Biopesticides as a promising alternative to synthetic pesticides: A case for microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides.

Over the years, synthetic pesticides like herbicides, algicides, miticides, bactericides, fumigants, termiticides, repellents, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, and pheromones have been used to improve crop yield. When pesticides are used, the over-application and excess discharge into water bodies during rainfall often lead to death of fish and other aquatic life. Even when the fishes still live, their consumption by humans may lead to the biomagnification of chemicals in the body system and can cause deadly diseases, such as cancer, kidney diseases, diabetes, liver dysfunction, eczema, neurological destruction, cardiovascular diseases, and so on. Equally, synthetic pesticides harm the soil texture, soil microbes, animals, and plants. The dangers associated with the use of synthetic pesticides have necessitated the need for alternative use of organic pesticides (biopesticides), which are cheaper, environment friendly, and sustainable. Biopesticides can be sourced from microbes (e.g., metabolites), plants (e.g., from their exudates, essential oil, and extracts from bark, root, and leaves), and nanoparticles of biological origin (e.g., silver and gold nanoparticles). Unlike synthetic pesticides, microbial pesticides are specific in action, can be easily sourced without the need for expensive chemicals, and are environmentally sustainable without residual effects. Phytopesticides have myriad of phytochemical compounds that make them exhibit various mechanisms of action, likewise, they are not associated with the release of greenhouse gases and are of lesser risks to human health compared to the available synthetic pesticides. Nanobiopesticides have higher pesticidal activity, targeted or controlled release with top-notch biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this review, we examined the different types of pesticides, the merits, and demerits of synthetic pesticides and biopesticides, but more importantly, we x-rayed appropriate and sustainable approaches to improve the acceptability and commercial usage of microbial pesticides, phytopesticides, and nanobiopesticides for plant nutrition, crop protection/yield, animal/human health promotion, and their possible incorporation into the integrated pest management system.

Corrigendum: Biopesticides as an alternative to synthetic pesticides: a case for nanopesticides, phytopesticides and microbial pesticides.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1040901.].

Investigating physician self-referral in public hospitals in South East Nigeria: Insights from stakeholders.

BACKGROUND: Physician self-referral occurs where a full-time paid doctor diverts patients from one hospital to another in which he or she has financial interest. AIM: This study is aimed at investigating the views of service users, physicians and policymakers on physician self-referral practice in public hospitals in Nigeria. SETTING: The study was carried out in Enugu urban area of South East Nigeria. METHODS: A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to collect information from different categories of stakeholders. Service user views were explored through analysis of four focus group discussions involving 26 participants and 407 questionnaires completed with household members who had recently visited a public hospital and then gone to private hospitals. In-depth interviews were completed with 15 public sector doctors not involved in dual practice and eight key policymakers. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 407 respondents (8.4%) visiting a public hospital were diverted to a private facility associated with the attending public hospital doctor. The research examined age, gender and socio-economic status (SES) as factors that might influence the likelihood of patient diversion. Advice to transfer to a private clinic usually came directly from the doctor involved but might also come from nurses. CONCLUSION: Physician self-referral in Nigeria could take different forms. It was found that both direct and indirect forms of diversion exist, suggesting that this is an organised practice in which dual-practice doctors and supporting hospital staff members cooperate. The study recommends, among other things, that service users should be adequately protected from any form of diversion to private practice by the public system employee doctors.Contribution: This study contributes to understanding the extent and pattern of patient diversion in public hospitals in Nigeria. The findings reveal coordinated tactics for diverting public hospital patients and provide a direction for future research in negative behaviour among healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

Rhizosphere Microbiome Cooperations: Strategies for Sustainable Crop Production.

Interactions between microorganisms and host plants determine the growth and development as well as the health of the host plant. Various microbial groups inhabit the rhizosphere, each with its peculiar function. The survival of each microbial group depends to a large extent on its ability to colonize the plant root and outcompete the native organisms. The role of the rhizospheric microbiome in enhancing plant growth has not been fully maximized. An understanding of the complexities of microbial interactions and factors affecting their assembly in the community is necessary to benefit maximally from the cooperations of various microbial communities for sustainable crop production. In this review, we outline the various organisms associated with the plant rhizosphere with emphasis on their interactions and mechanisms used in plant growth promotion.

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules inhibit the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl- channel.

The gasotransmitter carbon monoxide (CO) regulates fluid and electrolyte movements across epithelial tissues. However, its action on anion channels is incompletely understood. Here, we investigate the direct action of CO on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) by applying CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs) to the intracellular side of excised inside-out membrane patches from cells heterologously expressing wild-type human CFTR. Addition of increasing concentrations of tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (CORM-2) (1-300 µM) inhibited CFTR channel activity, whereas the control RuCl3 (100 µM) was without effect. CORM-2 predominantly inhibited CFTR by decreasing the frequency of channel openings and, hence, open probability (Po). But, it also reduced current flow through open channels with very fast kinetics, particularly at elevated concentrations. By contrast, the chemically distinct CO-releasing molecule CORM-3 inhibited CFTR by decreasing Po without altering current flow through open channels. Neither depolarizing the membrane voltage nor raising the ATP concentration on the intracellular side of the membrane affected CFTR inhibition by CORM-2. Interestingly, CFTR inhibition by CORM-2, but not by CFTRinh-172, was prevented by prior enhancement of channel activity by the clinically approved CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. Similarly, when added after CORM-2, ivacaftor completely relieved CFTR inhibition. In conclusion, CORM-2 has complex effects on wild-type human CFTR consistent with allosteric inhibition and open-channel blockade. Inhibition of CFTR by CO-releasing molecules suggests that CO regulates CFTR activity and that the gasotransmitter has tissue-specific effects on epithelial ion transport. The action of ivacaftor on CFTR Cl- channels inhibited by CO potentially expands the drug's clinical utility.

Parathyroid hormone increases CFTR expression and function in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) enhances cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated anion secretion by the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. With the patch-clamp and Ussing chamber techniques, we investigated how PTH stimulates CFTR activity in Caco-2 cells. Cell-attached recordings revealed that PTH stimulated the opening of CFTR-like channels, while impedance analysis demonstrated that PTH increased apical membrane capacitance, a measure of membrane surface area. Using ion substitution experiments, the PTH-stimulated increase in short-circuit current (Isc), a measure of transepithelial ion transport, was demonstrated to be Cl-- and HCO3--dependent. However, the PTH-stimulated increase in Isc was unaffected by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide, but partially blocked by the intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (IKCa) inhibitor clotrimazole. TRAM-34, a related IKCa inhibitor, failed to directly inhibit CFTR Cl- channels in cell-free membrane patches, excluding its action on CFTR. In conclusion, PTH enhances CFTR-mediated anion secretion by Caco-2 monolayers by increasing the expression and function of CFTR in the apical membrane and IKCa activity in the basolateral membrane.

Preferred Formation of Heteromeric Channels between Coexpressed SK1 and IKCa Channel Subunits Provides a Unique Pharmacological Profile of Ca2+-Activated Potassium Channels.

Three small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) subunits have been cloned and found to preferentially form heteromeric channels when expressed in a heterologous expression system. The original cloning of the gene encoding the intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (IKCa) was termed SK4 because of the high homology between channel subtypes. Recent immunovisualization suggests that IKCa is expressed in the same subcellular compartments of some neurons as SK channel subunits. Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy super-resolution microscopy revealed that coexpressed IKCa and SK1 channel subunits were closely associated, a finding substantiated by measurement of fluorescence resonance energy transfer between coexpressed fluorophore-tagged subunits. Expression of homomeric SK1 channels produced current that displayed typical sensitivity to SK channel inhibitors, while expressed IKCa channel current was inhibited by known IKCa channel blockers. Expression of both SK1 and IKCa subunits gave a current that displayed no sensitivity to SK channel inhibitors and a decreased sensitivity to IKCa current inhibitors. Single channel recording indicated that coexpression of SK1 and IKCa subunits produced channels with properties intermediate between those observed for homomeric channels. These data indicate that SK1 and IKCa channel subunits preferentially combine to form heteromeric channels that display pharmacological and biophysical properties distinct from those seen with homomeric channels.

Rapid profiling of laser-induced photochemistry in single microdroplets using mass spectrometry.

Rapid assessment of laser-induced photochemistry in single microdroplets is afforded by on-demand microdroplet generation coupled to a commercial ion-trap mass spectrometer. Single microdroplets (diameter ∼50 µm, 65 pL) fall on a steel needle held at +2 kV where they subsequently form a spray that is directed toward the inlet of an ion-trap mass spectrometer. It is demonstrated that single microdroplet mass spectra are recordable, one at a time, for methanol droplets containing 100 µM 4-iodoaniline. Extending on this, to probe laser-initiated photochemistry in single picoliter volumes, a UV laser pulse is timed to intercept the droplet before hitting the needle. Comparison of laser-on and laser-off mass spectra reveals the laser-initiated photochemical products. We demonstrate the technique by following UV laser initiated chemistry in methanol droplets containing 4-iodoaniline and 3-(iodomethyl)-N,N,N-trimethylbenzenamine and reveal numerous products within a few hundred single droplet experiments over several minutes. This technique allows for rapid detection of laser-initiated photochemistry in single picoliter volumes.

Amniotic fluid embolism: incidence, risk factors, and impact on perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To extend our previous work on AFE in Canada by including stricter criteria for case identification and by examining risks for stillbirth, neonatal mortality and serious maternal and neonatal morbidity. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Canada. POPULATION OR SAMPLE: In all, 4,508,462 hospital deliveries from fiscal year 1991/92 to 2008/09. METHODS: To reduce false-positive diagnoses, we restricted our analysis to AFE cases with cardiac arrest, shock or severe hypertension, respiratory distress, mechanical ventilation, coma, seizure, or coagulation disorder. Linkage of maternal and neonatal records, available since 2001/02, enabled us to examine the effects of AFE on neonatal outcomes. Detailed demographic and clinical data facilitated control for a broad array of potential confounding variables. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Amniotic fluid embolism, in-hospital neonatal death, asphyxia, mechanical ventilation, bacterial sepsis, seizure, nonimmune haemolytic or traumatic jaundice and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 292 AFE cases were identified, of which only 120 (40%) were confirmed after applying our additional diagnostic criteria, yielding an AFE incidence of 2.5 per 100,000 deliveries. Of the 120 confirmed cases, 33 (27%) were fatal. Significant modifiable risk factors included medical induction, caesarean delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, and uterine or cervical trauma. Amniotic fluid embolism was associated with significantly increased risks of stillbirth and neonatal asphyxia, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, seizures and prolonged length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic fluid embolism remains a rare but serious obstetric outcome, with several important modifiable risk factors and major implications for maternal, fetal and neonatal health.

Collection of equine cord blood and placental tissues in 40 thoroughbred mares.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue (UCT) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) in human subjects and horses can be obtained in a minimally invasive fashion with successful propagation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Currently there are no detailed protocols documenting a procedure to harvest UCB and UCT safely for equine stem cell propagation. HYPOTHESIS: UCB and UCT could be collected without harm to mare or foal. OBJECTIVES: To develop a standard and safe method for UCB and UCT collection, and prospectively to compare foal and mare health between groups of animals where tissue was and was not collected. METHODS: This study was conducted at a Thoroughbred breeding facility in central California in 2008. UCB and UCT were collected from 40 mare and foal pairs. Clinical parameters including time for foal to stand and nurse, time for mare to pass the placenta, and foal haematology data at age 24 h were documented and compared to a control group, consisting of the succeeding 40 mare and foal pairs. RESULTS: UCB was obtained successfully from 36 of 40 (90%) mares and UCT from 38 of 40 (95%) mares. Bacterial contamination was documented in 6 out of 36 (16.6%) UCB samples. There were no significant differences in time to stand or nurse for foals or time to pass the placenta for mares, between the experimental and control groups. There were no clinically relevant differences identified in haematological data obtained from foals with and without UCB collection. CONCLUSIONS: UCB and UCT can be harvested safely without harm to mares or foals. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: UCB and UCT samples collected in an inherently contaminated environment can be successfully disinfected and transported with minimal bacterial overgrowth for use in cell culture to isolate MSCs.

Non-viral-mediated gene therapy approaches for bone repair.

OBJECTIVES: Bone repair strategies continue to be developed for alternatives to autografting, allogeneic implants of banked bone, and other bone substitutes. Efforts have included the delivery of potent growth and/or differentiation factors and the use of gene therapy. For bone regeneration, gene therapy is the delivery, uptake and expression of DNA that has been localized to a wound bed. The objective of the current study is to investigate methods to enhance non-viral-mediated means of gene uptake and expression for use in bone regeneration. METHODS: Several types of DNA-polymer complexes, either applied directly to baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, or released from a porous, resorbable gene-activated matrix (GAM), were evaluated in vitro for their ability to transfect cells with a circular plasmid DNA construct expressing green fluorescent protein. Complexes included conjugates containing a lipophilic reagent, liposomes, poly-ethyl-oxazoline, and poly-ethyleneimine (PEI). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Fisher's protected least significant difference for multiple comparisons with significance established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Transfection efficiencies of the liposome and PEI complexes improved in vitro when released from resorbable GAMs. The lipophilic reagent FuGene 6 demonstrated abundant uptake and expression in the initial 1- and 2-day evaluation periods. In contrast, the DNA-liposome and PEI GAM complexes demonstrated a sustained release, uptake and expression by the BHK cells at the 2-, 4-, and 7-day, and 4- and 7-day evaluation intervals, respectively. CONCLUSION: GAM technology appears to improve the functional stability and release duration of incorporated DNA-polymer complexes in the present in vitro studies. The ongoing objective of our research is to develop a localized treatment to improve the uptake and expression of plasmid DNA by non-viral-mediated gene therapy.

Child mortality analysis project.

This status report outlines a new national research initiative from Health Canada's Laboratory Centre for Disease Control, the "Child Mortality Analysis Project."

Facility-based inreach strategies to promote annual mammograms.

Mammography facilities frequently use inreach strategies, such as reminders, to encourage annual returns by asymptomatic women 50 years of age and older. We describe three pilot studies that systematically compared various strategies. In each study, patients seen for a screening mammogram during a specified period were randomly assigned to a novel reminder condition or a comparison condition one year later, and return rates were monitored. In study 1, return rates for subjects receiving a standard mailed reminder (36%) and subjects receiving a mailed reminder plus incentive (32%) were similar. In study 2, return rates for subjects receiving a mailed reminder (44%) and subjects receiving a phoned reminder (48%) also were similar. However, study 3 focused on a mailed reminder on the referring physician's letterhead sent by the mammography facility versus no reminder, and a significant increase in return rates resulted (47% versus 19%). We present the implications of this pattern of findings and discuss the need for a larger trial of the physician-endorsed reminder.

Effects of peripheral cytokine injections on multiple unit activity in the anterior hypothalamic area of the mouse.

The brain and the immune system interact in a bidirectional manner. This study on neuroimmune circuitry investigated the hypothesis that circulating cytokines act as messengers in the communication from the immune system to the brain and that the anterior hypothalamus is an integral part of this pathway. It was predicted that, following tail vein injections in mice, the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) would alter electrical activity in the anterior hypothalamus. Differential electrodes were used to record multiple unit activity, at 5-min intervals, immediately before and for 60 min following injections. IL-1 beta and IL-2 decreased activity in the lateral margin of the anterior hypothalamus. IL-2-responsive neurons seemed to be localized to this area, while IL-1 beta-sensitive neurons showed a larger area of distribution. A significant response following IL-6 administration was not demonstrated. The observed changes in electrical activity support the concept of the hypothalamus as a sensory integration site for the immune system. Alternative models for the mechanism of cytokine signaling are discussed.

Evaluation of a worksite mammography program.

We implemented a one-year program to promote mammography for employees at one campus of a state university system; a second campus served as a comparison site. Measurement cohorts, who were surveyed immediately before and after the intervention, had been randomly selected at each site; all of the subjects had insurance coverage that included mammographic screening. The intervention consisted of print media, on-site workshops, and incentive drawings. Results indicated that mammography rates increased significantly at both sites, for both those 40-49 years of age and for those > or = 50 years of age. The rate increases for the 40- to 49-year-old age group at the intervention and control sites were 17.6% and 13.6%, respectively, and, for the > or = 50-year-old age group, 11.9% and 6.3%. However, the differential changes in rates between the sites were not significant for either age category. The intervention was perceived positively by the intervention site cohort, and participation in the various components was encouraging. We present suggestions for future research on this topic.

The effects of an instructional audiotape on breast self-examination proficiency.

This study evaluated the effects of a refresher instructional audiotape on breast self-examination (BSE) proficiency 6 months after BSE had been trained to criteria. Subjects (n = 54), who were undergraduate women, were trained in group sessions to perform BSE competently. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two "maintenance" groups: tape or no tape. Tape-group subjects received a BSE tape at the end of their training session. Subjects in both groups received monthly mailed prompts. At 6 months posttraining, subjects were videotaped in a clinic environment while performing BSE and 10 components of the exam subsequently were evaluated. The results indicated that tape-group subjects showed significantly better performance than controls on four components, including amount of breast area examined. The tape had no effect on BSE frequency. The tape strategy may be valuable in maintaining proficiency once BSE is trained.

Severe hypoglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.

Our results are presented to reemphasize that strict glucose control in pregnant Type I diabetic patients carries not only significant benefits but risk as well. Despite careful attention, self glucose monitoring, multi-shot/pump insulin, diabetic team management and obstetrical expertise, pregnant Type I diabetic patients are at increased risk for hypoglycemic episodes.

Comparison of infants dying from the sudden infant death syndrome with matched live controls.

Development, medical history and social background of 79 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and 79 age matched controls were compared. SIDS was associated with a high proportion of S.G.A. infants, more hospital admissions and increased reporting of symptoms, particularly irritability, by parents. Social factors did not play a significant role with no evidence of marked social deprivation or lack of caring in either group. When this background data from both groups was compared there was no evidence of reliable predictors of sudden infant death.