Field-Evolved Resistance: Assessing the Problem and Ways to Move Forward

"Field-evolved resistance” is defined as a "genetically based decrease in susceptibility of a population to a toxin caused by exposure to the toxin in the field.” The key component of "field-evolved” resistance is that it does confer decreased susceptibility to an insecticide in the field. Another key component is that the decrease in susceptibility to the insecticide is because of previous exposure of the target insect to the toxin in the field. Several studies have reported field-evolved resistance to crops engineered to express proteins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, there has not been a consistent standard in the application of the definition of field-evolved resistance for Bt crops. The inconsistency in applying the definition arises from differences in the methods used to detect resistance, the ecology of the interaction between the pest and the Bt crop, and the effective dose the pest encounters while feeding on the Bt crop. Using case studies of reported resistance to Bt crops, it is demonstrated resistance does not come in a single form, and that in most cases, resistance can still be manage

Serotonin Reduction in Post-acute Sequelae of Viral Infection

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, Long COVID ) pose a significant global health challenge. The pathophysiology is unknown, and no effective treatments have been found to date. Several hypotheses have been formulated to explain the etiology of PASC, including viral persistence, chronic inflammation, hypercoagulability, and autonomic dysfunction. Here, we propose a mechanism that links all four hypotheses in a single pathway and provides actionable insights for therapeutic interventions. We find that PASC are associated with serotonin reduction. Viral infection and type I interferon-driven inflammation reduce serotonin through three mechanisms: diminished intestinal absorption of the serotonin precursor tryptophan; platelet hyperactivation and thrombocytopenia, which impacts serotonin storage; and enhanced MAO-mediated serotonin turnover. Peripheral serotonin reduction, in turn, impedes the activity of the vagus nerve and thereby impairs hippocampal responses and memory. These findings provide a possible explanation for neurocognitive symptoms associated with viral persistence in Long COVID, which may extend to other post-viral syndromes

An extended SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine prime-boost interval enhances B cell immunity with limited impact on T cells

Summary: Spacing the first two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines beyond 3–4 weeks raised initial concerns about vaccine efficacy. While studies have since shown that long-interval regimens induce robust antibody responses, their impact on B and T cell immunity is poorly known. Here, we compare SARS-CoV-2 naive donors B and T cell responses to two mRNA vaccine doses administered 3–4 versus 16 weeks apart. After boost, the longer interval results in a higher magnitude and a more mature phenotype of RBD-specific B cells. While the two geographically distinct cohorts present quantitative and qualitative differences in T cell responses at baseline and after priming, the second dose led to convergent features with overall similar magnitude, phenotype, and function of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses at post-boost memory time points. Therefore, compared to standard regimens, a 16-week interval has a favorable impact on the B cell compartment but minimally affects T cell immunity

Characterization of the Activity Spectrum of MON 88702 and the Plant-Incorporated Protectant Cry51Aa2.834_16

<div><p>The spectrum of insecticidal activity of Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein targeting hemipteran and thysanopteran insect pests in cotton was characterized by selecting and screening multiple pest and non-pest species, based on representation of ecological functional groups, taxonomic relatedness (e.g. relationship to species where activity was observed), and availability for effective testing. Seven invertebrate orders, comprising 12 families and 17 representative species were screened for susceptibility to Cry51Aa2.834_16 protein and/or the ability of the protein to protect against feeding damage in laboratory, controlled environments (e.g. greenhouse/growth chamber), and/or field studies when present in cotton plants. The screening results presented for Cry51Aa2.834_16 demonstrate selective and limited activity within three insect orders. Other than <i>Orius insidiosus</i>, no activity was observed for Cry51Aa2.834_16 against several groups of arthropods that perform key ecological roles in some agricultural ecosystems (e.g. pollinators, decomposers, and natural enemies).</p></div