Significant Reduction In Population Research Articles

Integrative analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and gut microbiome metabarcoding data elucidates macrophage dysfunction in mice with DSS-induced ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a significant inflammatory bowel disease caused by an abnormal immune response to gut microbes. However, there are still gaps in our understanding of how immune and metabolic changes specifically contribute to this disease. Our research aims to address this gap by examining mouse colons after inducing ulcerative colitis-like symptoms. Employing single-cell RNA-seq and 16 s rRNA amplicon sequencing to analyze distinct cell clusters and microbiomes in the mouse colon at different time points after induction with dextran sodium sulfate. We observe a significant reduction in epithelial populations during acute colitis, indicating tissue damage, with a partial recovery observed in chronic inflammation. Analyses of cell-cell interactions demonstrate shifts in networking patterns among different cell types during disease progression. Notably, macrophage phenotypes exhibit diversity, with a pronounced polarization towards the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype in chronic conditions, suggesting the role of macrophage heterogeneity in disease severity. Increased expression of Nampt and NOX2 complex subunits in chronic UC macrophages contributes to the inflammatory processes. The chronic UC microbiome exhibits reduced taxonomic diversity compared to healthy conditions and acute UC. The study also highlights the role of T cell differentiation in the context of dysbiosis and its implications in colitis progression, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to modulate the inflammatory response and immune balance in colitis.

Long‐term effects of management intensity and bioclimatic variables on leatherjacket (Tipula paludosa Meigen) populations at farm scale

AbstractLeatherjackets (Tipula spp.) are soil‐dwelling pests associated with agriculture. Land management decisions made at farm scale can have subsequent effects on their populations. Between 1980 and 2020, surveys were conducted across Scotland to collect field histories and larval population data from grassland farms. To assess the impact of management and bioclimatic factors on leatherjacket occurrence over time, this study investigated data from fields continuously sampled between 2009 and 2018. We utilized a Generalized Linear Mixed‐Effect Model on a dataset of 61 fields on 19 farms. Results indicated three significant factors affecting larval populations; field size, grazing type and application of insecticides or herbicides (referred to collectively as pesticides). Larval populations were significantly lower in fields that were larger in size and under sheep grazing, compared to no grazing. Pesticide application also caused a significant reduction in larval populations. Management variables were amalgamated to create a Management Intensity Index, revealing significantly increased larval populations under low‐management systems. These results, coupled with significant effects of bioclimatic variables, pinpoint predictive signals for high infestations and potential routes for control strategies.

Survival of Listeria monocytogenes on Frozen Vegetables during Long-term Storage at −18 and −10°C

Two recent listeriosis outbreaks have occurred in the United States and Europe due to contaminated individually quick-frozen (IQF) vegetables. While one of the outbreaks was due to frozen vegetables considered ready-to-eat (RTE), the other was linked to frozen corn whose packaging contained cooking instructions and was considered not-ready-to-eat (NRTE). However, consumers may thaw certain frozen vegetables and consume without cooking. Since no data is available on the survivability of L. monocytogenes on IQF vegetables during frozen storage, this study examined the population of six different strains (comprising lineages 1/2a, 1/2b, and 4b) on IQF vegetables during long-term storage. Individual strains were inoculated onto an IQF vegetable mix at 4 log CFU/g and stored at −18 or −10°C for 360 days. Although fluctuations in populations of all strains were observed on the vegetables during storage, no significant differences based on strain, lineages, or temperature were observed. Overall, L. monocytogenes populations were only reduced by up to 0.47 and 0.59 log CFU/g after 360 days at −18 and −10°C, respectively. Results from this study suggest that L. monocytogenes is able to persist on IQF vegetables for extended time periods with no significant reduction in population. Future studies could evaluate the survival and growth of L. monocytogenes on IQF vegetables during thawing and storage.

Edible nano-encapsulated cinnamon essential oil hybrid wax coatings for enhancing apple safety against food borne pathogens

Post-harvest losses of fruits due to decay and concerns regarding microbial food safety are significant within the produce processing industry. Additionally, maintaining the quality of exported commodities to distant countries continues to pose a challenge. To address these issues, the application of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils, has gained recognition as a means to extend shelf life by acting as antimicrobials. Herein, we have undertaken an innovative approach by nano-encapsulating cinnamon-bark essential oil using whey protein concentrate and imbibing nano-encapsulates into food-grade wax commonly applied on produce surfaces. We have comprehensively examined the physical, chemical, and antimicrobial properties of this hybrid wax to evaluate its efficacy in combatting the various foodborne pathogens that frequently trouble producers and handlers in the post-harvest processing industry. The coatings as applied demonstrated a static contact angle of 85 ± 1.6°, and advancing and receding contact angles of 90 ± 1.1° and 53.0 ± 1.6°, respectively, resembling the wetting properties of natural waxes on apples. Nanoencapsulation significantly delayed the release of essential oil, increasing the half-life by 61 h compared to its unencapsulated counterparts. This delay correlated with statistically significant reductions (p = 0.05) in bacterial populations providing both immediate and delayed (up to 72 h) antibacterial effects as well as expanded fungal growth inhibition zones compared to existing wax technologies, demonstrating promising applicability for high-quality fruit storage and export. The utilization of this advanced produce wax coating technology offers considerable potential for bolstering food safety and providing enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi for produce commodities.

Feline panleukopenia (review)

Feline panleukopenia, a disease globally known since the beginning of the last century and originally attributed to canine distemper, has expanded its range of hosts since its discovery as a result of successful infections (both natural and experimental) in mustelids, raccoons and even primates. Evolutionarily, the disease pathogen gave rise to anew infectious agent– canine parvovirus, which, despite its DNA structure, demonstrates a relatively high mutation rate and the emergence of new variants. The disease is in most cases fatal to newborn kittens and causes severe manifestations in adult cats, severely affecting the vital systems of the body. The prognosis is often (up to50%) unfavorable, while the animal’s age plays a key role. Current preventive measures can ensure protection, however, vaccines are used in the absence of adequate testing on cats and dogs (for ethical reasons) and have a number of limitations in use. The persistence of the infectious agent in the environment and the growing number of stray animals allow the infectious agent to circulate unhindered in these populations, threatening the health of domestic cats and endangered felines in nature reserves and zoos. Easing of legislation for leading research centers, regulation of the number of stray animals, adequate prevention measures for target groups in animal shelters, nurseries and zoos can contribute to a significant reduction in the circulation insusceptible populations of pathogens not only of this disease, but also of the majority of other dangerous infections, such as rabies, feline rhinotracheitis, canine distemper and others.

Field efficacy of botanicals and beneficial microbes to control banana mealybug (Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

The banana mealybug (Pseudococcus elisae Borchsenius) causes significant economic losses to banana production. Prior to the 2019 ban of the organophosphate chlorpyrifos use in commercial banana production systems due to high chlorpyrifos residue levels on banana fruits, chlorpyrifos-treated exclusion bags were commonly used to mitigate mealybug infestation on banana bunches and fingers. Short- and long-term effects of 2 beneficial microbes (Beauveria bassiana and Kosakonia radicincitans), 2 neem-based botanicals (Orgamix and Rata®), 3 chemical insecticides Pyriforce® (Chlorpyriphos-ethyl), Calixine Super® (Acetamipride and Bifenthrin), and Parastar EC40® (Imidachlorpride and Lambda-cyhalothrin), and tap water (Control) were evaluated on mealybug in a newly established and 5-year-old banana farms. Mealybug sampling was conducted for three months after each insecticide application and their population dynamics was calculated using Mann-Kendall trend statistics (S). For the 5-year-old banana farm, except the control, all treatments caused significant (P < 0.05) short-term reduction in mealybug population from pre-treatment application to 5 days in March, July and November samplings. Mealybug population reduction in March was greater than 90% for Calixine Super®, Orgamix and Beauveria, and between 80% and 90% for Kosakonia, Rata and Parastar EC40® (P < 0.05). A similar trend was recorded in July and November, with a higher reduction for Beauveria (52.08%) in July. An increasing linear mealybug trend was observed between March and June (S was positive, P > 0.05) across all treatments, while Orgamix and Rata® caused downward trend between July and October. A downward mealybug trend occurred for Parastar EC40® (S = −1), Rata® (S = −3), Beauveria (S = −6) and Kosakonia (S = −3) between November and January. Biorationals effectively reduced mealybug populations better than chlorpyrifos, while beneficial microbes and neem-based botanicals demonstrated long-term potency on mealybug.

Immune and oxidative stress disorder in ovulation-dysfunction women revealed by single-cell transcriptome.

Ovulation dysfunction is now a widespread cause of infertility around the world. Although the impact of immune cells in human reproduction has been widely investigated, systematic understanding of the changes of the immune atlas under female ovulation remain less understood. Here, we generated single cell transcriptomic profiles of 80,689 PBMCs in three representative statuses of ovulation dysfunction, i.e., polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and menopause (MENO), and identified totally 7 major cell types and 25 subsets of cells. Our study revealed distinct cluster distributions of immune cells among individuals of ovulation disorders and health. In patients with ovulation dysfunction, we observed a significant reduction in populations of naïve CD8 T cells and effector memory CD4 T cells, whereas circulating NK cells and regulatory NK cells increased. Our results highlight the significant contribution of cDC-mediated signaling pathways to the overall inflammatory response within ovulation disorders. Furthermore, our data demonstrated a significant upregulation of oxidative stress in patients with ovulation disorder. Overall, our study gave a deeper insight into the mechanism of PCOS, POI, and menopause, which may contribute to the better diagnosis and treatments of these ovulatory disorder.

Evaluation of insecticides against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach)

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various insecticides against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi on mustard crop during rabi seasons 2020-21 and 2021-22. The results on the field efficacy revealed that performance-wise treatments were in the order of imidacloprid 17.8 SL &gt; thiamethoxam 25%WG&gt; acetamiprid 20%SP &gt; dimethoate 30%EC &gt; malathion 50%EC &gt; fipronil 5%EC &gt; profenofos 50%EC &gt; buprofezin 25%EC. The least population (5.40/plant) of aphid was obtained with application of imidacloprid 17.8% SL at 7 DAS and (6.67/plant) at 10 DAS during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. The same trend was observed till 28th day in comparison to rest of the treatments and untreated control. Significant reduction in population was observed with imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 27.0 gm a.i./ha followed by thiamethoxam 25%WG @ 25 gm a.i./ha and dimethoate 30%EC @ 200 gm a.i./ha. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were significantly superior to other treatments. The maximum yield was obtained with imidacloprid (17.99 and 18.22 q/ha) followed by thiamethoxam (16.62 and 17.37q/ha) during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively.

Mass production of entomopathogenic fungi Purpureocillium lilacinum PL1 as a biopesticide for the management of Amrasca devastans (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in okra plantation

BackgroundEffective management strategies are crucial in minimizing the adverse consequences associated with the leafhopper, Amrasca devastans (Dist.) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Economic limitations to entomopathogenic fungi production present a substantial challenge, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate a cost-effective solid-state fermentation (SSF) for large-scale production of Purpureocillium lilacinum PL1 conidia to manage A. devastans infestations in okra cultivation.ResultsRice and maize were demonstrated as highly suitable substrates for producing conidia densities of over 2 × 1010 conidia g−1. Furthermore, the influence of agricultural phytosanitary agents on the growth rates of P. lilacinum PL1 was evaluated. Certain pesticides were ineffective on the expansion of P. lilacinum PL1 colonies, while fungicides exhibited complete inhibition. The laboratory investigation revealed that 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 of P. lilacinum PL1 exhibited a success rate of 88.66% in decreasing the population of A. devastans nymphs in vitro. Furthermore, field investigations carried out in okra plantations demonstrated that the utilization of P. lilacinum PL1 at the concentration of 1 × 107 conidia ml−1 of resulted in a significant reduction of the pest nymph population by 72.87% subsequent to the 2 applications.ConclusionIn conclusion, the cost-effective mass production of P. lilacinum PL1 conidia through SSF presents a promising solution for managing A. devastans infestations in okra farming, particularly in economically challenged regions.

The making of dispensable subjects in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: the relocation of the Gich community as an example

The Simien Mountains National Park’s (SMNP) exoneration from the List of World Heritage Endangered is the recent story of the park. It is in September 2017 that the park has restored its place in UNESCO. Significant and sustainable reduction of human population within the park was one of the four basic standards set by the UNESCO World Heritage Commission in order to undo their decision. To fulfill UNESCO’s standard, the local government undertook relocations but inconsistently. By employing anthropological insights, this paper narrates the tale of the relocated Gich and Arkwazeye communities in the SMNP. The research used in-depth interview, discourse analysis and household surveys. Contrary to local government’s discourse on compensations, the Gich community suffered both socially and economically as a result of involuntary relocation. All the problems attached to this community are the result of the government’s non-participatory relocation plan which thus has created a dispensable subject. The Arkwazeye community, on the other hand, is experiencing a relatively stable life as they have maintained all social assets they have created as a community. The paper, therefore, recommends to the local government to individually take care of the lives of the Gich community.

Anticancer Activity of Au/CNT Nanocomposite Fabricated by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation Method on Colon and Cervical Cancer.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly being investigated for cancer management due to their physicochemical properties, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. This study used an eco-friendly technique (laser synthesis) to fabricate AuNP and Au/CNT nanocomposites. AuNPs, Au/CNTs, and CNTs were tested as potential cancer nanotherapeutics on colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa) using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In addition, the non-cancer embryonic kidney cells HEK-293 were taken as a control in the study. The cell viability assay demonstrated a significant reduction in cancer cell population post 48 h treatments of AuNPs, and Au/CNTs. The average cell viabilities of AuNPs, Au/CNTs, and CNTs for HCT-116 cells were 50.62%, 65.88%, 93.55%, and for HeLa cells, the cell viabilities were 50.88%, 66.51%, 91.73%. The cell viabilities for HEK-293 were 50.44%, 65.80%, 93.20%. Both AuNPs and Au/CNTs showed higher cell toxicity and cell death compared with CNT nanomaterials. The treatment of AuNPs and Au/CNTs showed strong inhibitory action on HCT-116 and HeLa cells. However, the treatment of CNTs did not significantly decrease HCT-116 and HeLa cells, and there was only a minor decrease. The treatment of AuNPs, and Au/CNTs, on normal HEK-293 cells also showed a significant decrease in cell viability, but the treatment of CNTs did not produce a significant decrease in the HEK-293 cells. This study shows that a simplified synthesis technique like laser synthesis for the preparation of high-purity nanomaterials has good efficacy for possible future cancer therapy with minimal toxicity.

Physical activity and/or dietary intervention in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors: results of the InForma randomized trial.

This study aimed to test the efficacy of a 6-month intervention on weight loss in a group of overweight or obese breast cancer (BC) survivors. We promoted adherence to a healthy diet or/and to increase physical activity, making use of a step counter device. Here we present results regarding the change in anthropometric measures and blood parameters. 266 women treated for BC with a BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 were randomized to a 6-month intervention into four arms: Dietary Intervention (DI); Physical Activity Intervention (PAI); Physical Activity and Dietary Intervention (PADI); Minimal Intervention (MI). Women were offered individualized counseling by a dietitian, a physiotherapist and a psychologist. Participants were followed up for an additional 18months. 231 women completed the 6-month intervention and 167 completed the additional 18-month follow-up. Respectively, 37.5% and 36.7% of women included in the DI and PADI arm reached the objective of the trial (weight reduction > 5%). Significant weight and circumferences decrease was observed at 6-month in the four arms. Weight decrease was more pronounced in the DI (-4.7% ± 5.0%) and PADI (-3.9% ± 4.5%) arms, persisted over time (at 12 and 24months), where counseling was mainly focused on the dietic component. The intervention had an effect on the glucose level with a significant reduction in whole population (-0.9 ± 11.7 p-value 0.02) and most pronounced in the PADI arm (-2.4 ± 7.8 p-value 0.03). Lifestyle intervention mainly focused on the dietetic component and making use of a step counter improved body weight, circumferences and glucose levels. A personalized approach yields a potential clinical benefit for BC survivors.

Application of innovative biological agents for sustainable corn farming

Corn, being the most important crop globally, requires effective protection against pests while maintaining environmental sustainability. This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly methods for biological control of major corn pests. The research investigates the combined use of pheromones, entomopathogenic preparations, and parasitic Hymenoptera, such as Trichogramma evanescens West and Habrobracon hebetor Say, to combat pests. The seasonal dynamics and abundance of cotton moth (Helicoverpa armigera) and click beetle (Athous tauricus) were monitored using pheromone traps. The number of corn moth (Ostrinia nubilalis) caterpillars was recorded, and mass breeding of the ectoparasite Habrobracon hebetor was conducted for biological control. The effectiveness of the integrated approach, combining entomophages and biological preparations, was evaluated. The study demonstrates satisfactory effectiveness in biological protection, with significant reductions in corn moth and cotton moth populations. These findings highlight the potential of environmentally friendly techniques for pest control in corn crops, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Spatial genomics to reveal an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment after chemoradiation in head and neck cancer patients.

6059 Background: Although chemoradiotherapy (CRT) remains the cornerstone of management for locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), recurrence occurs in ~50% of patients. We sought to characterize the impact of CRT on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and identify factors associated with progression. Emerging spatial biology technologies, such as NanoString GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler (DSP), enable spatially defined whole-transcriptomic profiling of cells along the tumor-stromal interface in tumor biopsies to resolve immune cell identities, activation states and signaling pathways in adjacent tumor cells. We used a multimodal approach including immunohistochemistry (IHC), bulk tumor gene expression and spatial genomics to characterize paired pre- and post-CRT tumor samples from HNSCC patients. Methods: 20 patients with locoregionally advanced HNSCC who had undergone curative intent CRT and developed subsequent recurrence requiring salvage surgery from June 14, 2010 to June 14, 2020 were retrospectively identified at Duke University Medical Center. Matched formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumor specimens collected prior to CRT and at salvage surgery were compared via IHC for markers of immune infiltration and PDL1 expression, bulk tumor whole transcriptomic profiling, and spatial transcriptomic analysis of tumor and stroma using DSP were further examined in “early” progressors ( &lt; 6 months after CRT) and “late” progressors (≥6 months after CRT). Results: IHC analyses demonstrated significant reductions in T-cell immune populations (total CD3+, CD8+, 4-1BB+ cell density [ p &lt; 0.001]) after CRT. PDL1+ expression was similar before and after CRT. Neither T-cell infiltrate nor tumor PDL1 levels at surgery were associated with progression. Bulk tumor gene expression analysis demonstrated that macrophage and fibroblast markers were increased post-CRT. In early progressors, molecular dissection of the tumor-stromal interface using DSP expression profiling revealed macrophage associated genes ( CD68, MRC1/CD206, CD163, F13A1) at salvage surgery had a more pronounced increase in macrophage markers in stroma with enriched M2 genes compared to late progressors. Conclusions: Integrated spatial analysis with high resolution transcriptomics and IHC suggest CRT induces an immunosuppressive environment characterized by decreased T-cell infiltration and an influx of putative immunosuppressive macrophages. We hypothesize that tumor associated macrophages and/or fibroblasts may contribute to immunosuppression due to “reprogramming” of the TME after CRT. This exploratory study suggests that patients with progressive disease after chemoradiation may benefit from additional immunoregulatory therapies that ameliorate the immunosuppressive TME. These findings will be further validated in a larger cohort of patients.

Egg-yolk antibodies raised to VacJ passively immunize mice against Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia in a neutropenic murine model

There is no effective antibiotic against emerging highly resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains, and there is a need for alternative treatment options. Egg-yolk antibodies (IgYs) are the avian equivalent of mammalian IgG that could confer passive protection against various infections. VacJ is a virulence factor of the pathogen in the lungs. In addition, previous studies have shown that immunization of mice with this antigen resulted in decreased bacterial burden in the lung. Hence, it could be a suitable antigen to achieve protective IgYs. In the current study, the recombinant VacJ was expressed, purified, and administered to laying White Leghorn hens followed by IgY extraction from egg yolks. Indirect ELISA showed maximum IgY titers against VacJ raised two weeks following the last immunization. The immunoprotective effects of IgYs were investigated in neutropenic mice. The mice received intranasal IgYs one hour before the nasal instillation of the 10 ×LD50 with a clinical isolate of A. baumannii. A significant reduction in bacterial population loaded in the lungs and spleen was noted. A 100% survival was recorded in the group receiving anti-VacJ antibodies. The results indicate that VacJ is a good immunogen for the production of anti-A. baumannii IgY.

Management of Scriptothrip Dorsalis (Thysanoptera; Thripidae) in Chilli Crop

Chilli crop is drastically damaged by chilli thrip due to cryptic in nature and difficult to monitor the population till damge symptoms become visible. Simultaneously, this noxious pest mainly controlled by the use of chemicals, which lead to several problems. The main purpose of the present research is to monitor, manage and keep thrip population below economic thresh hold level (ETL) by using various colour (Yellow, Blue, Green &amp; Whitesheets) sticky traps on various trap heights (30, 60,90 &amp; 120 centimeters) were instlled in Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at fazal stop,Tandoallahyar during March, 2018 for the management of chilli thrip population efficiently. As a results of scouting experiment, it was confirmend that the yellow color sticky trap was significantly attracted highest number of Scirtothrips dorsalis than other sticky traps with significant differences (F=11.58; df=259, P&lt;0.001), also the maximum thrips were captured on traps which were installed at 90cm height as compared to other heights. During management trial, the significant reduction in thrip population was recorded in IPM plots, t-test showed a significant difference (t=6.11, F=0.75; df=114, P&lt;0.0001) in IPM and conventional plots. Since, the yellow color sticky trap attracted much more number of thrips at the height of 90cm. Thus, it is recommended as important components of IPM for the management of thrip in chilli agri-eco system

Nicotine-mediated dopamine regulates short neuropeptide F to inhibit brown planthopper feeding behavior in tobacco-rice rotation cropping.

The tobacco-rice rotation cropping (TRRC) is an ecologically friendly system that can both alleviate soil nicotine pollution and decrease the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) fitness on rice. However, few studies on this green and effective rotational cropping system have been reported. In particular, the underlying mechanisms of TRRC on the significant reduction of field pest population at the molecular level is still unknown. Field investigation showed that BPH population decreased significantly in TRRC than in rice-rice successive cropping (RRSC) field. In addition, the short neuropeptide F (NlsNPF) and its receptor NlA7 of BPH had half-times lower levels in the TRRC field. Behavioral bioassay indicated a 1.93-fold increase in the number of salivary flanges of the dsNlsNPF group, while BPH fitness parameters, such as honeydew, weight gain, and mortality decreased significantly. Dopamine (DA) content in BPH decreased by ~11.1% under the influence of nicotine, and its presence increased the expression levels of NlsNPF and NlA7. Exogenous DA application eliminated the inhibitory effects of nicotine on BPH feeding and restored the fitness levels of its parameters. Independent application of either a mixture of dsNlsNPF with a nanocarrier or nicotine to the normal rice field revealed that the latter could produce better effects in combination with dsRNA. These findings confirmed that DA regulated NlsNPF to inhibit the BPH feeding behavior in TRRC. The results not only provided novel findings on the mechanism of pest-host interactions, but also presented new method for integrated pest management. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tissue-mimetic culture enhances mesenchymal stem cell secretome capacity to improve regenerative activity of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a heterogenous population of multipotent and highly secretory cells currently being investigated in the field of wound healing for their ability to augment tissue responses. The adaptive response of MSC populations to the rigid substrate of current 2D culture systems has been considered to result in a deterioration of regenerative 'stem-like' properties. In this study, we characterise how the improved culture of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) within a tissue-mimetic 3D hydrogel system, that is mechanically similar to native adipose tissue, enhances their regenerative capabilities. Notably, the hydrogel system contains a porous microarchitecture that permits mass transport, enabling efficient collection of secreted cellular compounds. By utilising this 3D system, ASCs retained a significantly higher expression of ASC 'stem-like' markers while demonstrating a significant reduction in senescent populations, relative to 2D. Additionally, culture of ASCs within the 3D system resulted in enhanced secretory activity with significant increases in the secretion of proteinaceous factors, antioxidants and extracellular vesicles (EVs) within the conditioned media (CM) fraction. Lastly, treatment of wound healing cells, keratinocytes (KCs) and fibroblasts (FBs), with ASC-CM from the 2D and 3D systems resulted in augmented functional regenerative activity, with ASC-CM from the 3D system significantly increasing KC and FB metabolic, proliferative and migratory activity. This study demonstrates the potential beneficial role of MSC culture within a tissue-mimetic 3D hydrogel system that more closely mimics native tissue mechanics, and subsequently how the improved phenotype augments secretory activity and potential wound healing capabilities of the MSC secretome.

Population dynamics of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) in cut chrysanthemum cultivated under photoselective screens

The chrysanthemum is one of the main ornamental species in the world, having high relevance in the market of cut flowers and potted plants. Thrips are among the main pests of the chrysanthemum crop, causing direct and indirect damage to plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of photoselective screens and climatic factors on the population density of different species of thrips chrysanthemum. The study was carried out in the experimental area of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina, in a randomized complete block design, with split plots in time. The experiment was established in 3 blocks of 12 m in length, with plots of 3 m in length containing the different photoselective screens (red, silver, and black) and the control treatment (open field), which consisted of the primary factor. Repeated evaluations in time (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d) consisted of the secondary factor. Data were submitted to Tukey's test (p < 0.05) and the multivariate technique of principal component analysis (PCA). The mean of the thrips population at 60 days was statistically higher. The climatic variables rain and average humidity showed a highly significant negative correlation with the population fluctuation of the pest. Black, red, and silver photoselective screens promote significant reductions in thrips populations in chrysanthemums of the Zembla variety in the environmental conditions of southeastern Brazil.

Overshoot

The human enterprise is in overshoot; we exceed the long-term carrying capacity of Earth and are degrading the biophysical basis of our own existence. Despite decades of cumulative evidence, the world community has failed dismally in efforts to address this problem. I argue that cultural evolution and global change have outpaced bio-evolution; despite millennia of evolutionary history, the human brain and associated cognitive processes are functionally obsolete to deal with the human eco-crisis. H. sapiens tends to respond to problems in simplistic, reductionist, mechanical ways. Simplistic diagnoses lead to simplistic remedies. Politically acceptable technical ‘solutions’ to global warming assume fossil fuels are the problem, require major capital investment and are promoted on the basis of profit potential, thousands of well-paying jobs and bland assurances that climate change can readily be rectified. If successful, this would merely extend overshoot. Complexity demands a systemic approach; to address overshoot requires unprecedented international cooperation in the design of coordinated policies to ensure a socially-just economic contraction, mostly in high-income countries, and significant population reductions everywhere. The ultimate goal should be a human population in the vicinity of two billion thriving more equitably in ‘steady-state’ within the biophysical means of nature.