Mortality and suppression of progeny production of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in seven different grains treated with an enhanced diatomaceous earth formulation

DEBBM, an enhanced diatomaceous earth (DE) formulation consisting of a mixture of DE and the plant extract bitterbarkomycin, was applied to seven different grains (wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, paddy rice and maize) at two dose rates 50 ppm and 150 ppm. Unsexed, 7d old adults of Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Tribolium confusum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were exposed to the DEBBM treated commodities and their mortality was assessed after 7d and 14d of exposure at 25 oC and 65% r.h. Furthermore, progeny production of the tested species per treated commodity was also assessed. Sitophilus oryzae appeared to be more susceptible than T. confusum to DEBBM. Performance of DEBBM was better in barley, wheat and oats compared to the remainder of the tested commodities. DEBBM performed better in rye and triticale than in paddy rice against both species although in many cases, significant differences among these grains were not recorded. Despite that DEBBM reached its highest efficacy levels on barley, wheat, and oats it did not suppress progeny production of the treated species in any of the grains. A significant reduction in progeny production of the treated species was recorded in the DEBBM treated grains in comparison with the untreated ones. This reduction in progeny production was expressed more vigorously to S. oryzae rather than T. confusum. In commodities with high DEBBM performance such as barley, oats or wheat, > 9-fold less progeny of S. oryzae were recorded at 150 ppm of DEBBM than in the untreated commodities. Although significantly less progeny of T. confusum were recorded in DEBBM treated grains than untreated grains, progeny suppression of this species was neither dose nor commodity dependant. Keywords: Diatomaceous earth, Bitterbarkomycin, Tribolium, Sitophilus, Mortality, Commodit

Influence of genetic factors on toluene diisocyanate-related symptoms: evidence from a cross-sectional study

Background: Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a highly reactive compound used in the production of, e. g., polyurethane foams and paints. TDI is known to cause respiratory symptoms and diseases. Because TDI causes symptoms in only a fraction of exposed workers, genetic factors may play a key role in disease susceptibility. Methods: Workers (N = 132) exposed to TDI and a non-exposed group ( N = 114) were analyzed for genotype (metabolising genes: CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, GSTM1*O, GSTM3*B, GSTP1 1105V, GSTP1 A114V, GSTT1*O, MPO -463, NAT1*3, *4, *10, *11, *14, *15, NAT2*5, *6, *7, SULT1A1 R213H; immune-related genes: CCL5 -403, HLA-DQB1* 05, TNF-308, TNF-863) and symptoms of the eyes, upper and lower airways ( based on structured interviews). Results: For three polymorphisms: CYP1A1*2A, CYP1A1*2B, and TNF -308 there was a pattern consistent with interaction between genotype and TDI exposure status for the majority of symptoms investigated, although it did reach statistical significance only for some symptoms: among TDI-exposed workers, the CYP1A1 variant carriers had increased risk (CYP1A1*2A and eye symptoms: variant carriers OR 2.0 95% CI 0.68-6.1, p-value for interaction 0.048; CYP1A1*2B and wheeze: IV carriers OR = 12, 1.4-110, p-value for interaction 0.057). TDI-exposed individuals with TNF-308 A were protected against the majority of symptoms, but it did not reach statistical significance. In the non-exposed group, however, TNF -308 A carriers showed higher risk of the majority of symptoms ( eye symptoms: variant carriers OR = 2.8, 1.1-7.1, p-value for interaction 0.12; dry cough OR = 2.2, 0.69-7.2, p-value for interaction 0.036). Individuals with SULT1A1 213H had reduced risk both in the exposed and non-exposed groups. Other polymorphisms, showed associations to certain symptoms: among TDI-exposed, NAT1*10 carriers had a higher risk of eye symptoms and CCL5 -403 AG+AA as well as HLA-DQB1 *05 carriers displayed increased risk of symptoms of the lower airways. GSTM1, GSTM3 and GSTP1 only displayed effects on symptoms of the lower airways in the non-exposed group. Conclusion: Specific gene-TDI interactions for symptoms of the eyes and lower airways appear to exist. The results suggest different mechanisms for TDI- and non- TDI-related symptoms of the eyes and lower airways

Pharmacogenetic allele nomenclature: International workgroup recommendations for test result reporting

This manuscript provides nomenclature recommendations developed by an international workgroup to increase transparency and standardization of pharmacogenetic (PGx) result reporting. Presently, sequence variants identified by PGx tests are described using different nomenclature systems. In addition, PGx analysis may detect different sets of variants for each gene, which can affect interpretation of results. This practice has caused confusion and may thereby impede the adoption of clinical PGx testing. Standardization is critical to move PGx forward

Genotype-specific responses in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) subject to dietary fish oil replacement by vegetable oil: a liver transcriptomic analysis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Expansion of aquaculture is seriously limited by reductions in fish oil (FO) supply for aquafeeds. Terrestrial alternatives such as vegetable oils (VO) have been investigated and recently a strategy combining genetic selection with changes in diet formulations has been proposed to meet growing demands for aquaculture products. This study investigates the influence of genotype on transcriptomic responses to sustainable feeds in Atlantic salmon.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A microarray analysis was performed to investigate the liver transcriptome of two family groups selected according to their estimated breeding values (EBVs) for flesh lipid content, 'Lean' or 'Fat', fed diets containing either FO or a VO blend. Diet principally affected metabolism genes, mainly of lipid and carbohydrate, followed by immune response genes. Genotype had a much lower impact on metabolism-related genes and affected mostly signalling pathways. Replacement of dietary FO by VO caused an up-regulation of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, but there was a clear genotype effect as fatty acyl elongase (elovl2) was only up-regulated and desaturases (Δ5 fad and Δ6 fad) showed a higher magnitude of response in Lean fish, which was reflected in liver fatty acid composition. Fatty acid synthase (FAS) was also up-regulated by VO and the effect was independent of genotype. Genetic background of the fish clearly affected regulation of lipid metabolism, as PPARα and PPARβ were down-regulated by the VO diet only in Lean fish, while in Fat salmon SREBP-1 expression was up-regulated by VO. In addition, all three genes had a lower expression in the Lean family group than in the Fat, when fed VO. Differences in muscle adiposity between family groups may have been caused by higher levels of hepatic fatty acid and glycerophospholipid synthesis in the Fat fish, as indicated by the expression of FAS, 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase and lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase 2.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study has identified metabolic pathways and key regulators that may respond differently to alternative plant-based feeds depending on genotype. Further studies are required but data suggest that it will be possible to identify families better adapted to alternative diet formulations that might be appropriate for future genetic selection programmes.</p

Human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene variability in Brazilian populations from different geographical areas

Introduction: Several polymorphisms altering the NAT2 activity have already been identified. The geographical distribution of NAT2 variants has been extensively studied and has been demonstrated to vary significantly among different ethnic population. Here, we describe the genetic variability of human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene and the predominant genotype-deduced acetylation profiles of Brazilians.Methods: A total of 964 individuals, from five geographical different regions, were genotyped for NAT2 by sequencing the entire coding exon.Results: Twenty-three previously described NAT2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, including the seven most common ones globally (c.191G&gt;A, c.282C&gt;T, c.341T&gt;C, c.481C&gt;T, c.590G&gt;A, c.803A&gt;G and c.857G&gt;A). The main allelic groups were NAT2*5 (36%) and NAT2*6 (18.2%), followed to the reference allele NAT2*4 (20.4%). Combined into genotypes, the most prevalent allelic groups were NAT2*5/*5 (14.6%), NAT2*5/*6 (11.9%) and NAT2*6/*6 (6.2%). The genotype deduced NAT2 slow acetylation phenotype was predominant but showed significant variability between geographical regions. The prevalence of slow acetylation phenotype was higher in the Northeast, North and Midwest (51.3%, 45.5% and 41.5%, respectively) of the country. In the Southeast, the intermediate acetylation phenotype was the most prevalent (40.3%) and, in the South, the prevalence of rapid acetylation phenotype was significantly higher (36.7%), when compared to other Brazilian states (p &lt; 0.0001). Comparison of the predicted acetylation profile among regions showed homogeneity among the North and Northeast but was significantly different when compared to the Southeast (p = 0.0396). The Southern region was significantly different from all other regions (p &lt; 0.0001).Discussion: This study contributes not only to current knowledge of the NAT2 population genetic diversity in different geographical regions of Brazil, but also to the reconstruction of a more accurate phenotypic picture of NAT2 acetylator profiles in those regions

From arylamine N-acetyltransferase to folate-dependent acetyl CoA hydrolase : impact of folic acid on the activity of (HUMAN)NAT1 and its homologue (MOUSE)NAT2

Acetyl Coenzyme A-dependent N-, O- and N,O-acetylation of aromatic amines and hydrazines by arylamine N-acetyltransferases is well characterised. Here, we describe experiments demonstrating that human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its murine homologue (Type 2) can also catalyse the direct hydrolysis of acetyl Coenzyme A in the presence of folate. This folate-dependent activity is exclusive to these two isoforms; no acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis was found when murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 or recombinant bacterial arylamine N-acetyltransferases were incubated with folate. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allowed chemical modifications occurring during the catalytic reaction to be analysed in real time, revealing that the disappearance of acetyl CH3 from acetyl Coenzyme A occurred concomitantly with the appearance of a CH3 peak corresponding to that of free acetate and suggesting that folate is not acetylated during the reaction. We propose that folate is a cofactor for this reaction and suggest it as an endogenous function of this widespread enzyme. Furthermore, in silico docking of folate within the active site of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 suggests that folate may bind at the enzyme's active site, and facilitate acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis. The evidence presented in this paper adds to our growing understanding of the endogenous roles of human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1 and its mouse homologue and expands the catalytic repertoire of these enzymes, demonstrating that they are by no means just xenobiotic metabolising enzymes but probably also play an important role in cellular metabolism. These data, together with the characterisation of a naphthoquinone inhibitor of folate-dependent acetyl Coenzyme A hydrolysis by human arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 1/murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase Type 2, open up a range of future avenues of exploration, both for elucidating the developmental role of these enzymes and for improving chemotherapeutic approaches to pathological conditions including estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Insecticidal effect of chlorantraniliprole against major stored-product insect pests in different grain commodities under laboratory tests

BACKGROUND Chlorantraniliprole belongs to the chemical group of anthranilic diamides. It has selectivity to beneficial arthropods and low mammalian toxicity. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to assess chlorantraniliprole as a potential grain protectant against Ephestia kuehniella Zeller larvae, Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel adults, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) adults, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) adults and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val adults and larvae. Factors such as dose (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg chlorantraniliprole kg(-1) grain), exposure interval (7 and 14 days), formulation (chlorantraniliprole WG and chlorantraniliprole SC) and commodity (barley, maize, oats, peeled rice, whole rice and wheat) were evaluated for their impact on the insecticidal activity of chlorantraniliprole. Progeny production was assessed after 45 days of exposure in the case of L. bostrychophila adults and after 60 days of exposure in the case of R. dominica, S. oryzae and T. confusum adults. RESULTS For L. bostrychophila adults, after 7 days of exposure, mortality was lower in maize and whole rice in comparison with the other commodities. Increase in dose generally increased mortality. Similar trends were also noted after 14 days of exposure. Offspring emergence was higher in maize and whole rice in comparison with the other commodities. For E. kuehniella larvae, after 7 days of exposure, significant differences were noted among the tested commodities. Increase in dose only slightly increased mortality in all commodities. After 14 days of exposure, mortality was further increased, but did not reach 100%. For R. dominica adults, after 7 days of exposure, increase in dose increased mortality significantly. After 14 days of exposure, mortality in barley, maize, whole rice and wheat exceeded 92% at 10 mg chlorantraniliprole kg(-1) grain. Offspring emergence was reduced, but 100% progeny suppression was not achieved. For S. oryzae adults, after 7 days of exposure, mortality was generally low at dose rates of 1 mg chlorantraniliprole kg(-1) grain. After 14 days of exposure, 100% mortality was noted in whole rice. For T. confusum adults, after 7 days of exposure, mortality was low. After 14 days of exposure, mortality increased proportionately for all commodities. Most progeny production was noted in oats. For T. confusum larvae, after 7 days of exposure, mortality was generally higher in comparison with adults. After 14 days of exposure, mortality in maize was high. Generally, the two formulations performed alike for all the insects tested. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of the present work, chlorantraniliprole is effective against major stored-product insect species. However, efficacy depends upon the type of commodity, the dose rate and the exposure interval. (c) 2013 Society of Chemical Industr

Efficacy of alpha-cypermethrin and thiamethoxam against Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on concrete

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate alpha-cypermethrin and thiamethoxam for the control of adults, small larvae and large larvae of the khapra beetle Trogoderma granarium, and the yellow mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor, on concrete. Factors such as dose (0.025 and 0.1 mg alpha-cypermethrin or thiamethoxam/cm(2)), exposure interval (1, 3 and 7 d), and formulation (alpha-cypermethrin SC and thiamethoxam WG) were evaluated. Apart from immediate assessment at end of exposure, an assessment of delayed mortality was performed with the survivors of the 7-d exposure by removing them from the treated substrate and keeping them on untreated surfaces for 7 more days. After the 7-d exposure, more T. granarium adults were dead on dishes treated with alpha-cypermethrin than with thiamethoxam. Small larvae were generally less susceptible than adults. After 7 d, small larval mortality reached 64.4% for alpha-cypermethrin, while for thiamethoxam it was <6%. Large T. granarium larvae were more tolerant than the small ones. Delayed mortality of T. granarium adults was generally high for both insecticides and doses, and ranged between 43.3 and 63.3% of those that were still alive immediately after the 7-d treatment. For both larval categories, delayed mortality was higher for larvae that had been previously exposed to alpha-cypermethrin, than with thiamethoxam. For T. molitor, after the 7-d exposure, significantly more adults were dead on dishes treated with alpha-cypermethrin than with thiamethoxam. For small larvae mortality was 38.9% at the lowest thiamethoxam dose, but in the other cases ranged between 88.9 and 95.6%. In the case of large larvae, the overall mortality was low in all tested combinations. Regarding delayed mortality of this species, it remained at low levels, for both adults and small larvae. Our results indicate that 7: molitor was more susceptible than T. granarium in both insecticides tested, but alpha-cypermethrin was more effective than thiamethoxam. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Chromosome mapping of the genes for murine arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs), enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens: identification of a novel upstream noncoding exon for murine Nat2

Arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) catalyse acetylation reactions which can result in either detoxification or activation of arylamine carcinogens. The human NAT loci (NAT1, NAT2, and a pseudogene, NATP) have been mapped to human chromosome 8p22, a region frequently deleted in tumours. There are three functional genes in mice (Nat1, Nat2, and Nat3) encoding for three NAT isoenzymes. Different alleles at the Nat2 locus are responsible for the acetylation polymorphism identified in different mouse strains. We show that Nat3 is close to Nat1 and Nat2, by screening of a P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) library and provide cytogenetic evidence for co-localisation of the three genes in chromosome region 8 B3.1-B3.3. The Nat region of mouse and human is homologous. We also provide sequence information and a restriction map in the vicinity of Nat1 and Nat2 and describe a noncoding exon located 6 kb upstream of the Nat2 coding region

Laboratory evaluation of five novel pyrrole derivatives as grain protectants against Tribolium confusum and Ephestia kuehniella larvae

Several naturally discovered or laboratory-synthesized pyrrole compounds have insecticidal, acaricidal and microbial properties. The novel sulfanyl 5H-dihydro-pyrrole derivatives exhibit certain antioxidant activities. However, there is a knowledge gap whether these substances are potent grain protectants against stored-product insect pest species. In this context, we evaluated the insecticidal activity of five novel pyrrole derivatives (under the trivial names 3a, 3g, 3l, 3m, 3h), against larvae of Tribolium confusum Jaquelin du Val and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller at different doses (0.1, 1 and 10 ppm), exposure intervals (7, 14 and 21 days or 1, 2, 7, 14, 21 days), temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C), relative humidity (RH) (55 and 75 %) levels and commodities (wheat, maize, barley). The pyrrole derivative 3a exhibited the highest insecticidal activity, while 3g, 3l, 3m and 3h caused similar mortality against larvae of T. confusum. Apart of the level of efficacy, all tested pyrrole derivatives performed similarly according temperature. We found that increase in temperature increased mortality in the majority of the tested combinations. Generally, the pyrrole derivatives caused the highest mortality levels at 30 °C. The pyrrole derivatives 3a, 3g, 3l and 3m were affected by relative humidity at almost all combinations tested. The 75 % level of RH moderated the efficacy of the pyrrole derivatives, while the 55 % enhanced it. Mortality of T. confusum and E. kuehniella on maize was much lower on treated maize than barley or wheat. However, 100 % control of both species was recorded only on treated barley. The results of the present study indicate that the pyrrole derivatives tested could serve as grain protectants against noxious stored-product insects under certain biotic and abiotic conditions.Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Christos G. Athanassiou, Dusan Losic, Lazaros P. Hadjiarapoglou, Yiannis Eleme