Addition of Selected Plant-Derived Semiochemicals to Yellow Sticky Traps Does Not Improve Citrus Psyllid Captures.

Fast and effective monitoring and surveillance techniques are crucial for the swift implementation of control methods to prevent the spread of Huanglongbing, a devastating citrus disease, and its invasive psyllid vector, Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, into South Africa, as well as to control the native vector, African citrus triozid, Trioza erytreae. Monitoring for citrus psyllid pests can be improved by using semiochemical odorants to augment already visually attractive yellow sticky traps. However, environmental variables such as temperature and humidity could influence odorant release rates. Five field cages were used to test the ability of a selection of odorants to improve yellow sticky trap efficacy in capturing citrus psyllids. Environmental effects on odorant loss from the dispensers were also investigated. The odorants that most improved yellow sticky trap captures in field cages were then tested under open field conditions alongside lower concentrations of those same lures. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to calculate odorant release rates as well as to determine if any contamination occurred under field conditions. None of the odorants under field cage or field conditions significantly improved psyllid capture on yellow sticky traps. Temperature influenced odorant loss, and release rate from polyethylene bulbs decreased over time. Based on these results, the use of unbaited yellow sticky traps seems to be the most effective method for monitoring of Huanglongbing vectors.

CXCR4 mediates leukemic cell migration and survival in the testicular microenvironment.

The testis is the second most frequent extramedullary site of relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The mechanism for B-cell (B) ALL cell migration towards and survival within the testis remains elusive. Here, we identified CXCL12-CXCR4 as the leading signaling axis for B-ALL cell migration and survival in the testicular leukemic niche. We combined analysis of primary human ALL with a novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX)-ALL mouse model with testicular involvement. Prerequisites for leukemic cell infiltration in the testis were prepubertal age of the recipient mice, high surface expression of CXCR4 on PDX-ALL cells, and CXCL12 secretion from the testicular stroma. Analysis of primary pediatric patient samples revealed that CXCR4 was the only chemokine receptor being robustly expressed on B-ALL cells both at the time of diagnosis and relapse. In affected patient testes, leukemic cells localized within the interstitial space in close proximity to testicular macrophages. Mouse macrophages isolated from affected testes, in the PDX model, revealed a macrophage polarization towards a M2-like phenotype in the presence of ALL cells. Therapeutically, blockade of CXCR4-mediated functions using an anti-CXCR4 antibody treatment completely abolished testicular infiltration of PDX-ALL cells and strongly impaired the overall development of leukemia. Collectively, we identified a prepubertal condition together with high CXCR4 expression as factors affecting the leukemia permissive testicular microenvironment. We propose CXCR4 as a promising target for therapeutic prevention of testicular relapses in childhood B-ALL. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Electronically Nonadiabatic H Atom Scattering from Low Miller Index Surfaces of Silver.

The reactivity of a surface depends strongly on the surface structure. To study the influence of surface structure on H atom adsorption, we performed inelastic scattering experiments and complementary electronically nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for H atoms colliding with the three low Miller index surface facets of silver. Experiment reveals very similar energy loss distributions for all three investigated facets. However, for the (100) facet a dependence on the surface orientation is observed that is absent for the other two facets. The nonadiabatic MD simulations manage to describe the experiments well. Despite the observed insignificant influence of the surface geometry on the energy loss distributions, our simulations predict that the capability of the H atoms to penetrate the surface critically depends on the surface structure. The observed crystal orientation dependence of the energy loss distributions in the experiment for Ag(100) cannot be explained with our simulations, and we provide a discussion for a better theoretical description of this system to stimulate future computational investigations.

Inelastic H and D atom scattering from Au(111) as benchmark for theory.

Efficient transfer of translational energy to electron-hole pair excitation involving multiple collisions dominates H atom collisions with metal surfaces. For this reason, H atom interaction with metal surfaces cannot be modeled within the commonly used Born-Oppenheimer approximation (BOA). This fact makes H atom scattering from metal surfaces an ideal model system for dynamics that go beyond the BOA. We chose the H/Au(111) system as a model system to obtain a detailed dataset that can serve as a benchmark for theoretical models developed for describing electronically nonadiabatic processes at metal surfaces. Therefore, we investigate the influence of various experimental parameters on the energy loss in detail including isotopic variant, incidence translational energy, incidence polar and azimuthal angles, and outgoing scattering angles.

Dysregulated development of IL-17- and IL-21-expressing follicular helper T cells and increased germinal center formation in the absence of RORγt.

Interleukin 17-producing helper T (Th17) cells have been widely defined by the lineage transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt. Pathophysiologically, these cells play a crucial role in autoimmune diseases and have been linked to dysregulated germinal center (GC) reactions and autoantibody production. In this study, we used gene expression and flow cytometric analyses for the characterization of Rorγt(-/-) and Rorγt(-/-)Il21(RFP/+) mice to demonstrate a previously unknown transcriptional flexibility in the development of IL-17-producing Th-cell subsets. We found an accumulation of follicular Th (Tfh) cells by 5.2-fold, spontaneous 13-fold higher GC formation, decreased frequency of follicular Foxp3(+) T-regulatory (Treg) cells (50%), and a 3.4-fold increase in the number of proliferating follicular B cells in RORγt-deficient vs. wild-type mice. Dysregulated B-cell responses were associated with enhanced production of IL-17 (6.4-fold), IL-21 (2.2-fold), and B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) (2-fold) and were partially rescued by adoptive transfer of Treg cells. In an unexpected finding, we detected RORγt-independent IL-17 expression in ICOS(+)CXCR5(+)Tfh and in ICOS(+)CXCR5(-)Th cells. Based on the observed high Irf4 and Batf gene expression, we suggest that CD4(+) T-cell transcription factors other than RORγt can cooperatively induce differentiation of IL-17-producing Th cells, including Th17-like Tfh-cell subsets. We conclude that the occurrence of aberrant Tfh and follicular Treg cells support spontaneous GC formation and dysregulated B-cell responses in RORγt-deficient mice.

Landing Preference and Reproduction of Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the Laboratory on Three Maize, Potato, and Wheat Cultivars.

The bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) transmits the nonpersistent Potato virus Y (PVY) to seed potatoes. Planting a nonvirus host plant around the main crop can reduce PVY incidence, because aphids tend to land in high numbers at the edge of a field and the crop border acts as a virus sink. This study determined R. padi landing and settling preferences and reproductive rates on three cultivars each of maize and wheat compared with potato in the laboratory as a basis for identifying an attractive crop border plant. Aphids were reared on maize and wheat to control for bias due to previous experience. Irrespective of origin, alates preferred to land almost exclusively on maize and wheat rather than on potato cultivars in choice experiments. Aphid settling on the maize and wheat cultivars depended on aphid origin. In no-choice experiments, R. padi produced the highest number of offspring on the wheat cultivars, irrespective of origin. Plant nitrogen content and trichome density did not influence R. padi reproduction. The study demonstrates that host plant preference of aphids may vary between plant cultivars and can therefore influence the effectiveness of a crop border. The high landing rate but low reproduction suggest that maize cultivars '6Q-121' and '78-15B' could be suitable crop border plants in regions where R. padi is abundant. Before testing potential crop border plants in the field, cultivars should be screened using aphid landing, settling and reproduction as selection criteria.

The Guinness molecules for the carbohydrate formula.

A systematic review and analysis of the most stable spatial arrangements of n carbon, n oxygen, and 2n hydrogen atoms including vibrational zero-point energy up to n = 5 shows that small-molecule aggregates win, typically followed by thermally unstable molecules, before kinetically stable molecules and finally carbohydrates are found. Near n ≈ 60 a crossover to carbon allotropes and ice as the global minimum structure is expected and the asymptotic limit is most likely graphite and ice. Implications for astrochemical and fermentation processes are discussed. Density functionals like B3LYPD3 are found to describe these energy sequences quite poorly, mostly due to an overestimated stability of carbon in high oxidation states.

Responses of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) to different host plants: Implications for its management strategy.

BACKGROUND: The selection of suitable host plants for oviposition is critical for herbivorous insects to maximise survival of their offspring. Olfaction plays an important role in this process. However, little is known about how olfaction shapes the interaction between the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and host plants. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that olfaction guides the host selection process in the fall armyworm using oviposition and wind tunnel bioassays. RESULTS: In no-choice and dual-choice assays, female moths oviposited on all seven host plants that were tested (maize, sorghum, wheat, bean, cowpea, tomato and cabbage). However, in multiple-choice assays, no eggs were deposited on cowpea and cabbage. We found that maize, sorghum and wheat were most preferred for oviposition, whereas cowpea was least preferred. Wind tunnel assays confirmed these divergent oviposition preferences, with maize, sorghum and wheat odours being the most attractive. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis followed by random forest classification identified terpenes as the potential host-plant attractants. CONCLUSION: Our results improve our understanding of the chemical ecology of the fall armyworm and suggest that some of these host plants could offer potential for use in an intercropping strategy to manage S. frugiperda. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydrogen atom collisions with a semiconductor efficiently promote electrons to the conduction band.

The Born-Oppenheimer approximation is the keystone of modern computational chemistry and there is wide interest in understanding under what conditions it remains valid. Hydrogen atom scattering from insulator, semi-metal and metal surfaces has helped provide such information. The approximation is adequate for insulators and for metals it fails, but not severely. Here we present hydrogen atom scattering from a semiconductor surface: Ge(111)c(2 × 8). Experiments show bimodal energy-loss distributions revealing two channels. Molecular dynamics trajectories within the Born-Oppenheimer approximation reproduce one channel quantitatively. The second channel transfers much more energy and is absent in simulations. It grows with hydrogen atom incidence energy and exhibits an energy-loss onset equal to the Ge surface bandgap. This leads us to conclude that hydrogen atom collisions at the surface of a semiconductor are capable of promoting electrons from the valence to the conduction band with high efficiency. Our current understanding fails to explain these observations.

Host plant-related parasitism and host feeding activities of Diglyphus isaea (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza sativae, and Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae).

Host plant species can affect the behavior and attributes of parasitoids, such as host searching, oviposition, and offspring fitness. In this study, parasitism, host feeding, and sex ratios of Diglyphus isaea (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), Liriomyza sativae Blanchard, and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) larvae reared on Phaseolus vulgaris L., Pisum sativum L., Solanum lycopersicum L., and Vicia faba L. were determined. In no-choice tests, L. huidobrensis had the highest rate of parasitism when reared on P. vulgaris (46%), L. sativae when reared on V. faba (59%) and P. vulgaris (59%), and L. trifolii when reared on S. lycopersicum (68%). Host feeding in no-choice tests ranged between 2% and 36% and was highest on L. trifolii reared on V. faba. Results of choice tests showed a significant interaction effect for host plant and Liriomyza species on parasitism and host feeding. Within plant mixtures, L. sativae reared on P. vulgaris had the highest rate of parasitism (31%), followed by L. trifolii on S. lycopersicum (29%) and L. huidobrensis on V. faba (28%). Host feeding was highest on L. trifolii reared on S. lycopersicum (14%) and lowest on L. huidobrensis reared on P. sativum and S. lycopersicum (1%). In some instances, plant mixtures resulted in a higher proportion of females of D. isaea than single plant species. The highest proportion of females was obtained in plant mixtures on L. huidobrensis and L. trifolii on V. faba (71 and 72%, respectively). This study suggests that planting crop mixtures can potentially lead to higher proportions of females, thus improving parasitism and host feeding, depending on Liriomyza and host plant species.

Insights into the origin of the invasive populations of Trioza erytreae in Europe using microsatellite markers and mtDNA barcoding approaches.

The African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae is one of the major threats to citrus industry as the vector of the incurable disease known as huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. The psyllid invaded the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula 6 years ago. The invasion alarmed citrus growers in the Mediterranean basin, the largest citrus producing area in Europe, which is still free of HLB. Before our study, no research had been carried out on the genetic diversity of T. erytreae populations that have invaded the Iberian Peninsula and the archipelagos of the Macaronesia (Madeira and the Canary Islands). In this study, combining microsatellites markers and mtDNA barcoding analysis, we characterize the genetic diversity, structure and maternal relationship of these new invasive populations of T. erytreae and those from Africa. Our results suggest that the outbreaks of T. erytreae in the Iberian Peninsula may have derived from the Canary Islands. The populations of T. erytreae that invaded Macaronesia and the Iberian Peninsula are likely to have originated from southern Africa. We anticipate our results to be a starting point for tracking the spread of this invasive pest outside of Africa and to be important for optimizing contingency and eradication plans in newly invaded and free areas.

A survey of scale insects (Sternorryncha: Coccoidea) occurring on table grapes in South Africa.

Increasing international trade and tourism have led to an increase in the introduction of exotic pests that pose a considerable economic threat to the agro-ecosystems of importing countries. Scale insects (Sternorryncha: Coccoidea) may be contaminants of export consignments from the South African deciduous fruit industry to the European Union, Israel, United Kingdom and the United States, for example. Infestations of immature scale insects found on South African fruit destined for export have resulted in increasing rates of rejection of such consignments. To identify the risk posed by scale insect species listed as phytosanitary pests on table grapes to the abovementioned importing countries, a field survey was undertaken in 2004-2005 in vineyards throughout all grape-producing regions in South Africa. Coccoidea species found during the current field survey were Planococcus ficus (Signoret), Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), Coccus hesperidum L. and Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead). With the exception of Pl. ficus, which has only been collected from Vitis vinifera (Vitaceae) and Ficus carica (Moraceae) in South Africa, these species are polyphagous and have a wide host range. None of the scale insect species found to occur in vineyards in South Africa pose a phytosanitary risk to countries where fruit are exported except for Ferrisia malvastra (McDaniel) and N. viridis that have not been recorded in the USA. All scale insects previously found in vineyards in South Africa are listed and their phytosanitary status discussed. The results of the survey show that the risk of exporting scale insect pests of phytosanitary importance on table grapes from South Africa is limited.

Drought and heat waves associated with climate change affect performance of the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae.

The combined effect of drought and heat waves on insect-plant interactions is complex and not fully understood. Insects may indirectly benefit from water-deficit stress through increased plant nitrogen levels. Heat stress may have a direct negative effect, yet insect performance may be improved when day-time heat is followed by cooler night temperatures. We show that moderate water-deficit stress (25-30% pot capacity) and high day-night temperatures (30/20 °C) affected Macrosiphum euphorbiae on potato (Solanum tuberosum) differently than their interactions. Water stress lowered stomatal conductance, and both water and heat stress reduced leaf area. The effect of water stress on nymphal and adult survival depended on temperature. Water stress added to reduced nymphal survival at high but not current (25/15 °C) day-night temperatures. Adult survival at high temperatures was reduced only when combined with water stress. Water stress and high temperatures independently but not interactively reduced the number of daily offspring. Moderate water stress when combined with high temperatures had a negative bottom-up effect on aphid survival even though lower night temperatures aided in the recovery from direct heat stress. Our study illustrates the importance of combining multiple stressors to better understand their impact on insect-plant interactions in the context of climate change.

Sampling Methods for Leafhopper, Planthopper, and Psyllid Vectors.

To reduce the spread of phytoplasmas in a crop or in a certain geographic area, epidemiological studies are of crucial importance in determining which insect species transmit these pathogens. In this chapter, we describe methods of capturing the insect vectors of phytoplasmas and the criteria for choosing the method(s) according to the objective to be achieved.

Reversal of apixaban induced alterations in haemostasis by different coagulation factor concentrates in patients after hip or knee replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND: Apixaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) with a specific inhibition of activated factor X (FXa). In case of bleeding or need of urgent surgery a direct antidote is not yet available. Off-label application of non-specific haemostatic agents, such as prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) and recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa), has been reported to reverse the effects of apixaban in in vitro and animal studies. The aim of this study is to measure the reversal potential of PCC and rFVIIa in patients with prophylactic apixaban concentrations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Whole blood from patients under prophylactic therapy with apixaban was spiked with two doses of PCC or rFVIIa. Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®), prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT) were performed. RESULTS: Prolongations in PT and aPTT were corrected by the different concentrates with variable efficacies (PCC

Draft Genome Sequence of a "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris"-Related Strain (Aster Yellows, Subgroup 16SrI-B) from South Africa.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of a phytoplasma discovered in grapevine. The genome size is 600,116 nucleotides (nt), with 597 predicted open reading frames. It is most similar to a maize bushy stunt phytoplasma of group 16SrI-B (aster yellows). The possible presence of a 3,833-nt plasmid was also noted.

[Forensic nursing in Germany? Nurses' perceptions of domestic violence]. / "Forensic Nursing" in Deutschland? Wahrnehmungen von Pflegekräften zu häuslicher Gewalt.

More than one of three women has been a victim of domestic violence at least once. Victims would like to have a well-informed contact person within the healthcare system who knows about support programs. In many countries that is the responsibility of the healthcare system and is called Forensic Nursing. Therefore, it is interesting to know how nurses in Germany perceive domestic violence and under what circumstances they could imagine taking on tasks in the fields of documentation and nursing. The data for this qualitative study was collected via four focus groups consisting of 38 nurses--3 men and 35 women--with work experience in a hospital. Nurses seem to have difficulties in recognising domestic violence. Whether the subject of domestic violence is addressed explicitly depends on the relationship built up between the patient and the nurses. Nurses do not necessarily take further steps. They could imagine providing help by listening actively, providing information about support programs and providing consulting services. Only occasionally nurses agree to document the case to be used as forensic evidence. Another open issue is appropriate remuneration. It is necessary to integrate that subject systematically into basic and advanced training on different levels of qualification.

[Asbestosis and pleural plaques].

Asbestos was used in numerous products until its total ban in Denmark in 1988. The prevalence of asbestosis and pleural plaques does not yet appear to be falling. Unfortunately the statistics are unreliable due to errors in the Danish translation of the ICD-10 codes of the disease. In this review, clinical and radiologic diagnostic criteria of asbestosis and pleural plaques and recommendations for follow-up of patients are described. Typical changes on a high-resolution CT scan combined with relevant asbestos exposure is essential for the diagnosis. Asbestosis and pleural plaques are both notifiable in Denmark.

Distinct and overlapping roles of CXCR5 and CCR7 in B-1 cell homing and early immunity against bacterial pathogens.

CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)5 and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)7 are the major chemokine receptors required for B cell homing and microenvironmental localization during antigen-independent and -dependent B cell differentiation. Here, we show markedly decreased B-1 B cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity of CXCR5-/- and CXCR5-/-CCR7-/- double-deficient mice paralleled by reduced antigen-induced phosphorylcholine-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M responses after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of streptococcal antigen. CCR7-/- mice also revealed a partial reduction in peritoneal B-1 cell numbers combined with a reduced humoral response to i.p. injected bacterial antigen. However, opposite roles of CXCR5 and CCR7 were observed when the frequency of peritoneal B-2 cells was analyzed. CXCR5-/- mice almost completely lacked B-2 cells, whereas CCR7 deficiency engendered an increase in peritoneal B-2 cells. In addition, CCR7-/- mice had enhanced, splenic IgM+ plasma cell responses, whereas the extrafollicular B cell response of the CXCR5-/- mice was not significantly altered compared with wild-type controls. Thus, the two chemokine receptors exert divergent forces at multiple levels of the innate immune response. CXCR5 plays a dominant role in peritoneal B-1 B cell homing and body cavity immunity, but both chemokine receptors are needed for a proportional peritoneal B-2 cell homing and balanced development of an early splenic B cell response.

Abiotically-induced plant morphological changes and host-range expansion in quarantine evaluations of candidate weed biocontrol agents: the case study Conchyloctenia hybrida (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Plant morphological changes mediated by growth conditions are linked to changes in host preference of herbivores. Understanding how these morphological changes influence herbivore feeding is critical in the interpretation of results of host evaluation of candidate weed biocontrol agents in quarantine and improvement of the evaluation system. We determined the effect of plant growth conditions on leaf trichomes and host choice of Conchyloctenia hybrida Boheman, an insect adapted to the removal of trichomes before feeding. The study included four Solanum species: Solanum lichtensteinii Willdenow (natural host of C. hybrida), Solanum mauritianum Scopoli, Solanum melongena L., and Solanum tuberosum L.. Plants were grown in either full sun, shade, a glasshouse, or in a growth-chamber. Plants grown in full sun had a higher leaf trichome density than those in shade or controlled environments. S. mauritianum had the highest trichome density and thickness of trichome layer. In a multiple-choice test using excised leaves, feeding by C. hybrida was higher on Solanum plants grown in the controlled environment as compared with full sun. Trichome removal from leaf surfaces of plants grown in full sun, using adhesive tape, was effective for S. lichtensteinii, S. mauritianum, and S. melongena, but not S. tuberosum. Leaf consumption by C. hybrida increased significantly where manual trichome removal using adhesive tape was effective. Structurally, leaves of S. tuberosum have simple trichomes with basal cells sunken into the mesophyll tissue. When using forceps to remove trichomes of S. tuberosum, mesophyll and vascular tissue remained attached to the trichomes. Generally, the type, density, and mat-thickness of leaf trichomes determined feeding by C. hybrida, but varied with plant species and growth conditions.