Preconception sleep duration, non-daytime work schedules, and incidence of spontaneous abortion: a prospective cohort study.

STUDY QUESTION: To what extent do self-reported sleep duration and non-daytime work schedules in either partner affect the rate of spontaneous abortion (SAB)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Incidence of SAB had little association with female sleep duration and a modest positive association with male short sleep duration, female work at night, and discrepant work schedules among partners. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Several studies have reported an association between short sleep duration in either partner and reproductive health outcomes, including fecundability. Moreover, certain types of female occupational exposures during pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of SAB. No studies have evaluated SAB risk in relation to male sleep and work schedules, or joint exposures within a couple. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This prospective cohort study included 9357 female participants and 2602 of their male partners residing in North America (June 2013 to April 2023). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants enrolled when they were attempting pregnancy and completed self-administered baseline questionnaires about their average sleep duration and work schedules. Among those who conceived, we ascertained SAB and gestational age at loss via follow-up questionnaires. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models with gestational weeks as the time scale to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs relating SAB with sleep duration and non-daytime work schedules for female and male participants, and the couple. We used inverse probability weighting to account for potential selection bias due to the possibility of differential participation of male partners with respect to the exposures. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Compared to female participants with recommended sleep (7-8.9 h), those reporting short sleep duration (<6 h) did not have a higher rate of SAB (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69, 1.13). Short self-reported sleep duration among male participants was modestly associated with a higher rate of SAB (adjusted and weighted HR 1.30, 95% CI 0.96, 1.75). Female night work at night (adjusted HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02, 1.38) and male non-daytime work (adjusted and weighted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00, 1.59) were associated with modestly higher rates of SAB, whereas female rotating shift work was not (adjusted HR 0.91, 0.78, 1.05) compared with daytime workers. Couples in which work schedules were discrepant had an elevated rate of SAB if the male partner worked a non-daytime shift (adjusted and weighted HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.13, 1.88) compared with couples in which both members worked during the day. The corresponding HR if only the female partner worked a non-daytime shift was 1.21 (95% CI 0.92, 1.58). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Data on sleep duration and work schedules were based on self-report, which is vulnerable to misclassification, particularly since participants were asked to report their average sleep duration during the past month. Work exposures were heterogeneous, as many different types of employment may require night and shift work and may have different associations with SAB. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings are consistent with previous research indicating that some types of female employment schedules may be associated with SAB incidence. This is the first study to indicate a relationship between SAB and male employment schedules, indicating that discrepant work schedules within a couple might be relevant. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grants R01HD105863 (PIs: L.A.W. and M.L.E.), R01HD086742 (PIs: L.A.W. and E.E.H.), and R21HD072326 (PI: L.A.W.). PRESTO has received in-kind donations from Swiss Precision Diagnostics and Kindara.com for primary data collection. L.A.W. is a consultant for AbbVie, Inc. and the Gates Foundation. M.L.E. is an advisor for and holds stock in Ro, Hannah, Dadi, Underdog, Vseat, & Doveras. The other authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Modeling Social Network Influences on Oral Health Outcomes among Women Living in Public Housing.

OBJECTIVE: Research into the influence and role of social networks on oral health outcomes has been limited. This study aims to demonstrate via explanatory modeling the influence of social networks on oral health outcomes among women in who live in public housing in Boston, Massachusetts. METHODS: Individual- and network-level data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of adult female residents of 2 public housing developments in Boston, Massachusetts. Participants responded to close-ended questions about sociodemographic characteristics, oral and general health status, and health-related behaviors for themselves as well as their named social contacts. Based on this information, network-level variables were calculated for each participant, including the proportion of the social network with certain characteristics or attributes. To assess the salience of network measures in explaining the variability in self-reported oral health status, overall health status, use of dental services within the last year, and current dental treatment needs, logistic regression models with individual-level covariates were compared with corresponding models that additionally included network-level variables with McFadden R2 for comparison purposes. RESULTS: Model comparisons for each outcome of interest demonstrated that adding network-level covariates significantly improved model fit. Additionally, network-level covariates displayed strong independent associations with the outcomes of interest. The network proportion needing dental treatment was positively associated with participants' odds of reporting current dental treatment needs (odds ratio, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.47 to 15.05). An individual's odds of reporting no dental visit within the past year decreased with increasing exposure to social contacts with reported dental visits within the past year (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.89). CONCLUSION: The salience of specific network attributes depended on the outcome under study. Interventions aimed at reducing the poor oral health burden in this and similar population groups may benefit from integrating information on social networks, including tailoring intervention delivery and/or messaging to account for the potential influence of social networks. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: This work may be beneficial to those developing policy solutions and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of poor oral health outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, such as women who reside in public housing developments. The potential for leveraging social networks to seed messaging about oral health, for example, may enhance efforts to reduce oral health disparities.

Quantitative Assessment of Systematic Bias: A Guide for Researchers.

Observational research provides valuable opportunities to advance oral health science but is limited by vulnerabilities to systematic bias, including unmeasured confounding, errors in variable measurement, or bias in the creation of study populations and/or analytic samples. The potential influence of systematic biases on observed results is often only briefly mentioned among the discussion of limitations of a given study, despite existing methods that support detailed assessments of their potential effects. Quantitative bias analysis is a set of methodological techniques that, when applied to observational data, can provide important context to aid in the interpretation and integration of observational research findings into the broader body of oral health research. Specifically, these methods were developed to provide quantitative estimates of the potential magnitude and direction of the influence of systematic biases on observed results. We aim to encourage and facilitate the broad adoption of quantitative bias analyses into observational oral health research. To this end, we provide an overview of quantitative bias analysis techniques, including a step-by-step implementation guide. We also provide a detailed appendix that guides readers through an applied example using real data obtained from a prospective observational cohort study of preconception periodontitis in relation to time to pregnancy. Quantitative bias analysis methods are available to all investigators. When appropriately applied to observational studies, findings from such studies can have a greater impact in the broader research context.

Changes to insulin sensitivity in glucose clearance systems and redox following dietary supplementation with a novel cysteine-rich protein: A pilot randomized controlled trial in humans with type-2 diabetes.

We recently developed a novel keratin-derived protein (KDP) rich in cysteine, glycine, and arginine, with the potential to alter tissue redox status and insulin sensitivity. The KDP was tested in 35 human adults with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a 14-wk randomised controlled pilot trial comprising three 2×20 g supplemental protein/day arms: KDP-whey (KDPWHE), whey (WHEY), non-protein isocaloric control (CON), with standardised exercise. Outcomes were measured morning fasted and following insulin-stimulation (80 mU/m2/min hyperinsulinaemic-isoglycaemic clamp). With KDPWHE supplementation there was good and very-good evidence for moderate-sized increases in insulin-stimulated glucose clearance rate (GCR; 26%; 90% confidence limits, CL 2%, 49%) and skeletal-muscle microvascular blood flow (46%; 16%, 83%), respectively, and good evidence for increased insulin-stimulated sarcoplasmic GLUT4 translocation (18%; 0%, 39%) vs CON. In contrast, WHEY did not effect GCR (-2%; -25%, 21%) and attenuated HbA1c lowering (14%; 5%, 24%) vs CON. KDPWHE effects on basal glutathione in erythrocytes and skeletal muscle were unclear, but in muscle there was very-good evidence for large increases in oxidised peroxiredoxin isoform 2 (oxiPRX2) (19%; 2.2%, 35%) and good evidence for lower GPx1 concentrations (-40%; -4.3%, -63%) vs CON; insulin stimulation, however, attenuated the basal oxiPRX2 response (4%; -16%, 24%), and increased GPx1 (39%; -5%, 101%) and SOD1 (26%; -3%, 60%) protein expression. Effects of KDPWHE on oxiPRX3 and NRF2 content, phosphorylation of capillary eNOS and insulin-signalling proteins upstream of GLUT4 translocation AktSer437 and AS160Thr642 were inconclusive, but there was good evidence for increased IRSSer312 (41%; 3%, 95%), insulin-stimulated NFκB-DNA binding (46%; 3.4%, 105%), and basal PAK-1Thr423/2Thr402 phosphorylation (143%; 66%, 257%) vs WHEY. Our findings provide good evidence to suggest that dietary supplementation with a novel edible keratin protein in humans with T2DM may increase glucose clearance and modify skeletal-muscle tissue redox and insulin sensitivity within systems involving peroxiredoxins, antioxidant expression, and glucose uptake.

Release of sterile Aedes aegypti mosquitoes: chilling effect on mass-reared males survival and escape ability and on irradiated males sexual competitiveness.

In the sterile insect technique, it is important to measure the impact of mass-rearing and handling of sterile males to allow a successful control of the target wild population. This study evaluates the effect of pre-release chilling on the survival, escape ability, and sexual competitiveness of male Aedes aegypti. To determine survival and escape ability, mosquitoes were chilled at 4 °C using four different treatments of either one exposure (25 min) or two consecutive exposures (25 + 25 min, 25 + 50 min, 25 + 100 min). For sexual competitiveness, two different treatments were evaluated, chilling for 25 min once and twice. Results showed that the longest exposure to chilling caused a significant reduction of survival time, from 67 to 54 days. Escape ability was reduced by the first chilling from 25 to 7% and with the second chilling, it was reduced from 30 to 24% in the control to 4.9, 2.0 and 0.5% for 25, 50 and 100 min, respectively. Sexual competitiveness index was reduced from 1.16 in the control, to 0.32 and - 0.11 for treatments involving one and two chilling periods, respectively. It is recommended to increase the chilling temperature and reduce the exposure time to reduce the harmful effects on sterile males.

Quantification of cytosol and membrane proteins in rumen epithelium of sheep with low or high CH4 emission phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Ruminant livestock are a major contributor to Australian agricultural sector carbon emissions. Variation in methane (CH4) produced from enteric microbial fermentation of feed in the reticulo-rumen of sheep differs with different digestive functions. METHOD: We isolated rumen epithelium enzymatically to extract membrane and cytosol proteins from sheep with high (H) and low (L) CH4 emission. Protein abundance was quantified using SWATH-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The research found differences related to the metabolism of glucose, lactate and processes of cell defence against microbes in sheep from each phenotype. Enzymes in the methylglyoxal pathway, a side path of glycolysis, resulting in D-lactate production, differed in abundance. In the H CH4 rumen epithelium the enzyme hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase (HAGH) was 2.56 fold higher in abundance, whereas in the L CH4 epithelium lactate dehydrogenase D (LDHD) was 1.93 fold higher. Malic enzyme 1 which converts D-lactate to pyruvate via the tricarboxylic cycle was 1.57 fold higher in the L CH4 phenotype. Other proteins that are known to regulate cell defence against microbes had differential abundance in the epithelium of each phenotype. CONCLUSION: Differences in the abundance of enzymes involved in the metabolism of glucose were associated with H and L CH4 phenotype sheep. Potentially this represents an opportunity to use protein markers in the rumen epithelium to select low CH4 emitting sheep.

Acceptance of a sterile male releases pilot project to reduce Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations and its associated factors: A community-based cross-sectional survey in South Chiapas, Mexico.

Worldwide, vector-transmitted diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and cause more than 700,000 deaths annually. The primary strategy to control the transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika focuses on the control of their vectors. Vector control programs depend mainly on the use of insecticides. However, these measures have failed to yield the desired results because the lack of proper control decreases their effectiveness over time. Also, the effect of insecticide use on non-target organisms, environmental contamination, and the development of insecticide resistance impose continuous challenges for insecticide-dependant control programs. The sterile insect technique, on the other hand, is a non-polluting and environment-friendly technique. The use of sterile insects is generally well established in agriculture, but human health interventions often require a consensus that combines social perceptions with scientific evidence. Factors associated with acceptance of the releases of sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were assessed with logistic regression models for two communities (Rio Florido and Hidalgo) in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. The favourable opinion of the respondents about the project workers, and the fact that the releases of sterile mosquitoes would be managed by the Secretaría de Salud, were found to be factors that supported the acceptance of sterile mosquito releases. Factors associated with disapproval were community (Rio Florido and Hidalgo) and the misbelief that sterile male mosquitoes can bite. The differences observed between the communities included in this study might be the result of experiences with the releases, of social and community organisation, and of leadership by social actors.

Comparison of Ground Release and Drone-Mediated Aerial Release of Aedes aegypti Sterile Males in Southern Mexico: Efficacy and Challenges.

Sterile males of Aedes aegypti were released once a week for 8 weeks to evaluate the dispersal efficiency of ground and aerial drone release methods in a rural village of 26 Ha in southern Mexico. Indoor and outdoor BG-Sentinel traps were placed in 13−16 houses distributed throughout the village. The BG traps were activated 48 h after the release of the sterile males and functioned for a 24 h period following each release. Over the 8-week period of simultaneous ground and aerial releases, an average of 85,117 ± 6457 sterile males/week were released at ground level and 86,724 ± 6474 sterile males/week were released using an aerial drone. The ground release method resulted in higher numbers of captured males (mean = 5.1 ± 1.4, range 1.1−15.7 sterile males/trap) compared with the aerial release method (mean = 2.6 ± 0.8, range 0.5−7.3 sterile males/trap) (p < 0.05). Similarly, the prevalence of traps that captured at least one sterile male was significantly higher for ground release compared to the aerial release method (p < 0.01). The lower numbers of sterile males captured in the aerial release method could be due to mortality or physical injury caused by the chilling process for immobilization, or the compaction of these insects during transport and release. However, aerial releases by a two-person team distributed insects over the entire village in just 20 min, compared to ~90 min of work for a five-person team during the ground release method. Ground release also resulted in higher aggregations of males and some villagers reported feeling discomfort from the presence of large numbers of mosquitoes in and around their houses. We conclude that modifications to the handling and transport of sterile males and the design of containers used to store males are required to avoid injury and to improve the efficiency of aerial releases for area-wide SIT-based population suppression programs targeted at mosquito vectors of human disease.

Self-reported periodontitis and fecundability in a population of pregnancy planners.

STUDY QUESTION: Is a history of periodontitis among women associated with reduced fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER: A history of periodontitis, as assessed by three different self-reported measures, may be associated with reduced fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the hard and soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Few studies have evaluated the association between periodontitis and time to pregnancy, and findings are mixed. It is hypothesized that periodontitis may adversely affect time to pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 2764 female pregnancy planners residing in North America (March 2015-June 2020). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Eligible participants had been attempting pregnancy for six or fewer menstrual cycles at enrollment and were not using fertility treatment. Women answered questions about their oral health. Pregnancy was ascertained via bi-monthly follow-up questionnaires. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for three different measures indicative of a history of periodontitis: ever diagnosed with periodontitis (N = 265), ever received treatment for periodontitis (N = 299), and ever had an adult tooth become loose on its own (N = 83). We adjusted for potential confounders and precision variables. Women at risk of misclassification of periodontitis diagnosis due to pregnancy-related gingivitis were reclassified in a sensitivity analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: All three indices of periodontitis may be associated with reduced fecundability. FRs were 0.89 (95% CI 0.75-1.06) comparing women with and without a previous periodontitis diagnosis, 0.79 (95% CI 0.67-0.94) comparing women with and without previous periodontitis treatment, and 0.71 (95% CI 0.44-1.16) comparing women with and without a tooth that became loose. After reclassification of pregnancy-related gingivitis in the sensitivity analysis, the FR for periodontitis diagnosis was 0.83 (95% CI 0.68-1.00). Weaker FRs were observed among parous women as compared with nulliparous women for periodontitis diagnosis and tooth becoming loose, but not for periodontitis treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Though we used validated self-report measures of periodontitis, clinical confirmation is the gold standard. These questions may be functioning as markers of different levels of periodontitis severity, but we were unable to measure disease severity in this population. Finally, we cannot eliminate the possibility of unmeasured confounding. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is the first preconception prospective cohort study to evaluate the association between self-reported periodontitis and fecundability. Our results indicate that periodontitis may be associated with lower fecundability. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was partially funded by R01HD086742/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and R21HD072326/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. PRESTO has received in-kind donations from Swiss Precision Diagnostics, Sandstone Diagnostics, FertilityFriend.com, and Kindara.com for primary data collection. L.A.W. is a fibroid consultant for AbbVie, Inc. J.C.B., S.W., J.Y., K.J.R., E.E.H., and B.H. have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Defining the Extracellular Matrix of Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood with a propensity to metastasize. Current treatment for patients with RMS includes conventional systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection; nevertheless, little to no improvement in long term survival has been achieved in decades-underlining the need for target discovery and new therapeutic approaches to targeting tumor cells or the tumor microenvironment. To evaluate cross-species sarcoma extracellular matrix production, we have used murine models which feature knowledge of the myogenic cell-of-origin. With focus on the RMS/undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) continuum, we have constructed tissue microarrays of 48 murine and four human sarcomas to analyze expression of seven different collagens, fibrillins, and collagen-modifying proteins, with cross-correlation to RNA deep sequencing. We have uncovered that RMS produces increased expression of type XVIII collagen alpha 1 (COL18A1), which is clinically associated with decreased long-term survival. We have also identified significantly increased RNA expression of COL4A1, FBN2, PLOD1, and PLOD2 in human RMS relative to normal skeletal muscle. These results complement recent studies investigating whether soft tissue sarcomas utilize collagens, fibrillins, and collagen-modifying enzymes to alter the structural integrity of surrounding host extracellular matrix/collagen quaternary structure resulting in improved ability to improve the ability to invade regionally and metastasize, for which therapeutic targeting is possible.

Sexual Competitiveness and Induced Egg Sterility by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Gamma-Irradiated Males: A Laboratory and Field Study in Mexico.

The sterile insect technique may prove useful for the suppression of mosquito vectors of medical importance in regions where arboviruses pose a serious public health threat. In the present study, we examined the effects of sterilizing irradiation doses across different ratios of fertile:irradiated males on the mating competitiveness of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus under laboratory and field-cage conditions. For both species, the percentage of females inseminated and the number of eggs laid over two gonotrophic cycles varied significantly in mating treatments involving 1:1, 1:5, and 1:10 fertile:irradiated males compared to controls of entirely fertile or entirely irradiated males but was not generally affected by the irradiation dose. Egg hatching was negatively affected in females exposed to increasing proportions of irradiated males in both laboratory and field cages. Male competitiveness (Fried's index) values varied from 0.19 to 0.58 in the laboratory and were between 0.09 and 1.0 in field cages, depending on th species. Competitiveness values were negatively affected by th eirradiation dose in both species under field-cage conditions, whereas in the laboratory, Ae. albopictus was sensitive to the dose but Ae. aegypti was not. In general, male competitiveness was similar across all mating regimes. Most importantly, induced egg sterility was positively correlated with the proportion of irradiated males present in the mating treatments, reaching a maximum of 88% under field-cage conditions for both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus males treated with 50 and 40 Gy irradiation, respectively. These results indicate that sterile males produced at our facility are suitable and competitive enough for field pilot SIT projects and provide guidance to decide the optimal sterile:fertile ratios.

Population Dynamics of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Two Rural Villages in Southern Mexico: Baseline Data for an Evaluation of the Sterile Insect Technique.

Indoor and outdoor ovitraps were placed in 15 randomly selected houses in two rural villages in Chiapas, southern Mexico. In addition, ovitraps were placed in five transects surrounding each village, with three traps per transect, one at the edge, one at 50 m, and another at 100 m from the edge of the village. All traps were inspected weekly. A transect with eight traps along a road between the two villages was also included. Population fluctuations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were examined during 2016-2018 by counting egg numbers. A higher number of Aedes spp. eggs was recorded at Hidalgo village with 257,712 eggs (60.9%), of which 58.1% were present in outdoor ovitraps and 41.9% in indoor ovitraps, compared with 165,623 eggs (39.1%) collected in the village of Río Florido, 49.0% in outdoor and 51.0% in indoor ovitraps. A total of 84,047 eggs was collected from ovitraps placed along transects around Río Florido, compared to 67,542 eggs recorded from transects around Hidalgo. Fluctuations in egg counts were associated with annual variation in precipitation, with 2.3 to 3.2-fold more eggs collected from ovitraps placed in houses and 4.8 to 5.1-fold more eggs in ovitraps from the surrounding transects during the rainy season than in the dry season, respectively. Aedes aegypti was the dominant species during the dry season and at the start of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus populations were lower for most of the dry season, but increased during the rainy season and predominated at the end of the rainy season in both villages. Aedes albopictus was also the dominant species in the zones surrounding both villages. The numbers of eggs collected from intradomiciliary ovitraps were strongly correlated with the numbers of eggs in peridomiciliary ovitraps in both Río Florido (R2 adj = 0.92) and Hidalgo (R2 adj = 0.94), suggesting that peridomiciliary sampling could provide an accurate estimate of intradomiciliary oviposition by Aedes spp. in future studies in these villages. We conclude that the feasibility of sterile insect technique (SIT)-based program of vector control could be evaluated in the isolated Ae. aegypti populations in the rural villages of our baseline study.

Temporal Viability of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus Eggs Using Two Hygroscopic Substances as Preservatives under a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Program in Southern Mexico.

Dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases have dramatically increased over the last decades. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been successfully used as part of integrated pest strategies to control populations of insect-plant and livestock pests and is currently being tested as a potential method to reduce mosquito populations in an environmentally friendly approach. However, during the mass rearing steps needed to produce millions of mosquitoes, egg storage and preservation are essential for a certain amount of time. Eggs of Aedes aegypti have a chorionic pad that functions as a sticky substance to glue them onto the inner walls of larval breeding sites. The chorionic pad is chemically made of hyaluronic acid, a hygroscopic compound, responsible to protect them from desiccation over time. Two commercial products with hygroscopic properties, hydrolyzed collagen, and Hyalurosmooth®, both were tested to assess their ability to prolong egg life storage for A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Results showed that 85-95% of Ae. aegypti eggs were able to hatch up to week 8 after being treated with both hydrophilic compounds, compared with the control 66.3%. These two substances showed promising effects for keeping Ae. aegypti eggs viable during prolonged storage in mass rearing insect production focused on vector control SIT programs.

Evaluation of Flood Removal in Combination with Insecticide Seed Treatment for Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Larval Management in Rice.

An experiment was conducted at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS during 2017 and 2018 to determine whether removal of the flood is an economical method of control for rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel. This experiment compared a continuous flood production system to draining a rice field completely and reestablishing a flood for the remainder of the growing season. In addition, two insecticide seed treatments, thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole, were compared with an untreated control within each system. Rice water weevil densities were measured prior to draining at 3 wk after flood and again after the flood was reestablished in drained plots. Rice water weevil densities were greater in 2017 than 2018. Chlorantraniliprole at the predrainage and postdrainage sample timing reduced larval numbers compared with the untreated control. The plots where water was removed until soil cracking then re-flooded had significantly lower weevil populations than plots that were continuously flooded during 2018 only. Draining of plots resulted in lower yields in 2018, but not in 2017. Additionally, both of the insecticide seed treatments resulted in greater yields and economic returns than the untreated control. Draining of flooded rice when rice water weevil larvae were present did not provide a consistent benefit, and may result in yield and economic penalties. Insecticide seed treatments consistently provided greater yield benefits in flooded rice. Based on these results, draining of flooded rice is not recommended to manage rice water weevil and insecticide seed treatments should be used to minimize economic losses.

Diversity and potential distribution of culicids of medical importance of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico / Diversidad y distribución potencial de culícidos de importancia médica de la Península de Yucatán, México

Abstract: Objective: To determine the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of culicids in the Yucatan Peninsula (YP); their potential distribution, using ecological niche modeling (ENM), and the risk of contact with urban and rural populations. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out through the YP. The diversity of species was determined with the Shannon index. The potential distribution of the culicids was determined through the ENM, as well as the risk of urban and rural populations through contact with vectors. Results: A total of 10 699 specimens, 15 genera and 52 species were registered. Campeche and the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul exhibited the highest diversity. Conclusions: The ENM predict a high suitability in all the YP of Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronator, and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The vector species that exhibited the highest risk of contact in the YP were Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la distribución, abundancia y di versidad de los culícidos de la Península de Yucatán (PY), su distribución potencial utilizando modelos de nicho ecológico (MNE) y el riesgo de contacto con poblaciones urbanas y rurales. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal. La diversidad fue determinada por el índice de Shannon. La distribución potencial de los culícidos se deter minó a través de MNE, así como el riesgo de las poblaciones urbanas y rurales al contacto con los vectores. Resultados: En total, se registraron 10 699 especímenes, 15 géneros y 52 especies. Campeche y la Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul presentaron la mayor diversidad. Conclusiones: El MNE predice una alta idoneidad en toda la PY para Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronador y Cx. quinque fasciatus. Las especies de vectores que presentaron el mayor riesgo de contacto en la PY fueron Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus.

Comparison of novaluron, pyriproxyfen, spinosad and temephos as larvicides against Aedes aegypti in Chiapas, Mexico / Comparación de novaluron, piriproxifeno, spinosad y temefos como larvicidas contra Aedes aegypti en Chiapas, México

Abstract: Objective: To compare the efficacy of three modern larvicides with the organophosphate temephos for control of Aedes aegypti in water tanks in Chiapas. Materials and methods: Trials were performed to compare the efficacy of pyriproxyfen, novaluron, two formulations of spinosad (granules and tablets) and temephos in oviposition traps and domestic water tanks. Results: Pyriproxyfen and temephos provided 2-3 weeks of complete control of larvae in oviposition traps, whereas spinosad granules and novaluron provided 7-12 weeks of control. Treatment of water tanks resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition by Ae. aegypt in houses (p<0.001). Higher numbers of larvae were present in temephos and pyriproxyfen-treated water tanks compared to novaluron and spinosad tablet treatments during most of the study. Conclusion: Spinosad formulations and novaluron were effective larvicides in this region. The poor performance of temephos may be indicative of reduced susceptibility in Ae. aegypti populations in Chiapas.

Resumen: Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia de tres larvicidas modernos para el control de Aedes aegypti en tanques de agua doméstica en Chiapas. Material y métodos: Se comparó la eficacia de piriproxifeno, novalurón, dos formulaciones de spinosad (gránulos y tabletas) y temefos en ovitrampas y tanques domésticos de agua. Resultados: El piriproxifeno y el temefos proporcionaron de 2 a 3 semanas de control de larvas en ovitrampas, mientras que los gránulos de spinosad y novaluron proporcionaron de 7 a12 semanas. Los tanques de agua tratados produjeron una reducción significativa en la oviposición por Ae. aegypti en las casas (p<0.001). Se encontró gran cantidad de larvas en los tanques tratados con temefos y piriproxifeno en comparación con los tratados con novaluron y tabletas de spinosad durante la mayor parte del estudio. Conclusión: Las formulaciones de spinosad en tabletas y novaluron fueron larvicidas efectivos en esta región. El bajo desempeño de temefos puede indicar una susceptibilidad reducida en poblaciones de Ae. aegypti en Chiapas.

Thermoneutral conditions correct the obese phenotype in female, but not male, Kiss1r knockout mice.

Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that activates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, has also been implicated as a regulator of energy balance. Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) knockout (KO) mice display an obese phenotype in adulthood compared to wild-type (WT) controls due to reduced energy expenditure. Additionally, experimental evidence shows that the temperature of typical rodent housing conditions (22 °C) increases the metabolism of mice above basal levels. Female Kiss1r KO mice show reduced core temperature and impaired temperature adaptation to an acute cold challenge, suggesting their temperature homeostasis processes are altered. The present study examined the phenotype of gonadectomised Kiss1r KO mice at both sub-thermoneutral and thermoneutral temperature (22 °C and 30 °C). Our results confirmed the obese phenotype in Kiss1r KO mice at 22 °C, and revealed a sexually dimorphic effect of thermal neutrality on the phenotype. In female KO mice, the obesity observed at 22 °C was attenuated at 30 °C. Plasma leptin levels were higher in KO than WT female mice at 22 °C (P < 0.001) but not at 30 °C. Importantly, the expression of Ucp1 mRNA in brown adipose tissue was lower in KO mice compared to WT mice at 22 °C (P < 0.05), but not different from WT at 30 °C. In male KO mice, a metabolic phenotype was observed at 22 °C and 30 °C. These results provide further evidence for kisspeptin-mediated regulation of adiposity via altered energy expenditure. Moreover, thermoneutral housing alleviated the obese phenotype in female Kiss1r KO mice, compared to WT, indicating the impairment in these mice may relate to an inability to adapt to the chronic cold stress that is experienced at 22 °C.

Diversity and potential distribution of culicids of medical importance of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the species distribution, abundance, and diversity of culicids in the Yucatan Peninsula (YP); their potential distribution, using ecological niche modeling (ENM), and the risk of contact with urban and rural populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out through the YP. The diversity of species was determined with the Shannon index. The potential distribution of the culicids was determined through the ENM, as well as the risk of urban and rural populations through contact with vectors. RESULTS: A total of 10 699 specimens, 15 genera and 52 species were registered. Campeche and the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul exhibited the highest diversity. CONCLUSIONS: The ENM predict a high suitability in all the YP of Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronator, and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The vector species that exhibited the highest risk of contact in the YP were Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la distribución, abundancia y diversidad de los culícidos de la Península de Yucatán (PY), su distribución potencial utilizando modelos de nicho ecológico (MNE) y el riesgo de contacto con poblaciones urbanas y rurales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal. La diversidad fue determinada por el índice de Shannon. La distribución potencial de los culícidos se determinó a través de MNE, así como el riesgo de las poblaciones urbanas y rurales al contacto con los vectores. RESULTADOS: En total, se registraron 10 699 especímenes, 15 géneros y 52 especies. Campeche y la Reserva de la Biosfera de Calakmul presentaron la mayor diversidad. CONCLUSIONES: El MNE predice una alta idoneidad en toda la PY para Ae. aegypti, An. albimanus, An. pseudopuntipennis, Cx. coronador y Cx. quinquefasciatus. Las especies de vectores que presentaron el mayor riesgo de contacto en la PY fueron Cx. quinquefasciatus, Ae. aegypti y Ae. albopictus.

Comparison of novaluron, pyriproxyfen, spinosad and temephos as larvicides against Aedes aegypti in Chiapas, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of three modern larvicides with the organophosphate temephos for control of Aedes aegypti in water tanks in Chiapas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trials were performed to compare the efficacy of pyriproxyfen, novaluron, two formulations of spinosad (granules and tablets) and temephos in oviposition traps and domestic water tanks. RESULTS: Pyriproxyfen and temephos provided 2-3 weeks of complete control of larvae in oviposition traps, whereas spinosad granules and novaluron provided 7-12 weeks of control. Treatment of water tanks resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition by Ae. aegypti in houses (p<0.001). Higher numbers of larvae were present in temephos and pyriproxyfen-treated water tanks compared to novaluron and spinosad tablet treatments during most of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Spinosad formulations and novaluron were effective larvicides in this region. The poor performance of temephos may be indicative of reduced susceptibility in Ae. aegypti populations in Chiapas.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la eficacia de tres larvicidas modernos para el control de Aedes aegypti en tanques de agua doméstica en Chiapas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se comparó la eficacia de piriproxifeno, novalurón, dos formulaciones de spinosad (gránulos y tabletas) y temefos en ovitrampas y tanques domésticos de agua. RESULTADOS: El piriproxifeno y el temefos proporcionaron de 2 a 3 semanas de control de larvas en ovitrampas, mientras que los gránulos de spinosad y novaluron proporcionaron de 7 a12 semanas. Los tanques de agua tratados produjeron una reducción significativa en la oviposición por Ae. aegypti en las casas (p<0.001). Se encontró gran cantidad de larvas en los tanques tratados con temefos y piriproxifeno en comparación con los tratados con novaluron y tabletas de spinosad durante la mayor parte del estudio. CONCLUSIONES: Las formulaciones de spinosad en tabletas y novaluron fueron larvicidas efectivos en esta región. El bajo desempeño de temefos puede indicar una susceptibilidad reducida en poblaciones de Ae. aegypti en Chiapas.

Profiling cytotoxic microRNAs in pediatric and adult glioblastoma cells by high-content screening, identification, and validation of miR-1300.

MicroRNAs play an important role in the regulation of mRNA translation and have therapeutic potential in cancer and other diseases. To profile the landscape of microRNAs with significant cytotoxicity in the context of glioblastoma (GBM), we performed a high-throughput screen in adult and pediatric GBM cells using a synthetic oligonucleotide library representing all known human microRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis was used to refine this list and the top seven microRNAs were validated in a larger panel of GBM cells using state-of-the-art in vitro assays. The cytotoxic effect of our most relevant candidate was assessed in a preclinical model. Our screen identified ~100 significantly cytotoxic microRNAs with 70% concordance between cell lines. MicroRNA-1300 (miR-1300) was the most potent and robust candidate. We observed a striking binucleated phenotype in miR-1300 transfected cells due to cytokinesis failure followed by apoptosis. This was also observed in two stem-like patient-derived cultures. We identified the physiological role of miR-1300 as a regulator of endomitosis in megakaryocyte differentiation where blockade of cytokinesis is an essential step. In GBM cells, where miR-1300 is normally not expressed, the oncogene Epithelial Cell Transforming 2 (ECT2) was validated as a direct key target. ECT2 siRNA phenocopied the effects of miR-1300, and ECT2 overexpression led to rescue of miR-1300 induced binucleation. We showed that ectopic expression of miR-1300 led to decreased tumor growth in an orthotopic GBM model. Our screen provides a resource for the neuro-oncology community and identified miR-1300 as a novel regulator of endomitosis with translatable potential for therapeutic application.