Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integration of Entomopathogenic Fungi into IPM Programs: Studies Involving Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) Affecting Horticultural Crops

Simple Summary Horticultural crops are vulnerable to attack by many different weevil species. Fungal entomopathogens provide an attractive alternative to synthetic insecticides for weevil control because they pose a lesser risk to human health and the environment. This review summarises the available data on the performance of these entomopathogens when used against weevils in horticultural crops. We integrate these data with information on weevil biology, grouping species based on how their developmental stages utilise habitats in or on their hostplants, or in the soil. These patterns of habitat usage can help identify the stages during which pest species are at their most vulnerable, and also help to determine the most effective ways to deploy entomopathogens for their control. Abstract Weevils are significant pests of horticultural crops and are largely managed with insecticides. In response to concerns about negative impacts of synthetic insecticides on humans and the environment, entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been developed as an alternative method of control, and as such appear to be “ready-made” components of integrated pest management (IPM) programs. As the success of pest control requires a thorough knowledge of the biology of the pests, this review summarises our current knowledge of weevil biology on nut trees, fruit crops, plant storage roots, and palm trees. In addition, three groups of life cycles are defined based on weevil developmental habitats, and together with information from studies of EPF activity on these groups, we discuss the tactics for integrating EPF into IPM programs. Finally, we highlight the gaps in the research required to optimise the performance of EPF and provide recommendations for the improvement of EPF efficacy for the management of key weevils of horticultural crops.
The Relevance of Selenium Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that can cause joint damage. Among the environmental risk factors, diet plays an important role because it can aggravate or attenuate inflammation. Selenium (Se) is considered an essential trace element since it is a structural component of antioxidant enzymes; however, its concentration can be affected by diet, drugs and genetic polymorphisms. Studies have reported that RA patients have a deficient diet in some food groups that is associated with parameters of disease activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is an alteration in serum Se levels in this population. Although some clinical trials have been conducted in the past to analyze the effect of Se supplementation in RA, no significant results were obtained. Contrastingly, experimental studies that have evaluated the effect of novel Se nanoparticles in RA-induced models have shown promising results on the restoration of antioxidant enzyme levels. In particular, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an important selenoprotein that could have a modulating effect on inflammation in RA. Considering that RA patients present an inflammatory and oxidative state, the aim of this review is to give an overview of the current knowledge about the relevance of Se status in RA.
M2-TAM subsets altered by lactic acid promote T-cell apoptosis through the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of lactic acid on the phenotypic polarization and immune function of macrophages. The human monocyte/macrophage cell line, THP-1, was selected and treated with lactic acid. Immunofluorescence staining, laser confocal microscopy, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot, siRNA, and ELISA analyses were used to observe changes in the levels of cluster of differentiation (CD)68, CD163, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) as well as those of cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and IL-10. THP-1 macrophages and T cells were co-cultured in vitro to observe the changes in proliferation and apoptosis of T cells. The results showed that, lactic acid (15 mmol/l) significantly upregulated the expression of the macrophage M2 marker CD163 (P<0.05), cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-10, secreted by M2-tumor-associated macrophages (TAM, P<0.05), and HIF-1α and PD-L1 (P<0.05), and downregulated the expression of cytokines, TNF-α and IL-12, secreted by M1-TAM (P<0.05). Redistribution of M2-TAM subsets and PD-L1 expression was reversed after further transfection of THP-1 cells with HIF-1α siRNA (P<0.05). After co-culturing, T-cell proliferation was inhibited and apoptosis was promoted. In summary, modulation of lactic acid level can redistribute M2-TAM subsets and upregulate PD-L1 to assist tumor immune escape. The HIF-1α signaling pathway may participate in this process, revealing that macrophages, as ‘checkpoints’ in organisms, are links that connect the immune status and tumor evolution, and can be used as a target in tumor treatment.
Seasonal Variation of Health-Promoting Bioactives in Broccoli and Methyl-Jasmonate Pre-Harvest Treatments to Enhance Their Contents

Broccoli is a source of bioactive compounds that provide an important nutritional value. The content of these compounds can vary depending on agronomic and environmental conditions, as well as on elicitation. In this study, three crop trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of the cultivation season, the application of different dosages of methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) on the overall quality and on the total content of bioactive compounds of ‘Parthenon’ broccoli cultivated under the field conditions of southeastern Spain. Color parameters, chlorophyll content, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were measured to evaluate the overall quality. Moreover, individual carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and high performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detector coupled to mass spectrometer using electro spray ionization (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn). The content of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were higher in autumn compared with spring, showing increases of 2.8-fold, 2-fold and 1.2-fold, respectively. Moreover, a double application of MeJA increased the contents of total carotenoids, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates by 22%, 32% and 39%, respectively, relative to the untreated samples. Considering our results, the controlled and timely application of 250 µM MeJA to the aerial parts of the plants four days before harvest, on two consecutive days, seems to be a valid agronomic strategy to improve the health-promoting capacity of Parthenon broccoli, without compromising its overall quality.
N-Terminal Targeting of Regulator of G Protein Signaling Protein 2 for F-Box Only Protein 44–Mediated Proteasomal Degradation

Regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins are negative modulators of G protein signaling that have emerged as promising drug targets to improve specificity and reduce side effects of G protein–coupled receptor–related therapies. Several small molecule RGS protein inhibitors have been identified; however, enhancing RGS protein function is often more clinically desirable but presents a challenge. Low protein levels of RGS2 are associated with various pathologies, including hypertension and heart failure. For this reason, RGS2 is a prominent example wherein enhancing its function would be beneficial. RGS2 is rapidly ubiquitinated and proteasomally degraded, providing a point of intervention for small molecule RGS2-stabilizing compounds. We previously identified a novel cullin-RING E3 ligase utilizing F-box only protein 44 (FBXO44) as the substrate recognition component. Here, we demonstrate that RGS2 associates with FBXO44 through a stretch of residues in its N terminus. RGS2 contains four methionine residues close to the N terminus that can act as alternative translation initiation sites. The shorter translation initiation variants display reduced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation as a result of lost association with FBXO44. In addition, we show that phosphorylation of Ser3 may be an additional mechanism to protect RGS2 from FBXO44-mediated proteasomal degradation. These findings contribute to elucidating mechanisms regulating steady state levels of RGS2 protein and will inform future studies to develop small molecule RGS2 stabilizers. These would serve as novel leads in pathologies associated with low RGS2 protein levels, such as hypertension, heart failure, and anxiety. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT E3 ligases provide a novel point of intervention for therapeutic development, but progress is hindered by the lack of available information about specific E3-substrate pairs. Here, we provide molecular detail on the recognition of regulator of G protein signaling protein 2 (RGS2) by its E3 ligase, increasing the potential for rational design of small molecule RGS2 protein stabilizers. These would be clinically useful in pathologies associated with low RGS2 protein levels, such as hypertension, heart failure, and anxiety.
Testing the Intermediary Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Mindfulness and Burnout Subtypes in a Large Sample of Spanish University Students

The burnout syndrome is the consequence of chronic stress that overwhelms an individual’s resources to cope with occupational or academic demands. Frenetic, under-challenged, and worn-out are different burnout subtypes. Mindfulness has been recognized to reduce stress, comprising five facets (observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging of inner experience, and non-reactivity to inner experience). This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between mindfulness facets, perceived stress, and burnout subtypes in a sample of 1233 students of Education, Nursing, and Psychology degrees from different universities of Valencia (Spain). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was computed showing an adequate fit (Chi-square, CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR). Four mindfulness facets (all but observing) significantly correlated with general second-order mindfulness. Unexpected results were found: Acting with awareness facet was positively associated with frenetic subtype, while the non-reacting facet was positively associated with frenetic and under-challenged subtype. Ultimately, mindfulness facets negatively predicted the perceived stress levels, which in turn, predicted burnout. However, mindfulness plays different roles in the early stages of burnout syndrome (i.e., frenetic and under-challenged).
Similarity between mutation spectra in hypermutated genomes of rubella virus and in SARS-CoV-2 genomes accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic

Genomes of tens of thousands of SARS-CoV2 isolates have been sequenced across the world and the total number of changes (predominantly single base substitutions) in these isolates exceeds ten thousand. We compared the mutational spectrum in the new SARS-CoV-2 mutation dataset with the previously published mutation spectrum in hypermutated genomes of rubella—another positive single stranded (ss) RNA virus. Each of the rubella virus isolates arose by accumulation of hundreds of mutations during propagation in a single subject, while SARS-CoV-2 mutation spectrum represents a collection events in multiple virus isolates from individuals across the world. We found a clear similarity between the spectra of single base substitutions in rubella and in SARS-CoV-2, with C to U as well as A to G and U to C being the most prominent in plus strand genomic RNA of each virus. Of those, U to C changes universally showed preference for loops versus stems in predicted RNA secondary structure. Similarly, to what was previously reported for rubella virus, C to U changes showed enrichment in the uCn motif, which suggested a subclass of APOBEC cytidine deaminase being a source of these substitutions. We also found enrichment of several other trinucleotide-centered mutation motifs only in SARS-CoV-2—likely indicative of a mutation process characteristic to this virus. Altogether, the results of this analysis suggest that the mutation mechanisms that lead to hypermutation of the rubella vaccine virus in a rare pathological condition may also operate in the background of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses currently propagating in the human population.
Spatial Variability of Soil Resistivity for Assessing Corrosion Risk and Intensity in the Niger Delta

In this study, corrosion risk and intensity of superficial soils of four geomorphic zones in the Niger Delta was studied by measuring the spatial variation of soil resistivity thought to be closely connected with ferrous metal corrosion. Sixty five Schlumberger vertical electrical soundings (maximum AB/2 = 40 -150 m) were carried out. Soil boring at every VES station was performed to ~5m depth so as to physically identify the soils giving the measured resistivity, their changes and disribution. The resistivity data was interpreted using a 1D inversion technique software (1X1D, Interpex, USA). Model resistivity values were classified in terms of the degree of corrosivity and correlated with the soil type and physical properties. The results show that corrosivity increases from the undulating coastal plain lowland through the gentle lowland flood plains of the fresh water swamp, the coastal creeks, the meander belts, backswamps down to the salt water mangrove and estuary complex, and truncated at the coastal beach ridges. The most severe corrosive sub-environments are at low elevations in poorly drained soils. The variation in the spatial distribution of the subsurface resistivity is attributed to a combination of influencing factors such as topography (elevation), water level and quality, soil type and soil physical property. The results of this study are valuable information to assess the risks to assets either as a means of prioritizing maintenance or of improving design for new installations in the Niger Delta region.
Effects of Dietary Substitution of Alfalfa Silage with Virginia Fanpetals Silage in Lactating Polish Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows

Simple Summary Alfalfa silage, owing to its chemical composition, complements maize silage in many rations for dairy cows. The disadvantages of alfalfa are the high soil requirements, agrotechnical treatments and sensitivity to cold and flooding. Many dairy farms are unable to grow alfalfa because of poor quality of the soils, and grass crops are unreliable due to increasing drought. For this reason, alternative plants are being sought out to produce feeds for dairy cows. So far, Virginia fanpetals has been used as an energy source, but thanks to its high levels of protein (17–25%), the possibility of using it in cattle feed has been recognized. Virginia fanpetals grows well in poor quality soils, in difficult climatic conditions (frost, drought), with no need for annual treatments, and the harvest is carried out with maize harvesting equipment. To date, no studies have been carried out on the possibility of replacing alfalfa with Virginia fanpetals in the diets of dairy cows. Based on our results, it was concluded that Virginia fanpetals is a good source of protein and can be a substitute or supplement to alfalfa silage. The best production results were obtained with half-substitution of alfalfa silage by Virginia fanpetals silage in diets based on maize silage. Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial or complete substitution of alfalfa silage with Virginia fanpetals silage in rations based on maize silage on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and milk yield and physicochemical characteristics. Nine Polish Holstein Friesian cows in the second half of lactation were fed three experimental diets in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design as follows: maize silage + alfalfa silage, maize silage + alfalfa silage and Virginia fanpetals silage in a 50:50 ratio, maize silage + Virginia fanpetals silage. Complete substitution caused an increase in dry matter intake (DMI), total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic acid to propionic acid (A/P) ratio, N-NH3 in the rumen contents and milk urea and a decrease in the feed conversion ratio. The partial and complete substitution changed the profile of milk fatty acids, resulting in a slight increase in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) as well as in all functional fatty acids except vaccenic acid. The most promising production effects were achieved through partial substitution of alfalfa silage with the Virginia fanpetals silage.
FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF TILAPIA ZILLI (PISCES: CICHLIDAE) IN RIVER OTAMIRI SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Dietary habits of Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848) was studied in River Otamiri, Imo State, Nigeria. Fish specimens were procured from Artisanal fishermen every two weeks. Specimens were usually injected 4% formalin at the fishing station prior to laboratory analysis. A total of 97 specimens were analyzed for gut contents using Numerical and frequency of occurrence methods. Data collected showed that Tilapia zilli is an Omnivorous fish with dietary preference for Algae (71.05% and 59.52%), vegetative matter (10.52% and 50.00%), detritus (0% and 11.90%) and aquatic invertebrates larvae such as Chaoborus larvae (52.63% and 47.61%) and Chironomid larvae (31.58% and 21.43%) for juveniles and adult Tilapia respectively.
Development of a hypoglycaemia risk score to identify high‐risk individuals with advanced type 2 diabetes in DEVOTE

The ability to differentiate patient populations with type 2 diabetes at high risk of severe hypoglycaemia could impact clinical decision making. The aim of this study was to develop a risk score, using patient characteristics, that could differentiate between populations with higher and lower 2‐year risk of severe hypoglycaemia among individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aspects of the reproductive biology of hatchery–reared Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Anambra State, Nigeria II: Egg diameter

The egg diameter distribution frequency of four batches of hatchery–reared gravid Clarias gariepinus with 10 fish per batch of varying fish weights per batch, namely: 60 ± 0.09 g, 125 ± 0.11 g, 250 ± 0.14 g and 500 ± 0.12 g was studied. Eggs from paired ovaries hardened with 1% formalin in 0.6% saline solution for 3 weeks to become non-clumping were graded through a stack of eight sieves with mesh sizes: 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.8 mm and 2.0 mm. The different batches of similar sized eggs retained at each sieve were counted. The mean egg counts of diameters of 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm were 402.35 ± 70.85, 682.90 ± 104.40, 65.775 ± 10.82, 364.70 ± 69.26, 1829.0 ± 378.36, 78.0750 and 18.45 ± 5.64 eggs, respectively. Of the seven (7) egg diameter frequencies (0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm and 1.8 mm) monitored, the mean egg diameter frequency of 1.2 mm showed the highest egg peak and that of 1.8 mm showed the least egg peak. There were bimodal peaks occurring at 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm in the egg distribution frequency chart indicating that C. gariepinus can spawn more than once in a breeding season.
Control of glyphosate-resistant Canada fleabane [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq.] with isoxaflutole and metribuzin tank mix.

The future release of ‘Balance GT’ soybean, which is resistant to isoxaflutole and glyphosate, opens up the possibility for control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) Canada fleabane using HPPD-inhibiting herbicides (Group 27) in soybean. Field trials were conducted over two years to evaluate the dose response of an isoxaflutole plus metribuzin tank mix, as well as each chemical applied alone, to assess their response using Flint's adaptation of Colby's equation. Factorial experiments were performed in growth room and greenhouse environments to assess isoxaflutole versus glyphosate, isoxaflutole versus metribuzin, and isoxaflutole plus metribuzin versus glyphosate. Tank mixes of isoxaflutole plus metribuzin in a 1:4 ratio provided 80% control of GR Canada fleabane at a dose range between 420 (84 + 336) and 611 (122 + 489) g a.i. ha-1 at 8 WAA (weeks after application). Tank mixes achieved an 80% reduction in biomass at a dose range between 498 and 738 g a.i. ha-1, while 80% reduction in density was obtained with doses from 96 to 423 g a.i. ha-1, 8 WAA. With glyphosate as a constant tank partner, field treatments of isoxaflutole plus metribuzin were mostly synergistic with some analyses showing an additive response. When tested in the growth room, isoxaflutole plus glyphosate tank mixes indicate additivity in the majority of treatments on glyphosate-susceptible (GS) fleabane.
A clostripain‐like protease plays a major role in generating the secretome of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis

Bacteroides fragilis toxin (BFT) is a protein secreted by enterotoxigenic (ETBF) strains of B. fragilis. BFT is synthesized as a proprotein (proBFT) that is predicted to be a lipoprotein and that is cleaved into two discrete fragments by a clostripain‐like protease called fragipain (Fpn). In this study, we obtained evidence that Fpn cleaves proBFT following its transport across the outer membrane. Remarkably, we also found that the disruption of the fpn gene led to a strong reduction in the level of >100 other proteins, many of which are predicted to be lipoproteins, in the culture medium of an ETBF strain. Experiments performed with purified Fpn provided direct evidence that the protease releases at least some of these proteins from the cell surface. The observation that wild‐type cells outcompeted an fpn‐ strain in co‐cultivation assays also supported the notion that Fpn plays an important role in cell physiology and is not simply dedicated to toxin biogenesis. Finally, we found that purified Fpn altered the adhesive properties of HT29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our results suggest that Fpn is a broad‐spectrum protease that not only catalyzes the protein secretion on a wide scale but that also potentially cleaves host cell proteins during colonization.
Association of apelin and AF in patients with implanted loop recorders undergoing catheter ablation.

BACKGROUND Previous studies showed an association between apelin and atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal AF on plasmatic apelin concentrations. METHODS Nine consecutive patients (aged from 43 to 69 years, 3 females and 6 males) with documented paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and implanted loop recorders (ILR) for continuous ECG monitoring were included in this study. All the patients underwent a radiofrequency catheter ablation with PVI. RESULTS The plasmatic concentration of apelin increased after PVI. The average plasmatic concentration of apelin before PVI was 0.299 ng/ml (±0.16), 3 months after PVI 0.462 ng/ml (±0.10) and 9 months after PVI 0.565 ng/ml (±0.146). There was an increase in the concentration of apelin 3 months and 9 months after the PVI by 0.163 ng/ml (p=0.07) and by 0.266 ng/ml (p=0.01), respectively. The concentration of apelin inversely correlated with the AF burden (r=-0.44, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a significant increase in apelin levels after the reduction of AF burden via PVI and an inverse correlation with AF burden. Apelin might be a promising marker of AF (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 28).
Biosystematic studies of Davainea shindei n.sp. (Cestoda-Davainidae Fuhrmann, 1907) from Gallus gallus domesticus

Davainea, Blanchard, 1891 is the most pathogenic Cestode parasites of Gallus gallus domesticus in tropic / Subtropic areas 1 . Presently, the different aspects of Davainea shindei n.sp. research in taxonomy (scolex globular, hooks 320 in numbers, mature segments broader than long, testes 20-22 in numbers), biochemistry (protein, glycogen and lipid estimation), histopathology (healthy and infected intestine) and neurosecretory (nervous system and neurosecretory cells) have been discussed.