Gut microbiome composition and functionality impact the responsiveness to a dairy-based product containing galacto-oligosaccharides for improving sleep quality in adults.

Sleep quality and duration can be impacted by diet, and has been linked to gut microbiota composition and function as the result of communication via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. As one strategy to improve sleep quality could be through the modulation of the gut microbiome, we assessed the effects of a dairy-based product containing whey protein, galacto-oligosaccharides, tryptophan, vitamins and minerals after a 3 weeks intervention on gut microbiota composition and (gut-brain related) functions on basis of 67 healthy subjects with moderate sleep disturbances. Associations of the gut microbiota with sleep quality and with response/non-response to the treatment were revealed by shotgun metagenomics sequencing of faecal DNA samples, and subsequent analyses of microbiota taxonomy and generic functionality. A database of manually curated Gut-Brain Modules (GBMs) was applied to analyse specific microbial functions/pathways that have the potential to interact with the brain. A moderate discriminating effect of the DP treatment on gut microbiota composition was revealed which could be mainly attributed to a decrease in Pseudomonas resinovorans, Flintibacter sp. KGM00164, Intestinimonas butyriciproducens, and Flavonifractor plautii. As interindividual variance in microbiota composition could have given rise to a heterogenous responsiveness of the subjects in the intervention group, we zoomed in on the differences between responders and non-responders. A significant difference in baseline microbiota composition between responders and non-responders was apparent, showing lower Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and higher Faecalibacterium prausnitzii relative abundances in responders. The findings provide leads with respect to the effectiveness and potential underlying mechanisms of mode of action in sleep improvement that could support future nutritional interventions to aid sleep improvement.

Iodine status during pregnancy and lactation: a pilot study in the Netherlands.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency occurs in West European countries. Iodine is important for brain development of the foetus and infant. The current iodine status of pregnant and lactating Dutch women is unknown. METHODS: In a pilot study we examined the iodine status of 36 women. From 20 gestational weeks (GW) until 4 weeks postpartum, they ingested 150 µg iodine/day in the form of a multivitamin supplement for pregnant and lactating women. Twenty-four hour urine samples were collected at 20 and 36 GW and at 4 weeks postpartum. A breast milk sample was collected at 4 weeks postpartum. Iodine concentrations were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Cut-off values for the urinary iodine concentration (UIC) for pregnant and lactating women are 150 and 100 µg/l, respectively. Adequate intakes (AI) of iodine for infants aged 0-6 months are 1.1 µmol/l (Institute of Medicine recommendations) or 0.5 µmol/l (Nordic Councilrecommendations). RESULTS: The median UICs (percentages below cut-off) were 102 µg/l (83%) at 20 GW, 144 µg/l (56%) at 36 GW and 112 µg/l (40%) at 4 weeks postpartum. The median breast milk iodine concentration was 1.2 µmol/l (range 0.5-3.0); 33% and 0% of the infants had estimated iodine intakes below the IOM-AI and Nordic-AI, respectively. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggested a high prevalence of iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Daily supplementation of 150 µg iodine from 20 GW might be insufficient to reach maternal iodine adequacy. The median breast milk iodine concentration seems adequate. Further studies, using a representative sample of the Dutch population, are needed to establish the current Dutch iodine status of pregnant and lactating women.

Establishment of Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) as a Primary Pest of Corn in the Great Lakes Region.

Western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest of corn, Zea maize L., and dry edible beans, Phaseolus sp. L., native to the western United States. Following the range expansion into the U.S. Corn Belt, pheromone trap monitoring began in the Great Lakes region in 2006. The first S. albicosta was captured in Michigan in 2006 and in Ontario, Canada in 2008. Pheromone traps were used to document spread and increasing captures of S. albicosta across Michigan and Ontario until 2012. Trapping confirmed the univoltine life cycle of S. albicosta in this region and identified peak flight, typically occurring in late July. Overwintering of S. albicosta in this region was confirmed by emergence from infested fields and overwintering experiments. Multiple soil textures were infested with prepupae, and recovery was assessed throughout the winter. Overwintering success was not affected by soil texture; however, prepupae were found at greater depths in coarse-textured soils. Soil temperatures at overwintering depths did not reach the supercooling point. Injury to corn by S. albicosta increased in incidence, severity and geographic range from 2010 to 2014 in field plots. Decreasing control of injury by Cry1F corn hybrids was observed over time. These findings show that S. albicosta has established as a perennial corn pest in the Great Lakes region due to observations of overwintering success and unmanaged injury. We recommend S. albicosta obtain primary pest status in this region within regulatory framework and a resistance management plan be required for traits targeting this pest.

A new method for correcting middle cerebral artery flow velocity for age by calculating Z-scores.

BACKGROUND: For the interpretation of middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAFV) measurements by transcranial Doppler clinicians should take normal aging into account. NEW METHOD: MCAFV measurements can be corrected for age by a transformation to Z-scores, expressing in standard deviations the distance of a measurement to the regression line as function of age. Z-scores for different parameters can be combined into a single plot in order to facilitate clinical interpretation. RESULTS: In a retrospective analysis 41 subjects were identified with normal autonomic responses, normal CO2-reactivity and satisfactory transcranial Doppler data. Age related changes were determined for: maximal change in flow velocity (FV) during stroke onset (Acc), maximal FV during the first (Sys1) and second phase (Sys2) of systole and mean diastolic FV 560 ms after stroke onset (Dias@560). Patients were supine and breathing normally. Sys1, Sys2 and Dias@560 decreased significantly with age: -0.58 cm/s/yr, -0.36 cm/s/yr. and -0.38 cm/s/yr., respectively. Sys1 decreased more rapidly than Sys2 and Dias@560 so that in the young the MCAFV signal is more Sys1 dominant, whereas in the elderly it becomes more Sys2 prevalent. The effect of CO2-reactivity was assessed by transformation to Z-scores and combining different parameters within a single radar plot. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: In contrast to standard MCAFV measurements the calculation of Z-scores takes aging into account and standardizes the signal variation. CONCLUSION: Graphically combining Z-scores for different MCAFV parameters makes the signal more accessible for rapid clinical interpretation.

Fish oil supplemental dose needed to reach 1g% DHA+EPA in mature milk.

INTRODUCTION: Erythrocyte (RBC) DHA+EPA is considered optimal at 8g%. Mothers with lifetime high fish intakes exhibiting this status produce milk with about 1g% DHA+EPA. We established DHA+EPA supplemental dosages needed to augment RBC DHA+EPA to 8g% and milk DHA+EPA to 1g%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women were randomly allocated to DHA+EPA dosages of: 225+90 (n=9), 450+180 (n=9), 675+270 (n=11) and 900+360 (n=7) mg/day. Samples were collected at 20 and 36 gestational weeks and 4 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Linear regression revealed needed dosages rounded at 750mg/day to reach 8g% RBC DHA+EPA and 1000mg/day for 1g% milk DHA+EPA. RBC DHA+EPA increment depended on baseline values. There was no effect on milk AA, but milk EPA/AA ratio increased. CONCLUSION: Women with an RBC DHA+EPA status of 5.5g% need 750 and 1000mg DHA+EPA/day to reach 8g% RBC DHA+EPA at the pregnancy end and 1g% mature milk DHA+EPA, respectively.

Evidence for Field-Evolved Resistance of Striacosta albicosta (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Cry1F Bacillus thuringiensis Protein and Transgenic Corn Hybrids in Ontario, Canada.

Western bean cutworm, Striacosta albicosta (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest of corn (Zea mays L.) that has recently expanded its range into Ontario, Canada. Control of S. albicosta damage to corn hybrids containing event TC1507-expressing Cry1F Bacillus thuringiensis protein alone or pyramided with event MON 89034 expressing Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 Bt proteins was tested in 2011-2015 in Ontario in small- and large-scale field plots with natural infestation. In 2011, significantly lower incidence and severity of kernel damage was sustained by Cry1F × Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 corn compared with a non-Bt near-isogenic hybrid. However, from 2012 to 2015, there was no difference in incidence or severity of damage comparing non-Bt hybrids with Cry1F hybrids alone or pyramided with Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 planted as a pure stand or with an integrated refuge (95% Bt: 5% non-Bt seeds). In 2015, neonate larvae derived from Ontario field-collections were tested in concentration-response diet-overlay bioassays with lyophilized Cry1F protein at concentrations up to 75 µg cm-2. The concentrations at which mortality of 50% (LC50) of the collections occurred ranged from approximately 10 µg cm-2 (F0) to >28 µg cm-2 (F1) in a 7-d bioassay, indicating relative insensitivity to Cry1F. Results from field experiments, laboratory bioassays, and the history of exposure to Cry1F in corn show that S. albicosta in Ontario are not controlled by Cry1F-expressing corn hybrids and provide evidence for the conclusion that the evolution of resistance to Cry1F has occurred.

Effect of European Chafer Larvae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on Winter Wheat and Role of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments in Their Management.

A critical density of four third-instar larvae per 900 cm2 for European chafer, Rhizotrogus (Amphimallon) majalis (Razoumowsky), in winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., was derived from small-plot greenhouse and field experiments conducted under favorable crop growing conditions at several Ontario and Michigan locations from 2001-2003. On average, plant weight was decreased by 14% and plant stand by 11% between zero and four larvae per 900 cm2. In a commercial field under moisture stress, a yield loss of 35% occurred at a density of two third-instars per 900 cm2. In short-term greenhouse experiments, density-dependent mortality was evident, whereas low larval recovery in field experiments indicates a high level of overwintering mortality, regardless of larval density. Winter wheat seed treatments of neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam provided protection from damage by larvae, but the level of protection was inconsistent between greenhouse and field small plots, and there was no apparent difference in protection amongst active ingredients or between application rates. There was little evidence of larval mortality owing to seed treatment, which supports the suggestion that neonicotinoid insecticides protect seedlings from loss by a nonlethal mechanism. Overall, we estimate that a low rate of neonicotinoid insecticide used at larval densities just less than the critical density will mitigate winter wheat losses by 85%.

Impact of the Bt Corn Proteins Cry34/35Ab1 and Cry3Bb1, Alone or Pyramided, on Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Beetle Emergence in the Field.

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a major pest of corn, Zea mays L. The effect of the Bt proteins Cry34/35Ab1 and Cry3Bb1, alone or pyramided in corn hybrids on D. v. virgifera adult emergence was evaluated in field experiments for 3 yr. Experiments were infested artificially with 2,500 viable D. v. virgifera eggs per row meter of corn. The reduction in beetle emergence compared with non-Bt controls, from Cry34/35Ab1, Cry3Bb1, and the pyramided hybrids ranged from 64.3 to 97.4%, 91.1 to 95.2%, and 98.1 to 99.6%, respectively. The sex ratio of emerged beetles was usually female-biased from the Cry3Bb1 and pyramided treatments, but not from Cry34/35Ab1 treatment alone. Emergence from all Bt hybrids was delayed compared with the control, with the delay longest from the pyramided hybrid. In 2013, three egg infestation levels were tested, with density-dependent mortality observed at 1,250 viable eggs per row meter. The effect of Bt proteins on the emergence timing and sex ratio of D. v. virgifera may impact the suitability of resistance management plans, specifically the effectiveness of the refuge strategy. Susceptible males emerging from refuge might not be synchronized to mate with potentially resistant females emerging later from Bt corn hybrids.

Harvey with a modern twist: how and why conducting arteries amplify the pressure wave originating from the heart.

Current views on cardiovascular physiology differ little from that published by William Harvey in 1628: the heart delivers all energy for blood circulation, forcing its contents into the aorta, via arteries, arterioles and capillaries into the venous system that collects the blood and returns it to the right side of the heart. Similarly, blood from the right side passes through pulmonary arteries and arterioles to pulmonary veins before returning to the left side of the heart. However, from aorta to capillaries there is a great increase in overall cross-sectional area. The arterial system can be seen as a funnel, the heart pumping blood into its narrow end. Theoretically, this implies that pulsatile energy delivered by the heart dilutes significantly along its way through the arterial tree. Also, unfavorable tissue conditions, such as elevated pressure, impede proper perfusion when blood can pass just as easy through adjacent capillary systems. Finally, blood will experience more resistance to flow for capillary systems more distant to the heart due to its longer trajectory. This implies that capillary systems closer to the heart are more easily perfused than more distant ones. In reality, the pulse from the heart has been shown to increase and accelerate towards periphery. This, together with transcranial Doppler observations on the variation in wave morphology in intracranial arteries, for instance during CO2-reactivity testing and during cardiac arrhythmia, has led to the theory of arterial acceleration: at stroke onset, the arterial pressure wave resulting from myocardial contraction is enhanced by a short-lasting and well-synchronised contraction within the smooth muscle layers of conducting arteries. This results in a temporary 'stiffening' of the arterial tree by which cardiac pressure during early systole is amplified and distributed into all the body's capillary systems. This theory would overcome all theoretical and observational concerns sketched above. Such arterial acceleration limited to the first 100-150 ms of every heart beat would augment, accelerate and distribute the pulse generated by heart contraction over the full length and branching of the arterial tree, thereby enforcing a widespread tissue perfusion. It is obvious that the theory of arterial acceleration is a major shift of paradigm forcing us to reconsider many aspects of cardiovascular physiology. Moreover, it improves our understanding how blood expelled by the heart through the small lumen of the aortic notch has sufficient energy to reach every nook and cranny of our body.

Ultrasonic plaque echolucency and emboli signals predict stroke in asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Better methods are required to identify patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) at risk of future stroke. Two potential markers of high risk are echolucent plaque morphology on carotid ultrasound and embolic signals (ES) in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery on transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). We explored the predictive value of a score based on these 2 measures in the prospective, observational, international multicenter Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study. METHODS: A total of 435 recruited subjects with ACS ≥70% had baseline ultrasound images and TCD data available. Subjects were prospectively followed up for 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 164 (37.7%) plaques were graded as echolucent. Plaque echolucency at baseline was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke alone (hazard ratio [HR] 6.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-30.44, p = 0.019). A combined variable of plaque echolucency and ES positivity at baseline was associated with a markedly increased risk of ipsilateral stroke alone (HR 10.61, 95% CI 2.98-37.82, p = 0.0003). This association remained significant after controlling for risk factors, degree of carotid stenosis, and antiplatelet medication. CONCLUSIONS: Plaque morphology assessed using a simple, and clinically applicable, visual rating scale predicts ipsilateral stroke risk in ACS. The combination of ES detection and plaque morphology allows a greater prediction than either measure alone and identifies a high-risk group with an annual stroke risk of 8%, and a low-risk group with a risk of <1% per annum. This risk stratification may prove useful in the selection of patients with ACS for endarterectomy.

Modeling distribution and abundance of soybean aphid in soybean fields using measurements from the surrounding landscape.

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) is a severe pest of soybean in central North America. Outbreaks of the aphid in Ontario are often spotty in distribution, with some geographical areas affected severely and others with few or no aphid populations occurring in soybean for the duration of the season. A. glycines spend summers on soybean and overwinter on buckthorn, a shrub that is widespread in southern Ontario and is commonly found in agricultural hedgerows and at the margins of woodlots. A. glycines likely use both short distance migratory flights from buckthorn and longer distance dispersal flights in the search for acceptable summer hosts. This study aims to model colonization of soybean fields by A. glycines engaged in early-season migration from overwintering hosts. Akaike's information criterion (AIC) was used to rank numerous competing linear and probit models using field parameters to predict aphid presence, colonization, and density. The variable that best modeled aphid density in soybean fields in the early season was the ratio of buckthorn density to field area, although dramatic differences in relationships between the parameters were observed between study years. This study has important applications in predicting areas that are at elevated risk of developing economically damaging populations of soybean aphid and which may act as sources for further infestation.

Mildly abnormal general movement quality in infants is associated with higher Mead acid and lower arachidonic acid and shows a U-shaped relation with the DHA/AA ratio.

We showed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation during pregnancy and lactation was associated with more mildly abnormal (MA) general movements (GMs) in the infants. Since this finding was unexpected and inter-individual DHA intakes are highly variable, we explored the relationship between GM quality and erythrocyte DHA, arachidonic acid (AA), DHA/AA and Mead acid in 57 infants of this trial. MA GMs were inversely related to AA, associated with Mead acid, and associated with DHA/AA in a U-shaped manner. These relationships may indicate dependence of newborn AA status on synthesis from linoleic acid. This becomes restricted during the intrauterine period by abundant de novo synthesis of oleic and Mead acids from glucose, consistent with reduced insulin sensitivity during the third trimester. The descending part of the U-shaped relation between MA GMs and DHA/AA probably indicates DHA shortage next to AA shortage. The ascending part may reflect a different developmental trajectory that is not necessarily unfavorable.

Predation by Coccinella septempunctata and Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on Aphis glycines (Homoptera: Aphididae).

Coccinella septempunctata L. and Harmonia axyridis Pallas are key natural enemies of soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, in North America. Third instars, adult females, and adult males of both C. septempunctata and H. axyridis exhibited a type II functional response for predation toward adult soybean aphids at 26 +/- 1 degrees C. In C. septempunctata, the functional response curve of adult males differed from those of third instars and adult females, but there was no difference between third instars and adult females. In H. axyridis, the functional response curves of larvae, adult females, and adult males all differed significantly. Third instars and adult females consumed significantly more soybean aphids than did adult males at prey densities of 150 and 180 aphids per arena for C. septempunctata and at prey densities of 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 aphids per arena for H. axyridis. The theoretical maximum daily predation rate of adult aphids by C. septempunctata was predicted to be 204 per third instar, 277 per adult female, and 166 per adult male, and 244, 156, and 73, respectively, for H. axyridis. Third instars and adult females of both species consumed significantly more aphids than did adult males on soybean plants with the recommended action threshold of 250 soybean aphids per plant. Both C. septempunctata and H. axyridis have high predation capacities and are important in suppressing soybean aphid populations.

Supplementation of a low dose of DHA or DHA+AA does not prevent peripartum depressive symptoms in a small population based sample.

BACKGROUND: The decrease of maternal docosahexaenoic (DHA) status during pregnancy has been associated with postpartum depression, especially in women with a low intake of DHA. Since the DHA intake in the Netherlands is low, we investigated whether supplementation of low doses of DHA or DHA plus arachidonic acid (AA) during pregnancy and lactation could prevent depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in this period. METHODS: Women were supplemented daily with placebo, DHA (220 mg) or DHA+AA (220 mg each) from week 16 of pregnancy till three months postpartum. Fatty acid analyses were performed in the available plasma samples at 16 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Depressive symptoms were measured in weeks 16 and 36 of pregnancy and six weeks postpartum using EPDS and within one week postpartum using a blues questionnaire. RESULTS: 119 women completed the study. The average frequency of fish intake was low, 0.94 times per week, and did not differ between the groups. The supplementation groups did not differ in mean EPDS scores or changes in EPDS scores, nor in incidence or severity of postpartum blues. Red blood cell DHA, AA and DHA/AA ratio did not correlate with EPDS or blues scores. Indices of sleep quality did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of 220 mg/day DHA or DHA+AA (220 mg/day each) does not prevent peri-partum depressive symptoms, in a population based sample with low background DHA intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Register nr. ISRCTN58176213.

Role of visual and olfactory cues from agricultural hedgerows in the orientation behavior of multicolored Asian lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).

Harmonia axyridis Pallas is an introduced lady beetle common in eastern North American agroecosystems. Two-choice behavioral bioassays were performed to determine whether visual and olfactory stimuli from prey and host habitats could elicit taxis in wild-collected H. axyridis adults and whether beetles exhibit a preference among stimuli. Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) spends much of the year in agricultural hedgerows residing on buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L), and H. axyridis is frequently observed feeding on aphids in this habitat. Olfactory bioassays were performed in a Y-tube olfactometer and tested the response of beetles to the odor of buckthorn leaves, apple leaves (Malus domestica Borkh.), and buckthorn leaves both naturally and artificially infested with A. glycines. No differences were observed between the numbers of beetles moving toward the odor of buckthorn artificially infested with A. glycines and uninfested buckthorn, but more beetles preferred naturally infested buckthorn over uninfested buckthorn. Visual bioassays were performed in an acrylic tube arena,and tested beetle response to silhouettes and to apple and buckhorn leaves. Beetles were significantly more likely to choose silhouettes over blank space in visual trials. Significantly more beetles moved toward buckthorn leaves than blank space, but beetles did not discern between apple and buckthorn until olfactory cues were also included. This study lays the foundation for future work examining the response of H. axyridis to visual and olfactory cues in Ontario agroecosystems, which could help enhance effectiveness of H. axyridis as a biological control and mitigate its impacts as a pest species.