Facultative endosymbionts modulate the aphid reproductive performance on wheat cultivars differing in contents of benzoxazinoids.

BACKGROUND: Facultative bacterial endosymbionts have the potential to influence the interactions between aphids, their natural enemies, and host plants. Among the facultative symbionts found in populations of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae in central Chile, the bacterium Regiella insecticola is the most prevalent. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether infected and cured aphid lineages exhibit differential responses to wheat cultivars containing varying levels of the benzoxazinoid DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one), which is a xenobiotic compound produced by plants. Specifically, we examined the reproductive performance responses of the most frequently encountered genotypes of Sitobion avenae when reared on wheat seedlings expressing low, medium, and high concentrations of DIMBOA. RESULTS: Our findings reveal that the intrinsic rate of population increase (rm ) in cured lineages of Sitobion avenae genotypes exhibits a biphasic pattern, characterized by the lowest rm and an extended time to first reproduction on wheat seedlings with medium levels of DIMBOA. In contrast, the aphid genotypes harbouring Regiella insecticola display idiosyncratic responses, with the two most prevalent genotypes demonstrating improved performance on seedlings featuring an intermediate content of DIMBOA compared to their cured counterparts. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first investigation into the mediating impact of facultative endosymbionts on aphid performance in plants exhibiting varying DIMBOA contents. These findings present exciting prospects for identifying novel targets for aphid control by manipulating the presence of aphid symbionts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of chemoreceptors in two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus.

Chemoreception through odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs) represents the functions of key proteins in the chemical ecology of insects. Recent studies have identified chemoreceptors in coleopterans, facilitating the evolutionary analysis of not only ORs but also IRs and GRs. Thus, Cerambycidae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae have received increased attention. However, knowledge of the chemoreceptors from Scarabaeidae is still limited, particularly for those that are sympatric. Considering the roles of chemoreceptors, this analysis could shed light on evolutionary processes in the context of sympatry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and compare the repertoires of ORs, GRs and IRs between two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus. Here, construction of the antennal transcriptomes of both scarab beetle species and analyses of their phylogeny, molecular evolution and relative expression were performed. Thus, 119 new candidate chemoreceptors were identified for the first time, including 17 transcripts for B. prasinus (1 GR, 3 IRs and 13 ORs) and 102 for H. elegans (22 GRs, 14 IRs and 66 ORs). Orthologs between the two scarab beetle species were found, revealing specific expansions as well as absence in some clades. Purifying selection appears to have occurred on H. elegans and B. prasinus ORs. Further efforts will be focused on target identification to characterize kairomone and/or pheromone receptors.

Positive Chemotaxis of the Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema australe (Panagrolaimorpha: Steinenematidae) towards High-Bush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Root Volatiles.

The foraging behavior of the infective juveniles (IJs) of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) relies on host-derived compounds, but in a tri-trophic context, herbivore-induced root volatiles act as signals enhancing the biological control of insect pests by recruiting EPNs. In southern Chile, the EPN Steinernema australe exhibits the potential to control the raspberry weevil, Aegorhinus superciliosus, a key pest of blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum. However, there is no information on the quality of the blueberry root volatile plume or the S. australe response to these chemicals as putative attractants. Here, we describe the root volatile profile of blueberries and the chemotaxis behavior of S. australe towards the volatiles identified from Vaccinium corymbosum roots, infested or uninfested with A. superciliosus larvae. Among others, we found linalool, α-terpineol, limonene, eucalyptol, 2-carene, 1-nonine, 10-undecyn-1-ol, and methyl salicylate in root volatiles and, depending on the level of the emissions, they were selected for bioassays. In the dose-response tests, S. australe was attracted to all five tested concentrations of methyl salicylate, 1-nonine, α-terpineol, and 2-carene, as well as to 100 µg mL-1 of 10-undecyn-1-ol, 0.1 and 100 µg mL-1 of linalool, and 100 µg mL-1 of limonene, whereas eucalyptol elicited no attraction or repellency. These results suggest that some volatiles released from damaged roots attract S. australe and may have implications for the biocontrol of subterranean pests.

[Oxytocin and vasopressin: sexual differences and clinical implications]. / Oxitocina y vasopresina: diferencias sexuales y sus implicaciones clínicas.

Oxytocin and vasopressin share a similar chemical structure but have different functions. Both hormones are produced in different brain areas, are transported through the hypophyseal portal system, pass to the anterior hypophysis, and released to reach their target organs. These hormones also act as neuromodulators, where its receptors are found in the lateral septum, the middle amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the brain stem. These brain structures regulate socio-sexual behaviors in vertebrates. Moreover, the oxytocinergic and the vasopressin systems are sexually different. The sexual steroids promote oxytocin release and the oxytocin receptor synthesis, as well as promoting or inhibiting vasopressin release and its receptor genetic transcription. Both neuropeptides are involved in social recognition, male-female pair bonding, aggression, and cognition. Furthermore, the disruption or malfunctioning of the oxytocin and vasopressin systems adds to the causes of some psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, autism, and borderline personality.

La oxitocina y la vasopresina son similares en estructura química, pero difieren en sus funciones. Ambas se producen en diversas áreas del cerebro, se transportan a través del sistema porta hipofisario a la hipófisis anterior y se distribuyen a sus órganos blanco actuando como hormonas. Estas fungen también como neurorreguladores, con receptores dispersos en el septum lateral, la amígdala central, el hipocampo, el hipotálamo y el tronco encefálico, estructuras asociadas a la conducta sociosexual en todos los vertebrados. Los sistemas vasopresinérgico y oxitocinérgico difieren entre los cerebros femenino y masculino. Aunado a esto, los esteroides sexuales intervienen en la expresión de los genes para oxitocina, la síntesis de sus receptores y su liberación. Además, promueven o inhiben la transcripción de los genes para vasopresina. Ambos neuropéptidos participan en el reconocimiento social, el vínculo de pareja, la cognición y la agresión. La disrupción de los sistemas de estos neuromoduladores se suma a las causas de algunos desórdenes psiquiátricos, como la depresión, la esquizofrenia, el autismo y la personalidad limítrofe. Esta revisión está enfocada a describir las diferencias entre géneros, tanto de la síntesis, como la distribución de los receptores y los efectos que generan la oxitocina y la vasopresina en la conducta para comprender la prevalencia, la sintomatología y la respuesta a los tratamientos a dichas patologías.

The effects of female-male friendships on male postcopulatory levels of oxytocin and vasopressin, and sperm parameters in Macacaarctoides.

Male and female stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides) form close relationships akin to human friendships. Oxytocin and vasopressin modulate these and other social relationships and reproductive behavior and physiology in various mammal species. Besides the behavioral effects of oxytocin, this hormone plays an essential role in the ejaculatory process, favoring sperm transport upward the female reproductive tract. Therefore, we investigated the influence of friendships on postcopulatory serum levels of oxytocin and vasopressin in the stump-tailed macaque (Macaca arctoides). In addition, we searched for a correlation between this kind of social relationship and sperm transport in the vagina during the periovulatory and luteal phases. Six female and six male adult macaques having different friendship indices served as experimental animals. Allocated in 57 mating pairs combinations, these animals were allowed to copulate once in the luteal and periovulatory phases. Blood samples were collected from each animal finishing copulation to measure oxytocin and vasopressin. Afterward, we profoundly sedated the females and collected three semen samples from the vagina every 10 min to perform spermatobioscopies. Males' post-copulation oxytocin values increased along with the friendship index, while vasopressin behaves oppositely. Sperm concentration and immotile and motile sperm decreased from one sample to another as male-female closeness increased. Finally, in the periovulatory phase, only in the first vaginal sample, sperm velocities significantly increased with friendship indices. Our results showed that in stump-tailed macaques, heterosexual friendships promote higher postcopulatory oxytocin concentrations and better physiological conditions to males, which probably enhance reproductive success.

Variant A of the Deformed Wings Virus Alters the Olfactory Sensitivity and the Expression of Odorant Binding Proteins on Antennas of Apis mellifera.

Insects have a highly sensitive sense of smell, allowing them to perform complex behaviors, such as foraging and peer recognition. Their sense of smell is based on the recognition of ligands and is mainly coordinated by odorant-binding proteins (OBPs). In Apis mellifera, behavior can be affected by different pathogens, including deformed wing virus (DWV) and its variants. In particular, it has been shown that variant A of DWV (DWV-A) is capable of altering the ultra-cellular structure associated with olfactory activity. In this study was evaluated olfactory sensitivity and the expression of OBP genes in honey bees inoculated with DWV-A. Electroantennographic analyses (EAG) were carried out to determine the olfactory sensitivity to the essential oils Eucalyptus globulus and Mentha piperita. The expression of nine antenna-specific OBP genes and DWV-A load in inoculated bees was also quantified by qPCR. We observed an inverse relationship between viral load and olfactory sensitivity and the expression of some OBP proteins. Thus, high viral loads reduced olfactory sensitivity to essential oils and the gene expression of the OBP2, OBP5, OBP11, and OBP12 proteins on the antennas of middle- and forager-age bees. These results suggest that DWV-A could have negative effects on the processes of aroma perception by worker bees, affecting their performance in tasks carried out in and outside the colony.

House fly (Musca domestica) larvae meal as an ingredient with high nutritional value: Microencapsulation and improvement of organoleptic characteristics.

Insects have potential to become food ingredients, but it is necessary to improve the sensory properties of insects to help them to be better accepted by the population. The purpose of this study was to produce and characterize house fly larval meal (FLM) converted to a micro-encapsulated powder to improve appearance and other organoleptic characteristics. FLM showed high protein (54%) and lipid (22%) content, with a microbiological activity compatible for food purposes. Moreover, the high content of essentials amino acids (lysine, cysteine and leucine) and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and palmitoleic) make FLM a valuable nutritional source. Spray drying was selected to encapsulate FLM (0.5-2% w/v) using maltodextrin (20% w/v) and alginate (0.5% w/v). Encapsulation improved the appearance of FLM, creating a white-beige, monodispersed micro-powder (9 µm in size). Micro-powder with 2% FLM is considered a good source of protein (5.1%). Microencapsulation also dramatically reduced the volatile emissions of FLM. In conclusion, novel FLM micro-powders were developed using a simple and scalable encapsulation technique. The micro-powder with 2% FLM is a good source of protein, has a pleasant appearance similar to vegetable meals and has improved odor compared to typical insect meals. Thus, insect-based food ingredients in micro-powders could become more accepted by the general population.

Potencial de los hongos anamorfos de Guatemala para la producción de α-amilasas utilizando como sustrato cascarilla de arroz / Guatemalan anamorphic fungi and their potential use in production of α-amylases using rice husk as a substrate

Los desechos agroindustriales se generan en grandes cantidades, y en la mayoría de los casos son depositados en vertederos lo cual constituye un problema ambiental. Estos residuos lignocelulósicos pueden utilizarse como materia prima o sustrato de crecimiento de hongos anamorfos, que a través de procesos de fermentación pueden producir biocombustibles, enzimas, vitaminas, antioxidantes, alimentos para animales, antibióticos y otros productos químicos. En este estudio se determinó la capacidad de producción de α-amilasas de 20 cepas nativas de hongos anamorfos del cepario de hongos del Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, de la USAC a través de fermentación en estado sólido, utilizando como sustrato cascarilla de arroz. La extracción de las enzimas se realizó por microfiltración y la actividad amilolítica fue medida por espectrofotometría. De las cepas evaluadas se encontró que las amilasas de Aspergillus sp. SL15319 mostraron la mayor actividad media (desviación estándar), tanto libres, 930.26 (1.56) UA/dl, como inmovilizadas, 900.34 (3.21) UA/dl, seguido por las de Beltrania rhombica, 905.02 (10.72) y 879.07 (3.87) UA/dl y Aspergillus sp. SL15119, 907.46 (5.17) y 875.95 (9.39) UA/dl (p < .05). La importancia de este estudio radica en dar a conocer el potencial de los hongos anamorfos nativos de Guatemala para el aprovechamiento de los residuos agroindustriales como materia prima para la producción de sustancias de utilidad para el ser humano, y en la reducción de la carga contaminante que se desecha al medio ambiente.

Agroindustrial wastes are generated in large quantities and in most cases deposited in landfills as waste. These lignocellulosic residues can be raw material or substrate for anamorphic fungi, which through fermentation processes can produce biofuels, enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants, animal feed, antibiotics and other chemical products. In this study, the α-amylase production capacity of 20 native strains of anamorphic fungi from the fungal strain collection of Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia, USAC was determined through solid state fermentation, using rice husk as a substrate. The extraction of the enzymes was carried out by microfiltration and the amylolytic activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Of the strains evaluated, it was found that the amylases of Aspergillus sp. SL15319 showed the highest mean activity (standard deviation), both free, 930.26 (1.56) UA/dl, and immobilized, 900.34 (3.21) UA/dl, followed by those of Beltrania rhombica, 905.02 (10.72) and 879.07 (3.87) UA/dl and Aspergillus sp. SL15119 907.46 (5.17) and 875.95 (9.39) UA/dl (p < .05). The importance of this study lies in making known the potential of native anamorphic fungi in Guatemala for the use of agro-industrial waste as a raw material for the production of substances of use to humans, and in reducing the pollutant load that is discharged into the environment.

Potential Food Availability Influences Social Interactions of Young Individuals in a Neotropical Primate (Alouatta palliata).

Deforestation is widely recognised as an agent of human disturbance that causes widespread destruction of species habitats and can result in animals occupying forest patches with limited food resources. When animals are forced to change habitats, they must also adjust their diet, activity budgets and social behaviour in response to facing new ecological and environmental conditions. Only a few studies have analysed the influence of habitat conditions on social interactions of immature howler monkeys. In this study, we examined the effects of variation in food availability on social interactions of young howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana). This was accomplished by observing infant and juvenile members of two groups inhabiting a continuous forest habitat (640 ha) and three groups living in different-sized forest fragments (4, 42 and 93 ha) for a 15-month non-consecutive period. We quantified the Potential Food Availability Index (PFAI) for each habitat type based on the basal area, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index and abundance of food tree species. We used 15-min focal animal sampling to record the occurrence and/or duration of affiliative and agonistic behaviours. In habitats with higher PFAI, we observed more social play and proximity in infants aged 4-7 months, grooming in infants aged 8-14 months and social play in juveniles. Conversely, juveniles' grooming rates and 0- to 3-month-old infants' proximity rates decreased as PFAI increased. Our results suggest that food resource variation influences young howler monkeys' social interactions. The reduction in social interactions due to low food availability may represent an energy-saving strategy to cope with limited resources in habitats disturbed by anthropogenic activities.

Producción de amilasas por cepas de hongos anamorfos aislados de la hojarasca de Quercus sp / Amylase production of strains of anamorphic fungi isolated from leaf litter of Quercus sp

Los hongos anamorfos son un grupo de microorganismos de gran importancia ya que producen una amplia variedad de sustancias como parte de su metabolismo secundario, así como diversas enzimas útiles en la degradación de diferentes sustratos. Algunas de estas enzimas son las amilasas, las cuales degradan el almidón a dextrina, maltosa o glucosa libre, por lo que tienen aplicación a nivel industrial en la fabricación de detergentes, en la producción de alimentos, así como en la elaboración de textiles. Por estas razones, en este estudio se evaluó el potencial de 40 cepas de hongos anamorfos aislados a partir de hojarasca de Quercus sp. del Astillero Municipal de Tecpán-Guatemala, Chimaltenango (N 14º 46' 48.81", O 91º 0' 27.42") y del Parque Ecológico Senderos de Alux, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, Sacatepéquez (N 14º 36' 43.41", O 90º 38' 15.92"), para la producción de amilasas a través del índice de actividad enzimática, evidenciado por la detección de un halo de degradación en agar almidón, así como por la medición de la actividad amilolítica de extractos enzimáticos. De las cepas evaluadas 37 (95 %) produjeron amilasas. Las actividades amilolíticas de las cepas nativas de hongos anamorfos coincidieron con las reportadas para especies de uso industrial. La cepa que presentó la mayor actividad amilolítica (625 (13.09) UA/dl) fue Virgaria nigra SL12517, la cual es similar a la reportada en la literatura para otros hongos utilizados en procesos industriales, lo que muestra un considerable potencial amilolítico en hongos anamorfos provenientes de la hojarasca de Quercus sp

Anamorphic fungi are a group of microorganisms of great importance because they produce a wide variety of substances as part of their secondary metabolism, as well as various enzymes useful in the degradation of different substrates. One of these enzymes are amylases, which degrade the starch to dextrin, maltose or free glucose. Therefore, having industrial applications for the manufacture of detergents, food, and textiles. In this study we evaluated the potential of 40 strains of anamorphic fungi isolated from Quercus sp. leaf litter collected in the Municipal Regional Park "Astillero Municipal de Tecpán" in Chimaltenango (N 14º 46' 48.81", O 91º 0' 27.42"), and the Ecological Park "Senderos de Alux" in San Lucas Sacatepéquez (N 14º 36' 43.41", O 90º 38' 15.92"). The production of amylases was evaluated through the index of enzymatic activity, which was evidenced by the detection of a degradation halo on starch agar, as well as by the measurement of the amylolytic activity of enzymatic extracts. Of the strains evaluated, 37 (95%) produced amylases. The amylolytic activities of the anamorphic fungi native strains correspond with those reported for species of industrial use. The strain that showed the highest amylolytic activity (625 (13.09) UA/dl) was Virgaria nigra SL12517, which is similar to that reported for other fungi used in industrial processes. This shows the amylolytic potential of anamorphic fungi of Quercus sp. leaf litter

Structural investigation of selective binding dynamics for the pheromone-binding protein 1 of the grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana.

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller), is a serious pest in vineyards in North and South America. Mating disruption techniques have been used to control and monitor L. botrana on the basis of its sexual communication. This needs a well-tuned olfactory system, in which it is believed that pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are key players that transport pheromones in the antennae of moths. In this study, the selectivity of a PBP, named as LbotPBP1, was tested by fluorescence binding assays against 11 sex pheromone components and 6 host plant volatiles. In addition, its binding mechanism was predicted on the basis of structural analyses by molecular docking and complex and steered molecular dynamics (SMD). Our results indicate that LbotPBP1 binds selectively to sex pheromone components over certain host plant volatiles, according to both in vitro and in silico tests. Thus, chain length (14 carbon atoms) and functional groups (i.e., alcohol and ester) appear to be key features for stable binding. Likewise, residues such as Phe12, Phe36, and Phe118 could participate in unspecific binding processes, whilst Ser9, Ser56, and Trp114 could participate in the specific recognition and stabilization of sex pheromones instead of host plant volatiles. Moreover, our SMD approach supported 11-dodecenyl acetate as the best ligand for LbotPBP1. Overall, the dynamics simulations, contact frequency analysis and SMD shed light on the binding mechanism of LbotPBP1 and could overcome the imprecision of molecular docking, supporting the in vitro binding assays. Finally, the role of LbotPBP1 in the chemical ecology of L. botrana is discussed.

Analysis of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana antennal transcriptome and expression of odorant-binding and chemosensory proteins.

The grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana, is considered a harmful pest for vineyards in Chile as well as in North America and Europe. Currently, monitoring and control methods of L. botrana are based on its main sex pheromone component, being effective for low population densities. In order to improve control methods, antennal olfactory proteins in moths, such as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) have been studied as promising targets for the discovery of new potent semiochemicals, which have not been reported for L. botrana. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the repertoire of proteins related to chemoreception in L. botrana by antennal transcriptome and analyze the relative expression of OBPs and CSPs in male and female antennae. Through next-generation sequencing of the antennal transcriptome by Ilumina HiSeq2500 we identified a total of 118 chemoreceptors, from which 61, 42 and 15 transcripts are related to ORs, ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs), respectively. Furthermore, RNA-Seq data revealed 35 transcripts for OBPs and 18 for chemosensory proteins (CSPs). Analysis by qRT-PCR showed 20 OBPs significantly expressed in female antennae, while 5 were more expressed in males. Similarly, most of the CSPs were significantly expressed in female than male antennae. All the olfactory-related sequences were compared with homologs and their phylogenetic relationships elucidated. Finally, our findings in relation to the improvement of L. botrana management are discussed.

Testosterone, the progesterone/estradiol ratio, and female ratings of masculine facial fluctuating asymmetry for a long-term relationship.

Idiosyncratic variation within the normal range of androgens levels in women account for significant variations in personality and behavior. We studied if testosterone introduces significant biases in women's perception of fluctuating symmetry of male faces suitability for a long-term relationship. Participants were 145 female college students asked to rate in a two-choice forced paradigm the attractiveness, suitability as a long-term partner, and economic success, fatherliness and fidelity of an asymmetric and a symmetric male face. Since our sample consists of random women interested in participating, whether for personal reasons or because they were paid to participate, we controlled for menstrual phase. All participants provided salivary samples to determine testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. When the P4/E2 was low and T low-to-normal, the symmetric face was rated as more attractive, and a desirable long-term partner, but these preferences changed to the opposite when P4/E2 was high. In high T women, neither face was rated as more attractive, independently from the P4/E2 ratio, but the asymmetric face was preferred as a long-term partner when conception risk was high, changing to prefer the symmetric face as the P4/E2 increased. The overall perception of male faces was that the symmetric face was more economical successful but a poor parent and highly unfaithful compared to the asymmetric face. A significant interaction between T and P4/E2 for ratings success of the asymmetric face suggests that high levels of feminine T might be related to inter-sexual competition when conception risk is high.

Actividad insecticida y reguladora del crecimiento de extractos de blachnum chillones (blechnaceae) y condolía microphylla cav. (rhamnaceae), sobre larvas de gallería melonada (L.) (lepidoptera: pyralidae) / Insecticidal activity and growth regulatory of blechnum chilense (blechnaceae) and condalia microphylla cav. (rhamnaceae) extracts, on larvae of galleria mellonella (linnaeus) (lepidoptera: pyralidae)

Galleria mellonella (L.) es una de las plagas más importantes para la apicultura, debido a que en su estado larval se alimentan de la cera, polen y miel almacenados en los panales de Apis mellifera (L.). El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la actividad insecticida y reguladora del crecimiento de extractos obtenidos a partir de hojas y tallos de Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett y Condalia microphylla Cav. sobre larvas (L2) de G. mellonella. Los extractos fueron obtenidos con solventes orgánicos de diferente polaridad. Los resultados obtenidos indican que, el extracto de B. chilense obtenido con acetato de etilo y el extracto de C. microphylla obtenido con acetona, tienen efecto insecticida efectivo sobre larvas de G. mellonella y a aplicado en dosis sub-letales afectan negativamente la ganancia de peso larvario. A su vez, el extracto obtenido de B. chilense presentó actividad reguladora del desarrollo larvario de G. mellonella, induciendo el estado de pupa en forma prematura.

Galleria mellonella (L.) is the most detrimental pest to beekeeping, due the larvae feeds on hive of Apis mellifera (L.) consuming the wax, pollen and honey. The aim of this study was to determine the insecticidal activity and growth regulatory activity of extracts obtained from leaves and stems of Blechnum chilense (Kaulf.) Mett and Condalia microphylla Cav. for larvae of G. mellonella. The extracts were obtained with organic solvents of different polarity. The results show that the extract of B. chilense obtained with ethyl acetate, and the extract of C. microphylla obtained with acetone have effective insecticidal activity on larvae of G. mellonella, when applied at sub-lethal doses affect adversely the larval weight gain. In turn, the extract obtained from B. chilense showed regulatory activity on larval development of G. mellonella, inducing pupal stage prematurely.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio, but Not Body Mass Index, Is Associated with Testosterone and Estradiol Concentrations in Young Women.

We studied if testosterone and estradiol concentrations are associated with specific female waist-to-hip ratios (WHRs) and body mass indices (BMIs). Participants were 187 young women from which waist, hips, weight, and height were measured. In addition, participants informed on which day of their menstrual cycle they were and provided a 6 mL saliva sample. Ninety-one of them were in the follicular phase and 96 in the luteal phase. Only in the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle we found a significant interaction between testosterone and estradiol affecting WHR (b ± s.e. = -0.000003 ± 0.000001; t 94 = -2.12, adjusted R (2) = -0.008, P = 0.03). Women with the highest levels of both hormones had the lowest WHRs, while women with low estradiol and high testosterone showed the highest WHRs. BMI significantly increased as testosterone increased in female in their nonfertile days.

Domestication in Murtilla (Ugni molinae) Reduced Defensive Flavonol Levels but Increased Resistance Against a Native Herbivorous Insect.

Plant domestication can have negative consequences for defensive traits against herbivores, potentially reducing the levels of chemical defenses in plants and consequently their resistance against herbivores. We characterized and quantified the defensive flavonols from multiple cultivated ecotypes with wild ancestors of murtilla, Ugni molinae Turcz, an endemic plant from Chile, at different times of the year, and examined their effects on a native insect herbivore, Chilesia rudis Butler (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). We hypothesized that domestication results in a decrease in flavonol levels in U. molinae plants, and that this negatively affected C. rudis performance and preference. Ethanolic extracts were made from leaves, stems, and fruit of murtilla plants for flavonol analysis. Flavonols identified were kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and quercetin 3-D-ß-glucoside, the last two being the most abundant. More interestingly, we showed differences in flavonol composition between wild and cultivated U. molinae that persisted for most of the year. Relative amounts of all four flavonols were higher in wild U. molinae leaves; however, no differences were found in the stem and fruit between wild and cultivated plants. In choice and no-choice assays, C. rudis larvae gained more mass on, and consumed more leaf material of, wild as compared with cultivated U. molinae plants. Moreover, when applied to leaves, larvae ate more leaf material with increasing concentrations of each flavonol compound. Our study demonstrates that domestication in U. molinae reduced the amount of flavonols in leaves as well as the performance and preference of C. rudis, indicating that these compounds stimulate feeding of C. rudis.

Characteristics of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ST258) clinical isolates from outbreaks in 2 Mexican medical centers.

The KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258 (ST258) is an important pathogen widely spread in nosocomial infections. In this study, we identified the KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae clinical isolates of 2 unrelated outbreaks that corresponded to pandemic strain ST258. The isolates showed high resistance to cephalosporins, carbapenems, quinolones, and colistin. The KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were compared to the previously studied KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from an outbreak in Mexico; they showed an unrelated pulsed-field gel electrophoresis fingerprinting pattern and a different plasmid profile. The KPC-2 carbapenemase gene was identified in two 230- and 270-kb non-conjugative plasmids; however, 1 isolate transferred the KPC-2 gene onto an 80-kb plasmid. These findings endorse the need of carrying out a continuous molecular epidemiological surveillance of carbapenem-resistant isolates in hospitals in Mexico.

Effect of photoperiod on characteristics of semen obtained by electroejaculation in stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides).

Some environmental variables determining seasonal reproduction in mammals are temperature, humidity, food availability, and photoperiod. Among these, photoperiod is considered the main regulator of primates' seasonal reproduction, thus the latitudinal distribution of primate populations is a key factor determining the appearance of seasonal reproduction. The present work presents supporting discrete seasonality in male stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides). We investigated whether semen quality and testosterone covaried with Mexico City's photoperiod and relative humidity by analyzing variations in the portions that form the ejaculate: the seminal liquid, the seminal coagulum, and the copulatory plug. Five male adult stump-tailed macaques were electroejaculated once a month, obtaining three semen samples per male, from August 2011 to July 2012 (except for December 2011) (n = 165). Our results showed that stump-tailed macaque sperm counts were significantly different between the portions of the ejaculate. The seminal coagulum contained the significantly largest number of spermatozoids, followed by the copulatory plug and the seminal fluid. Photoperiod and relative humidity had major influence on the sperm count in the seminal coagulum and the testosterone concentrations. Testosterone reached its highest values around the time when days and nights lasted the same hours, decreasing when days either grew longer or became shorter. Concerning relative humidity, sperm counts in the seminal coagulum were highly variable on dry days, but decreased as the relative humidity increased. We conclude that stump-tailed macaques have a discrete seasonality, occurring in spring and fall when macaques' reproductive condition and readiness for postcopulatory intrasexual competition increase.

Changes in Men's Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol Levels, and in Sexual Desire after Smelling Female Axillary and Vulvar Scents.

Several studies have shown that a woman's vaginal or axillary odors convey information on her attractivity. Yet, whether such scents induce psychoneuroendocrinological changes in perceivers is still controversial. We studied if smelling axillary and vulvar odors collected in the periovulatory and late luteal phases of young women modify salivary testosterone and cortisol levels, as well as sexual desire in men. Forty-five women and 115 men, all of them college students and unacquainted with each other, participated in the study. Female odors were collected on pads affixed to the axilla and on panty protectors both worn the entire night before experiments. Men provided five saliva samples, a basal one before the smelling procedure, and four more 15, 30, 60, and 75 min after exposure to odors. Immediately after smelling the odor source, men answered a questionnaire rating hedonic qualities of scents, and after providing the last saliva sample they answered questionnaire on sexual desire. We found that periovulatory axillary and vulvar odors increased testosterone and cortisol levels, with vulvar scents producing a more prolonged effect. Luteal axilla odors decreased testosterone and cortisol levels, while luteal vulva odors increased cortisol. Periovulatory axilla and vulva scents accounted for a general increase of interest in sex. These odors were also rated as more pleasant and familiar, while luteal vulvar odors were perceived as intense and unpleasant.

Aging-related reproductive decline in the male spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi).

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether male black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) undergo a reproductive decline as they age. The purpose of this work was investigating whether serum testosterone and semen quality decrease with age in these primates as occur in other species. METHODS: In this study, we assessed age variations in the concentration of serum testosterone, sperm counts, and motility in nine males. We took serum blood samples and semen samples by electroejaculation of anesthetized males throughout the fertile season. RESULTS: We found that testosterone levels and total sperm concentration, motile, progressive, fast linearly moving, medium linearly moving, slow linearly moving and immotile sperm significantly decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that a reproductive decline occurs in male spider monkeys because of a decrease in sperm counts. These results are similar to those of rhesus monkeys and men, despite the phylogenetic distance between New and Old World primates.