Commodity risk assessment of Prunus avium plants from United Kingdom.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by plants of Prunus avium possibly grafted on rootstocks of either P. avium, P. canescens, P. cerasus, P. pseudocerasus or their hybrids imported from the UK, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the UK. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Three quarantine pests Scirtothrips dorsalis, tobacco ringspot virus and tomato ringspot virus), one protected zone EU quarantine pest (Bemisia tabaci (European population), and three non- regulated pests (Colletotrichum aenigma, Eulecanium excrescens and Takahashia japonica) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. The risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical Dossier from the UK were evaluated, taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom, taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with Colletotrichum aenigma being the pest most frequently expected on the imported potted plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9971 and 10,000 plants per 10,000 would be free from the above-mentioned fungus.

Octanoic acid kills Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by affecting two major defence systems: cuticular free fatty acids and immunocompetent cells.

This work examines the insecticidal activity of octanoic acid (C8:0), a short-chain fatty acid detected in entomopathogenic fungus - Conidiobolus coronatus medium, against Lucilia sericata larvae and adults. The LD50 value was calculated as 3.04±0.26 µg/mg (3040 mg/kg) of insect body mass, which places the compound in category 5 of acute toxicity (slightly hazardous). The presented research also describes its probable mechanism, with a particular focus on changes in two main insect defense mechanisms: (1) the composition of the cuticle (GC-MS analysis) and (2) immunocompetent cells (microscopic analysis of cultured hemocytes). More precisely, octanoic acid application resulted in changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in both adults and larvae; generally, treatment increased short-chain FFAs, and a decrease of middle- and long-chain FFAs. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of octanoic acid resulted in vacuolisation, disintegration, and destruction of nets formed by plasmatocytes. As the compound has also previously been found to be toxic against Galleria mellonella, it appears to have lethal potential against insects in both the Orders Diptera and Lepidoptera, indicating it may have strong entomopathogenic potential. It is worth noting that octanoic acid is approved as a food additive with well-documented insecticidal activity, and hence may be a valuable component in the design of new insecticides that are safe for both humans and the environment.

Insect Lipids: Structure, Classification, and Function.

Lipids are a diverse group of compounds that play several important roles in insect physiology. Among biological lipids, the fundamental category comprises fatty acyl structures, with significant members being fatty acids (FAs). They play several crucial functions in insect physiology; they are used as the source of energy for flight and play key roles in the insect immune system. The FAs present in the insect cuticle are known to demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal activity and are considered as potential insecticides. The most abundant family of lipids are the glycerolipids, with numerous cellular functions including storage of energy, structural compartmentation of cells and organelles, and important signaling activities required for regulation of physiological processes (i.e., growth, development, reproduction, diapause, and overwintering). The phospholipids are also highly diversified key components of all cell membranes; they can modify cellular components in response to rapid cold-hardening (RCH), enhancing membrane fluidity and improving survival at low temperatures. The sphingolipids are important structural and signaling bioactive compounds, mostly detected in membranes.Insects are sterol-auxotrophs: they do not have genes, which code enzymes converting farnesyl pyrophosphate to squalene. Similarly, to mammals, the production of steroids in insects is regulated by cytochrome P450 enzymes that convert sterols (mostly cholesterol) to hormonally active steroids. The major molting hormone in insects is 20-hydroxyecdysone, and cholesterol is the required precursor; however, several exemptions from this rule have been noted. This manuscript also reviews the roles of prenol lipids, isoprenoids, lipid vitamins, polyketides, and waxes in the vital processes of insects.

Reliability of glenoid measurements performed using Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) of Magnetic Resonance (MRI) in patients with shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: Measurement of glenoid bone loss in the shoulder instability can be assessed by CT or MRI multiplanar imaging and is crucial for pre-operative planning. The aim of this study is to determine the intra and interobserver reliability of glenoid deficiency measurement using MRI multiplanar reconstruction with 2D assessment in the sagittal plane (MPR MRI). METHODS: We reviewed MRI images of 80 patients with anterior shoulder instability with Osirix software using MPR. Six observers with basic experience measured the glenoid, erosion edge length, and bone loss twice, with at least one-week interval between measurements. We calculated reliability and repeatability using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change with 95% confidence (MDC95%). RESULTS: Intra and Inter-observer ICC and MDC95% for glenoid width and height were excellent (ICC 0,89-0,96). For erosion edge length and area of the glenoid were acceptable/good (ICC 0,61-0,89). Bone loss and Pico Index were associated with acceptable/good ICC (0,63 -0,86)) but poor MDC95% (45 - 84 %). Intra-observer reliability improved with time, while inter-observer remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The MPR MRI measurement of the anterior glenoid lesion is very good tool for linear parameters. This method is not valid for Pico index measurement, as the area of bone loss is variable. The pace of learning is individual, therefore complex calculations based on MPR MRI are not resistant to low experience as opposed to true 3D CT.

The effect of infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) on eighteen cytokine-like proteins in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae.

Background: In response to the replace mammal research models with insects in preliminary immunological studies, interest has grown in invertebrate defense systems. The immunological response is regulated by cytokines; however, while their role in mammals is well understood, little is known of their function in insects. A suitable target for studies into insect immunology is Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera), the wax moth: a common host for human fungal and bacterial pathogens. G. mellonella is also a perfect subject for studies into the presence of cytokine-like proteins. Specific objectives: The main goal of present research was detection in insect immunocompetent cells the 18 mammalian cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-19, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-ß, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF), which play important role in immunological response and indication how their level change after fungal infection. Methodology: The changes of cytokine-like proteins level were detected in hemocytes taken from G. mellonella larvae infected with entomopathogenic fungus, C. coronatus. The presence of cytokine-proteins was confirmed with using fluorescence microscopy (in cultured hemocytes) and flow cytometry (in freshly collected hemolymph). The ELISA test was used to detect changes in concentration of examined cytokine-like proteins. Results: Our findings indicated the presence of eighteen cytokine-like molecules in G. mellonella hemocytes during infection with C. coronatus. The hemocytes taken from infected larvae demonstrated higher fluorescence intensity for six cytokine-like proteins (GM-CSF, M-CSF, IL-3, IL-15, IL-1ß and IL-19) compared to untreated controls. ELISA test indicated significantly higher IL-3 and IL-15. M-CSF, IL-1α and IL-19 concentration in the hemolymph after fungal infection, and significantly lower TNF-ß and G-CSF. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that the selected cytokine-like molecules are present in insect hemocytes and that their concentrations change after fungal infection, which might suggest that they play a role in the anti-fungal immunological response.

The Luminescence of Laser-Produced Carbon Nanodots: The Effect of Aggregation in PEI Solution.

Carbon nanodots (CNDs) produced in pure water by the ablation of graphite with a nanosecond laser pulse exhibit weak photoluminescence. A small addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to the aqueous suspension of CNDs causes a significant increase in emissions. This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies of the emission properties of CND/PEI systems. The obtained CNDs responded to even trace amounts of PEI in solution (~0.014% v/v), resulting in a significant increase in the initial weak blue emission of CNDs and PEI taken separately. Morphology and size measurements showed that particle aggregation occurred in the presence of the polymer. A decrease in the calculated Stokes shift values was observed with increasing PEI content in the solution. This indicates a reduction in the number of non-radiative transitions, which explains the increase in the emission intensity of the CND/PEI systems. These results therefore confirmed that the increase in the emission of CND/PEI systems is caused by particle aggregation. Kinetic studies proved that the process is controlled mainly by diffusion, the initial stage of which has a dominant influence on determining the optical properties of the system.

Commodity risk assessment of plants of 12 selected Prunus species from Moldova.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High-risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by defoliated 1- or 2-year old bare root plants for planting (grafted or not) of 12 Prunus species (Prunus armeniaca, P. avium, P. canescens, P. cerasifera, P. cerasus, P. davidiana, P. domestica, P. dulcis, P. fontanesiana, P. persica, P. salicina, P. tomentosa) imported from Moldova, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the applicant country. The evaluation identified three EU-quarantine pests, Erwinia amylovora (protected zone quarantine pest), Xiphinema rivesi non-EU populations and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (protected zone quarantine pest), which were selected for further evaluation, based on defined criteria, including their presence in the applicant country. It should be noted that there is uncertainty regarding whether all relevant pests have been identified due to a limited number of scientific publications and pest surveys in Moldova. For the three selected pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical dossier from Moldova were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on it, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with Erwinia amylovora being the pest most frequently expected on the imported plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated, with 95% certainty, that between 9823 and 10,000 bundles (comprising 10-20 plants per bundle) out of 10,000 bundles would be free from E. amylovora.

Natural-Origin Betaine Surfactants as Promising Components for the Stabilization of Lipid Carriers.

In the present work, we demonstrate studies involving the influence of the formulation composition on the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Novel lipid-origin platforms were prepared using two "green" betaine-based surfactants, cocamidopropyl betaine (ROKAmina K30) and coco betaine (ROKAmina K30B), in combination with three different solid lipids, cetyl palmitate (CRODAMOL CP), trimyristin (Dynasan 114), and tristearin (Dynasan 118). Extensive optimization studies included the selection of the most appropriate lipid and surfactant concentration for effective SLN and NLC stabilization. The control parameters involving the hydrodynamic diameters of the obtained nanocarriers along with the size distribution (polydispersity index) were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), while shape and morphology were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) and turbidimetric method (backscattering profiles) were used to assess colloidal stability. The studied results revealed that both betaine-stabilized SLN and NLC formulations containing CRODAMOL CP as lipid matrix are the most monodisperse and colloidally stable regardless of the other components and their concentrations used, indicating them as the most promising candidates for drug delivery nanosystems with a diverse range of potential uses.

The Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus Has Similar Effects on the Cuticular Free Fatty Acid Profile of Sensitive and Resistant Insects.

The mechanisms underlying the recognition of a susceptible host by a fungus and the role of cuticular compounds (CCs) in this process remain unclear; however, accumulated data suggest that this is influenced to a great degree by cuticular lipids. Two insect species differing in their sensitivity to fungal infection, viz. the highly sensitive Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the resistant Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae), exhibited significant qualitative and quantitative changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles after exposure to Conidiobolus coronatus (Constantin) Batko (Entomopthorales). Despite being systematically distant, leading different lifestyles in different habitats, both insect species demonstrated similar changes in the same FFAs following exposure to the fungus (C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:1, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0), suggesting that these are involved in a contact-induced defense response. As it was not possible to distinguish the share of FFAs present in the conidia that were attached to the cuticle from the FFAs of the cuticle itself in the total number of extracted FFAs, further research is necessary.

Commodity risk assessment of Malus domestica plants from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High-risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by bare root plants of Malus domestica grafted on rootstocks of either Malus domestica or Malus sylvestris imported from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH), taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Bosnia and Herzegovina. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. One protected zone quarantine pest, Erwinia amylovora, fulfilled all relevant criteria and was selected for further evaluation. For E. amylovora, special requirements are specified in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Based on the information provided in the Dossier, these specific requirements for E. amylovora are not met.

Commodity risk assessment of Malus sylvestris plants from United Kingdom.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by rooted plants and bundles of bare root plants or rooted cell grown young plants of Malus sylvestris imported from the UK, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the UK. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Two quarantine pests (tobacco ringspot virus and tomato ringspot virus), one protected zone quarantine pest (Erwinia amylovora) and four non-regulated pests (Colletotrichum aenigma, Meloidogyne mali, Eulecanium excrescens and Takahashia japonica) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For Erwinia amylovora, special requirements are specified in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Based on the information provided in the dossier, these specific requirements for E. amylovora are met. For the remaining six pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical Dossier from the UK were evaluated, taking into account the possible limiting factors. For these pests, expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom, taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with scales (Eulecanium excrescens and Takahashia japonica) being the pests most frequently expected on the imported bundles of bare root plants or rooted cell grown young plants. The expert knowledge elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9,976 and 10,000 bundles (one bundle consisting of 5-15 plants for bare root plants or 25-50 plants for cell grown young plants) per 10,000 would be free from the above-mentioned scales.

The Changes in Mitochondrial Morphology and Physiology Accompanying Apoptosis in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) Immunocompetent Cells during Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomophthorales) Infection.

Mitochondria have been shown to play an important role in apoptosis using mammalian cell lines. However, their role in insects is not fully understood; thus, more indepth studies of insect cell apoptosis are necessary. The present study investigates mitochondrial involvement during Conidiobolus coronatus-induced apoptosis in Galleria mellonella hemocytes. Previous research has shown that fungal infection could induce apoptosis in insect hemocytes. Our findings indicate that mitochondria undergo several morphological and physiological changes during fungal infection, e.g., loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, megachannel formation, disturbances in intracellular respiration, increased nonrespiratory oxygen consumption in mitochondria, decreased ATP-coupled oxygen consumption and increased non-ATP-coupled oxygen consumption, decreased extracellular and intracellular oxygen consumption, and increased extracellular pH. Our findings confirm that G. mellonella immunocompetent cells demonstrate Ca2+ overload in mitochondria, translocation of cytochrome c-like protein from mitochondrial to cytosol fraction, and higher activation of caspase-9-like protein after C. coronatus infection. Most importantly, several of the changes observed in insect mitochondria are similar to those accompanying apoptosis in mammalian cells, suggesting that the process is evolutionarily conserved.

Lipids as a key element of insect defense systems.

The relationship between insect pathogenic fungi and their insect hosts is a classic example of a co-evolutionary arms race between pathogen and target host: parasites evolve towards mechanisms that increase their advantage over the host, and the host increasingly strengthens its defenses. The present review summarizes the literature data describing the direct and indirect role of lipids as an important defense mechanism during fungal infection. Insect defense mechanisms comprise anatomical and physiological barriers, and cellular and humoral response mechanisms. The entomopathogenic fungi have the unique ability to digest the insect cuticle by producing hydrolytic enzymes with chitin-, lipo- and proteolytic activity; besides the oral tract, cuticle pays the way for fungal entry within the host. The key factor in insect resistance to fungal infection is the presence of certain types of lipids (free fatty acids, waxes or hydrocarbons) which can promote or inhibit fungal attachment to cuticle, and might also have antifungal activity. Lipids are considered as an important source of energy, and as triglycerides are stored in the fat body, a structure analogous to the liver and adipose tissue in vertebrates. In addition, the fat body plays a key role in innate humoral immunity by producing a range of bactericidal proteins and polypeptides, one of which is lysozyme. Energy derived from lipid metabolism is used by hemocytes to migrate to the site of fungal infection, and for phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation. One polyunsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid, is used in the synthesis of eicosanoids, which play several crucial roles in insect physiology and immunology. Apolipoprotein III is important compound with antifungal activity, which can modulate insect cellular response and is considered as important signal molecule.

Commodity risk assessment of Malus domestica plants from United Kingdom.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by rooted plants in pots, bundles of bare-rooted plants or trees and bundles of budwood and graftwood of Malus domestica imported from the United Kingdom, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by the United Kingdom. All pests associated with the commodities were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Two quarantine pests (tobacco ringspot virus and tomato ringspot virus), one protected zone quarantine pest (Erwinia amylovora) and four non-regulated pests (Colletotrichum aenigma, Meloidogyne mali, Eulecanium excrescens, Takahashia japonica) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For E. amylovora, special requirements are specified in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. Based on the information provided in the Dossier, the specific requirements for E. amylovora were met. For the remaining six pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical Dossier from the UK were evaluated considering the possible limiting factors. For the selected pests, expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom, taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with scales (E. excrescens and T. japonica) being the pests most frequently expected on the imported budwood and graftwood. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9,976 and 10,000 bundles (consisting of 50 up to 500 plants each) per 10,000 would be free from the above-mentioned scales.

A comprehensive analysis of chemical and biological pollutants (natural and anthropogenic origin) of soil and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) samples.

A range of analytical methods (GC-MS, LC-MS, voltammetry, microbiological and microscopic techniques, PCR) was used to assay a range of potential chemical and biological contaminants in soil and dandelion samples. The results provide the first comprehensive safety analysis of dandelion as a herbal product. Samples were collected from three different sites in Poland where the local population collects dandelion plants for their own consumption: Rudenka (a mountain meadow in the European Ecological Network of Natura 2000 protection area, free of agrotechnical treatments for over 30 years), Warszawa 1 (dense single-family housing with heavy traffic), and Warszawa 2 (recreation area with heavy traffic near a coal-fired heat and power plant). The assays of heavy metals and other chemical pollutants (PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, pesticides, mycotoxins) confirm that all collected soil and dandelion samples were chemically pure; however, 95 species of pathogenic bacteria were detected, including "carnivorous" Vibrio vulnificus, zoonotic Pasteurella pneumotropica, Pasteurella canis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus lentus and Francisella tularensis as well as 14 species of pathogenic fungi and one protozoan parasite (Giardia intestinalis). The discovery of septicemia agents V. vulnificus, Fusobacterium mortiferum and Rahnella aquatilis in the soil surrounding dandelion roots and in the flowers, G. intestinalis in dandelion leaves and roots samples, all collected in Warsaw, is highly disturbing. This finding underlines the need for increased caution when collecting dandelion in densely populated areas with a large population of pets. Thorough washing of the harvested plants is necessary before using them for consumption, especially in the case of making salads from fresh dandelion leaves, which is becoming increasingly popular among people leading healthy and an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Commodity risk assessment of Prunus persica and P. dulcis plants from Türkiye.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver risk assessments for commodities listed in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/2019 as 'High risk plants, plant products and other objects'. This Scientific Opinion covers plant health risks posed by plants of Prunus persica and P. dulcis, as budwood/graftwood, rooted or grafted on rootstocks of either P. persica, P. dulcis, P. armeniaca, P. davidiana or their hybrids, imported from Türkiye, taking into account the available scientific information, including the technical information provided by Türkiye. All pests associated with the commodity were evaluated against specific criteria for their relevance for this opinion. Four quarantine pests (peach rosette mosaic virus, tomato ringspot virus, Anoplophora chinensis, Scirtothrips dorsalis) and 14 non-regulated pests (Hoplolaimus galeatus, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae, Didesmococcus unifasciatus, Euzophera semifuneralis, Lepidosaphes malicola, Lepidosaphes pistaciae, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Malacosoma parallela, Nipaecoccus viridis, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Pochazia shantungensis, Russellaspis pustulans) that fulfilled all relevant criteria were selected for further evaluation. For these 18 pests, the risk mitigation measures proposed in the technical Dossier from Türkiye were evaluated taking into account the possible limiting factors. For the selected pests, an expert judgement is given on the likelihood of pest freedom taking into consideration the risk mitigation measures acting on the pest, including uncertainties associated with the assessment. The degree of pest freedom varies among the pests evaluated, with fungi from Botryosphaeriaceae family (L. pseudotheobromae, N. dimidiatum and N. novaehollandiae) being the pests most frequently expected on the imported plants. The Expert Knowledge Elicitation indicated with 95% certainty that between 9,813 and 10,000 bundles (consisting of 10 or 25 plants each) per 10,000 would be free from the above-mentioned fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae family.

Efficacy of a postharvest treatment aiming at eradication of all developmental stages of Tecia solanivora in ware potatoes.

The European Commission requested the EFSA Panel on Plant Health to prepare and deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of a postharvest treatment aiming to eradicate all developmental stages of Guatemalan potato tuber moth Tecia solanivora (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in ware potatoes. The Panel evaluated the scientific publication describing the elevated CO2 treatment, which was defined as: 10-day exposure to 30% CO2, 20% O2 and 50% N2 in controlled atmosphere at 17°C on the variety Negra Yema de Huevo (Papas Antiguas de Canarias, PDO potatoes, Solanum chaucha). In the scientific publication, the treatment was applied under semi-commercial and commercial conditions on artificially and field-infested tubers. The effect of the pest developmental stage on the treatment efficacy was investigated with artificial infestation of potato tubers with eggs, neonate and second instar larvae. Pupae and adults were placed in separate containers during the treatment. However, the third and fourth larval instars were not investigated. Further limitations were the sample size in the experiments, the mortality rate in the control group and the unknown level of infestation of the naturally infested potato tubers. It was not possible to evaluate the degree of pest freedom due to incomplete data on the conditions of production, i.e. the infestation level in the field. The Panel was able to conclude that although no surviving insects were observed in the performed experiments, the statistical evaluation of the presented results from the commercial trial indicate that it cannot be excluded that insects would survive the treatment. For example, based on the data provided the 95% confidence interval of the survival rate for eggs was: 0%-0.453%.

The Surgical Procedure in the Case of Ovarian Lesion in Neonate.

BACKGROUND: In newborns and infants, ovarian lesions can be detected during ultrasound examination before or after birth. Malignant ovarian lesions account for <1% of malignancies in newborns. However, in case of doubt about the nature of the lesion, surgery with tissue collection for histopathologic evaluation should be considered with the absolute condition of fertility preservation. OBSERVATIONS: The aim of this publication was to describe a case report of a 3-day-old infant who presented an ovarian lesion on postnatal ultrasound, with features suggesting a malignant nature of the ovary. In the described case, laparoscopy and mini-laparotomy were performed, torsion was excluded. The ovary was preserved, and histopathologic examination excluded the malignant nature of the lesion. CONCLUSION: A detailed analysis of the clinical status, laboratory tests, and imaging studies is necessary before making a final decision on further therapeutic, especially surgical management of a newborn with an ovarian lesion.

Morphofunctional characterization of hemocytes in black soldier fly larvae.

In insects, the cell-mediated immune response involves an active role of hemocytes in phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. Although these processes have been well documented in multiple species belonging to different insect orders, information concerning the immune response, particularly the hemocyte types and their specific function in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens, is still limited. This is a serious gap in knowledge given the high economic relevance of H. illucens larvae in waste management strategies and considering that the saprophagous feeding habits of this dipteran species have likely shaped its immune system to efficiently respond to infections. The present study represents the first detailed characterization of black soldier fly hemocytes and provides new insights into the cell-mediated immune response of this insect. In particular, in addition to prohemocytes, we identified five hemocyte types that mount the immune response in the larva, and analyzed their behavior, role, and morphofunctional changes in response to bacterial infection and injection of chromatographic beads. Our results demonstrate that the circulating phagocytes in black soldier fly larvae are plasmatocytes. These cells also take part in nodulation and encapsulation with granulocytes and lamellocyte-like cells, developing a starting core for nodule/capsule formation to remove/encapsulate large bacterial aggregates/pathogens from the hemolymph, respectively. These processes are supported by the release of melanin precursors from crystal cells and likely by mobilizing nutrient reserves in newly circulating adipohemocytes, which could thus trophically support other hemocytes during the immune response. Finally, the regulation of the cell-mediated immune response by eicosanoids was investigated.

Relationships between the Clinical Test Results and Neurophysiological Findings in Patients with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

A thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is the type of brachial plexus disorder most difficult to objectively assess using a clinical examination and differential diagnosis. Its symptoms can be frequently misdiagnosed, especially among others with cervical disc-root conflicts, plexopathies, and peripheral neuropathies. In this study, we aim to identify the correlations between positive Doppler ultrasonography results indicating pathological changes in the subclavian flow velocity, clinical tests, and chosen clinical neurophysiology recordings as proposed alternative or supplementary diagnostic tools for evaluating TOS patients. Sixty TOS patients with positive Doppler ultrasonography and Roos test results and sixty healthy people as a control group were bilaterally examined, and the results were compared. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Sensory perceptions within C4-C8 dermatomes were assessed with Von Frey filament (FvF) tests. The activity of motor units in the proximal and distal muscles of the upper extremities was evaluated using surface electromyography (sEMG) during maximal contractions before and after a provocative raised hands test (RHT). An electroneurography (ENG) was used to evaluate the transmission of nerve impulses peripherally. Motor evoked potential (MEP) recordings, induced by the over-vertebral magnetic stimulation of the C5-C7 neuromeres, were used to examine motor transmissions from the cervical motor centres to the upper extremities muscles. The results revealed a relationship between positive Doppler test scores and pathological changes in the subclavian flow velocity through the results of the following diagnostic tools: a VAS score of 1.9 was detected on average, superficial sensory perception abnormalities were found in the innervation areas of the ulnar nerves detected by FvF tests, a decrease in the amplitudes of sEMG recordings was seen in distal rather than proximal muscles (especially following the RHT), a decrease in the motor and sensory peripheral transmissions of nerve impulses in the median, ulnar and cutaneous anterobrachial median nerves was seen, as well as MEP amplitudes recorded from the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. The provocative RHT combined with sEMG and MEP recordings can be considered accurate and objective clinical neurophysiology tools that could supplement the commonly used clinical tests. Such an approach may result in a more precise neurogenic TOS diagnostic algorithm.