Immunocompetence of Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) populations from different latitudes against Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae).

Gynaikothrips uzeli gall thrips are protected from insecticide exposure by their leaf gall habitat. A biocontrol strategy based on entomopathogenic fungi is an alternative approach for the control of G. uzeli. Higher temperatures can promote the reproduction and spread of pests; however, the impact of higher temperatures on biological control is unclear. We studied the immunocompetence of thrips from different latitudes and determined the effect of degree days on thrips immunity. We examined the potential impact of temperature on the biocontrol provided by entomopathogenic fungi. Beauveria bassiana pathogenicity against thrips increased with decreasing latitude, suggesting that immunity of thrips increased as latitude increased. The phenoloxidase activity of G. uzeli increased with increasing latitude but there was no significant change in hemocyte concentration. This indicated that the humoral immunity of thrips was significantly associated with degree days, and this was confirmed by transcriptome data. Transcriptome and RT-PCR results showed that the expression of key genes in eight toll pathways increased with increasing latitude. The relative expression of key genes in the Toll pathway of thrips and the activity of phenoloxidase decreased with increasing degree days that are characteristic of lower latitudes. These changes led to a decrease in humoral immunity. The immunity of G. uzeli against entomopathogenic fungi increased as degree days characteristic of lower latitudes decreased. Increased temperatures associated with lower latitude may therefore increase biocontrol efficacy. This study clarified immune level changes and molecular mechanisms of thrips under different degree days.

Specific and sensitive detection of the guava fruit anthracnose pathogen (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay.

Anthracnose of guava, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is a major factor limiting worldwide guava production. Timely and accurate detection of the pathogen is important in developing a disease management strategy. Herein, a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the specific and sensitive detection of C. gloeosporioides was developed using primers targeting the ß-tubulin 2 (TUB2) gene. The optimal reaction conditions were 64 °C for 60 min. The specificity of the method was tested against C. gloeosporioides isolates, Colletotrichum spp. isolates, and isolates of other genera. Positive results were obtained only in the presence of C. gloeosporioides, whereas no cross-reaction was observed for other species. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was 10 fg of genomic DNA in a 25 µL reaction. The LAMP assay successfully detected C. gloeosporioides in guava fruit collected in the field. The results indicate that the developed LAMP assay is a simple, cost-effective, rapid, highly sensitive, and specific tool for the diagnosis of guava anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides and could be useful for disease management.

Effects of flower thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on nutritional quality of banana (Zingiberales: Musaceae) buds.

The abundance of banana flower thrips (Thrips hawaiiensis Morgan) in a banana (Musa acuminata Colla "Williams" cultivar) plantation was investigated using yellow sticky traps (29.70 cm × 21.00 cm) in 2015. Banana flower thrips occurred throughout the year with monthly variation, and the maximum occurrence was observed in October and November during the bud burst (73.80 ± 6.32 adults/trap) and young fruit (70.06 ± 5.69 adults/trap) periods. The damage rates were as follows: interior flowers >3rd-layer flowers > 2nd-layer flowers > 1st-layer flowers > young fruits. This result indicates that thrips migrated to lower bracts, young fruits, and other flower buds as bracts gradually opened. Results also showed that the reducing sugar, vitamin C, protein and ash contents in thrips-damaged flowers were all significantly lower than those in undamaged flowers, while there was no significant difference between damaged and undamaged young banana fruit. Our results indicated that the abundances of banana flower thrips were closely associated with the growing stage of banana. Thrips mainly infested flower buds and caused a reduction in nutrients for the host plant, especially the reducing sugar and vitamin C contents, which reduced the nutritional quality of banana fruits and the quality of flower bud by-products of banana.

Imidacloprid Pesticide Regulates Gynaikothrips uzeli (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Host Choice Behavior and Immunity Against Lecanicillium lecanii (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae).

We attempted to develop an efficient management strategy against gall thrips (Gynaikothrips uzeli Zimmermann (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae)) via the combined application of a systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) and an entomopathogenic fungus (Lecanicillium lecanii Zimmerman (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)). The attraction of G. uzeli to Ficus microcarpa volatiles after imidacloprid treatment was weaker than for untreated plants, which could be due to modulation of volatile metabolite profiles by imidacloprid. The toxicity of L. lecanii against nymph and adult thrips was much higher for those that fed on plants treated with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of imidacloprid than for the controls. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity was significantly inhibited in treated G. uzeli, while hemocyte abundances were not different in treated and healthy individuals. Thus, imidacloprid impacted the PO-related humoral immunity of G. uzeli, but not their cellular immunity. Overall, F. microcarpa treated with imidacloprid at LC50 concentrations exhibited volatile profiles that decreased the attraction of G. uzeli and also indirectly increased the pathogenicity of L. lecanni by inhibiting the humoral immunity of gall thrips. The results reported here suggest that combined application of imidacloprid and L. lecanii could be used as a new integrated control strategy against gall thrips.

Comparing the effectiveness of laser vs. conventional endoforehead lifting.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of laser versus conventional endoforehead lifting. Over a period of 12 years (January 2000-January 2012), a total of 110 patients with hyperactive muscles over the frontal region have been collected for a retrospective study. The SurgiLase 150XJ CO2 laser system, in conjunction with the flexible FIBERLASE, was used. The endoscope was 4 mm in diameter with an angle of 30°. The primary efficacy measurement was the assessment of the final outcome for using laser vs. conventional methods. Both groups were observed at three weeks, six weeks and six months after surgery. The most common complication in early convalescence (three weeks) was swelling. This was followed by local paraesthesia, ecchymosis, localized hematomas and scar with alopecia. All these problems disappeared completely after the 6-month study period. Based on a chi-square analysis, there were clinically and statistically significant differences favouring the laser endoforehead surgery in the operative time, early and late complications. All patients achieved significant improvement after both laser and conventional endoforehead surgery in the final outcome. However, the early and late complications indicated a greater difference in the laser group.

Noninvasive imaging analysis of biological tissue associated with laser thermal injury.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study is to use a noninvasive tomographic imaging technique with high spatial resolution to characterize and monitor biological tissue responses associated with laser thermal injury. METHODS: Optical doppler tomography (ODT) combines laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain high resolution tomographic velocity and structural images of static and moving constituents in highly scattering biological tissues. A SurgiLase XJ150 carbon dioxide (CO2) laser using a continuous mode of 3 watts (W) was used to create first, second or third degree burns on anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Additional parameters for laser thermal injury were assessed as well. RESULTS: The rationale for using ODT in the evaluation of laser thermal injury offers a means of constructing a high resolution tomographic image of the structure and perfusion of laser damaged skin. In the velocity images, the blood flow is coded at 1300 µm/s and 0 velocity, 1000 µm/s and 0 velocity, 700 µm/s and 0 velocity adjacent to the first, second, and third degree injuries, respectively. CONCLUSION: ODT produces exceptional spatial resolution while having a non-invasive way of measurement, therefore, ODT is an accurate measuring method for high-resolution fluid flow velocity and structural images for biological tissue with laser thermal injury.

Surgical Timing and Fracture Type on the Outcome of Diplopia After Orbital Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Orbital fractures and the concomitant soft tissue injuries within the bony orbit result in well-recognized complications such as diplopia and enophthalmos. Guidelines for timing and indications for surgery for achieving an optimal outcome remain elusive. This study examined the effects of timing and fracture type on the outcome of orbital fracture repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on 255 patients treated for orbital fractures were retrospectively reviewed to determine the effects of the facial bones involved in the fractures, the types of orbital wall fracture, the timing of surgical repair, and diplopia evident before and after corrective surgery on surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The incidence of posttraumatic diplopia increased with the number of orbital wall fractures (P < 0.001). The rate of diplopia resolution after corrective surgery was slow in the first 3 months irrespective of the severity of orbital wall fracture. The diplopia resolution rate for type I orbital wall fractures was significantly higher than that for type II and type III fractures. Patients treated within 2 weeks of sustaining an orbital fracture exhibited a higher diplopia resolution rate than did patients treated 2 to 4 weeks and more than 4 weeks after sustaining the fracture (58% vs 38.1%). CONCLUSIONS: A higher number of orbital wall fractures are associated with a higher incidence of diplopia and a poorer long-term result. The timing of surgical repair influences the diplopia outcome. Performing corrective surgery for orbital fractures with diplopia after 2 weeks tends to result in a slower complete recovery rate.

Real-time photothermal imaging and response in pulsed dye laser treatment for port wine stain patients.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to assess the photothermal response of highly focused laser energy using infrared thermal imaging instrument to detect and assess the actual temperature distribution during flash lamp pumped pulsed dye laser (FLPPDL) treatment for port wine stain (PWS) patients and avoiding its complications. METHODS: A retrospective review of 40 patients with PWS birthmark treated with FLPPDL (l = 585 nm, tp = 1500 ms, 7 mm spot) was conducted over a 2-year period. Subjects' ages ranged between 28 and 46 years (mean 29 years); there were 24 females and 16 males. Twenty patients received non-cooling laser treatment (NC-LT) using light dosages of 5-12 J/cm 2 . Another 20 patients received cryogen spray cooling laser treatment (CSC-LT) using light dosages of 5-12 J/cm 2 . A real-time infrared thermal imaging and the thermal wave equation were used for assessment. The results of temperature distributions related to the energy change were analyzed. RESULTS: Proper temperature measurement using infrared thermal imaging instrument and thermal wave equation in non-cooled PWS patients showed that the energy density of pulsed dye laser (PDL) higher than 7 J/cm 2 can reach >44°C and result in burn injury. However, when energy densities beyond 10 J/cm 2 were administered, along with using CSC, thermal damage was could still be minimized without the risk of damage to the treated area. CONCLUSION: Using infrared thermal imaging instrument and thermal wave equation, we can predict the skin temperature distribution in FLPPDL for PWS patients during the treatment. In conjunction with CSC, the complications can be minimized.

Comparing the Effectiveness of 1064 vs. 810 nm Wavelength Endovascular Laser for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (Varicose Veins).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Endovenous Laser Photocoagulation (EVLP) at wavelengths of 1064 nm versus 810 nm for chronic venous insufficiency (varicose veins) in a large series of patients. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 108 patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated over a 8-year period. Subjects' ages ranged between 16 to 79 years; there were 83 females and 25 males, all of whom were Asian. Patients (n=54) received EVLP at wavelengths of 1064 nm (EVLP-1064 nm), Nd:YAG laser. Subsequent patients (n=54) received 810 nm (EVLP-810 nm), Diode laser. The primary efficacy measurement was the quantitative assessment of final outcome for 1064 nm versus 810 nm. Patients were monitored for adverse effects as well. RESULTS: Complications were observed at 3 weeks (early), 6 weeks (late) and 6 months after EVLP. In both groups, the commonest complication in early convalescence was swelling. This was followed by Local paraesthesia, pigmentation, superficial burns, superficial phlebitis, and localized hematomas. At 6 weeks postoperatively, local paraesthesia, persistent hyperpigmentation, and minimal scarring were presented. These problems all disappeared completely after the 6 months study period. Based on chi-squared analysis, there were clinical, and statistically significant differences in the severity score of final results favoring the EVLP-810 nm group. CONCLUSION: All patients achieved good or excellent improvement after EVLP-1064nm and EVLP-810nm. However, the difference of final outcome was significant, and indicates that improvement was greater in the Diode group. Further studies of different wavelengths and optimization of cryogen spray cooling (CSC) may lead to improved results in the eradication of varicose veins.