Removing neonicotinoid seed treatments has negligible effects on refuge function and crop protection in transgenic maize targeting western corn rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

Nearly all maize seed sold in the United States includes a neonicotinoid seed treatment (NST), meant to protect seedlings against early-season insect pests. For key pests, including western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) (D.v.v), insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are expressed in plant tissues as alternatives to soil-applied insecticides. Insect resistance management (IRM) plans use non-Bt "refuges" to encourage survival of Bt-susceptible D.v.v., which maintains susceptible alleles in the population. In non-cotton producing regions, IRM guidelines require a minimum 5% blended refuge for maize expressing more than 1 trait targeting D.v.v. Prior work has shown that 5% blends yield insufficient proportions of refuge beetles to contribute reliably to IRM. Whether NSTs interfere with survivorship of refuge beetles is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether NSTs affect proportions of refuge beetles, and secondarily, to determine whether NSTs provide agronomic advantages over Bt seed alone. To reveal host plant type (i.e., Bt or refuge), we used a stable isotope (15N) to mark refuge plants in plots with 5% seed blends. To assess refuge performance between treatments, we compared proportions of beetles from respective natal hosts. In all site-years, NSTs showed inconsistent effects on proportions of refuge beetles. Treatment comparisons showed inconsistent agronomic benefits of NSTs when combined with Bt traits. Our results demonstrate that NSTs have a negligible impact on refuge performance and reinforces the assertion that 5% blends are serving little benefit for IRM. Plant stand and yield were not improved by NSTs.

Carnobacterium Species Capable of Growth at Pressures Ranging Over 5 Orders of Magnitude, from the Surface of Mars (103 Pa) to Deep Oceans (107 Pa) in the Solar System.

Several permanently cold solar system bodies are being investigated with regard to their potential habitability, including Mars and icy moons. In such locations, microbial life would have to cope with low temperatures and both high and low pressures, ranging from ∼102 to 103 Pa on the surface of Mars to upward of ∼108-109 Pa in the subsurface oceans of icy moons. The bacterial genus Carnobacterium consists of species that were previously shown to be capable of growth in the absence of oxygen at low temperatures and at either low pressure or high pressure, but to date the entire pressure range of the genus has not been explored. In the present study, we subjected 14 Carnobacterium strains representing 11 species to cultivation in a complex liquid medium under anaerobic conditions at 2°C and at a range of pressures spanning 5 orders of magnitude, from 103 to 107 Pa. Eleven of the 14 strains showed measurable growth rates at all pressures tested, representing the first demonstration of terrestrial life forms capable of growth under such a wide range of pressures. These findings expand the physical boundaries of the capabilities of life to occur in extreme extraterrestrial environments.

Transcriptomic responses of Serratia liquefaciens cells grown under simulated Martian conditions of low temperature, low pressure, and CO2-enriched anoxic atmosphere.

Results from previous experiments indicated that the Gram-negative α-proteobacterium Serratia liquefaciens strain ATCC 27592 was capable of growth under low temperature (0 °C), low pressure (0.7 kPa), and anoxic, CO2-dominated atmosphere-conditions intended to simulate the near-subsurface environment of Mars. To probe the response of its transcriptome to this extreme environment, S. liquefaciens ATCC 27592 was cultivated under 4 different environmental simulations: 0 °C, 0.7 kPa, CO2 atmosphere (Condition A); 0 °C, ~101.3 kPa, CO2 atmosphere (Condition B); 0 °C, ~101.3 kPa, ambient N2/O2 atmosphere (Condition C); and 30 °C, ~101.3 kPa, N2/O2 atmosphere (Condition D; ambient laboratory conditions). RNA-seq was performed on ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA isolated from triplicate cultures grown under Conditions A-D and the datasets generated were subjected to transcriptome analyses. The data from Conditions A, B, or C were compared to laboratory Condition D. Significantly differentially expressed transcripts were identified belonging to a number of KEGG pathway categories. Up-regulated genes under all Conditions A, B, and C included those encoding transporters (ABC and PTS transporters); genes involved in translation (ribosomes and their biogenesis, biosynthesis of both tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNAs); DNA repair and recombination; and non-coding RNAs. Genes down-regulated under all Conditions A, B, and C included: transporters (mostly ABC transporters); flagellar and motility proteins; genes involved in phenylalanine metabolism; transcription factors; and two-component systems. The results are discussed in the context of Mars astrobiology and planetary protection.

Total Lifestyle Coaching: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mind-Body and Nutrition Telephone Coaching Program for Obese Adults at a Community Health Center.

BACKGROUND: Stress and obesity are interrelated and common among low-income adults. Mind-body interventions have been shown to reduce psychological distress and have been incorporated into many weight loss interventions. However, few of these programs have incorporated a telephone coaching component. OBJECTIVE: We designed and piloted a novel weight loss telephone coaching intervention for this population and examined its effectiveness on weight loss and improvements in health behaviors in obese community health center patients. METHODS: This was a 6-month, single-arm, prospective, pre-post pilot study. The study took place at a community health center near Boston, Massachusetts. Participants were 27 overweight and obese community health center patients. The intervention consisted of one in-person intake with the registered dietitian, trained in mind-body approaches, and approximately 1 phone coaching session every 2 weeks for 6 consecutive months. Anthropometric data consisted of weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. Questionnaires consisted of the Perceived Stress Scale-10 item, the CIGNA Healthy Eating Survey, Section H: Behavioral Eating, a physical activity questionnaire, and a nutritional habits questionnaire. We used paired samples t tests to assess pre-post changes in weight, BMI, blood pressure, perceived stress, behavioral eating, and physical activity. We also conducted semistructured exit interviews to learn about participants' experiences in this program. RESULTS: There was a trend toward weight reduction (P < .1, Cohen's d = 0.33) and significant improvements in systolic blood pressure (P = .001, Cohen's d = 0.72), perceived stress (P = .001, Cohen's d = 0.75), and behavioral eating (P = .009, Cohen's d = 0.54). Improvements in weight were sustained 6 months after completion of the intervention. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a telephone nutrition health coaching intervention is feasible and may facilitate weight loss in obese community health center patients. Future randomized-controlled studies are warranted to better understand these improvements. CLINICALTRIALSGOV REGISTRATION: NCT03025217.

The effectiveness of a brief mind-body intervention for treating depression in community health center patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of a brief, 6-week, 1.5-hour mind-body intervention for depression (MBID) in patients being treated for depression in 2 community health centers. DESIGN: The MBID taught techniques such as meditation that elicit the relaxation response (RR) in combination with additional resiliency-enhancing components. Clinical outcomes of 24 depressed patients were measured pre-MBID, at completion of MBID, and 3 months post-MBID, using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D 10), Quality of Life Scale (QoL5), SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II). RESULTS: Significant post-treatment improvements were shown in depressive symptoms, spiritual growth, mental health, and quality of life, with a median CES-D 10 change from 17.5 (interquartile ratio [IQR] 13.3-22) to 12 (IQR 10-17.5; P<.001); a median HPLP-II Spiritual Growth subscale change from 2.0 (IQR 1.8-2.3) to 2.3 (IQR 2.0-3.0; P=.002) and a median HPLP-II Stress Management subscale change from 2.0 (IQR 1.8-2.4) to 2.4 (IQR 2.0-2.9; P=.027); significant improvement in median score on the QoL-5 from 53.3 (IQR 47.5-62.5) at baseline to 63.3 at endpoint (IQR 50-70; P=.008). Three-month follow-up data suggest that the improvement in outcomes were sustained 3 months after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a 6-week RR-based MBID is associated with an improvement in depression, spiritual growth, and mental health among depressed community health center patients.

The effectiveness of a community-based, mind-body group for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

CONTEXT: The prevalence of depression and other mental health conditions is on the rise, with an estimated 350 million people affected. Populations with lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk for mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. Community health centers (CHCs) often have wait lists for individual counseling. Group mind-body interventions (MBIs) that are based on the relaxation response (RR) are plausible options for treating mental health conditions at CHCs. OBJECTIVE: The study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-wk MBI developed at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine (BHI) for treatment of symptoms of depression and anxiety in a community-based population. DESIGN: The research team designed a retrospective, open-label study of 124 patients with symptoms of depression or anxiety enrolled in an MBI as a group. SETTING: The setting for the study was 2 CHCs at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, MA, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were adult patients at MGH with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. The program was billed as treatment related to behavioral health and accessible to people with all levels of education. INTERVENTION: The MBI for depression and/or anxiety in the current study teaches techniques that elicit a relaxation response (RR), in combination with additional resiliencyenhancing components. OUTCOME MEASURES: To examine effects of the program, self-report clinical measures were administered pre- and postintervention: (1) for depression, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D10); (2) for anxiety, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Subscale (STAI-State); and (3) for perceived stress, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). RESULTS: The intervention was associated with a significant decrease in depressive symptoms: 95% CI, -6.0 to -2.6 (P < .001); anxiety--95% CI -12.6 to -2.2 (P = .007); and perceived stress--95% CI -7.6 to -2.0 (P = .001). Approximately 52.4% of the participants completed at least 75% of the 8 sessions, with 5 sessions attended on average. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in this MBI was associated with an improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as decreases in perceived stress among CHC patients.

Parameter estimation methodology in a model of hydrophobic drug release from a polymer coating.

The TAXUS Express coronary artery stent delivers a sustained dose of a hydrophobic drug (paclitaxel) from a hydrophobic polymer coating (poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene), SIBS). It is known that particles of concentrated drug are dispersed throughout the polymer coating, however, the mechanism by which drug exits the polymer matrix is not fully characterized. In this work, mathematical models were applied to in vitro controlled release data obtained from 8.8, 25 and 35% loadings of drug in polymer. Models that accounted for release by different mechanisms were tested. It was observed that Fickian diffusion, dissolution and osmotic gradient models were capable of fitting the data equally well. It was also possible to fit the data with a variety of parameter combinations, even if the values of some parameters were unlikely. We use the example of Paclitaxel release from the SIBS matrix to discuss important considerations in fitting controlled release data with mechanistic models.

Application of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy to image the changes in a paclitaxel-poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) matrix pre- and post-drug elution.

Mapping the drug distribution in a polymeric film and following the subsequent changes that result during and after drug release is important to better understand the mechanism of drug release. This understanding leads to more efficiently designed tailor-made release profiles for drug-containing biomedical devices. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy was used for in situ imaging of local drug distribution in polymeric films, taking advantage of the three-dimensional (3D) resolution, high speed, high sensitivity, and noninvasiveness of the technology. Additionally, the morphological changes of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) films during paclitaxel release were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and drug release was quantitatively determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The time-dependent changes in the 3D distribution of paclitaxel in the polymer film were visualized using CARS microscopy. CARS images showed that the paclitaxel was uniformly distributed throughout the SIBS matrix. Changes in the paclitaxel distribution during release were monitored using depth intensity profiles and showed that, upon exposure of the paclitaxel-loaded film to a release medium, the quantitative CARS intensity of paclitaxel decreased. These results indicate that paclitaxel was dissolved and depleted from the SIBS film during in vitro drug elution, supporting the use of CARS microscopy as an effective nondestructive technique for chemical imaging of paclitaxel elution dynamics in polymer films.

The Taxus drug-eluting stent: a new paradigm in controlled drug delivery.

The advent of drug-eluting stents (DES) has provided the medical community with a technology that is transforming the treatment of coronary artery disease. As the newest treatment modality available to the interventional cardiologist, drug-eluting stents have not only significantly reduced the risk of restenosis, but they are also allowing the interventionalists to treat more complex lesions in patients that would otherwise require more invasive bypass surgery. Development of these drug-device combination products has presented considerable challenges to the device industry because it involves a multi-disciplinary approach that combines conventional device design and manufacturing with the principles of controlled local drug delivery. This review article provides an in-depth discussion of the key elements of drug-eluting stents, focusing on the TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stent as an example of this new class of product. Specific sections will review the drug and polymer matrix components, formulation development and evaluation, pre-clinical studies and clinical trial results.

Physical characterization of controlled release of paclitaxel from the TAXUS Express2 drug-eluting stent.

The polymer carrier technology in the TAXUS drug-eluting stent consists of a thermoplastic elastomer poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) with microphase-separated morphology resulting in optimal properties for a drug-delivery stent coating. Comprehensive physical characterization of the stent coatings and cast film formulations showed that paclitaxel (PTx) exists primarily as discrete nanoparticles embedded in the SIBS matrix. Thermal and chemical analysis did not show any evidence of solubility of PTx in SIBS or of any molecular miscibility between PTx and SIBS. Atomic force microscope data images revealed for the first time three-dimensional stent coating surfaces at high spatial resolutions in air and in situ under phosphate-buffered saline as drug was released. PTx release involves the initial dissolution of drug particles from the PTx/SIBS coating surface. Morphological examination of the stent coatings in vitro supported an early burst release in most formulations because of surface PTx followed by a sustained slower release of PTx from the bulk coating. The in vitro PTx release kinetics were dependent on the formulation and correlated to the drug-to-polymer ratio. Atomic force microscopy analysis confirmed this correlation and further supported the concept of a matrix-based drug-release coating.