Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis CRY1A(c) d-endotoxin on growth, nodulation and productivity of beans [Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) and siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum DC.)]

The recent introduction of Bt maize and Bt cotton transgenic crops into Africa has raised concerns on their potential short and long-term ecological effects on the environment. The effects of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin on the growth, nodulation and productivity of two leguminous plants grown in clay soil were evaluated. Bt Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin from a local B. thuringiensis isolate (ICIPE L1-2) active against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was used. Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum DC.) seedlings were grown in pots treated with Bt Cry1A(c) dendotoxin solution (100 ìg/ml). Control experiments were treated with water. The plants were maintained in the greenhouse until nodulation (8 weeks) and maturity (14 weeks) stages when sampling was done for measurements of morphological, productivity and nodulation traits. Nodulation was observed in both plants species. Nitrogen content in treatments for both bean and siratro plants, withand without Bt-toxin not were significantly different. Leaf area, plant dry weight, number of pods per plants and number of seeds per pod observed in treatments with and without Bt-toxin for both bean and siratro plants were also not significantly different. This shows that Bt Cry1A(c) delta-endotoxin does not interfere with the host plant growth, nodulation and productivity in clay soil. Findings will provide researchers with data to design more robust experiments and will inform the decisions of diversestakeholders regarding the safety of transgenic crops

Molecular diagnosis of bird-mediated pest consumption in tropical farmland

Biodiversity loss will likely have surprising and dramatic consequences for human wellbeing. Identifying species that benefit society represents a critical first step towards predicting the consequences of biodiversity loss. Though natural predators prevent billions of dollars in agricultural pest damage annually, characterizing which predators consume pests has proven challenging. Emerging molecular techniques may illuminate these interactions. In the countryside of Costa Rica, we identified avian predators of coffee’s most damaging insect pest, the coffee berry borer beetle (Coleoptera:Scolytidae Hypothenemus hampeii), by assaying 1430 fecal samples of 108 bird species for borer DNA. While feeding trials confirmed the efficacy of our approach, detection rates were low. Nevertheless, we identified six species that consume the borer. These species had narrow diet breadths, thin bills, and short wings; traits shared with borer predators in other systems. Borer predators were not threatened; therefore, safeguarding pest control necessitates managing species beyond those at risk of regional extinction by maintaining populations in farmland habitats. Generally, our results demonstrate potential for pairing molecular methods with ecological analyses to yield novel insights into species interactions. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-1801-3-630) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Effects of Bacillus thurungiensis Cry1A(c) &#948-endotoxin on diversity of Legume Nodulating Bacteria (LNB) and nitrogen fixation in Clay soil

Bt technology alleviates many problems associated with the use of chemical pesticides, contributes to increased grain yields and a reduced need for insecticidal sprays. However, the potential impacts of Bt crops on the environment remain a topic of debate worldwide, calling for the assessment of Bt crops on the environment. In the current study, the effect of Bacilllus&nbsp; thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin on the diversity of legume nodulating bacteria (LNB) and nitrogen fixation in clay soil was evaluated. Bt Cry1A(c) d-endotoxin from a&nbsp; local B. thuringiensis isolate (ICIPE L1-2) active against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) was used.&nbsp; Beans&nbsp; (Phaseolus&nbsp; vulgaris&nbsp; L.)&nbsp; and&nbsp; Siratro&nbsp; (Macroptilium&nbsp; atropurpureum DC.)&nbsp; seedlings were&nbsp; grown&nbsp; in&nbsp; pots&nbsp; treated with Bt Cry1A(c)&nbsp; d-endotoxin&nbsp; solution&nbsp; (100&nbsp; &mu;g/ml). Control&nbsp; experiments were&nbsp; treated with water. The&nbsp; plants were maintained&nbsp; in&nbsp; the greenhouse until nodulation&nbsp; (8 weeks)&nbsp; stage when&nbsp; sampling was done. LNB were&nbsp; isolated&nbsp; from&nbsp; the&nbsp; root&nbsp; nodules. Restriction fragment&nbsp; length polymorphism&nbsp; (RFLP) assessed&nbsp; the diversity of&nbsp; the LNB&nbsp; species. Soil&nbsp; samples&nbsp; in hungate&nbsp; tubes were&nbsp; treated with Bt Cry1A(c)&nbsp; d-endotoxin&nbsp; solution&nbsp; (100&nbsp; &mu;g/ml)&nbsp; and&nbsp; the&nbsp; control&nbsp; sample&nbsp; sprayed with&nbsp; equally&nbsp; volume&nbsp; of&nbsp; distilled water. Subsequently,&nbsp; acetylene&nbsp; reduction&nbsp; assays&nbsp; were&nbsp; performed&nbsp; over&nbsp; a&nbsp; 60&nbsp; hour&nbsp; period.&nbsp; The&nbsp; results&nbsp; showed&nbsp; that&nbsp; Bt&nbsp; Cry1A(c)&nbsp; d-endotoxin had no effect on nitrogen&nbsp; fixation&nbsp; rates by&nbsp; free&nbsp; living&nbsp; soil microorganisms. However, RFLP data&nbsp; showed a&nbsp; slightly higher&nbsp; diversity&nbsp; of&nbsp; LNB&nbsp; in&nbsp; the&nbsp; control&nbsp; samples&nbsp; than&nbsp; the&nbsp; test&nbsp; samples,&nbsp; indicating&nbsp; that&nbsp; Bt&nbsp; Cry1A(c)&nbsp; d-endotoxin&nbsp; (100&nbsp; &mu;g/ml) reduced or modified the number of LNB in the rhizosphere.Key words: Bacillus thuringiensis, Bt Cry1A(c) &delta;-endotoxin, Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.), RFLP

Resistance of the predacious mite, euseius kenyae (acari: phytoseiidae) to chlorpyrifos (dursban &reg;) in kenyan coffee farms

This study was carried out to assess whether the predacious phytoseiid mite, Euseius kenyae (Swirski and Ragusa), commonly found in major&nbsp; coffee growing regions in Kenya has developed resistance to Chlorpyrifos. Mite populations were collected from coffee farms harbouring E. kenyae and where Chlorpyrifos or other organophosphates were sprayed to manage the primary coffee insect pests. The mites collected were reared in mass in the laboratory for bioassays. The findings showed that under coffee agro-ecosystems, levels of resistance existed among the populations of E. kenyae after their exposure to Chlorpyrifos or other organophosphates. The population of E. kenyae from a coffee farm (C44) was most susceptible to Chlorpyrifos with LC50 = 0.044 that was below the lowest concentration of 0.1875 ml per litre of water which was tested. The E. kenyae from coffee farms (C1, C4, C7, C37, C25 and C119) had&nbsp; resistance ratios more than ten times that of C44. The coffee farms (C2, C12, C19, C116, C31, C50 and C72) had populations of E. kenyae&nbsp; susceptible to Chlorpyrifos at concentration of 0.75 ml per litre of water which is the field recommended rate for control of insect pests in coffee. The population of E. kenyae from C7 was resistant to the highest field rate of 200% (1.5 ml per litre of water) with LC50 of 1.716 and resistance ratio of 39 times. The existence of resistance populations of E. kenyae is an aspect that needs to be considered in the integrated pest control strategies against coffee insect pests

Halotolerant aminopeptidase M29 from Mesorhizobium SEMIA 3007 with biotechnological potential and its impact on biofilm synthesis

Abstract The aminopeptidase gene from Mesorhizobium SEMIA3007 was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The enzyme called MesoAmp exhibited optimum activity at pH 8.5 and 45 °C and was strongly activated by Co2+ and Mn2+. Under these reaction conditions, the enzyme displayed Km and kcat values of 0.2364 ± 0.018 mM and 712.1 ± 88.12 s−1, respectively. Additionally, the enzyme showed remarkable stability in organic solvents and was active at high concentrations of NaCl, suggesting that the enzyme might be suitable for use in biotechnology. MesoAmp is responsible for 40% of the organism’s aminopeptidase activity. However, the enzyme’s absence does not affect bacterial growth in synthetic broth, although it interfered with biofilm synthesis and osmoregulation. To the best of our knowledge, this report describes the first detailed characterization of aminopeptidase from Mesorhizobium and suggests its importance in biofilm formation and osmotic stress tolerance. In summary, this work lays the foundation for potential biotechnological applications and/or the development of environmentally friendly technologies and describes the first solvent- and halo-tolerant aminopeptidases identified from the Mesorhizobium genus and its importance in bacterial metabolism

Enhanced infection prophylaxis reduces mortality in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected adults and older children initiating antiretroviral therapy in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe: the REALITY trial

Meeting abstract FRAB0101LB from 21st International AIDS Conference 18–22 July 2016, Durban, South Africa. Introduction: Mortality from infections is high in the first 6 months of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV‐infected adults and children with advanced disease in sub‐Saharan Africa. Whether an enhanced package of infection prophylaxis at ART initiation would reduce mortality is unknown. Methods: The REALITY 2×2×2 factorial open‐label trial (ISRCTN43622374) randomized ART‐naïve HIV‐infected adults and children >5 years with CD4 <100 cells/mm3. This randomization compared initiating ART with enhanced prophylaxis (continuous cotrimoxazole plus 12 weeks isoniazid/pyridoxine (anti‐tuberculosis) and fluconazole (anti‐cryptococcal/candida), 5 days azithromycin (anti‐bacterial/protozoal) and single‐dose albendazole (anti‐helminth)), versus standard‐of‐care cotrimoxazole. Isoniazid/pyridoxine/cotrimoxazole was formulated as a scored fixed‐dose combination. Two other randomizations investigated 12‐week adjunctive raltegravir or supplementary food. The primary endpoint was 24‐week mortality. Results: 1805 eligible adults (n = 1733; 96.0%) and children/adolescents (n = 72; 4.0%) (median 36 years; 53.2% male) were randomized to enhanced (n = 906) or standard prophylaxis (n = 899) and followed for 48 weeks (3.8% loss‐to‐follow‐up). Median baseline CD4 was 36 cells/mm3 (IQR: 16–62) but 47.3% were WHO Stage 1/2. 80 (8.9%) enhanced versus 108(12.2%) standard prophylaxis died before 24 weeks (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.73 (95% CI: 0.54–0.97) p = 0.03; Figure 1) and 98(11.0%) versus 127(14.4%) respectively died before 48 weeks (aHR = 0.75 (0.58–0.98) p = 0.04), with no evidence of interaction with the two other randomizations (p > 0.8). Enhanced prophylaxis significantly reduced incidence of tuberculosis (p = 0.02), cryptococcal disease (p = 0.01), oral/oesophageal candidiasis (p = 0.02), deaths of unknown cause (p = 0.02) and (marginally) hospitalisations (p = 0.06) but not presumed severe bacterial infections (p = 0.38). Serious and grade 4 adverse events were marginally less common with enhanced prophylaxis (p = 0.06). CD4 increases and VL suppression were similar between groups (p > 0.2). Conclusions: Enhanced infection prophylaxis at ART initiation reduces early mortality by 25% among HIV‐infected adults and children with advanced disease. The pill burden did not adversely affect VL suppression. Policy makers should consider adopting and implementing this low‐cost broad infection prevention package which could save 3.3 lives for every 100 individuals treated