Isolation and identification of bacteria from the invasive pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and evaluation of their biocontrol potential.

As an alternative to chemical insecticides, gut bacteria of insects could be used to control insect pests. In this study, bacteria associated with Tuta absoluta, an invasive species that has developed resistance to chemical insecticides, were isolated, and their potential for pest control was investigated. We isolated 13 bacteria from larvae of the pest and identified the isolates on the basis of their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics as Bacillus thuringiensis (Ta1-8), Staphylococcus petrasii (Ta9), Citrobacter freundii (Ta10), Chishuiella changwenlii (Ta11), Enterococcus casseliflavus (Ta12), and Pseudomonas tremae (Ta13). A laboratory screening test at 109 cfu/ml showed that B. thuringiensis (Bt) isolates caused more than 90% mortality after 3 days. Among the isolates, Bt-Ta1 showed the highest mortality in a short time. The LC50 and LC90 values for Bt-Ta1 were estimated to be 1.2 × 106 and 2 × 109 cfu/ml, respectively. Detailed characterization of Bt-Ta1 revealed that it is one of the serotypes effective on lepidopterans and contains the genes cry1Aa, cry2Aa, and vip3Aa, which encode lepidopteran toxic proteins. Bt-Ta1 isolate has been shown to have the potential to be used in the integrated management of Tuta absoluta.

Is enhanced recovery after surgery essential?

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) method is designed for the patient to recover quickly, have less pain and have a more comfortable period after the surgery; that includes preoperative, intra and postoperative processes. ERAS has been started to be applied in cesarean section surgeries as the patients need to recover quickly. In the literature, there is no study about the results of ERAS in cesarean section about pain scores and complications. OBJECTIVES: It is aimed to compare the results of cesarean section patients using the ERAS method completely in patients who have had cesarean section without meeting some of the postoperative conditions of the ERAS criteria. STUDY DESIGN: It is a prospective study designed as postoperative metoclopramide, enema and routine opioids in group 1, enema and metoclopramide in group 2, metoclopramide only in group 3 and nothing in group 4. Postoperative pain scoring was done by using visual analog scale (VAS). Analysis of variance tests and t tests were used for results. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups according to age, parity, and birth weight. As a result, although there was no difference between the groups in terms of discharge time and complications, the VAS score used in pain scoring was found to be significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (p: 0.000). Only metoclopramide group (group 3) had lowest VAS score. CONCLUSION: It has been revealed that the ERAS procedure does not need to be so detailed in the postoperative period, and the addition of metoclopramide may be sufficient. Since pain can be a subjective factor, other randomized studies are needed in terms of other criteria.

The predictive role of carotid artery flow time for anesthesia-induced hypotension in high-risk elderly patients.

Hypotension induced by general anesthesia is associated with postoperative complications, increased mortality, and morbidity, particularly elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of corrected carotid artery flow time (FTc) for predicting hypotension following anesthesia induction in patients over 65 years old. After faculty ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 138 patients (65 years and older, ASA physical status I-III) who scheduled for elective surgery were included in this study. In the pre-operative anesthesia unit, the carotid artery FTc value was measured by ultrasound and hemodynamic values were recorded. Following anesthesia induction with propofol, hemodynamic data were recorded at 1-minute intervals for 3 min. Measurements were terminated prior to endotracheal intubation, as direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation could cause sympathetic stimulation and hemodynamic changes. Hypotension occurred in 52 patients (37.7%). The preoperative FTc value of the patients who developed hypotension was statistically lower (312.5 ms) than the patients who did not (345.0 ms) (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for carotid artery FTc was 0.93 (95% CI for AUC:0.89-0.97; p < 0.001) with an optimal cut-off of value for predicting post-anesthesia hypotension 333 ms, a sensitivity of 90.4% and a specificity of 84.9%. As a result of the multiple logistic regression model, carotid artery FTc emerged as the sole independent risk factor for hypotension following anesthesia induction. Preoperative carotid artery FTc measurement is a simple, bedside, noninvasive, and reliable method for predicting anesthesia-induced hypotension in elderly patients.

Complete genome sequence analysis and genome organization of Dasychira pudibunda nucleopolyhedrovirus (DapuNPV-T1) from Turkey.

The economically important pale tussock moth Dasychira pudibunda L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), known as a beech pest in Europe, primarily inflicts damage on beech leaves. In the present study, we aim to reveal the genome characteristics of Dasychira pudibunda nucleopolyhedrovirus (DapuNPV-T1), which was detected for the first time in Turkey and compare it with the reference genome and other baculovirus genomes. The DapuNPV-T1 genome was determined to be a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule with 136,920 bp and a nucleotide distribution of 54.4% G + C. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the DapuNPV-T1 genome contains 163 open reading frames with more than 150 nucleotides. Fifty-four ORFs of unknown function, 6 homologous regions (hrs), 1 AC-rich region, and 3 bro genes (bro-a, bro-b, and bro-c) were determined in the genome sequence. Comparative analysis with other baculovirus strains revealed distinctions in the DapuNPV-T1 genome based on ORF. The gene parity plot and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that DapuNPV-T1 belongs to the alphabaculovirus group Ib. In addition, the DapuNPV-T1 isolate was found to be close to the nucleopolyhedrovirus Poland isolate in Dasychira pudibunda and Orgyia pseudotsugata multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus. With this study, the first genome analysis of DapuNPV from Turkey became the second in the world to enter the literature. Comprehensive information on a wide range of isolates will provide a more detailed overview of baculoviruses and help overcome their shortcomings as biocontrol agents.

Genome Sequencing and Organization of Three Geographically Different Isolates of Nucleopolyhedrovirus from the Gypsy Moth Reveal Significant Genomic Differences.

Background: The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L., Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a worldwide pest of trees and forests. Lymantria dispar nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) belongs to the Baculoviridae family and is an insect virus specific to gypsy moth larvae. In this study, we describe the complete genome sequences of three geographically diverse isolates, H2 (China), J2 (Japan), and T3 (Turkey), of Lymantria dispar multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV). Methods: The genomes of isolates H2, J2, and T3 were subjected to shotgun pyrosequencing using Roche 454 FLX and assembled using Roche GS De Novo Assembler. Comparative analysis of all isolates was performed using bioinformatics methods. Results: The genomes of LdMNPV-H2, J2, and T3 were 164,746, 162,249, and 162,614 bp in size, had GC content of 57.25%, 57.30%, and 57.46%, and contained 162, 165, and 164 putative open reading frames (ORFs ≥ 150 nt), respectively. Comparison between the reference genome LdMNPV-5/6 (AF081810) and the genomes of LdMNPV-H2, J2, and T3 revealed differences in gene content. Compared with LdMNPV-5/6, ORF5, 6, 8, 10, 31, and 67 were absent in LdMNPV-H2, ORF5, 13, and 66 were absent in LdMNPV-J2, and ORF10, 13, 31, and 67 were absent in LdMNPV-T3. In addition, the gene encoding the mucin-like protein (ORF4) was split into two parts in isolates H2 and T3 and designated ORF4a and ORF4b. Phylogenetic analysis grouped isolates H2 and J2 in a different cluster than isolate T3, which is more closely related to the Turkish and Polish isolates. In addition, H2 was found to be closely related to a South Korean LdMNPV isolate. Conclusion: This study provided a more detailed overview of the relationships between different geographic LdMNPV isolates. The results showed remarkable differences between groups at the genome level.

Predicting asphyxia in term fetus.

This aim of this study was to investigate maternal hematological laboratory parameters of term infants before birth diagnosed with asphyxia compared to mothers of healthy term infants and predict asphyxia by these parameters. This study was conducted on 109 and 192 mothers of the fetus with asphyxia and healthy, respectively. Laboratory parameters of complete blood count, including PDW (platelet distribution width), PCT (procalcitonin) and NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio), were recorded before birth from pregnant women. PDW and basophil counts were significantly higher in the asphyxia group than healthy group (p: .000). The cut-off level of 19.425 accurately predicted the occurrence of asphyxia (AUC = 0.724 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.78), p = .000). Basophil count could predict asphyxia, especially the cut-off level of> 0.15(10³/µL) (AUC = 0.67) (95% confidence interval 0.60-0.74, p = .000). To predict asphyxia before labor, a cheap and routine test of PDW can be used after more research in this area.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Asphyxia is still an unsolved problem in neonatal mortality and morbidity, and it is seen in babies of mothers who carry some risks during pregnancy (such as multiple pregnancy, baby of mother with preeclampsia, meconium aspiration, diabetes); however, it is known that it is a subject that is still not fully understood as it can also occur as a result of labor that does not have any risk factors and goes well.What do the results of this study add? In term fetuses without risk factors, it can be predicted to a certain extent whether the fetus will be diagnosed with asphyxia from the hemogram test that can work from the blood of the mother before birth.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In clinical practice, asphyxia can be estimated with a cheap and simple test, without any extra examination, by looking at the routine blood tests taken from the mother before going into labor.

Effects of Covid-19 on the audio-vestibular system.

PURPOSE: It was aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on hearing and the vestibular system. METHODS: Twenty-six patients whose treatment had been completed and who had no previous hearing or balance complaints were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with the disease by PCR were included in the study. Patients with at least one month of illness were included in the study. The hearing of patients was evaluated with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and pure-tone audiometry. Bedside tests, the European Evaluation of Vertigo scale (EEV), Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Ocular Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (oVEMP), Cervical Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (cVEMP) and Videonystagmography (VNG) tests were applied to evaluate the vestibular system. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 positive and control groups according to the mean values of the 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz in both the right and left ears (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the other frequencies and TEOAE. No statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 positive and control groups in terms of their normal or pathological VNG saccade, optokinetic and spontaneous nystagmus values (p > 0.05). The normal and pathological VNG head shake values were found to be significantly different between the COVID-19 positive and control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSiON: The high frequencies in audiometry in the COVID-19 positive group were worse than those in the control group. In the vestibular system, especially in oVEMP and cVEMP, asymmetric findings were obtained in comparison to the control group, and a low gain in vHIT was shown. This study shows that the audiovestibular system of people with COVID-19 infection may be affected.

[Investigation of the Relationship Between the Immune Responses due to COVID-19 Vaccine and Peripheral Bloodlymphocyte Subtypes of Healthcare Workers]. / Saglik Çalisanlarinda COVID-19 Asisina Bagli Bagisik Yanit ile Hemogram Parametreleri ve Periferik Kandaki Lenfosit Alt Tipleri Arasindaki Iliskinin Arastirilmasi.

Worldwide vaccination is the best strategy to limit the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibody levels and hemogram parameters and the prediction of T-helper, T-cytotoxic and B lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood for the development of these antibodies in the selected group of healthcare workers who were vaccinated with CoronaVac® (Sinovac, China). In a previous study with the same researchers, blood samples were taken from healthcare workers one month after the second vaccination, and anti-RBD anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Test results were classified as binding antibody <25.6 BAU/mL unresponsive, 25.6-35.1 BAU/mL weak response, <35.2 BAU/mL strong response, according to the assay manufacturer's recommendations. According to these criteria, it was determined that 22 (8.3%) people had no response, 25 (9.5%) people had a moderate response, and 217 (82.2%) people had a strong response. According to these results, 30 people from each group were invited. The results of three individuals were excluded from the evaluation due to chronic illness. A total of 87 health workers were included in the study. Twenty-two of these people had no response, 25 had a moderate response, and 40 had a good response. Flow cytometry was used to examine the peripheral blood lymphocyte percentage distribution. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS 26 software. The conformity of the variables to the normal distribution was examined using analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov/ Shapiro-Wilk tests). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. The correlation between the antibody level and the measurement results of hemogram parameters and lymphocyte indicators was evaluated by Pearson's correlation analysis. The model was established by performing linear regression analysis with the variables correlated with the antibody level. Cases with a p value below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The age range of the participants in the study was 22-69. The mean age was 45.5 ± 10.4 years. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by ELISA method in 65 (74.7%) of the healthcare professionals, while no antibodies were detected in 22 (25.3%) of them. Lymphocyte count (p= 0.002), CD3 count (p= 0.0004), CD4 count (p= 0.0001), CD3/CD19 ratio (p= 0.011), CD4 percentage (p= 0.004) in the antibody positive group was found to be significant. According to the level of correlation between antibody level and lymphocyte indicators, a statistically significant negative correlation was found in CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19 positive lymphocytes, respectively, and the best correlation was observed in CD3 positive lymphocytes. The formula f (Antibody level)= y= 358002 -0.176 x CD3 + 0.469 x CD19 was created using the linear regression model. In the light of the data of this study, the central role of T and B cells in COVID-19 immunization emerges. The vaccine-related antibody level-related formula may be useful for healthcare professionals in patient follow-up. It is thought that conducting vaccine related immune response studies involving larger populations will contribute more to the literature.

Genome sequence analysis and organization of the Hyphantria cunea granulovirus (HycuGV-Hc1) from Turkey.

The fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) impacts a wide variety of crops and cultivated broadleaf plant species. The pest is native to North America, was introduced to Europe and has since spread further as far as central Asia. Despite several attempts to control its distribution, the pest continues to spread causing damage all over the world. A naturally occurring baculovirus, Hyphantria cunea granulovirus (HycuGV-Hc1), isolated from the larvae of H. cunea in Turkey appears to have a potential as microbial control agent against this pest. In this report we describe the complete genome sequence and organization of the granulovirus isolate (HycuGV-Hc1) that infects the larval stages and compare it to other baculovirus genomes. The HycuGV-Hc1 genome is a circular double-stranded DNA of 114,825 bp in size with a nucleotide distribution of 39.3% G + C. Bioinformatics analysis predicted 132 putative open reading frames of (ORFs) ≥ 150 nucleotides. There are 24 ORFs with unknown function. Seven homologous repeated regions (hrs) and two bro genes (bro-1 and bro-2) were identified in the genome. Comparison to other baculovirus genomes, HycuGV-Hc1 revealed some differences in gene content and organization. Gene parity plots and phylogenetics confirmed that HycuGV-Hc1 is a Betabaculovirus and is closely related to Plutella xylostella granulovirus. This study expands our knowledge on the genetic variation of HycuGV isolates and provides further novel knowledge on the nature of granuloviruses.

Decreased levels of spexin are associated with hormonal and metabolic disturbance in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Spexin, a newly identified peptide hormone, is involved in energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. We aimed to compare the altered levels of spexin in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to find out if there was any association between spexin levels and hormonal-metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Eighty subjects with PCOS and 80 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects with a normal menstrual cycle were enrolled into the current case control study. Spexin levels were measured by ELISA. Spexin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects. Spexin showed a negative correlation with insulin resistance, BMI and androgens in PCOS women. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having PCOS was associated with low levels of spexin. Decreased spexin levels were inversely associated with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS subjects, suggesting that the inter-related roles of spexin are in the different metabolic and hormonal pathways of PCOS.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subjects? Spexin is a newly identified peptide hormone which plays various roles in regulating energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. PCOS is a reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis disruptions.What do the results of this study add? Decreased levels of spexin were inversely association with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS women. The risk of having PCOS was increased in parallel with decreased spexin levels.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Spexin may play numerous roles in the pathophysiological processes of PCOS. To find the exact role of spexin over PCOS development, detailed investigations are required.

Association of decreased myonectin levels with metabolic and hormonal disturbance in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Myonectin is a myokine involving in glucose and lipid metabolisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with insulin resistance. Our aims were to discover whether myonectin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of myonectin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Seventy-two subjects with PCOS and 72 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating myonectin levels were measured by ELISA. Myonectin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (6.77 ± 1.96 vs. 9.14 ± 2.87 ng/ml, p< .001). Myonectin exhibited an inverse association with BMI, insulin resistance, free androgen index (FAI) and triglycerides whereas it showed a positive association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased myonectin levels were parallel with increased probability of having PCOS risk. Decreased myonectin levels were associated with metabolic and hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that myonectin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Decreased levels of liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 and ghrelin are related to insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) is a newly identified peptide hormone involved in glucose metabolism. It acts as a noncompetitive antagonist of ghrelin hormone's receptor. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic and reproductive disease associated with insulin resistance. We aimed to compare circulating LEAP-2 levels in subjects with PCOS and controls. We also focused to determine whether there was a relationship between LEAP-2 and metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. We enrolled 64 subjects with PCOS and 64 age and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls into the current cross-sectional study. Circulating LEAP-2 and ghrelin levels were measured via ELISA method. Metabolic and hormonal parameters of the involved subjects were analyzed. We found that circulating LEAP-2 and ghrelin levels were decreased in women with PCOS as compared with controls. LEAP-2 showed a positively independent association with ghrelin while LEAP-2 exhibited an inverse association with insulin resistance, BMI, and free-androgen index (FAI). Additionally, subjects having the lowest tertile of LEAP-2 were in positive link of developing PCOS risk with respect to those subjects having the highest tertile of LEAP-2 levels. Decreased LEAP-2 levels were associated with a high possibility of having PCOS risk associated with insulin resistance.

Neudesin: a neuropeptide hormone decreased in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Neudesin is a neuropeptide hormone involves in female reproduction system via promoting effects of progesterone. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis abnormalities and impaired negative feedback mechanism of progesterone upon gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Our aims were to discover whether neudesin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of neudesin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Sixty-eight subjects with PCOS and 67 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating neudesin levels were measured by ELISA. Neudesin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (4.07 ± 1.22 vs. 6.02 ± 2.07 ng/ml, p < .001). Neudesin exhibited an inversely independent link with luteinizing hormone, free-androgen index, and BMI whereas it showed a positively independent link with progesterone in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased neudesin levels were parallel with increased risk of having PCOS. Decreased neudesin levels were associated with hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that neudesin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Microencapsulation of an indigenous isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis by spray drying.

In this study, microencapsulation by spray drying was performed to protect spores and crystals of an indigenous isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis Se13 from environmental stress. The effects of wall material, inlet temperature, and outlet temperature on microencapsulation of Bt-Se13 were investigated using Taguchi's orthogonal array. The most suitable wall material determined as maltodextrin DE10. The optimum inlet and outlet temperatures of spray drier were determined as 160 °C and 70 °C, respectively. The number of viable spores, mean particle size, wetting time, percentage of suspensibility and moisture content of the product produced under optimum conditions were determined as 8.1 × 1011 cfu g-1, 13.462 µm, 25.22 s, 77.66% and 7.29%, respectively. As a result of efficiency studies on Spodoptera exigua in the laboratory conditions, the LC50 was determined as 1.6 × 104 cfu mL-1. Microencapsulated Bt-Se13 based bio-pesticide may be registered for the control of S. exigua and can be tested against other lepidopterans which share the same environment.

Biodiversity and pathogenicity of bacteria associated with the gut microbiota of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

In order to find an effective and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent against Spodoptera exigua, we isolated and identified a total of 15 different bacterial species belonging to phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. According to the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic properties, bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus (Se1), Lysinibacillus macroides (Se2), Pseudomonas geniculata (Se3), Paenibacillus tylopili (Se4), Staphylococcus succinus (Se5), Acinetobacter soli (Se6), Chryseobacterium indologenes (Se7), Bacillus toyonensis (Se8), Serratia marcescens (Se9), Paenibacillus amylolyticus (Se10), Paenibacillus xylanexedens (Se11), Enterobacter ludwigii (Se12), Bacillus thuringiensis (Se13), Bacillus thuringiensis (Se14) and Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Se15). Screening of bacterial isolates for insecticidal potential was conducted at 109 cfu ml-1 bacterial concentration. The highest larvacidal effect was obtained with Bacillus thuringiensis Se13 with 100% mortality. In the dose response experiments performed with this bacterium, the median lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated as 7.5 × 104 cfu ml-1 against 3rd instar larvae of the pest at 10 days post treatment. The median lethal time (LT50) value of 109 cfu ml-1 bacterial concentration was also determined as 1.59 days. Phase-contrast and scanning electron microscope studies exhibited that B. thuringiensis Se13 produced different shape and size crystals (bipyramidal, cubic and spherical). Phylogenetic analysis of cry1 and cry2 gene content of this isolate displayed that B. thuringiensis Se13 had 99% homology with cry1Ac and cry2Aa, respectively. Finding from this study indicated that B. thuringiensis Se13 appears to be a promising microbial control agent for use against S. exigua.

Complete genome sequence analysis of the Malacosoma neustria nucleopolyhedrovirus from Turkey.

The lackey moth, Malacosoma neustria (Linnaeus, 1758), a worldwide pest, causes extensive economic losses particularly on hazelnut, plum, oak, poplar, and willow trees. A baculovirus, Malacosoma neustria nucleopolyhedrovirus (ManeNPV-T2), has been isolated from the larvae collected in Turkey and appears to have a potential as a microbial control agent. In this study, we describe the complete genome sequence of ManeNPV-T2 and compare it to other sequenced baculovirus genomes. The ManeNPV-T2 genome is a circular double-stranded DNA molecule of 130,202 bp, has 38.2% G + C, and is predicted to contain 131 putative open reading frames (ORFs) each with a coding capacity of more then 50 amino acids. There are 27 ORFs with unknown function of which 6 are unique to ManeNPV-T2. Eleven homologous regions (hrs) and two bro genes (bro-a and bro-b) were identified in the genome. There are two homologues of chaB and nicotinamide riboside kinase-1 genes, separated from themselves with a few nucleotides. Additionally, ac145, thought to be per os infectivity factor (pif) gene, is also found as two homologues. All 38 core genes are found in the ManeNPV-T2 genome. The phylogenetic tree of ManeNPV-T2 in relation to 50 other baculoviruses whose genomes have been completely sequenced showed ManeNPV-T2 to be closely related to the group II NPVs. This study expands our knowledge on baculoviruses, describes the characterization ManeNPV, and ultimately contributes to the registration of this virus as a microbial pesticide.

A new biopesticide from a local Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Xd3) against alder leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Use of chemical pesticides in agriculture harms humans, non-target organisms and environments, and causes increase resistance against chemicals. In order to develop an effective bio-pesticide against coleopterans, particularly against Agelastica alni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which is one of the serious pests of alder leaf and hazelnut, we tested the insecticidal effect of 21 Bacillus isolates against the larvae and adults of the pest. Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis-Xd3 (Btt-Xd3) showed the highest insecticidal effect based on screening tests. For toxin protein production and high sporulation of Xd3, the most suitable medium, pH and temperature conditions were determined as nutrient broth medium enriched with salts, pH 7 and 30 °C, respectively. Sporulated Btt-Xd3 in nutrient broth medium enriched with salts transferred to fermentation medium containing soybean flour, glucose and salts. After fermentation, the mixture was dried in a spray dryer, and spore count of the powder product was determined as 1.6 × 1010 c.f.u. g-1. Moisture content, suspensibility and wettability of the formulation were determined as 8.3, 86% and 21 s, respectively. Lethal concentrations (LC50) of formulated Btt-Xd3 were determined as 0.15 × 105 c.f.u. ml-1 for larvae at laboratory conditions. LC50 values were also determined as 0.45 × 106 c.f.u. ml-1 at the field condition on larval stage. Our results showed that a new bio-pesticide developed from B. thuringiensis tenebrionis (Xd3) (Btt-Xd3) may be valuable as a biological control agent for coleopteran pests.

Highly effective bacterial agents against Cimbex quadrimaculatus (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae): isolation of bacteria and their insecticidal activities.

Cimbex quadrimaculatus (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae) is one of the serious pests of almonds in Turkey and worldwide. Since there is no effective control application against this pest, it has been a serious problem up to now. Therefore, we aimed to find an effective bacterium that can be utilized as a biocontrol agent against C. quadrimaculatus in pest management. We isolated seven bacteria from dead and live C. quadrimaculatus larvae, and evaluated the larvicidal potency of all isolates on the respective pest. Based on the morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular properties (partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene), the isolates were identified to be Bacillus safensis (CQ1), Bacillus subtilis (CQ2), Bacillus tequilensis (CQ3), Enterobacter sp. (CQ4), Kurthia gibsonii (CQ5), Staphylococcus sp. (CQ6) and Staphylococcus sciuri (CQ7). The results of the larvicidal activities of these isolates indicated that the mortality value obtained from all treatments changed from 58 to 100 %, and reached 100 % with B. safensis (CQ1) and B. subtilis (CQ2) on the 3rd instar larvae within 10 days of application of 1.89 × 10(9) cfu/mL bacterial concentration at 25 °C under laboratory conditions. Findings from this study indicate that these isolates appear to be a promising biocontrol agent for C. quadrimaculatus.

Matriptase as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the processing of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. In T2DM, metabolic dysregulation occurs through various pathways caused by increased levels of many adipokines and inflammatory chemokines. Impaired insulin-glucose metabolism occurs in tissues. The proteolytic enzyme matriptase is thought to be closely related to glucose metabolism due to its glycolization sites. AIM: Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between matriptase, a proteolytic enzyme, and metabolic parameters in individuals recently diagnosed with T2DM. We also sought to investigate the potential involvement of matriptase in the development of diabetes. METHODS: We measured all participants' metabolic laboratory parameters, including basic biochemical tests, hemograms, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and matriptase levels. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant increase in circulating matriptase levels in individuals with T2DM compared to the control group. Furthermore, individuals with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher matriptase levels than those without in the T2DM and control groups. We also observed that T2DM patients had elevated levels of Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), hsCRP, and matriptase, which displayed a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to report elevated levels of matriptase in individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM and/or metabolic syndrome. Additionally, we found a significant positive correlation between matriptase levels and metabolic and inflammatory parameters, indicating a potential role for matriptase in the pathogenesis of T2DM and glucose metabolism. Further research on matriptase could lead to its recognition as a novel target for investigation.

The relationship between stathmin-2 level and metabolic parameters in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: Stathmin is a phosphoprotein that plays a role in intercellular and intracellular signaling, inflammation, and differentiation. Our aim was to evaluate the stathmin-2 level and its relationship with the metabolic parameters of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This case-control study included 76 patients with nT2DM and 76 healthy individuals with a normal oral glucose tolerance test who were matched for body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. In addition to laboratory and anthropometric measurements related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stathmin-2 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We observed significantly higher circulating stathmin-2 levels in subjects with T2DM compared to the control group (6.39±1.60 ng/mL and 4.66±0.80 ng/mL, p<0.0001). In patients with metabolic syndrome, circulating stathmin-2 levels were significantly elevated compared to those without metabolic syndrome in both the T2DM and control groups (T2DM: 7.16±1.24 vs 5.06±1.24 ng/mL, p<0.001; Control: 3.84±1.40 vs 3.82±1.40 ng/mL). In both groups, we observed a positive correlation between stathmin-2 levels and BMI and circumference. Moreover, stathmin-2 showed a positive correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol. A negative correlation was observed with stathmin-2 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Stathmin-2 did not show any correlation with age, triglyceride, and lactate dehydrogenase. CONCLUSIONS: Stathmin-2 levels were found to be elevated in patients with nT2DM and exhibited positive correlations with hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, HOMO-IR and hs-CRP levels. These results indicate that stathmin-2 may play a role in T2DM pathogenesis.