Efficacy In Laboratory Research Articles

Glycerin‐based dispensers of fir oil reduce response of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, to citrus odours

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the bacterial pathogen associated with huanglongbing, a fatal citrus disease. Alternatives to insecticides for D. citri management are being explored, given the development of insecticide resistance and the lack of efficient biological controls. Essential oils as pest repellents have shown some efficacy in laboratory and field evaluations; however, lack of an effective dispenser for field deployment has prevented their application. In this investigation, we evaluated glycerin‐based dispensers releasing fir (Abies spp.) oil as repellents for D. citri. In olfactometer tests, glycerin dispensers loaded with fir oil at 20% w/w repelled psyllids from citrus odours but did not cause repellency at lower loading dosages. Field evaluations were conducted with dispensers at the 20% loading dosage based on laboratory results. In open‐air cage bioassays, fewer psyllids alighted on trees treated with 2 dispensers per tree than on control trees. Similarly, fewer psyllids were found on mature lime trees in homeowner landscapes treated with 4 dispensers per tree compared to paired control trees. In small plot experiments in commercial grapefruit, psyllid infestation of young leaf flush shoots was reduced in plots treated with at least 250 dispensers/ha compared to untreated control plots. Our results indicate that these glycerin‐based fir oil dispensers can reduce infestation of citrus by D. citri. However, the efficacy observed within replicated small plots of citrus grown in monoculture was judged insufficient to manage this vector as a stand‐alone treatment. Larger scale evaluations at higher loading dosages of fir oil and/or in combination with other management tools are warranted based on the outcomes of these initial experiments.

Comparative efficacy of chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand and 4% dimeticone against head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis.

Head louse infestations remain a global public-health concern due to increased resistance of lice to artificial pediculicides. In Thailand, there is a lack of comparative data on the current efficacy of pediculicides for treating head lice. In this study, we explored the status of botanical and toxic synthetic pediculicides with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel for treating head lice in Thailand. The ex-vivo pediculicidal activity of various pediculicidal shampoos available at drugstores in Thailand was assessed and compared with that of 4% dimeticone liquid gel. The shampoos chosen were based on active ingredients toxic to lice (1% permethrin, 0.6% carbaryl, 0.15% Stemona root crude extract, or mixed plant extracts), whereas dimeticone acts physically on lice. We found that exposure to 4% dimeticone liquid gel following the manufacturer's instructions completely killed 100% of head lice in 15 min, whereas other pediculicide products failed to kill the great majority of head lice, whether treatment was for 10 min (resulting in 0% to 50.0% mortality) or 30 min (resulting in 17.0% to 60.0% mortality). We also extended a clinical assessment to confirm the efficacy of 1% permethrin for treating head lice in infested schoolchildren. In this clinical assessment, none of the 26 children treated with 1% permethrin shampoo achieved a cure after two applications. These results highlight that 4% dimeticone demonstrated a higher ex-vivo pediculicidal efficacy compared to both chemical and botanical pediculicides in Thailand. Conversely, 1% permethrin showed low efficacy in both laboratory and clinical assessments. Given its physical mode of action, 4% dimeticone merits consideration as an alternative treatment option for lice in Thailand, particularly in cases where treatment with toxic pediculicides has proven ineffective.

Development of Saponin based Nano emulsion formulations from Phaleria macrocarpa to Control Aphis gossypii

Aphis gossypii is one of the most devastating insect pests of agricultural crops due to its polyphagous nature. A sustainable environment friendly method to manage this pest is botanical aphicides because of their easily biodegradability and overall safety. In this study, saponin based nano emulsions from Phaleria macrocarpa with Termul 1284 and methyl oleate /rapeseed oil were formulated and tested against A. gossypii for their efficacy in both laboratory and glasshouse conditions. Results exhibited that all three formulated nano emulsions effectively suppressed A. gossypii population under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. However, TR3 revealed highest repellency (62%) and mortality percentage (100%) with lowest LC50 (1516 mg-L1) and LT50 (27.50 h), following by TM1 repellency (58%) and mortality percentage (98%) with lowest LC50 (1732 mg-L1) and LT50 (34.43 h). Glasshouse bioassay also revealed that TR3 (Termul 1284+rapeseed oil) and TM1 (Termul 1284+methyl oleate) could suppress A. gossypii population at LC50 values of 2512 and 2904 mg-L1 at 72 hours and LT50 values of 68.7 and 71.2 hours at 10000 mg-L1 respectively. Therefore, these both formulations could be considered as eco-friendly alternative approach in pesticides technology.

Application of the novel environment-cleaned light-emitting diode devices in various test fields

Faced with the impact of extreme climate, countries have proposed carbon dioxide emission reductions, hoping to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and Taiwan’s industries must also face the transformation of low-carbon green energy. Light-emitting diode (LED) is a cost effective semiconductor device that produces light within a narrow bandwidth of wavelength through electroluminescence. Recently, LED technology has attention to apply in the area of food production, preservation, and safety. At present, some researches have been demonstrated that the antimicrobial LED visible light is less anti-microbial efficacy than ultraviolet (UV) light. However, the antimicrobial LED visible light has been recognized as an alternative technology to UV light since it is an environmentally friendly and safe technology for human and animals. For this reason, LED technology has recently received attention for applying in many test fields as laboratory, pig farms, computer, bio-medical industries etc. In this study, this novel clean and disinfect tool-novel environment-cleaned LED devices were tested in the various fields and obtained the positive results as the application of novel environment-cleaned LED devices on anti-fungal efficacy, and ethylene, PM2.5, and harmful gas degradations in laboratory, anti-bacterial and virus efficacy in laboratory and/or pig farms, anti-microbial notebook panel development, and anti-colorectal cancer in vitro. In the future, we wish this novel environment-cleaned LED devices will friendly used in human and animal environments to decrease the harmful matters in the environments.

Antimicrobial peptides producing native Bacillus spp. for the management of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

In the present study, native strains of Bacillus species were isolated, characterized and evaluated for their biocontrol efficacy in laboratory, pot and field conditions to combat Meloidogyne incognita incidence in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Based on the laboratory results, two Bacillus spp., Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and Bacillus subtilis CRB7 were found most effective against M. incognita. We also profiled antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes associated with this two Bacillus spp. Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 was found to harbour 10 AMP genes whereas, B. subtilis CRB7 had 8 AMP genes with the expression of 3 and 4 genes, respectively at the RNA level. Talc based formulation of B. marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 were evaluated under pot and field conditions for the management of M. incognita in okra. Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 at dose of 5 g plant−1 were found most effective against M. incognita by reducing the nematode incidence in okra under pot conditions. Further, field application of either Bacillus marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 as a combination of seed treatment 20 g kg−1 seed + soil application (5 kg ha−1) of enriched vermicompost (2 t ha−1) + soil drenching @ 1% at 30 days interval showed a significant reduction of M. incognita incidence in okra and also increased yield as compared to untreated control. Their bioefficacy was comparable with carbofuran 3G (1 kg a.i. ha−1) treatments. Thus, the native strains B. marisflavi CRB2 and B. subtilis CRB7 having diverse antimicrobial peptide genes can be used as one of the components in the integrated nematode management strategy to combat M. incognita incidence in okra.

Identification and evaluation of endemic Metarhizium strains for biological control of banana rust thrips

Banana rust thrips, Chaetanaphothrips signipennis, are devastating insect pests of banana crops worldwide. The entomopathogenic fungi are naturally occurring microbes known to infect a variety of thrips species, but few studies have investigated the potential for tropical thrips control using fungal entomopathogens, and there are no commercial entomopathogenic products for C. signipennis or similar pests in Australia. Here, we investigated the occurrence of fungal entomopathogenic strains on banana farms in tropical Queensland, Australia. We sampled soil from five environmentally managed farms, and in the corresponding natural hedgerow adjacent to each farm, cultured naturally occurring endemic fungal isolates and evaluated their efficacy in laboratory, cage and field trials against C. signipennis. Entomopathogens identified through next-generation sequencing of soil and soil baiting were predominantly Metarhizium strains. Three Metarhizium strains comprising two species, M. lepidiote and M. guizhouense, were lab cultured and evaluated as potential controls against C. signipennis. All strains demonstrated significantly increased C. signipennis mortality in lab trials, with M. lepidiote providing the best control in the cage trials and greatest growth in the lab, so this strain was evaluated in the field trial. A single application of Metarhizium lepidiote reduced thrips damage enough below marketable limits for all treated banana bunches, while all untreated bunches were unmarketable. This isolate shows promise for development of a commercial strain against C. signipennis and may be useful in environmentally managed farming systems.

Do behavioral pharmacology findings predict clinical trial outcomes? A proof-of-concept in medication development for alcohol use disorder.

Behavioral pharmacology paradigms have been used for early efficacy testing of novel compounds for alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the degree to which early efficacy in the human laboratory predicts clinical efficacy remains unclear. To address this gap in the literature we employed a novel meta-analytic approach. We searched the literature for medications tested for AUD using both behavioral pharmacology (i.e., alcohol administration) and randomized clinical trials (RCTs). For behavioral pharmacology, we computed medication effects on alcohol-induced stimulation, sedation, and craving during the alcohol administration (k = 51 studies, 24 medications). For RCTs, we computed medication effects on any drinking and heavy drinking (k = 118 studies, 17 medications). We used medication as the unit of analysis and applied the Williamson-York bivariate weighted least squares estimation to preserve the errors in both the independent and dependent variables. Results, with correction for publication bias, revealed a significant and positive relationship between medication effects on alcohol-induced stimulation (β = 1.18 p < 0.05), sedation (β = 2.38, p < 0.05), and craving (β = 3.28, p < 0.001) in the laboratory, and drinking outcomes in RCTs, such that medications that reduced stimulation, sedation, and craving during the alcohol administration were associated with better clinical outcomes. A leave-one-out Monte Carlo analysis examined the predictive utility of these laboratory endpoints for each medication. The observed clinical effect size was within one standard deviation of the mean predicted effect size for all but three pharmacotherapies. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that behavioral pharmacology endpoints of alcohol-induced stimulation, sedation, and craving track medication effects from the human laboratory to clinical trial outcomes. These results apply to alcohol administration phenotypes and may be especially useful to medications for which the mechanisms of action involve alterations in subjective responses to alcohol (e.g., antagonist medication). These methods and results can be applied to a host of clinical questions and can streamline the process of screening novel compounds for AUD. For instance, this approach can be used to quantify the predictive utility of cue-reactivity screening models and even preclinical models of medication development.

Efficacy of Royal Guard, a new alpha-cypermethrin and pyriproxyfen treated mosquito net, against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors

Royal Guard is a new insecticide-treated bed-net incorporated with a mixture of alpha-cypermethrin and pyriproxyfen (an insect growth regulator). We assessed its efficacy and wash-resistance in laboratory and experimental hut studies following WHO guidelines. Mosquitoes that survived exposure to the net were kept in separate oviposition chambers and observed for the reproductive effects of pyriproxyfen. In laboratory assays, Royal Guard induced > 80% mortality and > 90% blood-feeding inhibition of An. gambiae sl mosquitoes before and after 20 standardised washes and sterilised blood-fed mosquitoes which remained alive after exposure to the net. In an experimental hut trial against wild free-flying pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae sl in Cové Benin, Royal Guard through the pyrethroid component induced comparable levels of mortality and blood-feeding inhibition to a standard pyrethroid-only treated net before and after 20 washes and sterilised large proportions of surviving blood-fed female mosquitoes through the pyriproxyfen component; Royal Guard induced 83% reduction in oviposition and 95% reduction in offspring before washing and 25% reduction in oviposition and 50% reduction in offspring after 20 washes. Royal Guard has the potential to improve malaria vector control and provide better community protection against clinical malaria in pyrethroid-resistant areas compared to standard pyrethroid-only LLINs.

Managing stress during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and beyond: Reappraisal and mindset approaches.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is a global public health crisis of a scale not previously experienced in modern times (Kickbusch et al., 2020). Governmental ‘lockdown’ measures aimed at minimizing virus transmission including ‘stay at home’ orders, closure of businesses and places of congregation, and travel restrictions have had a substantive societal impact that permeates almost every facet of daily life (Gostin & Wiley, 2020; Shanafelt, Ripp, & Trockel, 2020). These widespread changes represent considerable sources of stress in the population and will have deleterious effects on mental and physical health going forward. As nations begin to emerge from ‘lockdown’, the collateral damage to human health caused by these restrictions has taken centre stage, and mental health issues, particularly stress‐related conditions and outcomes, are prominent among them. The imperative for strategies to assist in managing stress and minimizing concomitant health problems has become a priority. In this commentary, we outline how stress reappraisal interventions, which have come to the fore in recent years, may be a potentially efficacious, cost‐effective way to manage stress during and post‐pandemic, and minimize the health consequences.

Investigating the Relationships between Pre-service Science Teachers’ Self- efficacy in Laboratory and Anxiety towards Chemistry Laboratory

Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between pre-service teachers’ self-efficacy in laboratory and their anxiety towards chemistry laboratory. Relational screening model was used in the study. “Laboratory Self-Efficacy Scale (LSES)” developed by Ekici (2009) was modified to be used on pre-service science teachers and “Chemistry Laboratory Anxiety Scale (CLAS)” developed by Bowen (1999) and adapted to Turkish by Azizoglu&Uzuntiryaki (2006) were used as data collecting instruments. 363 Pre-service science teachers were sampling in the study. As a result, all relations between LSES and CLAS are found to be negative and meaningful. Within the scores of LSES, there is significant relationship in the gender and secondary school type, however there is no significant relationship in the frequency of laboratory usage in secondary and university education. In the CLAS scores, there are no significant results in gender, grade, the type of secondary school and the frequency of laboratory usage in secondary education, but there are significant results on the frequency of laboratory usage in university education.

Relationship between intranasal cocaine self-administration and subject-rated effects: predictors of cocaine taking on progressive-ratio schedules.

Subject-rated measures and drug self-administration represent two of the most commonly used methods of assessing abuse potential of drugs, as well as screening intervention efficacy in the human laboratory. Although the results from these methods are often consistent, dissociations between subject-rated and self-administration data have been observed. The purpose of the present retrospective analysis was to examine the relationship between subject-rated effects and intranasal cocaine self-administration to help guide future research design and intervention assessment. Data were combined from two previous studies in which drug and an alternative reinforcer (i.e., money) were available on concurrent progressive-ratio schedules of reinforcement. Pearson correlation coefficients and regression model selection utilizing corrected Akaike information criterion were used to determine which subject-rated measures were associated with and best predicted cocaine self-administration. Eleven subject-rated effects were positively associated with cocaine-maintained breakpoints. A combination of three of these subject ratings (i.e., Like Drug, Performance Improved, and Rush) best predicted cocaine taking. The present findings suggest that, at least under certain conditions with intranasal cocaine, some, but not all, positive subject-rated effects may predict drug self-administration. These findings will be useful in guiding future examinations of putative interventions for cocaine-use disorders.

Laboratory and field evaluation of two formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 against mosquito larvae in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012

Due to low efficacy in the field of a local commercial product of Bacillus thuringiensis M-H-14 (Bioflash(®)), a study was designed to assess its efficacy in laboratory, glass standard aquarium, semi-field and field conditions at both target and higher dosages against immature stages of Anopheles spp. and Culex spp. In laboratory conditions, the LC50 values of wettable powder and granule formulations were 227 and 1031 ppm respectively against a susceptible strain of An. stephensi. Following application of wettable powder and granules at 56.1 mg/aquarium, the survival rates of the exposed larvae to the granule formulation were 65.6% and 54.2% on days 6 and 8 respectively. In the artificial ponds, the larval density was reduced to 38.9%, 39.3% and 65.1% at dosages of 2, 4 and 8 g/m(2) respectively. In rice fields, at a dosage of 2 kg/ha, the density of immature larvae were reduced to 33.1% and 28.6% 7-days post-treatment. Further investigations are needed for the reasons for the low efficacy of this larvicide.

Ginsenoside Rd for acute ischemic stroke: translating from bench to bedside

Numerous studies have identified pathophysiological mechanisms of acute ischemic stroke and have provided proof-of-principle evidence that strategies designed to impede the ischemic cascade, namely neuroprotection, can protect the ischemic brain. However, the translation of these therapeutic agents to the clinic has not been successful. Ginsenoside Rd, a dammarane-type steroid glycoside extracted from ginseng plants, has exhibited an encouraging neuroprotective efficacy in both laboratory and clinical studies. This article attempts to provide a synopsis of the physiochemical profile, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety and putative therapeutic mechanisms of Rd. Finally, the authors discuss the validity of Rd as a neuroprotective agent for acute ischemic stroke.

Progress in the commercialisation of bionematicides

In the last few years, there have been numerous developments in the commercialisation of bionematicides. Here we briefly review the commercial status of four key active ingredients backed by large international companies and which are, or are likely to become widely available soon. We also identify research priorities. While scientists have intensively researched Pasteuria spp. and Purpureocillium lilacinus as potential nematicides, little research has been done on Bacillus firmus and Myrothecium verrucaria fermentation products. Conversely, a survey of the trade press suggests that these latter two agents, particularly B. firmus, are the most widely used. There is a clear need to further understand the ecology and mode of action of B. firmus when used as a bionematicide. Furthermore, while all active ingredients have proven efficacy in laboratory and/or small plot trials, there is a paucity of independent data showing product efficacy in target markets.

WBC reduction filtration efficacy performed at varying time intervals post‐collection

A multisite blood center experienced unacceptable post-leukoreduction filtration white blood cell (WBC) counts at a few centers. Since prefiltration storage time and temperature were suspect, whole blood (WB) units were stored in transport shippers for at least 2 hours, cooling toward 1-6 ° C, before filtration. This study compared the effect of storage times in transport shippers on the residual WBC counts of leukoreduced units. Collection and filtration of WB units were accomplished with the use of the Fenwal Express System with Integral Sepacell RZ-2000 WB Leukocyte Reduction Filter. Units were collected and placed in transport shippers containing ice. Leukoreduction filtration was performed at designated intervals post-collection. Acceptable leukoreduction was defined as < 5 × 10(6) residual WBC. Fifty donor units were selected randomly over 3 months. Units were held in transport shippers, and WBC reduction was performed at designated post-collection intervals. Storage times ranged from 28 to 458 minutes. All residual WBC counts were acceptable. Storage time of WB units in transport shippers did not play a role in the efficacy of the leukoreduction. This study demonstrated the 2-hour storage time before leukoreduction filtration could be eliminated resulting in time savings and increased efficacy in the component production laboratory.

Enhancement of spinosad toxicity toCydia pomonella neonates by monosodium glutamate receptor agonist

Recently, we reported that monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a feeding stimulant and an enhancer of pesticide toxicity against neonates of the codling moth. Herein, we show that a MSG alternative,trans-1-aminocyclobutane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (trans-ACBD), alone or in the presence of spinosad (Success®), increases leaf tissue consumption by codling moth neonates. In contrast to MSG,trans-ACBD maintains its feeding stimulatory properties in the field even after 20 mm of simulated rain, and effectively increases spinosad efficacy in both laboratory and field experiments.

Controle biológico de helmintos parasitos de animais: estágio atual e perspectivas futuras

O controle biológico é um método desenvolvido para diminuir uma população de parasitas pela utilização de antagonista natural. A administração de fungos nematófagos aos animais domésticos é considerada uma promissora alternativa na profilaxia das helmintíases gastrintestinais parasitárias. Os fungos nematófagos desenvolvem estruturas em forma de armadilhas, responsáveis pela captura e destruição dos estágios infectantes dos nematóides. Os fungos dos gêneros Arthrobotrys, Duddingtonia e Monacrosporium têm demonstrado eficácia em experimentos laboratoriais e no campo no controle de parasitos de bovinos, eqüinos, ovinos e suínos. Diversas formulações fúngicas têm sido avaliadas, no entanto, ainda não há nenhum produto comercial disponível. A associação dos grupos de pesquisa e o envolvimento das indústrias poderão colaborar para o sucesso na implementação desta forma de controle.

Evaluation of intravenous lidocaine for the termination of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with coronary artery disease with or without healed myocardial infarction

Prospective evaluations of intravenous lidocaine as therapy for sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) in the absence of acute myocardial infarction are lacking. Lidocaine has been promulgated as first-line therapy in patients with VT, but studies evaluating its efficacy in the electrophysiology laboratory suggest that it has poor effects in terminating or preventing induction of VT. Thus, this study sought to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of lidocaine in 3 cohorts with induced or spontaneous VT. One hundred twenty-eight patients with stable VT, occurring either spontaneously or induced at the time of electrophysiologic study either in the baseline state or at the time of pharmacologic testing, were evaluated. The response rate to lidocaine therapy as manifested by termination of VT was the primary goal of the study. Of these patients, 10 (8%) had termination of VT after lidocaine therapy. There were no significant differences in age, ejection fraction, VT cycle length, and mean dose of lidocaine between responders and 118 nonresponders. There were no serious side effects or adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, angina, or congestive heart failure). Lidocaine, although safe, is ineffective in terminating stable VT not associated with acute myocardial infarction.

Rapid method for differentiation of Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and related dermatophyte species.

Bromocresol purple-milk solids-glucose medium, proposed by Fischer and Kane in 1971 (Mycopathol. Mycol. Appl. 43:169-180, 1971) as an aid in the rapid determination of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, was evaluated across a wide range of isolates to determine its accuracy and efficacy in the clinical laboratory. Results showed that it facilitated accurate determination of typical and atypical isolates of both species and also permitted the rapid identification of other closely related and similar species. Identification of all dermatophyte species tested was possible within 7 to 10 days. Occult contamination of isolates by antibiotic-resistant bacteria did not hinder identification.