Compatibility of Entomopathogenic Nematodes with Chemical Insecticides for the Control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is a pest that reduces the productivity of small fruits. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and chemical insecticides can suppress this pest, but the compatibility of the two approaches together requires further examination. This laboratory study evaluated the compatibility of Steinernema brazilense IBCBn 06, S. carpocapsae IBCBn 02, Heterorhabditis amazonensis IBCBn 24, and H. bacteriophora HB with ten chemical insecticides registered for managing D. suzukii pupae. In the first study, most insecticides at the recommended rate did not reduce the viability (% of living infective juveniles (IJs)) of S. braziliense and both Heterorhabditis species. The viability of S. carpocapsae was lowered by exposure to spinetoram, malathion, abamectin, azadirachtin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, and spinetoram after 48 h. During infectivity bioassays, phosmet was compatible with all the EPNs, causing minimal changes in infectivity (% pupal mortality) and efficiency relative to EPN-only controls, whereas lambda-cyhalothrin generally reduced infectivity of EPNs on D. suzukii pupae the most, with a 53, 75, 57, and 13% reduction in infectivity efficiency among H. bacteriophora, H. amazonensis, S. carpocapsae, and S. brazilense, respectively. The second study compared pupal mortality caused by the two most compatible nematode species and five insecticides in various combinations. Both Heterorhabditis species caused 78-79% mortality among D. suzukii pupae when used alone, and were tested in combination with spinetoram, malathion, azadirachtin, phosmet, or novaluron at a one-quarter rate. Notably, H. bacteriophora caused 79% mortality on D. suzukii pupae when used alone, and 89% mortality when combined with spinetoram, showing an additive effect. Novaluron drastically reduced the number of progeny IJs when combined with H. amazonensis by 270 IJs and H. bacteriophora by 218. Any adult flies that emerged from EPN-insecticide-treated pupae had a shorter lifespan than from untreated pupae. The combined use of Heterorhabditis and compatible chemical insecticides was promising, except for novaluron.

Flourishing with sugars - following the fate of parasitoids in the field

When flowers, plants bearing extrafloral nectaries, or sugar sprays are added to agroecosystems, parasitoids are expected to feed, thereby improving biological control. This paper reviews studies where sugar-feeding of field-collected parasitoids were monitored via biochemical assays. When examined, trends in parasitoid abundance, energetic reserves, longevity, and per capita fecundity are also followed. Starved parasitoids readily feed on sugar sources in the field, and more individuals collected near sugar sources are categorized as 'fed' when sugar is otherwise limited in the agroecosystem. When sugar is not limited (i.e. honeydew prevalent), trends are not as clear. Some studies show improved fecundity and parasitism, while other studies show inconsistent trends between parasitoid feeding, abundance, longevity, and parasitism, with some responses improved but not others. Future research could address the dispersal or resting behavior of wasps following feeding since it can influence eventual biological control, and consider whether field sampling methods might over-/underestimate feeding.

Erythritol sprays reduce Drosophila suzukii infestation without impacting honey bee visitation nor fruit quality

BACKGROUND

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, is an economic pest of small fruits and cherries. Insecticides primarily control this pest while alternative controls are in development. Laboratory studies show that erythritol is insecticidal to D. suzukii and other pests while approved for human consumption. Moreover, erythritol combined with sucrose or non-caloric sucralose can stimulate feeding and quicken mortality. Before growers can use erythritol, the impact on crop protection, non-target insects, and fruit quality need evaluation.

RESULTS

In three blueberry and cherry field cage trials, oviposition on fruit sprayed with erythritol:sucrose or erythritol:sucralose formulations was lowered by 59%-81% compared with unsprayed controls. Fly infestation (larval or adult counts from fruit) was 90% lower in a greenhouse blueberry trial, and 49% lower in an open field blueberry trial with 2 m erythritol : 0.5 m sucrose. Infestation was also 57% lower in an open field cherry trial with 1.5 m erythritol:0.5 m sucrose. Other field trials with very low pest pressure or frequent rains revealed no differences from controls. Field trials consistently revealed that honey bees did not preferentially visit plants sprayed with either erythritol formulation, although yellow jackets visited plants sprayed with erythritol:sucrose more frequently. Erythritol formulations consistently led to more leaf spotting, but there was no reduction in the quality of treated blueberries or cherries in terms of mold development, firmness, diameter, epidermal penetration force, and Brix° (total soluble solids) at harvest.

CONCLUSION

Eleven trials conducted over four years show that erythritol formulations can reduce D. suzukii pressure without attracting foraging honey bees nor negatively impacting fruit quality. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Insecticidal Properties of Erythritol on Four Tropical Tephritid Fruit Flies, Zeugodacus cucurbitae, Ceratitis capitata, Bactrocera dorsalis, and B. latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Tephritid fruit flies are among the most destructive agricultural pests of fruits and vegetables worldwide and can impose trade barriers against the movement of fresh tropical commodities. Primary pre-harvest control methods for these flies rely on the spraying of conventional chemical insecticides or bait sprays. However, resistance to these control methods has been reported in fruit flies. Erythritol is a non-nutritive sugar alternative for human consumption, which has been tested and confirmed for its insecticidal properties against various insect pest species. In this study, using laboratory bioassays, we evaluated the insecticidal effect of erythritol alone or various erythritol formulations containing sucrose and/or protein on four tropical fruit fly species established in Hawaii (e.g., melon fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, oriental fruit fly, and Malaysian fruit fly). In addition, the effects of other non-nutritive hexose and pentose sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, were tested. Among the different standalone and combinatory treatments tested, 1M erythritol and a combinatory formulation of 2M erythritol + 0.5M sucrose appeared to be the most detrimental to the survival of all four species of tested flies, suggesting the potential of using erythritol as a non-toxic management tool for the control of tropical tephritid fruit flies.

Nonnutritive Sugars for Spotted-Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Control Have Minimal Nontarget Effects on Honey Bee Larvae, a Pupal Parasitoid, and Yellow Jackets

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, spotted-wing drosophila, is a major pest of small fruits and cherries and often managed with conventional insecticides. Our previous work found that erythritol, a nonnutritive polyol, has insecticidal properties to D. suzukii. Two formulations of erythritol (1.5M), with 0.5M sucrose or 0.1M sucralose, are most effective at killing D. suzukii. In this study, we investigated the nontarget effects of these erythritol formulations on honey bee Apis mellifera Linnaeus larvae, a pupal parasitoid of D. suzukii, Pachycrepoideus vindemiae Rondani, and western yellow jacket, Vespula pensylvanica Saussure. We directly exposed honey bee larvae by adding a high dose (2 µl) to larval cells and found no significant mortality from either formulation compared to the water control. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae may encounter erythritol in field settings when host plants of D. suzukii are sprayed. The erythritol+sucralose formulation was more detrimental than erythritol+sucrose to P. vindemiae, however, this effect was greatly reduced within a 21-d period when a floral source was present. Since yellow jackets are a nuisance pest and were attracted to the erythritol formulations in recent field trials, we tested adult V. pensylvanica survival with continuous consumption of these formulations in the laboratory. We found no detectable detriment from either formulation, compared to the sucrose control. Overall, both erythritol formulations caused minimal nontarget effects on honey bee larvae, P. vindemiae parasitoids, and western yellow jackets.

Surgical challenges of giant parathyroid adenomas weighing 10 g or more

PURPOSE

An average parathyroid adenoma (PA) weighs < 1 g. This study aimed to characterise giant PAs ≥ 10 g (GPAs) to facilitate surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

METHODS

All patients with a GPA confirmed on histology were recruited from the Monash University Endocrine Surgery Unit database. Clinical and demographic data were collected and compared to a group of non-GPA patients.

RESULTS

A total of 14 GPAs were identified between 2007 and 2018 out of 863 patients (1.6%) with a single PA excised for PHPT. The GPA patients were compared to a control group of 849 non-GPA patients in the same period with similar mean age (62 ± 16 vs 63 ± 14, P = 0.66) and gender distribution (64% vs 75% female, P = 0.35). Pre-operative calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly higher in GPA patients (P < 0.001). A higher percentage of GPA patients (79%) had concordant localisation studies (ultrasound and sestamibi) than control patients (59%), (P = 0.13), but they were significantly less likely to undergo MIP (55% vs 82%, P = 0.02). The median GPA weighed 12.5 g (IQR 10.5-24.3). Median serum Ca normalised by day 1 post-operatively, while PTH remained elevated. Both serum Ca and PTH levels were in the normal range at 3 months. All GPA lesions were benign on histopathology.

CONCLUSION

GPAs are rare and display severe clinical and biochemical abnormalities. Despite their large size, concordant pre-operative imaging was not always achieved, and a few patients were suitable for MIP.

Evaluating invasion risk and population dynamics of the brown marmorated stink bug across the contiguous United States

BACKGROUND

Invasive species threaten the productivity and stability of natural and managed ecosystems. Predicting the spread of invaders, which can aid in early mitigation efforts, is a major challenge, especially in the face of climate change. While ecological niche models are effective tools to assess habitat suitability for invaders, such models have rarely been created for invasive pest species with rapidly expanding ranges. Here, we leveraged a national monitoring effort from 543 sites over 3 years to assess factors mediating the occurrence and abundance of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys), an invasive insect pest that has readily established throughout much of the United States.

RESULTS

We used maximum entropy models to estimate the suitable habitat of BMSB under several climate scenarios, and generalized boosted models to assess environmental factors that regulated BMSB abundance. Our models captured BMSB distribution and abundance with high accuracy, and predicted a 70% increase in suitable habitat under future climate scenarios. However, environmental factors that mediated the geographical distribution of BMSB were different from those driving abundance. While BMSB occurrence was most affected by winter precipitation and proximity to populated areas, BMSB abundance was influenced most strongly by evapotranspiration and solar photoperiod.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that linking models of establishment (occurrence) and population dynamics (abundance) offers a more effective way to forecast the spread and impact of BMSB and other invasive species than simply occurrence-based models, allowing for targeted mitigation efforts. Implications of distribution shifts under climate change are discussed. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A Coordinated Sampling and Identification Methodology for Larval Parasitoids of Spotted-Wing Drosophila

We provide recommendations for sampling and identification of introduced larval parasitoids of spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). These parasitoids are either under consideration for importation (aka classical) biological control introductions, or their adventive (presumed to have been accidentally introduced) populations have recently been discovered in North America and Europe. Within the context of the ecology of D. suzukii and its parasitoids, we discuss advantages and disadvantages of estimating larval parasitism levels using different methods, including naturally collected fruit samples and sentinel baits. For most situations, we recommend repeated sampling of naturally occurring fruit rather than using sentinel baits to monitor seasonal dynamics of host plant-Drosophila-parasitoid associations. We describe how to separate Drosophilidae puparia from host fruit material in order to accurately estimate parasitism levels and establish host-parasitoid associations. We provide instructions for identification of emerging parasitoids and include a key to the common families of parasitoids of D. suzukii. We anticipate that the guidelines for methodology and interpretation of results that we provide here will form the basis for a large, multi-research team sampling effort in the coming years to characterize the biological control and nontarget impacts of accidentally and intentionally introduced larval parasitoids of D. suzukii in several regions of the world.

Effects of nonnutritional sugars on lipid and carbohydrate content, physiological uptake, and excretion in Drosophila suzukii

The nonnutritive sugar, erythritol, has the potential to be a human-safe management tool for the small fruits and cherry pest, Drosophila suzukii, or spotted-wing drosophila. Feeding on erythritol decreases fly survival and oviposition by starving and creating an osmotic imbalance in the body. Recently, we demonstrated that erythritol combined with another nonnutritive sugar, sucralose, was fed upon more than erythritol alone and hastens D. suzukii mortality. This suggests that sucralose is a suitable nonnutritive phagostimulant alternative to sucrose. Although promising, the nutritional and physiological impacts of sucralose on D. suzukii are unknown. In this study, we investigated whether sucralose is metabolized or excreted by D. suzukii when fed various erythritol, sucrose, and sucralose formulations. We found that sucralose cannot be metabolized or converted into any nutritional substitutes or storage carbohydrates in D. suzukii. Instead, sucralose molecules were largely accumulated in the hemolymph and slowly excreted from the body, creating a significant osmotic imbalance in D. suzukii. To excrete unused sugars, flies will use their own body fluids to restore homeostasis, resulting in losing a substantial amount of body weight and becoming desiccated in the process. In summary, ingesting sucralose leads to starvation and hyperosmotic pressure in the body, causing a decrease in fitness. With confirmation of sucralose being non-metabolizable and phagostimulative to D. suzukii, the erythritol+sucralose formulation is a promising insecticide for growers to use.

Methyl Salicylate Can Benefit Ornamental Pest Control, and Does Not Alter Per Capita Predator Consumption at Close-Range

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is an herbivore-induced plant volatile widely tested for attracting natural enemies for pest control. MeSA is commercially sold as slow-release lures or as a spray. While MeSA application has increased the abundance of natural enemies in numerous food crops, its ability to reduce pests for crop protection is not as frequently demonstrated. Our first objective was to test MeSA lures in ornamental fields where few studies have been done, and monitor natural enemies, pests, and crop protection. A 2-year study in spruce container yards revealed more aphid parasitoids (Pseudopraon sp.), fewer aphids (Mindarus obliquus) on shoot tips, and less shoot tip damage in MeSA plots during the first year. A 2-year study in red maple fields revealed more predatory lady beetles and rove beetles, and parasitic Ceraphronidae, Diapriidae, and Chalcidoidea in one or both years with MeSA. Fewer pest thrips were also captured in MeSA plots, though it is not clear whether this was due to enhanced predation or reduced colonization. Maple growth as measured by stem diameter change did not differ with MeSA use. A 2-year study examining predation on sentinel Halyomorpha halys eggs in various mature ornamental stock blocks found no increase in predation except for 1 month, though green lacewings, lady beetles, and predatory thrips occurred more in MeSA plots in the first year. While MeSA is expected to enhance biological control by herding in natural enemies, the impacts that applied volatiles have on predator efficiency is mostly unknown. Thus, our second objective examined how volatiles would impact feeding rates at close-range. Adult carabid Pterostichus melanarius, adult coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis, and larval lacewing Chrysoperla rufilabris consumed their prey at similar rates in the presence/absence of MeSA when food was presented directly in a 28 cm2 or 30 ml arena, or when foraging in a 520 cm2 outdoor soil arena or 946 ml arena with aphids on leaves.

Attracting Chrysopidae With Plant Volatiles for Lace Bug (Hemiptera: Tingidae) Control in Rhododendrons and Azaleas

The azalea lace bug (Stephanitis pyrioides Scott) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) is an invasive pest of rhododendrons and azaleas (Ericaceae: Rhododendron), which feeds on the underside of leaves causing chlorosis, reduced photosynthesis, and even plant death. While insecticides can control this pest, growers, landscape managers, and homeowners have requested softer alternatives. Augmentative release of predatory green lacewing Chrysoperla sp. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) eggs and larvae has reduced S. pyrioides, but large-scale implementation may not be practical nor cost-effective. Attracting naturally occurring Chrysopidae with plant volatiles may be an economical and convenient option. In this study, we tested whether volatile blends 1) attracted Chrysoperla sp., and 2) controlled S. pyrioides populations on Rhododendron spp. in farm or urban landscapes. Experimental plots contained different multicomponent lures placed aboveground next to infested plants. Adult Chrysoperla sp., other natural enemies, and S. pyrioides from egg to adult stages were monitored in both farm and urban landscapes for two summers. Overall, two out of three volatile blends consistently attracted Chrysoperla sp. to sticky traps near baited plants. Methyl salicylate + acetic acid + 2-phenylethanol (methyl salicylate blend) and acetophenone + acetic acid + 2-phenylethanol (acetophenone blend) captured more adult Chrysoperla sp. than control traps in farm landscapes. However, only the acetophenone blend was associated with a slight reduction of S. pyrioides. Additional research is needed to determine whether the phenology of the first generation of both species are synchronized for effective season biological control in the Pacific Northwest.

Season-Long Monitoring of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Throughout the United States Using Commercially Available Traps and Lures

Reliable monitoring of the invasive Halyomorpha halys abundance, phenology and geographic distribution is critical for its management. Halyomorpha halys adult and nymphal captures on clear sticky traps and in black pyramid traps were compared in 18 states across the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Pacific Northwest and Western regions of the United States. Traps were baited with commercial lures containing the H. halys pheromone and synergist, and deployed at field sites bordering agricultural or urban locations with H. halys host plants. Nymphal and adult captures in pyramid traps were greater than those on sticky traps, but captures were positively correlated between the two trap types within each region and during the early-, mid- and late season across all sites. Sites were further classified as having a low, moderate or high relative H. halys density and again showed positive correlations between captures for the two trap types for nymphs and adults. Among regions, the greatest adult captures were recorded in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic on pyramid and sticky traps, respectively, with lowest captures recorded in the West. Nymphal captures, while lower than adult captures, were greatest in the Southeast and lowest in the West. Nymphal and adult captures were, generally, greatest during July-August and September-October, respectively. Trapping data were compared with available phenological models showing comparable population peaks at most locations. Results demonstrated that sticky traps offer a simpler alternative to pyramid traps, but both can be reliable tools to monitor H. halys in different geographical locations with varying population densities throughout the season.

P6155Early computed tomographic evaluation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors: the CT-FIRST trial

Background

Patients surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) commonly present without an obvious etiology, but computed tomography (CT) can provide rapid, comprehensive anatomic evaluation of potential OHCA causes.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic capabilities of whole body CT imaging in OHCA survivors.

Methods

From 11/2015 to 2/2018, the CT-FIRST (CT Feasibility In Resuscitated patient for Sudden death Triage) protocol enrolled 104 OHCA survivors without obvious OHCA cause to an early (<6 hours from hospital arrival) dual source Sudden Death CT (SDCT) scan protocol that included a non-contrast head, ECG-gated cardiac/thoracic angiography, and non-gated venous phase abdominal CT's. Cardiac CT analysis was blinded, but other SDCT findings were clinically available. Patients needing urgent cardiac catheterization or hemodynamically unable to tolerate CT were excluded. Primary endpoints were SDCT diagnosis compared to OHCA causes from adjudicated record review, and any significantly altered therapy based on SDCT. Acute coronary syndrome by SDCT was conservatively assumed if >50% stenosis was identified in major coronary artery(ies).

Results

SDCT scans identified 39% (41/104) of all OHCA causes and 95% (41/43) of causes potentially identifiable with SDCT (Table). No inappropriate treatments resulted from SDCT findings. SDCT changed or expedited treatments in 21/23 (95%) patients, including antibiotics, anticoagulants, and invasive evaluations or treatments. SDCT found or confirmed resuscitation complications including liver/spleen laceration (n=5), pneumothorax (n=7), and hemopericardium (n=1).

N=104 OHCA Cause SDCT Diagnosis of OHCA Cause N (%) N (%) Acute coronary syndrome 13 (13%) 13 (100%) Cardiomyopathy 8 (8%) 7 (88%) Pneumonia 11 (11%) 11 (100%) Hemorrhagic stroke 3 (3%) 3 (100%) Pulmonary embolism 4 (3%) 4 (100%) Perforated viscus 2 (2%) 2 (100%) Gut necrosis 1 (1%) 1 (100%) Pulmonary hemorrhage 1 (1%) 1 (100%) Substance use 22 (21%) 0 (0%) Unknown 7 (7%) 0 (0%) Other 32 (31%) 0 (0%)

Conclusion

This pilot study suggests the SDCT protocol has considerable promise to diagnose OHCA causes and complications of resuscitation, as well as change clinical treatment.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Medic One Foundation

Effect of Erythritol on Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Presence of Naturally-Occurring Sugar Sources, and on the Survival of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Previous studies have demonstrated various combinations of non-nutritive erythritol and sucrose having detrimental effects on Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura). Fly mortality is likely caused by 1) starvation from feeding on non-metabolizable erythritol; and 2) physiological imbalance with abnormally high osmotic pressure in the hemolymph. While erythritol kills D. suzukii in controlled environments, flies in the field can access naturally-occurring sugar sources. We evaluated fly mortality in the presence or absence of wounded fruits, and an erythritol mixture of 2.0 M erythritol:0.5 M sucrose (E+S), or erythritol- and sucrose-only controls. When provided E+S, survival was consistently lower than sucrose controls with/out wounded fruit, suggesting that this mixture still has a detrimental effect in the presence of competing sugar sources. Our second study examined the effects of diet on fecundity and egg load of female D. suzukii. Females laid fewer eggs on blueberries when fed E+S or erythritol-only than sucrose. Unexpectedly, females fed E+S had more ovarial eggs than sucrose-fed females, suggesting that erythritol might inhibit D. suzukii laying eggs. Lastly, we evaluated honey bee survivorship by enclosing bees with one of four diets in a cage. The erythritol mixture had no discernible impact on adult survivorship during 7 d.

Survival and Fecundity Parameters of Two Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Morphs on Variable Diet Under Suboptimal Temperatures

Life history parameters are used to estimate population dynamics, mortality, and reproduction in insects relative to their surrounding environment. For Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), an invasive agricultural pest, previous studies have estimated net reproductive rate (Ro), generation time (T), and intrinsic rate of population increase (rm). A main limitation is that these estimates were measured under relatively favorable settings, and do not reflect environmental conditions and physiological states encountered during dormancy periods. Therefore, this study investigated the impacts of 1) low temperatures and 2) dietary protein: carbohydrate ratios (P:C) on both survival and fecundity parameters of D. suzukii summer morphs (SM) and postoverwintering winter morphs (WM) over physiological age (degree-days, DD). In both morphs, reproductive rates were higher and lifespan was longer when flies were exposed to low protein (P:C 1:4) or carbohydrate-only diets (P:C 0:1) compared with high protein diets (P:C 1:1). WM had higher reproductive rates and longer generation times than SM on optimal 1:4 diet in all trialed temperatures, but at the lowest temperatures, SM had higher reproductive rates than WM in carbohydrate-only and high protein diets. This likely reflected delayed oogenesis and hindered reproduction after an overwintering period in WM receiving suboptimal diets. Oviposition for SM and WM receiving 1:4 diet commenced from 0 to 100 DD, and peaked between 400 and 500 DD, earlier than flies receiving 0:1 diet. These results suggest that dietary protein has a crucial role in early oogenesis, particularly for postoverwintering WM. The parameters developed here reflect the population dynamics of D. suzukii before and after the crop growing season, an essential time for population buildup, survival, and early and late host infestation.

Monitoring Nutrient Status of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Adults and Nymphs on Summer Holly

Halyomorpha halys (Stål), or brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), has become a major pest and nuisance for both agricultural growers and homeowners since its arrival in North America and Europe. The nutritional ecology of BMSB is important for understanding its life history and rearing requirements. However, little is known about the nutritional status of wild populations, especially in the U.S. This research monitored the nutrient status of nymphal and adult BMSB collected from English holly in western Oregon. We measured their weight, nutrient index (weight/(prothorax × width)³), lipid, glycogen and sugar levels and egg load from May–September/October. First, glycogen and sugar levels of adults were often lowest sometime in June-August with a general increase by September. Meanwhile, their lipid levels varied without a discernible trend. Second, adult females had few eggs in May, with the highest egg load in June and July, and no eggs by September. Lastly, first and second nymphal instars were found in June, and fourth and fifth instars in September. Because nothing is known about the nutrient levels of nymphs, the reported values from this survey can assist future research on physiological responses of BMSB to treatments or environmental impacts in the field.

Multistate Comparison of Attractants and the Impact of Fruit Development Stage on Trapping Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Raspberry and Blueberry

Spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is an invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits across the globe. Effective monitoring is necessary to manage this pest, but suitable attractants are still being identified. In this study, we combined lures with fermenting liquid baits to improve D. suzukii trapping specificity and attractiveness. We also measured the efficiency and specificity of baits/lures during different times of the season; the reproductive status of females among baits/lures; and the effects of locations and crop type on these response variables. We developed a metric that combined mating status and fat content to determine differences in types of females attracted. Lures utilizing yeast and sugar-based volatiles trapped the most D. suzukii. The addition of a commercial lure to yeast and sugar-based lures increased catches in most locations, but was also the least specific to D. suzukii. Apple juice-based chemical lures tended to be most specific to D. suzukii, while lures comprised of a singular attractant tended to trap more D. suzukii with a higher reproductive potential than combinations of attractants. Trap catch and lure specificity was lower during fruit development than fruit ripening. While catch amounts varied by geographic location and crop type, attractants performed similarly relative to each other in each location and crop. Based on the metrics in this study, the yeast and sugar-based attractants were the most effective lures. However, further work is needed to improve early season monitoring, elucidate the effects of physiological status on bait attraction, and understand how abiotic factors influence bait attraction.

Beyond disease susceptibility-Leveraging genome-wide association studies for new insights into complex disease biology

Genetic studies in complex diseases have been highly successful, but have also been largely one-dimensional: predominantly focusing on the genetic contribution to disease susceptibility. While this is undoubtedly important-indeed it is a pre-requisite for understanding the mechanisms underlying disease development-there are many other important aspects of disease biology that have received comparatively little attention. In this review, I will discuss how existing genetic data can be leveraged to provide new insights into other aspects of disease biology, why such insights could change the way we think about complex disease, and how this could provide opportunities for better therapies and/or facilitate personalised medicine. To do this, I will use the example of Crohn's disease-a chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease that has been one of the main success stories in complex disease genetics. Indeed, thanks to genetic studies, we now have a much more detailed understanding of the processes involved in Crohn's disease development, but still know relatively little about what determines the subsequent disease course (prognosis) and why this differs so considerably between individuals. I will discuss how we came to realise that genetic variation plays an important role in determining disease prognosis and how this has changed the way we think about Crohn's disease genetics. This will illustrate how phenotypic data can be used to leverage new insights from genetic data and will provide a broadly applicable framework that could yield new insights into the biology of multiple diseases.

Development of a New Pulsatile Extracorporeal Life Support Device Incorporating a Dual Pulsatile Blood Pump

A new pulsatile extracorporeal life support device (ECLS) has been developed, designed to sustain pulsatile blood flow during emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitations and cardiopulmonary operations. This device features two identical pulsatile pumps that operate alternately and can therefore provide blood inflow in a more uniform manner than similar systems featuring a single-pump configuration. In order to confirm the presumed benefits of this newly-developed dual pulsatile pump configuration, we have conducted a series of in vitro experiments designed to compare the properties of the new system with a single pump system, specifically with regard to pump delivery rate and active filling efficiency. Our results reveal that the dual pump configuration can, indeed, deliver a higher flow than can the single-pump system, and exhibits an active filling efficiency superior to that of the single-pump configuration. We performed a series of animal experiments to measure the pulsatility of the dual-pump configuration in terms of equivalent energy pressure (EEP). In order to measure EEP, we measured femoral arterial pressure and pump outflow. The results of our animal experiments revealed that the newly-developed pulstile ECLS exhibits sufficient pulsatility in terms of the EEP considerations.

Nutrient Content of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Eggs and Comparisons Between Experimental Uses

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), has become a major pest. Seven experiments examined the nutrient content of their eggs in the context of female reproductive investment and use for experiments. Among 542 clusters examined, an average egg contained 23.50 ± 0.561 µg lipid, 3.17 ± 0.089 µg glycogen, and 3.08 ± 0.056 µg sugar. Mature eggs within a female’s ovary can make up 61% of her total lipid, 35% of glycogen, and 20% of sugar levels. Eggs obtained from a colony reared on a steady diet are expected to have consistent nutrient content. The age of a parental female only slightly affected the lipid level of oviposited eggs but did not affect glycogen or sugar levels. However, egg nutrient content can differ substantially by the source of the parental females; wild eggs had higher lipid but lower sugar content than colony-produced eggs. Further, the length of time that eggs are frozen influenced egg nutrient content. Freshly laid eggs had higher lipid and lower sugar levels than eggs frozen for 1 or 2 yr. Whether an egg turned grey following removal from cold storage did not affect nutrient content, nor did being frozen within 1 or 3 d of oviposition. The temperature at which eggs were left exposed did not impact egg nutrient content, but glycogen decreased and sugar increased with deployment time. This information combined with how factors affect host selection by natural enemies will help refine future experiments that use BMSB egg clusters.

Effect of erythritol formulation on the mortality, fecundity and physiological excretion in Drosophila suzukii

Previously, we studied various combinations of non-nutritive sugars including erythritol and erythrose having a potentially insecticidal effect on Drosophila suzukii. The study suggested two potential physiological changes causing fly mortality: 1) starvation from the feeding of non-metabolizable erythritol and erythrose; 2) abnormal osmotic pressure increased in the hemolymph with erythritol transported from the midgut. In the present study, sucrose and erythritol were applied to blueberries and effects of these combinations on fly mortality and fecundity were monitored in the lab and greenhouse. In the lab, two sucrose/erythritol formulations (0.5M sucrose/2M erythritol, 1M sucrose/2M erythritol) resulted in the highest mortality and the lowest fecundity among D. suzukii adults. Two formulations, therefore, were selected for further evaluation with blueberry bushes and fruits in the greenhouse; fly survival with 0.5M sucrose/2M erythritol was significantly lower than 1M sucrose/2M erythritol for 7days. Unlike the smaller container, mortality occurred faster in the greenhouse probably because flies moved more in the bigger cage accelerating the exhaustion of energy reserves in the body. We examined presence of erythritol in the hemolymph and frass to determine the nutritional metabolism and absorption of erythritol in D. suzukii. Unlike sucrose, a large amount of erythritol was observed in the hemolymph of the fly that ingested 0.5M sucrose/0.5M erythritol. Erythritol was also found in the frass of the same fly. The results imply that erythritol might be directly transported from the midgut without being metabolized and stored, but is accumulated in the hemolymph which in turn elevates the osmotic pressure in the fly hemolymph. For practical application, the sucrose/erythritol combination would be more effective than erythritol alone because the combination tastes sweeter to elicit more feeding. This erythritol formulation can be a potential insecticide used alone or as a delivery agent combined with conventional or biological insecticides to enhance their efficacy.

Two Pests Overlap: Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Use of Fruit Exposed to Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), are global economic pests that may co-occur on small fruits. We investigated whether fruit recently exposed to H. halys affected subsequent host use by D. suzukii. Laboratory no-choice and choice tests presented D. suzukii with H. halys-fed and unfed raspberries and blueberries immediately or 3 d after H. halys feeding. Resulting D. suzukii eggs, or larvae and pupae, were counted. The number of D. suzukii immatures among fed and unfed fruit was not significantly different in lab studies. There was no relationship between the intensity of H. halys feeding, as estimated by the number of stylet sheaths, and D. suzukii oviposition on blueberry. Lastly, field studies compared D. suzukii infestation between H. halys-fed and unfed raspberries. Raspberries were previously exposed to H. halys for 3 d or simultaneously exposed to both pests for 7 d. Natural infestation by D. suzukii in the field was similar among raspberries previously or simultaneously exposed to H. halys compared to control fruit.

Phenology of brown marmorated stink bug described using female reproductive development

Temperature‐based degree‐day models describe insect seasonality and to predict key phenological events. We expand on the use of a temperature‐based process defining timing of reproduction through the incorporation of female reproductive physiology for the invasive pentatomid species Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug. A five‐stage ranking system based on ovary development was able to distinguish between the reproductive statuses of field‐collected females. Application of this ranking method described aspects of H. halys’ seasonality, overwintering biology, and phenology across geographic locations. Female H. halys were collected in the US from NJ, WV, NC, OR, and two sites in PA in 2006–2008 (Allentown, PA only) and 2012–2014. Results identify that H. halys enters reproductive diapause in temperate locations in the fall and that a delay occurs in developmental maturity after diapause termination in the spring. Modification of the Snyder method to identify biofix determined 12.7‐hr photoperiod as the best fit to define initiation of reproduction in the spring. Applying the biofix, we demonstrated significant differences between locations for the rate at which the overwintering generation transition into reproductive status and the factors contributing to this difference require further study. For example, after including abiotic variables influencing development such as temperature and photoperiod (critical diapause cue), reproduction occurred earlier in OR and for an extended period in NJ. This data describe a method to investigate insect seasonality by incorporating physiological development across multiple regions that can clarify phenology for insects with overlapping generations.

Severe hyperkalaemia complicating parathyroidectomy in patients with end-stage renal disease

We evaluated the incidence of perioperative hyperkalaemia in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing parathyroidectomy and investigated possible contributors to this phenomenon. This was a retrospective cohort study looking at patients who had undergone parathyroidectomy for chronic kidney disease-associated mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, since 2001. Baseline demographics including age, gender, aetiology of renal failure and mode of renal replacement therapy as well as anaesthetic technique and duration of surgery were studied as possible contributors. Perioperative potassium values were compared to preoperative baseline. Following stratification into normokalaemic and hyperkalaemic groups, demographic and operative data were compared. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria with a median (interquartile range, IQR) age of 48.5 (42-59) years. There was a male predominance of 68%. The median (IQR) surgical time was 131 (115-164) minutes. Potassium levels rose perioperatively, with a 27.3% incidence of perioperative hyperkalaemia. Median duration of surgery was longer in the hyperkalaemic patients (167 minutes versus 125 minutes). Following the withdrawal of cinacalcet, parathyroidectomy is increasingly required in ESRD patients with CKD-MBD. Potentially life-threatening hyperkalaemia poses a significant risk in the perioperative period. Serial electrolyte monitoring is crucial to safety in this patient group. A multidisciplinary approach to perioperative management is required to ensure optimal timing of renal replacement therapy and appropriate means of serial blood sampling.

Effect of non-nutritive sugars to decrease the survivorship of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii

In this study, we investigated the effects of non-nutritive sugars and sugar alcohols on the survivorship of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, and found erythritol and erythrose as potentially insecticidal to the fly. In a dose-dependent study, erythritol and erythrose significantly reduced fly longevity, with 100% mortality with 1, 0.5, 0.1 & 0.05M doses after feeding for 7days. When sucrose and erythritol solutions were provided separately to flies for 7days, there was no effect on survivorship regardless of erythritol concentrations. However, with a serial combination of sucrose and erythritol solutions, fly survivorship was significantly decreased for the same period. Also, the higher dose of erythritol regardless of the sucrose dose combined showed greater mortality. In a no-choice assay, D. suzukii ingested more erythritol than sucrose or water, indicating the fly continuously fed on erythritol for 72h. Also under no-choice conditions, erythritol and sucrose-fed flies gained more weight than water-fed flies. However, in two-choice assays, the amount of erythritol ingested was less than sucrose or water. Total sugar and glycogen levels among erythritol and erythrose-fed flies were significantly less than mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, and sucrose-fed flies after 48h. This indicates that these two non-nutritive sugars can't be used a substrate for enzymes involved in sugar metabolism. Although the metabolism of erythritol and erythrose is unknown in insects, the mortality of D. suzukii flies ingesting these sugars might be caused by two potential physiological changes. The fly is starved by feeding of non-metabolizable erythritol and erythrose, or experiences abnormally high osmotic pressure in the hemolymph with erythritol molecules diffused from the midgut. Non-nutritive sugars might be used as an insecticide alone or combined with conventional or biological insecticides to enhance efficacy. If other sugar sources are present, a palatable sugar might be mixed with erythritol to elicit feeding.

A probiotic combination attenuates experimental colitis through inhibition of innate cytokine production

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a severe immune cell-mediated syndrome characterised by extensive inflammatory and effector mucosal responses leading to tissue destruction in the colon and small intestine. The leading hypothesis is that dysbiosis of the gut flora causes an excessive immune response and inflammation in the gastrointestinal track. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can correct dysbiosis of the normal microbiota. In the current study, the therapeutic potential of seven LAB strains in combination to treat IBD was evaluated using experimental colitis model. This LAB cocktail, designated GI7, includes four strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, two strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, and one strain of Streptococcus thermophilus. We confirmed that GI7 suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines in Raw264.7 macrophages. When dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitic mice were treated with GI7, their symptoms of colitis, as assessed by body weight, colon length, myeloperoxidase activity, intestinal bleeding, and histological damage, were reduced compared to untreated mice. In addition, GI7 treatment significantly inhibited the production of innate pro-inflammatory cytokines during colitic progression. Therefore, we suggest that GI7, a combination of seven LAB, has a potential role in the treatment of IBD.

Photoprotective Effect of Carpomitra costata Extract against Ultraviolet B-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Keratinocytes

Natural marine products show various biological properties such as antiphotoaging, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammation. This study evaluated the protective effects of the brown alga Carpomitra costata (Stackhouse) Batters (Sporochnaceae) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-provoked damage in human HaCaT keratinocytes. C. costata extract (CCE) effectively reduced superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and UVB-stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. CCE also restored the expression and activity of UVB-suppressed antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, CCE decreased UVB-triggered oxidative damage to cellular components including DNA, protein, and lipid and defended the cells against mitochondrial membrane depolarization-medicated apoptosis. The results of this study indicate that CCE can safeguard human keratinocytes against UVB-induced cellular damage via a potent antioxidant mechanism. CCE may find utility as part of a therapeutic arsenal against the damaging effects of UVB radiation on the skin.

Drosophila suzukii population response to environment and management strategies

Drosophila suzukii causes economic damage to berry and stone fruit worldwide. Laboratory-generated datasets were standardized and combined on the basis of degree days (DD), using Gompertz and Cauchy curves for survival and reproduction. Eggs transitioned to larvae at 20.3 DD; larvae to pupae at 118.1 DD; and pupae to adults at 200 DD. All adults are expected to have died at 610 DD. Oviposition initiates at 210 DD and gradually increases to a maximum of 15 eggs per DD at 410 DD and subsequently decreases to zero at 610 DD. These data were used as the basis for a DD cohort-level population model. Laboratory survival under extreme temperatures when DD did not accumulate was described by a Gompertz curve based on calendar days. We determined that the initiation of the reproductive period of late dormant field-collected female D. suzukii ranged from 50 to 800 DD from January 1. This suggests that D. suzukii females can reproduce early in the season and are probably limited by availability of early host plants. Finally, we used the DD population model to examine hypothetical stage-specific mortality effects of IPM practices from insecticides and parasitoids at the field level. We found that adulticides applied during the early season will result in the largest comparative population decrease. It is clear from model outputs that parasitism levels comparable to those found in field studies may have a limited effect on population growth. Novel parasitoid guilds could therefore be improved and would be valuable for IPM of D. suzukii.

Multistate Comparison of Attractants for Monitoring Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Blueberries and Caneberries

Drosophila suzukii Matsumara, also referred to as the spotted wing drosophila, has recently expanded its global range with significant consequences for its primary host crops: blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and strawberries. D. suzukii populations can increase quickly, and their infestation is difficult to predict and prevent. The development of effective tools to detect D. suzukii presence in new areas, to time the beginning of activity within a crop, to track seasonal activity patterns, and to gauge the effectiveness of management efforts has been a key research goal. We compared the efficiency, selectivity, and relationship to fruit infestation of a range of commonly used homemade baits and a synthetic formulated lure across a wide range of environments in 10 locations throughout the United States. Several homemade baits were more efficient than apple cider vinegar, a commonly used standard, and a commercially formulated lure was, in some configurations and environments, comparable with the most effective homemade attractant as well as potentially more selective. All alternative attractants also captured flies between 1 and 2 wk earlier than apple cider vinegar, and detected the presence of D. suzukii prior to the development of fruit infestation. Over half the Drosophila spp. flies captured in traps baited with any of the attractants were not D. suzukii, which may complicate their adoption by nonexpert users. The alternative D. suzukii attractants tested are improvement on apple cider vinegar and may be useful in the development of future synthetic lures.

Astrocytes regulate α-secretase-cleaved soluble amyloid precursor protein secretion in neuronal cells: Involvement of group IIA secretory phospholipase A2

Astrocytes are major supportive cells in brains with important functions including providing nutrients and regulating neuronal activities. In this study, we demonstrated that astrocytes regulate amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing in neuronal cells through secretion of group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA). When astrocytic cells (DITNC) were mildly stimulated with the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF α and IL-1β, sPLA2-IIA was secreted into the medium. When conditioned medium containing sPLA2-IIA was applied to human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells, there was an increase in both cell membrane fluidity and secretion of α-secretase-cleaved soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPPα). These changes were abrogated by KH064, a selective inhibitor of sPLA2-IIA. In addition, exposing SH-SY5Y cells to recombinant human sPLA2-IIA also increased membrane fluidity, accumulation of APP at the cell surface, and secretion of sAPPα, but without altering total expressions of APP, α-secretases and β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1). Taken together, our results provide novel information regarding a functional role of sPLA2-IIA in astrocytes for regulating APP processing in neuronal cells.

Long noncoding RNA profiles of adrenocortical cancer can be used to predict recurrence

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive malignancy with high rates of recurrence following surgical resection. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in cancer development. Pathogenesis of adrenal tumours have been characterised by mRNA, microRNA and methylation expression signatures, but it is unknown if this extends to lncRNAs. This study describes lncRNA expression signatures in ACC, adrenal cortical adenoma (ACA) and normal adrenal cortex (NAC) and presents lncRNAs associated with ACC recurrence to identify novel prognostic and therapeutic targets. RNA was extracted from freshly frozen tissue with confirmation of diagnosis by histopathology. Focused lncRNA and mRNA transcriptome analysis was performed using the ArrayStar Human LncRNA V3.0 microarray. Differentially expressed lncRNAs were validated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and correlated with clinical outcomes. Microarray of 21 samples (ten ACCs, five ACAs and six NACs) showed distinct patterns of lncRNA expression between each group. A total of 956 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between ACC and NAC, including known carcinogenesis-related lncRNAs such as H19, GAS5, MALAT1 and PRINS (P≤0.05); 85 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between ACC and ACA (P≤0.05). Hierarchical clustering and heat mapping showed ACC samples correctly grouped compared with NAC and ACA. Sixty-six differentially expressed lncRNAs were found to be associated with ACC recurrence (P≤0.05), one of which, PRINS, was validated in a group of 20 ACCs and also found to be associated with metastatic disease on presentation. The pathogenesis of adrenal tumours extends to lncRNA dysregulation and low expression of the lncRNA PRINS is associated with ACC recurrence.

Wntless regulates dentin apposition and root elongation in the mandibular molar

Wnt signaling plays an essential role in the dental epithelium and mesenchyme during tooth morphogenesis. However, it remains unclear if Wnt ligands, produced from dental mesenchyme, are necessary for odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. Here, we show that odontoblast-specific disruption of Wntless (Wls), a chaperon protein that regulates Wnt sorting and secretion, leads to severe defects in dentin formation and root elongation. Dentin thickness decreased remarkably and pulp chambers enlarged in the mandibular molars of OC-Cre;Wls(CO/CO) mice. Although the initial odontoblast differentiation was normal in the mutant crown, odontoblasts became cuboidal and dentin thickness was reduced. In immunohistochemistry, Wnt10a, β-catenin, type I collagen, and dentin sialoprotein were significantly down-regulated in the odontoblasts of mutant crown. In addition, roots were short and root canals were widened. Cell proliferation was reduced in the developing root apex of mutant molars. Furthermore, Wnt10a and Axin2 expression was remarkably decreased in the odontoblasts of mutant roots. Deletion of the Wls gene in odontoblasts appears to reduce canonical Wnt activity, leading to inhibition of odontoblast maturation and root elongation.

Osterix regulates tooth root formation in a site-specific manner

Bone and dentin share similar biochemical compositions and physiological properties. Dentin, a major tooth component, is formed by odontoblasts; in contrast, bone is produced by osteoblasts. Osterix (Osx), a zinc finger-containing transcription factor, has been identified as an essential regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. However, it has been difficult to establish whether Osx functions in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. To understand the role of Osx in dentin formation, we analyzed mice in which Osx was subjected to tissue-specific ablation under the control of either the Col1a1 or the OC promoter. Two independent Osx conditional knockout mice exhibited similar molar abnormalities. Although no phenotype was found in the crowns of these teeth, both mutant lines exhibited short molar roots due to impaired root elongation. Furthermore, the interradicular dentin in these mice showed severe hypoplastic features, which were likely caused by disruptions in odontoblast differentiation and dentin formation. These phenotypes were closely related to the temporospatial expression pattern of Osx during tooth development. These findings indicate that Osx is required for root formation by regulating odontoblast differentiation, maturation, and root elongation. Cumulatively, our data strongly indicate that Osx is a site-specific regulator in tooth root formation.

Attractiveness of fermentation and related products to spotted wing Drosophila (Diptera: drosophilidae)

Laboratory screening bioassays and field trapping experiments of spotted wing drosophila flies, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), were conducted to determine the attractiveness of 17 compounds as well as to compare attractant efficiency during peak fruit ripeness and postharvest captures late in the season. Compounds structurally related to each of the fermentation products acetic acid, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and 2-phenethyl alcohol were screened for attractiveness compared with a soap water control in greenhouse cage bioassays. The compounds determined to be attractive in the greenhouse bioassay (methanol, ethanol, propanol, formic acid, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, phenethyl acetate, phenethyl propionate, and phenethyl butyrate) were individually tested in the field added to apple cider vinegar (ACV). The acids were also tested individually in neutralized ACV (NACV; pH ≍7). Combinations of the compounds were tested in NACV. The capture numbers in ACV traps were not significantly increased by the addition of any of the compounds tested, although significant deterrent effects of some of the compounds allowed differences between treatments to be observed. Compounds that are most prevalent in wine and vinegar (methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate) as well as phenethyl propionate and phenethyl butyrate were less deterrent than the other compounds tested in the field. Captures during peak fruit ripeness were compared with the postharvest period when fruit hosts were not available or were overripe. Although the total number of flies captured late in the season was lower, the trends in treatment performance were similar, indicating a consistent performance of these baits from peak fruit ripeness through postharvest.

Seasonal phenology of Amphorophora agathonica (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and spread of viruses in red raspberry in Washington

Amphorophora agathonica (Hottes) is the primary vector of aphid-transmitted viruses in red raspberry in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. To better understand the biology of the aphid, we estimated the lower developmental threshold and studied the seasonal activity of A. agathonica in commercial fields in northern Washington state. In addition, we monitored the spread of raspberry viruses (raspberry latent virus and raspberry leaf mottle virus, RLMV) to determine how rapidly fields became infected and whether there was a relationship between aphid presence and infection. The lower developmental threshold of A. agathonica was estimated to be 2.7°C. In the field, apterous and alate aphid populations began rapidly increasing at ≍800 growing degree-days and peaked at 1,050 growing degree-days. RLMV spread rapidly, with 30-60% of plants in four different commercial fields testing positive after three growing seasons. There was no discernible relationship between the presence or abundance of aphids based on 10 leaves sampled per plant location, and the odds of that plant becoming infected with RLMV.

Development of biological control of Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) and Phorodon humuli (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Oregon hop yards

The temporal development of biological control of arthropod pests in perennial cropping systems is largely unreported. In this study, the development of biological control of twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, and hop aphid, Phorodon humuli (Schrank), in a new planting of hop in Oregon is described over a period of 9 yr (2005-2013). Both the abundance and diversity of natural enemies increased over time. Known predators of hop aphid (Coccinellidae and Anthocoridae) were present in all years; however, stable biological control of hop aphid was not achieved in most years and aphicides were required to suppress populations at commercially acceptable levels in 5 of 9 yr. Populations of aphidophagous coccinellids developed synchronously with hop aphid populations, and temporal correlations indicated these are the primary predatory insect associated with hop aphid regulation. However, sampling methods did not assess levels of aphid parasitoids and hyperparasitoids and their contribution to biological control was unquantified. Spider mite biological control was associated primarily with predatory mites (Phytoseiidae) and Stethorus spp. (Coccinellidae). The magnitude of temporal correlations of abundance of these predators with spider mites was found to be greatest on the same sampling dates and at lags of 7-14 d. Stable biological control of spider mites occurred after four field seasons, suppressing spider mites to levels similar to those commonly achieved with chemical control. A survey of 11 commercial hop yards in Oregon documented pest and natural enemy densities under commercial management practices over a period of 4 yr (2008-2011). Natural enemy abundance in commercial hop yards was similar to that of a 2- to 3-yr-old hop yard with limited disturbance. Whereas total reliance on biological control for hop aphid is unlikely to be successful, there appears to be unrealized potential for biological control of spider mites in commercial production. Dynamic action thresholds that consider the value of natural enemies are needed for both pests.

Trap designs for monitoring Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), an invasive pest of small and stone fruits, has been recently detected in 39 states of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. This pest attacks ripening fruit, causing economic losses including increased management costs and crop rejection. Ongoing research aims to improve the efficacy of monitoring traps. Studies were conducted to evaluate how physical trap features affect captures of D. suzukii. We evaluated five colors, two bait surface areas, and a top and side position for the fly entry point. Studies were conducted at 16 sites spanning seven states and provinces of North America and nine crop types. Apple cider vinegar was the standard bait in all trap types. In the overall analysis, yellow-colored traps caught significantly more flies than clear, white, and black traps; and red traps caught more than clear traps. Results by color may be influenced by crop type. Overall, the trap with a greater bait surface area caught slightly more D. suzukii than the trap with smaller area (90 vs. 40 cm(2)). Overall, the two traps with a side-mesh entry, with or without a protective rain tent, caught more D. suzukii than the trap with a top-mesh entry and tent.

Susceptibility of cranberries to Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), commonly referred to as the spotted wing drosophila, is an exotic species that has proven a troublesome pest of fruit production in the United States. The fly targets small fruit and thus represents a concern for the U.S. cranberry industry. Two studies were conducted to assess whether cranberries may serve as hosts for D. suzukii. In the first study, the suitability of ripe, unripe, and over-ripe cranberries were assayed by examining adult oviposition and larval development in no-choice trials. In the second study, wounded and unwounded fruit were examined as potential hosts in choice and no-choice trials. Our first study showed that ripe, unripe, and over-ripe cranberries were unsuitable hosts (few eggs were laid, with no surviving puparia). In the wounded and unwounded berry study, no larvae survived to adulthood among unwounded berries. Within wounded fruit, D. suzukii readily fed and developed into adults. Together, these results suggest that unwounded cranberries--whether ripe, unripe, or over-ripe--are unsuitable as hosts for D. suzukii. Wounded rotting cranberries, however, can serve as hosts. Across the landscape, cranberry marshes with rotting fruit may contribute to D. suzukii source-sink dynamics.

Acapsular clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates lack agr function

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen causing community- and hospital-acquired infections. Capsule production of S. aureus confers protection against host defence. There is a lack of information concerning the association of capsular polysaccharide (CP) expression and activity of the accessory gene regulator (agr) in clinical S. aureus isolates. Production of CP and agr expression were assessed in 195 S. aureus isolates from infected patients at a German University Hospital. Northern blot analysis revealed that S. aureus strains with a non-functional agr locus were more likely to be CP-negative than strains with a functional agr locus.

Early plasma soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-product levels are associated with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome

Early epithelial injury after lung transplantation may contribute to development of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). We evaluated the relationship between early postoperative soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-product (sRAGE) levels, a marker of type I alveolar cell injury and BOS. We performed a cohort study of 106 lung transplant recipients between 2002 and 2006 at the University of Pennsylvania with follow-up through 2010. Plasma sRAGE was measured 6 and 24 h after transplantation. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between sRAGE and time to BOS, defined according to ISHLT guidelines. Sixty (57%) subjects developed BOS. The average time to BOS was 3.4 years. sRAGE levels measured at 6 h (HR per SD of sRAGE: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.57, p = 0.02) and 24 h (HR per SD of sRAGE: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.65, p = 0.01) were associated with an increased hazard of BOS. Multivariable Cox regression indicated this relationship was independent of potential confounders. Elevated plasma sRAGE levels measured in the immediate postoperative period are associated with the development of BOS. Early epithelial injury after transplantation may contribute to the development of fibrosis in BOS.

Excessive Wnt/β-catenin signaling disturbs tooth-root formation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Wingless-type MMTV integration site family (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling plays an essential role in cellular differentiation and matrix formation during skeletal development. However, little is known about its role in tooth-root formation. In a previous study, we found excessive formation of dentin and cementum in mice with constitutive β-catenin stabilization in the dental mesenchyme. In the present study we analyzed the molar roots of these mice to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in root formation in more detail.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We generated OC-Cre:Catnb(+/lox(ex3)) mice by intercrossing Catnb(+/lox(ex3)) and OC-Cre mice, and we analyzed their mandibular molars using radiography, histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

OC-Cre:Catnb(+/lox(ex3)) mice showed impaired root formation. At the beginning of root formation in mutant molars, dental papilla cells did not show normal differentiation into odontoblasts; rather, they were prematurely differentiated and had a disorganized arrangement. Interestingly, SMAD family member 4 was upregulated in premature odontoblasts. In 4-wk-old mutant mice, molar roots were about half the length of those in their wild-type littermates. In contrast to excessively formed dentin in crown, root dentin was thin and hypomineralized in mutant mice. Biglycan and dentin sialophosphoprotein were downregulated in root dentin of mutant mice, whereas dentin matrix protein 1 and Dickkopf-related protein 1 were upregulated. Additionally, ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 was significantly downregulated in the cementoblasts of mutant molars. Finally, in the cementum of mutant mice, bone sialoprotein was downregulated but Dickkopf-related protein 2 was upregulated.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that temporospatial regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an important role in cell differentiation and matrix formation during root and cementum formation.

Location of the mechanism of resistance to Amphorophora agathonica (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in red raspberry

The aphid Amphorophora agathonica Hottes (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an important virus vector in red (Rubus idaeus L.) and black (Rubus occidentalis L.) raspberries in North America. Raspberry resistance to A. agathonica in the form of a single dominant gene named Ag1 has been relied upon to help control aphid-transmitted plant viruses; however, the mechanism of resistance to the insect is poorly understood. Aphid feeding was monitored using an electrical penetration graph on the resistant red raspberry 'Tulameen' and compared with a susceptible control, 'Vintage'. There were no differences in pathway feeding behaviors of aphids as they moved toward the phloem. Once in the phloem, however, aphids feeding on resistant plants spent significantly more time salivating than on susceptible plants, and ingested significantly less phloem sap. This suggests that a mechanism for resistance to A. agathonica is located in the phloem. Reduced ingestion of phloem may result in inefficient acquisition of viruses and is a likely explanation for the lack of aphid-transmitted viruses in plantings of resistant cultivars.

Evaluation of monitoring traps for Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in North America

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), a recent invasive pest of small and stone fruits, has been detected in more than half of the U.S. states, and in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Upon discovery, several different trap designs were recommended for monitoring. This study compared the trap designs across seven states/provinces in North America and nine crop types. Between May and November 2011, we compared a clear cup with 10 side holes (clear); a commercial trap with two side holes (commercial); a Rubbermaid container with mesh lid and rain tent (Haviland), and with 10 side holes and no tent (modified Haviland); a red cup with 10 side holes (red); and a white container with mesh lid and rain tent (Van Steenwyk). Although fly catches among traps varied per site, overall, the Haviland trap caught the most D. suzukii, followed by the red, Van Steenwyk, and clear trap. The modified Haviland and commercial trap had low captures. Among five crop types in Oregon, a clear cup with mesh sides (Dreves) also was tested and caught the most flies. Traps with greater entry areas, found in mesh traps, caught more flies than traps with smaller entry areas. In terms of sensitivity and selectivity, traps that caught more flies likewise caught flies earlier, and all traps caught 26-31% D. suzukii out of the total Drosophila captured. Future trap improvements should incorporate more entry points and focus on selective baits to improve efficiency and selectivity with regard to the seasonal behavior of D. suzukii.

Imaging of muscle injury in the elite athlete

Injuries to muscle in the elite athlete are common and may be responsible for prolonged periods of loss of competitive activity. The implications for the athlete and his/her coach and team may be catastrophic if the injury occurs at a critical time in the athlete's diary. Imaging now plays a crucial role in diagnosis, prognostication and management of athletes with muscle injuries. This article discusses the methods available to clinicians and radiologists that are used to assess skeletal muscle injury. The spectrum of muscle injuries sustained in the elite athlete population is both discussed and illustrated.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of whole human blood, blood plasma, and red blood cells: cellular processes and bioanalytical sensing

SERS spectra of whole human blood, blood plasma, and red blood cells on Au nanoparticle SiO(2) substrates excited at 785 nm have been observed. For the sample preparation procedure employed here, the SERS spectrum of whole blood arises from the blood plasma component only. This is in contrast to the normal Raman spectrum of whole blood excited at 785 nm and open to ambient air, which is exclusively due to the scattering of oxyhemoglobin. The SERS spectrum of whole blood shows a storage time dependence that is not evident in the non-SERS Raman spectrum of whole blood. Hypoxanthine, a product of purine degradation, dominates the SERS spectrum of blood after ~10-20 h of storage at 8 °C. The corresponding SERS spectrum of plasma isolated from the stored blood shows the same temporal release of hypoxanthine. Thus, blood cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, and/or platelets) are releasing hypoxanthine into the plasma over this time interval. The SERS spectrum of red blood cells (RBCs) excited at 785 nm is reported for the first time and exhibits well-known heme group marker bands as well as other bands that may be attributed to cell membrane components or protein denaturation contributions. SERS, as well as normal Raman spectra, of oxy- and met-RBCs are reported and compared. These SERS results can have significant impact in the area of clinical diagnostics, blood supply management, and forensics.