Single-cell dissection of the human motor and prefrontal cortices in ALS and FTLD.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) share many clinical, pathological, and genetic features, but a detailed understanding of their associated transcriptional alterations across vulnerable cortical cell types is lacking. Here, we report a high-resolution, comparative single-cell molecular atlas of the human primary motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and their transcriptional alterations in sporadic and familial ALS and FTLD. By integrating transcriptional and genetic information, we identify known and previously unidentified vulnerable populations in cortical layer 5 and show that ALS- and FTLD-implicated motor and spindle neurons possess a virtually indistinguishable molecular identity. We implicate potential disease mechanisms affecting these cell types as well as non-neuronal drivers of pathogenesis. Finally, we show that neuron loss in cortical layer 5 tracks more closely with transcriptional identity rather than cellular morphology and extends beyond previously reported vulnerable cell types.

A partnership between the lipid scramblase XK and the lipid transfer protein VPS13A at the plasma membrane.

Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) and McLeod syndrome are diseases with shared clinical manifestations caused by mutations in VPS13A and XK, respectively. Key features of these conditions are the degeneration of caudate neurons and the presence of abnormally shaped erythrocytes. XK belongs to a family of plasma membrane (PM) lipid scramblases whose action results in exposure of PtdSer at the cell surface. VPS13A is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-anchored lipid transfer protein with a putative role in the transport of lipids at contacts of the ER with other membranes. Recently VPS13A and XK were reported to interact by still unknown mechanisms. So far, however, there is no evidence for a colocalization of the two proteins at contacts of the ER with the PM, where XK resides, as VPS13A was shown to be localized at contacts between the ER and either mitochondria or lipid droplets. Here we show that VPS13A can also localize at ER-PM contacts via the binding of its PH domain to a cytosolic loop of XK, that such interaction is regulated by an intramolecular interaction within XK, and that both VPS13A and XK are highly expressed in the caudate neurons. Binding of the PH domain of VPS13A to XK is competitive with its binding to intracellular membranes that mediate other tethering functions of VPS13A. Our findings support a model according to which VPS13A-dependent lipid transfer between the ER and the PM is coupled to lipid scrambling within the PM. They raise the possibility that defective cell surface exposure of PtdSer may be responsible for neurodegeneration.

Cell Type-Specific Transcriptomics Reveals that Mutant Huntingtin Leads to Mitochondrial RNA Release and Neuronal Innate Immune Activation.

The mechanisms by which mutant huntingtin (mHTT) leads to neuronal cell death in Huntington's disease (HD) are not fully understood. To gain new molecular insights, we used single nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) and translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) to conduct transcriptomic analyses of caudate/putamen (striatal) cell type-specific gene expression changes in human HD and mouse models of HD. In striatal spiny projection neurons, the most vulnerable cell type in HD, we observe a release of mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA) (a potent mitochondrial-derived innate immunogen) and a concomitant upregulation of innate immune signaling in spiny projection neurons. Further, we observe that the released mtRNAs can directly bind to the innate immune sensor protein kinase R (PKR). We highlight the importance of studying cell type-specific gene expression dysregulation in HD pathogenesis and reveal that the activation of innate immune signaling in the most vulnerable HD neurons provides a novel framework to understand the basis of mHTT toxicity and raises new therapeutic opportunities.

Interleukin-6 deficiency exacerbates Huntington's disease model phenotypes.

Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG trinucleotide expansions in the huntingtin gene. Markers of both systemic and CNS immune activation and inflammation have been widely noted in HD and mouse models of HD. In particular, elevation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the earliest reported marker of immune activation in HD, and this elevation has been suggested to contribute to HD pathogenesis. To test the hypothesis that IL-6 deficiency would be protective against the effects of mutant huntingtin, we generated R6/2 HD model mice that lacked IL-6. Contrary to our prediction, IL-6 deficiency exacerbated HD-model associated behavioral phenotypes. Single nuclear RNA Sequencing (snRNA-seq) analysis of striatal cell types revealed that IL-6 deficiency led to the dysregulation of various genes associated with synaptic function, as well as the BDNF receptor Ntrk2. These data suggest that IL-6 deficiency exacerbates the effects of mutant huntingtin through dysregulation of genes of known relevance to HD pathobiology in striatal neurons, and further suggest that modulation of IL-6 to a level that promotes proper regulation of genes associated with synaptic function may hold promise as an HD therapeutic target.

Genome-wide In Vivo CNS Screening Identifies Genes that Modify CNS Neuronal Survival and mHTT Toxicity.

Unbiased in vivo genome-wide genetic screening is a powerful approach to elucidate new molecular mechanisms, but such screening has not been possible to perform in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Here, we report the results of the first genome-wide genetic screens in the CNS using both short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and CRISPR libraries. Our screens identify many classes of CNS neuronal essential genes and demonstrate that CNS neurons are particularly sensitive not only to perturbations to synaptic processes but also autophagy, proteostasis, mRNA processing, and mitochondrial function. These results reveal a molecular logic for the common implication of these pathways across multiple neurodegenerative diseases. To further identify disease-relevant genetic modifiers, we applied our screening approach to two mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD). Top mutant huntingtin toxicity modifier genes included several Nme genes and several genes involved in methylation-dependent chromatin silencing and dopamine signaling, results that reveal new HD therapeutic target pathways.

Predation by Engytatus varians (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and two Spodoptera species.

Predation by Engytatus varians (Distant) adults on different development stages of the prey species Bactericera cockerelli (Sulcer) (egg, second, and third nymphal instars), Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (egg, first, and second larval instars) was evaluated using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) leaflets or plants. These insects are the primary pest of several agriculturally important crops. The influence of E. varians age on the predation capacity was also analysed. Engytatus varians females consumed significantly more B. cockerelli eggs and nymphs than males. Additionally, female predators consumed significantly more second than third instar prey at two predator ages, while males consumed significantly more the second instar than third instar prey at all predator ages. In most of the cases, females also consumed significantly more S. exigua and S. frugiperda eggs than males; however, in terms of larvae consumption, this difference was observed only in some predator ages. Females consumed more the first than second instar S. exigua than males, whereas this behaviour was only observed in males when the predators were 15 and 17 days old. No significant differences were observed in the consumption of first and second instar of S. frugiperda for both sexes of the predators. Predator age did not cause any systematic effects on the predation rates of any prey species. Based on these results, we confirmed that E. varians has potential as a biological control agent for B. cockerelli and also for the Spodoptera species bioassayed.

Extraction of source functions of surface photovoltage transients at very short times.

The measurement of surface photovoltage (SPV) transients over 12 orders of magnitude in time was recently demonstrated [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 88, 053904 (2017)]. In dedicated experiments, however, a high-impedance buffer shall be placed outside the measurement chamber, which has consequences for SPV measurements at very short times. By varying the LCR circuit of a measurement configuration, applying a multi-parameter fit and simulating the corresponding SPV transients, we show, on the examples of highly doped silicon and a CdS thin film, that the source function of SPV transients can be reconstructed with a resolution time better than 1 ns.

Long-term clinical impact of permanent cardiac pacing after transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the CoreValve prosthesis: a single center experience.

Aims: To determine the impact of permanent cardiac pacing after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with the CoreValveTM prosthesis in terms of all-cause mortality and morbidity [rehospitalizations for heart failure (HF) or stroke] at the long-term follow-up. Methods and results: The prospective analysis comprised 259 patients (138 women, 53.3%, age 78 ± 6 years) treated by a CoreValveTM prosthesis from April 2008 to December 2015. Forty-two patients were excluded for analysis: 9 with pre-existing permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, 19 who required a PPM during the follow-up and 14 patients because of hospital mortality during or after the CoreValveTM prosthesis implantation procedure. The remaining 217 patients were divided in two groups: Group-1 included those patients who required a PPM immediately after TAVI, and Group-2 included those patients who did not require permanent cardiac pacing at the long-term follow-up. Patients received follow-up at 1-month, 6-months, 12-months, and yearly thereafter. A total of 39 patients required a PPM immediately after TAVI (15.0%), but 178 patients (68.7%) did not. The mean follow-up was 37 ± 27 months (range 3-99 months) in both groups. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of all-cause mortality (52.6% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.125; HR 1.22 [0.87-1.77, 95% CI]), or stroke (13.3% vs. 15.1% P = 0.842; HR 1.12 [0.37-3.32, 95% CI]). However, patients who underwent PPM implantation developed an increase in readmissions for HF (21.1% vs. 31.9%, P = 0.015; HR 1.82 [1.23-3.92, 95% CI]). Conclusion: Patients requiring a PPM after TAVI did not have an increase in mortality, or an increase in the likelihood of developing a stroke at a long-term follow-up. However, this subgroup of patients showed an increase in rehospitalization due to HF at medium- and long-term follow-up.

Genetic and Biological Characterization of Four Nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolates Collected in Mexico for the Control of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

This study describes four multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates recovered from infected larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on crops in two different geographical regions of Mexico. Molecular and biological characterization was compared with characterized S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) isolates from the United States (SeUS1 and SeUS2) and Spain (SeSP2). Restriction endonuclease analysis of viral DNA confirmed that all Mexican isolates were SeMNPV isolates, but molecular differences between the Mexican and the reference isolates were detected using PCR combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Amplification of the variable region V01 combined with RFLP distinguished the two Mexican isolates, SeSLP6 and SeSIN6. BglII digestions showed that the majority of the isolates contained submolar bands, indicating the presence of genetic heterogeneity. Amplification of the variable regions V04 and V05 distinguished between American and the Spanish isolates. Biological characterization was performed against two laboratory colonies of S. exigua, one from Mexico, and another from Switzerland. Insects from the Mexican colony were less susceptible to infection than insects from Se-Swiss colony. In the Se-Mex colony, SeSP2 was the most pathogenic isolate followed by SeSIN6, although their virulence was similar to most of the isolates tested. In Se-Swiss colony, similar LD50 values were observed for the five isolates, although the virulence was higher for the SeSLP6 isolate, which also had the highest OB (occlusion body) yield. We conclude that the Mexican isolates SeSIN6 and SeSLP6 possess insecticidal traits of value for the development of biopesticides for the control of populations of S. exigua.

Diseño y validación de instrumento para evaluar coordinación motriz en Primaria / Design and validation of a tool to assess motor coordination in Primary

La coordinación motriz es un proceso evolutivo complejo de adquisición progresiva. La edad óptima para la adquisición de esos procesos coordinativos es de 6 a 11 años (Educación Primaria). El objetivo del presente estudio es diseñar y validar un instrumento que permita evaluar el nivel de coordinación motriz del alumnado. Método: Los sujetos son alumnado de Primaria en centros públicos. Muestreo por conveniencia, con una muestra total de 2512 sujetos. Instrumento: Test cualitativo de observación y evaluación objetiva de la ejecución de la habilidad desarrollada en 7 tareas. Resultados: La Consistencia interna (Alfa de Cronbach 0.827), estabilidad temporal (coeficiente correlación: 0.99) y concordancia inter-observadores (coeficiente correlación: 0.95). La validez se comprobó mediante la opinión intuitiva de expertos, siendo la opinión mayoritariamente favorable. Conclusión: El test 3JS es un instrumento fiable, válido y eficaz para medir el desarrollo de la coordinación motriz en el alumnado de 6 a 12 años (AU)

Motor coordination is a complex evolutionary process which is gradually acquired. The optimum age for the achievement of these coordination processes is between 6 and 11 years old (Primary Education). The aim of this study is to design and validate a tool which will allow assessing the motor coordination level of the students. Method: Subjects and Sample. Students from Primary Education public schools. ‘Convenience’ sampling, with a total of 2512 subjects. Tool: Qualitative observation test and objective evaluation of the implementation of the abilities developed in 7 tasks. Results: Reliability: Internal Consistency (Cronbach Alpha 0.827), test-retest reliability (correlation coefficient; 0.99) and inter-observer agreement (correlation coefficient; 0.95). Validity has been verified by the experts’ intuitive perception, issuing a largely favourable opinion. Conclusion: The 3JS test is a reliable, valid and effective tool for measuring the motor coordination development in students between 6 and 12 years old (AU)

Prevalencia del dolor no oncológico en la consulta de rehabilitación / The prevalence of non-cancer pain in rehabilitation practice

Introducción. El dolor es el síntoma acompañante que provoca con mayor frecuencia una consulta médica. El dolor crónico es un tema de gran relevancia para los profesionales de la salud, el paciente y la sociedad. Objetivo. Valorar la prevalencia de dolor en las consultas del médico rehabilitador. Material y métodos. Estudio descriptivo prospectivo, observacional multicéntrico en 3 hospitales. Se valoraron pacientes con dolor entre el 1.1.2012 y el 28.2.2012. Se analizaron: variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas y características del dolor. Resultados. El estudio incluyó a 1.168 pacientes: 974 padecían algún tipo de dolor, de los cuales el 62,5% son mujeres; la mayoría de pacientes padecía dolor en las extremidades superiores (32,1%) y la mitad de los pacientes presentaron dolor crónico, siendo los >58 años los que con más frecuencia sufrían dolor crónico (p > 0,001). La intensidad del dolor en la escala VAS fue de 54,70 y de 6,16 en la NRS. El 70,7% recibían tratamiento analgésico. Un 64,1% no realizaba ninguna actividad física. Conclusiones. Los resultados de nuestro estudio demuestran una alta prevalencia de dolor en las consultas del médico rehabilitador. Se podría considerar nuestra especialidad como referente en el manejo y tratamiento del dolor (AU)

Introduction. Pain is the most common symptom prompting medical consultation. Chronic pain is a highly important issue for health professionals, patients and society. Objective. To assess the prevalence of pain in rehabilitation practice. Material and methods. This descriptive, prospective, multicenter study evaluated pain in patients in 3 hospitals between 1st January, 2012 and 28th February, 2012. We analyzed sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and pain features. Results. The study included 1168 patients; 974 had some kind of pain, of which 62.5% were women. Most patients had pain in the upper extremities (32.1%). Half the patients had chronic pain. Pain was most common in patients aged >58 years (P<.001). Pain intensity on the VAS scale was 54.70 mm and 6.18 on the NRS. A total of 70.7% were receiving analgesics and 64.1% performed no physical activity. Conclusions. The results of our study demonstrate a high prevalence of pain in rehabilitation consultation. Our speciality could be considered as pivotal in the management and treatment of pain (AU)

Niveles de ansiedad de médicos residentes / Anxiety levels in medical residents

Introducción: La residencia médica es un período de riesgo para el desarrollo de problemas de salud mental. Los estudios de ansiedad en residentesson contrastantes; sin embargo, se cree que los niveles de ansiedad son altos ya que los programas se desarrollan en hospitales nacionales que carecende recursos fsicos, materiales y humanos. El objetvo del presente estudio es determinar los niveles de ansiedad en médicos residentes en diferentesespecialidades empleando el cuestonario inventario de la ansiedad rasgo-estado (IDARE).Métodos: Se administró una encuesta electrónica para determinar el nivel de ansiedad en médicos residentes en diferentes especialidades del HospitalGeneral San Juan de Dios.Resultados: Se obtuvieron 132 encuestas para el análisis. La mayoría de los médicos encuestados son hombres (59%), solteros (83%) que no tenendependientes (79%), cursan residencia de cirugía o medicina interna (54%), trabajan más de 80 horas por semana (85%) y viajan menos de una horapara llegar al lugar de residencia (67%). El promedio del nivel de ansiedad-estado de los médicos residentes fue 46.94 puntos, mientras que el nivelpromedio de ansiedad-rasgo fue de 42.77 puntos. El 35% de los residentes poseen niveles de ansiedad medio y 59% altos en el momento de responderla encuesta; y el 56% posee niveles de ansiedad medio y 37% alto generalmente. No se encontró diferencia estadístcamente signifcatva en los nivelesde ansiedad en base a género, estado civil, tpo de residencia, dependientes y horas de tráfco. La única variable asociada con ansiedad fue la cantdadde horas de trabajo por semana.Conclusiones: La mayoría de los residentes encuestados poseen niveles de ansiedad medio-altos, la única variable asociada con niveles de ansiedadfue la cantdad de horas de trabajo por semana.

Background: Medical residency is a risky period for the development of mental health problems. Although anxiety studies in medical residents areinconclusive; we hypothesize anxiety levels in residents are high, since residency programs are developed in community hospitals that lack material andhuman resources. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of anxiety in medical residents of diferent specialtes using the State Trait-AnxietyInventary (STAI).Methods: An electronic poll with STAI was administered to medical residents of diferent specialtes of a tertary referral hospital.Results: We received 132 questonnaires for analysis. Most of the respondents are men (59%), single (83%), without dependents (79%), belong tosurgical or internal medicine residency (54%), work more than 80 hours per week (85%) and travel less than an hour to get to the hospital (67%). Theaverage level of state anxiety of the residents was 46.94 points, while the average level of trait anxiety was 42.77 points. Thirty fve percent of theresidents have medium anxiety levels and 59% high anxiety levels at the tme they answered the inventory; and 56% have medium anxiety levels and37% have high anxiety levels as a trait. We did not found a statstcal diference in anxiety levels based on gender, marital status, and type of residency,number of dependents or number of hours spent in trafc. The only variable that was associated with anxiety was the amount of work hours per week.Conclusions: Most of the residents have medium-high levels of anxiety; the only variable associated with anxiety levels was the amount of work hoursper week

FGF receptor genes and breast cancer susceptibility: results from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Genome-wide association studies have identified FGFR2 as a breast cancer susceptibility gene. Common variation in other fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors might also modify risk. We tested this hypothesis by studying genotyped single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and imputed SNPs in FGFR1, FGFR3, FGFR4 and FGFRL1 in the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. METHODS: Data were combined from 49 studies, including 53 835 cases and 50 156 controls, of which 89 050 (46 450 cases and 42 600 controls) were of European ancestry, 12 893 (6269 cases and 6624 controls) of Asian and 2048 (1116 cases and 932 controls) of African ancestry. Associations with risk of breast cancer, overall and by disease sub-type, were assessed using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS: Little evidence of association with breast cancer risk was observed for SNPs in the FGF receptor genes. The strongest evidence in European women was for rs743682 in FGFR3; the estimated per-allele odds ratio was 1.05 (95% confidence interval=1.02-1.09, P=0.0020), which is substantially lower than that observed for SNPs in FGFR2. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that common variants in the other FGF receptors are not associated with risk of breast cancer to the degree observed for FGFR2.

Fluoxetine combined with clorazepate dipotassium and behaviour modification for treatment of anxiety-related disorders in dogs.

The effectiveness of clorazepate dipotassium combined with fluoxetine and a behaviour modification programme for the treatment of anxiety disorders in dogs was investigated. Forty dogs with anxiety disorders were initially enrolled and 36 dogs completed the trial. Dogs were classified into two behavioural categories (anxious dogs with aggression and anxious dogs without aggression) according to their presenting complaints, and were also subdivided into males, females, juveniles and adults. The dog owners were provided with a behaviour modification plan for their dogs to be commenced in the first week of therapy. Clorazepate dipotassium was administered PO at 1.0 mg/kg every 24 h for 4 weeks, and fluoxetine was administered PO at 1.0 mg/kg every 24 h for 10 weeks. Therapy with both drugs was initiated simultaneously. Improvement was reported in 25/36 dogs. Significant differences in treatment effects were observed between anxious dogs with aggression and anxious dogs without aggression (P<0.05). Positive correlations between owner compliance with the treatment plan and reported improvement achieved during three periods of study were also noted.

Selección por conformación de reproductores de tilapia roja Oreochromis sp, mediante prueba de progenie / Election by conformation of broodstocks of red tilapia Oreochromis sp, by progeny testing

Objetivo. Contribuir con la caracterización estadística y genotípica (media, media del error estándar, varianza y heredabilidad) de la Longitud Total (LT) y Longitud Altura del Lomo (LAL), y plantear una estrategia de selección para mejorar la calidad de la semilla de reproductores de tilapia roja Oreochromis sp. Materiales y métodos. El proyecto se realizó en la Granja Experimental y de Producción Piscícola (PCJIC), a un Km del municipio de San Jerónimo, distante 61 Km al Occidente de Medellín (Antioquia). Se conformaron tres grupos de cruzamientos, cada uno en proporción de 3 hembras por 1 macho así: un cruce Hembras Blancas (HB) x Macho Rojo (MR) y dos cruces Hembras Blancas (HB) x Macho Blanco (MB). Las progenies fueron medidas a los 60 días post eclosión, teniendo en cuenta los supuestos estadísticos. Resultados. El ANOVA mostró que las progenies difieren significativamente (p<0.001) para ambas variables continuas. La LT fue mayor para la progenie del cruzamiento HBxMB sin reversión (8.04±1.04cm) y LAL fue mayor para la progenie HBxMR (2.33±0.44cm). La correlación pareada entre las variables fue altamente significativa (r≥0.79, p<0.001). Las heredabilidades fueron 0.59 (LT) y 0.64 (LAL). Los porcentajes de manchas en las progenies fueron HBxMR (34%) y HBxMB no revertida (66%). Conclusiones. La progenie del Grupo 1 HBxMR tuvo los reproductores para una mejor selección por conformación, por lo que se sugiere aumentar el número de animales con mayor LAL. También, considerar la menor cantidad de manchas oscuras y realizar un manejo de reproductores por grupos independientes para selección masal.

Objective. Contribute to the statistical and genotypic characterization (mean, standard error, variance and heritability) of the Total Length (LT) and Height (LAL), and suggest a selection strategy to improve seed quality in broodstock of red tilapia Oreochromis sp. Materials and methods. The project was conducted in the Experimental and Production Fish Farm (PCJIC), one Km from the town of San Jerónimo, 61 Km to the west of Medellín (Antioquia). Three mating groups were formed, each in proportion of 3 females and 1 male: a mating group of White Females (HB) x Red Male (MR) and two mating groups White Females (HB) x White Male (MB). The offspring were measured at 60 days post hatching, taking into account statistical assumptions. Results. The ANOVA showed that offspring differ significantly (p<0.001) for both continuous variables. The LT was greater for the offspring of HBxMB without reversion (8.04±1.04cm) and LAL was higher for the HBxMR offspring (2.33±0.44cm). The paired correlation between variables was highly significant (r≥0.79, p<0.001). Heritability were 0.59 (LT) and 0.64 (LAL). The dark spot percentages of the offspring were HBxMR (34%) and non-reversed HBxMB (66%). Conclusions. The progeny of Group 1 HBxHR had the better broodstocks for selection by conformation. It is suggested that the number of animals with greater LAL is increased. Additionally, it is important to consider the minor amount of dark spots in broodstock management by independent groups for mass selection.

Predictive algorithms for adjuvant therapy: TransATAC.

Estrogen receptor (ER) positive primary breast cancers have a wide range of clinical outcomes. Prediction of the likely course of the disease aids treatment decision-making. In the translational arm of the ATAC (anastrozole or tamoxifen alone or combined) trial (TransATAC) we have assessed individual and multiparameter biomarkers for their prediction of overall and distant recurrence. None of the biomarkers identified differential benefit for anastrozole versus tamoxifen. Each of ER, PgR, HER2 and Ki67 was associated with risk of recurrence. A combination of these to create a single predictor IHC4 was as informative as the 21-gene recurrence score (RS). Integration of each of these molecular profiles with classical clinicopathologic variables provided the most accurate prediction of outcome.

Lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on the development, survival and reproduction of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Methoxyfenozide on the Development, Survival and Reproduction of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8 percent and 26 percent in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12 percent for the LC10 and 60 percent for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.