims to identify variant or unknown proteins in bottom-up proteomics, by searching transcriptome- or genome-derived custom protein databases. However, empirical observations reveal that these large proteogenomic databases produce lower-sensitivity peptide identifications. Various strategies have been proposed to avoid this, including the generation of reduced transcriptome-informed protein databases, which only contain proteins whose transcripts are detected in the sample-matched transcriptome. These were found to increase peptide identification sensitivity. Here, we present a detailed evaluation of this approach.ResultsWe establish that the increased sensitivity in peptide identification is in fact a statistical artifact, directly resulting from the limited capability of target-decoy competition to accurately model incorrect target matches when using excessively small databases. As anti-conservative false discovery rates (FDRs) are likely to hamper the robustness of the resulting biological conclusions, we advocate for alternative FDR control methods that are less sensitive to database size. Nevertheless, reduced transcriptome-informed databases are useful, as they reduce the ambiguity of protein identifications, yielding fewer shared peptides. Furthermore, searching the reference database and subsequently filtering proteins whose transcripts are not expressed reduces protein identification ambiguity to a similar extent, but is more transparent and reproducible.ConclusionsIn summary, using transcriptome information is an interesting strategy that has not been promoted for the right reasons. While the increase in peptide identifications from searching reduced transcriptome-informed databases is an artifact caused by the use of an FDR control method unsuitable to excessively small databases, transcriptome information can reduce the ambiguity of protein identifications.

Endophytic Yeasts for the Biocontrol of Phlyctema vagabunda in Apples

Bull’s-eye rot, produced by Phlyctema vagabunda, is an important postharvest disease in apples. Current measures to control infection include synthetic fungicides, in addition to the application of copper hydroxide and potassium phosphite. However, growing public concern regarding fungicide residues in food has generated interest in developing non-chemical alternative control methods; biological control is one of the most promising alternatives. In this research, native endophytic yeasts were isolated and evaluated for the biocontrol of P. vagabunda in apples. The mechanisms of action involved were also determined. Our research found 2 isolates, Vishniacozyma victoriae EPL4.5 and EPL29.5, which exhibited biocontrol activity against P. vagabunda at 20 °C in apples, the incidence of bull’s-eye rot was reduced by 39% and 61%, respectively, and the severity of the disease was decreased by 67% and 70%, respectively, when apples were inoculated with these yeasts 24 h before applying the pathogen. The main mechanisms that could be involved in the observed biocontrol activity are the ability to form biofilms and the production of volatile organic compounds.

Avian whiffling-inspired gaps provide an alternative method for roll control

Some bird species exhibit a flight behavior known as whiffling, in which the bird flies upside-down during landing, predator evasion, or courtship displays. Flying inverted causes the flight feathers to twist, creating gaps in the wing’s trailing edge. It has been suggested that these gaps decrease lift at a potentially lower energy cost, enabling the bird to maneuver and rapidly descend. Thus, avian whiffling has parallels to an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) using spoilers for rapid descent and ailerons for roll control. However, while whiffling has been previously described in the biological literature, it has yet to directly inspire aerodynamic design. In the current research, we investigated if gaps in a wing’s trailing edge, similar to those caused by feather rotation during whiffling, could provide an effective mechanism for UAV control, particularly rapid descent and banking. To address this question, we performed a wind tunnel test of 3D printed wings with a varying amount of trailing edge gaps and compared the lift and rolling moment coefficients generated by the gapped wings to a traditional spoiler and aileron. Next, we used an analytical analysis to estimate the force and work required to actuate gaps, spoiler, and aileron. Our results showed that gapped wings did not reduce lift as much as a spoiler and required more work. However, we found that at high angles of attack, the gapped wings produced rolling moment coefficients equivalent to upwards aileron deflections of up to 32.7° while requiring substantially less actuation force and work. Thus, while the gapped wings did not provide a noticeable benefit over spoilers for rapid descent, a whiffling-inspired control surface could provide an effective alternative to ailerons for roll control. These findings suggest a novel control mechanism that may be advantageous for small fixed-wing UAVs, particularly energy-constrained aircraft.

Macroscopic and microscopic fungi with insecticidal activity

Agri-food production is affected by various factors, such as insect pests. Inadequate use of pesticides has generated resistance, and some pesticides have been shown to affect human health and the environment. Therefore, alternative control methods have been sought, such as the use of biocontrol with fungi; these organisms have shown activity against insect pests. Thus, this review compiles relevant and important studies that have been carried out over the last four decades. In general, fungi are divided into two large groups, macroscopic and microscopic fungi. In these two groups, possible fungal candidates with activity against insects have been found. They were subdivided into two groups: microscopic entomopathogenic fungi and macroscopic entomopathogenic fungi with basidiomata. In the case of microscopic entomopathogenic fungi, only the main species of these fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, and Isaria fumosorosea) have been examined. These fungi present degrees of specificity at the family or closely related species level. For these three fungal species alone, more than 500 species of affected insects have been reported in this and other reviews. Finally, more than 200 species of fungi with basidiomata have been studied for their insecticidal activity. Additionally, possible compounds with insecticidal activity, such as ibotenic acid, beauvericin, ergosterol, and ostreolysin, are described. The studies found in the present review of fungi with insecticidal activity are promising. It was concluded that fungi, their compounds, and the proteins they contain may have a biotechnological application in the control of insect pests.

Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to control Dinoderus porcellus (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) infesting yam chips

• B. bassiana (Bb115) and M. anisopliae (Met31) isolates are promising biological control agent of D. porcellus . • Bb115 and Met31 isolates at all concentrations caused more than 50% mortality at 7 days post-inoculation. • LT 50 values for Bb115 and Met31 isolates were 2.63 and 3.35 days, respectively. • Bb115 isolate showed the lower LD 90 values and the highest rates of cadaver sporulation. • Bb115 isolate at 10 9 conidia/mL reduced D. porcellus populations and weight loss of stored yam chips. The beetle Dinoderus porcellus Lesne is a serious storage insect pest that causes important losses by destroying stocks of yam chips. In the aim to found an alternative control method to the use of synthetic insecticides for its management, the virulence of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (isolate Bb115) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (isolate Met 31) against adults of D. porcellus was evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% RH). Then, the effectiveness of the most virulent entomopathogenic fungus as biological agent against D. porcellus was assessed under farmer storage conditions. For each entomopathogenic fungus isolate, four conidial concentration (0, 10 5 , 10 7 , and 10 9 conidia/mL) at the dose of 1 µL were inoculated topically on D. porcellus adults (3–5 days old). Observations focused on insect mortality, cadaver sporulation and weight loss of yam chips. Lethal dose and lethal time values were estimated using probit analysis. Both fungal isolates at all conidial dose caused more than 50% mortality on day 7, with the highest mortality (94.44%) achieved using B. bassiana at the 10 9 conidia/mL. LT 50 values for B. bassiana and M. anisopliae isolates were 2.63 and 3.35 days, respectively, while their LT 90 values were 6.15 and 9.87 days, respectively. Yielding the lower LD 90 values and the highest rates of cadaver sporulation, B. bassiana isolate appeared as the most virulent against D. porcellus . After 3 months of storage, comparatively to the control, the B. bassiana isolate at the highest conidial dose (10 9 conidia/mL) significantly reduced D. porcellus populations, and weight loss of yam chips. This study revealed the potential of B. bassiana and M. anisoplae isolates as biological control agent against D. porcellus for yam chips protection.

Protective effect of symmetrical N‐heterocyclic 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and 1,3,4‐thiadiazole derivatives against Pepino mosaic virus of tomato

AbstractPepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is a highly infectious potexvirus, which has presently become a major pathogen for tomato crops worldwide. Since there is no effective method control for PepMV, strict preventive hygienic measures and cross‐protection have been established. However, the use of mild isolates to protect against aggressive isolates provides opportunities for interaction with other microorganisms, which under certain conditions may worsen disease symptoms. Thus, alternative control methods are needed. In this study we aimed at the development of chemical control against PepMV based on the use of heterocyclic compounds including symmetrical 2,5‐disubstituted 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles, symmetrical 2,5‐disubstituted 1,3,4‐thiadiazole and dihydrotetrazine derivatives. Results showed that spray application of three 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives (OH‐Oxa, CH3‐Oxa, NO2‐Oxa) and of the derivative of 1,3,4‐thiadiazole (OH‐Thia) resulted in reducing the main symptoms of PepMV in tomato leaves, conversely to the dihydrotetrazine carboxylic acid. Double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA) revealed that PepMV was not detected from tomato plants pre‐treated with the derivatives conferring elevated protection. Moreover, the protective ability of OH‐Oxa, CH3‐Oxa, NO2‐Oxa and OH‐Thia was closely related to the enhancement of the activity of antioxidant enzymes upon infection with PepMV.

Hallazgo inesperado tras terapia de reperfusión

Mild thrombophilias include heterozygous forms of Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutation and high levels of factor VIII. These defects are responsible for only a moderate increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk compared with strong thrombophilias (antithrombin III, protein C and protein S deficiencies and homozygous forms of factor V Leiden and G20210A prothrombin mutation). Combined oral contraceptives increase the VTE risk in women in a fertile age, and in a far more important way in thrombophilia carrier women. Universal screening of thrombophilia test before the use of combined oral contraceptives is not recommended. However, selective VTE-history based screening is associated with a better cost-effectiveness, especially in asymptomatic relatives of carriers of strong thrombophilia. Currently, combined oral contraceptives are discouraged in women with any thrombophilic defects. The VTE risk is higher during pregnancy and postpartum period compared to hormonal contraceptive use period in women with mil thrombophilia. For this reason, a careful election of an alternative birth control method is necessary in these women.

Isolation and In Vitro cultivation of Lawsonia intracellularis from China

Lawsonia intracellularis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that cannot be cultured by conventional bacteriological methods. Pigs infected with L. intracellularis suffer from decreased daily weight gain and poor feed conversion ratio. China is a large producer of pigs, but epidemiological investigation data of L. intracellularis has not been obtained in recent years. Additionally, there is no information about a L. intracellularis strain being successfully isolated and established in cell culture in China, and the above shortcomings limit understanding of the pathogenesis of L. intracellularis and alternative prevention and control methods. The aims of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of L. intracellularis antibodies in eight major pig-producing provinces in China during 2019–2020, to isolate L. intracellularis from infected intestines and then to establish an infection model of L. intracellularis in mice. Our results showed that of the 3586 serum samples, 2837 (79.1%, 95% CI: 77.7%, 80.4%) were seropositive for the L. intracellularis antibody. Subsequently, the L. intracellularis strain LJS19051 from China was successfully isolated and established in cell culture. Furthermore, L. intracellularis DNA and antibodies could be detected in the feces and serum samples of infected mice, respectively. Moreover, infected crypts showed typical proliferative enteropathies (PE) lesions and L. intracellularis antigen was detected in infected mice by immunofluorescence at 28 days post inoculation. The results indicated that the new L. intracellularis strain LJS19051 was obtained and could successfully proliferate in ICR mice.

Fruit Fly Larval Survival in Picked and Unpicked Tomato Fruit of Differing Ripeness and Associated Gene Expression Patterns.

Simple SummaryTephritid fruit flies are major pests to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Female flies lay their eggs into the fruit where the resultant larvae cause damage and yield loss. To replace pesticide-based controls with more sustainable management approaches, we need to develop new generation technologies. Enhancing fruit resistance is a promising alternative but it has received limited research attention. In this study, we examined larval survival and gene expression changes of B. tryoni larvae and tomato fruit while the fruits were in different picking statuses (unpicked vs. picked) and ripening stages (colour break vs. fully ripe). We assessed larval survival in two time points of 48 h and 120 h after inoculation. The fruit picking status and ripening stage had a significant effect on B. tryoni larval survival at 120 h. The gene expression patterns were not affected by picking status; however, insect detoxification genes and plant-induced defence genes were upregulated across the treatments. Overall, we anticipated the lack of conformity between larval survival and gene expression as a result of overlooked candidate genes or critical sampling time points.The larvae of frugivorous tephritid fruit flies feed within fruit and are global pests of horticulture. With the reduced use of pesticides, alternative control methods are needed, of which fruit resistance is one. In the current study, we explicitly tested for phenotypic evidence of induced fruit defences by running concurrent larval survival experiments with fruit on or off the plant, assuming that defence induction would be stopped or reduced by fruit picking. This was accompanied by RT-qPCR analysis of fruit defence and insect detoxification gene expression. Our fruit treatments were picking status (unpicked vs. picked) and ripening stage (colour break vs. fully ripe), our fruit fly was the polyphagous Bactrocera tryoni, and larval survival was assessed through destructive fruit sampling at 48 and 120 h, respectively. The gene expression study targeted larval and fruit tissue samples collected at 48 h and 120 h from picked and unpicked colour-break fruit. At 120 h in colour-break fruit, larval survival was significantly higher in the picked versus unpicked fruit. The gene expression patterns in larval and plant tissue were not affected by picking status, but many putative plant defence and insect detoxification genes were upregulated across the treatments. The larval survival results strongly infer an induced defence mechanism in colour-break tomato fruit that is stronger/faster in unpicked fruits; however, the gene expression patterns failed to provide the same clear-cut treatment effect. The lack of conformity between these results could be related to expression changes in unsampled candidate genes, or due to critical changes in gene expression that occurred during the unsampled periods.

Ruta Chalepensis Full Extract and Organic Phases Exhibit Nematocidal Activity Against Haemonchus Contortus Eggs and Infective Larvae (L3).

The ovicidal and larvicidal effect of a full aqueous extract (FE) and two phases: an aqueous (Aq-Ph) and an ethyl acetate (EtOAc-Ph) from Ruta chalepensis (Rc) stems and leaves against Haemonchus contortus (Hc) were assessed. The egg hatching inhibition (EHI) assay and larval mortality (LM) test were performed by triplicate in 96-well micro-titration plates (n=4 wells). The FE against Hc eggs and larvae was assessed at 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL; and 30, 60, 90, 120,150 and 200 mg/ mL, respectively. The ovicidal effect of Aq-F and EtOAc-F was assessed at 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/mL. Plates were incubated at 28 °C for 48 (ovicidal assay) and 72 h (larvicidal assay). The EHI results were considered based on the mean number of eggs hatching failure after 48 h exposure. The LM was recorded after 72 h exposure to the Rc phases and expressed as mortality percentage. The Rc FE caused 96 and 100% EHI at 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively; meanwhile, 74% LM was recorded at 200 mg/mL (p<0.05). The Aq-Ph showed 78.5% EHI at 2.5 mg/mL. Likewise, the EtOAc-Ph caused 100% EHI in almost all concentrations. Eighteen compounds including alkaloids, cumarins, triterpens, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and sterols were identified by GC-MS analysis. The results indicate that the aqueous extract from Rc possesses bioactive compounds with in vitro nematocidal activity against Hc; mainly in the EtOAc-Ph. Further studies should be performed to elucidate those compounds searching for alternative methods of control of the sheep haemonchosis.

Toxic Effects of Organophosphorus and Organochlorine Pesticides on Testudineus (Bloch)

Now-a-day modern techniques employed in agriculture and newer chemicals used have contributed much to environmental pollution, particularly to water pollution. This can result in local effects on the environment. The killing of fish by pesticides is quite common. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of 48-h LC 50 concentration of Organphosphors (Cythion and Metacid) and Organochlorine (DDT and Lindane) on the coagulation time (CT) and the total Thrombocyte count (THC) of male and female Anabas testudineus used animal. The study reveals towards pathological disturbances involiving injury and haemorrhage in tissues of the test fish with significant lowered CT value and higher THC count at different levels of the ‘t’ value. Therefore, gradual phasing out of pesticides in fishery resources in fishery resources is suggestive. Further in order to check the use and accidental entry of pesticides in the water bodies, a number of alternative pest control methods have been developed but a complete success has not yet been achievd and thus more needed in this direction.