Isolation and identification of bacteria from the invasive pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and evaluation of their biocontrol potential

As an alternative to chemical insecticides, gut bacteria of insects could be used to control insect pests. In this study, bacteria associated with Tuta absoluta, an invasive species that has developed resistance to chemical insecticides, were isolated, and their potential for pest control was investigated. We isolated 13 bacteria from larvae of the pest and identified the isolates on the basis of their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics as Bacillus thuringiensis (Ta1-8), Staphylococcus petrasii (Ta9), Citrobacter freundii (Ta10), Chishuiella changwenlii (Ta11), Enterococcus casseliflavus (Ta12), and Pseudomonas tremae (Ta13). A laboratory screening test at 109 cfu/ml showed that B. thuringiensis (Bt) isolates caused more than 90% mortality after 3 days. Among the isolates, Bt-Ta1 showed the highest mortality in a short time. The LC50 and LC90 values for Bt-Ta1 were estimated to be 1.2 × 106 and 2 × 109 cfu/ml, respectively. Detailed characterization of Bt-Ta1 revealed that it is one of the serotypes effective on lepidopterans and contains the genes cry1Aa, cry2Aa, and vip3Aa, which encode lepidopteran toxic proteins. Bt-Ta1 isolate has been shown to have the potential to be used in the integrated management of Tuta absoluta.

Entomopathogenic fungi with biological control potential against poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae, Arachnida: Dermanyssidae)

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (Arachnida: Dermanyssidae) is a pest that causes significant economic loss in laying hens for which control methods are limited. In this study, the effects of 20 indigenous fungal strains on poultry red mites in chicken farms were investigated. All experiments were conducted under laboratory condition at 28 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% humidity. A screening test showed that Metharizium flavoviride strain As-2 and Beauveria bassiana strain Pa4 had the greatest measured effect on D. gallinae at 1 × 107 conidia/ml 7 days after application. In a subsequent does-response experiment, these strains also caused 92.7% mortality at 1 × 109 conidia/ml within the same period. The LC50 of these strains was 5.5 × 104 (95% CI: 0.8-37.5) conidia/ml for As-2 and 3.2 × 104 (95% CI: 0.4-26.0) conidia/ml for Pa4, and their LT50 were 1.94 and 1.57 days, respectively. The commercial Metarhizium anisopliae bioinsecticide Bio-Storm 1.15% WP, used as a comparator, had LC50 and LT50 1 × 105 (95% CI: 0.1-7.9) conidia/ml and 3.03 (95% CI: 2.4-3.8) days, respectively. It is suggested that mycoacaricides could be developed using the best two fungal strains found in this study (As-2 and Pa4), providing potential for biological control of poultry red mites.

Is enhanced recovery after surgery essential?

BACKGROUND

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) method is designed for the patient to recover quickly, have less pain and have a more comfortable period after the surgery; that includes preoperative, intra and postoperative processes. ERAS has been started to be applied in cesarean section surgeries as the patients need to recover quickly. In the literature, there is no study about the results of ERAS in cesarean section about pain scores and complications.

OBJECTIVES

It is aimed to compare the results of cesarean section patients using the ERAS method completely in patients who have had cesarean section without meeting some of the postoperative conditions of the ERAS criteria.

STUDY DESIGN

It is a prospective study designed as postoperative metoclopramide, enema and routine opioids in group 1, enema and metoclopramide in group 2, metoclopramide only in group 3 and nothing in group 4. Postoperative pain scoring was done by using visual analog scale (VAS). Analysis of variance tests and t tests were used for results.

RESULTS

There was no difference between groups according to age, parity, and birth weight. As a result, although there was no difference between the groups in terms of discharge time and complications, the VAS score used in pain scoring was found to be significantly lower in group 3 compared to the other groups (p: 0.000). Only metoclopramide group (group 3) had lowest VAS score.

CONCLUSION

It has been revealed that the ERAS procedure does not need to be so detailed in the postoperative period, and the addition of metoclopramide may be sufficient. Since pain can be a subjective factor, other randomized studies are needed in terms of other criteria.

Predicting asphyxia in term fetus

This aim of this study was to investigate maternal hematological laboratory parameters of term infants before birth diagnosed with asphyxia compared to mothers of healthy term infants and predict asphyxia by these parameters. This study was conducted on 109 and 192 mothers of the fetus with asphyxia and healthy, respectively. Laboratory parameters of complete blood count, including PDW (platelet distribution width), PCT (procalcitonin) and NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio), were recorded before birth from pregnant women. PDW and basophil counts were significantly higher in the asphyxia group than healthy group (p: .000). The cut-off level of 19.425 accurately predicted the occurrence of asphyxia (AUC = 0.724 (95% confidence interval 0.65-0.78), p = .000). Basophil count could predict asphyxia, especially the cut-off level of> 0.15(10³/μL) (AUC = 0.67) (95% confidence interval 0.60-0.74, p = .000). To predict asphyxia before labor, a cheap and routine test of PDW can be used after more research in this area.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Asphyxia is still an unsolved problem in neonatal mortality and morbidity, and it is seen in babies of mothers who carry some risks during pregnancy (such as multiple pregnancy, baby of mother with preeclampsia, meconium aspiration, diabetes); however, it is known that it is a subject that is still not fully understood as it can also occur as a result of labor that does not have any risk factors and goes well.What do the results of this study add? In term fetuses without risk factors, it can be predicted to a certain extent whether the fetus will be diagnosed with asphyxia from the hemogram test that can work from the blood of the mother before birth.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In clinical practice, asphyxia can be estimated with a cheap and simple test, without any extra examination, by looking at the routine blood tests taken from the mother before going into labor.

Agreement between tele-assessment and face-to-face assessment of 30-s sit-to-stand test in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

The globalization of healthcare systems, and the aim to lower healthcare costs have all contributed to the growth of telehealth technology in recent years. However, before these systems are put into use, their efficacy should be verified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study focusing on the evaluation of functional exercise capacity using the 30-s sit-to-stand (30-s STS) test as a tele-assessment method in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

AIMS

The purpose of the study is to investigate the level of agreement between tele-assessment and face-to-face assessment of 30-s STS test in patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Fifty participants performed two times 30-s STS tests separated by 1 h: a face-to-face and an Internet-connected video call examination (tele-assessment). Two physiotherapists conduct these evaluations; each was blinded to the other. The order of the evaluations was designated at random for each participant and physiotherapist.

RESULTS

There was a good level of agreement between tele-assessment and face-to-face assessment of the 30-s STS test (mean differences = 0.20 ± 0.88, limits of agreement = 1.93 to - 1.53). Excellent interrater reliability was found for scores of the 30-s STS test [ICC = 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88; 0.96)]. In addition, all before and after test parameters show that there was a very good interrater reliability (ρ ≥ 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a good level of agreement between tele-assessment and face-to-face assessment of the 30-s STS test. Our study's findings indicate that tele-assessment is a potential application to determine the level of physical capacity remotely in patients with T2DM.

Vestibular Evaluation of Children Diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorder

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the vestibular function of children diagnosed with specific learning disorders (SLD).

Methods

This study was conducted with 30 children diagnosed with SLD and 30 healthy children matched for age and sex, and vestibular tests were applied.

Results

Optokinetic and head shake test values in videonystagmography subtests were found to be pathological in the study group, and the lateral asymmetry value in video head impulse test (v-HIT) was found to be significantly higher in the study group. Also, a significant difference was found in the N1 latency, P1-N1 interlatency, P1-N1 amplitude values in the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential test, and asymmetry values in the ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential test.

Conclusion

The current study showed that vestibular functions may differ from normal in SLD patients and that vestibular dysfunction may play a role in symptoms such as postural instability, balance, and gross and fine motor disorders that are frequently observed in these children.

Investigation of the Relationship Between BPPV with Anxiety, Sleep Quality and Falls

Objective

To investigate the effects of dizziness on sleep quality and psychological status in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and to evaluate its relationship with falls.

Methods

A Demographic Data Form, a Visual Vertigo Analog Scale, the Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered in 102 individuals diagnosed with BPPV by videonystagmography test. The same scales were applied to 75 healthy volunteers as the control group, and the two groups were compared. The BPPV group was divided into two groups as posterior canal and lateral canal BPPV. These two groups were compared among themselves and with the control group.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between the BPPV and control groups, the lateral canal BPPV and posterior canal BPPV groups, the lateral canal BPPV and control groups, and the posterior canal BPPV and control groups in terms of total scores of the PSQI, the FES-I, and the HADS (p<0.001). In the regression model, the FES-I score was fully explained by the PSQI and HADS scores (p<0.001).

Conclusion

BPPV significantly affects sleep quality, psychological state, and the risk of fall. The negative effects of BPPV restrict daily living activities, affect the prognosis of the disease, and increase the risk of falling. Considering that psychiatric issues and sleep problems increase the risk of falling in individuals with BPPV, counseling services on this issue would reduce the incidence of falls and related injuries.

[Investigation of the Relationship Between the Immune Responses due to COVID-19 Vaccine and Peripheral Bloodlymphocyte Subtypes of Healthcare Workers]

Worldwide vaccination is the best strategy to limit the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibody levels and hemogram parameters and the prediction of T-helper, T-cytotoxic and B lymphocyte subtypes in the peripheral blood for the development of these antibodies in the selected group of healthcare workers who were vaccinated with CoronaVac® (Sinovac, China). In a previous study with the same researchers, blood samples were taken from healthcare workers one month after the second vaccination, and anti-RBD anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (anti-SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Test results were classified as binding antibody <25.6 BAU/mL unresponsive, 25.6-35.1 BAU/mL weak response, <35.2 BAU/mL strong response, according to the assay manufacturer's recommendations. According to these criteria, it was determined that 22 (8.3%) people had no response, 25 (9.5%) people had a moderate response, and 217 (82.2%) people had a strong response. According to these results, 30 people from each group were invited. The results of three individuals were excluded from the evaluation due to chronic illness. A total of 87 health workers were included in the study. Twenty-two of these people had no response, 25 had a moderate response, and 40 had a good response. Flow cytometry was used to examine the peripheral blood lymphocyte percentage distribution. Statistical analyzes were performed with SPSS 26 software. The conformity of the variables to the normal distribution was examined using analytical methods (Kolmogorov-Smirnov/ Shapiro-Wilk tests). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. The correlation between the antibody level and the measurement results of hemogram parameters and lymphocyte indicators was evaluated by Pearson's correlation analysis. The model was established by performing linear regression analysis with the variables correlated with the antibody level. Cases with a p value below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The age range of the participants in the study was 22-69. The mean age was 45.5 ± 10.4 years. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus were detected by ELISA method in 65 (74.7%) of the healthcare professionals, while no antibodies were detected in 22 (25.3%) of them. Lymphocyte count (p= 0.002), CD3 count (p= 0.0004), CD4 count (p= 0.0001), CD3/CD19 ratio (p= 0.011), CD4 percentage (p= 0.004) in the antibody positive group was found to be significant. According to the level of correlation between antibody level and lymphocyte indicators, a statistically significant negative correlation was found in CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD19 positive lymphocytes, respectively, and the best correlation was observed in CD3 positive lymphocytes. The formula f (Antibody level)= y= 358002 -0.176 x CD3 + 0.469 x CD19 was created using the linear regression model. In the light of the data of this study, the central role of T and B cells in COVID-19 immunization emerges. The vaccine-related antibody level-related formula may be useful for healthcare professionals in patient follow-up. It is thought that conducting vaccine related immune response studies involving larger populations will contribute more to the literature.

Effects of Covid-19 on the audio-vestibular system

Purpose

It was aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 infection on hearing and the vestibular system.

Methods

Twenty-six patients whose treatment had been completed and who had no previous hearing or balance complaints were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with the disease by PCR were included in the study. Patients with at least one month of illness were included in the study. The hearing of patients was evaluated with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and pure-tone audiometry. Bedside tests, the European Evaluation of Vertigo scale (EEV), Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), Ocular Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (oVEMP), Cervical Vestibular Myogenic Evoked Potential (cVEMP) and Videonystagmography (VNG) tests were applied to evaluate the vestibular system.

Results

A statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 positive and control groups according to the mean values of the 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz in both the right and left ears (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the other frequencies and TEOAE. No statistically significant difference was found between the COVID-19 positive and control groups in terms of their normal or pathological VNG saccade, optokinetic and spontaneous nystagmus values (p > 0.05). The normal and pathological VNG head shake values were found to be significantly different between the COVID-19 positive and control groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusıon

The high frequencies in audiometry in the COVID-19 positive group were worse than those in the control group. In the vestibular system, especially in oVEMP and cVEMP, asymmetric findings were obtained in comparison to the control group, and a low gain in vHIT was shown. This study shows that the audiovestibular system of people with COVID-19 infection may be affected.

Roles of certain biochemical and hematological parameters in predicting mortality and ICU admission in COVID-19 patients

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the roles of certain hematological and biochemical parameters in predicting mortality and intensive care unit admission in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

We analyzed the complete blood count and biochemical parameters of 186 COVID-19 patients by using the polymerase chain reaction test. Whether these parameters can be used to predict intensive care unit admission and mortality in the COVID-19 patients was investigated.

RESULTS

The complete blood count and biochemical parameters of COVID-19 patients and in those admitted to intensive care unit were compared. The red cell distribution width, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, prothrombin time, and creatinine levels were found to be the most significant parameters. We found that these parameters are significant for predicting not only intensive care unit admission, but also the mortality of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined that the most effective parameters to predict intensive care unit admission and mortality in COVID-19 patients are ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, red cell distribution width, creatinine, and intensive care unit. Close monitoring of these parameters and early intervention in alterations are of vital importance.

Association of decreased myonectin levels with metabolic and hormonal disturbance in polycystic ovary syndrome

Myonectin is a myokine involving in glucose and lipid metabolisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with insulin resistance. Our aims were to discover whether myonectin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of myonectin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Seventy-two subjects with PCOS and 72 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating myonectin levels were measured by ELISA. Myonectin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (6.77 ± 1.96 vs. 9.14 ± 2.87 ng/ml, p< .001). Myonectin exhibited an inverse association with BMI, insulin resistance, free androgen index (FAI) and triglycerides whereas it showed a positive association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased myonectin levels were parallel with increased probability of having PCOS risk. Decreased myonectin levels were associated with metabolic and hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that myonectin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Neudesin: a neuropeptide hormone decreased in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome

Neudesin is a neuropeptide hormone involves in female reproduction system via promoting effects of progesterone. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic and reproductive disorder associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis abnormalities and impaired negative feedback mechanism of progesterone upon gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Our aims were to discover whether neudesin levels were altered in PCOS women comparing to controls and to determine the link of neudesin with hormonal-metabolic parameters in PCOS women. The current research was designed as a case-control study. Sixty-eight subjects with PCOS and 67 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects as controls were enrolled into the study. Circulating neudesin levels were measured by ELISA. Neudesin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects compared to controls (4.07 ± 1.22 vs. 6.02 ± 2.07 ng/ml, p < .001). Neudesin exhibited an inversely independent link with luteinizing hormone, free-androgen index, and BMI whereas it showed a positively independent link with progesterone in women with PCOS. Logistic regression analysis revealed that decreased neudesin levels were parallel with increased risk of having PCOS. Decreased neudesin levels were associated with hormonal disturbances in PCOS women, suggesting that neudesin may play a role in pathophysiology of PCOS.

Decreased levels of spexin are associated with hormonal and metabolic disturbance in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome

Spexin, a newly identified peptide hormone, is involved in energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. We aimed to compare the altered levels of spexin in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to find out if there was any association between spexin levels and hormonal-metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Eighty subjects with PCOS and 80 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched subjects with a normal menstrual cycle were enrolled into the current case control study. Spexin levels were measured by ELISA. Spexin levels were significantly lower in PCOS subjects. Spexin showed a negative correlation with insulin resistance, BMI and androgens in PCOS women. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having PCOS was associated with low levels of spexin. Decreased spexin levels were inversely associated with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS subjects, suggesting that the inter-related roles of spexin are in the different metabolic and hormonal pathways of PCOS.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subjects? Spexin is a newly identified peptide hormone which plays various roles in regulating energy metabolism and the hypothalamic gonadal axis. PCOS is a reproductive and metabolic disorder associated with insulin resistance and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis disruptions.What do the results of this study add? Decreased levels of spexin were inversely association with androgens and unfavourable metabolic profiles in PCOS women. The risk of having PCOS was increased in parallel with decreased spexin levels.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Spexin may play numerous roles in the pathophysiological processes of PCOS. To find the exact role of spexin over PCOS development, detailed investigations are required.

Relation of Decreased Circulating Sortilin Levels With Unfavorable Metabolic Profiles in Subjects With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Sortilin, a pluripotent peptide hormone, plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism. A link between sortilin and insulin sensitivity has been implicated. However, the clinical implications of this link remain elusive. Our aims were to investigate whether sortilin levels were altered in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) compared with subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and to determine whether a link exist between sortilin levels and metabolic parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 150 subjects including 75 nT2DM patients and 75 subjects with NGT who were matched in age, body mass index, and sex were enrolled into this case-control study. The circulating levels of sortilin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was used for diagnosis of T2DM. Metabolic parameters of enrolled subjects were also determined.

RESULTS

The circulating levels of sortilin were found to be significantly lower in subjects with nT2DM than in controls (138.44 ± 38.39 vs. 184.93 ± 49.67 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Sortilin levels showed a negative correlation with insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profiles, while they were positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in subjects with nT2DM. Linear regression analysis showed an independent and inverse link between sortilin and insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profiles. Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that the subjects with the lowest sortilin levels had an increased risk of nT2DM compared with those subjects with the highest sortilin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased circulating levels of sortilin were associated with unfavorable metabolic profiles in subjects with nT2DM.

Microencapsulation of an indigenous isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis by spray drying

In this study, microencapsulation by spray drying was performed to protect spores and crystals of an indigenous isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis Se13 from environmental stress. The effects of wall material, inlet temperature, and outlet temperature on microencapsulation of Bt-Se13 were investigated using Taguchi's orthogonal array. The most suitable wall material determined as maltodextrin DE10. The optimum inlet and outlet temperatures of spray drier were determined as 160 °C and 70 °C, respectively. The number of viable spores, mean particle size, wetting time, percentage of suspensibility and moisture content of the product produced under optimum conditions were determined as 8.1 × 10¹¹ cfu g^-1, 13.462 µm, 25.22 s, 77.66% and 7.29%, respectively. As a result of efficiency studies on Spodoptera exigua in the laboratory conditions, the LC₅₀ was determined as 1.6 × 10⁴ cfu mL^-1. Microencapsulated Bt-Se13 based bio-pesticide may be registered for the control of S. exigua and can be tested against other lepidopterans which share the same environment.

Improvement of delta-endotoxin production from local Bacillus thuringiensis Se13 using Taguchi’s orthogonal array methodology

Objective

The insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis directly depends on the yield of delta-endotoxins. In this study, various nutritional and cultural parameters influencing delta-endotoxin synthesis by a local isolate of B. thuringiensis Se13 were investigated using Taguchi methods.

Methods

In the first experiment, four factors, incubation period, incubation temperature, initial pH and medium, each at four levels, were selected and an orthogonal array layout of L16 was carried out. In the second experiment, Taguchi’s orthogonal array method of L27 was used to evaluate the effects of the different concentration of medium components. Taguchi’s signal–noise ratio and variance analysis were applied to determine the effect of the factors. After each experiment, verification studies were carried out using determined optimum conditions.

Results

The optimum conditions for incubation period, incubation temperature, initial pH, and medium determined as 72 h, 30°C, pH 9, and M4 medium, respectively. In the second experiment, soybean flour (5%), glucose (5%), KH2PO4 (0.3%), K2HPO4 (0.1%), MgSO4 (0.4%) were determined as the optimum conditions. The delta-endotoxin yield was elevated to 1559.25 μg mL−1 when the factors were adjusted to optimum level.

Conclusion

Optimization using the Taguchi method appeared to be a good choice for the overproduction of delta-endotoxin.

Biodiversity and pathogenicity of bacteria associated with the gut microbiota of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

In order to find an effective and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent against Spodoptera exigua, we isolated and identified a total of 15 different bacterial species belonging to phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. According to the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic properties, bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus (Se1), Lysinibacillus macroides (Se2), Pseudomonas geniculata (Se3), Paenibacillus tylopili (Se4), Staphylococcus succinus (Se5), Acinetobacter soli (Se6), Chryseobacterium indologenes (Se7), Bacillus toyonensis (Se8), Serratia marcescens (Se9), Paenibacillus amylolyticus (Se10), Paenibacillus xylanexedens (Se11), Enterobacter ludwigii (Se12), Bacillus thuringiensis (Se13), Bacillus thuringiensis (Se14) and Lysinibacillus fusiformis (Se15). Screening of bacterial isolates for insecticidal potential was conducted at 10⁹ cfu ml^-1 bacterial concentration. The highest larvacidal effect was obtained with Bacillus thuringiensis Se13 with 100% mortality. In the dose response experiments performed with this bacterium, the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was estimated as 7.5 × 10⁴ cfu ml^-1 against 3rd instar larvae of the pest at 10 days post treatment. The median lethal time (LT₅₀) value of 10⁹ cfu ml^-1 bacterial concentration was also determined as 1.59 days. Phase-contrast and scanning electron microscope studies exhibited that B. thuringiensis Se13 produced different shape and size crystals (bipyramidal, cubic and spherical). Phylogenetic analysis of cry1 and cry2 gene content of this isolate displayed that B. thuringiensis Se13 had 99% homology with cry1Ac and cry2Aa, respectively. Finding from this study indicated that B. thuringiensis Se13 appears to be a promising microbial control agent for use against S. exigua.

A new biopesticide from a local Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Xd3) against alder leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Use of chemical pesticides in agriculture harms humans, non-target organisms and environments, and causes increase resistance against chemicals. In order to develop an effective bio-pesticide against coleopterans, particularly against Agelastica alni (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) which is one of the serious pests of alder leaf and hazelnut, we tested the insecticidal effect of 21 Bacillus isolates against the larvae and adults of the pest. Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis-Xd3 (Btt-Xd3) showed the highest insecticidal effect based on screening tests. For toxin protein production and high sporulation of Xd3, the most suitable medium, pH and temperature conditions were determined as nutrient broth medium enriched with salts, pH 7 and 30 °C, respectively. Sporulated Btt-Xd3 in nutrient broth medium enriched with salts transferred to fermentation medium containing soybean flour, glucose and salts. After fermentation, the mixture was dried in a spray dryer, and spore count of the powder product was determined as 1.6 × 10¹⁰ c.f.u. g^-1. Moisture content, suspensibility and wettability of the formulation were determined as 8.3, 86% and 21 s, respectively. Lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of formulated Btt-Xd3 were determined as 0.15 × 10⁵ c.f.u. ml^-1 for larvae at laboratory conditions. LC₅₀ values were also determined as 0.45 × 10⁶ c.f.u. ml^-1 at the field condition on larval stage. Our results showed that a new bio-pesticide developed from B. thuringiensis tenebrionis (Xd3) (Btt-Xd3) may be valuable as a biological control agent for coleopteran pests.

The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on inflammatory cytokines after acute spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and explore its healing effect after acute spinal cord injury.

METHODS

Forty-eight male Wistar-Albino rats were used in this study which was planned as three groups. All groups were divided into two sub-groups. Group 1a was the control group, in which only lower segment thoracic laminectomy was performed. In group 1b, spinal cord trauma was performed with aneurysm clip. In the second group, serum physiologic was given systemically thirty minutes after trauma, and rats were sacrificed after the first and sixth hour. In the third group, CAPE was given systemically thirty minutes after trauma, and rats were sacrificed after the first and sixth hour. Serum IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were analyzed by ELISA in the serum. Histopathological analysis was performed in damaged cord tissues.

RESULTS

CAPE suppressed TNF-α and IL-1ß levels in the serum. In histopathological evaluation, it was detected that CAPE decreased hemorrhage and necrosis.

CONCLUSION

CAPE suppresses the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1ß, after acute spinal cord injury in the early phase and contributes to the healing process.

Culturable bacterial microbiota of Plagiodera versicolora (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and virulence of the isolated strains

Plagiodera versicolora (Laicharting, 1781) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important forest pest which damages many trees such as willow, poplar, and hazelnut. In order to find new microbes that can be utilized as a possible microbial control agent against this pest, we investigated the culturable bacterial flora of it and tested the isolated bacteria against P. versicolora larvae and adults. We were able to isolate nine bacteria from larvae and adults. The isolates were characterized using a combination of morphological, biochemical, and physiological methods. Additionally, we sequenced the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene to verify conventional identification results. Based on characterization studies, the isolates were identified as Staphylococcus sp. Pv1, Rahnella sp. Pv2, Rahnella sp. Pv3, Rahnella sp. Pv4, Rahnella sp. Pv5, Pantoea agglomerans Pv6, Staphylococcus sp. Pv7, Micrococcus luteus Pv8, and Rahnella sp. Pv9. The highest insecticidal activity against larvae and adults was obtained from M. luteus Pv8 with 50 and 40 % mortalities within 10 days after treatment, respectively. Extracellular enzyme activity of the bacterial isolates such as amylase, proteinase, lipase, cellulose, and chitinase was also determined. Consequently, our results show that M. luteus Pv8 might be a good candidate as a possible microbial control agent against P. versicolora and were discussed with respect to biocontrol potential of the bacterial isolates.

Brevibacterium pityocampae sp. nov., isolated from caterpillars of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae)

This work deals with the taxonomic study of a bacterium, strain Tp12T, isolated from caterpillars of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampaDenis & Schiffermüller, 1775; Lepidoptera, Thaumetopoeidae). The isolate was assigned to the genusBrevibacteriumon the basis of a polyphasic taxonomic study, including morphological and biochemical characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, fatty acid analysis and DNA G+C content. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to this isolate was approximately 96 %, with the type strains ofBrevibacterium albumandBrevibacterium samyangense. Cellular fatty acids of the isolate are of the branched type, with the major components being anteiso-C15 : 0and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 69.8 mol%. Although the strain was related toB. albumandB. samyangenseaccording to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, it differed from any known species ofBrevibacterium. Based on this evidence, the novel speciesBrevibacterium pityocampaesp. nov. is proposed, with strain Tp12T(=DSM 21720T=NCCB 100255T) as the type strain.