Validation of the NeuMoDx™ SARS-CoV-2 assay with COPAN eNAT® and E&O Viral PCR Sample Solution collection media types in comparison with other validated SARS-CoV-2 RNA assays

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to confirm NeuMoDx™ SARS-CoV-2 assay (NeuMoDx assay) functionality using off-label collection media, determine assay performance versus other SARS-CoV-2 RNA assays, and assess any cross-reactivity with other respiratory viruses (human coronavirus NL63, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus).

METHODS

Nasopharyngeal swab samples in off-label collection media and external quality assessment (EQA) samples were dual-tested, first using either the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay or the QIAstat-Dx® Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 Panel and then using the NeuMoDx assay. Samples found to be positive for respiratory viruses and negative for SARS-CoV-2 were then tested using the NeuMoDx assay to assess cross-reactivity.

RESULTS

Overall, 274 samples (244 patient and 30 EQA samples) were dual-tested; 154 were SARS-CoV-2 positive and 120 were negative. No false-positive or false-negative results were identified, regardless of collection medium used. The NeuMoDx assay sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] 97.63-100.00) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI 96.97-100.00). The assay did not exhibit any cross-reactivity with other respiratory viruses.

CONCLUSION

The NeuMoDx assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity on a platform well-suited for fully automated SARS-CoV-2 testing.

Multiple painful plaques and the Sweet's syndrome

We present a rare case of Sweet's syndrome. A 39-year-old woman with subjective fevers, polyarthralgia, and malaise presented with worsening painful erythematous plaques on the trunk, arms, and legs. Further examination with biopsy revealed a diagnosis of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, or Sweet's syndrome. Diagnosis by skin biopsy is crucial, and onset requires prompt evaluation for serious associated disorders such as leukemias, inflammatory bowel disease, thyroid disease, sarcoidosis, and infectious etiologies. In general, symptoms and cutaneous manifestations of Sweet syndrome respond rapidly to treatment with systemic corticosteroids or potassium iodide.

Management of full-thickness skin grafts

Full-thickness skin grafts are a commonly used reconstructive method following Mohs micrographic surgery. The literature varies on the most appropriate methods of suturing and securing grafts as well as best practices to dress the graft postoperatively. Our objective was to review various approaches to management of full-thickness skin grafts, including suturing the graft, securing the graft, and topical emollient use on the graft postoperatively. It was found that absorbable sutures, plain gut, provide preferable outcomes with full-thickness skin grafts. The tie-over bolster is the most-used method for securing skin grafts after placement, although several other methods have demonstrated efficacy, including the polyurethane foam, sandwich, and quilting suture methods. While various topical emollients are used in the immediate postoperative period, plain white petrolatum is the least likely to form allergic contact dermatitis.

Mosquito Identification From Bulk Samples Using DNA Metabarcoding: a Protocol to Support Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance in Canada

Approximately 80 species of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) have been documented in Canada. Exotic species such as Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) are becoming established. Recently occurring endemic mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) in Canada including West-Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are having significant public health impacts. Here we explore the use of DNA metabarcoding to identify mosquitoes from CDC light-trap collections from two locations in eastern Canada. Two primer pairs (BF2-BR2 and F230) were used to amplify regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) gene. High throughput sequencing was conducted using an Illumina MiSeq platform and GenBank-based species identification was applied using a QIIME 1.9 bioinformatics pipeline. From a site in southeastern Ontario, Canada, 26 CDC light trap collections of 72 to >300 individual mosquitoes were used to explore the capacity of DNA metabarcoding to identify and quantify captured mosquitoes. The DNA metabarcoding method identified 33 species overall while 24 species were identified by key. Using replicates from each trap, the dried biomass needed to identify the majority of species was determined to be 76 mg (equivalent to approximately 72 mosquitoes), and at least two replicates from the dried biomass would be needed to reliably detect the majority of species in collections of 144-215 mosquitoes and three replicates would be advised for collections with >215 mosquitoes. This study supports the use of DNA metabarcoding as a mosquito surveillance tool in Canada which can help identify the emergence of new mosquito-borne disease potential threats.

Is your patient a candidate for Mohs micrographic surgery?

This guide for family physicians describes the advantages of Mohs surgery and which patients make good candidates for the procedure.

Subregional statistical shape modelling identifies lesser trochanter size as a possible risk factor for radiographic hip osteoarthritis, a cross-sectional analysis from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study

OBJECTIVE

Statistical shape modelling (SSM) of hip dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans has identified relationships between hip shape and radiographic hip OA (rHOA). We aimed to further elucidate shape characteristics related to rHOA by focusing on subregions identified from whole-hip shape models.

METHOD

SSM was applied to hip DXAs obtained in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study. Whole-hip shape modes (HSMs) associated with rHOA were combined to form a composite at-risk-shape. Subsequently, subregional HSMs (cam-type and lesser trochanter modes) were built, and associations with rHOA were examined by logistic regression. Subregional HSMs were further characterised, by examining associations with 3D-HSMs derived from concurrent hip CT scans.

RESULTS

4,098 participants were identified with hip DXAs and radiographs. Composite shapes from whole-hip HSMs revealed that lesser trochanter size and cam-type femoral head are related to rHOA. From sub-regional models, lesser trochanter mode (LTM)1 [OR 0.74; 95%CI 0.63.0.87] and cam-type mode (CTM)3 [OR 1.27; 1.13.1.42] were associated with rHOA, associations being similar to those for whole hip HSMs. 515 MrOS participants had hip DXAs and 3D-HSMs derived from hip CT scans. LTM1 was associated with 3D-HSMs that also represented a larger lesser trochanter [3D-HSM7 (beta (β)-0.23;-0.33,-0.14) and 3D-HSM9 (β0.36; 0.27.0.45)], and CTM3 with 3D-HSMs describing cam morphology [3D-HSM3 (β-0.16;-0.25,-0.07) and 3D-HSM6 (β 0.19; 0.10.0.28)].

CONCLUSION

Subregional SSM of hip DXA scans suggested larger lesser trochanter and cam morphology underlie associations between overall hip shape and rHOA. 3D hip modelling suggests our subregional SSMs represent true anatomical variations in hip shape, warranting further investigation.

Length-dependent toxicity of TiO2 nanofibers: mitigation via shortening

Length and aspect ratio represent important toxicity determinants of fibrous nanomaterials. We have previously shown that anatase TiO₂ nanofibers (TiO₂ NF) cause a dose-dependent decrease of cell viability as well as the loss of epithelial barrier integrity in polarized airway cell monolayers. Herein we have investigated the impact of fiber shortening, obtained by ball-milling, on the biological effects of TiO₂ NF of industrial origin. Long TiO₂ NF (L-TiO₂ NF) were more cytotoxic than their shortened counterparts (S-TiO₂ NF) toward alveolar A549 cells and bronchial 16HBE cells. Moreover, L-TiO₂ NF increased the permeability of 16HBE monolayers and perturbed the distribution of tight-junction proteins, an effect also mitigated by fiber shortening. Raw264.7 macrophages efficiently internalized shortened but not long NF, which caused cell stretching and deformation. Compared with L-TiO₂ NF, S-TiO₂ NF triggered a more evident macrophage activation, an effect suppressed by the phagocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin B. Conversely, a significant increase of inflammatory markers was detected in either the lungs or the peritoneal cavity of mice exposed to L-TiO₂ NF but not to S-TiO₂ NF, suggesting that short-term macrophage activation in vitro may not be always a reliable indicator of persistent inflammation in vivo. It is concluded that fiber shortening mitigates NF detrimental effects on cell viability and epithelial barrier competence in vitro as well as inflammation development in vivo. These data suggest that fiber shortening may represent an effective safe-by-design strategy for mitigating TiO₂ NF toxic effects.

Scaffold Morphing Identifies 3-Pyridyl Azetidine Ureas as Inhibitors of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT)

Small molecules that inhibit the metabolic enzyme NAMPT have emerged as potential therapeutics in oncology. As part of our effort in this area, we took a scaffold morphing approach and identified 3-pyridyl azetidine ureas as a potent NAMPT inhibiting motif. We explored the SAR of this series, including 5 and 6 amino pyridines, using a convergent synthetic strategy. This lead optimization campaign yielded multiple compounds with excellent in vitro potency and good ADME properties that culminated in compound 27.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing treatments for faecal incontinence

BACKGROUND

Although numerous treatments exist for fecal incontinence (FI), no consensus exists on the best treatment strategy. The aim was to review the literature and to compare the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of treatments available for FI.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A systematic literature review was performed, from inception to May 2018, of the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Cochrane Library. The search terms used were "faecal incontinence" and "treatment". Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatments for FI were considered. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method.

RESULT

Forty-seven RCTs were included comparing 37 treatments and reporting on 3748 participants. No treatment ranked best or worst with high probability for any outcome of interest. No significant difference was identified between treatments for frequency of FI per week, or in changing the resting pressure, maximum resting pressure, squeeze pressure, and maximum squeeze pressure. Radiofrequency resulted in more adverse events compared to placebo. Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and zinc-aluminium improved the fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire (FIQL) lifestyle, coping, and embarrassment domains compared to placebo. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (TPTNS) improved the FIQL embarrassment domain compared to placebo. Autologous myoblasts and zinc-aluminium improved the FIQL depression domain compared to placebo. SNS, artificial bowel sphincter (ABS), and zinc-aluminium significantly improved incontinence scores compared to placebo. Injection of non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid/dextranomer (NASHA/Dx) resulted in more patients with ≥50% reduction in FI episodes compared to placebo.

CONCLUSION

SNS, ABS, TPTNS, NASHA/Dx, zinc-aluminium, and autologous myoblasts resulted in isolated improvements in specific outcomes of interest. No difference was identified in incontinence episodes, no treatment ranked best persistently or persistently improved outcomes, and many included treatments did not significantly benefit patients compared to placebo. Large multicentre RCTs with long-term follow-up and standardized inclusion criteria and outcome measures are needed.

Improving Health Outcomes for People With Cancer in Rural and Regional Areas by Embedding Evidence-Based Smoking-Cessation Strategies Into Usual Care: A Study Protocol

Background: Smoking following a diagnosis of cancer is a powerful clinical risk indicator, with known poorer health outcomes and associated health care costs. In Australia, smoking rates are higher in rural and regional areas. There are established and effective interventions to promote smoking cessation after a diagnosis of cancer yet these are not in routine practice. Aim: This protocol paper reports on a study that aims to embed evidence-based smoking cessation strategies for people with cancer who are current smokers into routine care, resulting in in system wide improvements, an implemented program and model for further dissemination. Methods: Across three rural/regional sites, and with partners Quit Victoria and Western Alliance, this study employs a variety of methodologies to embed smoking cessation support to improve outcomes for people with cancer who currently smoke. Specifically, the project will embed a system of responsibilities and training in rural and regional health services to routinely engage people with cancer who smoke in support services. The program will: · Promote routine delivery of smoking cessation care by trained oncology staff (oncologists/nurses/ allied health) · Establish referral pathways to Quitline · Correspond with general practitioners, to: i) outline the benefits of quitting in this context, ii) promote access to nicotine replacement therapy and iii) support quitting in the community. · Improve routine recording of smoking status and documentation of provision of brief intervention (personalised advice given, resources provided) and outcomes. Participants: are oncology staff and general practitioners across three health services: Ballarat Health Service, East Grampians Health Service (Ararat), Wimmera Health Care Group (Horsham), all located in Victoria, Australia. Data collection will occur across four sources: 1) Oncology staff: qualitative and quantitative data collection understanding confidence and views on provision on cessation advice; 2) Monitoring Quitline calls, 3) Interview with local general practitioners and 4) Medical record reviews to explore frequency of recording of smoking status. Data will be collected pre/postintervention. Results: The project is underway with the intervention manuals in development. The project is due for completion in 2020. Conclusion: This project takes a health services approach to integration of smoking cessation support in routine care for people with cancer in rural and regional areas. This program of work has capacity to determine best approaches to integrate smoking cessation into routine care, resulting in reduced mortality and morbidity, improved effectiveness of anticancer treatments, and reduced health care costs; by establishing internationally relevant, embedded health care interventions.

DXA-derived hip shape is related to osteoarthritis: findings from in the MrOS cohort

OBJECTIVE

Statistical shape modelling (SSM) of radiographs has been used to explore relationships between altered joint shape and hip osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to apply SSM to Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) hip scans, and examine associations between resultant hip shape modes (HSMs), radiographic hip OA (RHOA), and hip pain, in a large population based cohort.

METHOD

SSM was performed on baseline hip DXA scans from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study. Associations between the top ten HSMs, and prevalent RHOA from pelvic radiographs obtained 4.6 years later, were analysed in 4100 participants. RHOA was defined as Croft score ≥2. Hip pain was based on pain on walking, hip pain on examination, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).

RESULTS

The five HSMs associated with RHOA showed features of either pincer- or cam-type deformities. HSM 1 (increased pincer-type deformity) was positively associated with RHOA [1.23 (1.09, 1.39)] [odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI]. HSM 8 (reduced pincer-type deformity) was inversely associated with RHOA [0.79 (0.70, 0.89)]. HSM 10 (increased cam-type deformity) was positively associated with RHOA [1.21 (1.07, 1.37)]. HSM 3 and HSM 4 (reduced cam-type deformity) were inversely associated with RHOA [0.73 (0.65, 0.83) and 0.82 (0.73, 0.93), respectively]. HSM 3 was inversely related to pain on examination [0.84 (0.76, 0.92)] and walking [0.88, (0.81, 0.95)], and to WOMAC score [0.87 (0.80, 0.93)].

CONCLUSIONS

DXA-derived measures of hip shape are associated with RHOA, and to a lesser extent hip pain, possibly reflecting their role in the pathogenesis of hip OA.

MAVEN observations of the response of Mars to an interplanetary coronal mass ejection

Coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere, combined with loss of gas from the upper atmosphere to space, likely contributed to the thin, cold, dry atmosphere of modern Mars. To help understand ongoing ion loss to space, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft made comprehensive measurements of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind during an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact in March 2015. Responses include changes in the bow shock and magnetosheath, formation of widespread diffuse aurora, and enhancement of pick-up ions. Observations and models both show an enhancement in escape rate of ions to space during the event. Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been a major contributor to the long-term evolution of the Mars atmosphere.

Early MAVEN Deep Dip campaign reveals thermosphere and ionosphere variability

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, during the second of its Deep Dip campaigns, made comprehensive measurements of martian thermosphere and ionosphere composition, structure, and variability at altitudes down to ~130 kilometers in the subsolar region. This altitude range contains the diffusively separated upper atmosphere just above the well-mixed atmosphere, the layer of peak extreme ultraviolet heating and primary reservoir for atmospheric escape. In situ measurements of the upper atmosphere reveal previously unmeasured populations of neutral and charged particles, the homopause altitude at approximately 130 kilometers, and an unexpected level of variability both on an orbit-to-orbit basis and within individual orbits. These observations help constrain volatile escape processes controlled by thermosphere and ionosphere structure and variability.

PIKfyve, a class III PI kinase, is the target of the small molecular IL-12/IL-23 inhibitor apilimod and a player in Toll-like receptor signaling

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is a key component of innate immunity. Aberrant TLR activation leads to immune disorders via dysregulation of cytokine production, such as IL-12/IL-23. Herein, we identify and characterize PIKfyve, a lipid kinase, as a critical player in TLR signaling using apilimod as an affinity tool. Apilimod is a potent small molecular inhibitor of IL-12/IL-23 with an unknown target and has been evaluated in clinical trials for patients with Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Using a chemical genetic approach, we show that it binds to PIKfyve and blocks its phosphotransferase activity, leading to selective inhibition of IL-12/IL-23p40. Pharmacological or genetic inactivation of PIKfyve is necessary and sufficient for suppression of IL-12/IL-23p40 expression. Thus, we have uncovered a phosphoinositide-mediated regulatory mechanism that controls TLR signaling.

Osh proteins regulate phosphoinositide metabolism at ER-plasma membrane contact sites

Sac1 phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases are essential regulators of PI-signaling networks. Yeast Sac1, an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, controls PI4P levels at the ER, Golgi, and plasma membrane (PM). Whether Sac1 can act in trans and turn over PI4P at the Golgi and PM from the ER remains a paradox. We find that Sac1-mediated PI4P metabolism requires the oxysterol-binding homology (Osh) proteins. The PH domain-containing family member, Osh3, localizes to PM/ER membrane contact sites dependent upon PM PI4P levels. We reconstitute Osh protein-stimulated Sac1 PI phosphatase activity in vitro. We also show that the ER membrane VAP proteins, Scs2/Scs22, control PM PI4P levels and Sac1 activity in vitro. We propose that Osh3 functions at ER/PM contact sites as both a sensor of PM PI4P and an activator of the ER Sac1 phosphatase. Our findings further suggest that the conserved Osh proteins control PI metabolism at additional membrane contact sites.

Increased Oral Fibroblast Lifespan Is Telomerase-independent

Oral mucosal wound-healing is characterized by rapid re-epithelialization and remodeling, with minimal scar formation. This may be attributed to the distinct phenotypic characteristics of the resident fibroblasts. To test this hypothesis, we investigated patient-matched oral mucosal and skin fibroblasts. Compared with skin fibroblasts, oral mucosal fibroblasts had longer proliferative lifespans, underwent more population doublings, and experienced senescence later, which was directly related to longer telomere lengths within oral mucosal fibroblasts. The presence of these longer telomeres was independent of telomerase expression, since both oral oral mucosal fibroblasts and skin fibroblasts were negative for active telomerase, as assessed according to the Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol. This study has demonstrated that, compared with skin fibroblasts, oral mucosal fibroblasts are ‘younger’, with a more embryonic/fetal-like phenotype that may provide a notable advantage for their ability to repair wounds in a scarless fashion.

Optimal experimental design in an epidermal growth factor receptor signalling and down-regulation model

We apply the methods of optimal experimental design to a differential equation model for epidermal growth factor receptor signalling, trafficking and down-regulation. The model incorporates the role of a recently discovered protein complex made up of the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Cbl, the guanine exchange factor (GEF), Cool-1 (beta -Pix) and the Rho family G protein Cdc42. The complex has been suggested to be important in disrupting receptor down-regulation. We demonstrate that the model interactions can accurately reproduce the experimental observations, that they can be used to make predictions with accompanying uncertainties, and that we can apply ideas of optimal experimental design to suggest new experiments that reduce the uncertainty on unmeasurable components of the system.

Identification of a DOCK180-related Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor That Is Capable of Mediating a Positive Feedback Activation of Cdc42

Cdc42, a member of the Rho subfamily of small GTPases, influences a wide range of activities including the establishment of cell polarity, migration, and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Here we describe the identification of an approximately 220-kDa protein that formed a stable complex with activated forms of Cdc42 and thereby showed characteristics of a downstream target/effector for this GTPase. However, molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding this protein (p220) revealed that it was highly related to Zizimin-1 and identical in sequence to a gene product in the data base designated DOCK11, which are members of the DOCK180 family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for Cdc42 and Rac. Biochemical characterization shows that p220 is a specific GEF for Cdc42, with the GEF activity originating from its DHR2 (for DOCK homology region 2) domain. Nucleotide-depleted Cdc42 forms a stable complex with the DHR2 domain, whereas the binding of activated Cdc42 requires both the DHR2 domain and residues 66-126 within the amino-terminal portion of p220. Moreover, the full-length protein shows markedly higher GEF activity than the isolated DHR2 domain, whereas removal of the amino-terminal 126 amino acids necessary for binding-activated Cdc42 dramatically diminishes the activity. These and other results point to activated Cdc42 providing a positive feedback regulation of the GEF activity of p220. Thus, we refer to p220/DOCK11 as activated Cdc42-associated GEF, befitting its functional activity.

[Role of FSH and LH in follicle development]

Much of the research into the physiology of the ovary has concentrated on the terminal stages of follicle development, and as a result, our knowledge of the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms regulating antral follicle development is extensive. In contrast, our knowledge of the factors controlling the initiation and development of earlier follicles is limited, particularly in monovular species such as large domestic ruminants and humans in whom it takes several months for follicles to progress from initiation to the antral stage. This study summarizes recent data concerning the factors controlling the initiation and development of follicles from the primordial through the preovulatory stage of development.

Response of meiofauna and nematode communities to increased levels of contaminants in a laboratory microcosm experiment

This study was undertaken to assess the response of meiofauna and nematode (multispecies) associations in terms of density, diversity, and composition to different environmental contaminants and also to evaluate the use of meiofauna and nematodes as indicators in pollution monitoring. Sediment was collected from the mouth of the Swartkops River estuary and defaunated by successive freezing and thwarting. The sediment was then subdivided into flasks and treated with different contaminants (organic carbon, Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe) at different concentrations, before meiofauna-rich sediment was added to each of them. The setup was allowed to mature for 32 days. Various biological indices were used to assess the biological status of the nematode communities in the laboratory experiment. Nematode identification was done to the genus level. The results indicate that higher concentrations of heavy metals and organic carbon had an impact on the nematode density, diversity, and community structure. Nematode genera such as Axonolaimus, Theristus, and Paramonohystera were found to be tolerant to metal pollution. This study also observed that nematode communities react differently to metal and organic pollution.

Biochemical characterization of the Cool (Cloned-out-of-Library)/Pix (Pak-interactive exchange factor) proteins

The Cool (Cloned out of Library)/Pix (Pak interactive exchange factor) proteins have been implicated in a diversity of biological activities, ranging from pathways initiated by growth factors and chemoattractants to X-linked mental retardation. Initially discovered through yeast two-hybrid and biochemical analyses as binding partners for the Cdc42/Rac-target/effector, Pak (p21 activated kinase), the sequences for the Cool/Pix proteins revealed a DH (Dbl homology) domain. Because the DH domain is the limit functional unit for stimulating guanine nucleotide exchange on Rho family GTP-binding proteins, it was assumed that the Cool/Pix proteins would act as guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) for the Rho proteins. Of the three known isoforms, (p50Cool-1, p85Cool-1/beta-Pix, and 90Cool-2/alpha-Pix), only Cool-2/alpha-Pix has exhibited significant GEF activity. A number of experimental techniques have been used to characterize Cool-2, and in vitro analysis has revealed that its GEF activity is under tight control through intramolecular interactions involving several binding partners. Here we describe the biochemical methods used to study the Cool/Pix proteins and, in particular, the regulation of the GEF activity of Cool-2/alpha-Pix.

Uraba lugens (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) in New Zealand: pheromone trapping for delimitation and phenology

A synthetic sex pheromone trapping survey of the leaf skeletonizer Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) demonstrated the unexpectedly widespread distribution of the insect across > 40,000 ha of urban Auckland, New Zealand. A survey of eucalyptus trees planted in parks and other public areas showed a significant spatial correlation between trap catch and breeding populations, validating the trap survey results. Traps in trees showing damage had four-fold higher catches than traps placed in undamaged or nonhost trees, and < 1% of damaged trees with traps failed to catch adult moths. Damage by larval feeding was correlated with male trap catch in the previous generation, offering good prospects for a pest management decision support system, provided that an economic threshold is developed. Catches increased by 3.4-fold in the same georeferenced trapping grid between November and December 2003 and between March and April 2004 across two generations, over the summer. A vertical transect showed that catches increased with height up to the top trap at 13 m (60% of mean tree height). Options for managing the insect will need to overcome the high rate of increase, the rate of spread, and the vertical distribution of the insect on tall eucalyptus trees.