Elucidating novel biopesticide modes of action in insects : physiological, cellular and molecular approaches

This PhD project forms a significant, embedded part of the project, “Novel insecticides and synergists from endemic and exotic flora”, funded by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), 2015-2018. I aimed to identify and develop new tools for integrated pest management (IPM) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). While adoption of transgenic cotton has resulted in reduced synthetic insecticide use against the cotton bollworms Helicoverpa spp., secondary pests such as two-spotted spider mite, cotton aphid, green mirid, and silverleaf whitefly continue to be of concern. Thus, there is an urgent need to investigate and develop novel options, such as biopesticides and semiochemicals for insect pest management. My proof-of-concept study employed two insect cell lines and evaluated three pyrethroid insecticides by combining three in vitro methods, absorbance spectrometry, confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and microelectrode ion flux estimation (MIFE) to assist in elucidating possible mode of action, which could be adopted to evaluate insecticidal activity of complex, unknown, or multi-constituent formulations. A laboratory direct application insect bioassay utilising a Potter precision spray tower was employed during the initial foundation project to screen over 400 plant extracts for their efficacy on a selection of cotton insects, after which I identified 20 extracts for further experimentation. In summary, by targeting ion transport, ROS production, chemoreceptors and their associated genes in insect cells and insects, there is a great potential to develop reliable laboratory screening methods to identify novel and environmental friendly botanical pesticides for Australian and global agricultural industry in the future

Sociocultural Competency Training for Migrants in a Job Placement Program

Recent migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are often unfamiliar with the implicit social rules for effective workplace interactions vital for career search and advancement in the adopted country. Job placement programs available for the unemployed may have limited use for CALD clients unless they also receive intercultural social skills training aimed at enhancing their sociocultural competency in preparation for the culturally different workplace. This paper will report the implementation and preliminary evaluation of the EXCELL (Excellence in Cultural Experiential Learning and Leadership) Program - as a sociocultural competency training module - in an innovative and comprehensive labour market program for CALD migrants in Brisbane, Australia. On completion of EXCELL, a sample of 101 migrant jobseekers (37% male, median age = 35 years, median residence in Australia = 2.25 years, 80% from non-English-speaking background) reported increases in job search self-efficacy and intercultural social self-efficacy, compared with their pre-training survey responses. Program ratings and trainers' observations have further indicated high levels of client satisfaction with the EXCELL training and its relevance to enhancing social interactions in job placements. The implications for future evaluation research as well as practice in employment and migrant services will be discussed.No Full Tex

AP-1 as a Regulator of MMP-13 in the Stromal Cell of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone

Matrix-metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) has been shown to be an important protease in inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of the skeletal system. In particular, the stromal cells of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) express very high levels of MMP-13 in response to the cytokine-rich environment of the tumor. We have previously shown that MMP-13 expression in these cells is regulated, at least in part, by the RUNX2 transcription factor. In the current study, we identify the expression of the c-Fos and c-Jun elements of the AP-1 transcription factor in these cells by protein screening assays and real-time PCR. We then used siRNA gene knockdown to determine that these elements, in particular c-Jun, are upstream regulators of MMP-13 expression and activity in GCT stromal cells. We conclude that there was no synergy found between RUNX2 and AP-1 in the regulation of the MMP13 expression and that these transcription factors may be independently regulated in these cells

Capsicum waste as a sustainable source of capsaicinoids for metabolic diseases

Capsaicinoids are pungent alkaloid compounds enriched with antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. These compounds are primarily synthesised in the placenta of the fruit and then transported to other vegetative parts. Different varieties of capsicum and chillies contain different capsaicinoid concentrations. As capsicums and chillies are grown extensively throughout the world, their agricultural and horticultural production leads to significant amount of waste generation, in the form of fruits and plant biomass. Fruit wastes (placenta, seeds and unused fruits) and plant biowaste (stems and leaves) can serve as sources of capsaicinoids which can provide opportunities to extract these compounds for development of nutraceutical products using conventional or advanced extraction techniques. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are two most abundantly found pungent compounds. Considering the health benefits of capsaicinoids, these compounds can help in reducing metabolic disease complications. The development of an advanced encapsulation therapy of safe and clinically effective oral capsaicinoid/capsaicin formulation seem to require evaluation of strategies to address challenges related to the dosage, limited half-life and bioavailability, adverse effects and pungency, and the impacts of other ligands antagonising the major capsaicinoid receptor

Oligomeric state study of prokaryotic rhomboid proteases

AbstractRhomboid peptidases (proteases) play key roles in signaling events at the membrane bilayer. Understanding the regulation of rhomboid function is crucial for insight into its mechanism of action. Here we examine the oligomeric state of three different rhomboid proteases. We subjected Haemophilus influenzae, (hiGlpG), Escherichia coli GlpG (ecGlpG) and Bacillus subtilis (YqgP) to sedimentation equilibrium analysis in detergent-solubilized dodecylmaltoside (DDM) solution. For hiGlpG and ecGlpG, rhomboids consisting of the core 6 transmembrane domains without and with soluble domains respectively, and YqgP, predicted to have 7 transmembrane domains with larger soluble domains at the termini, the predominant species was dimeric with low amounts of monomer and tetramers observed. To examine the effect of the membrane domain alone on oligomeric state of rhomboid, hiGlpG, the simplest form from the rhomboid class of intramembrane proteases representing the canonical rhomboid core of six transmembrane domains, was studied further. Using gel filtration and crosslinking we demonstrate that hiGlpG is dimeric and functional in DDM detergent solution. More importantly co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that the dimer is present in the lipid bilayer suggesting a physiological dimer. Overall these results indicate that rhomboids form oligomers which are facilitated by the membrane domain. For hiGlpG we have shown that these oligomers exist in the lipid bilayer. This is the first detailed oligomeric state characterization of the rhomboid family of peptidases

The Grizzly, April 29, 1988

Alcohol Policy Discussed • Honorability Sought at Ursinus • Meet McCurdy! • Urisnus\u27 Own Oscar Winners • Come One, Come All! • Letters: Plagiarist Re-admitted?; Casey Causes Changes; Blast From the Past; Alcohol Education • Band to Perform • That Staiger Chemistry Not at all Overdue • PA Dutch Parsons • Emeritus Williamson • U.C. to Take on Trenton State in Lax Showdown Tonight • Baseball on 6-game Win Streak • Men Backhand W.M. and Albright for U.C. Victory • Tennis Women End Season 6-4 • New Football Mentor • Goldberg Finds Student Athletes • Young\u27s Notes for You • Medieval Fest at College Aids Handicapped • Final Exam Schedulehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1213/thumbnail.jp

Complementary role of cardiac CT in the assessment of aortic valve replacement dysfunction

Aortic valve replacement is the second most common cardiothoracic procedure in the UK. With an ageing population, there are an increasing number of patients with prosthetic valves that require follow-up. Imaging of prosthetic valves is challenging with conventional echocardiographic techniques making early detection of valve dysfunction or complications difficult. CT has recently emerged as a complementary approach offering excellent spatial resolution and the ability to identify a range of aortic valve replacement complications including structural valve dysfunction, thrombus development, pannus formation and prosthetic valve infective endocarditis. This review discusses each and how CT might be incorporated into a multimodal cardiovascular imaging pathway for the assessment of aortic valve replacements and in guiding clinical management

Molecular interaction and evolution of jasmonate signaling with transport and detoxification of heavy metals and metalloids in plants

An increase in environmental pollution resulting from toxic heavy metals and metalloids [e.g., cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb)] causes serious health risks to humans and animals. Mitigation strategies need to be developed to reduce the accumulation of the toxic elements in plant-derived foods. Natural and genetically-engineered plants with hyper-tolerant and hyper-accumulating capacity of toxic minerals are valuable for phytoremediation. However, the molecular mechanisms of detoxification and accumulation in plants have only been demonstrated in very few plant species such as Arabidopsis and rice. Here, we review the physiological and molecular aspects of jasmonic acid and the jasmonate derivatives (JAs) in response to toxic heavy metals and metalloids. Jasmonates have been identified in, limiting the accumulation and enhancing the tolerance to the toxic elements, by coordinating the ion transport system, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the chelating capacity in plants. We also propose the potential involvement of Ca2+ signaling in the stress-induced production of jasmonates. Comparative transcriptomics analyses using the public datasets reveal the key gene families involved in the JA-responsive routes. Furthermore, we show that JAs may function as a fundamental phytohormone that protects plants from heavy metals and metalloids as demonstrated by the evolutionary conservation and diversity of these gene families in a large number of species of the major green plant lineages. Using ATP-Binding Cassette G (ABCG) transporter subfamily of six representative green plant species, we propose that JA transporters in Subgroup 4 of ABCGs may also have roles in heavy metal detoxification. Our paper may provide guidance toward the selection and development of suitable plant and crop species that are tolerant to toxic heavy metals and metalloids

Riding the knowledge translation roundabout: lessons learned from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Summer Institute in knowledge translation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Funding the education and training of the next generation of health researchers is a key mandate of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) knowledge translation (KT) portfolio. The field of KT is growing daily; thus, the training and development of a new generation of KT researchers is essential.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using curriculum documents, participant evaluations, and self-reflection, this paper describes a unique Summer Institute hosted by the CIHR in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. We outline the key aspects of a successful training initiative that could inform organizations and agencies worldwide with an interest in or who have a mandate for KT.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>This work provides potential funders, faculty, and students with an inside look into the purpose, process, and outcomes of such training initiatives.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>National and international KT organizations, research institutions, and funding agencies are encouraged to consider replicating the training model employed here, as investment into KT personnel will foster the advancement of the field within and beyond local borders.</p> <p>'To the individual who devotes his/her life to science, nothing can give more happiness than when the results immediately find practical application. There are not two sciences. There is science and the application of science, and these two are linked as the fruit is to the tree.' – Louis Pasteur, 1871 (from presentation by Ian Graham, 2008 CIHR Knowledge Translation Summer Institute)</p

The Grizzly, December 4, 1987

Get a Grip on Handel • Aggressive Couple to Move • Letter: USGA Concerned with Fund Allocation • Wismer Move Official • Christmas Festivities Planned for Campus • Musser Plans Dinner • Ursinus Campus: Not What it Used to Be • Matters Successful • New Attitude Turns Ladies\u27 Fortune • Ursinus Welcomes Chang Back to College Campus • New Club in Spring • Home Streak Making Hoopla • Take a Realistic Look at the Job Market • All-American Honors for Field Hockey\u27s Dicton and Johnson • V-Baller Honored • Gymnasts Open Season • Scholars Gain All-ECAC • Walk This Way, Says Davidson • Concert Last in Forum Series • Don we Now Our Football Apparel • Dee Shares Business Ventures • Springsteen Sings In New Style • Limited Firebreathing for Lionarons\u27 Dragons • Final Exam Schedulehttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1201/thumbnail.jp