Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi-host plant-herbivore mutualism: elucidating the mechanisms involved in the tripartite interactions.

Various techniques used by crop plants to evade insect pests and pathogen attacks have been documented. Among these, plant defense strategies induced by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi are arguably one of the most discussed. Endophytic fungi frequently colonize plants and inhabit their internal tissues for a portion of their lifespan without producing visible symptoms of the disease. This phenomenon is widespread and diverse in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and is present in almost all plant organs. Many fungi can obtain nutrients by infecting and killing insects, and this ability has been developed numerous times in different fungal lineages. These species mainly consist of those in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota), where the generalist insect pathogens, Beauveria sp. (Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium sp. (Clavicipitaceae) are two of the most studied endophytic entomopathogenic fungal genera. However, most fungi that kill insects do not survive in the tissues of living plants. The data published thus far show a high degree of variability and do not provide consistent explanations for the underlying mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. This implies that available knowledge regarding the colonization of plant tissues by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi, the effects of colonization on plant metabolism, and how this contributes to a decrease in herbivore and pathogens damage is limited. To adequately utilize fungal-based products as biological control agents, these products must be effective and the reduction of pests and infection must be consistent and similar to that of chemical insecticides after application. This article discusses this possibility and highlights the benefits and the specific techniques utilized by endophytically challenged plants in invading insect pests and disease pathogens.

Nanomaterials in Smart Packaging Applications: A Review.

Food wastage is a critical and world-wide issue resulting from an excess of food supply, poor food storage, poor marketing, and unstable markets. Since food quality depends on consumer standards, it becomes necessary to monitor the quality to ensure it meets those standards. Embedding sensors with active nanomaterials in food packaging enables customers to monitor the quality of their food in real-time. Though there are many different sensors that can monitor food quality and safety, pH sensors and time-temperature indicators (TTIs) are the most critical metrics in indicating quality. This review showcases some of the recent progress, their importance, preconditions, and the various future needs of pH sensors and TTIs in food packaging for smart sensors in food packaging applications. In discussing these topics, this review includes the materials used to make these sensors, which vary from polymers, metals, metal-oxides, carbon-based materials; and their modes of fabrication, ranging from thin or thick film deposition methods, solution-based chemistry, and electrodeposition. By discussing the use of these materials, novel fabrication process, and problems for the two sensors, this review offers solutions to a brighter future for the use of nanomaterials for pH indicator and TTIs in food packaging applications.

Biodegradable asparagine-graphene oxide free chlorine sensors fabricated using solution-based processing.

Chlorine is used as a powerful disinfectant in several water-related industries and in the food industry to remove bacteria and other harmful contaminants. In this paper, we present a solution-based fabrication process for biodegradable free chlorine sensors using asparagine that is functionalized onto graphene oxide (GO). An ink solution of asparagine, NaOH, and GO was mixed at room temperature for 24 h before being centrifuged and washed with deionized (DI) water and ethanol, then stored in a solution of equal parts DI water and ethanol. The formulated ink was drop-casted onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), spin-coated to achieve a uniform film, and then dried. The sensor showed high sensitivity of 0.30 µA ppm-1 in a linear range of 0 to 8 ppm with a hysteresis-limited resolution of 0.2 ppm, very high selectivity in the presence of commonly interfering ions, and an operating voltage well below the reduction potential of dissolved oxygen. The sensor response time to achieve a steady state was 50 s, and it showed little change in its drift response over 16 h and over a temperature range of 10 to 45 °C.

Comprehensive Detoxification Mechanism Assessment of Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) against Indoxacarb.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is one of the deadliest invasive ant species that threatens the world by disrupting biodiversity, important functions within a natural ecosystem, and community structure. They are responsible for huge economic losses in the infested countries every year. Synthetic insecticides, especially indoxacarb, have been broadly used to control S. invicta for many years. However, the biochemical response of S. invicta to indoxacarb remains largely undiscovered. Here, we used the sublethal doses of indoxacarb on the S. invicta collected from the eight different cities of Southern China. The alteration in the transcriptome profile of S. invicta following sublethal dosages of indoxacarb was characterized using high-throughput RNA-seq technology. We created 2 libraries, with 50.93 million and 47.44 million clean reads for indoxacarb treatment and control, respectively. A total of 2018 unigenes were regulated after insecticide treatment. Results indicated that a total of 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the indoxacarb-treated group, of which 100 were significantly upregulated and 58 were downregulated, mostly belonging to the detoxification enzymes, such as AChE, CarE, and GSTs. Furthermore, results showed that most of these DEGs were found in several KEGG pathways, including steroid biosynthesis, other drug metabolizing enzymes, glycerolipid metabolism, chemical carcinogenesis, drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450, glutathione metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and metabolism of xenobiotics. Together, these findings indicated that indoxacarb causes significant alteration in the transcriptome profile and signaling pathways of S. invicta, providing a foundation for further molecular inquiry.

Development and validation of a psychometric scale to assess attitude towards safe abortions in Pakistan.

Despite severe health and economic consequences that women face because of the negative attitude of healthcare providers towards safe abortion and post-abortion care (SA/PAC), no psychometric tool has yet been validated for assessing the attitude towards SA/PAC. Only a handful of studies have attempted to assess healthcare providers' attitude towards safe abortions in Pakistan. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a psychometric scale to assess attitude towards safe abortions in Pakistan. The study collected data from 106 workers of an NGO that provides SA/PAC through an online and anonymous survey using the organisation's network. The study used factor analytic techniques and structural equation modelling to validate the factor structure and a final hierarchical model. A final scale of seven items relating to attitude towards elective abortions and moral attitude towards safe abortions was validated. The scales were highly reliable with both factors having reliability indicators greater than 0.7. The scale can be easily implemented to assess providers' attitude towards safe abortions. This will allow programmers to screen healthcare providers with a negative attitude, and evaluate the efficacy of their Value Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) programmes that are aimed at transforming providers' attitude towards safe abortions.

A study protocol for an mHealth, multi-centre randomized control trial to promote use of postpartum contraception amongst rural women in Punjab, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Provision of family planning services during the immediate post-partum phase is considered effective and cost-efficient for promoting healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies. This research aims to test the effectiveness of mobile phone-based interventions in promoting use of postpartum contraception. Moreover, it will also test the non-inferiority of text and voice messages compared to interactive phone-based counselling. METHODS: A three-arm, 10-month, multicentre, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at 15 social franchise (SF) health facilities in Punjab province of Pakistan. Pregnant women aged 15-44 years who are in their first or second trimester and have a mobile phone for their own use will be eligible to participate in this study. The participants will be randomly allocated to one of three study arms: a) voice and text messages; b) interactive telephone-based counselling; or c) control arm (no additional phone-based support). The intervention counselling module will be developed based on the Integrated Behaviour Model which was recently adapted, and tested for the family planning context in Pakistan. It will broadly cover birth-preparedness, importance of birth spacing, and postnatal care. The phone-based intervention aims to improve women's ability to use contraception by providing them with information about a range of methods, access to family planning methods through outlets such as Suraj SF providers, connecting them with MSS field health educators to help them reach the centres, motivation by re-enforcing the benefits of contraceptive use on women's quality of life, and dispelling myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptive methods. Risk differences will be used as the measure of effect of the intervention on the outcomes. DISCUSSION: The study findings will highlight effectiveness of mobile phone in raising awareness of maternal health and contraception, which in turn, is expected to be translated into increased proportion of: at least four antenatal visits, skilled birth or institutional delivery, postpartum contraceptive use, postnatal check-up, child immunization, and breastfeeding. Moreover, if the text and voice messages approach is proven to be non-inferior to interactive calls, it will provide evidence to making promotion of healthcare less resource intensive, and thereby contribute in improving the efficiency of the healthcare system. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered with the Clinical Trials registry ( NCT03612518 ) on August 2nd, 2018.

Neuromodulation in multiple sclerosis.

Neuromodulation, or the utilization of advanced technology for targeted electrical or chemical neuronal stimulation or inhibition, has been expanding in several neurological subspecialties. In the past decades, immune-modulating therapy has been the main focus of multiple sclerosis (MS) research with little attention to neuromodulation. However, with the recent advances in disease-modifying therapies, it is time to shift the focus of MS research to neuromodulation and restoration of function as with other neurological subspecialties. Preliminary research supports the value of intrathecal baclofen pump and functional electrical stimulation in improving spasticity and motor function in MS patients. Deep brain stimulation can improve MS-related tremor and trigeminal neuralgia. Spinal cord stimulation has been shown to be effective against MS-related pain and bladder dysfunction. Bladder overactivity also responds to sacral neuromodulation and posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Despite limited data in MS, transcranial magnetic stimulation and brain-computer interface are promising neuromodulatory techniques for symptom mitigation and neurorehabilitation of MS patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the available neuromodulatory techniques and the evidence for their use in MS.

The selfie sign in the diagnosis of functional tremor.

Functional tremor (FT) is the most common phenotype of functional movement disorders (FMD). Its diagnosis can often be challenging. While positive signs such as tremor variability, distractibility, and entrainment support a diagnosis of FT, these diagnostic clues may not always be present and can be challenging to assess. In this case series, we identify another examination technique which could be of value when assessing FT. In our Movement Disorders clinic, charts were retrospectively reviewed for relevant clinical information. Video examinations were conducted. Obtained videos were either synchronous, via the use of screen recording software during telehealth visits or asynchronous, from self-recorded home videos. In both settings, patients were instructed to self-record their tremor using their phone cameras. Three patients with FT or comorbid FT were identified as demonstrating a unique examination sign. Videos showed an improvement or suppression of the tremor when the phone was held by the affected hand. When compared to a patient with tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease serving as a control, this "selfie sign" was not observed. These observations are preliminary and larger studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the selfie sign in diagnosing FT. Patient-recorded videos of their tremor can be a convenient and practical way of evaluating suspected FT, especially when paroxysmal or variable symptoms limit the usefulness of classic signs often assessed in the clinic.

Impact of cement waste on soil fertility and crop productivity: a serious concern for food security.

The rapid expansion of urbanization and construction activities has led to a significant increase in cement production worldwide, resulting in a surge in cement waste generation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the repercussions of cement waste on soil fertility and crop productivity, emphasizing its critical implications for global food security. Through a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing field surveys, laboratory experiments, and statistical modeling, we assess the physicochemical alterations induced by cement waste in agricultural soils. Our findings reveal substantial declines in crucial soil parameters, including pH levels, organic matter content, and nutrient availability, which directly translate into diminished crop yields. Furthermore, the study identifies key mechanisms underlying these detrimental effects, including altered microbial communities and disrupted nutrient cycling processes. In addition, the findings underscore the severity of the issue, revealing substantial declines in soil fertility and crop yields in areas affected by cement waste contamination. Additionally, we discuss potential mitigation strategies and policy interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of cement waste on agricultural systems. By quantifying the extent of soil degradation and crop yield reduction attributed to cement waste, this research underscores the urgency for sustainable waste management practices and highlights the need for policy interventions to safeguard agricultural productivity and ensure global food security in the face of escalating urbanization and construction activities.

Potential of melatonin and Trichoderma harzianum inoculation in ameliorating salt toxicity in watermelon: Insights into antioxidant system, leaf ultrastructure, and gene regulation.

Melatonin (MT) is an extensively studied biomolecule with dual functions, serving as an antioxidant and a signaling molecule. Trichoderma Harzianum (TH) is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent against many plant pathogens. However, the interplay between seed priming and MT (150 µm) in response to NaCl (100 mM) and its interaction with TH have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of MT and TH, alone and in combination, to mitigate salt stress (SS) in watermelon plants. The findings of this study revealed a significant decline in the morphological, physiological, and biochemical indices of watermelon seedlings exposed to SS. However, MT and TH treatments reduced the negative impact of salt stress. The combined application of MT and TH exerted a remarkable positive effect by increasing the growth, photosynthetic and gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence indices, and ion balance (decreasing Na+ and enhancing K+). MT and TH effectively alleviated oxidative injury by inhibiting hydrogen peroxide formation in saline and non-saline environments, as established by reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, oxidative injury induced by SS on the cells was significantly mitigated by regulation of the antioxidant system, AsA-GSH-related enzymes, the glyoxalase system, augmentation of osmolytes, and activation of several genes involved in the defense system. Additionally, the reduction in oxidative damage was examined by chloroplast integrity via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, the results of this study provide a promising contribution of MT and TH in safeguarding the watermelon crop from oxidative damage induced by salt stress.

Recent insights into pesticide resistance mechanisms in Plutella xylostella and possible management strategies.

Insects are incredibly successful and diverse organisms, but they also pose a significant threat to agricultural crops, causing potential losses of up to US$470 billion. Among these pests, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), a devastating insect that attacks cruciferous vegetables, alone results in monetary losses of around US$4-5 billion worldwide. While insecticides have effectively protected plants under field conditions, their use comes with various environmental and mammalian hazards. Additionally, insects are developing resistance to commonly used insecticides, rendering management strategies less effective. Arthropods employ a range of behavioral and biochemical mechanisms to cope with harmful chemicals, which contribute to the development of resistance. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing the issue of resistance. It is imperative to integrate strategies that can delay the development of resistance and enhance the efficiency of insecticides. Therefore, we present an overview of insecticide resistance in insects, focusing on P. xylostella, to provide insights into the current resistance status of this pest and propose tactics that can improve the effectiveness of insecticides.

Adverse multigeneration combined impacts of micro(nano)plastics and emerging pollutants in the aquatic environment.

Microplastics (1 µm - 5 mm) and nanoplastics (1-100 nm), commonly referred to as micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), are widespread in both freshwater and marine habitats, and they can have significant negative effects on exposed organisms. In recent years, the transgenerational toxicity of MNPs has gained considerable attention owing to its potential to harm both parents and descendants. This review summarizes the available literature on the transgenerational combined effects of MNPs and chemicals, aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the toxicity of MNPs and co-occurring chemicals to both parents and offspring in the aquatic environment. The reviewed studies showed that exposure to MNPs, along with inorganic and organic pollutants, increased bioaccumulation of both MNPs and co-occurring chemicals and significantly impacted survival, growth, and reproduction, as well as induced genetic toxicity, thyroid disruption, and oxidative stress. This study further highlights the factors affecting the transgenerational toxicity of MNPs and chemicals, such as MNP characteristics (polymer type, shape, size, concentration, and aging), type of exposure and duration, and interactions with other chemicals. Finally, future research directions, such as the careful consideration of MNP properties in realistic environmental conditions, the use of a broader range of animal models, and the examination of chronic exposure and MNP-chemical mixture exposure, are also discussed as a means of broadening our understanding of the effects of MNPs that are passed down from generation to generation.

Baseline Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Associates of Solenopsis invicta Buren from Mounds across Five Counties of Guangdong Province, China.

Red imported fire ants mounds have been suggested as a potential reservoir for beneficial entomopathogenic fungal species that are vital for more complex roles in the ecosystem aside from infecting the insects. In the current study, the assemblage of fungal symbionts of the red imported fire ants (RIFA) were obtained across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. The sampling areas were selected because of high occurrence of fire ants mounds in the regions. Mound soils, plant debris within mounds, and ants were collected from three sampling locations in each city for potential isolation of entomopathogenic fungal associates of RIFA. All samples were collected during the spring of 2021. Following successful isolation from substrates, the patterns of fungal species composition, and richness were evaluated. In total, 843 isolates were recovered, and based on their phenotypic distinctiveness and molecular characterization based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the ITS, SSU, and LSU regions, 46 fungal taxa were obtained, including 12 that were unidentified. Species richness and abundance was highest in the mound soils, while the lowest value was recorded from the ant body. As per the different locations, the highest abundance level was recorded in Zhuhai, where 15 fungal taxa were cultivated. The most common taxa across all substrates and locations was Talaromyces diversus. A baseline analysis of the fungal community composition of RIFA would better our understanding on the interactions between these social ants and their associated microbial organisms, and this knowledge in turn would be important for the successful management of the RIFA.

Novel endoscopic delivery modality of infrared coagulation therapy for internal hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: A novel endoscopic delivery system for infrared coagulation therapy (IRC) has been designed recently. IRC is a well-established treatment for symptomatic internal hemorrhoids. Patients frequently undergo lower endoscopy before hemorrhoid treatment to eliminate other sources of bleeding. Current treatment options are difficult to perform without an anal retractor, adequate lighting, and specialized instruments. Endoscopic IRC is an attractive alternative to standard IRC, because it can be performed during the lower endoscopy. TECHNIQUE: Endoscopic IRC utilizes infrared radiation generated by a control box, which is applied to the tissue through a flexible, fiber optic light guide (Precision Endoscopic Infrared Coagulator™). The light guide is placed through the colonoscope or flexible sigmoidoscope in the same chamber as other endoscopic instruments. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed using a prospectively collected database. A standardized protocol was utilized in all patients. Patients graded their symptoms before and after therapy by using the visual analog symptom severity scoring system (range, 0-10). These results were analyzed by using the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Exact P values were computed by using the R function wilcox.exact. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients underwent endoscopic IRC for predominately grade II and grade III symptomatic internal hemorrhoids (71 %). There were 22 (40 %) female patients. Posttherapy results indicated a significant improvement in global symptoms (pretreatment average global score = 2.24 vs. posttreatment average global score = 0.28; P < 0.0001). There have been no adverse events reported to date. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic IRC provides improved visibility and efficiency, allowing simultaneous treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids at the time of lower endoscopy. Patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after a single session of endoscopic IRC. There are a variety of additional endoscopic IRC therapeutic utilities: endoscopic management of angiodysplasia, inflammation, hemostasis, and NOTES applications.

Enrichment and dissemination of bacterial pathogens by microplastics in the aquatic environment.

Microplastic pollution and associated impacts in the aquatic environment are spreading at an alarming rate worldwide. Plastic waste is increasing in the environment, and microplastics (MPs) are becoming a growing issue because they serve as vectors for pathogen transmission. This is the first comprehensive review that specifically addresses MPs as a source and vector of pathogenic bacteria, mainly associated with genera Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and so on, which are discovered to be more abundant on the aquatic plastisphere than that in the surrounding wastewater, freshwater, and marine water ecosystems. The horizontal gene transfer, chemotaxis, and co-selection and cross-selection could be the potential mechanism involved in the enrichment and dissemination of bacterial pathogens through the aquatic plastisphere. Further, bacterial pathogens through aquatic plastisphere can cause various ecological and human health impacts such as disrupted food chain, oxidative stress, tissue damages, disease transmission, microbial dysbiosis, metabolic disorders, among others. Last but not least, future research directions are also described to find answers to the challenging questions about bacterial pathogens in the aquatic plastisphere to ensure the integrity and safety of ecological and human health.

Insights into insecticide-resistance mechanisms in invasive species: Challenges and control strategies.

Threatening the global community is a wide variety of potential threats, most notably invasive pest species. Invasive pest species are non-native organisms that humans have either accidentally or intentionally spread to new regions. One of the most effective and first lines of control strategies for controlling pests is the application of insecticides. These toxic chemicals are employed to get rid of pests, but they pose great risks to people, animals, and plants. Pesticides are heavily used in managing invasive pests in the current era. Due to the overuse of synthetic chemicals, numerous invasive species have already developed resistance. The resistance development is the main reason for the failure to manage the invasive species. Developing pesticide resistance management techniques necessitates a thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which insects acquire insecticide resistance. Insects use a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, genetic, and metabolic methods to deal with toxic chemicals, which can lead to resistance through continuous overexpression of detoxifying enzymes. An overabundance of enzymes causes metabolic resistance, detoxifying pesticides and rendering them ineffective against pests. A key factor in the development of metabolic resistance is the amplification of certain metabolic enzymes, specifically esterases, Glutathione S-transferase, Cytochromes p450 monooxygenase, and hydrolyses. Additionally, insect guts offer unique habitats for microbial colonization, and gut bacteria may serve their hosts a variety of useful services. Most importantly, the detoxification of insecticides leads to resistance development. The complete knowledge of invasive pest species and their mechanisms of resistance development could be very helpful in coping with the challenges and effectively developing effective strategies for the control of invasive species. Integrated Pest Management is particularly effective at lowering the risk of chemical and environmental contaminants and the resulting health issues, and it may also offer the most effective ways to control insect pests.

Down-Regulation of P450 Genes Enhances Susceptibility to Indoxacarb and Alters Physiology and Development of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugipreda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a pest of many important crops globally. Effective control is challenging, with the pest exhibiting resistance to different synthetic pesticides across various groups. However, the mechanisms employed by resistant insects for overexpression of relevant detoxification genes remain unclear. The activity of detoxification enzymes was investigated in this study. Additionally, using RNA interference (RNAi), a functional analysis was completed of two P450s genes in an indoxacarb resistant population of fall armyworms. Elevated resistance levels (resistance ratio = 31.37-fold) in indoxacarb-selected populations of FAW were observed after 14 generations. The qRT-PCR showed higher expression of two cytochrome P450 genes, CYP321A7 and CYP6AE43, in this selected population compared to the control population. RNAi was applied to knock down the P450 dsCYP321A7 and dsCYP6AE43 genes in the FAW larvae. Droplet feeding of the dsRNAs (CYP321A7 and CYP6AE43) via an artificial diet significantly increased mortality rates in the indoxacarb treated population. A shorter larval developmental time of FAW was detected in all dsRNAs-fed larvae. Correspondingly, larval mass was reduced by dsRNAs in indoxacarb resistant populations of fall armyworm. Larval feeding assays demonstrate that dsRNAs targeting, specifically of CYP321A7 and CYP6AE43 enzymes, could be a beneficial technique in the management of indoxacarb resistant populations. Further study on the potential use of dsRNA and its application should be conducted in efforts to counter the development of resistance in FAW against various insecticides in the field.

Role of Insect Gut Microbiota in Pesticide Degradation: A Review.

Insect pests cause significant agricultural and economic losses to crops worldwide due to their destructive activities. Pesticides are designed to be poisonous and are intentionally released into the environment to combat the menace caused by these noxious pests. To survive, these insects can resist toxic substances introduced by humans in the form of pesticides. According to recent findings, microbes that live in insect as symbionts have recently been found to protect their hosts against toxins. Symbioses that have been formed are between the pests and various microbes, a defensive mechanism against pathogens and pesticides. Insects' guts provide unique conditions for microbial colonization, and resident bacteria can deliver numerous benefits to their hosts. Insects vary significantly in their reliance on gut microbes for basic functions. Insect digestive tracts are very different in shape and chemical properties, which have a big impact on the structure and composition of the microbial community. Insect gut microbiota has been found to contribute to feeding, parasite and pathogen protection, immune response modulation, and pesticide breakdown. The current review will examine the roles of gut microbiota in pesticide detoxification and the mechanisms behind the development of resistance in insects to various pesticides. To better understand the detoxifying microbiota in agriculturally significant pest insects, we provided comprehensive information regarding the role of gut microbiota in the detoxification of pesticides.