Loss of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta PTPRD increases the number of cortical neurons, impairs synaptic function and induces autistic-like behaviors in adult mice.

BACKGROUND: The brain cortex is responsible for many higher-level cognitive functions. Disruptions during cortical development have long-lasting consequences on brain function and are associated with the etiology of brain disorders. We previously found that the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta Ptprd, which is genetically associated with several human neurodevelopmental disorders, is essential to cortical brain development. Loss of Ptprd expression induced an aberrant increase of excitatory neurons in embryonic and neonatal mice by hyper-activating the pro-neurogenic receptors TrkB and PDGFRß in neural precursor cells. However, whether these alterations have long-lasting consequences in adulthood remains unknown. RESULTS: Here, we found that in Ptprd+/- or Ptprd-/- mice, the developmental increase of excitatory neurons persists through adulthood, affecting excitatory synaptic function in the medial prefrontal cortex. Likewise, heterozygosity or homozygosity for Ptprd also induced an increase of inhibitory cortical GABAergic neurons and impaired inhibitory synaptic transmission. Lastly, Ptprd+/- or Ptprd-/- mice displayed autistic-like behaviors and no learning and memory impairments or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that loss of Ptprd has long-lasting effects on cortical neuron number and synaptic function that may aberrantly impact ASD-like behaviors.

In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of a New Chromone Derivative against Candida spp.

Candida species are frequently implicated in the development of both superficial and invasive fungal infections, which can impact vital organs. In the quest for novel strategies to combat fungal infections, there has been growing interest in exploring synthetic and semi-synthetic products, particularly chromone derivatives, renowned for their antimicrobial properties. In the analysis of the antifungal activity of the compound (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one against Candida, in silico and laboratory tests were performed to predict possible mechanisms of action pathways, and in vitro tests were performed to determine antifungal activity (MIC and MFC), to verify potential modes of action on the fungal cell membrane and wall, and to assess cytotoxicity in human keratinocytes. The tested compound exhibited predicted affinity for all fungal targets, with the highest predicted affinity observed for thymidylate synthase (-102.589 kJ/mol). MIC and CFM values ranged from 264.52 µM (62.5 µg/mL) to 4232.44 µM (1000 µg/mL). The antifungal effect likely occurs due to the action of the compound on the plasma membrane. Therefore, (E)-benzylidene-chroman-4-one showed fungicidal-like activity against Candida spp., possibly targeting the plasma membrane.

Smallpox vaccination campaigns resulted in age-associated population cross-immunity against monkeypox virus.

Increased human-to-human transmission of monkeypox virus (MPXV) is cause for concern, and antibodies directed against vaccinia virus (VACV) are known to confer cross-protection against Mpox. We used 430 serum samples derived from the Scottish patient population to investigate antibody-mediated cross-neutralization against MPXV. By combining electrochemiluminescence immunoassays with live-virus neutralization assays, we show that people born when smallpox vaccination was routinely offered in the United Kingdom have increased levels of antibodies that cross-neutralize MPXV. Our results suggest that age is a risk factor of Mpox infection, and people born after 1971 are at higher risk of infection upon exposure.

The StuA Transcription Factor and Alternative Splicing Mechanisms Drive the Levels of MAPK Hog1 Transcripts in the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum.

Trichophyton rubrum is a human fungal pathogen that causes dermatophytosis, an infection that affects keratinized tissues. Integrated molecular signals coordinate mechanisms that control pathogenicity. Transcriptional regulation is a core regulation of relevant fungal processes. Previous RNA sequencing data revealed that the absence of the transcription factor StuA resulted in the differential expression of the MAPK-related high glycerol osmolarity gene (hog1) in T. rubrum. Here we validated the role of StuA in regulating the transcript levels of hog1. We showed through RT-qPCR that transcriptional regulation controls hog1 levels in response to glucose, keratin, and co-culture with human keratinocytes. In addition, we also detected hog1 pre-mRNA transcripts that underwent alternative splicing, presenting intron retention in a StuA-dependent mechanism. Our findings suggest that StuA and alternative splicing simultaneously, but not dependently, coordinate hog1 transcript levels in T. rubrum. As a means of preventing and treating dermatophytosis, our results contribute to the search for new potential drug therapies based on the molecular aspects of signaling pathways in T. rubrum.

Breeding for reduced seed dormancy to domesticate new grass species.

Introducing new grass species into cultivation has long been proposed as beneficial to increase the sustainability and diversity of productive systems. However, wild species with potential tend to show high seed dormancy, causing slow, poor, and unsynchronized seedling emergence. Meanwhile, domesticated species, such as cereals, show lower seed dormancy, facilitating their successful establishment. In this work, we conduct a review of phenotypic variation on seed dormancy and its genetic and molecular basis. This quantitative and highly heritable trait shows phenotype plasticity which is modulated by environmental factors. The level of dormancy depends on the expression of genes associated with the metabolism and sensitivity to the hormones abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellins (GA), along with other dormancy-specific genes. The genetic regulation of these traits is highly conserved across species. The low seed dormancy observed in cereals and some temperate forages was mostly unconsciously selected during various domestication processes. Emphasis is placed on selecting materials with low seed dormancy for warm-season forage grasses to improve their establishment and adoption. Finally, we review advances in the domestication of dallisgrass, where seed dormancy was considered a focus trait throughout the process.

Anticonvulsant activity of Tetrahydrolinalool: behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular docking approaches.

Tetrahydrolinalool (THL) is an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, produced during linalol metabolism and also a constituent of essential oils. As described in the literature, many monoterpenes present anticonvulsant properties, and thus we became interested in evaluating the anticonvulsant activity of Tetrahydrolinalool using in mice model as well as in silico approaches. Our results demonstrated that THL increased latency to seizure onset and also reduced the mortality, in picrotoxin induced seizure tests. The results may be related to GABAergic regulation, which was also suggested in seizure testing induced by 3-mercapto-propionic acid. In the strychnine-induced seizure testing, none of the groups pretreated with THL modulated the parameters indicative of anticonvulsant effect. The electrophysiological results revealed that THL treatment reduces seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole. The in silico molecular docking studies showed that the interaction between THL and a GABAA receptor model formed a stable complex, in comparison to the crystaligraphic structure of diazepam, a structurally related ligand. In conclusion, all the evidences showed that THL presents effective anticonvulsant activity related to the GABAergic pathway, being a candidate for treatment of epileptic syndromes.

Taxonomic review of the genus Aldrichiopa Guimares, 1971 (Diptera: Tachinidae) with notes on antennal morphology and description of a new species.

A redescription of the genus Aldrichiopa Aldrich, 1934 (Diptera: Tachinidae) is provided and a new species, Aldrichiopa serrata Torres-Domnguez & Mulieri sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Argentina and Chile. A detailed morphological description of the egg, first instar larva, and adult male and female including terminalia are presented for the first time. Exhaustive photographic records, scanning electron microscopy images, morphological detail of antennal ultrastructure, and updated geographic distributions are provided for the two species of the genus, Aldrichiopa coracella (Aldrich) and A. serrata sp. nov. An identification key based on males is provided. The taxonomic placement of Aldrichiopa to subfamily and tribe is discussed and information on the hosts of this genus of small tachinid flies is compiled.

Novel approach over template molecule elimination in molecularly imprinted polymers by using heat activated persulfate.

This study proposes a new alternative for template removal from molecularly imprinted polymers by heat activated persulfate. It is known that trace amounts of template molecule remains in the polymer network after extraction by current methodologies leading to bleeding and incomplete removal of template which could compromise final determination of target analytes especially in trace analysis. A previously developed molecularly imprinted polymer specially designed for Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) extraction was employed as a model to test this template elimination approach. This polymer is based on methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate as monomers and Coenzyme Q0 as template. This coenzyme has the same quinone group as the CoQ10. Selectivity was analyzed comparing the recovery of CoQ10 and ubichromenol, a CoQ10 related substance. Chemical degradation using heat-activated persulfate allows the elimination of the template molecule with a high level of efficiency, being a simple and ecological methodology, yielding a polymer that exhibits comparable selectivity and imprinting effect with respect to traditional extraction methods.

On the distribution and habitat use of the sub-Antarctic fly Hyadesimyia clausa Bigot (Diptera, Tachinidae) according to citizen science.

Hyadesimyia clausa Bigot is a morphologically striking tachinid that inhabits the Sub-Antarctic Ecoregion of the Magallanes Region in Chile and Tierra del Fuego province in Argentina. Much of the distributional information about this species is restricted to the Cape Horn islands, which have extreme environmental conditions, but the species' natural history, range limits, and habitat use have never been described or confirmed. Our goals were to describe the distributional limits of this sub-Antarctic fly with the help of citizen science and use this information type to describe this tachinid's habitat use and potential biological interactions with nonvascular and vascular flora. We found that citizen science significantly increased our understanding of the extent of occurrence, expanding the known distributional range by 195 km to the north and 153 km to the west. On the contrary, the values for the area of occupancy were not significant, but the occupancy overlap between different records was very low. We confirmed that H. clausa's habitat uses peatlands and although we have not provided evidence of pollination or movement of spores, we hypothesized, that the walking activity of H. clausa could help move sperm from mosses and pollen from the flowers of vascular plants, so they could act as potential pollinators. Citizen science can reduce and eliminate some scientific knowledge shortfalls and propose new ecological questions that could increase our knowledge of extreme ecosystems.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Engagement Modulates Neuroma Microenviroment in Rats and Humans and Prevents Postamputation Pain.

Postamputation pain is currently managed unsatisfactorily with neuron-targeted pharmacological and interventional therapies. Non-neuronal pain mechanisms have emerged as crucial factors in the development and persistence of postamputation pain. Consequently, these mechanisms offer exciting prospects as innovative therapeutic targets. We examined the hypothesis that engaging mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would foster local neuroimmune interactions, leading to a potential reduction in postamputation pain. We utilized an ex vivo neuroma model from a phantom limb pain patient to uncover that the oligodeoxynucleotide IMT504 engaged human primary MSCs to promote an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Reverse translation experiments recapitulated these effects. Thus, in an in vivo rat model, IMT504 exhibited strong efficacy in preventing autotomy (self-mutilation) behaviors. This effect was linked to a substantial accumulation of MSCs in the neuroma and associated dorsal root ganglia and the establishment of an anti-inflammatory phenotype in these compartments. Centrally, this intervention reduced glial reactivity in the dorsal horn spinal cord, demonstrating diminished nociceptive activity. Accordingly, the exogenous systemic administration of MSCs phenocopied the behavioral effects of IMT504. Our findings underscore the mechanistic relevance of MSCs and the translational therapeutic potential of IMT504 to engage non-neuronal cells for the prevention of postamputation pain. PERSPECTIVE: The present study suggests that IMT504-dependent recruitment of endogenous MSCs within severely injured nerves may prevent post-amputation pain by modifying the inflammatory scenario at relevant sites in the pain pathway. Reinforcing data in rat and human tissues supports the potential therapeutic value of IMT504 in patients suffering postamputation pain.

Choroid plexus calcifications are not associated with putative markers of glymphatic dysfunction: A population study in middle-aged and older adults.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies have suggested an association between dysfunction of the choroid plexus and the glymphatic system. However, information is inconclusive. Following a population-based study design, we aimed to assess the association between choroid plexus calcifications (CPCs)-as a surrogate of choroid plexus dysfunction-and severity and progression of putative markers of glymphatic dysfunction, including white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin and abnormally enlarged basal ganglia perivascular spaces (BG-PVS). METHODS: This study recruited community-dwellers aged ≥40 years living in neighboring Ecuadorian villages. Participants who had baseline head CTs and brain MRIs were included in cross-sectional analyses and those who additional had follow-up MRIs (after a mean of 6.4 ± 1.5 years) were included in longitudinal analyses. Logistic and Poisson regression models, adjusted for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors, were fitted to assess associations between CPCs and WMH and enlarged BG-PVS severity and progression. RESULTS: A total of 590 individuals were included in the cross-sectional component of the study, and 215 in the longitudinal component. At baseline, 25% of participants had moderate-to-severe WMH and 27% had abnormally enlarged BG-PVS. At follow-up, 36% and 20% of participants had WMH and enlarged BG-PVS progression, respectively. Logistic regression models showed no significant differences between CPCs volumes stratified in quartiles and severity of WMH and enlarged BG-PVS. Poisson regression models showed no association between the exposure and WMH and enlarged BG-PVS progression. Baseline age remained significant in these models. CONCLUSIONS: Choroid plexus calcifications are not associated with putative markers of glymphatic system dysfunction.

Transgenerational effects of triazole fungicides on gene expression and egg compounds in non-exposed offspring: A case study using Red-Legged Partridges (Alectoris rufa).

Triazole fungicides are widely used to treat cereal seeds before sowing. Granivorous birds like the Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) have high exposure risk because they ingest treated seeds that remain on the field surface. As triazole fungicides can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting sterol synthesis and reproduction in birds several months after exposure, we hypothesized that these effects could also impact subsequent generations of exposed birds. To test this hypothesis, we exposed adult partridges (F0) to seeds treated at commercial doses with four different formulations containing triazoles as active ingredients (flutriafol, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, and a mixture of the latter two), simulating field exposure during late autumn sowing. During the subsequent reproductive season, two to four months after exposure, we examined compound allocation of steroid hormones, cholesterol, vitamins, and carotenoids in eggs laid by exposed birds (F1), as well as the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in sterol biosynthesis in one-day-old chicks of this F1. One year later, F1 animals were paired again to investigate the expression of the same genes in the F2 chicks. We found changes in the expression of some genes for all treatments and both generations. Additionally, we observed an increase in estrone levels in eggs from partridges treated with flutriafol compared to controls, a decrease in tocopherol levels in partridges exposed to the mixture of tebuconazole and prothioconazole, and an increase in retinol levels in partridges exposed to prothioconazole. Despite sample size limitations, this study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of action of the previously observed effects of triazole fungicide-treated seeds on avian reproduction with evidence that the effects can persist beyond the exposure windows, affecting unexposed offspring of partridges fed with treated seeds. The results highlight the importance of considering long-term chronic effects when assessing pesticide risks to wild birds.

An alpha-helical lid guides the target DNA toward catalysis in CRISPR-Cas12a.

CRISPR-Cas12a is a powerful RNA-guided genome-editing system that generates double-strand DNA breaks using its single RuvC nuclease domain by a sequential mechanism in which initial cleavage of the non-target strand is followed by target strand cleavage. How the spatially distant DNA target strand traverses toward the RuvC catalytic core is presently not understood. Here, continuous tens of microsecond-long molecular dynamics and free-energy simulations reveal that an α-helical lid, located within the RuvC domain, plays a pivotal role in the traversal of the DNA target strand by anchoring the crRNA:target strand duplex and guiding the target strand toward the RuvC core, as also corroborated by DNA cleavage experiments. In this mechanism, the REC2 domain pushes the crRNA:target strand duplex toward the core of the enzyme, while the Nuc domain aids the bending and accommodation of the target strand within the RuvC core by bending inward. Understanding of this critical process underlying Cas12a activity will enrich fundamental knowledge and facilitate further engineering strategies for genome editing.

Neutron radiography of an anisotropic drainage flow.

Liquid drainage through foam is dominated by gravity, capillary, and viscous forces. The liquid is conducted by an isotropic network of Plateau borders; however, imposed stress changes the alignment of the foam's structural elements. Previous numerical simulations predicted that a vertical drainage flow will be deflected horizontally if the foam is sheared. We investigated this phenomenon by measuring the distribution of the liquid fraction within a foam formed in a flat rectangular cell. The foam was subjected to shear stress under a forced liquid supply from the top of the cell. Neutron radiographies of unchanged and sheared foam were analyzed to extract measurements of the liquid fraction. Deflections in the distribution of the drainage liquid were detected and found to be positively correlated with increasing foam shear.

Impact on health outcomes associated with changing the clock 1 hour during fall and spring transitions in the Southern Hemisphere.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Changing the clocks seasonally is potentially harmful because it interferes with normal daytime activities. Studies aimed at quantifying this association are scant. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 1 year's worth of changing the clocks (fall and spring transitions) on healthy young men located in the Southern Hemisphere in South America. METHODS: We performed an observational prospective study. Thirty healthy male university students were evaluated from 2 weeks before to 2 weeks after both the fall and spring transitions. We administered an overall sleep questionnaire, assessed quality of life, recorded 7-day wrist actigraphy, and had participants perform a psychomotor vigilance task. We defined the 1-hour clock change as the primary exposure and the change in psychomotor vigilance task lapses of 500 milliseconds or more in response time as our primary outcome. Changes were evaluated by the Wilcoxon rank test (significance: P < .05). RESULTS: After the fall transition, we found a significant worsening in psychomotor vigilance task performance (median [interquartile range], 9.9 [6.0-14.3] lapses of ≥ 500 milliseconds in response time at baseline vs 16.8 [8.2-28.0] after transition; P < .002). Additionally, we found a median loss of about 1 hour of total sleep time and time in bed after the fall transition. Furthermore, participants presented with insomnia. Performance on the psychomotor vigilance task was also affected after the spring transition (16.7 [10-23] vs 23 [12.2-32.2]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in performance in neurocognitive tests was found after both time transitions. The transition led to insomnia and a significant worsening of sleep variables. CITATION: Labarca G, Henriquez-Beltrán M, Sanhueza R, et al. Impact on health outcomes associated with changing the clock 1 hour during fall and spring transitions in the Southern Hemisphere. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(6):887-893.

Heart Rate Variability Thresholds: Agreement with Established Approaches and Reproducibility in Trained Females and Males.

PURPOSE: To determine in trained females and males i) the agreement between the gas exchange threshold (GET), lactate threshold 1 (LT1), and heart rate variability threshold 1 (HRVT1), as well as between the respiratory compensation point (RCP), lactate threshold 2 (LT2), and heart rate variability threshold 2 (HRVT2), and ii) the reproducibility of HRVT1 and HRVT2 during 2-min incremental step protocols. METHODS: Fifty-seven trained participants (24 females) completed a 2-min step incremental test to task failure. Nineteen participants (eight females) completed a second test to evaluate reproducibility. Gas exchange and ventilatory responses, blood lactate concentration, and RR time series were recorded to assess the oxygen consumption (V̇O 2 ) and heart rate (HR) associated with the GET, RCP, LT1, LT2, HRVT1, and HRVT2. RESULTS: V̇O 2 -GET versus V̇O 2 -HRVT1 and HR-GET versus HR-HRVT1 were statistically different for females (29.5 ± 4.0 vs 34.6 ± 6.1 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 154 ± 11 vs 166 ± 12 bpm) and for males (33.9 ± 4.2 vs 42.7 ± 4.6 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 145 ± 11 vs 165 ± 9 bpm; P < 0.001). V̇O 2 and HR at HRVT1 were greater than at LT1 ( P < 0.05). V̇O 2 -RCP versus V̇O 2 -HRVT2 and HR-RCP versus HR-HRVT2 were not statistically different for females (40.1 ± 4.7 vs 39.5 ± 6.7 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 177 ± 9 vs 176 ± 9 bpm) and males (48.4 ± 5.4 vs 47.8 ± 4.8 mL·kg -1 ·min -1 ; 176 ± 8 vs 175 ± 9 bpm; P > 0.05). V̇O 2 and HR responses at LT2 were similar to HRVT2 ( P > 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficient for V̇O 2 -HRVT1, HR-HRVT1, V̇O 2 -HRVT2, and HR-HRVT2 indicated good reproducibility when comparing the two different time points to standard methods. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas HRVT2 is a valid and reproducible estimate of the RCP/LT2, current approaches for HRVT1 estimation did not show good agreement with outcomes at GET and LT1.

International Care programs for Pediatric Post-COVID Condition (Long COVID) and the way forward.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Post-COVID-Condition (PPCC) clinics treat children despite limited scientific substantiation. By exploring real-life management of children diagnosed with PPCC, the International Post-COVID-Condition in Children Collaboration (IP4C) aimed to provide guidance for future PPCC care. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional international, multicenter study on used PPCC definitions; the organization of PPCC care programs and patients characteristics. We compared aggregated data from PPCC cohorts and identified priorities to improve PPCC care. RESULTS: Ten PPCC care programs and six COVID-19 follow-up research cohorts participated. Aggregated data from 584 PPCC patients was analyzed. The most common symptoms included fatigue (71%), headache (55%), concentration difficulties (53%), and brain fog (48%). Severe limitations in daily life were reported in 31% of patients. Most PPCC care programs organized in-person visits with multidisciplinary teams. Diagnostic testing for respiratory and cardiac morbidity was most frequently performed and seldom abnormal. Treatment was often limited to physical therapy and psychological support. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial heterogeneity in both the diagnostics and management of PPCC, possibly explained by scarce scientific evidence and lack of standardized care. We present a list of components which future guidelines should address, and outline priorities concerning PPCC care pathways, research and international collaboration. IMPACT: Pediatric Post-COVID Condition (PPCC) Care programs have been initiated in many countries. Children with PPCC in different countries are affected by similar symptoms, limiting many to participate in daily life. There is substantial heterogeneity in diagnostic testing. Access to specific diagnostic tests is required to identify some long-term COVID-19 sequelae. Treatments provided were limited to physical therapy and psychological support. This study emphasizes the need for evidence-based diagnostics and treatment of PPCC. The International Post-COVID Collaboration for Children (IP4C) provides guidance for guideline development and introduces a framework of priorities for PPCC care and research, to improve PPCC outcomes.

Green One-Step Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Obtained from Schinus areira Leaf Extract: Characterization and Antibacterial Mechanism Analysis.

The increased emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious health problem worldwide. In this sense, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received increasing attention for their antimicrobial activity. In this context, the goal of this study was to produce AgNPs by a green synthesis protocol using an aqueous leaf extract of Schinus areira as biocomposite to later characterize their antimicrobial action. The nanomaterials obtained were characterized by UV‒vis spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, and Raman, confirming the presence of quasi-spherical AgNPs with a negative surface charge and diameter around 11 nm. Afterward, the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of the AgNPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were obtained, showing high antibacterial activity. In both of the examined bacteria, the AgNPs were able to raise intracellular ROS levels. In E. coli, the AgNPs can harm the bacterial membrane as well. Overall, it can be concluded that it was possible to obtain AgNPs with colloidal stability and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings point to at least two separate mechanisms that can cause cell death, one of which involves bacterial membrane damage and the other of which involves intracellular ROS induction.

Excito-repellent and Pesticide-Likeness Properties of Essential Oils on Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae).

Carpophilus dimidiatus (Fabricius) (Nitidulidae) and Oryzaephilus mercator (L.) (Silvanidae) are insect pests that cause severe damage in important walnut growing regions in the northwest of Argentina. The current management approaches for these pests involve the use of unsafe phosphorus pesticides whose overuse have led to farmworker poisoning, pest resistance issues, and environmental contamination. Plant extracts, particularly essential oils, are an alternative source of insect control agents. Excito-repellent essential oils can be used to develop ecofriendly tools for managing the pest population without affecting quality and visual appearance of the stored walnuts. Laboratory studies were conducted to assess the excito-repellent effects of C. dimidiatus and O. mercator of 12 essential oils derived from aromatic plants used as food additives and traditional medicine in Argentina: Aloysia citrodora (AC), Aloysia gratissima (AG), Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Blepharocalyx salicipholius (BS), Hyptis mutabilis (HM), Lippia junelliana (LJ), Lippia turbinata (LT), Mentha x piperita (MP), Minthostachys mollis (MM), Minthostachys verticillata (MV), Origanum vulgare(OV), and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO). The most bioactive EOs (ERijk ≥ 70%) were Aloysia gratissima var. Gratissima (AGG), Minthostachys verticillata, and Lippia junelliana. Their bioactivity profile and chemical space, characterized from GC-MS measures, Generalized Estimating Equations, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, revealed that they are mixtures of very functionalized molecules with physicochemical properties similar to those of insecticides with low residual property that enter the insect body through the respiratory system by inhalation. The AGG, MV, and LJ oils are promising as protective agents of walnut products. In our laboratory, studies of their formulations for use in integrated pest management programs are still ongoing.