Reproductive response of the predator Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to temperatures outside their ideal thermal range.

Global warming has driven changes in the biology and fitness of organisms that need to adapt to temperatures outside of their optimal range to survive. This study investigated aspects of reproduction and survival of the lady beetle Tenuisvalvae notata (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) subjected to temperatures that varied from its optimal (28°C) to a gradual decrease (12, 14, 16, and 18°C) and increase (32, 34, 35, and 36°C) over time at a rate of 1°C/day. Fertility, fecundity, oviposition period, and survival were determined. There was a significant reduction in fertility and fecundity at temperatures below 18°C and above 34°C, whereas survival was reduced only above 34°C. Additionally, we evaluated that fecundity was the lowest when females were kept at low temperature, and when males were kept under high temperature. Therefore, if the T. notata remained for a long period under exposure to temperatures outside the ideal range, then the species could present different reproductive responses for each sex to high and low temperatures. This factor must be considered when releasing natural enemies into an area to understand the effect of temperature on the decline of a local population a few generations after release.

Secondary rectal linitis plastica caused by prostatic adenocarcinoma - magnetic resonance imaging findings and dissemination pathways: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Secondary rectal linitis plastica (RLP) from prostatic adenocarcinoma is a rare and poorly understood form of metastatic spread, characterized by a desmoplastic response and concentric rectal wall infiltration with mucosal preservation. This complicates endoscopic diagnosis and can mimic gastrointestinal malignancies. This case series underscores the critical role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in identifying the distinct imaging features of RLP and highlights the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of prostate cancer. CASE SUMMARY: Three patients with secondary RLP due to prostatic adenocarcinoma presented with varied clinical features. The first patient, a 76-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer, had rectal pain and incontinence. MRI showed diffuse prostatic invasion and significant rectal wall thickening with a characteristic "target sign" pattern. The second, a 57-year-old asymptomatic man with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels and a history of prostate cancer exhibited rectoprostatic angle involvement and rectal wall thickening on MRI, with positron emission tomography/computed tomography PSMA confirming the prostatic origin of the metastatic spread. The third patient, an 80-year-old post-radical prostatectomy, presented with refractory constipation. MRI revealed a neoplastic mass infiltrating the rectal wall. In all cases, MRI consistently showed stratified thickening, concentric signal changes, restricted diffusion, and contrast enhancement, which were essential for diagnosing secondary RLP. Biopsies confirmed the prostatic origin of the neoplastic involvement in the rectum. CONCLUSION: Recognizing MRI findings of secondary RLP is essential for accurate diagnosis and management in prostate cancer patients.

Water-Soluble Curcumin Derivatives Including Aza-Crown Ether Macrocycles as Enhancers of their Cytotoxic Activity.

The synthesis of three novel curcumin derivative compounds, featuring aza-crown ether macrocycles of various sizes (aza-12-crown-4, aza-15-crown-5, and aza-18-crown-6), is described. The incorporation of these aza-crown macrocycles significantly enhances their water solubility, positioning them as groundbreaking instances of curcumin derivatives that are fully soluble in aqueous environments. These curcumin ligands (L1, L2, and L3) were then reacted with zinc acetate to afford the coordination metal complexes (L1-Zn, L2-Zn, and L3-Zn). Comprehensive characterization of all compounds was achieved using various analytical techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (ESI+), elemental analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of both, ligands and complexes were evaluated on three human cancer cell lines (U-251, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1). Compared to conventional curcumin, these compounds demonstrated improved antiproliferative potential. Additionally, a wound healing assay was conducted to assess their antimigration properties. The obtained results suggest that these modifications to the curcumin structure represent a promising approach for developing therapeutic agents with enhanced cytotoxic properties.

Thevetia thevetioides Cardenolide and Related Cardiac Glycoside Profile in Mature and Immature Seeds by High-Resolution Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Quadrupole Time of Flight-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (Q-TOF MS/MS) Reveals Insights of the Cardenolide Biosynthetic Pathway.

Thevetia thevetioides is a species within the Apocynaceae family known for containing cardenolide-glycosides, commonly referred to as cardiac glycosides, which are characteristic of this genus. The seeds of the Thevetia species are frequently used as a model source for studying cardiac steroids, as these glycosides can be more readily extracted from the oil-rich seeds than from the plant's green tissues. In this work, the cardenolide profile of ripe and immature seeds was determined and compared to establish the main differences. Ripe seeds contain six related cardenolides and triosides, with thevetin B being the predominant component. In contrast, immature seeds exhibit a total of thirteen cardiac glycosides, including monoglycosides such as neriifolin and peruvosides A, B, and C, as well as diglycosides like thevebiosides A, B, and C. Some of these compounds have previously been identified as degradation products of more complex cardiac glycosides; however, their presence in immature seeds, as described in this study, suggests that they may serve as biosynthetic precursors to the triosides observed in mature seeds. The glycoside patterns observed via HPTLC are associated with specific chemical structures characteristic of this genus, typically featuring thevetose or acetyl-thevetose at the first position, followed by glucose or gentibiose in di- or trisaccharides, independent of the trioside aglycones identified: digitoxigenin, cannogenin, or yccotligenin. Ripe seeds predominantly contain triosides, including thevetin B, C, and A, the latter of which has not been previously reported.

Enhancing cognitive control of our decisions: Making the most of humor during the IGT in females and males.

We studied the impact of humor on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) decision-making performance and the cognitive control exerted during this task, considering sex as a moderator, and examined whether cognitive control mediated the influence of humor on decision-making. Sixty participants (30 females) performed an extended version of the IGT (500 trials divided into 20 blocks). We randomly assigned them to either an experimental group (Humor Group; Hg; n = 30), where humorous videos were interspersed in the decision-making trials or a control group (Non-Humor Group; NHg; n = 30), where nonhumorous videos were interspersed in the decision-making trials. We recorded participant performance and feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P3b event-related potentials (ERP) during IGT feedback as task monitoring and attention allocation indicators, respectively. We expected that whereas humor would improve IGT decision-making under risk in females during the last blocks (17-20) as well as cognitive control (specifically attention allocation and task monitoring) across the entire IGT, it would impair them in males. Contrary to our expectations, humor improved IGT decision-making under risk for both sexes (specifically at blocks 19 and 20) and attention allocation for most IGT blocks (P3b amplitudes). However, humor impaired IGT decision-making under ambiguity in males during the block six and task monitoring (FRN amplitudes) for most IGT blocks. Attention allocation did not mediate the beneficial effect of humor on decision-making under risk in either sex. Task monitoring decrements fully mediated the humor's detrimental influence on men's decision-making under ambiguity during block six.

Is Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) a blooming threat to citrus?

Examining the host range of emerging invasive insects is essential to assess their invasion potential and to anticipate the negative impacts of their spread. The ongoing North American invasion of spotted lanternfly (SLF) [Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845)] threatens agricultural, urban, and natural areas. The survival and development of SLF nymphs on Washington navel orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Sapindales: Rutaceae)] trees were assessed in a quarantine facility. Results indicated that SLF nymphs can develop to at least the third instar by feeding exclusively on Washington navel orange. This finding suggests that, at least up to the third stage of nymphal development, Washington navel orange might be a suitable host for SLF, highlighting the possibility that this invasive pest represents an unrecognized threat to this globally important crop and possibly to other Citrus species.

Radiological features of Joubert syndrome and clinical case presentation.

Joubert Syndrome, manifests in a spectrum of neurological symptoms. This case describes a 7-year-old girl with perinatal complications, and subsequent neurodevelopmental challenges. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis of Joubert syndrome, with the distinctive "molar tooth sign" being a key imaging characteristic. Approximately 25% of cases exhibit nephronophthisis, impacting kidney function, further complicating the clinical picture. Diagnosis relies on imaging and management necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, addressing symptoms and complications, with prognosis linked to the presence of organic disease. The case emphasizes the significance of a multidisciplinary strategy, including genetic counseling, and underscores the diverse manifestations of this syndrome. Prenatal identification through ultrasound and MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosing and treating this rare condition.

Detection of time of birth and cord clamping using thermal video in the delivery room.

Introduction: Newborn resuscitation algorithms emphasize that resuscitation is time-critical, and all algorithm steps are related to the time of birth. Infrared thermal video has the potential to capture events in the delivery room, such as birth, cord clamping, and resuscitative interventions, while upholding the privacy of patients and healthcare providers. Objectives: The objectives of this concept study were to (i) investigate the technical feasibility of using thermal video in the delivery room to detect birth and cord clamping, and (ii) evaluate the accuracy of manual real-time registrations of the time of birth and cord clamping by comparing it with the accuracy of registrations abstracted from thermal videos. Methods: An observational study with data collected at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from September 2022 to August 2023. The time of birth and cord clamping were manually registered on a portable tablet by healthcare providers. Thermal cameras were placed in the delivery rooms and operating theatre to capture births. Videos were retrospectively reviewed to determine the time of birth and cord clamping. Results: Participation consent was obtained from 306 mothers, of which 195 births occurred in delivery rooms or an operating theatre with a thermal camera installed. We excluded 12 videos in which no births occurred. Births were detectable in all 183 (100%) thermal videos evaluated. There was a median (quartiles) of 1.8 (0.7, 5.4) s deviation in the manual registrations of the times of births relative to those abstracted from thermal videos. Cord clamping was detectable in 173 of the 183 (95%) thermal videos, with a median of 18.3 (3.3, 108) s deviation in the manual registrations of the times of cord clampings relative to those abstracted from thermal videos. Conclusion: Recognizing the time of birth and cord clamping from thermal videos is technically feasible and provides a method for determining when resuscitative events occur.

MI-181 Modulates Cilia Length and Restores Cilia Length in Cells with Defective Shortened Cilia.

Primary cilia are membrane-covered microtubule-based structures that protrude from the cell surface and are critical for cell signaling and homeostasis during human development and adulthood. Dysregulation of cilia formation, length, and function can lead to a spectrum of human diseases and syndromes known as ciliopathies. Although some genetic and chemical screens have been performed to define important factors that modulate cilia biogenesis and length control, there are currently no clinical treatments that restore cilia length in patients. We report that the microtubule-targeting agent MI-181(mitotic inhibitor-181) is a potent modulator of cilia length and biogenesis. Treatment of retinal pigment epithelial-1 cells with MI-181 induced an increase in the average size of cilia and in the percent ciliated cells under nonstarved conditions. Importantly, MI-181 was effective at rescuing cilia length and ciliation defects in cells that had been treated with the intraflagellar transport inhibitor Ciliobrevin D or the O-GlcNAc transferase inhibitor OSMI-1. Most importantly, MI-181 induced an increase in cilia length and restored ciliation in cells with compromised shortened cilia at low nanomolar concentrations and did not show an inhibitory response at high concentrations. Therefore, MI-181 represents a lead molecule for developing drugs targeting ciliopathies characterized by shortened cilia.

Remodeling p38 signaling in muscle controls locomotor activity via IL-15.

Skeletal muscle has gained recognition as an endocrine organ releasing myokines upon contraction during physical exercise. These myokines exert both local and pleiotropic health benefits, underscoring the crucial role of muscle function in countering obesity and contributing to the overall positive effects of exercise on health. Here, we found that exercise activates muscle p38γ, increasing locomotor activity through the secretion of interleukin-15 (IL-15). IL-15 signals in the motor cortex, stimulating locomotor activity. This activation of muscle p38γ, leading to an increase locomotor activity, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of diabetes and liver steatosis, unveiling a vital muscle-brain communication pathway with profound clinical implications. The correlation between p38γ activation in human muscle during acute exercise and increased blood IL-15 levels highlights the potential therapeutic relevance of this pathway in treating obesity and metabolic diseases. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of exercise-induced myokine responses promoting physical activity.

Issues and considerations in perioperative management of robotic coronary bypass grafting.

Minimally invasive approaches to address coronary artery disease, such as robotic coronary bypass grafting, are emerging in surgery and have been shown to be beneficial with a reduction in morbidity. The perioperative management of this subset of patients is crucial to the success of the operation as there are several preoperative and postoperative issues and considerations that need to be addressed. A meticulous preoperative workup with an extensive history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging are instrumental to ensure a successful operation. Protocolized postoperative care is also essential to garnish the most benefit from this minimally invasive approach. All of these factors, in conjunction with a heart team approach and surgeon experience, are imperative for the successful outcome of robotic coronary artery revascularization.

Neonicotinoid Residues on Filter Paper Lack Insecticidal Activity.

Neonicotinoid insecticides are used against agricultural, forest, and urban insect pests. Evaluation of dry neonicotinoid residues on treated filter paper is a commonly used method to determine the toxicity of active ingredients towards target and non-target organisms. Dry residues of four neonicotinoids, acetamiprid, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, on filter paper did not cause significant levels of mortality in Hippodamia convergens (Guérin-Méneville) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Nezara viridula (L.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) when compared to paired untreated groups. Conversely, nearly 100% mortality was observed when test insects were exposed to dry neonicotinoid residues on leaf discs and glass plate surfaces. On the other hand, dry residues of the pyrethroid bifenthrin on filter paper, leaf disks, and glass plates killed significantly more test insects when compared to untreated groups. Additional bioassays tested the toxicity of acetamiprid and thiamethoxam by evaluating the toxicity of dry residues on (1) the upper and (2) lower surfaces of treated filter paper, (3) on a glass plate underneath treated filter paper, (4) on the upper surface of treated filter paper treated with insecticide and adjuvant, and (5) dried residues on a glass plate after dipping treated filter paper in water and letting the solvent dry on the inert test surface. The results indicated that neonicotinoid insecticides applied to filter paper were adsorbed. Toxic compounds possibly move in between and binding to paper fibers so that no toxic residues were left on treated surfaces. However, adsorbed insecticides were still biologically active when washed out of filter paper and dried on an inert glass surface. The results reported here clearly demonstrate that the toxicity of neonicotinoid insecticides should not be evaluated using filter paper as a test surface.

Correction: Effects of paternal arachidonic acid supplementation on offspring behavior and hypothalamus inflammation markers in the mouse.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300141.].

Computational 3D Models of Fe2+/3+-Aß1-42 Complexes Associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

The interaction between iron and amyloid-beta (Aß) peptides has received significant attention in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research due to its potential implications in developing this pathology. However, the coordination preferences of iron and Aß1-42 have not been thoroughly investigated or remain unknown. This study employs a computational protocol that combines homology modeling techniques with quantum mechanics (DTF-xTB) calculations to build and evaluate several 3D models of Fe2+/3+-Aß1-42. Our results reveal well-defined complexes for both the metal and peptide moieties, and we discuss the molecular interactions stabilizing these complexes by elucidating the coordinating environments and binding preferences. These proposed models offer valuable insights into the role of iron in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology.

Reliability and robustness of a novel preclinical torsional wave-based device for stiffness evaluation.

In this work, we present a novel preclinical device utilizing Torsional Wave Elastography (TWE). It comprises a rotational actuator element and a piezoceramic receiver ring circumferentially aligned. Both allow the transmission of shear waves that interact with the tissue before being received. Our main objective is to demonstrate and characterize the reliability, robustness, and accuracy of the device for characterizing the stiffness of elastic materials and soft tissues. Experimental tests are performed using two sets of tissue mimicking phantoms. The first set consists of calibrated CIRS gels with known stiffness value, while the second test uses non-calibrated manufactured phantoms. Our experimental observations show that the proposed device consistently and repeatably quantifies the stiffness of elastic materials with high accuracy. Furthermore, comparison with established techniques demonstrates a very high correlation (> 95%), supporting the potential medical application of this technology. The results obtained pave the way for a cross-sectional study aiming to investigate the correlation between gestational age and cervical elastic properties during pregnancy.

Insights from different reproductive gene knockdowns via RNA interference in the lady beetle Eriopis connexa: Establishing a new model for molecular studies on natural enemies.

Insect pest control can be achieved by the application of RNA interference (RNAi), a key molecular tool in functional genomics. Whereas most RNAi research has focused on insect pests, few studies have been performed on natural enemies. Validating the efficacy of RNAi in natural enemies is crucial for assessing its safety and enabling molecular research on these organisms. Here, we assessed the efficacy of RNAi in the ladybird beetle Eriopis connexa Germar (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), focusing on genes related to reproduction, such as vitellogenin (Vg) and its receptor (VgR). In the transcriptome of E. connexa, we found one VgR (EcVgR) and two Vg genes (EcVg1 and EcVg2). These genes have been validated by in silico analyses of functional domains and evolutionary relationships. Five-day-old females were injected with 500 ng/µL of a specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) (dsEcVg1, dsEcVg2, or dsEcVgR) for RNAi tests, while nonspecific dsRNA (dsGFP or dsAgCE8.1) was used as a control. Interestingly, dsEcVg2 was able to knockdown both Vg genes, while dsEcVg1 could silence only EcVg1. Additionally, the viability of the eggs was significantly reduced when both Vg genes were knocked down at the same time (after treatment with dsEcVg2 or "dsEcVg1+dsEcVg2"). Ultimately, malformed, nonviable eggs were produced when EcVgR was silenced. Interestingly, no dsRNA treatment had an impact on the quantity of eggs laid. Therefore, the feasibility of RNAi in E. connexa has been confirmed, suggesting that this coccinellid is an excellent Neotropical model for molecular research on natural enemies and for studying RNAi nontarget effects.

Synthesis of Para-Acetylated Functionalized Ni(II)-POCOP Pincer Complexes and Their Cytotoxicity Evaluation Against Human Cancer Cell Lines.

A series of three Ni(II)-POCOP complexes para-functionalized with an acetoxyl fragment were synthesized. All complexes (2 a-c) were fully characterized through standard analytical techniques. The molecular structure of complex 2 b was unambiguously determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing that the metal center is situated in a slightly distorted square-planar environment. Additionally, the acetoxy fragment at the para-position of the phenyl ring was found to be present. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of all complexes was assessed on six human cancer cell lines. Notably, complex 2 b exhibited selective activity against K-562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia) and MCF-7 (mammary adenocarcinoma) with IC50 values of 7.32±0.60 µM and 14.36±0.02 µM, respectively. Furthermore, this compound showed negligible activity on the healthy cell line COS-7, highlighting the potential therapeutic application of 2 b. The cytotoxic evaluations were further complemented with molecular docking calculations to explore the potential biological targets of complex 2 b, revealing interactions with cluster differentiation protein 1a (CD1 A, PDB: 1xz0) for K-562 and with the progesterone receptor for MCF-7.

The DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine blunts the response to a high-animal fat and protein diet in mice.

Increasing evidence hints that DNA hypermethylation may mediate the pathogenic response to cardiovascular risk factors. Here, we tested a corollary of that hypothesis, that is, that the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine (Dec) ameliorates the metabolic profile of mice fed a moderately high-animal fat and protein diet (HAFPD), a proxy of cardiovascular risk-associated Western-type diet. HAFPD-fed mice were exposed to Dec or vehicle for eight weeks (8W set, 4-32/group). To assess any memory of past exposure to Dec, we surveyed a second mice set treated as 8W but HAFPD-fed for further eight weeks without any Dec (16W set, 4-20/group). In 8W, Dec markedly reduced HAFPD-induced body weight gain in females, but marginally in males. Characterization of females revealed that Dec augmented skeletal muscle lipid content, while decreasing liver fat content and increasing plasma nonesterified fatty acids, adipose insulin resistance, and-although marginally-whole blood acylcarnitines, compared to HAFPD alone. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA copy number was higher in 8W mice exposed to HAFPD and Dec, or in 16W mice fed HAFPD only, relative to 8W mice fed HAFPD only, but Dec induced a transcriptional profile indicative of ameliorated mitochondrial function. Memory of past Dec exposure was tissue-specific and sensitive to both duration of exposure to HAFPD and age. In conclusion, Dec redirected HAFPD-induced lipid accumulation toward the skeletal muscle, likely due to augmented mitochondrial functionality and increased lipid demand. As caveat, Dec induced adipose insulin resistance. Our findings may help identifying strategies for prevention and treatment of lipid dysmetabolism.

Lack of p38 activation in T cells increases IL-35 and protects against obesity by promoting thermogenesis.

Obesity is characterized by low-grade inflammation, energy imbalance and impaired thermogenesis. The role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in inflammation-mediated maladaptive thermogenesis is not well established. Here, we find that the p38 pathway is a key regulator of T cell-mediated adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and browning. Mice with T cells specifically lacking the p38 activators MKK3/6 are protected against diet-induced obesity, leading to an improved metabolic profile, increased browning, and enhanced thermogenesis. We identify IL-35 as a driver of adipocyte thermogenic program through the ATF2/UCP1/FGF21 pathway. IL-35 limits CD8+ T cell infiltration and inflammation in AT. Interestingly, we find that IL-35 levels are reduced in visceral fat from obese patients. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that p38 controls the expression of IL-35 in human and mouse Treg cells through mTOR pathway activation. Our findings highlight p38 signaling as a molecular orchestrator of AT T cell accumulation and function.

Long-term suitability of an alternative host for rearing the sugarcane stalk borer parasitoid Tetrastichus howardi.

The continuous utilisation of an alternative host may influence parasitoid performance across successive generations due to conditioning in natal hosts. Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff) has successfully been reared using Tenebrio molitor L. pupae as a feasible alternative host. However, the extended rearing of T. howardi on this alternative host may impact the biological features of the parasitoids. Parasitoids were reared using T. molitor pupae for 30 consecutive generations. Quality criteria were assessed during the generations F5, F15, and F30, offering pupae of the target pest, Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.), and compared with the F0 generation (parasitoids reared in D. saccharalis pupae). Criteria included assessments of parasitism performance, host selection, and wing form variation in the parasitoid wasps. Additionally, we examined the fecundity of T. howardi females that emerged from both hosts, considering their age, egg loading before and after one oviposition, as well as parasitism of sugarcane stalk borer pupae. Rearing T. howardi using pupae of T. molitor did not affect its biological traits or preference for the target pest for 30 generations. After parasitism, the parasitoid left the host pupa inside the stalk, and one oviposition was enough to kill D. saccharalis pupae and obtain viable parasitoid progeny. Female sexual maturation and egg loading occurred 72 and 96 h after parasitoid emergence. Egg-loading recovery after parasitism did not happen within 24 h. T. howardi can be reared for up to 30 generations using alternative hosts without compromising its parasitism performance or egg loading.