The isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae)
Background Litchi stink-bug, Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae), is one of the most widespread and destructive pest species on Litchi chinensis Sonn and Dimocarpus longan Lour in Southern China. Inappropriate use of chemical pesticides has resulted in serious environmental problems and food pollution. Generating an improved Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for litchi stink-bug in orchard farming requires development of an effective biological control agent. Entomopathogenic fungi are regarded as a vital ecological factor in the suppression of pest populations under field conditions. With few effective fungi and pathogenic strains available to control litchi stink-bug, exploration of natural resources for promising entomopathogenic fungi is warranted. Methods & Results In this study, two pathogenic fungi were isolated from cadavers of adult T. papillosa. They were identified as Paecilomyces lilacinus and Beauveria bassiana by morphological identification and rDNA-ITS homogeneous analysis. Infection of T. papillosa with B. bassiana and P. lilacinus occurred initially from the antennae, metameres, and inter-segmental membranes. Biological tests showed that the two entomopathogenic fungi induced high mortality in 2nd and 5th instar nymphs of T. papillosa. B. bassiana was highly virulent on 2nd instar nymphs of T. papillosa, with values for cadaver rate, LC50 and LT50 of 88.89%, 1.92 × 107 conidia/mL and 4.34 days respectively. Discussion This study provides two valuable entomopathogenic fungi from T. papillosa. This finding suggests that the highly virulent P. lilacinus and B. bassiana play an important role in the biocontrol of T. papillosa in China. These pathogenic fungi had no pollution or residue risk, and could provide an alternative option for IPM of litchi stink-bug.
Meng et al. (2017) The isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi from Tessaratoma papillosa Drury (Hemiptera: Tessaratomidae). PeerJ 5:e3888 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3888
Anti-apoptotic properties of carbon monoxide in porcine oocyte during in vitro aging
If fertilization of matured oocyte does not occur, unfertilized oocyte undergoes aging, resulting in a time-dependent reduction of the oocyte’s quality. The aging of porcine oocytes can lead to apoptosis. Carbon monoxide (CO), a signal molecule produced by the heme oxygenase (HO), possesses cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects that have been described in somatic cells. However, the effects of CO in oocytes have yet to be investigated. By immunocytochemistry method we detected that both isoforms of heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) are present in the porcine oocytes. Based on the morphological signs of oocyte aging, it was found that the inhibition of both HO isoforms by Zn-protoporphyrin IX (Zn-PP IX) leads to an increase in the number of apoptotic oocytes and decrease in the number of intact oocytes during aging. Contrarily, the presence of CO donors (CORM-2 or CORM-A1) significantly decrease the number of apoptotic oocytes while increasing the number of intact oocytes. We also determined that CO donors significantly decrease the caspase-3 (CAS-3) activity. Our results suggest that HO/CO contributes to the sustaining viability through regulation of apoptosis during in vitro aging of porcine oocytes.
Němeček et al. (2017) Anti-apoptotic properties of carbon monoxide in porcine oocyte during in vitro aging. PeerJ 5:e3876 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3876
Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on the adhesion-related immune response of endothelial cells stimulated with CSFV in vitro
Background Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has immunomodulatory activities on porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The immunomodulatory effects of APS on porcine endothelial cells (ECs) expose to classical swine fever virus (CSFV) remain unknown. Methods The virus was titrated using an indirect immune biotin enzyme standard method to confirm that porcine ECs were susceptible to CSFV infection and to determine the TCID50 of CSFV (C-strain). Porcine ECs were cultured with CSFV in the presence of APS. Relative quantitative PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of factors that influence EC adhesion and immunity. Results The expression of adhesion factors mRNA increased following stimulation with CSFV; this effect was inhibited by pre-exposing the cells to APS. In addition, the expression of growth factors and some immune factors increased after infection with CSFV; this increase in tissue factor (TF), transforming growth factor (TGF-β), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) could be inhibited by the addition of APS. The immune response mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in ECs may be unregulated by CSFV as it was also inhibited by pre-treatment with APS. Discussion The addition of APS to the culture can obviously regulate the expression of molecules related to the adhesion, growth, and immune response of ECs, as well as the production of cytokines. Therefore, it may have the potential to be an effective component in vaccines against CSFV.
Zhuge et al. (2017) Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on the adhesion-related immune response of endothelial cells stimulated with CSFV in vitro. PeerJ 5:e3862 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3862
Enhanced conflict monitoring via a short-duration, video-assisted deep breathing in healthy young adults: an event-related potential approach through the Go/NoGo paradigm
Objectives Practitioners of mindfulness are reported to have greater cognitive control especially in conflict monitoring, response inhibition and sustained attention. However, due to the various existing methods in each mindfulness practices and also, the high commitment factor, a barrier still exists for an individual to pick up the practices. Therefore, the effect of short duration deep breathing on the cognitive control is investigated here. Methods Short duration guided deep breathing videos consisting of 5, 7 and 9 min respectively were created and used on subjects training. The effect on cognitive control was assessed using a Go/NoGo task along with event-related potential (ERP) measurements at Fz, Cz, and Pz. Results From the study, the significant outcome showed at the follow-up session in which participants engaged for 5 min deep breathing group showed a profound NoGo N2 amplitude increment as compared to the control group, indicating an enhanced conflict monitoring ability. An inverse relationship between the NoGo N2 amplitude and the breathing duration is observed as well at the follow-up session. Conclusion These results indicated the possibility of performing short duration deep breathing guided by a video to achieve an enhanced conflict monitoring as an alternative to other mindfulness practices and 5 min is found to be the optimum practice duration. Significant This study is the first to establish a relationship between deep breathing and conflict monitoring through ERP. The study population of young adults taken from the same environment reduces the variance in ERP results due to age and environment. Limitation A larger sample size would provide a greater statistical power. A longer duration of deep breathing should be investigated to further clarify the relationship between the practice duration and the NoGo N2 amplitude. The result can be split by gender and analyzed separately due to the different brain structure of males and females.
Cheng et al. (2017) Enhanced conflict monitoring via a short-duration, video-assisted deep breathing in healthy young adults: an event-related potential approach through the Go/NoGo paradigm. PeerJ 5:e3857 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3857
Effects of invasion history on physiological responses to immune system activation in invasive Australian cane toads
The cane toad (Rhinella marina) has undergone rapid evolution during its invasion of tropical Australia. Toads from invasion front populations (in Western Australia) have been reported to exhibit a stronger baseline phagocytic immune response than do conspecifics from range core populations (in Queensland). To explore this difference, we injected wild-caught toads from both areas with the experimental antigen lipopolysaccharide (LPS, to mimic bacterial infection) and measured whole-blood phagocytosis. Because the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is stimulated by infection (and may influence immune responses), we measured glucocorticoid response through urinary corticosterone levels. Relative to injection of a control (phosphate-buffered saline), LPS injection increased both phagocytosis and the proportion of neutrophils in the blood. However, responses were similar in toads from both populations. This null result may reflect the ubiquity of bacterial risks across the toad’s invaded range; utilization of this immune pathway may not have altered during the process of invasion. LPS injection also induced a reduction in urinary corticosterone levels, perhaps as a result of chronic stress.
Selechnik et al. (2017) Effects of invasion history on physiological responses to immune system activation in invasive Australian cane toads. PeerJ 5:e3856 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3856
Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an atypical sensory phenomenon involving electrostatic-like tingling sensations in response to certain sensory, primarily audio-visual, stimuli. The current study used an online questionnaire, completed by 130 people who self-reported experiencing ASMR. We aimed to extend preliminary investigations into the experience, and establish key multisensory factors contributing to the successful induction of ASMR through online media. Aspects such as timing and trigger load, atmosphere, and characteristics of ASMR content, ideal spatial distance from various types of stimuli, visual characteristics, context and use of ASMR triggers, and audio preferences are explored. Lower-pitched, complex sounds were found to be especially effective triggers, as were slow-paced, detail-focused videos. Conversely, background music inhibited the sensation for many respondents. These results will help in designing media for ASMR induction.
Barratt et al. (2017) Sensory determinants of the autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR): understanding the triggers. PeerJ 5:e3846 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3846
Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya
Background For children worldwide, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death. These deaths are preventable by fluid resuscitation. Nasogastric tubes (NGs) have been shown to be equivalent to intravenous fluids for rehydration and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in severe dehydration. Despite this, NGs are rarely used for rehydration in Kenya. Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ adherence to rehydration guidelines and to identify barriers to the use of NGs for resuscitating dehydrated children. Methods A case-based structured survey was administered to pediatric care providers in western Kenya to determine their choices for alternative rehydration therapies when oral rehydration and intravenous fluids fail. Providers then participated in a qualitative, semi-structured interview to identify barriers to using nasogastric tubes for rehydration. Analysis included manual, progressive coding of interview transcripts to identify emerging central themes. Results Of 44 participants, only four (9%) followed WHO guidelines that recommend quickly switching to NG for rehydration in their case responses. Participants identified that placing intravenous lines in dehydrated children is a challenge. However, when discussing NG use, many believed NGs are not effective for rehydration. Other participants’ concerns surrounded knowledge and training regarding guidelines as well as not having NGs available. Discussion Healthcare providers in western Kenya do not report using NGs for rehydration in accordance with WHO guidelines for diarrheal illness with severe dehydration. Barriers to the use of NG tubes were lack of knowledge and availability. Education and implementation of guidelines using NG tubes for rehydration may improve outcomes of children suffering from diarrheal illness with severe dehydration.
House et al. (2017) Qualitative study of healthcare providers’ current practice patterns and barriers to successful rehydration for pediatric diarrheal illnesses in Kenya. PeerJ 5:e3829 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3829
Combined moderate and high intensity exercise with dietary restriction improves cardiac autonomic function associated with a reduction in central and systemic arterial stiffness in obese adults: a clinical trial
Objective The present study aimed to assess the effects of exercise with dietary restriction on cardiac autonomic activity, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular biomarkers in obese individuals. Methods Seventeen obese adults completed an 8-week exercise and dietary program. Anthropometry, body composition, and multiple biochemical markers were measured. We used carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), central blood pressure, and augmentation index (AIx) to assess arterial stiffness. To determine cardiac autonomic activity, heart rate variability (HRV) was analyzed by standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), square root of the mean squared differences of successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), total power (TF), low-frequency power in normalized units (LFnu), high-frequency power in normalized units (HFnu), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power (LF/HF). Results Following the exercise and diet intervention, obese subjects had significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, brachial systolic blood pressure, and resting heart rate, and they had shown improvements in blood chemistry markers such as lipid profiles, insulin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. There was a significant reduction in both cfPWV and baPWV following the intervention when compared to baseline levels. Moreover, the AIx and aortic systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced after the intervention. The diet and exercise intervention significantly increased cardiac autonomic modulation (determined by improved SDNN, RMSSD, TP LF, HF, and LF/HF), which was partly due to changes in heart rate, insulin resistance, and the inflammatory pattern. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between enhanced cardiac autonomic modulation (LF/HF) and decreased arterial stiffness, as measured by central cfPWV and systemic baPWV. Discussion An 8-week combined intervention of diet and exercise is effective in improving cardiac autonomic function in obese adults, with an associated decrease in central and systemic arterial stiffness.
Hu et al. (2017) Combined moderate and high intensity exercise with dietary restriction improves cardiac autonomic function associated with a reduction in central and systemic arterial stiffness in obese adults: a clinical trial. PeerJ 5:e3900 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3900
Mechanisms of action and in vivo antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Background Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of great potential as novel antibiotics for the treatment of broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms including resistant bacteria. In this study, the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic efficacy of the hybrid peptides were examined. Methods TEM, SEM and ATP efflux assay were used to evaluate the effect of hybrid peptides on the integrity of the pneumococcal cell wall/membrane. DNA retardation assay was assessed to measure the impact of hybrid peptides on the migration of genomic DNA through the agarose gel. In vitro synergistic effect was checked using the chequerboard assay. ICR male mice were used to evaluate the in vivo toxicity and antibacterial activity of the hybrid peptides in a standalone form and in combination with ceftriaxone. Results The results obtained from TEM and SEM indicated that the hybrid peptides caused significant morphological alterations in Streptococcus pneumoniae and disrupting the integrity of the cell wall/membrane. The rapid release of ATP from pneumococcal cells after one hour of incubation proposing that the antibacterial action for the hybrid peptides is based on membrane permeabilization and damage. The DNA retardation assay revealed that at 62.5 µg/ml all the hybrid peptides were capable of binding and preventing the pneumococcal genomic DNA from migrating through the agarose gel. In vitro synergy was observed when pneumococcal cells treated with combinations of hybrid peptides with each other and with conventional drugs erythromycin and ceftriaxone. The in vivo therapeutic efficacy results revealed that the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 at 20 mg/kg could improve the survival rate of pneumococcal bacteremia infected mice, as 50% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection. In vivo antibacterial efficacy of the hybrid peptide RN7-IN8 was signficantly improved when combined with the standard antibiotic ceftriaxone at (20 mg/kg + 20 mg/kg) as 100% of the infected mice survived up to seven days post-infection. Discussion Our results suggest that attacking and breaching the cell wall/membrane is most probably the principal mechanism for the hybrid peptides. In addition, the hybrid peptides could possess another mechanism of action by inhibiting intracellular functions such as DNA synthesis. AMPs could play a great role in combating antibiotic resistance as they can reduce the therapeutic concentrations of standard drugs.
Jindal et al. (2017) Mechanisms of action and in vivo antibacterial efficacy assessment of five novel hybrid peptides derived from Indolicidin and Ranalexin against Streptococcus pneumoniae. PeerJ 5:e3887 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3887
Integration of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA reveals novel insights into oviposition regulation in honey bees
Background The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a highly diverse species commonly used for honey production and pollination services. The oviposition of the honey bee queen affects the development and overall performance of the colony. To investigate the ovary activation and oviposition processes on a molecular level, a genome-wide analysis of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNA expression in the ovaries of the queens was performed to screen for differentially expressed coding and noncoding RNAs. Further analysis identified relevant candidate genes or RNAs. Results The analysis of the RNA profiles in different oviposition phase of the queens revealed that 740 lncRNAs, 81 miRNAs and 5,481 mRNAs were differently expressed during the ovary activation; 88 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs and 338 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition inhibition process; and finally, 100 lncRNAs, four miRNAs and 497 mRNAs were differently expressed during the oviposition recovery process. In addition, functional annotation of differentially expressed RNAs revealed several pathways that are closely related to oviposition, including hippo, MAPK, notch, Wnt, mTOR, TGF-beta and FoxO signaling pathways. Furthermore, in the QTL region for ovary size, 73 differentially expressed genes and 14 differentially expressed lncRNAs were located, which are considered as candidate genes affecting ovary size and oviposition. Moreover, a core set of genes served as bridges among different miRNAs were identified through the integrated analysis of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Conclusion The observed dramatic expression changes of coding and noncoding RNAs suggest that they may play a critical role in honey bee queens’ oviposition. The identified candidate genes for oviposition activation and regulation could serve as a resource for further studies of genetic markers of oviposition in honey bees.
Chen et al. (2017) Integration of lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA reveals novel insights into oviposition regulation in honey bees. PeerJ 5:e3881 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3881