Exogenous application of RNA for the eco-friendly control of insect pests

In Anbetracht der hohen gesellschaftlichen Forderungen nach nachhaltigen und umweltschonenden Pflanzenschutzverfahren, stellt das Sprühen von RNA-basierten Wirkstoffen eine innovative und vielversprechende Alternative zu konventionellen chemisch-synthetischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln dar. Dabei vermitteln die sequenzspezifischen und somit maßgeschneiderten RNAs nicht nur eine hohe Selektivität, sondern lassen sich zudem sehr schnell adaptieren. Dadurch sind sie, verglichen mit der langwierigen, herkömmlichen Wirkstoff­entwicklung, schneller verfügbar. Trotz der vielfältigen Vorteile und des dringenden Bedarfs an Alternativen, stehen wir erst am Anfang des Transfers von RNA Sprays ins Freiland. Hier diskutieren wir die damit verknüpften wissenschaftlich-technischen, gesellschaftlichen und wirtschaftlichen Herausforderungen. Zudem zeigen wir die offenen Forschungsfragen auf, die es zu adressieren gilt, um RNA-basierte Pflanzenschutzmittel zeitnah zu etablieren. Zuletzt führen wir aktuelle Beispiele zu innovativen Lösungsansätzen aus der Forschung an, die die Weiterentwicklung von RNA Sprays für die Kontrolle von Schadinsekten in der Pflanzenproduktion zum Ziel haben. Teile dieses Artikels wurden bereits in einem breiter angelegten englischsprachigen Übersichtsartikel (Rank & Koch 2021) dargestellt und werden hier in einen detaillierteren Kontext eingebettet. Durch die Übersetzung ins Deutsche sollen sie zudem einem erweiterten Leserkreis zugänglich gemacht werden.Under the perspective of high social demands for sustainable and environmentally friendly crop protection, RNA sprays represent an innovative and promising alternative to conventional synthetic pesticides. Due to sequence specificity, custom-made RNAs not only provide high selectivity but can also be easily adapted to target different species. Consequently, they can be available more quickly compared to the time-consuming development of conventional synthetic pesticides. Despite the multiple benefits and the desperate need for alternatives, field application of RNA sprays is still in its infancy. Here, we discuss the challenges resulting from scientific-technical, social and economic demands. In addition, we identify open research questions that need to be addressed to establish RNAi-based products in a timely manner. Moreover, we highlight recent examples of innovative solutions, which could inspire further optimization of RNA sprays for the control of insect pests in the field. Parts of this article have already been presented in a broader review article (Rank & Koch 2021) and are embedded here into a more detailed context. The presentation in German should also make them accessible to a broader readership

Abdominal circumference measurement by ultrasound does not enhance estimating the association of visceral fat with cardiovascular risk

Objectives: To evaluate the association between visceral fat and cardiovascular risk factors and to compare the ultrasonographic measurements of abdominal visceral fat with abdominal circumference (AC).Methods: This observational cross-sectional study categorized pubertal and postpubertal adolescents into a control group (n = 49) and an obese group (n = 46). Weight, height, AC, blood pressure, biochemical tests (lipid profile, triacylglycerols, fasting glucose for insulinemia, and serum uric acid), and ultrasound to measure visceral fat were assessed.Results: We found significant differences in the vascular risk variables between the groups, except for total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose level. We also observed that 31 subjects in the control group presented abnormalities in cardiovascular risk factors. the correlations between abdominal visceral fat (measured by ultrasound or the AC) and cardiovascular risk factors were significant. in the entire sample, AC presented better sensitivity and specificity than the ultrasound-measured abdominal visceral fat for identifying the presence of a cluster of at least three cardiovascular risk factors (areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.87 and 0.73, respectively).Conclusion: Ultrasonographic measurements of visceral fat were correlated with cardiovascular risk factors, but this association was also demonstrable with AC measurements. Our results suggest that the measurement of visceral fat by ultrasound is unnecessary for the diagnosis of cardiovascular risk in well-nourished or obese adolescents. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 03/02584-8Web of Scienc

The Use of Technology for EFL Classes in a Brazilian School: Consolidating Education 3.0

It is undeniable that digital technologies have helped in the creation of a new way of sharing knowledge. This is particularly pertinent in the area of English language education if seen as a way of enhancing connectivity and empowering individuals to promote positive changes in society. Bearing in mind that educational institutions worldwide have gradually incorporated successful innovative practices into their teaching lessons, the present paper aims to address the topic of Education 3.0 and the use of technological tools for EFL classes in a school in the south of Brazil. It reports how technology has been incorporated into the classroom to achieve interdisciplinary practices and discuss whether it has contributed to students’ learning and linguistic competence. Regarding applicability, the paper brings some examples of technological tools and current existing projects, using different types of technologies, such as Osmo, smartphones, QR codes, apps and the like. Regarding evaluation of language improvement, it seems that these technological tools have mainly fostered students’ listening and speaking abilities, which can be seen through positive students’ results obtained through Oxford placement tests. Some considerations about the limitations of this study are also made for further improvements

Validation of the SNACOR clinical scoring system after transarterial chemoembolisation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background Transarterial chemoembolisation is the standard of care for intermediate stage (BCLC B) hepatocellular carcinoma, but it is challenging to decide when to repeat or stop treatment. Here we performed the first external validation of the SNACOR (tumour Size and Number, baseline Alpha-fetoprotein, Child-Pugh and Objective radiological Response) risk prediction model. Methods A total of 1030 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent transarterial chemoembolisation at our tertiary referral centre from January 2000 to December 2016. We determined the following variables that were needed to calculate the SNACOR at baseline: tumour size and number, alpha-fetoprotein level, Child-Pugh class, and objective radiological response after the first transarterial chemoembolisation. Overall survival, time-dependent area under receiver-operating characteristic curves, Harrell’s C-index, and the integrated Brier score were calculated to assess predictive ability. Finally, multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of survival. Results The study included 268 patients. Low, intermediate, and high SNACOR scores predicted a median survival of 31.5, 19.9, and 9.2 months, respectively. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for overall survival were 0.641, 0.633, and 0.609 at 1, 3, and 6 years, respectively. Harrell’s C-index was 0.59, and the integrated Brier Score was 0.175. Independent predictors of survival included tumour size (P < 0.001), baseline alpha-fetoprotein level (P < 0.001) and Child-Pugh class (P < 0.004). Objective radiological response (P = 0.821) and tumour number (P = 0.127) were not additional independent predictors of survival. Conclusions The SNACOR risk prediction model can be used to identify patients with a dismal prognosis after the first transarterial chemoembolisation who are unlikely to benefit from further transarterial chemoembolisation. However, Harrell’s C-index showed only moderate performance. Accordingly, this risk prediction model can only serve as one of several components used to make the decision about whether to repeat treatment

Serum endocan levels associated with hypertension and loss of renal function in pediatric patients after two years from renal transplant

Endocan is an important biomarker of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that increases in association with several chronic diseases. Few published data have described the role of endocan in pediatric renal transplant (RT) patients. We evaluated the endocan concentrations in 62 children who underwent renal transplantation and assessed their relationships with the patients' blood pressure and loss of renal function. The endocan levels were significantly elevated in the pediatric RT patients who had hypertension and a loss of renal function. We determined positive correlations between the endocan concentrations and the hemodynamic variables (systolic blood pressure: r = 0.416P = 0.001pulse pressure: r = 0.412P = 0.003). The endocan levels were inversely correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.388P = 0.003). An endocan cutoff concentration of 7.0 ng/mL identified pediatric RT patients who had hypertension and a loss of renal function with 100% sensitivity and 75% specificity. In conclusion, the endocan concentrations were significantly elevated in pediatric RT patients who had both hypertension and a loss of renal function. The correlations between the endocan levels and the hemodynamic variables and the markers of renal function strengthen the hypothesis that it is an important marker of cardiorenal risk.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brazil) [2013/03139-0]CNPq (Conselho-Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico) [443248/2014-1]Nephrology Division, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BrazilPediatrics Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BrazilNephrology Division, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BrazilPediatrics Department, School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BrazilFAPESP: 2013/03139-0CNPq: 443248/2014-1Web of Scienc

Conserved nematode signalling molecules elicit plant defenses and pathogen resistance

Plant-defense responses are triggered by perception of conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), for example, flagellin or peptidoglycan. However, it remained unknown whether plants can detect conserved molecular patterns derived from plant-parasitic animals, including nematodes. Here we show that several genera of plant-parasitic nematodes produce small molecules called ascarosides, an evolutionarily conserved family of nematode pheromones. Picomolar to micromolar concentrations of ascr#18, the major ascaroside in plant-parasitic nematodes, induce hallmark defense responses including the expression of genes associated with MAMP-triggered immunity, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, as well as salicylic acid- and jasmonic acid-mediated defense signalling pathways. Ascr#18 perception increases resistance in Arabidopsis, tomato, potato and barley to viral, bacterial, oomycete, fungal and nematode infections. These results indicate that plants recognize ascarosides as a conserved molecular signature of nematodes. Using small-molecule signals such as ascarosides to activate plant immune responses has potential utility to improve economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture

Qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão tratadas com zinco

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc concentration applied to the seed treatment on the physiological quality of bean seeds and leaf content of the micronutrients iron, copper, zinc and manganese of BRS Expedito. The experiment was carried out with common bean seeds obtained from 2014/2015 growing season. The treatments using the following concentrations of zinc were applied via seed treatment with concentrations of 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 g Zn 100 kg-1 of seed. Emergence assessments of emergence speed index, cold test, length of shoot and roots, dry weight of shoots and roots of seedlings and each micro-nutrient contents: Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were conducted. The results of the variables emergence, emergence speed index and cold test showed no significant effects of increased Zn concentrations in seed treatment. However, in the analysis of seedling growth, Zn promoted an increase in hair and root length and dry matter produced by both shoot and root. The Zn content in leaf tissue increased manganese according to the increase of the Zn concentration in seed treatment. Seed treatment with Zn promotes increased growth and leaf content of this element to BRS Expedito.O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de doses de zinco aplicado em tratamento de sementes sobre a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão e o teor foliar de micronutrientes. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na safra agrícola 2014/2015, no laboratório didático de análise de sementes, no laboratório de fertilidade e em área experimental, da Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas. Para a realização do experimento foi utilizado sementes de feijão cultivar BRS Expedito. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelas seguintes doses aplicados via sementes com produto a base de Zn, nas doses de 0 (0g Zn), 100 (12,0 g Zn), 200 (24,0g Zn), 300 (36,00g Zn), e 400 (48,00g Zn) mL P.C.100kg-1 de sementes. Foram realizadas avaliações na emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, teste de frio, comprimento de parte aérea e radicular, massa seca de parte aérea e radicular de plântulas e determinação dos teores de micronutrientes. O tratamento de sementes com zinco promove aumento na expressão da qualidade fisiológica de sementes de feijão e também aumento no teor foliar do micronutriente

‘No memory, no desire’: psychoanalysis in Brazil during repressive times

Until recently, the growth and significance of Brazilian psychoanalysis has been neglected in histories of psychoanalysis. Not only is this history long and rich in its professional and cultural dimensions, but there was an especially important ‘event’ – the so-called ‘Cabernite-Lobo affair’ – that took place during the period of the military dictatorship, which can be seen as dramatising some of the issues concerning the erasure of memory in psychoanalysis, especially in connection with political difficulties. In this paper, we provide an outline of the origins and dissemination of psychoanalysis in Brazil before looking again at the Cabernite-Lobo affair in order to examine in a situated way how psychoanalysis engages with political extremism, and particularly to explore the consequences of an unthinking generalisation of the idea of ‘neutrality’ from the consulting room to the institutional setting. We draw especially on Brazilian papers in Portuguese, which have not been accessible in the English-language psychoanalytic literature

EU-wide exposure data of 11 chemical substance groups from the HBM4EU Aligned Studies (2014–2021)

Funding Information: The authors would like to thank everybody who contributed to the HBM4EU Aligned Studies: the participating children, teenagers, adults and their families, the fieldworkers that collected the samples and database managers that made the information available to HBM4EU, the HBM4EU project partners, especially those from WP7 for developing all materials supporting the fieldwork, WP9 for organizing the QA/QC scheme under HBM4EU and all laboratories who performed the analytical measurements. We would like to acknowledge Sun Kyoung Jung from the National Institute of Environmental Research of South-Korea for providing the KoNEHS Cycle III results (crt adjusted). HBM4EU is co-financed under Horizon 2020 (grant agreement No 733032). The authors thank all principal investigators of the contributing studies for their participation and contribution to the HBM4EU Aligned Studies and the national program owners for their financial support. Further details on funding for all the participating studies can be found in the Supplemental Material, Table S12.As one of the core elements of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) a human biomonitoring (HBM) survey was conducted in 23 countries to generate EU-wide comparable HBM data. This survey has built on existing HBM capacity in Europe by aligning national or regional HBM studies, referred to as the HBM4EU Aligned Studies. The HBM4EU Aligned Studies included a total of 10,795 participants of three age groups: (i) 3,576 children aged 6–12 years, (ii) 3,117 teenagers aged 12–18 years and (iii) 4,102 young adults aged 20–39 years. The participants were recruited between 2014 and 2021 in 11–12 countries per age group, geographically distributed across Europe. Depending on the age group, internal exposure to phthalates and the substitute DINCH, halogenated and organophosphorus flame retardants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), cadmium, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic species, acrylamide, mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol (total DON)), benzophenones and selected pesticides was assessed by measuring substance specific biomarkers subjected to stringent quality control programs for chemical analysis. For substance groups analyzed in different age groups higher average exposure levels were observed in the youngest age group, i.e., phthalates/DINCH in children versus teenagers, acrylamide and pesticides in children versus adults, benzophenones in teenagers versus adults. Many biomarkers in teenagers and adults varied significantly according to educational attainment, with higher exposure levels of bisphenols, phthalates, benzophenones, PAHs and acrylamide in participants (from households) with lower educational attainment, while teenagers from households with higher educational attainment have higher exposure levels for PFASs and arsenic. In children, a social gradient was only observed for the non-specific pyrethroid metabolite 3-PBA and di-isodecyl phthalate (DiDP), with higher levels in children from households with higher educational attainment. Geographical variations were seen for all exposure biomarkers. For 15 biomarkers, the available health-based HBM guidance values were exceeded with highest exceedance rates for toxicologically relevant arsenic in teenagers (40%), 3-PBA in children (36%), and between 11 and 14% for total DON, Σ (PFOA + PFNA + PFHxS + PFOS), bisphenol S and cadmium. The infrastructure and harmonized approach succeeded in obtaining comparable European wide internal exposure data for a prioritized set of 11 chemical groups. These data serve as a reference for comparison at the global level, provide a baseline to compare the efficacy of the European Commission's chemical strategy for sustainability and will give leverage to national policy makers for the implementation of targeted measures.publishersversionpublishe