Kontrollstrategi för spansk skogssnigel, Arion lusitanicus, med hjälp av non-toxisk Ferramol

Arion lusitanicus has become one of the major pests of Sweden, both in agriculture and gardening. Its high capacity to feed and reproduce makes this slug a difficult pest to control. Molluscicides have been used as control agents, but they have harmful effects on crops. As alternative, a non-toxic molluscicide, Ferramol, which acts by inhibiting the slug feed, were tested in this study. The efficacy of Ferramol (FePO4) in a strawberry field, located in the periphery of Lund, Sweden was studied. The application was adjusted to the lifecycle of A. lusitanicus. In the spring when slugs emerged, Ferramol was applied to control the attack on the crop plant, strawberry. For a month and half the effectiveness of different doses of this product was followed, obtaining clear results as a decrease of the number of slugs. Doses of 2.5 g/m², 5 g/m² and 2 * 2.5 g/m² were equally efficient and the beetle fed on the slug eggs that have survived Ferramol, will be introduced in late spring early summer. To reach even more efficient A. lusitanicus control, a study using Ferramol in combination with a natural predator, a carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius, is suggested.Arion lusitanicus har under senare tid framträtt som ett utav de främsta skadedjuren i Sverige, både inom jordbruk- och trädgårdsnäring. Snigelns förmåga att inta stora mängder föda och reproducera sig snabbt gör den svår att kontrollera. Tidigare har bekämpningsmedel mot blötdjur använts, men detta ger en ogynnsam effekt på grödor. Som ett alternativ testades ett giftfritt bekämpningsmedel mot blötdjur, Ferramol, som hindrar snigeln från att fortsätta äta. Ferramolets (FePO4) effektivitet studerades på en jordgubbsplantering utanför Lund, Sverige. Appliceringen anpassades till A. lusitanicus livscykel. När snigeln framträdde på våren applicerades Ferramol för att stävja attacken på jordgubbsplantorna. Under en och en halv månad följdes effektiviteten av olika doser av detta medel. Resultaten visade sig tydliga genom att en minskning av antalet sniglar åstadkoms. Detta resultat var oberoende den dos av medel som användes. Doser om 2,5 g/m², 5 g/m² och 2*2,5 g/m² visade sig lika effektiva. För att nå även bättre kontroll över A. lusitanicus förordas en fortsatt studie med Ferramol i kombination av biologisk bekämpning, genom en naturlig fiende, skalbaggen Pterostichus melanarius.Arion lusitanicus se ha convertido en una de las plagas más importantes de Suecia, tanto en agricultura como en jardinería. Su apetito voraz y gran capacidad reproductiva hacen de esta babosa una plaga difícil de controlar. Los molusquicidas se han utilizado como método de control, pero tienen efectos nocivos para los cultivos. Como alternativa se ha probado en este estudio un molisquicida no toxico, Ferramol, que actúa inhibiendo la alimentación de las babosas. Se estudió la eficacia de Ferramol (FePO4) en un cultivo de fresas situado en la periferia de Lund, Suecia. La aplicación se ajustó al ciclo de vida de A. Lusitanicus. En primavera, durante la emergencia de las babosas, Ferramol fue aplicado para controlar el ataque al cultivo de fresas. Durante mes y medio se estudió la efectividad a diferentes dosis de este producto obteniendo claros resultados en la disminución del número de babosas. Las dosis de 2,5g/m², 5g/m² y 2*2,5g/m² son igual de eficientes. A finales de primavera principios de verano se introducirá el escarabajo que se alimentará de los huevos de las babosas que hayan sobrevivido al Ferramol. Para llegar a un control aun más eficaz se sugiere un estudio con Ferramol en combinación con un depredador natural, un escarabajo carabideo Pterostichus melanarius

Continuous Entanglement Distribution from an AlGaAs-on-Insulator Microcomb for Quantum Communications

Using an aluminum gallium arsenide microring resonator, we demonstrate a bright quantum optical microcomb with $>300$ nm bandwidth and more than 20 sets of time-energy entangled modes, enabling spectral demultiplexing with simple, off-the-shelf commercial telecom components. We report high-rate continuous entanglement distribution for two sets of entangled-photon pair frequency modes exhibiting up to $20$ GHz/mW$^2$ pair generation rate. As an illustrative example of entanglement distribution, we perform a continuous-wave time-bin quantum key distribution protocol with 8 kbps raw key rates while maintaining less than 10$\%$ error rate and sufficient two-photon visibility to ensure security of the channel. When the $>$20 frequency modes are multiplexed, we estimate $>$100 kbps entanglement-based key rates or the creation of a multi-user quantum communications network. The entire system requires less than 110 $\mu$W of on-chip optical power, demonstrating an efficient source of entangled frequency modes for quantum communications. As a proof of principle, a quantum key is distributed across 12 km of deployed fiber on the UCSB campus and used to transmit a 21 kB image with $<9\%$ error.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figure

Dual-Composite Right-Left Handed Transmission Lines for the Design of Compact Diplexers

In this study, the use of dual-composite right-left-handed (D-CRLH) transmission lines is proposed for the design of diplexers. The D-CRLH diplexers present advantages over conventional diplexers such as smaller size (especially in the ultra high frequency band). The design procedure and the design equations are presented in this paper. The non-linear phase response of a D-CRLH transmission line has been used to design diplexers at any arbitrary frequencies. Finally, two diplexers have been designed and manufactured: one for quite near frequencies and the other for further ones. The simulation results show good agreement with the measurements. A sensitivity analysis has been provided to show the robustness of this kind of circuits

Reduced serial dependence suggests deficits in synaptic potentiation in anti-NMDAR encephalitis and schizophrenia

A mechanistic understanding of core cognitive processes, such as working memory, is crucial to addressing psychiatric symptoms in brain disorders. We propose a combined psychophysical and biophysical account of two symptomatologically related diseases, both linked to hypofunctional NMDARs: schizophrenia and autoimmune anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We first quantified shared working memory alterations in a delayed-response task. In both patient groups, we report a markedly reduced influence of previous stimuli on working memory contents, despite preserved memory precision. We then simulated this finding with NMDAR-dependent synaptic alterations in a microcircuit model of prefrontal cortex. Changes in cortical excitation destabilized within-trial memory maintenance and could not account for disrupted serial dependence in working memory. Rather, a quantitative fit between data and simulations supports alterations of an NMDAR-dependent memory mechanism operating on longer timescales, such as short-term potentiation

Three-dimensional cardiac fibre disorganization as a novel parameter for ventricular arrhythmia stratification after myocardial infarction

Aims: Myocardial infarction (MI) alters cardiac fibre organization with unknown consequences on ventricular arrhythmia. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac fibres and scar reconstructions to identify the main parameters associated with ventricular arrhythmia inducibility and ventricular tachycardia (VT) features after MI. Methods and results: Twelve pigs with established MI and three controls underwent invasive electrophysiological characterization of ventricular arrhythmia inducibility and VT features. Animal-specific 3D scar and myocardial fibre distribution were obtained from ex vivo high-resolution contrast-enhanced T1 mapping and DTI sequences. Diffusion tensor imaging-derived parameters significantly different between healthy and scarring myocardium, scar volumes, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were included for arrhythmia risk stratification and correlation analyses with VT features. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was the only inducible arrhythmia in 4 out of 12 infarcted pigs and all controls. Ventricular tachycardia was also inducible in the remaining eight pigs during programmed ventricular stimulation. A DTI-based 3D fibre disorganization index (FDI) showed higher disorganization within dense scar regions of VF-only inducible pigs compared with VT inducible animals (FDI: 0.36; 0.36-0.37 vs. 0.32; 0.26-0.33, respectively, P = 0.0485). Ventricular fibrillation induction required lower programmed stimulation aggressiveness in VF-only inducible pigs than VT inducible and control animals. Neither LVEF nor scar volumes differentiated between VF and VT inducible animals. Re-entrant VT circuits were localized within areas of highly disorganized fibres. Moreover, the FDI within heterogeneous scar regions was associated with the median VT cycle length per animal (R2 = 0.5320). Conclusion: The amount of scar-related cardiac fibre disorganization in DTI sequences is a promising approach for ventricular arrhythmia stratification after MI.The CNIC (Madrid, Spain) is supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the Pro CNIC Foundation. The CNIC and the BSC (Barcelona, Spain) are Severo Ochoa Centers of Excellence (SEV-2015-0505 and SEV-2011-0067, respectively). This study was supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (RD12/0042/0036, CB16/11/00458), Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (SAF2016-80324-R, PI16/02110, and DTS17/00136), and by the European Commission [ERA-CVD Joint Call (JTC2016/APCIN-ISCIII-2016), grant#AC16/00021]. The study was also partially supported by the Fundacion Interhospitalaria para la Investigacion Cardiovascular (FIC, Madrid, Spain), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (Dr. Pedro Zarco award) and the Heart Rhythm section of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (DFR). J.J. is supported by R01 Grant HL122352 from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, USA National Institutes of Health. J.A.S. is funded by the CompBioMed project, H2020-EU.1.4.1.3 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, grant#675451. D.G.L. has received financial support through the 'la Caixa' Fellowship Grant for Doctoral Studies, 'la Caixa' Banking Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.S

Acute Stress Regulates Sex-Related Molecular Responses in the Human Jejunal Mucosa: Implications for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Estrés agudo; Barrera intestinal; SexoEstrès agut; Barrera intestinal; SexeCute stress; Intestinal barrier; SexIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder linked to intestinal barrier dysfunction and life stress. We have previously reported that female sex per se determines an increased susceptibility to intestinal barrier dysfunction after cold pain stress (CPS). We aimed to identify sex-related molecular differences in response to CPS in healthy subjects to understand the origin of sex bias predominance in IBS. In 13 healthy males and 21 females, two consecutive jejunal biopsies were obtained using Watson’s capsule, at baseline, and ninety minutes after CPS. Total mucosal RNA and protein were isolated from jejunal biopsies. Expression of genes related to epithelial barrier (CLDN1, CLDN2, OCLN, ZO-1, and ZO-3), mast cell (MC) activation (TPSAB1, SERPINA1), and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) were analyzed using RT-qPCR. NR3C1, ZO-1 and OCLN protein expression were evaluated through immunohistochemistry and western blot, and mucosal inflammation through MC, lymphocyte, and eosinophil numbering. Autonomic, hormonal, and psychological responses to CPS were monitored. We found an increase in jejunal MCs, a reduced CLDN1 and OCLN expression, and an increased CLDN2 and SERPINA1 expression 90 min after CPS. We also found a significant decrease in ZO-1, OCLN, and NR3C1 gene expression, and a decrease in OCLN protein expression only in females, when compared to males. CPS induced a significant increase in blood pressure, plasma cortisol and ACTH, and subjective stress perception in all participants. Specific and independent sex-related molecular responses in epithelial barrier regulation are unraveled by acute stress in the jejunum of healthy subjects and may partially explain female predominance in IBS.Supported in part by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Subdirección General de Investigación Sanitaria, Ministerio de Economiá y Competitividad: CM08/00229 (BL); CM10/00155 (MP); EII2011-0035, CD15/00010, and MV17-00043 (BKRJ.); FI12/00254 (ESR.), PI17/0190 (JS), PI12/00314 and PI15/00301 (CAC), CIBEREHD CB06/04/0021 (JS, CAC.); Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca, Programa de becas predoctorales Amics de Vall d’Hebron: PRED-VHIR-2014-018 (MF), PRED-VHIR-2016-53 34 (CPC.)

Assessment of platelet REACtivity after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES: The REAC-TAVI (Assessment of platelet REACtivity after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) trial enrolled patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) pre-treated with aspirin + clopidogrel, aimed to compare the efficacy of clopidogrel and ticagrelor in suppressing high platelet reactivity (HPR) after TAVI. BACKGROUND: Current recommendations support short-term use of aspirin + clopidogrel for patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR despite the lack of compelling evidence. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter investigation. Platelet reactivity was measured at 6 different time points with the VerifyNow assay (Accriva Diagnostics, San Diego, California). HPR was defined as (P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) ≥208. Patients with HPR before TAVR were randomized to either aspirin + ticagrelor or aspirin + clopidogrel for 3 months. Patients without HPR continued with aspirin + clopidogrel (registry cohort). The primary endpoint was non-HPR status (PRU <208) in ≥70% of patients treated with ticagrelor at 90 days post-TAVR. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included. Of these, 48 (71%) had HPR (PRU 273 ± 09) and were randomized to aspirin + ticagrelor (n = 24, PRU 277 ± 08) or continued with aspirin + clopidogrel (n = 24, PRU 269 ± 49). The remaining 20 patients (29%) without HPR (PRU 133 ± 12) were included in the registry. Overall, platelet reactivity across all the study time points after TAVR was lower in patients randomized to ticagrelor compared with those treated with clopidogrel, including those enrolled in the registry (p < 0.001). The primary endpoint was achieved in 100% of patients with ticagrelor compared with 21% with clopidogrel (p < 0.001). Interestingly, 33% of clopidogrel responder patients at baseline developed HPR status during the first month after TAVR. CONCLUSIONS: HPR to clopidogrel is present in a considerable number of patients with AS undergoing TAVR. Ticagrelor achieves a better and faster effect, providing sustained suppression of HPR to these patients. (Platelet Reactivity After TAVI: A Multicenter Pilot Study [REAC-TAVI]; NCT02224066)